02.22.13

The Anchor Diocese of Fall River

F riday , February 22, 2013

U.S. bishops stress importance of Reconciliation during Lent

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

begins in the confessional!’”

“The fact that the New Evangelization FALL RIVER — In anticipation of Lent, begins in the confessional is a profound the United States Conference of Catholic truth,” said Father Peter J. Fournier, parochiBishops issued “God’s Gift of Forgiveness: al vicar at St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

“It points all people to A Pastoral Exhortathe fact that the New tion on the SacraEvangelization will ment of Penance and only be effective if Reconciliation” last we allow God to lead month to help prepare it, if we allow God Catholics for one of to work through us. the Church’s most The Sacrament helps important Liturgical us be authentic, so seasons. that when we speak Citing the Gospel of God’s mercy and of St. John, where the of His love, we are Risen Lord greeted speaking from our the Apostles in the own experience, from Upper Room on the how we have benefitevening of Easter ed and grown from with the exclamaHis mercy and love.” tion: “Receive the Father Edward A. Holy Spirit. Whose Murphy, pastor of St. sins you forgive are Anthony of Padua forgiven them,” the Parish in New Bedbishops referred to ford, agreed Confesthe Sacrament of Recsion is a “path” for the onciliation as an “extraordinary gift.” forgive and forget — This image New Evangelization.

“The New Evan“In the Sacra- of the return of the Prodigal Son is on ment of Penance and the cover of the USCCB’s Pastoral Ex- gelization draws its Reconciliation, also hortation on the Sacrament of Penance lifeblood from the hocalled Confession, we and Reconciliation, taken from website liness of the children of the Church,” he meet the Lord, Who www.usccb.org. said. “Then real conwants to grant forgiveness and the grace to live a renewed life version of our hearts, which means opening in Him,” the letter states. “In this Sacrament, ourselves to God’s transforming and renewHe prepares us to receive Him free from se- ing action, is the ‘driving force’ of every rerious sin, with a lively faith, earnest hope, form and is expressed in a real evangelizing effort.” and sacrificial love in the Eucharist.

Citing an address Pope Benedict XVI “The Church sees Confession as so important that she requires that every Catholic gave to the annual course on Internal Forum go at least once a year. Since the graces of organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary on the Sacrament are so similar to the purpose Mar. 9, 2012, Father Murphy noted: “Pope of the New Evangelization, Pope Benedict Benedict went on to say, speaking to men XVI has said, ‘The New Evangelization …

Turn to page 20

Area Lenten retreats and missions offer time for reflection, repentance B y Dave Jolivet, Editor

FALL RIVER — On its website, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states, “The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting and to giving alms. The fasting that all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is some effort to share this world equally — not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents.

“The key to fruitful observance of these practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not just to abstain from sin during Lent, but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall

those waters in which we were baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.”

While instructing Catholics in the U.S. as to what the Lenten observances are, the USCCB doesn’t then leave them high and dry. Its webpage offers a variety of suggestions and resources to support the faithful’s Lenten practice, enhance prayer, and embrace their baptismal commitment, including ideas and instructions for parish and personal Lenten retreats and missions (www. usccb.org).

Missions and retreats are common throughout parishes and towns across the Diocese of Fall River, particularly during Lent.

The Taunton Deanery, made up of the city of Taunton and surrounding communities, is hosting a deanerywide retreat from March 3-6. “Lent is a wonderful time to take a break from our busy lives and spend extra time Turn to page 18

the Lenten Gregorian Chants. Father Johnson plans to talk about his experience of singing and hearing chant all of his life and said he will “try to pass on some of the things I’ve gained from it.”

After an introduction to “explain the whys and the wherefores,” Father Johnson will then pick four or five different texts from a hymn, an antiphon, and Lenten preface from the Mass, “and talk about the words and the music, the theology and spirituality that is conveyed by these things.”

“The main thing about the Lenten text is that it isn’t about wrath and judgment, it’s about healing and mercy,” he Turn to page 18

THE SOUND OF MUSIC — Named after Pope Gregory I, Gregorian Chant uses a four-line scale instead of the five-line scale found in traditional music, and uses neumes instead of notes for the music.

Retreat at Fall River parish to feature beauty, peace of Gregorian Chants B y B ecky Aubut A nchor Staff

FALL RIVER — On February 26 at 7 p.m., Father Andrew Johnson, pastor of St. Stanislaus and Good Shepherd parishes in Fall River, will launch a four-night retreat at St. Stanislaus Church with reflections based on the Gregorian Chants of Lent entitled, “Songs of Love for the Year of Faith: A Gregorian Retreat.”

“It is a passion of mine, it’s the most beautiful Church music ever written,” said Father Johnson who was a Trappist monk in Spencer, Mass. for 37 years before joining the Fall River Diocese, and sang Gregorian chants while in the monastery. “It immediately has

a contemplative effect on people when they hear it, whether it’s in English or in Latin. My concern was to let people know about some of the riches of Gregorian chant in text and music accompanying the texts.”

Gregorian chants have origins dating back to the period of Pope Gregory I; the sacred music was named after the pope. Manuscripts dating from the ninth century used a system of modes, specific patterns of whole and half steps. This single line of melody characterized music until about 1,000 A.D. Father Johnson had wanted to do a parish retreat for Lent, so the four-night retreat will be based upon the texts of

News From the Vatican

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February 22, 2013

Papal secretary moving with pope, other announcements from Vatican

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The current staff of the papal apartments, including Archbishop Georg Ganswein, will accompany Pope Benedict XVI to Castel Gandolfo when he leaves office February 28, the Vatican spokesman said.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, also repeated his assertion that the conclave to elect a new pope would begin sometime between March 15 and March 20.

Correcting information he had given reporters earlier, Father Lombardi said Archbishop Ganswein told him February 14 that he would be living with the pope and with the consecrated lay women who belong to the Memores Domini Association of the Communion and Liberation movement and serve as the pope’s domestic staff.

Archbishop Ganswein and the women will go to Castel Gandolfo with Pope Benedict and also will move with the pope to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, a building in the Vatican Gardens being remodeled for their use, Father Lombardi said.

The Vatican spokesman said Archbishop Ganswein will live with Benedict XVI but also serve the new pope as prefect of the papal household.

Asked how such a dual role could work when Father Lombardi previously had said Pope Benedict would not interfere in the papacy of his successor, the Jesuit said Archbishop Ganswein’s job is primarily one of logistics — organizing the pope’s daily schedule of meetings and audiences — and not a job that brings him into contact with other papal decisions.

By being the first pope to resign in almost 600 years, Pope Benedict opened a whole box of questions that could not be answered immediately and kept Father Lombardi busy responding to media inquiries and making his own.

As the leaders of the College of Cardinals, canon law experts and other Vatican officials worked to gain clarity or come up with practical solutions to problems never

The Anchor www.anchornews.org

raised before, the Vatican spokesman’s daily briefings reflected a work in progress.

The recurring question at the daily briefings has been, “When will the conclave start?” Each day, Father Lombardi tells reporters that is up to the leadership of the College of Cardinals, but rules governing the election of a pope say it must begin no fewer than 15 days and no more than 20 days after the papacy is vacant. That would mean a conclave could begin between March 15 and March 20.

Some newspapers have reported individual cardinals suggesting an earlier start, he said, and some have pointed out the 15 days usually include a papal funeral and a mandatory nine days of memorial Masses.

However, the rules for the conclave are issued by a pope, only a pope can change them, “and that is unlikely,” Father Lombardi said February 14.

Asked what title Pope Benedict would use after February 28, Father Lombardi had said that was a question still being studied, but it seemed to him that the most accurate title would be “bishop emeritus of Rome.”

When questioned again February 14, he said it still was not clear, though many experts had been voicing their opinions in the media. One thing is certain, he said, “being a bishop is a result of a Sacrament,” and that cannot be taken from the pope.

“Being a cardinal, on the other hand, is a title, not the effect of a Sacrament, and so it has a different kind of value or importance,” he said.

In addition, he said, Benedict XVI “is his name ... and that won’t change.”

Asked if there would be a public ceremony for the breaking of Pope Benedict’s fisherman’s ring, Father Lombardi said he believed the act — the responsibility of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone as chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church — would take place in private, as it does after a pope dies.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Vol. 57, No. 7

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storm surge — A flash of lighting is seen over St. Peter’s Basilica during a rainstorm at the Vatican February 11, the day Pope Benedict XVI surprised the world by announcing that he no longer has the strength to exercise his ministry and will retire at the end of the month. (CNS photo/ANSA/ Alessandro Di Meo via Reuters)

Pope: Media helped spread misinterpretations of Vatican II

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — Pope Benedict XVI said that many of the misinterpretations of the Second Vatican Council were caused by the media promoting its own version.

“The world interpreted the council through the eyes of the media instead of seeing the true council of the fathers and their key vision of faith,” said Pope Benedict at Paul VI Hall recently.

“Fifty years later, the strength of the real council has been revealed, and it is our task for the Year of Faith to bring the real Second Vatican Council to life,” he told the priests gathered to meet him.

Pope Benedict spoke with the priests of the Rome Diocese in an unscripted speech on the Second Vatican Council, which he first attended as a special advisor to Cardinal Frings of Cologne and later on as a theological expert.

“The immediate impression of the council that got through to the people, was that of the media, not that of the fathers,” he explained.

“The council of journalists did not, naturally, take place within the world of faith but within the categories of the media of today, that is outside of the faith, with different hermeneutics … a hermeneutic of politics,” added Pope Benedict.

The pontiff, who will give up office on February 28, is one of the few remaining witnesses of the council.

“The media saw the council as a political struggle, a struggle for power between different currents within the Church,” he recalled.

“But it was obvious that the media would take the side of whatever faction best suited their world.”

In his view, there were those who sought a decentralization of the Church.

“There was this triple issue: the power of the pope, then transferred to the power of the bishops and then the power of all ... popular sovereignty and naturally they saw this as the part to be approved, to promulgate, to help,” said the pope.

He also said that this was the case for the Liturgy with no interest in it as an act of faith, but as a something to be made understandable, “similar to a community activity, something profane.”

“We know that this council of the media was accessible to all,” he said.

“So, dominant and more efficient, this council created many calamities, so many problems, so much misery. In reality, seminaries closed, convents closed, the Liturgy was trivialized ... and the true council has struggled to materialize, to be

realized,” he stated.

In his analysis, Pope Benedict said that the virtual council was stronger than the real council, but the real strength of the council was present.

“It has slowly emerged and is becoming the real power which is also true reform, true renewal of the Church,” he said.

“It seems to me that 50 years after the council, we see how this virtual council is breaking down, getting lost and the true council is emerging with all its spiritual strength,” he observed to his priests.

“And it is our task to work so that the true council with the power of the Holy Spirit is realized and the Church is really renewed,” he emphasized.

Pope Benedict said it was a “special and providential gift” to be able to meet with Roman clergy before leaving the papacy in two weeks.

“It’ s always a great joy to see how the Church lives, and how in Rome, the Church is alive because there are pastors who in the spirit of the supreme Shepherd, guide the flock of Christ,” he said.

“It is a truly Catholic and universal clergy and it is part of the essence of the Church of Rome itself, to reflect the universality, the catholicity of all nations, of all races, of all cultures,” he declared.

The International Church Priest conceived in rape recounts journey to forgive father

February 22, 2013

(CNA) — A priest who was conceived in rape when his mother was only 13 years old is sharing the story of how he met, forgave and heard the Confession of his father, who is now living a life of faith.

“I could have ended up in a trash can, but I was allowed to live,” said Father Luis Alfredo Leon Armijos of Loja, Ecuador.

In a recent telephone interview with CNA, Father Leon, who is pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Loja, said his mother, Maria Eugenia Armijos Romero, was working as a maid to help her parents support their eight children.

“The owner of the home took advantage of her working alone, raped her and left her pregnant,” he said.

His mother always defended his life, even though she was young and alone, without the support of her family members, who tried to cause an abortion by giving her concoctions to drink and punching her stomach.

“She prayed and felt that the Lord was saying to her in her heart: defend that child that is in you,” Father Leon recalled.

The young girl ran away to the city of Cuenca, where she managed to survive on her own.

On Oct. 10, 1961, she gave birth to Luis Alfredo.

A short time later, with the help of the baby’s father, she returned to Loja to begin a life as a single mother.

“She ended up under the care of her rapist — my father — who acknowledged I was his

DAMASCUS, Syria (CNS) — Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch, visiting war-torn Syria for the enthronement of Greek Orthodox Patriarch John, prayed for peace in the country.

Celebrating Mass on the feast of St. Maron February 9 at the Maronite Cathedral of St. Anthony, Cardinal Bechara Rai said in his homily, “We pray each day for the end of war and violence and that a unanimous peace may be achieved through cooperation.

“We came to pray for peace in Syria and for the innocent victims and to console their families, and for the return of displaced persons to their homes and lands,” the patriarch said.

Cardinal Rai’s visit to Syria was the first by a Maronite patriarch since Lebanon’s independence from France in 1943.

Melkite Catholic Patriarch Gregoire III Laham and other Catholic Church representatives also traveled to Syria for the enthronement, which Cardinal Rai said showed “the close pastoral and ecumenical relations” among Christian churches in the Middle East.

“All of us are called, with our diversity, to witness in our communities to the love of Christ and the spiritual, moral and humanitarian values of the Gospel,” the patriarch said.

Cardinal Rai and other Catholic patriarchs have maintained that the Syrian crisis must be resolved through dialogue. He has denounced states that supply money and weapons to both the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad and the opposition.

“Reform is needed in every country, but it should be pursued

through internal efforts without any foreign interference. Reform ought to be reached through dialogue and cooperation, and the international community should play a positive role in this respect,” he said.

“Here in Damascus we say together: ‘Enough of war and violence! Enough of the killing and destruction of homes and landmarks! Enough uprooting and suffering inflicted on innocent citizens!’”

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said in early February that the number of people fleeing the Syrian infighting could reach 1.1 million by June.

The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has exceeded 265,000, the UNHCR said in its most recent report. However, Caritas Lebanon estimates that there could be about 400,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon, because many are not registering with the UNHCR. Following Patriarch John’s enthronement, Cardinal Rai told him, “You have been chosen at a difficult time in Syria.”

“We came today to stress the bonds of unity, love and affection among us, and we came also to assure Your Beatitude of our solidarity with you and with the suffering people” of Syria.

“We preach together the Gospel of peace, we work hand in hand for reconciliation, the promotion of human rights and dignity,” he said, noting that “every drop of innocent blood that is shed is a tear from the eyes of Christ.”

About five percent of Syria’s population is Christian, approximately 60,000 of whom are Maronite Catholics.

Maronite patriarch, on ecumenical visit to Syria, prays for peace

and said he would take care of me,” Father Leon said, “but that doesn’t mean that things between them were healthy.”

He went on to recount how his father “always visited our home and fulfilled his duty to us. They had three more children, and my relationship with him was distant but pleasant. I respected him a lot, he instilled a sense of authority in me, he was tough with me and he took me to work.”

Father Leon encountered Christ through an invitation to the Charismatic Renewal at age 16 and began preaching and teaching catechism “wherever God put me,” whether on the bus or with young people in juvenile detention.

At 18, he felt a call to the priesthood and entered the sem-

inary despite the opposition of his father. He was ordained at the age of 23 with special permission from the bishop.

Two years later, he joined the Neocatechumenal Way, and his mother revealed to him how his birth came about. She had ended her relationship with his father, and this marked the beginning of a journey of reconciliation for them both. Father Leon helped his mother understand that she could not hate his father and dealt with his own need to forgive as well.

“God allowed me to be a priest not to judge but to forgive, to be an instrument of His mercy, and I had judged my father a lot,” he said.

Years later, he received a call from his father, who was about to undergo surgery and was

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afraid. He asked his son to hear his Confession and returned to his faith after 30 years of being away from the Eucharist.

“I told him: ‘Dad, you deserve Heaven, eternal life,’” Father Leon said, and “at that moment my father broke down in tears.”

When Father Leon preaches to pregnant women undergoing difficulties, he reminds them that just like Jeremiah, God formed their children in the womb as well.

He encourages children to learn how “to see things from the perspective of God’s love” as they come to know their own life story.

“If you are a child or a single mother, you should see how God our Father has cared for you in your life,” he added.

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The Church in the U.S.

February 22, 2013

Judge dismisses HHS lawsuit brought by dioceses, charitable agencies

CHICAGO (CNS) — A U.S. District Court judge February 8 dismissed a lawsuit filed against the federal contraceptive mandate by the Springfield and Joliet dioceses, their respective Catholic Charities agencies and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Judge John W. Darrah of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago said in his ruling the claims of the plaintiffs “are unripe for adjudication.”

Named in the suit are the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; the U.S. Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, who has since resigned; and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, who also has since resigned.

The dioceses and Catholic Charities agencies argued that the federal regulations requiring all employers, including most religious employers, to cover contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs in their employee health plans violate their religious freedom as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Until the final rules on the mandate are implemented, the Obama Administration has in place a “safe harbor” period that protects employers from immediate government action against them if they fail to comply with the mandate.

But the dioceses and agencies said in the lawsuit they would need time to “begin taking compliance measures now” to prepare for when the safe harbor period ends.

Darrah ruled that “the necessity to postpone judicial review of plaintiffs’ claims until the departments have finalized the

amended regulations outweighs the purported hardship to plaintiffs in their ability to plan for contingencies.”

When the proposed rules on the mandate were first released, they were issued with a narrow exemption for religious employers.

On February 1, the HHS issued new proposed rules that aim to redefine the criteria by which nonprofit religious institutions may be either “exempt” or “accommodated” in opting out of providing coverage that goes against the teachings of the faith.

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other Church leaders said the new proposal shows movement but falls short of addressing their concerns.

The Springfield and Joliet dioceses and their Catholic Charities agencies filed suit last May. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago joined the lawsuit July 9.

In early January, a separate lawsuit filed by the Peoria Diocese was dismissed by a federal judge who said the diocese’s effort to block enforcement of the mandate was “premature.”

“If its concerns are not resolved to its satisfaction through the amendment process, the diocese will have the opportunity to challenge the amended regulations when the alleged harm is not contingent on future events and is less speculative,” said Chief Judge James Shadid of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in Peoria.

“The court therefore finds that as the government is in the process of amending the preventive service regulations, those regulations are not fit for judicial review at this time,” the judge wrote in his sevenpage order January 6.

team benedict — Mark Gonnella, wearing a T-shirt with Pope Benedict XVI’s name, prays after receiving ashes during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. (CNS photo/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review)

Tide may be turning on how to address gun violence in U.S., speaker says

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Participants at a Catholic Social Ministry Gathering issue briefing on gun violence February 11 believe the tide may be turning on the issue.

“Newtown changed the issue dramatically,” said Vinny DeMarco, a former Maryland assistant attorney general who now heads Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence.

DeMarco compared the December 14 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in which Adam Lanza killed 20 students and six school staffers before turning the gun on himself, to the police brutality in Birmingham, Ala., that gave new impetus to the civil rights movement in the early 1960s.

“The same momentum that gave us civil rights is going to give us gun violence prevention,” DeMarco said.

Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence sent a letter to Congress January 15 — the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., himself slain by an assassin’s gun. It was signed by 47 faith leaders, including 13 Catholics, urging “immediate legislative action” to impose universal criminal background checks on all gun purchases, cutting off the availability of “high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines” to civilians, and the making of gun trafficking a federal crime.

“We have to ban these weapons of mass destruction. We just have to,” DeMarco told a capacity crowd in a Washington hotel’s meeting room, which was changed to accommodate more seating. “There’s no reason why these weapons of destruction should be in private hands.”

DeMarco said the one element of changing the nation’s gun laws likely to get the least sup-

port is a reinstatement of the ban on assault weapons. “That law worked,” he said. But the compromise to get it passed in 1994 was that the ban would expire after 10 years, unless was renewed.

By 2004, Democrats were out of power in the White House and in both houses of Congress, and the Republican-controlled Congress let the expiration date lapse.

“Gun prevention laws work.

These laws work.” DeMarco said. “When we get this message out, Congress is not going to be able to ignore this.”

DeMarco is helping organize a “gun violence prevention Sabbath” March 15-17 during which clergy would speak out in the pulpits against gun violence.

Guns continue to take their toll on Americans, according to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics compiled by Lucreda Cobbs, senior director of government affairs for Catholic Charities USA. Female domestic violence victims are more likely to be murdered by a firearm than all other means combined, Cobb said.

In U.S. cities with a population of at least 10,000, 24.9 percent of homicides were gang related — in Los Angeles the percentage is 50.9 — and 94 percent of gang-related homicides were by gun. Among youths ages 14-19, 28 percent of fatal injuries involved a firearm. Homicide offenders also were more likely to use drugs.

A week after the Newtown shootings, three committee chairs of the U.S. bishops penned a “call for action” on gun violence.

“The intent to protect one’s loved ones is an honorable one, but simply put, guns are too easily accessible,” said the joint statement by Bishops Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., chair-

man of the bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of their Committee on Communications; and Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., chairman of their Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

“Our entertainers, especially film producers and video game creators, need to realize how their profit motives have allowed the proliferation of movies, television programs, video games and other entertainment that glorify violence and prey on the insecurities and immaturity of our young people.”

“The Church has been a consistent voice for the promotion of peace at home and around the world and a strong advocate for the reasonable regulation of firearms,” said a February 2013 issue brief from the U.S. bishops’ Office of Domestic Social Development.

The issue brief quoted a 2006 document by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which stressed the importance of enacting concrete controls on handguns and noted that “limiting the purchase of such arms would certainly not infringe on the rights of anyone.”

It also noted the U.S. bishops’ own words from a 2000 pastoral statement, “Responsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice,” in which the bishops said: “We support measures that control the sale and use of firearms and make them safer — especially efforts that prevent their unsupervised use by children or anyone other than the owner — and we reiterate our call for sensible regulation of handguns.”

The Church in the U.S. Lawyer says ACLU wrongly limits religious liberty

February 22, 2013

Denver, Colo. (CNA) — A lawyer involved in prominent religious liberty cases says the American Civil Liberties Union’s opposition to religious exemptions will ultimately discriminate against believers.

Eric Rassbach, deputy general counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said the ACLU supports restrictions that “would relegate many religious citizens into second-class status.”

This is shown by efforts aimed at “disqualifying them from many parts of public life, including providing certain kinds of social services or even running a larger business,” he recently told CNA. The attorney’s remarks come in reaction to an address by Louise Melling, a deputy legal director of the ACLU. She addressed the Colorado chapter’s 2013 annual membership meeting, held February 9 in Denver on the University of Denver campus.

Melling discussed what she saw as “the limits of religious liberty” in current issues like religious objections to the federal mandate requiring contraception coverage in health insurance plans and the legal position of institutions and businesses with moral reservations about treating same-sex couples like married couples.

She also presented the position of the national ACLU,

which has strongly opposed religious exemptions.

“If you’re an institution and you open your doors to the public, you hire people of different faiths and you serve people of different faiths, at some level, you should play by the public rules,” she said.

“The questions of whether an exemption is appropriate in today’s battles are no different than questions of whether we tolerated exemptions in the civil rights era.”

Melling compared present controversies to lawsuits against businesses in the American South that refused to serve black customers on religious grounds and lawsuits against religious schools that paid women less than men because of religious beliefs that men are the heads of households.

“We’re trying to remedy a second-class status that has been imposed on many of us,” she said. “We’re seeking to foster equality, but also to end the stigma that has been associated with all that discrimination.”

In response, Rassbach said Melling “attempts to tar religious organizations with the broad brush of ‘discrimination.’”

“But if her simplistic approach is to be believed, then ‘discrimination’ is everywhere: people exercise religious preferences in whom they marry,

whom they associate with, where they go to school, or whom they choose to be their clergy, among many other areas of life.”

“If this is ‘discrimination’ then we are all discriminators.”

He said the law only restricts “invidious discrimination” and not “religious preferences that are a natural and in some cases an essential part of what it means to be religious.”

“The Supreme Court recognized as much in the HosannaTabor case decided last year when it rejected arguments very similar to Melling’s,” Rassbach said, referencing the January 2012 ruling which upheld the right for religious groups to make employment decisions without government interference.

During her remarks, Melling also expressed surprise at the more than 40 lawsuits challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ new requirement that employer health care plans provide coverage for sterilization and contraception, including some drugs that can cause abortion.

Violators face heavy fines, but many organizations and business owners say they cannot provide those drugs and procedures to their employees in good conscience.

Melling, who said the number of lawsuits is “completely unusual,” gave her own defense of

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Even before he announced his resignation, the words of Pope Benedict XVI were cited to crystallize the unease many feel about the U.S. economy.

There is “a direct link between poverty and unemployment,” the pontiff said in his 2009 encyclical “Caritas in Veritate.”

Quoting the pope was Tom Mulloy, a domestic policy adviser to the U.S. bishops’ Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development.

Addressing the Catholic Labor Network at its February 9 meeting held in conjunction with the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington — two days before the pope’s resignation — Mulloy also quoted Pope Benedict’s predecessor, Blessed John Paul II, in his 1981 encyclical “Laborem Exercens”: “Labor is the essential key to the social question.”

“If you think that if you cut the budget and slash the deficit, some kind of miracle happens and everyone goes back to work, it doesn’t happen that way,” Mulloy said.

He added, “I don’t have a lot of good news” to report on labor and economic trends.

With the poverty line set at

$28,000 for a family of four, onethird of the country lives “in or near poverty,” with household incomes of $56,000 or less. Onefourth of all children currently live in poverty. “We’re really failing our children,” Mulloy said.

Healthcare “is one of the most important pieces to poverty,” he added. “Where do we get our healthcare? Most of us get it through our jobs — our jobs or some kind of government system” such as Medicare, Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, Mulloy said.

But one must be employed to get healthcare from an employer.

With the unemployment rate at 7.9 percent, and another 14 percent underemployed — meaning they would work full time but cannot find a full-time job — the prospects for getting coverage are meager, according to Mulloy.

What’s more, he added, employers are shaving the workweek of their workforce so that they no longer meet the 30-hours-a-week threshold set for automatic employer coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The outlook is not likely to change soon, Mulloy said, with 12 million unemployed Ameri-

cans and only 3.7 million job openings, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers.

Currently, unemployed Americans don’t find another job for 40 weeks after losing their previous job. “And with each passing week, their chances of reemployment grow more and more dim,” Mulloy said.

SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, once known as food stamps — “is an important, unemploymentfighting tool, and these things are under attack” in Congress, he said.

Labor unions, which have historically fought for better wages, benefits and working conditions have themselves been weakened by declining numbers. Mulloy put the figures at 11 percent of U.S. workers represented by unions, and only 6.6 percent of the private-sector workforce.

“That’s what labor’s fighting for, to keep the safety net intact,” Mulloy said. Labor is reduced to talking about the safety net, he added, because Congress has not talked about jobs. In the meantime, he noted, there “a lot of children with no job opportunity, a lot of people with no retirement security.”

Words of popes resonate in talk on economy, unions

the mandate.

“Contraception is essential to women’s equality,” she said.

“Contraception let us control decisions about education, about family, about how we structure our lives.”

She said that the refusal of contraception, in some sense, means “that the proper role of women is either to be mothers, and accept pregnancies, or not to be sexual beings, except for the purposes of procreation.”

“Those are the kind of antiquated stereotypes that used to permeate this country and in a whole different range of ways we said ‘no’ to,” she continued, contending that religious exemptions for companies are “reinforcing or at least supporting that kind of view.”

Rassbach, whose legal group has filed many legal challenges to the HHS mandate, was dismissive of this claim.

“Melling’s definition of ‘antiquated’ must be different than the normal sense of that word, since before August 2011 the law did not prevent employers to follow religious conscience with respect to their insurance plan coverage,” he told CNA.

5

“Was there rampant stereotyping going on that no one happened to notice?”

He added that the only federal Court of Appeals to consider the question has rejected the idea that the refusal to provide contraception in health care plans constitutes illegal sex discrimination.

Melling also acknowledged to the ACLU membership meeting that the U.S. bishops are engaged in “a very serious campaign to try to educate people about what they perceive as the dramatic threat to religious liberty.”

She noted the U.S. bishops’ Fortnight for Freedom campaign and other initiatives like their letters to the Catholic faithful.

Melling also questioned the Obama Administration’s recent changes to the mandate, which the administration has presented as an accommodation that addresses religious and moral objections from organizations like Catholic archdioceses, colleges, health systems and charities.

“I don’t really know what Obama was thinking when he made those accommodations, as if he thought this was going to satisfy these adversaries,” Melling said.

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The Anchor The faith of the Chair of St. Peter

Today, February 22, is the feast of the Chair of St. Peter. We are not celebrating a piece of furniture, with which Clint Eastwood might argue. Instead, we are celebrating the foundational stone of our Church, against which Christ promised that the gates of hell would not prevail. Although it has been attacked innumerable times, from within and from without, even though sometimes quite evil men have sat in that chair, the Holy Spirit has made sure that the faith of Peter in Christ has always remained true and has been proclaimed from that chair.

Last year Pope Benedict gave a beautiful homily in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he explained the artwork at the “Altar of the Chair” and its symbolic significance. He said that the Gospel account of when Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter and said that he would be the Rock (in Latin and Romance languages the word for rock and Peter is very similar) upon which He would build the Church “finds a further and more eloquent explanation in one of the most famous artistic treasures of this Vatican basilica: the Altar of the Chair. After passing through the magnificent central nave, and continuing past the transepts, the pilgrim arrives in the apse and sees before him an enormous bronze throne that seems to hover in mid air, but in reality is supported by the four statues of great Fathers of the Church from East and West.

And above the throne, surrounded by triumphant angels suspended in the air, the glory of the Holy Spirit shines through the oval window. What does this sculptural composition say to us, this product of [Gian Lorenzo] Bernini’s (the sculptor) genius? It represents a vision of the essence of the Church and the place within the Church of the Petrine Magisterium.”

As the Holy Father described in the previous paragraph, the Altar of the Chair is located behind the main altar (the one built on top of St. Peter’s mortal remains and under the baldachin [i.e., the bronze canopy], upon which most papal Masses in the basilica are celebrated) on the “back wall” of St. Peter’s Basilica. As the pope said, once one enters the basilica from the front door, this window of the Holy Spirit is visible.

The pope spoke about that window; “The window of the apse opens the Church towards the outside, towards the whole of creation, while the image of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows God as the source of light. But there is also another aspect to point out: the Church herself is like a window, the place where God draws near to us, where He comes towards our world. The Church does not exist for her own sake, she is not the point of arrival, but she has to point upwards, beyond herself, to the realms above. The Church is truly herself to the extent that she allows the Other, with a capital ‘O,’ to shine through her — the One from Whom she comes and to Whom she leads. The Church is the place where God ‘reaches’ us and where we ‘set off’ towards Him: she has the task of opening up, beyond itself, a world which tends to become enclosed within itself, the task of bringing to the world the light that comes from above, without which it would be uninhabitable.”

What the Holy Father said last year about the window can be joined to what he said to the clergy of Rome last week after his resignation announcement, when he spoke to them about the real Second Vatican Council (see page two). The news media believes that the Church should “throw open her windows” to let in anything and everything, while the Church realizes that we open the window to let God in and to be able to proclaim from them Christ Crucified and Risen.

Below the window is the bronze sculpture of the chair. Pope Benedict last year spoke about the connection between the faith proclaimed from that chair and the love which the chairholder must have. “The Chair of Peter evokes another memory: the famous expression from St. Ignatius of Antioch’s letter to the Romans, where he says of the Church of Rome that she ‘presides in charity.’ In truth, presiding in faith is inseparably linked to presiding in love. Faith without love would no longer be an authentic Christian faith. But the words of St. Ignatius have another much more concrete implication: the word ‘charity,’ in fact, was also used by the early Church to indicate the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the Sacramentum caritatis Christi [‘Sacrament of the Charity of Christ’], through which Christ continues to draw us all to Himself, as He did when raised up on the cross (cf. Jn 12:32). Therefore, to ‘preside in charity’ is to draw men and women into a Eucharistic embrace — the embrace of Christ — which surpasses every barrier and every division, creating communion from all manner of differences. The Petrine ministry is therefore a primacy of love in the Eucharistic sense, that is to say solicitude for the universal communion of the Church in Christ. And the Eucharist is the shape and the measure of this communion, a guarantee that it will remain faithful to the criterion of the tradition of the faith.”

The bronze chair is supported by the statues of four saints. “The two Eastern masters, St. John Chrysostom and St. Athanasius, together with the Latins, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine, represent the whole of the tradition, and hence the richness of expression of the true faith of the Holy and One Church. This aspect of the altar teaches us that love rests upon faith.

Love collapses if man no longer trusts in God and disobeys Him. Everything in the Church rests upon faith: the Sacraments, the Liturgy, evangelization, charity. Likewise the law and the Church’s authority rest upon faith. The Church is not self-regulating, she does not determine her own structure but receives it from the Word of God, to which she listens in faith as she seeks to understand it and to live it.”

In other words, Pope Benedict reminded us that we must be full of love, an authentic love, a love based on the revelation of God, which we find in Scripture and tradition. As he said, the Church cannot arbitrarily change her teachings, since they were not hers to begin with — we are to function as a window through which God’s light can shine. As George Weigel writes on page eight of this edition, sometimes this window needs some Windex. Of course, we need to remind ourselves that the Church is not just the hierarchy — all of us are the Church. All of us are sinners, in need of constant repentance. All of us are called to be those windows into which people can peer into the love God has for them.

In coming weeks in which Pope Benedict will take leave of the Chair of Peter, may we lovingly pray for him at our local altars, that God might bless him in these last days of his papacy and that the Holy Spirit will guide with love and truth the new pope, who walks amongst us now, known only to God at this moment.

B

February 22, 2013

Going on retreat with the Lord this Lent

ack in 2008, Pope Benedict said that and religious, those discerning, lay men, lay Lent is “like a great spiritual retreat lastwomen, college students, the faculties of coling 40 days.” That’s why last Sunday we heard leges, high schools and other Catholic schools, of the principal inspiration for this holy season, those preparing for Confirmation, and more. The Jesus’ 40-day retreat of prayer and fasting in the more I’ve preached retreats the more convinced Judean desert.

I’ve become of how important they are, as Lent is a time in which Catholics have privileged times of conversion, as opportunities traditionally sought to take time away from the to put the Lord first and make resolutions to circus of daily life, filled with a cacophony of keep Him first. entertainers and peddlers vying for our attention I’ve just returned from preaching a retreat in and dollars, in order to go away, be with the Los Angeles for 92 women. In two days, I heard Lord, and seek to give Him their full attention.

Confessions for 14 hours, gave six hour-long The same Holy Spirit Who drove Jesus into the conferences and three 30-minute homilies, and desert wants to impel us to join Him in an undis- spent most of the time in between writing the tracted, uninterrupted communion and prayer — nine talks. As exhausting as retreat work is, it’s which is what we call a retreat. That’s one of the also exhilarating, as I get to observe God’s sons reasons why Pope Benedict and all the members and daughters give their undivided attention to of the Vatican Curia made their annual spiritual Him as God helps some of them turn their lives exercises this past week. around and others to grow much more intimateNot too long ago, such Lenten retreats were ly in their relationship with Him. very common. Retreat houses couldn’t be built In this Year of Faith, I would strongly urge fast enough by dioceses, religious congregayou to make the time to make a retreat. tions and other Catholic institutions. CursilWe’re blessed that we have so many good los were thriving. Retreat programs for teens, retreat programs and retreat centers within and young adults, singles, engaged couples, married close to our diocese. The Anchor regularly runs couples, businessmen, housewives, divorcedinformation on retreats for post-Confirmation and-separated inteens and young dividuals, seniors adults, like and so many ECHO, YES! other groups and Emmaus. were in high The Sacred demand. People Hearts Rerecognized their treat Center in need, like Jesus’ Wareham and

By Father first disciples, the La Salette Roger J. Landry to respond to Retreat Center in His invitation to Attleboro offer come away with many retreats Him for a while and rest with Him. throughout the year for people of all ages and But that’s not the way it is now. Retreats that walks of life. There are Cursillos offered several used to be held monthly are held yearly. Retreat times a year at the Holy Cross Retreat House in weekends for those preparing for Confirmation North Easton, which is one of the most effective or for engaged couples that used to extend from retreat experiences for lay people, as thousands Friday night through Sunday afternoon have been of Catholics across the diocese can attest. reduced to one-day sessions, and often half-days Within an hour’s driving distance there at that. This is not because the need for retreats has are great retreats houses like Arnold Hall in lessened. Quite the contrary: Pope Benedict said a Pembroke run by Opus Dei (arnoldhall.com) few years back that “in an age when the influence where I regularly make my retreats; Miramar of secularization is always more powerful” and Retreat Center in Duxbury, which is often people, formed by modern culture, are living as used for the official retreats of the priests of the if God doesn’t exist, the need is ever greater that diocese (miramarretreat.org); and St. Joseph there be places and opportunities “for intense Retreat House in Milton, run by the Oblates of listening to [God’s] Word in silence and prayer.” the Blessed Virgin Mary, where many priests The importance of a retreat, he added, “can never and lay people from our diocese go to make be insisted upon enough.” retreats according to St. Ignatius’ spiritual But while the need has not at all decreased, exercises (omvretreats.org). Altogether, if my the demand certainly has, because many people count is accurate, there are 18 different Catholic simply do not prioritize it. Caught up in the retreat houses in eastern Massachusetts alone. hustle, bustle, push and muscle of daily life, If someone genuinely cannot make the enslaved and addicted to instant communications time to get away to one of these retreat centers, and to the gadgets that were supposed to save however, there’s another way to make a retreat. time rather than gluttonously swallow it up, few Many of the deaneries in our diocese as well as people sense themselves even able to make a several parishes take the retreat experience to holy hour, not to mention escape for a weekend, parishioners in the form of Lenten missions. I’d or a work-week, or longer. urge you to try to attend one. The Anchor will be But the holy season of Lent is an opporturunning news about these offerings in upcoming nity for all Catholics to recognize our need for weeks.

God and make a commitment to fast from other And if that’s still not possible, there’s the activities so that the Lord can have true primacy possibility of purchasing the CDs of retreats of place. It’s a time we resolve to follow Christ given at some of the best retreat centers across into the desert on retreat, to go away with Him the country (like sisterservants.org) and listening for a period so that He can refresh us and send us to them at home. Just last week I found another back renewed. Especially in this Year of Faith, resource to help you to do this. Father John it’s even more important than ever for us to Bartunek has begun publishing a series of experience the deep renewal of faith that a good “Do-It-Yourself Retreat Guides” on the internet retreat is designed to bring about. (rcspirituality.org). He’s prepared a brief retreat One of the great joys of my priesthood has and offers it for free in three forms, a very easy been making and giving retreats. Priests are to read booklet, a series of audio files if you required to make an annual five-day retreat prefer to listen to the retreat in a chapel or a quiet and it’s a blessed time to escape from phones, place, and videos, so that you can watch him doorbells and the pastoral concerns that weigh preach it. Each of the three resources are wellon us each day in order to give the Lord our full produced and the content is rich and solid. and undivided attention. It’s a time to enter into This Lent, as the Lord — retreat Master, mismore intense prayer than can be done ordinarily sion Preacher and Guide — invites us to come in parish life, to examine one’s life, to make the away with Him in prayer for a while, we don’t most thorough Confession of the year, and to rest have to go with Him to the Sahara Desert. He’s with the Lord. My time of retreat is one of the given us so many opportunities. Let’s respond to great highlights of each year.

His invitation so that He can do with us what He I also love preaching retreats, which I think is regularly did with His first followers when He among the most beautiful and fruitful — not to led them on retreat. mention demanding — of all priestly work. I’ve Father Landry is Pastor of St. Bernadette had the privilege over the last decade to preach Parish in Fall River. His email address is many retreats to priests, seminarians, deacons fatherlandry@catholicpreaching.com.

Putting Into the Deep

February 22, 2013

B

y now, the ashes we received on Ash Wednesday have been washed away from our foreheads. The season of Lent has begun and we are almost at the Second Sunday of Lent.

Unlike many other things that have disappeared, Lent remains important to the majority of Christians. It is a special time to renew our love of God and neighbor. The traditional means of observing Lent have been identified as prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

The regulations for Lent are simple: two days of fasting (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday) and abstinence from meat on the Fridays of Lent as well as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

At times, we seem to impose greater penances for ourselves.

Some use Lent as an occasion to alter their behavior as they seek to lose weight, give up smoking or lessen the intake of alcohol.

Sometime ago I heard a story that I think can resonate with some people. It is the story of a bartender who served a man who came to his pub. Every week he would order three beers. It was never one or two, but always three.

After a little while, the

W

hen Pope Benedict shocked the world and announced to the consistory of cardinals on February 11 that, with full freedom, he was renouncing the ministry of the Bishop of Rome effective February 28 at 8 p.m., Rome time, that means there’s still time for him to reconsider. While canon 332 §2 does not require that his resignation be accepted by anyone, only that it be made public and occur freely, because it only takes effect in the future, Pope Benedict left open the technical legal possibility of changing his mind between now and then. Yes, as W.C. Fields said when asked why he was perusing the Gideon Bible at his deathbed, “I’m looking for loopholes.”

For I don’t want to lose him as pope. My view is that Pope Benedict, as his very humble and courageous decision to be the first pope in more than half a millennium to resign makes manifest, deserves to be called the Great, like his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II. His writing, teaching and preaching have been nothing short of magnificent,

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The Anchor

Renewing our love for God and neighbor

bartender was curious and one I think many people ratioday asked the gentleman why nalize their Lenten penances. he drank three beers.

Yet, a penance is not trivial, The gentleman was happy and can be inspiring. When I to answer the question. He hear a young person state that stated that he drank a beer for they have given up soda for himself, one in honor of his Lent, or chewing gum, or time brother in Canada and one in playing games on a computer, I honor of his other brother in admire their sacrifice.

Ireland. It was a way for him to remember his brothers. This went on for weeks.

Suddenly the bartender noted that the gentleman was

By Msgr. only having two beers.

John J. Oliveira He listened closely and the man did not mention that either of his brothers was deceased.

Lenten practices and sacriThe bartender was perplexed fices are meant to strengthen to such an extent that he apus against temptation. Much proached the man one day and like an athlete trains to win a asked him why he was only competition. drinking two beers.

In his Lenten message, The bartender acknowlPope Benedict XVI has stated edged that he had mentioned that our entire Christian life that one beer was for him and is a response to God’s love. the other two were in honor of He notes: “Faith is knowing his brothers who lived elsethe truth and adhering to where. Hesitatingly he asked if it; charity is ‘walking’ in the one of the brothers had died. truth. Through faith, we enter The man replied that neiinto friendship with the Lord, ther of his brothers had died through charity; this friendand the reason he was only ship is lived and cultivated.” drinking two beers is that he Our faith then is not only had given up drinking beer for knowing but loving.

Lent.

In expressing this thought

Living the Faith

Say it ain’t so

comparable to that of his preand Jesus Christ, Whose vicar decessors SS. Leo the Great the pope is. Whoever Beneand Gregory the Great. With dict’s successor is, I will love respect to his resignation, say him and follow him as the it ain’t so! successor of the Apostle St. Of course, the pope had Peter, upon whose rock Christ weighty reasons to decide as built His Church. By this time he did. In his statement, he said that, “after having repeatedly examined my conscience before God,” he came “to the certainty that my

By Dwight Duncan strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.” He next month it is likely we made his declaration “well will have a new pope, as the aware of the seriousness conclave to elect him should of the act.” Realistically, it begin in the middle of March. does not seem likely that this In that regard, the media is 85-year-old pope will reconmaking much of the so-called sider his decision. Still, I prophecy of St. Malachy, an wish he would. I’m saddened interesting list of future popes at the prospect of losing him. purportedly compiled by St. Pope Benedict at 50-percent Malachy, an Irish saint of the capacity is probably more 12th century. The list was not than most everyone else at discovered and published until full capacity. In any case, the end of the 16th century. let’s be grateful to God for In it, there is a brief Latin having had such a pope, and phrase describing each pope pray to God for his continued from the time of St. Malachy well-being. until the end of the time. The Still, I trust the Holy Spirit, list ends with Petrus Roma-

Judge For Yourself

the Holy Father states: “The Christian life consists in continuously scaling the mountain to meet God and then coming back down, bearing the love and strength drawn from Him, so as to serve our brothers and sisters with God’s own love.”

Lent then is not only a time of self-inflicted penances, but an opportunity to grow in love of God and neighbor.

It is time, not so much for giving up, as for giving. Lent, as our Holy Father stated, is “serving our brothers and sisters in love.”

Do you think God would be more pleased that you gave up Chinese food for Lent, or that you would help your elderly or sick neighbor shovel snow? Is God more pleased that you do not chew gum during Lent, or that you use your mouth to build up your family and friends? Is God more pleased that you give up candy for Lent and eat less, or is He more pleased that you feed your neighbor and help out in a local food pantry?

Father Eric Hollis, OSB, in his column discussing Lent, comes to this conclusion: “Lent then is not really a ‘time out’ for doing less or doing more.

Instead, it is a season in which we do an inventory of our lives.

It is a season when we recall that we were created from dust and will return to dust, and in the interval we are given a tremendous opportunity.”

In this Year of Faith, we might consider growing in our knowledge of God and our faith. There are many programs, lectures, and retreat opportunities being offered in our parishes to assist us in growing in the knowledge and love of God. Perhaps this is the year to increase our knowledge by attending one of these programs as our Lenten sacrifice.

I conclude this column with the prayer and wish of our Holy Father: “I express my wish that all of you may spend this precious time rekindling your faith in Jesus Christ, so as to enter with Him into the dynamic of love for the Father and for every brother and sister that we encounter in our lives.” It is my wish and prayer for you as well.

May God bless you and may you have a blessed Lenten season.

Msgr. Oliveira is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford and director of the diocesan Propagation of the Faith Office.

nus, who “will sit in the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church and feed the sheep through many tribulations, after which the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the formidable Judge will judge His people.”

The point is that the next pope (and perhaps last pope) would be Petrus Romanus, Peter the Roman. Is this a plausible prediction of a proximate end of the world?

Even if the prophecy were considered not to be a forgery but authentic private revelation, which seems unlikely given the discrepancy between when St. Malachy lived and when the prophecy was discovered, like all private revelation it does not have to be believed (like the famous Third Secret of Fatima). In any case, it has to be interpreted. There is much to be said for the view that Peter the Roman is a generic term for the pope, the successor of Peter who is Bishop of Rome, such that it functions as a dot dot dot, just an indication of

more popes to come. Nor does the prophecy say that the destruction of Rome (the city of the seven hills) and the final judgment will occur during Peter’s pontificate, only after it.

In any case, we should put much more stock in Jesus’ public revelation that “you know neither the day nor the hour.” We simply don’t know when the end of the world will happen until it does.

That being said, there are two plausible candidates in the upcoming conclave that could be identified beforehand (without too much shoehorning) as a “Petrus Romanus”: Peter Turkson, the African cardinal from Ghana named Peter, who works in the Roman Curia; and Tarcisio Pietro (Peter) Bertone, the Italian Cardinal Secretary of State who was born in a town called Romano Canavese in the Piedmont region. If either of them wins, maybe we should give St. Malachy’s prophecy a second look.

Dwight Duncan is a professor at UMass School of Law Dartmouth. He holds degrees in civil and canon law.

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February 22, 2013

The Anchor

I

have been pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Parish on Cape Cod for 15 years.

During that time, I thought that I had come to know Cape Cod fairly well. However last year, my nephew got his pilot’s license and took me up in a plane. We flew over Cape Cod for almost an hour. From on high, I recognized various landmarks of the Cape including our parish campus; but I discovered that I really did not know Cape Cod hardly at all. For what you see on ground level is not what you see from above. Climbing a mountain like Mount Washington in New Hampshire also gives a whole different perspective on the world in which we live.

Throughout Scripture, mountaintops are special

Transfiguration vs. transformation

places. It takes effort to scend and go on to Jerusalem climb a mountain. It’s not with Jesus. easy. Once conquered, the This Gospel is familiar sight is magnificent. It’s on to us but there is one phrase a mountain that Moses met that I guess I’ve missed in God and entered into a covenant with God in behalf of Homily of the Week his people. It’s on a Second Sunday mountaintop that the of Lent event of this week’s Gospel — the TransBy Father figuration — takes Bernard Baris, MS place.

On that mountain and before the eyes of Peter, James and John, my previous readings. On the veil of Jesus’ humanity arriving on the mountaintop, is lifted so that His Divinity the Apostles heard Moses, shines forth. The Apostles Elijah and Jesus speaking did not want to let go of this “about His exodus that He spiritual experience: “Let us was going to accomplish in build three tents, one for You, Jerusalem.” As a priest, I’ve one for Moses and one for read and preached on this Elijah,” they said. That was Gospel dozens of times. But not to be. They needed to dethat verse never struck me

before. Moses led the people through the exodus of water.

Now, Moses and Elijah are speaking with Jesus about “the new exodus in Jerusalem” — the passage from death to life through the blood and death on Calvary.

On the mountaintop, Jesus’ Divinity pierced His humanity for all to see. St. Paul tells us that as God’s children, we are reborn as children of the light through Baptism. But from our lived experience, we know that darkness still resides in each one of us. We are children of grace but there is also sin.

Lent is a special time for each one of us to take whatever steps are needed in our ongoing conversion

so that our light — God’s grace — may shine forth for all to see. Jesus was “transfigured.” We, at times, need to be transformed.

This was not the case with Jesus. In the second reading from Philippians, St. Paul tell us: “He will change our lowly body to conform with His glorified Body.” That process began at Baptism for each one of us. The process demands our full participation and acceptance of God’s transforming presence in our lives. Allow Jesus to take us by the hand and bring us to the mountaintop as He did to Peter, James and John.

Father Baris is a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette. He has been ordained 43 years and is pastor of Our Lady of the Cape Church in Brewster.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Feb. 23, Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2,4-5,7-8; Mt 5:43-48. Sun. Feb. 24, Second Sunday of Lent, Gn 15:5-12,17-18; Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14; Phil 3:17—4:1 or 3:20—4:1; Lk 9:28b-36. Mon. Feb. 25, Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79:8-9,11,13; Lk 6:36-38. Tues. Feb. 26, Is 1:10,16-20; Ps 50:8-9,16bc-17,21,23; Mt 23:1-12. Wed. Feb. 27, Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6,14-16; Mt 20:17-28. Thurs. Feb. 28, Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 16:19-31. Fri. Mar. 1, Gn 37:3-4,12-13a,17b-28; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 21:33-43,45-46.

A

t his election in 2005, some thought of him as a papal place-keeper: a man who would keep the Chair of Peter warm for a few years until a younger papal candidate emerged. In many other ways, and most recently by his remarkably self-effacing decision to abdicate, Joseph Ratzinger proved himself a man of surprises.

What did he accomplish, and what was left undone, over a pontificate of almost eight years?

He secured the authoritative interpretation of Vatican II that had been begun (with his collaboration) by his predecessor, Blessed John Paul II. Vatican II, the council in which the Church came to understand herself as a communion of disciples in mission, was not a moment

The legacy of Benedict XVI

to deconstruct Catholicism, mission-driven Church of the but a moment to reinvigorate third millennium was comthe faith that is “ever ancient, pleted. ever new,” precisely so that He accelerated the reit could be more vigorously form of the liturgical reform, proposed.

He helped close the door on the Counter-Reformation Church in which he had grown up in his beloved Bavarian countryside, and

By George Weigel thrust open the door to the Church of the New Evangelization, in which friendship with Jesus Christ is the center accentuating the Liturgy’s of the Church’s proclamation beauty. Why? Because he and proposal. As I explain understood that, for postin “Evangelical Catholimoderns uneasy with the nocism: Deep Reform in the tion that anything is “true” 21st-Century Church” (Basic or anything is “good,” the Books), Benedict XVI was a experience of beauty can hinge man, the pivot on which be a unique window into a the turn into the evangelical, more open and spacious human world, a world in which it is once again possible to grasp that some things are, in fact, true and good (as others are, in fact, false and wicked).

He proved an astute analyst of contemporary democracy’s discontents, as he also correctly identified the key 21stcentury issues between Islam and “the rest”: Can Islam find within itself the religious resources to warrant religious toleration and the separation of religious and political

Be sure to visit the Diocese of Fall River website at fallriverdiocese.org The site includes links to parishes, diocesan offices and national sites.

The Catholic Difference

authority in the state?

He was a master catechist and teacher, and, like John Henry Newman (whom he beatified) and Ronald Knox, his sermons will be read as models of the homiletic art, and appreciated for their keen biblical and theological insights, for centuries.

As for the incomplete and the notdone: Benedict XVI was determined to rid the Church of what he called, on the Good Friday before his election as pope, the “filth” that marred the image of the Bride of Christ and impeded her evangelical mission. He was successful, to a degree, but the work of reconstruction, in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal, remains to be completed. This is most urgently obvious in Ireland, where the resistance of an intransigent hierarchical establishment is a severe impediment to the re-evangelization of that once-Catholic country. And the next pope must, in my judgment, be more severe than his two predecessors in dealing with bishops whom the evidence demonstrates were complicit in abuse cover-up — even if such an approach was considered appropriate at the time

by both the counseling profession and the legal authorities. The Church has higher standards.

Joseph Ratzinger had extensive experience in the Roman Curia and it was widely expected that he would undertake its wholesale reform. Not only did that not happen; things got worse, and the Curia today is, in candor, an impediment to the evangelical mission of the pope and the Church. A massive housecleaning and re-design is imperative if the Church’s central administrative machinery is to support the New Evangelization: which, for the Curia, is not a matter of creating a new bureaucratic office but a new cast of mind. (“Evangelical Catholicism” contains numerous suggestions for how that might be done.)

And then there is Europe.

The man who named himself for the first saintly patron of Europe tried his best; but like his predecessor, the best he could manage was to stir the flickering flames of renewal in a few parts of Catholicism’s historic heartland. Its re-evangelization remains an urgent task.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

February 22, 2013

OK, I think we’re done here

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may just cure the winter blues (or Nemo gave me all the winter I whites as they may be). Baseball. need this year. Let’s move on, shall we Mother Nature?

To compensate for the lack of green, I’ve been watching my fair share of pro golf. As beautiful as the courses are, it only makes me want spring all the more. I want to head

By Dave Jolivet out on the links, lose golf balls, become aggravated, and vow never to play again. I miss those days.

Spring training is underway, Yet, something is coming that and that’s enough to melt chilled

et’s see if we can make it through this weekend without a snowstorm.

I’m usually a winter person, a fan of the snow and ice. For the second Presidents’ Day in a row, Emilie and I headed to Providence to skate at the outdoor, downtown rink. I posted a Facebook picture of the two of us and said, “When winter gives you ice, go ice-skating.”

But, truth be told, I’m more than ready to see green grass and feel warm breezes again. I think

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The Anchor

My View From the Stands

Who am I? Who is He?

ello and happy Lent!

After a brief hiatus I am happy to be back and writing.

I’ve been a bit of a wanderluster this past month. Shortly after celebrating the start of the new year, I traveled down to Washington D.C. and worked for a leadership development program for middle school students. We attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama and spent the next four days learning about the electoral process and the roles of those in government positions. I’ve since returned home and am looking forward to the opportunity to return to the D.C. area. For now, though, working on finding a full-time job has taken precedence once again. While that process unfolds, so much is happening around me that has caught my attention. It’s that time of year again — the annual Diocesan Youth Convention is approaching and at the beginning of March, high school students from around the diocese will have the chance to partake in a day that focuses solely on the development of their faith. Shortly after the youth convention at the end of March, St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham, where I help coordinate the youth ministry, will be hosting a spaghetti supper to help raise funds for a spring mission trip. Finally (though not really, because there is always something new and exciting happening in the worlds of Faith Formation and youth ministry), a YES! retreat is right around the corner in April. Phew!

Before this starts to sound like I’m using my column solely for advertisement, let me explain where I’m going with all of this.

From where I stand now, I feel as if I am amidst a sea of activity and my focus is narrow. Having just graduated, I’m anxious to start a career in a field I’ve become passionate about, higher education, and aside from my family and close friends, this has become my main priority.

As I stand amidst this activity, I’m watching as youth who I’ve had the pleasure to witness successfully complete leadership programs like CLI and coordi-

nate youth ministry events with, take the lead on several of these projects. I’ve watched as Facebook messages fill my inbox, as these students hone in on the details of conference planning, coordinate meeting times, and seek out available volunteers for their endeavors. Then I think — “These are high school students.

They have homework and extracurricular activities. They’re thinking about college and ap-

Radiate Your Faith

By Renee Bernier plications. Maybe some of them have jobs. Some will have their license but not all and so rely on parental support and availability to be an active voice in these events.” And then I am hit that in addition to saying “yes” to all that they do in school and out, they are also saying “yes” to Christ and to their faith. From my position as an onlooker, I cannot help but feel mixed emotions. I am proud of these students and young Catholics, and feel a sense of personal shame. Why is it that I feel removed from them? Why is it that I can remember when I was once in their exact positions, but now I feel as if I’ve shifted out?

Listening to KLove, a set of lyrics seemed to help me find my footing, as I looked back at the exuberant Catholic I was almost eight years ago as I navigated the halls of Bishop Stang, feeling the love of campus ministry, singing in their band, attending morning Mass, reading at school-wide assemblies, and meeting with friends to plan my own youth convention. The lyrics, though I cannot remember them in their totality, were surrounding Jesus’ “I am” statements, as found in the Gospel of John. These statements are as follows: Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life; the Light of the World; the Gate; the Good Shepherd; the Resurrection and the Life; the Way, the

Truth, and the Life; and finally, the Vine. Thinking about the Catholic I was and the Catholic I am, it began to make sense. We, as humans, are not static. We are constantly in flux, in motion, changing, growing. Sometimes, we regress. This then, if anything, must mean that as we grow and change, so too does our image of Christ. It would indeed be a difficult job to be the Bread of Life, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, and the Vine all at the same time, don’t you think? By that logic, as we grow in our faith, as we progress on our faith journey (even if sometimes we feel like that progression takes the shape of regression, of lull), by no means does Christ disappear. Instead, Who we need Him to be in our lives, at that moment, changes.

While I will not speak on behalf of the youth I’ve referred to, I can speak as a witness to their dedication and service.

While it would seem to make sense to say that with Christ as their Guide, these youth as disciples are enriching the lives of those around them as lights of the world. However, to me it seems more fitting that they, as Christ once declared Himself to be, are the vines. While their lives have indeed been spiritually enriched and they carry that light into the lives of others, it is the Vine that is the source of this light, this attachment to their faith and to God that drives them, fulfills them, and allows them to do their good work, for it is said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit because without Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). As I reflect on these youth, and contemplate Who Christ is for me as I enter into this season of Lent with you, I encourage you to reflect on where you are on your own spiritual journey and discover Who Christ is to you.

Renee lives in Swansea and recently graduated from Stonehill College in Easton.

She is involved with youth ministry at St. Patrick’s Parish in Wareham.

winter hearts.

Coming into this 2013 Red Sox season, I sense a different feeling. And I like it.

For the last decade or so, hopes and expectations have been very high for the Home Towne Team, and recently those hopes faded more quickly than a fairway in August.

But this year, there are no great hopes or expectations, at least for me. I can honestly say, I don’t know half the roster this year, and I have no idea what the opening day lineup will look like. Yet I really don’t mind.

This spring reminds me of the days of my youth. Sure, I fantasized about the Red Sox winning the World Series every year, but the main source of my excitement was baseball. The game.

Despite the horrible Red Sox teams I watched as a lad following the magical 1967 season, I loved watching baseball.

For many a season, by the time the Fourth of July rolled around, my beloved Sox were all but mathematically eliminated.

But that was OK. That meant I didn’t have to worry about them any longer.

I didn’t have to sit at the edge of my seat during Sox-Yankees games. I didn’t have to watch with one eye covered as the Orioles rolled into, through, and out of Fenway Park. I didn’t have to delve into the morning sports pages to check who did what

the night before ... and how that impacted the Sox. Nope, I could watch my Red Sox and just enjoy the game. If they won, great. If not then there was always tomorrow. But it was still baseball.

I have that feeling this year.

Already, I’m not worried about Yankee games ... or Blue Jays games ... or Orioles games ... or Rays games, because I’m pretty sure we’ll be looking up at them in the AL East standings most of the season.

All I want this season is a good team that goes out and does its best, plays good ball, and doesn’t embarrass itself or us fans. Add to that a team with players who care for and about each other, with no single superstar looking to pad next year’s contract.

No matter what, barring a mid-July Nemo, the Fenway grass will be a vibrant green, the uniforms will be crisp and bright, the breezes will blow warmly and gently, and this winter will be but a distant, chilly memory.

So Mother Nature, ease up if you would. There is golf to play and baseball to watch. Not to mention meats to grill and beaches to laze upon.

Winter, I think we’re done here.

And if there comes a time late this spring or early summer when I miss the snow and ice of winter, no worries — because of the National Hockey League lockout, they’ll still be playing in late June, and that’s cool enough for me.

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The Anchor

February 22, 2013

Pope to live in Vatican monastery established by Blessed John Paul

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Vatican monastery where Pope Benedict XVI intends to live began its life as the Vatican gardener’s house, but was established as a cloistered convent by Blessed John Paul II in 1994. When Pope Benedict, 85, announced February 11 that

his age and declining energies prompted his decision to resign effective February 28, the Vatican said he would move out to the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo while remodeling work was completed on the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens. Pope Benedict

said it was his intention to “devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.”

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters February 12 he did not know when the remodeling work would be finished and Pope Benedict could move in. He said, however, that because the monastery is small, the pope would be joined by a small staff, but another community of cloistered Sisters would not be moving in. The monastery — a building of about 4,300 square feet — had 12 monastic cells and a chapel. The complex, mostly hidden from view by a high fence and hedges, includes a vegetable garden. It occupies about 8,600 square feet on a hill to the west of the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica. Over the past 19 years, different orders of cloistered nuns have spent fixed terms of three to five years in the monastery.

The first community was the Poor Clares, then Carmelites, Benedictines and, most recently, Visitandine nuns.

The Visitandine community left in November, and by early December the Vatican press office had told Catholic News Service that the monastery would be remodeled before anyone else moved in.

February 22, 2013

To advertise in

The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at

508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@ anchornews.org

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February 22, 2013

The Anchor

Knights of Columbus launch Twitter prayer campaign for pope

New Haven (CNA) — The Knights of Columbus have invited the faithful to participate in a Twitter initiative to pledge their prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and his successor during the upcoming period of transition.

“In these remaining days of his papacy, our thoughts and prayers are with Pope Benedict XVI, who has worked so hard in leading the Church, and has always been such a good friend to the Knights of Columbus,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson recently.

“We wish him all the best in his retirement,” Anderson continued. “In addition, we pray for all those cardinals who will take part in the conclave, and for his successor, that God may inspire them as they carry out the mission with which they are entrusted.”

The Catholic fraternal order is encouraging users of the social media website Twitter to send their messages of “prayerful support” to Pope Benedict in the final days before he steps down from the papacy.

The Knights are encouraging people to tweet the phrase “I am praying for you” to the pope’s Twitter account, @pontifex.

They can use the hashtag #prayerforthechurch to mark their tweet.

Those who pledge to pray for the pope may also submit their names to the website www. prayerforthechurch.com. These names will be brought to the installation Mass of the next pope.

The website provides a prayer written in English, Spanish, French and Polish. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, the Knights of Columbus’ Supreme Chaplain, authored the special prayer soon after the pope made his plans to resign public.

On February 11, the Holy Father announced that he will be retiring at the end of the month due to declining strength and advancing age. The College of Cardinals will meet at the Vatican next month to elect a new pontiff.

During a recent Wednesday audience, Pope Benedict asked for prayers from the faithful over the coming weeks.

“Continue to pray for me, for the Church, for the future pope,” he said.

Archbishop Lori’s prayer thanks Jesus Christ “for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI and the selfless care with which he has led us as Successor of Peter, and Your vicar on earth.”

“Good Shepherd, Who founded Your Church on the rock of Peter’s faith and have never left your flock untended, look with love upon us now, and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity,” the prayer reads.

It further asks Jesus to give Catholics a new pope “who will please You by his holiness and lead us faithfully to You, Who are the same yesterday, today and forever.”

The knights are also offering physical prayer cards for parishes, schools or local councils to use in praying for the pontiff.

With more than 1.8 million members across the globe, the Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world. Last year, the knights donated more than $158 million and 70 million hours to charity and volunteer projects.

The organization has worked closely with the Vatican over recent years, and last December, the Holy Father addressed participants of a conference at St. Peter’s Basilica that the Knights of Columbus co-sponsored with the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Furthermore, Anderson has worked with Pope Benedict XVI — as well as his predecessor, Blessed Pope John Paul II — and also serves on multiple Vatican committees.

“Until a new pope is elected, we encourage all members of the Knights of Columbus, their families and all Catholics to say this prayer daily for Pope Benedict, for the Church, and for our future pope,” Anderson said.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, February 24, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is Father Michael Racine, Pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet

mysterious past — Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel star in a scene from the movie “Safe Haven.” For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Relativity)

CNS Movie Capsules NEW YORK (CNS) — The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by Catholic News Service.

“Beautiful Creatures” (Warner Bros.)

A restless teen (Alden Ehrenreich) in rural South Carolina finds his stultifying world transformed when he falls for the new girl in town (Alice Englert), who turns out to be a witch. But their relationship draws the opposition of her warlock uncle and guardian (Jeremy Irons) and places them at risk due to the schemes of her spell-casting mother (Emma Thompson). A mixed religious outlook — white evangelical Christians are mercilessly caricatured while the burgh’s African-American librarian (Viola Davis) blithely combines her role as a custodian of conjuring lore with faithful church attendance — makes the occult elements underlying writer-director Richard LaGravenese’s screen version of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl’s 2009 novel more troubling than they might otherwise seem. Few in the targeted audience of teen date movie consumers are likely to possess the discernment necessary to bring all this into proper focus. An ambivalent portrayal of Christianity, brief sacrilegious behavior, restrained scenes of violence with fleeting gore, semi-graphic nonmarital sexual activity, at least one use of profanity, some crude and crass language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of

America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

“A Good Day to Die Hard” (Fox) With this fifth installment, the action franchise that started with 1988’s “Die Hard” seems to have reached its own death throes.

New York detective Bruce Willis and his son (Jai Courtney) team up in Moscow to protect a government whistleblower (Sebastian Koch) from a variety of villains. In the process, of course, they kick up just the kind of carnage that made the quartet of earlier flicks box office gold.

Director John Moore presents a jaunty view of bloodletting and, on occasion, invites the audience to revel in the mayhem.

Slow motion death scenes make an obvious appeal to moviegoers’ basest, most visceral instincts. The rudimentary efforts at character development in Skip Woods’ screenplay, meanwhile, are drowned amidst a murky tide of run-and-gun action. Constant violence, some of it gory, occasional profanity, frequent rough and crude language and two obscene gestures. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted.

Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

“Safe Haven” (Relativity) Gooey adaptation of a tale

by Catholic novelist Nicholas Sparks, directed by Lasse Hallstrom. A young woman (Julianne Hough) with a mysterious past steps off the bus in an idyllic seaside town in North Carolina and decides to stay. She’s been running from something sinister, but is now determined to make a fresh start. She falls for a lonely widower (Josh Duhamel), and bonds with his two kids. But her new life is threatened by the arrival of a gun-toting adversary (David Lyons) who has doggedly pursued her for some time. Though attractive to look at, Hallstrom’s latest Sparks-based cinematic confection has a morally dubious core that will leave ethically conscientious audience members with an unpleasant aftertaste.

Brief violence, an ambiguous attitude toward marital fidelity, nongraphic adulterous sexual activity with fleeting partial nudity, a few instances each of profane and rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

February 22, 2013

FIRE AND ICE — Still recovering from Blizzard Nemo, the Mooney family spent the entire weekend using their home’s fireplace to keep warm when they lost power. Less than an hour after power was restored that Sunday, the family began to smell, and then see, smoke filling their home. Taken by a neighbor as the family stood outside, the image catches the fire bursting through the roof before firefighters were on scene.

Mattapoisett family praises God for protecting them during house fire

MATTAPOISETT — All the Mooney family wanted to do was to stay warm during Blizzard Nemo. Almost immediately after the storm hit, the power went out in their home in Mattapoisett, so Mark and Judith Mooney, their 13-year-old twins Zechariah and Mikayla, and Judith’s mother Gail Costa, gathered in the living room and huddled around the fireplace.

When the power was restored around 8 p.m. Sunday night, the family figured the worst was over — what no one realized was the worst was about to begin.

“We never saw any fire,” said Judith Mooney. “It was just smoke, that’s how it started.”

When the power came back on, the family decided to sit and watch TV, said Mooney, as she went off to load the dishwasher and do some laundry. It was less than an hour later that someone smelled smoke.

“God watched over us; we could have all gone into our own bedrooms and never saw the smoke until it was too late,” said Mooney. “It was all these little things. We noticed the smoke right away, and at that point it was just panic.”

They called 911, and “the kids were running all over the place,” said Mooney. “I told them to calm down, get some shoes on” and get outside.

A huge concern for Mooney was her mother, who had just had knee surgery; “I was worried about getting her out,” she said.

After getting her mother outside, the family regrouped at their car while waiting for the fire department to arrive. While it wasn’t funny then, said Mooney, what happened next has created a some-

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The Anchor

what humorous moment during the fire.

“My mom goes, ‘I need my teeth,’” said Mooney, whose husband had taken a moment to grab the hard drive off their computer to preserve the family photos. “I didn’t get a chance to go back to get any stuff because it was about the kids and mom. But Mark ended up going upstairs to get the hard

the burning home after retrieving those items, he slid the partition that separated Costa’s living area from the rest of the home shut and that acted as a protective barrier from the fire and eventual water damage.

“It protected her room and we were able to go in the next day and get pictures of my grandmother and great-grandmother that were in her room,” said Mooney. “It was a blessing. Little things like that, we were able to get in there and save all these pictures from her room in her closet.”

Ultimately the fire would be blamed on a crack in the brickwork of the fireplace that allowed the fire to extend beyond the fireMORE THAN WORDS — A place and into the wall. The living plaque recovered from the Mooney home speaks volumes room, second-floor bedrooms, the about Who the family credits attic and the roof were destroyed; for saving their lives when a the house has been deemed a comfire ripped through their home, plete loss.

Though the family was immedestroying the house and leaving the family with barely the diately taken in by family memclothes on their backs, but bers, in an attempt to try and keep thankful that they all made it out things as normal as possible for alive. the twins while they attend school, Mooney’s mom stayed with famdrive, and that’s the part I want. ily while the Mooney family reloWe have a lot of pictures and I cated just down the road from their don’t print them all out. When he home to stay with friends. grabbed that, I was like, ‘Thank “It really worked out well for the God.’” bus route,” said Mooney, adding When Mark joined the family, that she and her husband had taken Mooney told him that her mother in the same family for a number of wanted her teeth. months while their house was be“He was so crazy, he thought I ing built. “It’s kind of interesting said phone,” said Mooney. “I said how things have turned.” they were in the bathroom, so he For the twins, it’s been a learndid grab her teeth and her phone. ing experience for them, putting in When he came back, he said [to perspective how materials things his mother-in-law], ‘See Gail, I do aren’t as important as having famlove you. I risked my life for your ily. teeth.’ Now it’s kind of a big joke “Their main concern was with us.” schoolwork, talking about how When her husband was leaving their backpacks were ruined,” said

Mooney.

The day after the fire, the family visited the home to grab whatever possessions they could get before the house was officially judged unsafe. When Zechariah found his backpack, he took out his binder and other items to dry them out to bring to school to show teachers he did his homework.

“That’s his way of coping,” said Mooney, adding Old Rochester Regional Junior High School in Mattapoisett “has been great” in helping monitor how the twins have been reacting to the loss.

“We keep saying how blessed we are, that God has been great to us. Did I lose a lot of stuff? Yes. I’m going to have ups and downs; you think about what you had in the house,” said Mooney, who celebrated 25 years of marriage just days after the fire. “We have 25 years of stuff and it’s like, I wrote diaries to the kids and you think, ‘Oh my God, those were in there.’

It’s those kind of emotional moments that we’re dealing with.”

Another tragedy that the family was dealing with long before the

fire was the terminal diagnosis of the patriarch of the family, Michael Costa, who is currently receiving Hospice and Palliative care in Virginia. Mooney said her mother and daughter would be the first to travel down to see him, while the rest of the family will join them later.

“Our faith in God has really pulled us through this; I mean really and truly. God really watched over us. It could have been a lot worse. Two hours later we would have been asleep. There’s no doubt in my mind …” Mooney paused.

“There are a lot of things that God took care of.”

Editor’s note: Michael Costa passed away Monday, February 18.

Gail Costa and the Mooneys are active members of St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett; Father Paul Caron, pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish, has said the parish will accept monetary and gift certificate donations on behalf of the family: The Mooney Family c/o St. Anthony’s Parish, 22 Barstow Street, P.O. Box 501, Mattapoisett, Mass. 02739.

Burst pipe forces temporary closure of St. Stanislaus School

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — Even though power and heat were restored and the campus was shoveled out in the wake of the Blizzard of 2013, classes at St. Stanislaus School still had to be curtailed until after the winter break due to a burst pipe that damaged three classrooms.

According to Principal Jean Willis, the incident occurred sometime during the overnight hours between February 10 and February 11.

“The janitor had done a walkthrough Sunday morning and I had done another Sunday night at about nine o’clock and everything was fine,” Willis said.

“The heat was on, it’s just that the pipes froze and eventually burst within the second-grade classroom, which is on the second floor.”

Willis said the janitor arrived Monday morning to find it was “raining on the first floor.”

As a result of the burst pipes, two classrooms incurred heavy water damage while a third required extensive cleaning of the walls and carpets.

“In the first-grade classroom we lost the entire library, the ceiling and the lighting fixtures,” Willis said. “In the second-grade classroom we lost the carpeting and had to replace the ceiling because of the warping from the dampness and the steam that was in there. We also lost some teaching materials, but no books in there. It looks like there’s also

some damage to the walls — (the water) went over the baseboards and came down the walls.”

In order to facilitate the repair work, classes were cancelled for the week and students were expected to return on February 25, the Monday following this week’s previously-scheduled winter break.

“Thankfully, they actually started working on it that same day,” Willis said. “A crew came in and the ceiling on the second floor is already done. They’re working on the first floor now.

They’re moving along quickly and things should be done by the end of the week.”

Willis said the only potential setback is they are still waiting on a replacement part for the broken heater.

“That may force us to move classrooms around a bit, but I’m hoping not,” she said.

Oddly enough, this isn’t the first such hurdle Willis has had to clear during her tenure at St. Stanislaus School. When she first began working at the 107-year-old parochial school on Rockland Street, she spent three months teaching in the cafeteria because the classrooms — then located in the basement — had been flooded after a severe snowstorm.

“There were some drainage issues,” she said. “They had to put a French drain in, because the basement flooded because of all the melting snow. That’s the only other time that I’ve experienced anything like this.”

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Pope Benedict XVI

February 22, 2013

Pope Benedict thanks faithful, asks them to pray for next pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — At his first public appearance since he announced that he would resign at the end of February, Pope Benedict XVI thanked the faithful for their love and prayers and asked them to pray for his successor.

“I have felt, almost physically in these days — which haven’t been easy for me — the strength that prayers, love for the Church and prayers for me bring me,” the pope told some 7,000 people at a recent weekly public audience.

Coming two days after he made the announcement in Latin to a room full of cardinals, the pope’s Ash Wednesday audience gave him the chance to explain his historic decision to his global flock, and to get taste of their reactions.

“As you know, I have decided,” he said, before the capacity crowd in the Vatican audience hall broke out in prolonged applause, bringing a smile to the 85-year-old pope’s face.

Pope Benedict explained that he had made his decision “in full freedom, for the good of the Church, after having prayed for a long time and having examined my conscience before God, well aware of the seriousness of that act, but also aware of no longer being capable of fulfilling the Petrine ministry with the strength that it requires.”

The pope appeared tired but smiled frequently and at times broadly during the hour-long audience.

“The certainty that the Church is Christ’s and He will never cease guiding it and caring for it sustains me and enlightens me,” the pope said. “I thank all of your for the love and prayers with which you have accompanied me.

“Continue to pray for me, for the Church, for the future pope,” he

said in conclusion, drawing an ovation a full minute long.

The rest of the audience proceeded more normally, with Pope Benedict devoting his catechetical talk for Ash Wednesday to the subject of Lent. Sounding one of the major themes of his pontificate, he called on the faithful to make a deeper personal conversion to Christ, in spite of the temptations and hostility of secular society.

Modern societies and cultures truly test Christians today, he said.

For instance, “it is not easy to be faithful to Christian Matrimony, practice mercy in daily life, leave room for prayer and interior silence; it is not easy to publicly oppose choices that many people consider obvious, like abortion in the case of an unwanted pregnancy, euthanasia in the case of serious illness or the selection of embryos to avoid hereditary diseases.”

However, he said, even in the modern age there have been shining examples of people who have converted or returned to their faith, radically changing their lives.

The pope specifically mentioned Pavel Florensky, a Russian mathematician and physicist who converted to the Orthodox Church and eventually became a monk; Etty Hillesum, a young Dutch woman from a Jewish family who discovered Christianity during World War II and died at Auschwitz; and Dorothy Day, the U.S. founder of the Catholic Worker movement.

Day made “her journey toward faith in an environment that was so secularized and very difficult, but grace was still at work, as she herself underlined,” the pope said.

“God led her to a deep attachment to the Church, to a life dedicated to the marginalized.”

helping hands — Aides assist Pope Benedict XVI as he walks in procession from the portico of St. Peter’s Basilica for Ash Wednesday Mass at the Vatican February 13. The service was expected to be the last large Liturgical event of Pope Benedict’s papacy. The pope announced February 11 that he will resign at the end of the month. (CNS photo/Donatella Giagnori)

Sadness, celebration mark pope’s first public event since announcement

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Sadness and celebration marked Pope Benedict XVI’s first public appearance since announcing February 11 that he was stepping down.

Compared to his other public events, this time the chants and cheers had more punch; loud, long supportive applause erupted more often, and the singing had the air of adieu.

Some 7,000 pilgrims from all over the world filled the Paul VI audience hall February 13 to hear what was to be the pope’s penultimate weekly general audience.

For many, it was their first and last time to see Pope Benedict in person and reflect on what he has given the Church and how he has inspired their own lives.

“The way he treats Christ and teaches us to treat Christ as a Person Who doesn’t take anything away from our lives, but gives us everything” was the biggest inspiration for Father Carlos Azcona of Burgos, Spain.

“When you become a priest, you’re given a different way to treat Christ,” and the way the pope urges people to seek a more “intimate way of knowing Jesus Christ” meant a lot to him, said the young priest, who was ordained last June.

The priest said the most important thing the pope left the Church was “his teachings on the Liturgy” and his many writings, especially his trilogy on Jesus of Nazareth.

“He always taught in a very simple, understandable way; everything is short but (filled) with such content that we will have to

take some time to give it the right value to what he has written.”

For Carolyn Holmes of Baton Rouge, La., the most important thing the pope has given the Church is his peaceful, humble presence.

“It’s more powerful when it’s not said with words” as he shows, she said.

He exemplifies the peace and humility “that’s missing in the world, and our kids need to see this,” she said. Holmes was accompanying her daughter’s public high school choir that had been traveling and singing around central Italy.

“I’m not a Catholic, but he gave me a love for God and the transcendent,” she said. She had experienced this elsewhere, she said, “but never before from a pope.”

Holmes said the pope lacks political powers, cutting-edge technology and personal wealth, “but everything God values most, he has.”

Faith Wheat of St. John’s Parish in Trowbridge, England, is a teacher and said she loves how the pope teaches “how young people are vital to the Church.”

He has set a standard that a pope “has got to be compassionate, understanding toward all people as well as generous and hospitable,” she said.

Many pilgrims highlighted Pope Benedict’s humility as his most essential quality and one that would be important for the next pope to have.

Sarah Large of Trowbridge said she was in London during Pope Benedict’s visit in 2010 and

was so impressed by the warm welcome he received, which she said was due to his dedication to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.

A pope must have the same quality that Pope Benedict had, Large said, that of “uniting people around the world through faith. We need someone who will do that again with the humility he has. It’s a tough job.”

Father Azcona said the pope “has always been very courageous, and this, too, is an example for us: how to face a situation people normally avoid like aging, getting older and death,” he said.

“He is facing it as a very normal, human thing and is doing it because of his humility; without it you can’t be courageous either,” the priest said.

The pope was visibly moved by the outpouring of support, smiling and waving as people waved flags, banners and chanted “Benedetto” and “Viva il papa.”

His eyes lit up during the many choir groups’ brief renditions.

After children from an Italian elementary school sang “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” in German, the pope said, “Thank you for this gift of songs that are particularly dear to me,” he said.

“We’re so honored” to be able to sing “Cry Out and Shout” in the presence of the pope, said Caroline Campbell, a choir member of Baton Rouge Magnet High School.

“You could feel the environment was very supportive of the pope, she said.

February 22, 2013

Pope Benedict XVI

15

Conclave to determine new pope could be held mid-March

warm appreciation — Cardinals Franc Rode, Julian Herranz and Antonio Canizares Llovera applaud for Pope Benedict XVI at the conclusion of Ash Wednesday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican February 13. The service was expected to be the last large Liturgical event of Pope Benedict’s papacy. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Precedent and sacrifice: Papal decision offers options for future

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — For a Catholic so aware of the importance of tradition, even traditions with a small “t,” Pope Benedict XVI had to know he was setting a precedent by resigning.

“This development will offer options that maybe were not too obvious before this courageous decision of Pope Benedict,” said U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Meeting the press in Boston, the city’s Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley agreed, saying the pope’s decision “will obviously have an effect going forward.”

Pope Benedict described his decision to be the first pope to resign in almost 600 years as the result of intense prayer and an examination of his conscience before God. Once in six centuries does not set a rule, but the understanding reception that the pope’s decision has received within the Church suggests that it will not be another 600 years before it happens again.

As head of a spiritual community that now numbers about 1.2 billion members all over the world, the pope did not approach the decision as a secular leader would.

While he obviously talked to a few people about it, the 85-yearold pope described it as a matter of personal conscience, which implies he may have discussed it with a trusted spiritual guide, but did not seek broad consultation or a consensus.

Even though Pope Benedict and his older brother, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, are very close, the elder Ratzinger told reporters at a news conference February 11 he was “very surprised” by his brother’s decision, but understood why he did it.

Confirming what the Vatican press spokesman had said, Msgr.

Ratzinger told the British Broad-

casting Corp. that his brother had been considering stepping down for months; he also told the BBC that the pope’s doctor had advised him not to take any more transAtlantic trips.

“When he got to the second half of his 80s, he felt that his age was showing and that he was gradually losing the abilities he may have had and that it takes to fulfill this office properly,” Msgr. Ratzinger told the BBC. In prayer before God, Pope Benedict had to face important conflicting values: the tradition of a pope serving until death; the faith statement — often repeated

by Blessed John Paul II — that God would relieve a pope from office when it was time, meaning the pope would die; and the practical energy needed to minister to a far-flung flock in an age of instant communication where events hit the Internet before any considered, prudent response can be formulated.

An ecumenical partner and esteemed theological colleague of Pope Benedict’s said he was not totally surprised by the pope’s decision. Anglican Bishop Rowan Williams, who stepped down in late December as the archbishop of Canterbury and head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, told Vatican Radio he and Pope Benedict spoke last March about the possibility of being able to retire and devote one’s life completely to prayer and study.

“In our last conversation, I was very conscious that he was recognizing his own frailty, and it did cross my mind to wonder whether this was a step he might think about,” Bishop Williams told Vatican Radio.

While the bishop would not release details of his private conversation with the pope, he said, “It was a sense I had that he was

beginning to ask the question, ‘Is it possible to carry on with a good conscience,’ and I’m sure it must be in his mind that for all the previous pope’s immense courage and the example he set in shouldering on to the end, it might not be — now — for the best interests of the whole Church.”

Loosening the tradition of leadership until death is a matter the Eastern Catholic churches and even the worldwide Jesuit order have been coming to accept, especially since the Second Vatican Council and particularly given the fact that people live longer today, even in increasing physical and mental frailty.

Jesuit Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, the former Jesuit superior, was required to obtain Pope Benedict’s permission to announce his intention to step down in 2008, the year Father Kolvenbach turned 80. A few days after Jesuit Father Adolfo Nicolas was elected to succeed Father Kolvenbach, the new superior told reporters it was unlikely any Jesuit leader again would feel an absolute obligation to serve until death.

In a speech to seminarians of the Diocese of Rome February 8, three days before he announced his resignation, Pope Benedict made a remark that, in hindsight, could help people recognize the sacrifice Blessed John Paul made by staying in office as Parkinson’s disease ravaged his body and the sacrifice of Pope Benedict stepping down.

Like St. Peter, he said, “We, too, are called to accept the martyrological aspect of Christianity, which can take very different forms.”

“The cross can have very different forms,” Pope Benedict told the seminarians, “but no one can be a Christian without following the Crucified One, without also accepting the moment of martyrdom.”

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — The conclave to elect the next Bishop of Rome could start between March 15 and 19, according to the director of the Holy See’s Press Office.

“If everything goes normally, it could be envisioned that the conclave begins between 15 and 19 March,” Father Federico Lombardi said recently.

“At the moment, we cannot give an exact date because it falls to the cardinals to determine it.”

The Diocese of Rome will be “sede vacante” or vacant at 8 p.m. on February 28, when Pope Benedict’s resignation goes into effect.

The laws governing conclaves were laid down in 1996 in John Paul II’s apostolic constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis,” and were modified by Pope Benedict.

According to existing law, the conclave cannot start until 15 days after the papacy becomes vacant, to allow all the cardinal-electors enough time to arrive in Rome.

Existing law also states that conclave must begin within 20 days of his date of resignation.

This 15-20 day window corresponds to the conclave beginning

as early as March 15 and as late as March 20.

On February 28 the day the papacy will go vacant, 117 cardinals will be eligible to elect the successor to the Holy See. All the cardinals who are below the age of 80 will come to Rome to participate in the conclave. Most of these cardinal-electors have been appointed

by Pope Benedict himself — 67 of the 117.

Under rules re-established by Pope Benedict in 2007, the conclave must achieve a two-thirds majority to elect the Bishop of Rome.

Recent conclaves have concluded quickly. Pope Benedict was himself elected in a 2005 conclave that lasted only two days. John Paul II was elected in 1978 after a three-day long conclave.

Once the Diocese of Rome is vacant, nearly all offices of the Roman Curia, the administrative offices governing the Church, are suspended, and will have to be reconfirmed by the next pontiff. One of the few that continues, because of its urgent nature dealing with issues of absolution and indulgences, is the Apostolic Penitentiary.

On March 8 The Anchor will publish a special Pope Benedict XVI edition. To express thanks to the Holy Father, contact waynepowers@anchornews.org Revised and updated ...

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16

Youth Pages

good sports — Students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford celebrated Catholic Schools Week in many ways, including a Sports Day.

getting the points — St. Joseph School in Fairhaven recently held its school science fair. Pictured are students from grades four-eight who scored the highest overall points and were awarded prizes. For their achievements, students in grades six-eight have qualified for and will attend the regional science fair in March at Bristol Community College, where they will compete in hopes of advancing onto the state competition.

on their honor — Boy Scouts from St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet recently received the Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei (Children of God) awards. With pastor, Mgsr. Gerard P. O’Connor are, back row, from left: Jarrick Camara, Lucas Correia, Brenden Alexander, Brian Poirier Jr., and Jared Plante. Front: Joshua Fernandes, Brady Poirier, Matthew Murray, Kyle Vieira.

February 22, 2013

on to the regionals — St. Mary’s Catholic School in Mansfield recently held its annual Middle School Science Fair. The top three winners from each grade along with one alternate will be sent on the regional finals in March. From left, first-place winners: Brianna Kelly, grade seven; Rebecca Sarkisian, grade six; and Mark Thekethala, grade eight.

learning and living the faith — On a recent visit to the Dominican Sisters Convent and chapel in Dighton, the first- and seventh-grade prayer partners from Holy Name School in Fall River enjoyed a hands-on lesson in the beautiful chapel. After a day of sharing and learning, the prayer partners ended with an experience by forming a live Rosary within the chapel.

all the comforts of home — Catholic Schools Week was a special opportunity for St. John the Evangelist School, and all Catholic schools, to celebrate and proclaim the values of Catholic education. At St. John’s in Attleboro the week began with an Open House for Prospective Students followed by Pajama Day; Team Spirit Day; Crazy Hair Day; and Red, White and Blue Day. Shown here enjoying Pajama Day are first-graders Alexandra Llamas, Madison Godin, Madison Kelly, Molly Sullivan, Grace Godin and Isabella Pattie.

Youth Pages

February 22, 2013

T

he announcement created a stir, and a lot of comments and speculation. On February 11 at around 11 a.m., I posted on my Facebook status the following announcement: “After careful consideration and prayer, I have decided not to accept the invitation to become the next pope. The Vatican is just too far away from Starbucks and the 99.”

The key reason why I shouldn’t be pope is that I do not have the deep faith, wisdom and humility that the pope has. It is the result of deep love for God, His people, a desire to be in union with Christ and a lifetime of prayer and study. I am a work in progress and have a lot of work ahead of me. Fortunately, God is very patient!

Joking aside, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world earlier that day when he announced that he would resign the papacy effective 2 p.m. (ET) on February 28. This is the first time in nearly 600 years and the first in modern history that a pope has resigned. It is important to note that canon law (the Church’s code of laws) allows for this to

17

A model of courage and humility

happen. In fact, the Holy FaJesus called some from His ther, as pope and beforehand, disciples to be Apostles. After had suggested that it might be Christ’s death, Resurrection appropriate and even an obliga- and Ascension, the Apostles tion in modern times. carried on the work of evanThis has renewed interest gelization by founding and in the institution of the Roman serving as the heads of local pontiff not only for Catholics, but people of all faiths. This might be a good time to remind ourselves what we are talking about when we speak of the pope.

By Father Why a pope?

David C. Frederici Catholics believe that Jesus established the Church, the communion of believers, to conchurches. As time went on tinue His work of proclaiming and the Apostles began dying, the Gospel to all people. It is bishops were appointed to the mechanism through which take their place. Priests and He continues to make Himself deacons assist the bishop in known in the world and to His his ministry to a particular people. In Matthew 18:20, church (what we would call Christ is quoted as saying, “For a diocese). The bishop has where two or three are gathered authority only when in union together in My name, there am with his brother bishops and I in the midst of them.” the Bishop of Rome, the pope.

It is from this community Peter founded the Church in that some are called to roles Rome and it is where he was of leadership. The Evangemartyred for the faith. He was list Luke writes in 6:13 that an Apostle like the others, but

Be Not Afraid

considered the leader of the Twelve. In Matthew, we hear Jesus confirm this in His words to Peter: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church” (Mt. 16:18).

The successors of Peter assume the leadership position that Peter had in the early Church. It is important to realize that he functions within the confines of Catholic doctrine and canon law. This may seem a bit institutional, but it is a mechanism to protect the tradition and teaching of the Church. Papal infallibility does not mean the pope can’t make mistakes.

The papacy (as it has come to be called) is a visible unity of the Churches as the Body of Christ on earth.

What does the pope do?

The pope serves as the Bishop of Rome and has similar responsibilities in that capacity as any bishop. In addition, he is also responsible for the pastoral care of all the faithful.

He accomplishes this by daily prayer for the people of the world, maintaining relations with the countries of the world, appointing bishops, overseeing various Vatican councils, committees and offices, teaches through letters, homilies and speeches. Since John Paul II, the pope engages in frequent visits to the faithful around the world. In addition, he also serves as the Head of State of the Vatican, which is a sovereign country.

Pope Benedict XVI showed great courage and humility in publicly acknowledging his limitations and recognizing the needs of the Church far outweigh the benefits of staying in the role as the Supreme Pontiff. It is an example of true leadership. His example also challenges and inspires us to emulate the same courage, humility, leadership and devotion in our own lives.

Please pray for the Holy Father, the cardinal-electors and the entire Church during this time of transition.

Father Frederici is Chaplain at UMass-Dartmouth.

Basketball pros to become Catholic campus missionaries

Denver, Colo. (CNA) — Best friends Jennifer Risper and Christina Wirth have given up professional basketball to become Catholic missionaries with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students’ outreach to student athletes.

“It is always a wonderful consolation to see young people of such caliber decide to serve the Lord and to have a heart for reaching other athletes,” Thomas Wurtz, director of the FOCUS division Varsity Catholic, told CNA recently.

The two women became professional athletes with the WNBA and in Europe after award-winning careers playing basketball for Vanderbilt University. Now they will leave their professional basketball team in Romania to join Varsity Catholic. They will be the first professional athletes to serve as missionaries with the organization.

Wurtz said they will be “a tremendous addition” to FOCUS’ campus missionaries.

“There is such a need for Catholics to serve and form athletes, and Christina and Jennifer will no doubt be a blessing for a number of women on campus,” he added.

Risper and Wirth said their decision was based on a desire to share their faith.

“I realized that God wanted to use me through sports. I know that I’ve been successful through

God’s grace,” Risper told FOCUS. “I had to ask myself, ‘Do you think you’ll be able to impact other athletes?’ and thought, ‘I really think I can, and I want to.’”

Wirth said there are many Christian organizations for athletes but Varsity Catholic is specifically Catholic.

“As much as I benefitted from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in college, I think this is really special and a great opportunity to take the Catholic faith to people, especially to athletes,” she told FOCUS. Varsity Catholic launched in

2007 as a division of FOCUS to address the unique needs of college athletes, the Varsity Catholic website says. Twelve former college athletes and coaches presently serve as missionaries on 20 campuses through the program.

The program provides oneon-one mentoring, community service opportunities, and Bible studies that are consistent with Catholic teaching. Varsity Catholic also hosts mission camps to teach sports and the Catholic faith to impoverished youth.

WNBA teams drafted Risper and Wirth in 2009. Wirth’s team,

the Indiana Fever, played in the 2009 WNBA championship, while Risper played for the Chicago Sky. They have been roommates while playing on professional teams in Slovakia, Portugal and Romania.

Wurtz said that the two athletes’ experience in sports gives them a different perspective.

“They will definitely command a high level of respect from the athletic world which will hopefully catapult their ability to build relationships with the athletes they will be serving,” he said.

“Working with athletes can be a

hoops and hope — Christina Wirth (Left) and Jennifer Risper currently play professional basketball in Romania. (Photo courtesy of FOCUS)

very challenging task and having this new perspective should bring a great energy and dynamism that will add to the experiences of our dedicated staff.”

Wirth said that American culture has expectations of athletes and puts pressure on them, but this also gives athletes a platform “that can be used to spread the Gospel.”

“I think it’s important for those athletes to have an influence in their lives that can help them personally grow, but also show them what a great opportunity they have to lead other people to Christ,” she said.

Risper and Wirth became friends when the met in college in 2005. Wirth said the two have been “just trying to grow in our Catholic faith and holiness.”

“We always say, ‘let’s be saints together’ and I think that has been the coolest thing — to have God give me the grace in opening my eyes to what He has for me — and even more special, having a best friend to encourage me in that.”

Risper said Wirth helped her rediscover her Catholic faith after years in which she identified as a non-denominational Christian.

Both said they are anxious about their work as missionaries, but they are trusting in God and asking others to pray for them.

The Varsity Catholic website is www.varsitycatholic.org.

18

The Anchor

Retreats, missions offer diocesan faithful time for reflection continued from page one

seeking to listen and respond to the Lord’s call to follow Him,” Father Kevin A. Cook, pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton told The Anchor. From March 3-6, Father David Pignato will be preaching the mission titled “Living the Paschal Mystery.” Father Pignato is a priest of Fall River Diocese and currently teaches at St. John’s Seminary in Boston. Each night the mission will be held at St. Jude’s Church, 249 Whittenton Street in Taunton, at 7 p.m.

Sunday evening, “The Mystery of Redemptive Suffering,” will be preached in the context of the Sunday Mass; Monday, “The Mystery of the Eucharist: As If We Had Been There,” and Tuesday, “Praying the Paschal Mystery,” will be in the context of a holy hour; and Wednesday, “The Process of Conversion: From Purification to Sanctification,” will be in the context of a Penance service at which many priests from the deanery will be available for Confession. On the final evening there will be a light reception following the mission.

Parishes across the diocese are hosting more localized missions and retreats.

One of those is March 11-14 at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, a Parish Mission entitled, “Spirituality for Adam and Eve,” conducted by the Oblates of the Virgin Mary from Milton, Mass. Father David Nicgorski is the lead presenter along with other Oblates priests assisting. The sessions begin at 7 p.m. each evening.

March 11, “Walking on Water,” a reflection for folks who do the impossible; March 12, “Prayer, Sacraments, Scripture ... and Other Power Tools”; March 13, “An Evening of Mercy,” a parish Penance service with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation; March 14, “Sailing Into the Sunset,” including reflections on the last things in this life and the first things in the next.

St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis is hosting a Lenten Triduum Mission March 18-20 at the church at 12:10 p.m and 7 p.m. within the context of the Mass. Themed “Entering Through the Door,” the guest homilist is Father David Frederici, chaplain at UMass Dartmouth and Cape Cod Community College and an Anchor

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columnist.

St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield is holding a Men’s Retreat on March 2 and a Women’s Retreat on March 9. “Both will allow parishioners to come together and reflect on the gift of faith in their lives,” said Msgr.

Stephen J. Avila, pastor of St. Mary’s, who along with Father Jay Mello will coordinate the Men’s retreat, with Jean Revil coordinating the Women’s Retreat.

Society of St. Edmund Father Thomas Hoar from the St. Edmund’s Retreat Center in Mystic, Conn., will preach on “The Quest for Personal Holiness,” at St. John the Evangelist and St. Vincent de Paul parishes in Attleboro.

St. John the Evangelist Parish will host the retreat from March 17-20 at 7 p.m. each evening, with a Holy Hour on the 17th and Masses the following three days; and St. Vincent de Paul Parish will host the retreat from March 18-21, mornings at 9 a.m., all within the context of the Mass.

The four topics are: “Reconciliation: An Encounter with the Healing Christ”; “Virtue: As the Foundation of the Life of Holiness”; “The Cross: As the Key to Victory”;

February 22, 2013 “Prayer: Thy Will be Done.”

Confessions will be available one hour before each session.

Father George Bellenoit, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth told The Anchor that because of scheduling issues, there will not be a Lenten Retreat on the Outer Cape, but plans are for a Year of Faith mission in the spring; at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet from May 1115, and at St. Peter’s Parish in Provincetown from May 1822.

Other missions or retreats already featured in The Anchor include the Family Rosary Lenten Retreat sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth on March 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in English and Spanish; and a Gregorian Chant Retreat, “Songs of Love for the Year of Faith,” led by Father Andrew Johnson at St. Stanislaus Church in Fall River from February 26 to March 1 at 7 p.m. with reflections based on the Gregorian Chants of Lent.

Confessions will be heard from 6 to 7 p.m. at each session.

In addition to its usual full schedule of spiritual events, the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette has special Lenten events on tap as well.

“The Call to Holiness of the Second Vatican Council,” a Lenten series will take place at the Welcome Center with Father John Lavin talking about personal experiences with Vatican II each Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

February 23 — “Called to Holiness”; March 2 — “Called to Love the World”; March 9 — “Called Into the Mystery of Christ”; March 16 — “Called to Serve”; March 23 — “Where Does the Spirit Call Us To From Here?”

Anna Rae Kelly will present a Holy Week Retreat at La Salette on March 24 from 4-5 p.m.; and March 25 and 26 from 7:15-8:15 p.m. Details of the retreat can be found on the website, lasalette-shrine.org.

For those who cannot attend a regional or parish mission or retreat, the USCCB website offers instructions and suggestions for self-directed retreats of varying lengths, and also Lenten Audio Retreats in English and Spanish.

Throughout the Lenten season, The Anchor will publish details about those retreats and missions of which we’re made aware. It is suggested that area faithful consult their local parish bulletins as well.

Fall River retreat to feature beauty, peace of Gregorian Chant continued from page one

said. “The vespers hymn, especially, is a beautiful example of that. The Lenten preface is the theology of fasting — why do we fast? Why do we give alms? Why do we pray more during Lent? It expresses very well.”

Father Johnson suggested looking at the entrance antiphon for Laetare Sunday.

The antiphon gives the day its name, since it begins, “Laetare Jerusalem” (Oh be joyful, Jerusalem), and the antiphon itself is sung in a beautiful and joyful manner.

“Almost always, except for the hymns, the text is from sacred Scripture,” said Father Johnson. “The sheer antiquity of this stuff; by 900 [A.D.], all this music was already in place. The Church has been singing this music for more than 1,000 years.”

While growing up, Father Johnson recalled how chant was such an important part of his music studies that he would learn modern music one week and then Gregorian Chant the following week.

“I was in a very good parish that had this; I remember it well,” he said.

Another interesting thing people may enjoy learning is that the music is designed differently from traditional music.

“It’s a four-line scale instead of a five-line scale,” said Father Johnson. “They’re not called notes, they’re called neumes and are shaped very differently.”

The retreat is designed not just for those who have never experienced Gregorian Chant but also for those who want to learn more about the history, theology and text of the chants.

“The level of spirituality and theology that is put into such a small package, some of the melodies are quite short, but it’s amazing how the music interprets the text and the text is elaborated by the music,” said Father Johnson, who will play recordings during the retreat.

When you immerse yourself in the music, he said, “It’s

a very subtle thing; it does change your spirituality. I think that it really elicits and supports faith. I always make the point of saying with Gregorian Chant, you’re singing the Liturgy rather than just singing songs at Liturgy. That’s what we have today; we have beautiful hymns but it’s kind of extraneous to the Liturgy.”

People understand it’s a music that calls them to be silent and to open their hearts to contemplation after Mass.

“When you sing Gregorian Chant in church, there is an immediate profound silence,” said Father Johnson. “People listen.

The music is soothing, even if you don’t know what the words are saying; it’s pure melody. It really puts itself across as mysterious, beautiful and reverent — what’s not to like?”

The retreat starts February 26 at 7 p.m. and will continue through March 1. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact St. Stanislaus Parish at 508-6720423.

February 22, 2013

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese

Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the St. Joseph Adoration Chapel at Holy Ghost Church, 71 Linden Street, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

ATTLEBORO — The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette holds Eucharistic Adoration in the Shrine Church every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through November 17.

Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m. Mass.

East Freetown — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. John Neumann Church every Monday (excluding legal holidays) 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady, Mother of All Nations Chapel. (The base of the bell tower).

East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich.

Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at noon. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

Fall River — Espirito Santo Parish, 311 Alden Street, Fall River. Eucharistic Adoration on Mondays following the 8 a.m. Mass until Rosary and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the chapel.

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has Eucharistic Adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FALL RIVER — Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street, has Eucharistic Adoration Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass until 6 p.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel. There is a bilingual Holy Hour in English and Portuguese from 5-6 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

Falmouth — St. Patrick’s Church has Eucharistic Adoration each First Friday, following the 9 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 4:30 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m. Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

NEW BEDFORD — Eucharistic Adoration takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 233 County Street, with night prayer and Benediction at 8:45 p.m., and Confessions offered during the evening. Please use the side entrance.

NEW BEDFORD — There is a daily holy hour from 5:15-6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, recitation of the Rosary, and the opportunity for Confession.

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel every Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

SEEKONK ­— Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish has Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day in the chapel at 984 Taunton Avenue. For information call 508-336-5549.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction.

Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass. taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Expostition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass.

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day.

Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Every First Friday, Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 8:30 a.m. through Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Morning prayer is prayed at 9; the Angelus at noon; the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m.; and Evening Prayer at 5 p.m.

WEST HARWICH — Our Lady of Life Perpetual Adoration Chapel at Holy Trinity Parish, 246 Main Street (Rte. 28), holds perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. We are a regional chapel serving all of the surrounding parishes. All from other parishes are invited to sign up to cover open hours. For open hours, or to sign up call 508-430-4716.

WOODS HOLE — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Joseph’s Church, 33 Millfield Street, year-round on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No Adoration on Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays. For information call 508-274-5435.

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The Anchor Father Christopher (Leo) King, SS.CC.

FAIRHAVEN — Father Christopher (Leo) King, SS.CC., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts-United States Province, passed away peacefully on February 11 at Damien Residence in Fairhaven.

Father Leo, who celebrated his 95th birthday last October, was born in Highland Park, Mich., to Charles and Birdie King. He entered the SS.CC. Novitiate in Fairhaven on Sept. 13, 1939 at the age of 22 and made his final profession of vows to the Congregation on Sept.

14, 1943. He was ordained in Washington, D.C. on May 22, 1945.

During his more than 67 years as a priest, Father Leo served his community in many capacities. He began his career in teaching and finance before becoming an assistant pastor at Massachusetts parishes in Wellfleet, Chatham, Acushnet, Fairhaven, and in Rochester, N.Y. In 1953, he also traveled

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Feb. 24 Rev. Edward F. McIsaac, Retired Chaplain, Rose Hawthorn Lathrop Home, 2002 Feb. 25 Rev. Leo J. Ferreira, V.G., Pastor, St. Mary, Brownsville, Texas, 1988 Rev. William T. Babbitt, Assistant, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1998 Feb. 27 Rev. Philip Gillick, Founder, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1874 Rev. Joseph N. Hamel, Founder, St. Theresa, New Bedford, 1956 Rev. John G. Carroll, Retired Pastor, St. Margaret, Buzzards Bay, 1995 Rev. Roland B. Boule, Retired Pastor, St. Anne, New Bedford, 2005 Feb. 29 Rev. Msgr. James Dolan, Retired Pastor, St. Mary, Taunton, 1980 Mar. 1 Rev. James F. Masterson, Founder, St. Patrick, Somerset, 1906 Rev. Msgr. Peter L.D. Robert, P.R., Pastor, Notre Dame, Fall River, 1948 Rev. John McCarthy, CSC, Stonehill College, North Easton, 2003 Rev. William W. Norton, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Wellfleet, 2004

to Cootehill, Ireland where he was assistant novice master for three years.

Father Leo retired to Damien Residence on Oct. 1, 1998. As the eldest member of the Congregation of the Sacred HeartsUnited States Province, Father Leo will be fondly remembered by his SS.CC. Brothers and Sisters. His quiet, unassuming demeanor, his ever-prayerful

presence and his positive outlook which seemed to give him the ability to never complain, made him a most respected and well-loved member of his community.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated for Father Leo at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven on February 15, followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Around the Diocese 2/23

A one-day retreat in Portuguese with Dionisio DaCosta, recipient of the 2012 Marian Medal, will be held tomorrow beginning at 8:30 a.m. and concluding with 4 p.m. Mass at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, Route 138 in North Easton. Bring your own bag lunch and coffee, tea and water will be provided. To register or for more information call 508-238-4095, visit www.FamilyRosary.org/Events, or contact Dionisio DaCosta at 508-577-4583 or ddacosta48@gmail.com.

2/28

A Healing Mass will be held February 28 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford. The Mass will begin at 6:30 p.m. and includes Benediction and healing prayers. At 5:15 p.m. there will be a holy hour including the Rosary. For location information visit www.saintanthonynewbedford.com or call 508-993-1691.

3/1

The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will meet March 1 at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Cathedral, 327 Second Street in Fall River, continuing its 65th year of activity. Following the 6 p.m. Mass celebrated by Father Karl Bissinger, secretary to Bishop Coleman, there will be a hot meal in the school hall across the street. The guest speaker is Deacon Joseph A. McGinley, permanent deacon assigned to St. Ann Parish in Raynham and a religion teacher at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro. Attendance at the meal is open to any gentleman interested in this gathering. For reservations or more information, contact Norman Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

3/2

A Day with Mary will be held March 2 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 235 North Front Street in New Bedford from 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. It will include a video presentation, procession and crowning of the Blessed Mother with Mass and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is an opportunity for Reconciliation. A bookstore is available.

Please bring a bag lunch. For more information call 508-996-8274.

3/5

Community VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 10 Emory Street in Attleboro, will offer a six-week bereavement series beginning March 5 through April 9. This community program is for anyone experiencing loss and will be held on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public, however pre-registration is required. Call 1-800-220-0110 or 508-222-0118, extension 1373, for more information or to register.

3/6

A Lenten Series for the Year of Faith, a four-week series on the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” and related texts, will be held at Holy Trinity Parish in Fall River. The sessions will be held the four Wednesdays of March — 6,13, 20 and 27 — from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish school (64 Lamphor Street). Please park in the school lot and use the main entrance. The series has been designed so that the first session will be a brief overview of the “Catechism” and its other components, as a stand-alone session for folks who cannot commit to a four-week series. The following three sessions are planned so that there will be more time for questions and discussion. For more information contact Pat Pasternak at 508-673-1284.

3/9

An Attic Treasures Sale, sponsored by the St. John Neumann Women’s Guild, will be held in the parish hall, located at 157 Middleboro Road in East Freetown on March 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Continental breakfast and hot homemade lunch will be served and the hall is wheelchair accessible. Take the Chace Road exit off Route 140.

3/10

A Family Rosary Retreat will be held March 10 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. This family event centers on the theme “Lord I Believe — Help My Unbelief” and will consist of an afternoon of activities including inspiring keynotes, family activities, Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary prayer and a screening of a new video release on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. Many hands are needed to conduct the program.

Whatever your talent, they would be grateful for whatever time you could offer. The event will be held at Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Road, North Dartmouth. For more information call 508-238-4095 or visit www. familyrosary.org/retreat.

MISC.

Alpha meetings continue every Wednesday evening 6:309 p.m. at St. Bernadette’s Church Hall in Fall River. There is no cost for the program and it is open to all of any faith or no faith. Free parking in lot across from the church. A perfect Lenten experience ends March 27 that includes a hot dinner meal 6:40 p.m. (free will offering), movie (changes weekly), and a discussion about the movie.

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February 22, 2013

The Anchor

U.S. bishops stress importance of Reconciliation during Lent continued from page one

preparing for priesthood, ‘If the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is this, if the faithful have a real experience of mercy which Jesus of Nazareth, Lord and Christ has given to us, they themselves will become credible witnesses of that holiness which is the aim of the New Evangelization.’”

Father Rodney Thibault, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in South Dartmouth and diocesan director of Pastoral Care, agreed Lent is an ideal time to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as unique parallels can be drawn between the Sacrament and the events of Holy Week and Easter.

“When we sin, we experience a death of sorts,” Father Thibault said. “We get mired down in the tomb of sin and need to be resurrected, brought back to life so that we know with certainty the victory of Christ’s liberating love.”

“Since Lent is about conversion, the Sacrament is a perfect opportunity to seek God’s aid in this process,” Father Fournier agreed.

“It is an opportunity to look at ourselves in a mirror and see who we truly are not in our eyes but in the eyes of God. Confession allows us to let go of those things in our life that we hold onto which distract us from the love of God.” The bishops’ letter went on to suggest that Catholics should approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a “special moment of grace during Lent.”

“If you have not received this healing Sacrament in a long time, we are ready to welcome you,” the letter states. “We want to offer ourselves to you as forgiven sinners seeking to serve in the Lord’s name.

“During Lent — in addition to the various penitential services during which individual Confession takes place — we bishops and priests will be making ourselves available often for the individual celebration of this Sacrament. We pray that through the work of the Holy Spirit, all Catholics — clergy and laity — will respond to the call of the New Evangelization to encounter Christ in the Sacrament of

Penance and Reconciliation.”

To that end, Father Thibault said he is currently arranging for additional priests to come to St. Mary’s during Lent to “help the parishioners prepare to celebrate the Resurrection.”

“Oftentimes, when penitents come and say that it’s been a long time — a really long time — 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years since they last acknowledged God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation — I always begin by saying these exact words: ‘Welcome back!’” he said.

“The important thing about Confession is it’s about God’s love for us and our love for God,” Father Fournier added. “Regardless of how long it has been since someone’s last Confession, it is important to experience and live out this grace in one’s own life.

As a priest one of the greatest joys

is to hear someone’s Confession who has not been in a long while, whether it’s 10 years or 50.”

Father Murphy said making himself available for Confessions is one of the most important aspects of his ministry.

“As a priest I must never forget that I must not only talk about the mercy of God and the great gift of the Sacrament of mercy, but I must make myself available at all times to people who want to receive this great Sacrament,” he said.

During this Lenten season, Father Thibault urged all Catholics — especially those who have been away from the confessional for a long time — to take advantage of the Sacrament and “come out of the tomb of sin and darkness and be liberated and resurrected so that in this life, this journey of discipleship, we can find peace that lasts.”