03.02.07

Back from Rome, two diocesan priests assume wdrk in parishes

By DEACON JAMES N. DUNBAR

trator at St. Anthony's Parish in New Bedford on FALL RIVER - From all the smiles it seems two. March 1, will be his first full-time parish assignment. diocesan priests just returned from Rome - and 'Tin happy and looking forward to filling in for Father Roger J. pressed into immediate service in the i Landry as he takes

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SHARING KNOWLEDGE - Father George E. Harrison, seated with cap, pastor of Holy Name Parish, Fall River, and Donna Canuel, from the Diocese of Fall River, led an oral hygiene clinic during a recent visit to the diocesan mission in Guaimaca, Honduras. (Photo courtesy of Mary Mitchell Hodkinson, RN)

Guaimaca Mission inspires volunteers

By MARY MITCHELL HODKINSON, RN, SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

GUAIMACA, Honduras - In the dusty town of Guaimaca in central Honduras, a six-year old boy and his mother stepped into our clinic on a January morning. They had walked down from a distant mountain village to seek treatment for the mother. Since the little boy was exceptionally dirty from his trip, I washed his face and hands.

The little brown-eyed boy looked up with gratitude and tried to say something. But only a guttural "uh, uh, uh" came out. I asked the mother why he couldn't speak. She said that he was born deaf. "He's trying to say thank you," she said.

That "thank you" was compensation enough for my I0 days of volunteering as a nurse at the diocesan mission in Guaimaca. I was not alone. Fourteen others had come down from the Fall River Diocese to staff for a short while this needy little village 2,000 miles from Fall River.

Father George E. Harrison, pas-

tor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, was among our group. Father Craig A. Pregana, also a priest from the Fall River Diocese, is the resident priest in the area.

Our small band of volunteers had arrived nine days earlier, having traveled from Boston to Houston to Tegucigalpa International Airport where we were met by· some altar boys from Santa Rosa de Lima Parish, Sister Maria, Father Pregana and an America volunteer named Mika. The altar boys gave us our first Spanish lessons.

We wondered why they laughed at our attempts to pronounce "hola," Spanish for "hello."

Then we were off in an old yellow school bus on a bumpy trip over mountain roads to Guaimaca. Off the main road tiny concrete block houses dotted nameless dirt roads.

Windows were open to the elements, attracting dust from the roads and respiratory problems for the families within.

The old school bus pulled up to a one-story building, which was Tum to page 20 - Mission

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back ... and into pastoral ministry," said Msgr. Gerard O'Connor, who in late January winded up a six-year assignment in the Eternal City following his July 22, MSGR. GERARD O'CONNOR 2000 ordination that included studies for a licentiate in Sacred Liturgy from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute at St. Anselm's University as well as full-time service with the Congregation for the Clergy.

"It does feel good being back home," added Father Karl C. Bissinger, a Fall River native, and former member of St. Joseph's Parish, who returned February 15 following completion of studies for a licentiate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome that began in the fall of 2005.

For Msgr. O'Connor, outside of summer ministries in three parishes en route to the priesthood and two months helping out at Martha's Vineyard parishes after ordination, becoming parochial adminis-

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for some of his duties too at The Anchor where he is the executive editor," 41-year-old Msgr.

O'Connor, a British native, said.

Father Landry is FAT~ER KARL C. BISSINGER heading to St. John's Seminary in Boston for a few months to complete his license in moral theology for the John Paul IT Institute in Rome.

Msgr. O'Connor's winding road to New Bedford via th~ Vatican and as English-speaking staffer to Cardinal iOario Castrillon-Hoyos, began in Kingston Upon:: Hull, East Yorkshire, England. Following bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Kingston University in London, he worked there as head of marketing for a computer services and software firm and transferred to Boston in 1992. . "So it's been 11 years since I've lived in New England and I've forgotten how snowy and cold it can Tum to page 18 - Priests i'

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Faithful citizens

By GAIL BESSE ANCHOR CORRESPONDENT

Looking for a Lenten action that's grounded in Scripture? Becoming a little more politically active is one response to Christ's call to be "salt ofthe earth" and "light of the world" (Mt 5:13-14).

It's a response that Catholics of all ages are feeling the Holy Spirit prompt them toward as the disconnect widens between religion and public life.

Take 30-year-oldVictor Pap and his 26-year-old wife Mary, for example. Concern about the world that their infant daughter will face led this Weymouth couple to sacrifice some time working with VoteOnMarriage, the coalition of faith-based groups backing the Protection of Marriage Amendment.

On the other hand, Jane Wilcox ofAssonet found she had more time to read up on issues since she retired from teaching. "I realized there's a need for Catholics in the pews like me - who never did a thing - to

say my vote counts, too," she said.

Wilcox now volunteers with the lay-run Catholic Citizenship as a legislative liaison. She lets parishes in her district know what their Beacon Hill lawmakers are doing on issues

like cloning, stem-cell rdearch and education.

"People need to understand how politics affects our kids and grandchildren," she said. "I ~asn't that comfortable with this at "first, but I felt like it was a moral bbligation.

And it's really not that hard to simply say: this is my opinion."

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Likewise, Patricia Stebbins of East Sandwich found that as she spoke out on Pro-Life issues, other Catholics found their voices. Now she and people from 14 churchesthe Cape Cod Family Life Alliance - meet monthly to pursue activities in the public arena on behalf of Church teachings.

"We're regarded by Bishop George W. Coleman as 'the strong right arm of Catholic Citizenship on the Cape,'" she said. "We promote education, arrange for speakers, tape cable shows. Our meetings don't go into politics, but of course we're involved as individuals."

Stebbins said similar cells could easily ~ultiply statewide.

Politicians who do support Judeo-Christian values urgently need support, as recent news reports reveal. The Boston gay advocacy newspaper In Newsweekly Jan. 25 detailed a well organized strategy to lobby Bay State legislators.

And a March article in Atlantic Tum to page 18 - Citizens

$ NEWS

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FROM THE VATICAN

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MARCH

2, 2007

Vatican official says Christians need correct, certain consciences VATICAN CITY (CNS)-Christians will not invoke conscientious objection to defend human life if they have no idea what the conscience is, said speakers at a Vatican press conference.

"Believers need consciences that are true, certain and correct," which happens not ''through improvisation, but with reflection, dialogue and, sometimes, a tiring search," said Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

The bishop and others spoke about the conscience at a recentVatican press conference to introduce the academy's February 23-24 congress on "The Christian Conscience in Support ofthe Right to Life."

Bishop Sgreccia said the conference would look at the right and obligation ofphysicians, nurses, pharmacists and researchers to declare themselves conscientious objectors when faced with procedures such as abortion, euthanasia or the destruction of human embryos.

But first, he said, participants will look at how the conscience calls people to take positive steps "in service, love and veneration" for every human life.

Bishop Sgreccia said it is clear that the Church must teach its members what the conscience is and how it matures correctly.

Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Australia, said the conscience is not like a new car's satellite navigator - a voice coming from inside the car's dash telling the driver to

turn here, continue or stop there. And it is not simply a gut feeling about the best way to act in a certain situation, he said. ''Too often in recent years those desperate for moral education or guidance have been fobbed off with 'follow your conscience' or 'do whatever seems right to you'" without being helped to understand what a correct conscience is and how it is formed, Bishop Fisher said. ''The classical Christian conception ofconscience is ofthe natural perception of basic moral principles, their application in particular circumstances and the final judgment about what is to be done;' he said.

However, the bishop said, ''by the 196Os, conscience had come to mean 'strong feeling' or opinion."

A real conscience is based on a recognition that objective moral truths exist and that some actions are always right or always wrong, he said.

Bishop Fisher said, "Catholics, as much as anyone else today, are subject to pressures" in society that tell them either that one opinion is as good as another or that tolerance requires them to act as ifeveryone's opinion is equally valid.

Bishop Sgreccia said he was convinced not only that Christians have a right to act on their consciences in a pluralistic society, but that modern ethical debates, so often decided on the basis of political power or influence, can benefit from reflections offered by Christians with a well-formed conscIence.

NEIGHBORLY GREETING - Pope Benedict XVI greets pastors from the Diocese of Rome during a meeting with them at the Vatican recently. In a meeting punctuated by applause and laughter, the pope responded to questions on a variety of topics and encouraged priests to set aside time for prayer. (eNS photo/Reuters, L'Osservatore Romano)

Spiritual exercise: Pope clears calendar for a Lenten retreat

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY - Continuing an 80-year-old papal tradition, Pope Benedict XVI is canceling regular audiences and clearing his calendar to make a weeklong Lenten retreat.

The spiritual exercises not only shut down the normal business of his pontificate, but also place the pope in the unusual position of doing all the listening and none of the talking.

Judging from his own remarks in recent years, Pope Benedict doesn't mind giving up center stage and reflecting on someone else's insights.

Chosen to preach the February 25-March 3 retreat this year was Italian Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, the retired archbishop of Bologna, who is making an unusual second appearance. In 1989, he led the Lenten retreat for Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Biffi has a reputation for outspokenness, and perhaps his history of verbal fireworks led the pope to bring him back for another round. The papal retreat is attended by the Roman Curia and involves many hours of sermons and meditations, and the ability to keep people awake is a requisite for the job.

The idea of preaching to the pope may sound intimidating, and past retreat masters have acknowledged some trepidation at the task. It may help that when they get into the pulpit,

Pope urges Catholics to rediscover prayer, fasting, works of charity ROME (CNS) - Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics to rediscover the traditional "penitential weapons" of prayer, fasting and works ofcharity in order to make Lent a time of inner renewal.

He made the comments during an Ash Wednesday Mass February 21 at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in central Rome. The liturgy began with a procession from the nearby Church of St. Anselm on the Aventine Hill.

The pope, dressed in the purple vestments of the Lenten season, said the 40 days leading up to Easter should be a time to revive the "friendship with God that was lost through sin."

$ The Anchor

The Church, he said, offers the same ascetic instruments that have proven effective through the centuries.

"Jesus indicates the useful instruments needed for authentic interior and community renewal: the works of charity or almsgiving, prayer, and penitence or fasting," the pope said.

He said these practices should be performed to please God and not to gain people's approval.

Fasting, in particular, should not be motivated by physical or aesthetic concerns, but by people's need for "inner purification and detoxification from the contamination of sin and evil," he said.

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER Of tHE DIOCESE OF FALL RlVER Vol. 51, No.9

Member: Catholic Press Association, Catholic News Service

Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 -FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchomews.org. SUbscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. send address changes to P.O. Bo)( 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email addreSS PUBUSHER • Most Reverend George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father RogerJ. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org NEWS EDITOR Deacon"James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchornews.org REPORTER Mike Gordon mikegordon@anchomews.org . OFRCE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org

Send Letters to the Editor to: futherrogerlandry@anchomews.org POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020) Periodical Postage Paid at FaIl River, Mass.

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the pope is not staring at them from the front row - he listens off to the side, in a semiprivate alcove.

Past preachers have included simple Franciscan friars and leading cardinals from around the world. In 1976, Archbishop Karol Wojtyla - the future Pope John Paul II - was chosen to lead the retreat. In 1983, it fell to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the present pope.

That has given the job a certain aura, and over the years journalists and others have looked to the registry of Lenten preachers when it comes time to draw up their "papabili" lists. So far, Pope Benedict is turning to elderly, retired prelates; last year, the preacher was 80-year-old Italian Cardinal Marco Ceo Cardinal Biffi, who is 78, will preach on the theme, "The Things Above," which refers to St. Paul's letter advising early Christians to "think of what is above, not of what is on earth."

If the cardinal wants some guidance, he could look back to Pope Benedict's own words last year about the same passage. The pope said St. Paul was not telling people to cut themselves off from their earthly responsibilities, but to orient their daily lives toward the supernatural.

Then again, Cardinal Biffi is not required to follow the pope's lead.

The retreat opens with adoration of the Blessed Sacra-

ment, an evening prayer service and an introductory talk. Each day afterward, the retreat master gives three meditations in morning and afternoon sessions, accompanied by prayer and reflection.

As the retreat goes on, the Roman Curia machinery winds down. Not everyone attends the entire program of spiritual exercises, but the top officials in each office are encouraged to do so, and the pope's Redemptoris Mater Chapel fills up quickly.

The pope disappears for a week, too. No private audiences, no liturgies, no working lunches. Even the Wednesday general audience is canceled, to the disappointment of pilgrims who chose this week to be in Rome.

But taking time out of a busy schedule is precisely the point.

Pope Pius IX first instituted the papal Lenten retreat in the 1920s, and in 1929 he issued an encyclical promoting spiritual exercises for the entire Church, saying that "the most grave disease" of the modern age is lack of spiritual reflection.

Pope Benedict no doubt agrees. As a cardinal, he once cautioned against Vatican hyperactivity and said Church leaders should recognize they "have less need of discussion and more need of prayer."

The retreat is pri','ate. But papal retreat masters publish their sermons in book form several months afterward.

MARCH

2, 2007

~ THE CHURCH IN THE

U.S. 4;

Anglican primates ask U.S. Episcopal Church to restore its' common bond WASHINGTON (CNS) -At the for Ecumenical and Interreligious Afend of a five-day February meeting in fairs and Catholic staffaidefor the U.S. Tanzania, the primates of the world Catholic-Anglican dialogue, declined Anglican Communion warned of to comment directly on the pnmates' "fracture" in the U.S. Episcopal decisions, saying it would be inapproChurch and urged it to abide by a 1998 . priate for him to speak about the AnLambeth Conference resolution that glicans' internal affairs. defines marriage as heterosexual and He and Father James Massa, direcrejects the blessing of same-sex tor of the secretariat, did note, howunions. ever, that the Catholic Church has no They asked the Episcopal Church's desire for a schism in the Anglican House of Bishops to "make an un- Communion. equivocal common covenant" that They cited a recent joint statement they will not authorize blessings of by the Catholic and Anglican co-chairsame-sex unions in their dioceses. men of the International AnglicanThey also asked the bishops to affirm Roman Catholic Commission for that any candidate for bishop ~ho is Unity and Mission in response to a living in a same-sex relationship "shall news report in The Tunes ofLondon not receive the necessary consent (for speculating on a possible Anglican ordination) unless some new consen- schism and how the Catholic Church sus on these matters emerges across might respond. the communion:' The joint statement said that "the The primates are the presiding Pontifical Council for Promoting bishops ofthe Anglican Communion's Christian Unity has consistently spo38 self-governing provinces around ken ofthe value ofthe Anglican Comthe world. munion remaining a communion, The controversy they were address- rooted in the apostolic faith." ing stems chiefly from the 2003 deciFollowing Bishop Robinson's orsion by the Episcopal Church, the U.S. dination, therest ofthe Anglican Commember ofthe Anglican Communion, munion asked the Episcopal Church to ordain Bishop Gene Robinson as to adopt a moratorium on ordaining bishop of New Hampshire even openly gay bishops, but during the though he was living in an openly gay church's 2006 General Convention, its relationship.

House of Deputies voted down a Paulist Father Ronald Roberson, moratorium proposal. associate director of the U.S. ConferThe primates, meeting in Dar es. ence of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat Salaam, Tanzania, said: ''At the heart

of our tensions is the belief that the Episcopal Church has departed from the standard of teaching on human sexuality accepted by the communion in the 1998 Lambeth Resolution 1.10 by consenting to the episcopal election of a candidate living in a committed same-sex relationship and by permitting rites of blessing for same-sex unions. The episcopal ministry of a person livmg in a same-sex relationship is not acceptable to the majority of the communion."

The Lambeth Conference, which meets every 10 years, is the highest authority in the Anglican Communion. The resolution cited by the primates says in part that "in view of the teaching ofScripture (the conference) upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union and believes that abstinence is right for those who are not called to marriage."

The primates also expressed concern about developments in the Anglican Church of Canada, where the New Westminster Diocese has begun blessing homosexual unions. .

They said that the interventions of other Anglican primates in the Episcopal and Canadian Anglican churches "have exacerbated this situation." Several U.S. parishes have left the Episcopal Church and affiliated themselves with Anglicans in Africa.

Migrants lose camp, chapel, but not opportunity to celebrate Mass

By ANN AUBREY HANSON

The neighbors may not like the CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE migrants living in the area, said Teri SAN DIEGO - Migrant camps Trujillo, who runs the migrant outhave existed in the Carmel Valley area reach for Our Lady ofMount Carmel of north San Diego County longer Church in Penasquitos. But that does than most of the area's housing, cer- not negate the fact that the growers tainly longer than the inillion-dollar need the workers, and that the workhomes that now carpet the valley east ers have needs, spiritual as well as physical. of Del Mar. Every weekend, Our Lady of Home to the men and women who work in the vegetable and flower Mount Carmel volunteers hold Mass fields, the makeshift camps are out for the workers, and classes for Enof sight and, typically, out of mind glish and Religious Education. This for the majority of residents in the past year, five or six of the regulars area. But some residents, worrying received their first Communion at the about the potential for crime, are wary parish, and others were confirmed.

Since the recent destruction ofthe of having the camps so close to their homes. camp, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Late last year, the city of San Di- has passed out blankets, tarps and ego and landowner D.R. Horton be- jackets to the'men, and a few women, gan tearing down some of the make- who have been sleeping in and shift shelters north of the city in aroun~ nearby tomato fields.

On rainy weekends, the church McGonigle Canyon on the edge of Rancho Penasquitos, demolishing opened its doors to the migrants, and some 20 structures that the laborers will continue to do so whenever the had constructed on a city-owned hill- weather is inclement.

Father Frank Fawcett, pastor at the side. Another 50 structures were re- . parish, continues to say Mass on Sunmoved in the following weeks.

But despite a dwindling number days, even though the chapel which of workers and growing community had been built by the migrants near opposition to their presence, a Catho- . the camp now no longer exists. Inlic parish that has reached out to mi- stead, the Mass is held along Black grants in the area~ for more than 20 . Mountain Road near the Rancho del Sol Nursery. years is continuin~ to do so.

After Mass, volunteers serve 'a warm lunch for the migrants that in-路 cludes beans, rice, a chicken dish, juice, water and dessert.

"We try to make it.a family meal;' since most of the men have left their families behind in their nation of origin, Trujillo told The Southern Cross, newspaper ofthe San Diego Diocese.

The men asked for Mass to continue. Some 40-60 men attend the service each week, more than attended when the Mass was held in the makeshift chapel.

She said the men miss their old chapel, which they had built in 1995 down by the creek in the valley. "It was lovely, and it was theirs;' said Trujillo. The benches were built as an Eagle Scout project by a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Today the number of workers has dwindled to 300 or fewer, mostly adult males who find daily employment in the feiv remaining fields in the area.

Asked why,'in light of opposition to having the migrants in the area, the parish continues its outreach, Trujillo responded, "Because we're Catholic Christians and that's what we're supposed to .do. We've come to know them, love thpm and care about them." f

Diocese of Fall River

OFFICIAL His Excellency, the Most Reverend George W. Coleman, Bishop of Fall River, has announced the following appointment: ' Reverend Craig A; Pregana, Temporary Parochial Administrator of Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish in Fall River.

Effective March 1, 2007 I:

National Shrine of O-ur Lady of La Salette 947 Park Street - Attleboro, MA 02703 HEALING SERVICE WITH MASS Sun. March. 4 - 2:30 p.m. Hispanic Healing Service

Fr. John Sullivan, M.S. :, HOLY HOUR Eucharistic Holy Hour and devotions to Our Lady 'Of La Salette and Divine Mercy Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. in Church

JOHN POLCE: BETHANY NIGHTS Fri., March 30 -7:30 p.m. Music - Healing - Church Good-will donation.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Monday-Friday 2:00-3:00 p.m. & 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Hispanic Reconciliation Sunday, March 4 - 1:00-2:00 p.m.

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INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP II March.8 7)5 p.m. Chapel of Reconciliation

WAY OF THE CROSS Friday Evenings at 7:00 p.m.

March 2, 9, 16,23, 30 Led by La Salette Lay Associates

MISSION APPEAL & BLESSING OF NEW CROSS March 17 & 18 Saturday, March 17 - 4:30 p.m. Mass Sunday,' March 18 - 12: 10 p.m. Mass Sunday, March 18 after 12:10 Mass Bishop Pelletier Will bless the new Shrine Church cross I,

Most 'ev. Donald Pelletier, M.S. Bishop .of Morondava, Madagascar

PAX CHRISTI MEETINGS 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 & 20

PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP March 12 at 7:15 p.m. Reconciliation Chapel

LIVING PRAYER IN SERVICE TO OTHERS SERIES Friday, March 2, 9, 16,23 & 3() 7:30 p.m.1n the Chapel of Reconciliation Fr. John Sulliv.an, M.S. and Anna Rae-Kelly

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their homes lived in

By TERESA LANTIGUA

PETERSON CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

the Baghdad area.

Number of displaced families in these governorates in 200t;'

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FBI to testify at Kenyan inquest into U.S. priest's 2000 death NAIROBI, Kenya ~ Three FBI representatives are expected to testify in early March at an inquest into the death of Mill Hill Father John Kaiser, a U.S. missionary who died in Kenya in August 2000.

Mbuthi Gathenji, a lawyer representing the Catholic Church and Father Kaiser's family, said that the officials were expected to begin their testimonyearly March 5. He named the three as Tom Neer, a specialist in behavioral analysis; Dr. Vrncent Di Maio, a forensics specialist; and Bill Corbett, who has worked in counterterrorism.

Father Kaiser, who often spoke out against abuses under the government of former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi, was founa dead, with bullet wounds to his head, along a highway southwest of Nairobi.

The first police officers on the scene thought he had been murdered, but'in 2001 the FBI ruled his death a suicide, and the Kenyan government agreed.

The Kenyan bishops' conference almost immediately dismissed the FBI results and questioned why it considered the information of only the government pathologist, not the three additional doctors it had sent to the scene to collect evidence. They said that, based on ballistics reports, suicide was. a physical impossibility.

The bishops said that ifFather Kaiser committed suicide he "involved himself in mther difficult contortions while in the process."

They said that, although a doctor's report said Father Kaiser had bloody

2, 2007

Bishop says trip to Cuba sparked optimism about future of Church

Nearly 70 percent oj~J/-"- ·-thosewho hav€lfed

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MARCH

finger marks inside his pants pockets, the FBI failed to explain how he got his hands into the pockets after allegedly blowing off his head. They also said no reasons were given as to why photographs taken from the crime scene were blurred,-and no explanation was given as to why fingerprints were found on the priest's vehicle but not on the gun.

After 24 years in office, Moi lost the presidential election in late' 2002, and seve~ months later the l(enyan government ordered the inquest.

Father Kaiser, a 67-year-old priest and native of Perham, Minn:, had worked in Kenya for 36 years. His advocacy for human rights led to his expulsion from the country in 1999, but the government revoked its decision after an outcry in the Kenyan media and appeals from the country's bishops. .

Father Kaiser had drawn the ire of some members of Moi's government after testifying against two Cabinet ministers in an inquiry on tribal clashes. Newspaper reports from Nairobi said documents linking the Cabinet ministers to the clashes were found with Father Kaiser.

In a book, "If I Die," about his missionary work, Father Kaiser wrote: ''I want all to know that if I disappear from the scene, because the bush is vast and hyenas many, that I am not planning any accident, nor, God forbid, any selfdestruction. Instead, I trust in a good guardian angel and in the action of grace."

ing in the February 16 Florida Catholic, Orlando's diocesan ORLANDO, Fla. - The head newspaper, the bishop said that of the U;S. bishops' Committee on "in spite of almost a half-century International Policy said that a of Marxist rule Cuba still' has a February trip to Cuba made him 'Christian sou1.'" optimistic about the future of the Currently, there is a lot of unChurch in the communist-ruled certainty about the future in Cuba nation. "and sometimes that uncer"The good news is that tainty evokes fear, but in the the Church in Cuba is alive.

"People are nervous and worried midst of that fear and uncerMany people, who are reright now in Cuba. Th'e Church tainty the Church is present cent converts in the past 10 needs to be a messenger of hope - to preach reconciliation," to 15 years, have found in he said. and peace," said Bishop Wenski. . Spurred by the 1998 visit the Church answers to their "The Church will continue to work in deepest aspirations and of Pope John Paul II, the Cuhopes," said Bishop Thomas the reality .that is Cuba. Whatever ban Church has sought to the transition, the Church will con- improve its social and evanG. Wenski of Orlando.

"In spite of the difficul- tinue to have a presence and do its gelical outreach to Cubans, ties, they are trying to prac- work, " he said. he said. tice that faith coherently in At the 'same ti I1'!e , the _ Church is facing major Cuba. That's a sign of great hope for the future," the bishop suggested the work of the Church problems as it tries to upgrade its said. will continue regardless of the po- role in Cuban society, the bishop Bishop Wenski was in Cuba litical or economic situation. said.

February 1-4 to attend an annual "With just a few more than 300 "The Church will continue to meeting of Caritas Cuba, the Cu- work in the reality that is Cuba. priests (with only about half beban bishops' version of Catholic Whatever the transition, the ing native Cuban) in a country of Charities. The group is involved Church will continue to have a 12 million people, the pastoral in humanitarian work, such as presence and do its work," he challenges of tending to this providing food for the elderly and said. growing flock are not insignifihelping children with Down synThere are promising signs for cant," he said. drome.

"And while the government has , Cuba, Bishop Wenski said. The The bishop spoke about his Church is hoping to begin con- toned down its anti-religious trip at a news conference in Or- . struction on a new seminary out- rhetoric, there is still a long road lando. Many questions centered side Havana. Also, in the past before the Church enjoys the full on the health of Cuban President month, two new bishops have freedom of action and the space Fidel Castro, who has held power been ordained in Cuba, replacing she needs to serenely carry out her since his 1959 revolution, and bishops who have retired, he said. mission of evangelization," said what the future holds for the emIn a column on Cuba appear- - Bishop Wenski. battled country.

"People are nervous and worried right now in Cuba. The Church needs to be a messenger of hope and peace," said Bishop Wenski.

Asked if Caritas has a plan for a post-Castro Cuba, the bishop

Pope to canonize Brazilian in May, four others in June

By CINDY WOODEN . CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI will canonize a Brazilian Franciscan during his May trip to Brazil ,and will declare four other new saints in June.

During a prayer service in the Apostolic Palace February 23, the pope set May 11 as the date for the canonization of Blessed Antonio Galvao, an 18th-century Franciscan and founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence.

The pope will be in Brazil May 9-13 to participate in the Latin American bishops' fifth general assembly; the papal schedule published by the Brazilian bishops in early February said the pope would celebrate a morning Mass May 11 at the Campo de Marte airfield in Sao Paolo.

Pope Benedict also announced the June 3 canonization at the Vatican of a Polish Franciscan, a Dutch Passionist, a French nun and a Maltese priest.

Father George Preca, founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine, will be the first native of Malta to be canonized.

Pope John Paul II beatified the Maltese priest in 2001 and in 2002 published a new set of mysteries for the rosary, the mysteries of light, focusing on events in the public life of Jesus. In

1957, Blessed Preca had drawn up a similar set of mysteries, also called the mysteries of light, and urged members of his community to meditate on them.

Born in 1880, Blessed Preca was ordained to the priesthood in 1906 and three months later gathered together the young people who would become the first members of the Society of Christian Doctrine, a group of celibate laypeople devoted to prayer, studying Church teaching and instructing the young. .

The three others who will be canonized with Blessed Preca are: - Blessed Simon ofLipnica, Poland, a Franciscan who lived in the 1400s and was famous for his preaching.He died in 1482 of the plague, which he contracted by caring for victims of the disease during an outbreak in Krakow; - Blessed Charles Houben, a 19th-century Dutch Passionist priest, known particularly for his ministry as a confessor and for insisting in his preaching that God's love could not be understood unless people understood the passion and death of Jesus; - Sister Anne-Eugenie Milleret de Brou, also known as Sister Marie Eugenie of Jesus. In 1839, when she was just 22 years old, the Frenchwoman founded the Religious of the Assumption.

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2, 2007

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Polish nuns expelled, laicized for refusing tb accept· new superior OXFORD, England (CNS) -A ciloftheBethanySisterssaidconcern group ofPolish nuns has been expelled had arisen over "personal and organifrom their order and laicized after re- zational decisions" by the order's fusing to accept a new sU~rior. former superior general, Sister Archbishop Jozef Z~cinski of Jadwiga Ligocka, who had recruited Lublin published the Vati~an decree novices with inappropriate "character expelling the members of'the Sisters and personality traits" and caused of the Family of Bethany,a Polish or- • "deep unease" by claiming "private der, for "open violation of monastic visions" in conflict with Catholic vows." teaching.

The president of Poland's ConferIt added that a group of nuns had ence ofFemale Superiors fuld Catho- asked the Vatican for help in Septemlic News Service Februaryb she had ber 2004 after unsuccessfully seeking requested an explanation for the un- an "understanding" with Sister precedented action and was satisfied Jadwiga. correct procedures had been followed.

Anew superior general, SisterBar"'The Church gave theJP a chance bara Robak, was appointed during an to defend their stance ana has now apostolic Visitation by the Vatican's made its decision," said" Ursuline Congregation for Institutes of ConseMother Jolanta Olech, whbse confer- crated Life and Societies ofApostolic ence represents 93 female religious Life in January 2005, the statement· orders in Poland. said. ''The drama lies in the fact that It said Sister Jadwiga did not acthey've refused to accept P1urch di- cept the Vatican decision and said Sisrectives and thus found themselves ter Barbara tried to talk to her several I excluded. It's hard to see hqw this con- times. The expelled nuns, whose conflict will end, but it seems there can be vent was in Kazirnierz, staged a sit-in no good solution," she said. at their convent to protest Sister A statementfrom the general coun- Jadwiga's removal. :1

PRAYING FOR UNITY - Father Peter Kim Si-young celebrates a recent Mass for Korean reunification at Mount Kumgang, North Korea. Catholic farmers in South Korea recently visited North Korea and discussed the possibility of a cooperative farming project. (CNS photo/UCAN)

Coalition sets platform for suspended Paraguayan bishop's presidential run BUENOS AIRES, Argentina More than a year before Paraguay's presidential election, a coalition headed by a suspended Catholic bishop has presented a platformit says will transform the country socially, politically and economically.

El Movimiento Paraguay Posible (Movement for the Paraguay That Is Possible), led by retired Bishop Fernando Lugo Mendez, took the unprecedented step of presenting its 93page platform for the April 2008 vote February 20. Bishop Lugo is already topping opinion polls, with double the support of Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, according to a survey published by the Ultima Bora newspaper.

"It has caused a sensation," said Pompeyo Lugo, the bishop's elder brother and president of the movement, which says it goes beyond being an electoral alliance and brings together all sectors of Paraguayan society. ''Nobody in Paraguay reads anything - our program has 93 pagesbut the press wants it and is studying it," the elder Lugo told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview.

The decision by Bishop Lugo, 55, to run for president riled the Vatican, which told him in January it was rejecting his request for laicization after 30 years as a bishop and priest. It also suspended him from exercising his priestly ministry.

Bishop Lugo retired in 2005 for unspecified reasons but retains close ties to his former order, the Society of the Divine Word.

The bishop's bid to end the Colorado Party's six decades in power has touched a chord with the people, and

Pompeyo Lugo said he counts as much as 80 percent support in opinion polls "without having spent $1 on campaigning."

But he adcted that the coalition had received "serious information" from intelligence sources that unspecified organized crime groups were threatening both brothers - "Bishop Lugo, because of his charisma, and me for being his brother." ''They are threatening to put a bullet or a bomb in us," said Pompeyo Lugo.

Undeterred, Bishop Lugo often travels alone while campaigning, and neither brother· has any security personnel.

"We're not afraid of anyone," said Pompeyo Lugo.

According to the movement, half of Paraguay's 6.5 million people live in poverty and 20 percent are mired in extreme poverty. It has vowed to tackle this with social programs ranging from education to nutrition, credits for the agricultural sector, a drive against the corruption and impunity that have made the small country one of the world's most graft-ridden places, and caps on salaries for public officials.

The movement's platform also calls for enforcing frontier controls in the notorious ''triple border" area with Brazil and ArgentiTIa that is South America's contraband capital and a suspected hide-out and funding source for Islamic fundamentalist groups. As part of its economic program, the movement wants a free-trade pact with the United States.

Pompeyo Lugo said the coalition presented its platform early to give Paraguayans a chance to respond.

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Not worth the. gamble When the federal Department of the Interior on February 15 declared the 1,461 members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe worthy of federal recognition as a sovereign Indian nation, it reignited a debate about casino gambling in the south coast area On the day they received the news, the tribe's spokesman openly stated the Wampanoags' desire to buy land in southeastem Massachusetts encompassing their ancestral territory and, with the financial backing of a Detroit developer, construct a casino to rival Connecticut's Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. To achieve that objective, three things must happen. First, the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts would need to legalize class ill or "casino style" gaming. Second, the new nation and the Commonwealth would need to negotiate a "gaming compact" regulating, among other things, what percentage of which type ofprofits would go to the state in lieu ofpaying taxes; this compact would need to be approved by the Secretary of the Interior. Finally, the nation would have to adopt a tribal gaming ordinance and get it approved by the chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Momentum in favor of casino has already has started building. Many influential state lawmakers, attracted by the allure of extra money for state programs, have come out in favor of approving casino gambling. The city council ofNew Bedford, hoping t~bringjobs and economic development to the Whaling City, extended an invitation to the tribe to discuss the possibility of a casino in the Whaling City. A January poll by UMass-Dartmouth's Center for Policy Analysis showed that 57 percent of Bay State residents, as well as the same . percentage of residents in the south coast, support opening a casino.

But just as Rhode Island citizens last November, after a vigorous debate, rejected by ij. 63-37 percent margin an amendment that would have given the Narragansett Tribe permission to build a casino in West Warwick, so Massachusetts residents should begin their own thorough study ofthe issue and thwart the attempts of the Wampanoag tribe and members of the Legislature to bring路 casino gambling to the Commonwealth.

There are many reasons why a casino in our area is not worth the gamble.

First there would be a huge social cost resulting from an increase in gambling addictions. The CFPA estimates that the social costs flowing from gambling addiction in our state already cost $170 million annually and other studies have demonstrated that those social costs are much higher within 50 miles of a casino. If a casino were built in the south coast, almost every part of our diocese would be within that 50- mile radius, and we would all be faced with that social bill in elevated rates of depression, ,alcoholism, theft, broken marriages and families, lost jobs and increased unemployment, defaults on loans and credit card bills, foreclosures, and bankruptcies. It's easy for casinos' high paid media consultants to paint a rosy picture on potential job creation and revenues, but part of that real picture must include hungry families whose food and rent money will be lost at the casino, children whose mom and dad have either become depressed or begun to fight as a result of gambling-related financial stress, or who commit suicide because they don't know how to cope with crushing and mounting debts.

It is true that pathological or problem gamblers are only four percent of the population. The other 96 percent who frequent casinos are able to,gamble responsibly. Gambling is a legitimate recreational activity and becomes immoral only when, as the "Catechism" says, it deprives one of what is necessary to provide for his needs or the needs of others '(2413). Even for these people for whom ''use'' never becomes "abuse," however, there are other issues to Consider.

Studies are unanimous in showing that the lower one's socio-economic status, the more likely one is to gamble. That means that if the Commonwealth were to authorize class ill gaming and negotiate a "gaming compact" with the Wampanoag nation identical to Connecticut's deal with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, where the state gets 25 percent ofslot machine revenues, the effect would be a regressive tax on the poor, who would be the source of most of the money the Commonwealth would collect - after, of course, the casino took its 75 percent off the top. Not only are casinos inefficient ways of raising money for programs - what a state gains through gaming compacts is often lost through forfeited sales and property taxes from companies the casinos drive qut ofbusi-. ness - but the poor end up losing the most. Many of those with low-incomes look at gambling not just as a recreation, but as an investment they hope will pay dividends toward a better life. But it's a bad investment and, by allowing high stakes gambling, a state becomes a bad investment advisor to one of its most vulnerable populations. The ripple effects of making the poor poorer will obviously affect the rest of the economy.

There are also other social costs to casinos. Many local small businesses restaurants, retail stores, hotels, entertainment venues, and others - are driven out of business, no longer able to compete. The strain on local communities because of increased traffic can become unbearable even with the best improvements in infrastructure. There's a general rise in qime in the areas around casinos, as addicts seek ways either.to recover money they lost or find money to gamble again, and as other people attracted to the crowds, like prostitutes and drug dealers, move in. With the huge sums of money involved, the possibility of political corruption also grows.

With a casino, the house always wins. Those who gamble recreationally know this and wisely go to a casino with a limit they're prepared to lose. It's only the addict who goes to the casino either convinced of winning or without a firm limit of what he or she is prepared to lose. Atthe end of most days, the gambler will lose. What goes for individuals goes also for communities. If our Commonwealth gambles with casino gaming, we will lose more than we gain.

If we think otherwise, we haven't learned the wisdom of the average recreational gambler. The house always wins.

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2, 2007

the living word

YOUNG ADULTS PRAY WITH MORE THAN -3,000 CATHOLICS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY GATHERED IN DETROIT AT THE COBO CENTER RECENTLY TO CELEBRATE THE

40TH ANNIVERSARY OF

THE CHARISMATIC RENEWAL. (CNS PHOTO/GREGG McINToSH, THE MICHIGAN CATHOliC)

"So I WILL BLESS YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE; I WILL LIFT UP MY HANDS IN YOUR NAME" (PSALM

63:4).

Not more, but better During this first week of Lent, obeying the commandment we hear in the Gospel readings against the external act of killing, for Mass passages from our our Lord challenges us to tame the internal passion of anger, Lord's Sermon on the Mount, which offer us yet another which often leads to acts of invitation to put into the deep. violence (Mt 5:21-22). In addition The whole season of Lent, in to loving our neighbor, our Lord fact, is a time for us to go deeper tells us to love even our enemies, in our faith, to "take it up a so that we can be more like God, notch," as some would say. It's a who "makes his sun to rise on the time to focus more intensely on bad and the good, and causes rain following Christ, and on c1}anging to fallon the just and the unjust" our lives in whatever way might be necessary, to \(;~ imitate Christ more closely. )h~, O~ep Each Lent, I recall the /,/ words of a former spiritual director from my days in the seminary. He A. Pignato' would remind us that, for many, Lent is certainly a (Mt 5:43-45). time for doing more - more prayer, more fasting and more In his famous sermon, Jesus almsgiving. But for some, Lent is challenges us to avoid impure not a time for doing more, but thoughts, as well as impure acts rather a time for doing better. For (Mt 5:27-28), to give more than is asked of us (Mt 5:40-41), and to those who may already have a disciplined spiritual life, Lent perform our acts of charity offers the challenge of praying anonymously, whenever possible, better, perhaps with better so that the left hand does not concentration, intention and know what the right hand is doing devotion, of perfecting our acts of (Mt 6:2-4). self-denial, with less reluctance The lesson ~ere is to practice and more sincere joy, and of our faith by doing more than the purifying the motives for our acts bare minimum, or, rather, by of charity, so that we learn to give having better than a minimalist while truly expecting nothing in . ' approach to the faith. It's a matter return. of aiming for holiness, rather than In the Sermon on the Mount, being satisfied with simply refraining from grave sin. The our Lord issues the same challenge to go deeper, and to do challenge is nothing less than striving for the perfection of better in our efforts to be holy.

For example, in addition to living entirely for others. As our

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Lord said, "So, be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Mt 5:48).

Sometimes., in the process of conversion, the soul tells itself, "I have reformed my actions, but I am entitled to my speech and my thoughts." Often, we can hesitate to give Christ jurisdiction over our innermost self, convincing ourselves that fidelity to him requires only conformity of external behavior.

Perhaps we are afraid to give God complete possession of our lives, because we fear that there will be nothing left for ourselves.

But as the Sermon on the Mount tells us, God wants to purify our entire being, our actions, our speech and our thoughts, not so that he can take our lives away from us, but so that we can discover the true happiness that comes from imitating him. God wants us to put into the deep of following him, by striving for the perfection of holiness, so that we can live and experience the real joy that a holy life can bring.

This Lent, as we resolve to deepen our faith and our love for Christ by acts of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, it might help to remember that following the master sometimes requires doing, not more, 'Jut better.

Father Pignato is chaplain at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth and is secretary to Bishop George w: Coleman.

MARCH

7

2, 2007

Go look it up!

Whenever we had a question about something we were learning in school, my dad had this annoying response - go look it up!

When we were young, he pur- . chased a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica, and said he did it so that we would have somewhere to go to find the answer to whatever questions we were asking. This was annoying to us because it Was just so much easier to get the answer right there and then. The whole point of asking, though we never admitted this, was to avoid the work of finding the answer ourselves.

Of course, parents get smarter as '-

more discerning about sources, their kids grow up. I see the wisdom in my dad's advice. I'm no . when we use Google, consult WIkipedia, or hunt through the longer annoyed, though in giving blogs. A year or so ago, someone the same advice to my daughter, I sent me a news story indicating that admit that I've become annoying.

Pope Benedict had snuck into this country and took his first ride on a roller coaster in New Jersey. I . looked up the source and verified my suspicion - it was from the Onion, an online journal of satire.

The beauty of the internet, however, is that all kinds of official documents are now Today, getting answers is'less laborious in the world of the world- available through computers and wide-web. The tradeoff is that we cell phones with online access.

Organizations ranging from the have to be more careful, more alert about inaccuracies and falsehoods, United Nations to the neighborhood

A monster story

All right young Red Sox fans under the age of 16, gather 'round as I spin a yam that may seem too incredible to be true. But this isn't fiction, although it seems like ancient history now.

After three years of entering the lottery for the chance to purchase the elusive, coveted Green Monster tickets at Fenway Park, I finally received the email I was waiting for. "Dear Dave, Congratulations, you've been selected for the opportunity to purchase Green Monster tickets for a Red Sox home game."

Yooohoooo! Then dropped the bomb. Tickets are $140 a pop and standing room is $30. Ooooohhh.

I decided since I was chosen, I may as well at least go see what's going on. That way I could turn down the tickets instead of being shut out. At noon last Saturday the not-so-free-for-all began. I signed on and was promptly swept into a "virtual waiting room," to await my chance to

from the 1968 season. Look at the price!! One is $2.50 for a grandstand seat, and the other is $1 for a bleacher seat. Today you'll pay $27 and $23 respectively. No kidding fans, a family of four could attend a game for $10. And that was to see the defl(nding American League champs.

And, also incredibly, there was a time when the Sox were down right lousy. But Bosox fans didn't care. We loved them anyway, and we longer. After nearly three hours, I could afford to.

Alas, young 'ens, those days stepped away from the computer, are gone forever - the cheap still able to buy groceries for the seats, not the lousy Red Sox. week.

I didn't even get the satisfacStart planning your future today.

It would be wise to start a special tion of snubbing the Sox. Had I . not stepped outside the virtual savings account now to take your waiting room, I'd probably still be yet unborn children to a game at . Fenway down the road. And on there today.

But wait young fans, that's not the ride up to Boston, you can the incredible part of the story. fascinate them with a tale of Below, you will find a picture when you only paid $140 for a of two ticket stubs I've saved ticket. since I was a lad. They're both davejolivet@anchomews.org remortgage the house. Once in the waiting room, candidates were selected "randomly." Each hour on the hour, a list popped up showing what games were sold out or only had individual seats left. The list grew longer and

. .

I plZzena, as well as Encyc?opedia Britannica, publish as a nlatter of . own maten·alSil rangmg • course therr I from annual reports to carrYout . own U1 I. menus on therr vvebSItes, . . , Ll1 making therr orgarnzatlOn~y approved content widely Available.

Not long ago, I got intcl an . WI'th someone I extendeddiscusslOn about why the Catholic durch does not allow women to be pribsts. Go look it up! And I did. A quick II Google search brought up II"Inter Insigniores: Declaration ort the . f I Quesbon 0 Admission of~ofi?en to the Ministerial PriesthOO<1J' issued by the Sacred Congregatidb for the Doc~e of the Faith in 19j76. Sad to say, m all of my years of qatholic education, I had never readI the document or the excellent follow-up I commentary by the same office. " It struck me upon reading these documents just how impohant sexual difference, and the ]!anthropological reality of being human I through two means, male and female, are to the Churchik sacramental understandin~ of the priesthood. As this columb has . dicated'm the past, the same II m regard for sexual differende and the male and female identitie~ plays a central role in the Church's .11 . understandinf g 0 marrIage and · III sexual attraction.

One of the elements o~!the teaching in "Inter Insignidres" is . that holy orders, being a s~crament, must contain within it a sikn that is "perceptible and which the faithful . must be able to recognize Fith ease:' The Church understands the . . fth' mmIstry 0 e pnest to ~I the unique sign of Jesus, trulYllpresent.

That is, "the bishop.or thelpriest, in the exercise of his ministrY, does not act in his own name; he represents Christ, who act~ through II ective as supernatiIhim •"'r.J.O be effi' ral signs, the sacraments tIlust .

I' "represent what they signify by natural resemblance:' JesJs ''was and remains a man." Thus! the presence of Jesus in the priesthood is obscured in a fundamenW

respect if the priest is not also a man.

There is much more to the argument for a male-only priesthood, of course. The example itself that Jesus gave, in calling only men to the sacramental priesthood, has exerted probably the greatest bearing on Catholic teaching in this area. And the text of "Inter Insigniores" explains carefully that it is not any supposed attribute of superiority that recommends men for the priesthood. Yet, the teaching's reference to the male identity of Jesus, as something more than an incidental biological fact, gives credence to, as the Sacred Congregation put it, the belief that "in human beings the difference of sex exercises an important influence, much deeper than, for example, ethnic differences."

Whether or not one agrees with Church teaching on women priests is not the point of my bringing it up. I agree with the Church's position on this matter, but until only very recently I had not taken the time to actiIally go look up the seminal docliment and stiIdy it.

Unfortunately, I'm not alone in my tardiness. All too many of us have missed out on the opportunity to "go look it up" when it comes to grappling with some element of our faith. Those who attack what the Church teaches should know just what it is that they are opposing.

Those who promote what the Church believes should be at least as familiar with the official documents as any well-prepared opponent will be.

So, let me be annoyingly insistent - go look it up! Your faith and intellect will be nurtured, challenged, and improved. With the ready accessibility of official Church documents online, there's no more excuse not to.

DanielAvila is the Associole Directorfor Policy & Research of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference.

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--------_/ FENWAY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT - Last week's liMy View From the Stands" illustration seems credibl~ compared to these Red Sox ticket prices from 1968. Compared to today's cost for one Green' Monster seat, the author could have had season tickets as a lad.

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MARCH

2, 2007

Tu"rning to God With the dramatic and solemn visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey, the watching world beheld a most holy habit, n~mely, that our Muslim friends turn toward Mecca in prayer. Our relatives in faith, the Jewish people, turn toward Jerusalem. Though fundamentally important places like the Holy Land and Rome claim our love, fidelity and generosity, Christians "turn" to no place, just everywhere.

Turning to God regularly is the way the late, beloved Henri Nouwen best described the process of conversion. We turn to God wherever God dwells, for God dwells among us, everywhere.

One of my favorite times

of the liturgical year usually , precedes 'this sacred time of ' ongoing conversion we,call Lent. It's the time, in the life of a parish family, when sec;ond-graders tum to God for sacramental forgiveness. For the .first time, We call it in simple, if hopeful . terms, First Penance.

What we're hopeful for, of course, is a second, a third and a lif~-long encounter with the merciful Lord.

Recently, a priest-friend shared another colleague's worry that her child just may not have "s~rious matter" for a first confess~on. I thought I'd test the waters dUring one' of three celebrations here in

my own parish in Centerville.

Durjng a "shared homily" ' , with the children, intended to assist in an examination of con,science, I simply asked,

"Wl)at kinds 'of things are we sorry for?" '\' , .

Their responses, delivered. . in less .than a couple of I minutes included, pUShiJ;lg, not obeying, making (un of another, lying, yellingi not liste'ning, stealing and Icalling' . .

names. Hardly what we used to call, parvitas materiae. In fact, the great news is that each yt'<ar we can let secondgraders lead us to turn, unafraid, to the Lord who is rich in mercy.

Like Peter, John and James, privileged witnesses of the transfigured Lord, our hope for transformation lies in God alone.

The Eucharistic Prayer for the Mass of Reconciliation con~ains these suasive words, You never cease to call us to , a moreahundant life.

God of love ' and mercy, you are always ready to forgive; we are , sinners, and

you invite us to trust in your mercy.

Time and time again we broke your covenant, but you did not abandon us. Ins'tead, through your Son, Jesus Our Lord, you bound yourself even more closely to the human family by a bond that can never be broken.

Now is the time for your people to turn back to you and to be renew(!d in Christ your Son, a time of grace and reconciliation.

So, as God says, let us turn and listen to him.

Father Hession is pastor of Our Lady ofVictory Parish in Centerville.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, March 3, Dt 26:16-19; Ps iI9:1-2,4-5,7-8; Mt 5:4348. Sun,M3rch 4, Second 'Sunday ofLent, Gn 15:5-12,17-18; Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14; PhiI3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1; Lk 9:28b-36. Mon, March 5, On 9:4b-l0; Ps 79:8-9,11,13; Lk6:36-38.1\Ies, March 6, Is 1:10,16-20; Ps 50:8-9,16bc-17,21,23; Mt 23:1-12. Wed, March 7,Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6,14-16; Mt 20:1728. Thurs, March 8, Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 16:19-31. Fri, March 9, Gn 37:3-,4,12-13a,I7b-28; Ps 105:16-21; Mt 21:3343,4546.

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About nine months ago, a reporter from ,the Italian Catholic newspaper Avvenire called and 'asked whether the rash of "atheist books" being published .in the U.S. suggested a new trend in American culture. I replied . that I didn't think so. Publishing 'was a bit like hemlines and tie ' widths, I suggested: there are 'fashions, and the fashions are often defined (and slavishly followed) by bears of little brain, of which the publishing industry is, alas; replete. An observiltion, I note, that was made long before the latest O.J. fiasco!

In any event, I wish I'd given a more thoughtful answer. For, on further reflection, Richard Dawkins's "The God Delusion," Daniel Dennett's "Breaking the Spell," and Sam Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation" do embody an interesting trend: not about American culture as a whole, but about its atheist miniminority. Reading these books,

one gets the distinct impression that contemporary atheism is getting angrier and dumber, even as it becomes more profitable for publishers and authors alike.

One root of the new atheist campaign is, of course, political: Bush Derangement SYJ;ldrome has persuaded at ieast some atheists that the cowboy-evangelical apocalypse is just around the comer. The usual snobberies are also involved: the new atheism reflects the disdain of the academic guilds and chattering classes for those they imagine to be their social inferiors. In the 19th century, it was thought that an atheist couldn't be a gentleman; today, the atheists argue that religious conviction is for slobs and morons.

But as Sam Schulman recently pointed out in a perceptive Wall Street Journal essay, what's

really striking about the new atheism is its tone. In a word, it's angry; or, as Schulman writes,

"Belief, in their eyes, is not just misguided but contemptible ...

Today's atheists are particularly disgusted by the religious training of young people which Dr. Dawkins calls 'a form of child abuse.'" This is, in part, the aforementioned snobbery; as Schulman nicely puts it, the new atheists imagine that "believing in God is a form of stupidity, which sets off their own intelligence." But the anger is such that it warps whatever cleverness might be at work in the likes of Dawkins, Dennett, and Harris.

'The agnostic H.L. Mencken, a vociferous critic of what he regarded as the absurdities of popular religiosity dl,Jring the Roaring 1\venties, was one of , the few commentators who could do brilliant social satire while writing "at the top of his voice," as one biographer put it. The angers of Dawkins, Dennett, and Harris render their writing merely shrill.

And dumb. Read the atheist trinity, and you'll be amazed at their self-regard - which is based, in part, on a Captain Reynaud-like wonder ("I'm shocked, shocked...") at discovering the obvious: that the Bible is neither geology text nor critical biography; that, over the centuries, Christian hagiographers have embellished the stories they tell about saintly people; that some uncritically examined beliefs are, in fact, superstitious.

PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE' FIRST SATURDAYS, AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: ''In reparation for the offenses committed , against the, Immaculate Heart of Mary."

Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the tirst Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the tirst Saturday.

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Oh, really? ' Moreover, as Schulman writes, ','The faith that the new atheists describe is a simpleminded parody. It is impossible to see within it what might have preoccupied great artists and thinkers like Homer, Milton, Michelangelo, Newton, and Spinoza - let alone Aquinas, Dr. Johnson, Kierkegaard, Goya, Cardinal Newman, Reinhold Niebuhr or, for that matter, Albert Einstein. But to pass over this deeper faith the kind that engaged the great minds of Western history - is to diminish the loss of faith, too. The new atheists are separated from the old by their shallowness ."

Which is to say, again, they're dumber as well as angrier.

Indeed, were I back teaching and a graduate student handed me an ill-informed screed like Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation," I'd gently inform the aspiring scholar that there were two options available: an "F," or a return to the drawing board for some serious thought - the kind of thought that begins with empathetic curiosity and an open mind, not with contempt and intellectual rigidity.

Contemporary believers deserve a better class of critics than this. As Sam Schulman laments, where are Matthew Arnold and George Eliot when you need them?

George Weigel is a senior fellow ofthe Ethks and Publk Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

MARCH

~ The Anchor ,

2, 2007

The hundred-pound chicken Tuesday 27 February 2007 Homeport -Inconvenience Yourself Day - a day to inconvenience yourself while making the lives ofothers better. Web: www.inconvenienceyourself.com MyoId seminary professor advised me to begin working on my Sunday sermon six days ahead of time. My Protestant clergy buddies say this is normal. I've never been able to do it. I always feel guilty for not giving my homily the time it deserves. On a Saturday morning, when push comes to shove (as it has every single weekend for 35 years), I hide in my office, say a

prayer, and hope for the best. This week was no different. Then I got The Call.

Oh, it wasn't a call from God. It was from a truck driver with a

southern accent. I could hardly understand him. He said he had a problem. He had contacted the Freetown police. The police had referred him to me. Oh, great.

"How may I help you?" Could I use a hundred-pound chicken?

"That, sir, is no chicken. That's an ostrich!" Turns out he actually said a hundred pounds of chicken - 12 chickens totaling a hundred pounds. Seems the man had only these frozen chickens left in his truck. He was shutting down the refrigeration and heading back to Georgia.

So I picked up the hundred pounds of chicken in my truck and delivered it to Sac;red Heart Soup Kitchen in Fall River. I notified Chef Don Duarte of the miraculous appearance of "chicken from heaven." Maybe he could make

Father, mother, sister, brother As 21st-century American parents, we put a great deal of focus on preparing our children for the future, be it through visually stimulating baby toys, memory-enhancing music lessons, or intelligence boosting tutoring. Before any of these earthly things can be of aid to our children, however, we must first prepare the soil of their souls to kno~ that God has a vision, a use for their abilities that far transcends resume building. As Catholic parents it is our distinct privilege not only to prepare the soil, but also to plant and nurture the seeds of God's vision for their lives and to help them make his vision their own. The phrase commonly used for internalizing this vision is "discerning one's vocation."

The Diocese of Fall River is currently in the midst of an exciting campaign tied to the idea of discerning vocations titled, "Go Out and Fish."

Because the Second Vatican Council has called the family "a first seminary," I'd like to spend a few columns discussing ways that we parents can nurture .the vocational lives of both our girls and our boys at home.

When my husband and I began the soil tilling or the discernment process with our children, the first challenge we faced was one of language.

What, exactly, was meant by the term "vocation?" Originating from the Latin verb, "vocare, " meaning "to call," when the Catholic Church refers to a "vocation" it is referring to the voice of God calling each of us to a specific state of life as adults. The

confusing part of the term, "vocation," is that it is sometimes misused to isolate only those individuals who have chosen the consecrated life of a priest, or of a religious sister or brother. It is important to understand that every Catholic person has a vocation. Each of us is called by God to playa

specific part in his kingdom here on earth where "there is diversity of ministry but unity of mission" (CCC 873).

Painting with the broadest brush possible, there are three vocational states of life: remaining single and celibate, entering consecrated religious life, or getting married. Around the warmth of our hearth, we need to share with our children that God's vision for their life could include any of the three states, and that it is their adventure to go out and look and listen for God's vocation for them through a process called discernment.

Sister Kathleen Rooney, SSJ, writes in her book, "Sisters, An Inside Look;' "I consider discernment to be 'thinking with God.''' Discernment is more than just deciding. It encompasses praying, weighing options with those who know us well, visiting with those who are living in specific vocational states, inventorying our natural abilities, and waiting in expectant silence for the

guiding voice of the Holy Spirit.

Because we want to be the best parents possible, it is easy for us to get swept into the cultural expectations of what our children must have and do to be successful grownups. We may even be tempted to slide the spiritual preparation God asks us to give them to the bottom of the "todo" list because God is not feeding us the multi-media blitz that our culture is. Matthew 6:31-33 is the scriptural promise for us to pray as we reprioritize and put first things first when it comes to nurturing vocations at home. Inserting our child's name (Suzy, for example) in the Scripture passage helps to make this a powerfully personal prayer. "Therefore do not worry, saying, "What will we (Suzy) eat?" or "What will we (Suzy) drink?" or "What will we (Suzy) wear?" For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your (Suzy's) heavenly Father knows that you (Suzy) need(s) all these things. But [tell Suzy to] strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you (Suzy) as well." The best book I've come across about the process of discerning a vocation is titled, "What Does God Want?;' by Father Michael Scanlan, T.O.R. I highly recommend this short, absorbing book, which will benefit parents and kids alike.

Heidi is an author, photographer, andfull-time mother.

She and her husband raise their five children in Falmouth. homegrownfaith@yahoo.com.

9 chicken divine for his soup kitchen guests. Don was most appreciative. His last meal fed 210 cold and hungry people.

Thanks to the quick-thinking of the Freetown Police Department, the connection was made between a flock of frozen chickens and a bunch of hungry people.

Back at desk. Must write sermon. In comes an email. A young woman has been diagnosed with an aneurism. Emergency surgery is scheduled. Please pray for her intention. OK. I'll do that right now.

Back at desk. Must write sermon. In comes another phone call. An old friend has been readmitted to the hospital with some kind of medical problem.

Prayer urgently needed. Ok, I'll do that right now.

I remember when an order went out from the Chanpery Office that all parishes were to install a fax machine. There was some grumbling among my brothers. Fax machine?,Whatever for? We've never needed one before. Can't people just telephone? The first fax went out the second week of February, 1996. It informed us all that a brother priest had died and that we should pray for the repose of his soul.

This squelched any grumbling.

In these days of instant text messaging, the fax machine is considered archaic. I still get faxes, though - all about a sale on vinyl replacement windows or a bargain trip to Florida or the 37th "last chance" this 'week to buy discount group ins'urance.

A parish church ne~ds state-ofthe-art communications. Even here in the Village, we have not one but two dedicated fax lines.

There are three separate telephone land-lines. There's an emergency cell phone number with text messaging capacity. There are three email addresses and a Website. Still, I sometimes hear people say, "Father, we tried to reach you but ...." I wonder if some folks are still communicating by carrier pigeon.

Of course, people must feel welcome to come to the rectory door unannounced. I leave a light

burning all night on the rectory porch, just like the Best Western Motel chain. It's a sign of welcome. Nothing worse than a rectory that's always in total darkness.

Back at desk. Must write sermon. Let's see, these Scriptures are all about The Call.

The Call? Wait a minute! I myself just received The Call! In fact, I received one after another.

And here I was thinking the call came from a truck driver, an email, and a telephone. I was thinking these were interruptions.

Silly me. That was God calling!

Pastoring, like parenting, is a life of interruptions.

We don't always have to pull off major accomplishments to answer the call of God. It just means placing the needs of the poor and the sick above all else - even ahead of writing the Sunday sermon. Responding to the call of the Lord can be as simple as promptly answering an email. Sometimes it just means picking up the phone at an inconvenient time and Hstening to the voice of God. I never did get to finish writing that sermon.

In fact, I'm not going to be able to finish this article, either.

There goes my doorbell, one ring immediately following another. I once saw a sign on a rectory door: "Ring once. Then say three Hail Marys before ringing again." At my door stands a parishioner in crisis. What am I supposed to say to people in need, 'Don't bother me now; I'm busy writing a terrific sermon on Christian charity?" I don't think so.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Assonet.

Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aol.com.

Previous columns are available at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

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Nursing home volunteer's work is the love of his life By

DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

celebrated by Sacred Hearts Father Michael NEW BEDFORD - When World War II GI Annuziato."

Gaston St. Laurent fell in love with beautiWhile he seems very agile for a man his ful, young Denise Oswald while serving in age, St. Laurent says in 2005 he was sufferFrance in 1946, their marriage in Rheims ing from heart disease and underwent a triple Cathedral launched a 57-year-bond that later bypass.

"I came here to Sacred Heart Home to refound roots in the Whaling City.

"My Denise spent her final three years of cuperate, and my alliance with this wonderour life together in Sacred Heart Home here, ful place became even stronger. I found and I spent much of each day with her and many good friends, especially Joseph Alves, when she died in 1999 I didn't know what to whom I had helped as a patient and we bedo," the 83-year old r-~-'---'--"-----'-----~'-----'-f.,-'-'--~ came buddies. I retired clockmaker _ , __\ '".I . ' couldn't wait to get and repairman hum- ' ':: S .~, / well enough to pick bly and candidly . up my volunteer told The Anchor last ~'Ali#tii,l'ei5i;iiojtl,e:W.eek work." week.

-.,-~- -...::--,: '<, -~~ , ... ' " ~ While he admits, -"..,.....,.._......... "I'mjust a little guy, "Then suddenly I .,-realized how imporI have always been tant Sacred Heart strong. God has Home had become been very good to me. If there are for me, and I found myself returning to hurdles, he helps me serve others I had over them." gotten to know Last year "I there," St. Laurent passed out at home recalled.

"This and at the hospital work, whatever serthey told me I had vice I can give, has osteoarthritis. It's a killer for the knees, become the love of my life." you k now. I asked If not for that God, 'Is this it?' He work, he said, "I said 'No.'" St. don't know what Laurent was back at would happen to Sacred Heart to me. Sure, I clean my mend.

Because of his apartment and shop for food. But I don't bad knees he was want to take trips or forced to give up his home on Hope go on cruises. The only thing that I reGASTON ST. LAURENT Street in Acushnet ally feel like doing and more recently is assisting others at Sacred Heart Home who moved into a one-bedfoom apartment in need care. They are my friends and I look Fairhaven, "which is all on one floor and I don't have to climb any stairs. But since forward to helpil}g them."

Dominican Sister Cynthia M. Bauer, di- 1966 I've been a member of St. Francis rector of pastoral care at the home, said St. Xavier Parish in Acushnet, and that is still Laurent" is a special man, very spiritual. And my parish," said St. Laurent, who still drives he is a truly dedicated volunteer. We came to his car. see how dedicated he was to his late wife.

Three weeks ago St. Laurent had surgery He had cared for her at home 'since 1992. for carpal tunnel syndrome, and the incision They were staunch members of our Prayer on his right hand is not fully healed. "But Group. Now, material things don't interest it's amazing, because here I am feeling ready him anymore. It seems the 200 people here to go again ... because I really love this work. in the home have become his family. He loves I guess you know ... this is my life."

The Anchor encourages readers to nomito assist in transporting residents to various activities and social events, and in 2005 was nate others for the Person of the Week commissioned an extraordinary minister of who and why? Submit nominations at our holy Communion to the sick. On Thursdays email address: theanchor@anchornews.org, and Sundays he is a lector at Masses, and or write to The Anchor, P. O. Box 7, Fall usually comes for the 9:30 a.m. daily Mass River, MA 02722.

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Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucia, Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco July 13, 1917

Eastern Television

"I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she ~ill spread her errors throughou~ the world, causing wars and perse.cuttons of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father WIll have much to suffer, various nations will be annihila~ed. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consec~ate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved, etc."

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'Fuzzy' sins Or more likely, the person It's one of those days when would be angry and maybe say you're trying to finish that last a few choice words, which may errand of the day; the stop at include the mantra of our the supermarket. It's near 5 present society, "What are you p.m. and you have to get a few groceries for dinner. The rain is complaining about? It's no big deal!" pouring down as you circle the We live in a society where parking lot. Possibly you have your three children with you, or this kind of thinking prevails. an elderly parent, or you're just Often those who stand up for what is right are put down and by yourself, tired from the told they are making a big deal work of the day. out of nothing. These types of As you tum a comer in the ideas also influence far more parking lot for the third time, important issues than shopping you see a parking space. It is just perfect; right near the carts in parking spaces, like the sanctity of life and the sanctity entrance. As you tum to enter the space, something appears in of marriage.

But the breakdowns our your field of vision that you society experience often begin were not expecting; a shopping with these "fuzzy" sins that cart right in the middle of the seem to be so minor. space.

Littering is another one. I You stop the car, grab your have never been able to umbrella and proceed to move understand why someone feels the cart to make room for your vehicle. After you park your car compelled to litter. Maybe it's because they can't find a trash you put the cart into the can, or don't want keep it in carriage area, where the the car. Maybe it's because original patron should have they like the visual stimulation placed it. of seeing litter fly through the Now anger is beginning to creep into your emotions.

"Who on earth does this type of thing?"

We have all Faith~ been there, on the receiving

By Greta MacKoul end of someone else's act of selfishness. It's air or seeing men in orange one of those "fuzzy" sins that jump suits cleaning up the may seem rather minor or highways. Most likely it's i!lconsequential. But it isn't because they simply do not really. For all sin begins with care. selfishness. My guess is that if We all know that there is no we were to follow this person good reason or excuse for throughout their day - a person who would nonchalantly littering. To some it may seem like a "fuzzy" sin, not a big leave a cart in a parking space deal, but it is. As we teach our - other acts of selfishness children in CCD, if it's wrong, would occur. It goes with the and we know it's wrong and we territory. choose to do it anyway, it's a For whatever reason, I have sin. never really seen someone Lent is serious business. So leave a shopping cart in a space is being Catholic. Although before. Maybe what we need is Lent is an inner journey in a few "parking lot vigilantes." which we reflect upon our own We would wait patiently until someone left a cart in a parking individual sinfulness, at the space. Then we would approach same time we are called to speak up for what is right in the person and simply ask questions like these; "Why are the world around us. Some may call us "self-righteous." you leaving t!tis cart here? Do We may be told that what we you realize' how your actions are saying is "no big deaL" But will inconvenience another if what we are saying is true, person? What is it about your God will stand behind us, and schedule that gives you the ultimately the truth will right to take responsibility prevail. On this we can be away from your "plate" and sure. give it to someone else?"

Greta is an author and In this situation we would illustrator. She and her probably get one of two husband George, with their reactions. children are members of The person would be embarrassed and apologize and Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. quickly put the cart away. \

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The Anchor

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Cape Cod parish to host nationally touring Divine Mercy drama NORTH FALMOUTH - St. Elizabeth Seton is prayed for the sick and.dying, as well as for the Church, 481 Quaker Road, will be the site of the intentions of all gathered.

Mother of Mercy Messengers is a lay ministry dramatic presentation, "Tell All Souls About My Mercy," on March 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. Presented of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception based in Stockbridge at the by the Mother of National Shrine of Mercy Messengers, the Divine Mercy. the production has However, the garnered rave reviews Maroneys live and from people across operate their ministry the country. in the Texas Hill More than a night out at the theater, or Country outside San an evening of prayer, Antonio. Their mission is to bring the the husband and wife Divine Mercy mesteam of Joan and sage home to souls of Dave Maroney, preall ages, families, sents a compelling mix of music, lights parishes, and communities through inand sound to convey spiring programs and the message of Jesus, materials that enthe Divine Mercy, and courage and support St. Faustina putting mercy into Kowalska. action.

"When I heard The Divine Mercy about the inspiring DAVID AND JOAN MARONEY message and devoMother of Mercy Messengers' dramatic presentation on the Divine tion is one of the fastest growing devotions in the Mercy, I knew that I had to try to bring them to history of the Catholic Church. St. Faustina (1905our area," said Mary Chalifoux, a parishioner of 1938) was a Polish nun and mystic who had a seSt. Elizabeth Seton. "The Divine Mercy message ries of amazing, personal revelations with Jesus has had a profound effect on my life. I just Christ that she recorded in her diary. wanted to share it with as many people as posCanonized by Pope John Paul II on Mercy Sunday, April 30, 2000, St. Faustina records our Lord's sible.

Presented within the sacredness of the Church, desire for all to know of his mercy. the program progresses from an emotional drama The National Shrine of the Divine Mercy is dedito a deep prayerful experience as our Lord is sol- cated to spreading the Divine Mercy message emnly placed on the altar for a time of eucharistic throughout the world. adoration. During this segment, prayers fr,om the For more information about the "Tell All Souls Diary of St. Faustina are recited, with a time for About My Mercy," program at St. Elizabeth Seton, silent contemplation. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy call 508-563-7770, or visit www.thedivinemercy.org.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - The Attleboro Area Serra Club recently received recognition in observing its 50th anniversary. The Serra Club is an international organization whose mission is to encourage and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Catholic Church. Members included in the picture are from left: Don McHoul, Barbara McHoul, John Lang, Dot Donnelly, Alice Sullivan, Ed Lambert, Father Francis Crowley, Ryan Welter, Joe Doran, Ty Brennan and Bob Araujo.

A JOB WELL DONE -" M. Adriana Pimentel, center, was recently honored as the Catholic Memorial Home Employee of the Quarter.

She has been employed as a receptionist at the home for four years.

Anthony Sousa, left, director of Human Resources, and Erin Kanuse, assistant administrator,' presented the award. "

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,. The Anchor , .

12

MARCH

2, 2007

CCC reprises Lenten radio retreats in English, Spanish WASHINGTON (CNS) Based on their popularity last year, the U.S. bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign is reprising a Lenten series of radio retreats in English and Spanish.

Each program in the six-week series - in each language - features a different bishop each week. The series was scheduled to begin February 25, the First Sunday of Lent.

The programs, which are being made available to Catholic dioceses and radio outlets throughout the U.S., were produced for the CCC by Franciscan Radio, a ministry of the Franciscans and St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Elia Castillo serves as program host, and the featured bishop for each week serves as retreat guide and homilist. Each show begins with a greeting and a description of the retreat, followed by a sung version of the Our Father. The bishop then presents his homily, which is followed by a meditative song and a questionand-answer segment with the bishop. Castillo wraps up each program and the featured bishop gives a blessing to close the show.

Featured bishops for the English series are, in order of their appearance: Bishop John M. Botean of the Romanian Eparchy of St. George in Canton, Ohio; Auxiliary Bishop Robert F. Morneau of Green Bay,

Wis.; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz.; Auxiliary Bishop J0seph N. Perry of Chicago; Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco; and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph W. Estabrook of the Archdiocese for the Military Services.

The Spanish radio retreats will feature the following bishops, in order of their appearance: Auxiliary Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of Chicago; Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer of San Angelo, Texas; Bishop Placido Rodriguez of Lubbock, Texas; Archbishop Roberto O. Gonzalez of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio 1. del Riego of San Bernardino, Calif.; and Auxiliary Bishop Patrick J. Zurek of San Antonio.

Radio stations can get the programs free on compact discs by calling the CCC's Pat Ryan Garcia, executive producer, at: 202-541-3404, or by emailing: pgarcia@usccb.org.

People who live in areas where no radio station is airing the retreats or who want to listen to them online can go to the Web at www.radioretreat.org. Online resources include a description of each program, background information on the bishops and links to other Lenten spiritual resources. Programs can even be downloaded from the Website as MP3 files for podcast or other personal use.

DVD/video reviews NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and video releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Babel" (2006) Quietly powerful film charting three interconnected stories: an American couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) stranded in Morocco; the deaf-mute teen-age daughter (Rinko Kikuchi) of a widower father (Koji Yakusho) in Tokyo; and a Mexican governess (Adriana Barraza) and her nephew (Gael Garcia Bernal) who take her two young charges across the border. Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's somber film imparts an admirable message about a shared global humanity and the senselessness of violence has superbly empathetic performances by an international cast, and ultimately packs an emotional wallop. Partially subtitled. Some rough language and profanity, crude expressions, some violence including a killing, full female nudity, some discreet sexual elements, and alcohol and drug use. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting 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 (Paramount Home Video).

"A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints" (2006) Adaptation of writer-director Dito Montiel's gritty memoir about his turbulent adolescence (where he's played by Shia LaBeouf) in Queens, N.Y., with its street violence, casual sex and drugs, his longing for his dad's (Chazz Palminteri) love, and ultimately his flight from and eventual return to the neighborhood as an adult (Robert Downey Jr.). Despite its redemptive message about parent-child reconciliation, the brutal milieu and street patois, however accurate, are extremely rough going. Nonstop rough and crude language and general vulgarity, racial slurs, sexual banter and situations with partial nudity, innuendo, drug use, violence, murder, suicide and much domestic discord. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting 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 (First Look).

A HOG IN THE FOG - Nicolas Cage stars in a scene from the movie "Ghost Rider." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules on this page. (CNS photo/Columbia)

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(CaIIVSUlllles NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Ghost Rider" (Columbia) Lightweight supernatural action adventure based on the Marvel Comics' character about a motorcycle daredevil, Johnny Blaze (Nicolas Cage), who makes a deal with the devil (Peter Fonda) and is cursed with having to serve as his "bounty hunter" - transforming into a flaming skeletal biker astride a fiery chopper by night - to escape damnation by stopping a renegade fallen angel (Wes Bentley) from unleashing hell on earth. Despite a dumb script and risible theology, the film never takes itself too seriously, and Cage's campy but committed performance is laced with enough humor to make the hokey ride sufficiently diverting B-movie fare. Some parents may find the demonic elements problematic, but it's little" more than a comic book retelling of "Faust," and while of greater concern that vengeance, not justice, is meted out by Blaze, love is ultimately shown to be stronger than evil, with a recurring theme of redemption and second chances.

Stylized violence, some horror images, a vulgar gesture, scattered crude language and a couple of instances of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults.

The Motion Picture Association of

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

"Reno 911!: Miami" (Fox! Paramount) Ultraraunchy, big-screen version of the Comedy Central cable-TV series has the bumbling deputy sheriffs from Reno (Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon and Kerri Kenney-Silver) traveling to Miami for a police convention. Due to an act ofbioterrorism that confines all the real cops to the meeting hall, the eight hapless officers are forced to patrol Miami's sun-drenched streets and must deal with a beached whale, a drug kingpin and their own perverse sexual tendencies. Amazingly, they save the day; yet watching the warped crudity on parade is too high a price to pay for justice in director and co-writer Garant's putative comedy. Pervasive vulgar language, nudity, sex acts, scatological humor, episodes of cartoonish violence and drug use. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is 0 - morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is R - restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or

adult guardian.

"The Number 23" (New Line) Psychological thriller about a man (Jim Carrey) whose reading of a curious novel- in which the hard-boiled detectiveprotagonist's story eerily mirrors elements of his own life - leads him to increasing paranoia and madness, as he, like his fictional counterpart, becomes obsessed with the "23 enigma," the theory that the number 23 holds a numerological significance in nature and world events. Despite an intriguing premise, director Joel Schumacher's dreary neonoir tale is all style and little suspense, with a muddled plot and a contrived twist payoff. Recurring violence and disturbing bloody images, including several suicides, and sexual encounters, some involving kinky behavior, as well as rough and crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting 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.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNEChannel 6 Sunday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m.

Scheduled celebrant is Father Barry W. Wall, pastor at Holy Rosary Parish. Fall River

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Vancouver ~rchbishop praises Telus . reversal ~n dowilloadablepo~n ,

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By CATHOLIC

SPEAKING OUT - Kirk Bloodsworth,speaks during a press conference in Annapolis, Md., in late January about state legislation to replace the death Renalty with prison sentences of life without parole. Bloodsworth was wrongly convicted of the rape and murder of a nine-year-old Rosedale, Md., girl in 1985, but in 1993 DNA evidence exonerated him. $ince then he has devoted his life to ending the " death penalty. (eNS photo/Owen Sweeney III, Catholic Review)

'Catholic wrongly c«>nvicted devotes, life to ending death penalty

By GEORGE P. MATYSEK JR.

When DNA testing proved to substitute life in prison without paCATliOUC NEWS SERVICE ' role as the maximum penalty for . Blqodsworth's innocence in 1993, he CAMBRIOOE, Md. - If anyone crimes currently punisWwle by death. was released and pardoned and was has experienced sheer terror, it's Kirk Gov. Martin O'Malley has said he will paid $300,000 in compensation for Bloodsworth. sign such a law if it comes to his desk. wrongful imprisonment - the accuTried and found guilty of the bruOn the day he was found guilty, mulated salary the state said he would tal 1984rape and Dumler ofnine-year- , Bloodsworth said he'remembers be- have earned as a waterman. old Dawn Hamilton near Baltimore, ing housed in a Baltimore County , , Bloodsworth said he still had to thebarrel-chested crabber from the holding cell with another m3;Il who sat endure the suspicions of many who Eastern Shore was sentenced to die in in the shadows. For two hours, the believed he had gotten off on a techthe gas chamber. stranger didn't say a word as he ate a nicality '- until 2003 when the DNA Bloodsworth, a former Marine sandwich and sipped an orange drink. from 'the crime scene was identified with no criminal record, had nothing Then he turned to his fellow prisoner as that of Kimberly Shay Ruffner, a to do with the crimes. He was wrongly and told Bloodsworth not to worry. mari who had been previously charged convicted and later would become the ''Everything is going to be all right;' with sexually assaulting children. first American on death row to be ex- Bloodsworth recalled the man saying. Ruffner subsequently pleaded guilty onerated by DNA testing. to,the Dawn Hamilton murder and is "You'll be OK" But as he was led into the MarySummoned back to the courtroom, serving a life sentence. land State Penitentiary in Baltimore in Bloodsworth heard the guilty verdict ''I tell you the difference between 1985 no one believed his story-least and was taken back to the holding cell. the day before they found who really of all the other prisoners. ''We're go- He said the man was gone and only did it and day after was like I had just ing to do to you what you did to that halfthe sandwich reniained. When he won the World Series for the town of little girl," they screamed. ''We're go- asked the sheriff's deputy where the Cambridge," said Bloodsworth. ''Eving to get you, Kirk!" "otherguy" was, the deputy responded eryone treated me completely differSeated on the couch in the living that Bloodsworth had been the only ent." room ofhis small home in Cambridge person in the cell.

Bloodsworth has become an outmore than 20 years later, Bloodsworth Looking back, Bloodsworth thinks spoken advocate for the abolition of said, "I remember that first night in he was visited by an angel. the death penalty. He recently went to my cell and the smell coming from ''Maybe I wanted to see something Annapolis to speak in support of the this place.... Not only'did it stink of - I don't know. But I tell you what, pending bill that would abolish capievery kind of excrement you could he was as real as you are," he told a tal punishment in Maryland. think of, but you also could smell ha- Catholic Review reporter.

Working for the Justice Project, a tred - and it was all pointing at me."

Bloodsworth was raised in the Bap- Washington-based organization that Despite the strong temptation to tist and Methodist traditions. In prison . pushes for criminal justice reform, despair, Bloodsworth said he decided he began deep theological discussions Bloodsworth lobbied for the passage he would fight to prove his innocence. with Deacon AI Rose, the Catholic of the federal Innocence Protection He told The CatholiC Review, Balti- prison chaplain there. The more he Act, which was signed into law in more archdiocesan newspaper, that he leamed, the more he wanted to be- 2004. The act established the Kirk believes God sustained him through come a Catholic.

Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA nearly nine years oftaxing prison life, At Easter time in 1989, then-Aux",: Testing Program, through which the sending him otherworldly consola- iliary Bishop John H. Ricard ofBalti- U.S. government helps states defray tions and leading him into the Catho- more visited Bloodsworth at Deacon the costs of such DNA testing. licChurch. ''We need to do post-conviction Rose's invitation. The guard would not With the same steely determination let Bishop Ricard enter the cell, so he testing to find out if there are other that got him through his prison ordeal, had to administer the sacraments of innocent people on death row before Bloodsworth is now devoting the rest confirmation and the Eucharist we start throwing switches," said ofhis life to abolishing the death pen- through the bars ofthe closedcell door. Bloodsworth, pointing out that since alty and seeking reforms of what he Asked what it was like to receive 1973, more than 150people have been calls a ''broken'' criminal justice sys- Communion for the first time, wrongfully convicted and later freed tem.

Bloodsworth smiled. "Oh, it was' an from prison based on DNA evidence.

He could get his wish in Maryland, honor;' he said. ''I felt clean. I felt ac"If it can happen to me, it can hapwhere legislation has been introduced cepted." pen to anyone," he said.

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to contact the company.

VANCOUVER, British Co"The issue was not only mine lumbia - Van~ouver Aichbishop or that of Catholics in the ArchI' Raymond Roussin has welcomed' diocese of Vancouver, but rather an announcement fro~m Telus one that struck a chord with Mobility that it would 'not offer people across the couritry. The pornographic downloads to its public in general appears to have mobile customers. recognized that pornography is a "The decision is for the concern that needs to be adgreater good of the community as dressed," the archbishop said. a whole - a fact I am glad Telus Many Telus customers who is recognizing," the archbishop contacted The B.C. Catholic, said in a written statement after Vancouver archdiocesan newsthe company's announcement paper, expressed their misgivings that the downloaded porFebruary 20.

"The company has listened to nography could easily be viewed the voices of its customers and . by children. They also quesCanadians in general; who were tioned how the company's, promquite clear that this was not, 'ise of secure access to pornosomething that serves the public ' graphic materials could be en'forced. in any beneficial way," he said.

The archbishop had asked ' .... .....

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"Dear children! Open your heart to God's mercy in this Lenten time. The Heavenly Father desires to deliver each of you from the slavery of sin. Therefore, little children, make good use of this time and through meeting ~ith God in confession, leave sin and decide for holiness. Do this put of love for Jesus, who redeemed you all with His blood, that ypu may be happy and in peace. Do not forget, little children: your freedom is your weakness, therefore follow my messages with seriousness. ' "Thank you for haring responded to my call."

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Bishop Donald Pelletier, MS, marks 50th anniversary of his priesthood Bv FATHER JACK NUELLE, MS SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

BLACKSTONE, R.I. - "Fifty years of doing-almost anything should be celebrated," said one ofthe relatives of Bishop Donald Pelletier, a Missionary of La Salette, and a New England native at events marking his 50 years of priestly ministry, most of which were spent in Madagascar, off the southeast coast ofAfrica On February II, Bishop Pelletier celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with relatives and fellow parishioners at his home parish ofSt. Theresa's in Blackstone, R.I., where he was baptized and received his first Communion.

He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on Oct. 28, 1956. But since being made Bishop of the Diocese of Morondava, Madagascar on Feb.13, 2000, he has only made brief visits to the States.

Some 49 years ago, in October of 1958, he departed by ship for the first time to Madagascar, at the time a French colony, to pick up the challenge. When he arrived in December, it was the middle ofits hot, rainy season. Although he spoke fluent French, and Church liturgies were still in Latin, he was able to do limited ministry while studying the Malagasy language, which he quickly learned.

In 1961 he was chosen to represent the diocese at the l00th anniversary of Christianity on the "Great Red Island," as Madagascar was called. Cardinal Rugwamba, the first cardinal ever to set foot on the island, was from Africa and became the representative oftheVatican for the occasion.

Father Pelletier was called to translate for him and later

portant than in missionary lands. The dOQrs of the Church opened to great possibilities for adaptation. Father Pelletier wrote at that time: ''A~ there are no longstanding traditions . of Christian living in young missionary countries like Madagascar, the field is wide open'to adaptations."

From the beginning, the bishop-to-be knew his call was to be in Madagascar, among the people he had grown to love. This was most evident in what he wrote at Christmas, 1969: ''For the missionary, Christmas rekindles the purpose of his vocation, being a living witness of the Incarnation in a country or area where Christ was never known. By his presence, his activity in the area, the gift of himself in all spheres of life, he is certainly a true witness of the permanence ofIncarnation. I am truly an American made Malagasy for the salvation of all."

In July 1971, on the eve ofhis departure for his second vacation, Father Pelletier wrote from the capital ofMadagascar:. "All those who thought I was crazy when I decided to come to Madagascar, would think the same as I admit my sadness while preparing to leave for my vacation. These people are my friends, my brothers, my children; for 12 years we have waged the battle of life together. We have so thoroughly and fully committed ourselves to the people and country that if it weren't for our obligations of gratitude to you at home, we would never leave this flock."

On returning to Madagascar, he spent many years in isolated mission posts. He organized and directed the catechetical school in Mahabo, where catechists - the mainstay of small Catholic com m u nit i e s

~ote to his rela- FIVE DECADES OF SERVICE _ Bishop Donald Pelletier, center, wherenopriestrebves about the ex- a Missionary of La Salette, and a New England native, greets friends sides-aretrained ~criptu~e, perience: "Did I at events marking his 50 years of priestly ministry, most of which in feel small among were spent in Madagascar. Bishop Pelletier will lead a Mission Ap- Catholic doctnne all those big people. peal and Blessing of the New Cross at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, and morals, liturgy, During those two March 17 and 18. preaching, Church official visits with ' organization, and the cardinal to the president of this young nation, I per~ other areas of Church leadership. fanned my duties as well as could be expected."

Back in Morondava as pastor of the cathedral, he was Toward the end of 1962 the missionary wrote: ''As I again appointed vicar capitular to administer the diocese. will soon complete my fourth year in Madagascar, Ido not In November 1999, he was named ordinary of the Diohesitate to repeat once more the happiness and satisfaction cese ofMorondava, 'and on Feb. 13, 2000 he was ordained . which continues to be mine. The more I give of myself, of bishop. my talents and enetgies, the more I feel a part of this misSince then he has continued to be tireless in preaching, sion. It may sound a bit egotistical but I now find myself visiting mission districts to confer the sacraments, orgausing the expressions 'my mission: 'my people: etc." nizing the minor and major seminaries for the diocese~ When ~ed why young priests return to a foreign mis- push education - especially higher education - for sion, a person jokingly answered that one has to be either Catholic youth, and has brought many communities of crazy or a saint. ''I disagree with both alternatives:' Father women Religious to work in missionary districts.

On his 75th birthday in June 2006, according to the Pelletier said. Showing his deep dedication, he added, "One who has tasted the challenges and satisfaction of the mis- dictates ofCanonLaw, he tendered his resignation as bishop sion field can only ask for more. Despite the normal heart- of the diocese to the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. aches, setbacks and discouragements, we have the great While he awaits the nomination of his successor, he consatisfaction of knowing that we are with people that truly tinues to serve. . need the priest in order to be strengthened in their faith and .

It is fitting during his brief visit home that he should know some comfort and happiness in this life." celebrate his 50th anniversary of priesthood with family In one ofhis letters home, he wrote: "Someone recently and community, who have consistently supported him from asked me, after my last vacation, if I would return to afar over these many years.

Morondava or remain in the States?' My response was: Perhaps when the new bishop is ordained and takes 'Can anyone ask for more than knowing that he is where the reins of the diocese, Bishop Pelletier will be able to God wants him to be? It was as if I was born to live and come back to the States for a more lengthy stay, and get work here. I take no.pride from my meager achievements the full rest he deserves after almost 50 years as a misbut it seems I did adapt with little effort to the customs, sionary in Madagascar. Then, renewed in spirit and body, language, environment, climate, etc. In no time, it seemed he will, of course, return to Madagascar for more years I had always been here ex~riencing such joy, such satis- of ministry. faction from the work and life that I wonder if there can be There is amuch quoted Latin salute, "ad multasannas," any merit in store for me.''' meaning "many more years." That is our wish and prayer The Second Vatican Council in the 19608 ushered in for Bishop Donald Pelletier as he celebrates his first 50 many changes, but perhaps no where were they more im- years of priesthood.

MARCH

2, 2007

â&#x20AC;˘ The Anchor news briefs Prison ministry program called too religious gets its day in court ST. LOUIS - The need for states to help inmates turn their lives around was a central but undisputed part of a case before a three-judge panel of the U.S. CircuitCourt ofAppeals in St. Louis last week. But the question before < the judges, including retired U.s, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, was whether it violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution to use a faith-based approach to facilitating prisoners' turnaround. Americans United for Separation of Church and State had sued Prison Fellowship Ministries and the state of Iowa, charging that the ministries' InnerChange Freedom Initiative, a faith-based prisoner rehabilitation program, violated the separation of church and state. A federal judge ruled against the program last June and ordered it shut down. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Pratt of Des Moines, Iowa, also ordered the program to reimburse the state for payments it made to cover 35 percent of the costs of the program. The prison initiative includes Bible studies, general education classes, life skills workshops and job training.

Abbey says it meets, exceeds guidelines for treatment of laying hens CHARLESTON, S.C. - Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Comer has released a statement saying the Trappist order meets and exceeds guidelines for egg production in the United States. The statement came after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals recently accused the order of torturing its laying hens. On its Website PETA posted a video ofthe abbey's farm, taken without the monks' knowledge, and written accusations of mistreatment.

The abbey does not need to defend itself against claims of inhumane treatment of its laying hens, according to Mary Jeffcoat, spokeswoman for the monastery. In a phone interview she told The Catholic Miscellany, newspaper of the Charleston Diocese, that the accusation by PETA is puzzling, ''MepkinAbbey is a member ofthe United Egg Producers and the membership ofthat association accounts for over 80 percent ofeggs produced in the United States:' she said. ''Mepkin has been certifiedas following every single guideline established. r m in a quandary as to why PETA would pick on one small egg producer as opposed to a national organization."

Pope encourages priests to face challenges with trust in God's love VATICAN CITY- During a 9O-minute question-and-answer session with pastors from the Diocese of Rome, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged the priests to face challenges with trust that God's love will have the last word.

The pope's remarks were punctuated by applause and laughter, including his own, as he responded February 22 to questions about youth ministry, prayer, eucharistic adoration, religious art, Scripture, theology and the activities of new Church movements. The laughter and applause came not only when the pope pointed out that several of the questions were really minispeeches, but also when he confessed that he;too, found it difficult to fulfill the biblical call to work during the day and pray at night. Knowing that the priests were aware of his packed daily schedule, the pope said, ''I must confess here that I cannot pray at night; I want to sleep." However, he said, the only way to give a spiritual component to every activity that makes up a modem¡pastor's day is to set aside time for prayer. ''It is easier to say than to do:' he said, ''but we must try."

TaJik MusUms get food, medical help from Catholic nuns DUSHANBE, Tajikistan - Every first Friday of the month, Faizulloeva Ashuro, her daughter and one-year-old grandson, all Muslims, make a 30mile bus journey to the capital to meet Catholic nuns. Unemployed and abandoned by their husbands, the two Muslim housewives with little education and almost no vocational skills look forward to their trip to Dushanbe.

"We get food and medicine there, This helps us to stay alive, because my daughter and I do not have an education or permanent work, and we have to feed a small baby:' Ashuro told UCA News, an Asian church news agency.

Ashuro, 48, and her 24-year-old daughter arejust two of about 40 people in similar situations who come every month for help from the Servants of the Lord and Holy Vugin of Matara nuns. Since last year the sisters have been distributing clothes, food and medicine to the poor; before that, they were assisting the Incarnate Word priests at St. Joseph Parish. Their congregation is part of the Institute of the Incarnate Word family, based in Argentina.

Woman's faithjoumey leads her to consecrated virginity MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J. - HelenA. Qua walked into St. Cecilia Church dressed in white, ready to profess her vow of love to the most important person in her life. The ceremony that followed, however, was not the usual wedding. Qua was consecrated by Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of Metuchen February 10 into the order of virgins, one of the oldest forms of consecration in the Church. Women belonging to the order make a promise of perpetual virginity, prayer and service to the Church while living independently in society. The bishop congratulated Qua for her willingness to follow God's call to take a less traveled path and for being an inspiration to the faith lives of those around her. "This is an example to all of us," said Bishop Bootkoski. "It bolsters our faith, our commitment and our reality."

After growing up in the Philippines, Qua became a parishioner ofSt. Cecilia in Monmouth Junction upon moving to South Brunswick in 1991. She contemplated a religious vocation and spent four years in formation with the Auxiliaries of Our Lady of the Cenacle but had second thoughts before taking vows.

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Cardinal Stafford urges building reconciliation networks in Church II

SPECIAL GUEST - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, center, apostolic nuncio and the Vatican's Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, delivered the inaugural Salameno Lecture "The Church and Globalization," at Stonehill College last week. With the archbishop are Holy Cross Father Mark T. Cregan, left, Stonehill president; and Bishop George W. Coleman.

Apostolic nuncio delivers address at Stonehill College Migliore observed that "a world with effervescent NORTH EASTON - On February 20, the borders" is here to stay.

"Globalization is neither good nor bad. It will Stonehill College community gathered to hear be what people make of it. But globalization must Archbishop Celestino Migliore, apostolic nuncio be at the service of the human person,~' he conand the Vatican's Permanent Observer of the Holy cluded.

See to the United Nations, deliver the inaugural Migliore joined the Vatican's diplomatic corps Salameno Lecture in "The Church' and Globalizain 1980, and has served in Europe and the Middle tion."

East.

He helped foster relations with several Asian A standing-room-only crowd packed the Marcountries that previously had no formal diplomatic tin Institute auditorium to hear the veteran Vatican relations with the Vatican. diplomat share his reflections on the Church as an He's also represented the Vatican at numerous institution that transcends borders and serves as a conferences on issues related to the World Trade positive agent for change.

Organization, the Economic Commission for EuIn introducing Migliore, Professor of Political rope, the European Union and challenges in the Science Richard Finnegan noted that the archbishop Middle East. is placed at a nexus of world events to offer a The Salameno L~cture is made possible by unique perspective on the topic of globalization.

Trustees Lawrence and Theresa Salameno, who Migliore pointed out that religious pluralism ex-' created the college's first endowed chair in 2006, ists in most countries today, a reality embraced by which will be in the Department of History. the late 20th-century Church under Pope John Paul The first occupant of the Salameno Chair will II and Pope Benedict XVI. be Dr. John Rodrigue.

Currently at Louisiana State "The Gospel is not opposed to any culture; it University, Rodrigue specializes in Civil War and doesn't strip a culture of its richness nor force it to Reconstruction History.

He will begin his duties adopt forms alien to it," he noted. as the Salameno Endowed Professor in September. . Today's Church sees "peaceful coexistence as healthy. Coexistence doesn't mean submis- . . . - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , - - - , SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

sion of one to the other," he explained, "but a building on common values."

He called the Golden Rule - doing unto oth.ers as you would have them do unto you - the common value shared by all world religions.

Indeed, "religion's primary task is to enforce the Golden Rule." In focusing on this universal truth, Migliore argued that religion is part of the solution, not the problem.

By adh'ering to common ground in the world's hot spots, like the Middle East, regions of Africa and Iraq, peaceful coexistence becomes "not a matter of reconciling theological tenants. People just must agree on the human dignity of every person. It is only in this that a common basis for understanding can be found."

Tracing globalization's roots from the 1960s through the fall of the Berlin Wall in the 1980s,

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BOSTON (CNS) - Catholics should build networks of reconciliation to nurture and support one another, U.S. Cardinal 1. Francis Stafford, head of the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary, said during a visit tp Boston.

The cardinal spoke about penance and reconciliation at St. John's Serninary, addressing lay people ~d priests in early February. TheApostolicPenitentiary is a Vatican court that deals with indulgences, matters of conscience and the lifting of Jrtain excommunications and other censures th~t are reserved to the Holy See. In his remarks to the laity, Cardinal Stafford said they must ~tep up to form a nurturing society \yithin the Church that takes the spirit Ibf recon'I ciliation beyond the physical rite.

He said when he was archbishop of Denver one year more trlan 2,000 people preparing to enter the Church at Easter attended an archdiocesan Mass for them on the first Sunday of Lent. When they were invited back for Pentecost, only a few hundred came back.

The falloff in Mass attendance indieates a failure to integrate the laity fully into a rich parish life; he said.

Other churches do a betterjob ofintegrating their members, he said.

He said that when he was bishop of Memphis, Tenn., in the 1980s he would sometimes attend Southern Baptist services and gatherings in plain clothes to learn how they J:juilt their communities. He saw that one of the keys was a wider expression.ofreconI'

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You have seen the movie, now read what Jesus says about the meaning of His Passion as dictated to stigmatist, Catalina Rivas.

This 48 page book has the "Imprimatur" and is recommended for meditation. Mrs. Rivas was featured in the recent FOX-TV special, "Signs from God", that was broadcast worldwide.

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ciliation among the laity, he said.

Thecardinal said he witnessed one example ofa husband and father, who confessed to his congregation he was tempted to commitadultery during his extended business trips. .

It was painful for the man, but inore painful to the wife, who was there also, he said, but that community was strong enough to support the husband as he battled his temptations. More importautly, he said, it was strong enough to support the wife, who was humiliated by her husband's public confession.

Priests should embrace and encourage the laity as they build up social networks capable of spreading reconciliation, he said.

"They are the new prophets of our time - I really mean that, and you can take it for what it is worth," he added.

Because of his position in the Church, Cardinal Stafford. said it was important for him to come to Boston in the wake of the scandal of sexual abuse by priests.

He said he was struck by a homily he heard the previous day in which a priest told his parishioners, regarding life after the scandal: ''If forgiveness is not part of the process, I don't want anything to do with it."

The priest was right, he said. There has to be forgiveness, but first there must be tears. ''Tears ofsorrow, tears ofanger and finally tears of joy as we realize that God is calling us together again," he said.

Hampstead, NC 28443

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YOUTH PAGES

MARCH

2, 2007

High school youth to gather in New England for 'All Access' Conference La Salette Shrine in Attleboro will host the July event

SCIENCE PITCH - Bishop Feehan High School Freshman Kayla Holland received an honorable mention award in its fifth annual Science Fair. Her project examined the differences between overhand and underhand pitching found in baseball and softball. More than 139 projects were judged in the competition.

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio-From July 13-15 and from July 20-22 in Attleboro, Mass., teens will gather for prayer, song, liturgy, and teaching at Franciscan University of Steubenville's Catholic high school youth conferences. Co-sponsored by the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, the two conferences are part of a 17-conference summer schedule reaching more than 35,000 teens across North America. Several conferences have already sold out, but space remains available for the New England conferences.

The conference theme, "All Access," is designed to help teens distinguish between the world's gospel and Christ's Gospel, according to John Beaulieu, director of Youth and Young Adult Outreach at Franciscan University.

"The world preaches a gospel of 'All Access,' promising total freedom," Beaulieu says. "Instead, it provides loneliness, suffering, and slavery." Drawing from Ephesians 2: 17-18, the conferences will show how through Jesus in the Holy Spirit, teens have "All Access" to the Father.

This year, organizers have decided to make Friday night more of a joyful encounter with the love of Christ in the Eucharist. In years past, the conferences have offered eucharistic adoration only on Saturday night of the conference weekend, but this summer, conferences will feature eucharistic adoration on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Across the country and for the first time in Canada, dozens of nationally known speakers will energize conference-goers, challenging teens to reject the destructive promises of contemporary cul-

ture. The speakers will give youth practical tips for deepening their prayer lives, confessing their sins, and embr~cing chastity. Eucharistic adoration, praise and worship, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the celebration of Mass will complement the talks, giving teens access to the graces God pours out on his people through his Church.

Among the prominent speakers addressing the youth are internationally known preacher and musi. cian Father Stan Fortuna, CFR; Franciscan University's Vice President for Mission Effectiveness Father Dave Pivonka, TOR; LifeTeen's Mark Hart; nationally known speaker Melanie Welch; Father Larry Richards, pastor of StJoseph's Church in Erie, Pennsylvania; youth minister and Franciscan University Professor Bob Rice; and many more.

"1 hope that every young person who comes will discover the unconditional love of God and learn that through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, we have been given 'all access' to that love of God," Beaulieu says. He hopes teens will likewise give God "all access" to their own lives so they may begin a lifelong journey of discipleship.

Vacancies also remain open for a conference in 'Steubenville for young adults from around the nation from June 1-3. There, speakers will teach young adults how to be C-4 Catholics by embracing the 4 C's: Conversion, Catechesis, Communion, and Commissioning. . For more information or to registerfor one ofthe conferences, visit the high schoolyo"th conferences Website, www.franciscanyouth.com.

CAREFUL INSPECTION - Second-graders in the first Communion class at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Attleboro, take a tour of the church during a recent lesson on symbols and the sacrament of the Eucharist.

YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART - Students in the kindergarten class at St. John the Evangelist School, Attleboro, display Valentine bags they created to hold cards received on Valentine's Day from their classmates.

THEY GET THE PICTURE - One of the many activities held to celebrate Catholic Schools Week at St. Mary's Catholic School in Mansfield included the Student Council's ''Then and Now" contest to match photos of faculty and staff in their early years to now.

Student and teacher winners celebrate their accomplishments.

CREATIVE JUICES - Fifth-graders at Holy Name School in Fall River recently participated in its annual Invention Convention. Stephanie Booth, left, captured first place for her idea "Umbrella Holder for a Wheelchair." Her classmate, Nicholas Piques' "Door Decor and More," came in second.

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YOUTH PAGES I

Inviting your insight~ on hope today

By CHARLIE MARTIN -

ALL EYES ON THE PRIZE - The Clericus Cup is presented during a recent news conference in Rome. The newly created cup kicked off February 24 with 16 teams, including one from the Pontifical North American College. (CNS photo/Max Rossi, Reuters)

Priests, seminarians kick off exclusive soccer championship ROME (CNS) -Students at Pontifical North American College are among those competing in the first Oericus Cup, a soccer championship exclusively for priests and seminarians in Rome.

Seminaries and pontifical universities have fielded 16 teams for the championship series, with 311 players coming from approximately 50 countries. The series opened February 24 when Pontifical Gregorian University played Pontifical International College Maria Mater Ecclesiae.

The championship game will be in June.

North American College had an informal team that occasionally played teams from other seminaries, said Jaime Gil, player and coach.

When the invitation came to enter a team in the Clericus Cup, the response from players at the college was enthusiastic, Gil said. ''I was surprised because we're all busy with our studies, and it's hard to

find time to play sometimes;' Gil said Gil, who was born and grew up in Mexico, said he started playing soccer at age six. He considered a professional career in soccer and during his high school years was called to join the Michoacan state team.

Gil said he realized that as much as he loved soccer his true vocation was to the priesthood. He turned down the invitation tojoin the state team, finished high school and moved to Boise, Idaho, to start his formation as a priest.

The Catholic Italian Sports Center, organized the series.

There will be a few technical differences between Oericus Cup games and regular soccer games. Clericus Cup games will consist of 3o-minute halves instead of 45-minute halves.

Referees will have another penalty option. In addition to the yellow waming card and red expulsion card, they can hand out a blue card, which requires an overly aggressive piayer to leave the field for five minutes.

STREETCORNER SYMPHONY It's morning I wake up The taste ofsummer sweetness on my mind It's a clear day In'this city Let's go dance under the street lights All the people in this world Let's come together More than ever I can feel it, Can you feel it?

Come on over Down to the corner.

My sisters and brothers ofevery different color Can't you feel that sunshine telling you to hold tight?

Things will be all right Try to find a better life Come on over Down to the corner My sisters and brothers there for one another Come on over Man I know you wanna let yourselfgo.

Some people It's a pity They go all their lives and never know How to love or to let love go But it's all right now We'll paint the perfect picture All the colors of this world will run together more than ever I can feel it, Can you feel it?

We may neverfind our reason to shine But here and now this is our time And I may never find the meaning of life Butfor this moment I amfine.

Sung by Rob Thomas Copyright 2005 by Atlantic/Wea

CATHO~IC NEWS SERVICE

, In a world of so much suffering, how do we l\eep living with hope?

I' Sources of hope ke~p emerging. One source is fou~d in the musicians who nurtureI this awareness of hope thr()ugh today's music.

I I One example is RobI Thomas' . latest release, "Streetcorner Symphony." The song I: is off his l 2005 disc "Something to Be" that has the hits "Lon6ly No More" and "Ever the Same."

The song's charactbr asks, "My sisters and brothbrs of every different color, can't you feel [the] sunshine telling you to hold tight?" He believes that people can "paint the perfect picture, all the colors lof this world will run together more than ever." Clearly, he believes that could happen - that is, that all the people in this world can "come together more Iithan ever."

Are Thomas' lyric~ just nice ideas that fit well int9 a song?

For today's followers of Jesus, hope is so muqh more than the words of a song. We are committed to keep li~ing with hope. We want a world where all God's people are respected.

To carry this energy of hope in our hearts, we neel~ to keep focusing on what Jesus taught. It is important to remember that Jesus also lived in toUgh times.

His nation was an occupied land; no political freedom existed. Further, his culture - , like ours today - faced difficult questions, especially about what it meant to be faithful to God. Yet, Jesus continged to respond with a visio,n that burned in his heart. Before both I,

'

religious and political authorities he dared to articulate a new way of living. He taught concern for people of every class and color, and especially for those who struggled with dire poverty.

He disowned any form of violence as a way to solve proble~s.

Living with hope never denies painful realities. Rather, we witness what occurs in our world and still choose to live with hope.

This brings us to an even more difficult question: How will we do so? Hope is Jesus' vision is far more an action word than a noun. Consequently, look around your immediate small corner of our world and ask, "OK, how will I act with hope?"

In these columns I often offer ideas about how you can respond to the needs in our world, and surely I will continue doing so. However, this week I want to ask your thoughts.

I'd like to ask you to take this song and column, and discuss it with your parish youth group or religious education class; teens derive much encouragement from their peers. Then write to me and let me know what your group is doing to make hope real in our world.

Will there be a new "symphony" of hope playing on your corner? There could be. Jesus thought so. He showed us the way. Now it is your turn to make the beautiful music of hope.

Your comments are always welcome. Please write to me at: chmartin@swindiana.netorat 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

'I

It is good to. be here Here we are, once again. It's Lent: a time to reflect on our lives and to put things into perspective.

It's a time for change and improvement. It's time for your performance review. How do think you have done?

I'm sure by now you have been asked what you'll be giving up for Lent. What you have decided, I have no doubt, is a personal commitment that you will take to heart and carry it through these 40 days of Lent.

However, are you stopping there?

That is, are you just giving something up? This "pleasure" that you're going without for the next 40 days is indeed a personal , sacrifice. But can you follow through even more? Can this sacrifice of having less for you be an opportunity to give more and do more for others?

I begin every Lent by reflectirig on a passage from the letter of St. James; "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away 'and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a 'i) '. doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing" (1 :22-25).

I have spoken to you in the past of our parish's youth and their desire to be doers. I see the same desire throughout our diocese, our country and the world. There's never a shortage of

volunteers to visit the sick and elderly, to give their time to a soup kitchen, to teach the very young, to be role models that reflect the real person of Jesus Christ. What's really going on here? Young people are constantly

,ley Ozzie. p~checo \,

searching for a greater purpose to their lives. What they find is nothing short of a miracle: their giving and doing lead to a greater good. A transformation is taking place. Their desire is to change the outside of themselves to

match what's on the inside.

We all face difficult moments in our lives and som~times we ask ourselves, in a very special way, "What should we dol? What is our vocation and responsibility?" It is during these intense moments when we are touched by the pain of il1justice around us, and, with our strength, we': share something iri the hope that the things may change. This is the timewhen we fe61 God's presence -Jlhe who leads us toward the future full of hope. This is the moment when God speaks to us, and with our hearts and minds o~en to him, we become so enlighte9-ed as to understand the meaning. This is I' how Jesus felt when he was transfigured. Therefore, we also ,I

need to let God's glory shine in us and through us. It prepares us for what's to come.

So wherever you are and whatever you're doing this Lent, do it in a way that's pleasing to God. Above all, hear him, and act accordingly. Share your talents, and no matter how small or insignificant you may think they are, they are very special to God. What you receive will be much more than you give. In this way, your performance review will be very pleasing to God. And, like Peter, you too will say, "Lord, it is good to be here" (Mt 17:4).

Make all you do this Lent count. Give it meaning. Give it purpose. Be doers of the word and you shall be blessed.

Ozzie Pacheco is Faith Formation director at Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

~ The Anchor ~

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Citizens

MARCH

2, 2007

Permanent deacon advisory board for diocese planned

Continuedfrom page one

present time renders it even more s~.

It is not permissible for anyone. to NEW BEDFORD - The formation of a Deacon update to the deacons. remain idle," he wrote.

In essence, the board would include a married Community Board comprised ofpermanent deacons and And in their 2004 document, their wives to assist Bishop George W. Coleman "in the couple from each ordination class. Unmarried dea"Catholics in Political Life," the care of the diocese and to address the needs of the cons would also be appointed, by the director. The United States Conference of CathoChurch" is underway, Msgr. John 1. Oliveira, director board would convene at least twice yearly as called lic Bishops noted, "The separation of the Permanent Diaconat.e program, announced. by the director. Members would assist in submitting of church and state does not require "He (Bishop Coleman) does not envision a group items for consideration at the meeting. division between belief and public that will be self-centered, but rather focused on the Ballots for board candidates are currently being action, between moral principles and . mission of the Church," Msgr. Oliveira wrote in an circulated. political choices, but protects the right of believers and religious groups to practice their faith and act on their values in public life."

Catholic Citizenship began in 2004 at the prompting of the bishops MASHPEE - All are invited to reflection. Scheduled guest speakTo register, call the Office of of Massachusetts, who asked former Vatican Ambassador Raymond Flynn a Lenten Retreat Day for Rite of ers include Deacon Richard RCIA at 508-477-7700, extension to head up a civic association that ' Christian Initiation of Adults elect, Murphy, Jean Revil and Linda 13. , For those wishing to attend would encourage Catholics to partici- candidates, godparents, sponsors Perry.

Deadline for advanced registra- witho'ut registering, sign-in will pate in the legislative and electoral and team members, March 31 at process so as to support public Christ the King Parish from 10 a.m. tion is March 23. Because lunch take place at Christ the King Parwill be provided, an accurate count ish on March 31 from 9:30 to 10 policies faithful to Catholic values to 3 p.m The event is a day of prayer and is necessary. a.m. and the teaching of the magisterium. ''It's time we let our elected officials know how we feel, and more importantly, what we believe," Flynn said in a statement on the group's Website. ''If they ignore us, as most of VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Lent self-realization because the human for us," a love that is so great that our present Catholic elected officials do, we must be ready to make them is a time when some people com- being is not the architect of his own he allowed his Son to die in order pay the price. We should, just like our plete their preparation to be bap- , eternal destiny," he said. "We are to save people.

"The cross is the definitive revIrish forbearers did, learn to use the tized at Easter and a time when the not our own makers, and so selfelation of divine love and mercy," voting booth to send a clear message." baptized "learn to become Christian realization is a contradiction." .

Conversion means recognizing ~~d.

GailBesse(gai/besse@conu:ast.net) again," Pope Benedict XVI said.

Although following Christ re- that God is the origin and destina"God is love, and his love is the is a MasSll£husettsfreelance writer. quires daily prayer and effort, Lent tion of all human life and, therefore, secret ofour happiness;' the pope said. is a time for intensive training for one's efforts and actions must be By undertaking a Lenten jourFor more infonnation contact: living the Christian life, the pope dedicated to discovering God's will ney of prayer, reflection, penance, sacrifice and works of charity, he said during his weekly general au- and obeying it, the pope said.

Catholic Citizenship: 198 Tremont Street, Suite 450, Boston MA dience on Ash Wednesday.

"Conversion means not pursuing said, Christians overcome their own 02116; 617-755-7668; www.catholicvote.org. (Fall River Diocesan Jesus called people to "convert personal success, which is something selfishness and grow in realization Coordinator: Beatrice Martins, 508-678-3351; Worcester Diocesan and believe in the Gospel," he said. that will pass, but abandoning human of how great God's love is.

Coordinator Shari Worthington, 508-755-5242.)

Pope Benedict prayed that dur"Conversion, what is it really? security and following the Lord with Massachusetts Catholic Conference: (Advocates on behalfo/the ing Lent Christians would be overTo convert means to ~eek God, to simplicity and trust,~' he said.

Roman Catholic Church in Massachusetts on public policy issues) West go to him, to follow docilely the Pope Benedict told an estimated whelmed by God's love and learn End Place, 150 Staniford St., Suite 5, Boston, 02114; 617-367-6060; teaching of his Son, Jesus Christ," 6,000 audience participants that in to pass it on "to our neighbors, eswww.macathcoforg. his message for Lent, "I wanted to pecially those who are suffering or the pope said.

Cape Cod Family Life Alliance: Patricia Stebbins, 508-833-8432.

"Conversion is not an effort for focus on the immense love God has are in difficulty."

Catholic Action League ofMasSll£husetts: (Civil rights and anti-deJa- ,

Monthly disclosed how former state

Rep. Phil Travis ofRehoboth - who led the fight to defend traditional marriage before his retirement was among those targeted for defeat

by Colorado software mogul Tim Gill's nationwide network of gay political donors.

Pope Benedict XVI has repeatedly urged Catholics to exercise their political right to speak out on key life and family issues.

In his address to the Roman Curia on Decemt>er 22, the pope defended the right of the faithful, and the Church itself, to resist attempts to legally redefine marriage. He explamed that it is our duty to defend the human person, according to Zenit News.

The theme of civic responsibility permeates Catholic doctrille.

In Gaudium et Spes, the Second Vatican Council's 1965 Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modem World, the Council fathers wrote that "laymen are not only bound to penetrate the world with a Christian spirit, but are also called to be witnesses to Christ in all things in the midst of human society."

Pope John Paul IT further spelled out mankind's urgent need f~r a Christian witness by the lay faithful in his 1987 Apostolic Exhortation Christifideles Laid. "Iflack ofcommitment is always unacceptable, the

marion group dedicated to safeguarding religiousfreedom rights) P.O. Box 112, Roslindale, MA 02131; C.l Doyle, 617-524-6320.

Some other Massachusetts secular or interfaith groups: VoteOnMarriage.org: (marriiJge amendment) 381 Elliot St., -Suite 185[, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464; 617-795-2667; www.voteonnuirriage.org.

MassResistance: (parents 'rights) P.O. Box 1612, Waltham, MA , 02454; 781-.890-6001; www.massresistance.org.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life: (education and legislation on life issues) The Schrafft Center, 529 Main St., Boston, 02129; 617-2424199; www.masscitizensforlife.org.

mr

La Salette Retreat Center 947 Park Street Attleboro, MA 02703 508-222-8530

Current Retreat Weekend Offerings

March 16 - 18. 2007 - Portuguese Retreat March 30 - April 1. 2007 - Women's Retreat April 5 • 8. 2007 - Holy Triduum Retreat May 11 - 13. 2007 - Movies and Faith May 18·20.2007 - Married Couples' Retreat .Tune 1 - 3. 2007 - Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors GriefEducation: Support Group for Separated & Divorced

RCIA Lenten retreat to take place in Mashpee

Lent is the time for the baptized to 'become Christian' again, says pope

Priests

Continued from page one

be," he said, laughing. "I was so excited the first day I was back here and watched people in New Bedford arrive for Mass after a snowstorm. They reminded me, 'You'll get used to it.'"

He recently was welcomed back

by Bishop George W. Coleman and other diocesan priests and pastors at a Iesu Caritas meeting in Fall River.

For Father Bissinger, 36, returning to the diocese fulltime after twoand-a-half years in Rome following his July 9, 2005 ordination, Commercial & Industrial Gas/Oil Burners

LEMIEUX HEATING, INC.

For more information, please call or write the Retreat Secretary

Complete, Boiler/Burner Service

e-mail: lasaletteretreats@hotmail.com website: www.Jasalette-shrine.org

2283 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford, Mass. 02745-2827 508-995-1631 Fax 508-995-1630

for information regarding the La Saletie Shrine call508-2f2-5410

there "was something of a baptism birthday within days "and I look of fire, but I'm really glad to be forward to being there with her. It's wonderful to be home, be happily here."

While he's assigned as a paro- ministering in the diocese and be chial vicar at St. Julie Billiart Par- able to do these things." ish in North Dartmouth effective Being home is indeed something March 1, he's currently at Notre new to Father Bissinger. The former Dame Parish in Fall River assisting U.S. Navy Hebrew cryptologic ailing pastor Father Richard technician spent four years in military life prior to 1994; earning a Chretien "I asked Father Chretien if I degree in philosophy and teaching could stay with him for a few days in a public school; and studying when I returned from Rome, and it Ancient Greek in Ireland before seems providential now as he re- entering Mount St. Mary Seminary cently became ill. It has given me in Emmitsburg, Md., in 2000 and the opportunity tq get a taste of ev- subsequent studies in Rome. , Evert his recent two summer vaery-day parish lIfe and pastoral ministry. Not o~ly have I been cations in Fall, River found him called to celebrate funeral Masses, busy in whirlwind preaching asdo baptisms, and visit the sick in signments at more than a dozen hospitals, but I have also been able Fall River Diocese parishes plant- ' to see'my family who live nearby." , ing the seeds of religious vocations He said his grandmother, in an attempt to get young men inTherese Clement,:a Fall'River resi- terested in pursuing a lifetime as a dent, was to cel~brate her 92nd priest.

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2, 2007

The Anchor ,

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ATTLEBORO - A Divine Mercy holy hour is held Wednesdays following the 6:30 p.m. celebration of Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed during the holy hour. For more information call 508-222-5410.

formation contact Cecilia M. Russell, president, alumni association, 124 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747. r---~

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ILPro-Life.. _Activities . .__

ATTLEBORO - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at St. Joseph's Church, 208 South Main Street. For more information call 508-226-1115.

ATTLEBORO - Pro-Life advocates picket and offer prayers on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:309 a.m. at "4 Women's Clinic," at the corner of Park and Emory streets, where abortions take place on those days. Participants are needed to pray and picket to help save the lives ofunborn children.

FALL RIVER - Sacred Heart Church, 160 Seabury Street, has exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Mondays following the 8 a.m.

Mass until 2:30 p.m.

HYANNIS - The Cape Cod Pro-Life Group welcomes volunteers to pray the rosary on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in front of the abortion clinic located at 68 Camp Street.

NEW BEDFORD- Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady's Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street. For more information call Laurie Larsen-Silva at 508-888-7751.

:Retreats

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r-----'..-------------------, i1,LecturesIPresentations ,,_ ....

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ATTLEBORO-A Bible study ofthe Gospel of John led by La Salette Father Donald Paradis is ongoing at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. It meets Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon until May 26. For more information call 508-236-9068.

CENTERVILLE - The Stations of the Cross will be prayed Friday evenings during Lent at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 South Main Street. All are invited to join as members of its various faith community groups lead the evening of prayer.. For more information call Patricia Clock at 508-7755744.

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CENTERyILLE - Echo of Cape Cod, a retreat program for high school students, is now accepting applications for its upcoming retreat weekends at the Craigville Conference Center. A Girls' weekend is scheduled for March 9-11 and a Boys' weekend April 13-15. Applications may be downloaded from the Website: www.echoofcapecod.org. For more information call Mary Fuller at 508-759-4265.

NORTH DARTMOUTH- The next YES! Retreat will be held March 1618 at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. This post-confirmation retreat is an opportunity for young people to grow in the understanding of the yes they proclaimed at confirmation.

For more information contact YES! Director Frank Lucca at flucca@comcast.net.

FALL RIVER - Gorzkie Zale, Polish Lenten lamentations, will be sung following the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Masses during Lent at SS. Peter and Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church, 47 Pulaski Street. For more information call 508676-8463.

NORTH DARTMOUTH- The next Retrovaille weekend will be held March 23-25 offering couples a chance to heal and renew troubled marriages. Rediscover yourself and your spouse and a loving relationship in marriage. For more information call 1-800-470-2230 or the Diocesan Office of Family Ministry at 508-999-6420.

FALL RIVER - A soup kitchen is open on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church Hall, 160 Seabury Street. Volunteers are welcome to assist beginning at 4 p.m.

FALMOUTH - The Knights of Columbus Council No. 813 is sponsoring First Saturday devotions including the John Paul II method of the Fatima Rosary tomorrow following the 8 a.m. celebration of Mass at St. Anthony's Church, Route 28.

NORTH DARTMOUTH - The School of Nursing Alumni Association at St. Luke's Hospital will hold a homecoming for all its graduates May 4-6 featuring receptions, dinner, brunch, hospital tours and more. For more in-

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) - "If we do what is right, we can take care ofall our children and raise the healthiest generation in American history," Archbishop George H. Niederauer of San Francisco told House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, DcCalif.

He urged her to "include adequate funding in the federal budget to sustain and expand the highly successful State Children's Health Insurance Program."

He made the comments in a personal letter to Pelosi that was delivered to her Washington office February 12 by George Wesolek, director ofthe archdiocese's Public Policy and Social Concerns Office.

Archbishop Niederauer advocated "access to affordable health insurance for every child through proven, successful federal-state partnerships" as the "right place to start in tackling the health care challenges facing our country."

The archbishop was to join other religious, civic and health' care leaders at an upcoming public rally on the plazaofSt. Mary's Cathedral at which a "Report on Children's Health" was to be released. The report, :organizers said, would be presented ib Pelosi at both her district and WaslUngton offices. : In his letter, the archbishop cited a number of statistics such "as the fact that "nearly 12,000 children would lose their health insurance in San Francisco alone if SCRIP is not reauthorized" at sufficient levels.

"As archbishop ofthe Archdiocese of San Francisco, I am proud to say that in San Francisco 98 percent of children have health coverage," he wrote, "and in San Mateo County we come closer to ensuring" that every child has health coverage:" Describing Pelosi's staff in Washington as ''very supporti~e of the intent ofthe letter" from the ,archbishop, !I

"

Wesolek said, "I fully expect the speaker will support this."

The letter underscored the importance of "adequate federal funding to cover the 2007 shortfalls in SCRIP funding which put over 600,000 children at risk oflosing their health coverage."

SCRIP has brought health coverage to an estimated six million U.S. children since it began 10 years ago.

Another 28 million children are enrolled in Medicaid, but statistics show that more than nine million remain uninsured.

In his letter to Pelosi the archbishop cautioned against doing any ''hann to the broader Medicaid program which provides essential health care services to the poorest children in the nation." ''The fate ofour children and families is interconnected," he explained. ''We must not pit children from lowincome families against those with even lower incomes."

Califoriria bishops join in fight against assisted suicide proposal II

LAKEVILLE - A Life in the Spirit Seminar, a series of talks offering help to find a fuller realization of the Holy Spirit in one's life, will be held March 4 and 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at His Land Retreat House, 17 Loon Pond Road. Attendees are asked to bring a Bible, notebook and lunch. Coffee and tea.will..be.served. For more informa~ tion call Kathryn Nolan at 978-5902685.

EAST TAUNTON - The second annual Respect Life Conference will be held March 31 at Holy Family Church beginning with registration at 8 a.m. It will include presentations by Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk and Linda Thayer and will close at 3:30 p.m. with a prayer service. To register call 508-823-2044.

FALL RIVER - The Catholic television program "Good News For Life," sponsored by the Communications Department ofthe diocese, will present part four ofthe Christian's Ask series "What is the Importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Human Being?"

March 7 at 9:30 p.m. on the Portuguese Channel.

19

Archbishop urges Pelosi to fully fund children's health care costs

Around the Diocese ~ /./'0' ' .. :Eucharistic Adoration

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,~.

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:Social Events FALL RIVER - A dinner dance will be held tomorrow at Sacred Heart Church, 160 Seabury Street. For more information call Linda Ravenscroft at 508-679-2116.

Support Groups â&#x20AC;˘ NORTH DARTMOUTH Project Rachel, a ministry of healing and reconciliation for post-abortion women and men is available in the diocese. If you are hurting from an abortion experience and want help call 508-997-3300. All calls are confidential.

NORTH DARTMOUTH - The Diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet March 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. It will include a presentation ofthe video, "Surviving Divorce."

Refreshments will be available. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-965-2919.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CNS) The California Catholic bishops are joining with a coalition of medical, ethical and disability rights groups to fight a new effort to legalize assisted suicide in the state.

Catholics were urged to call or fax theirrepresentatives in the Legislature, asking them to "oppose assisted suicide and to support laws that will continue to protect the medically dependent and the emotionally vulnerable."

Introduced February 15, AB 374 contains language identical to legislation that died in a Senate committee last June. It would allow a physician to prescribe a self-administered, lifeending drug for an adult who requested it and had been found by two doctors to be mentally competent and within six months of death.

The bill, which would require all state agencies to refer to assisted suicide as "aid-in-dying," is similar to the

Oregon law upheld by tJ;1e U.S. Supreme Court last year. I But Californians Against Assisted Suicide said the legislation is unnecessary and could be dangerous to those with chronic disabilities or who are too poor to afford health care."

"Is the Legislature saying to the low-income, 'We won't help you access health care, but we will make it easier for you to commit suicide when you're sick and uninsured?'" the coa-

lition asked in its commentary on the bill.

In addition to the CaliforniaCatholic Conference, members ofthe coalition include the Alliance of Catholic Healthcare, the National Council on Disability, the League ofUnited Latin American Citizens, the American Academy of Medical Ethics, Center for Bioethics and Culture Network, Not Dead Yet and about three dozen other organizations.

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In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks March 6 Rev. Joseph F. McDonough, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton, 1906 Rev. John W. Quirk, Founder, St. Joseph, Taunton; Rev. Bernard P. Connolly, S.S., St. Charles College, Maryland, 1932 Rev. Antoine Lanoue, O.P., 1996,

March 7 Rev. Arthur PJ. Gagnon, Pastor, Holy Rosary, New Bedford, 1958

March 9 Rev. Msgr. Henry J. Noon, v.G., Pastor, St. James, New Bedford; Vicar General, 1934-47, 1947

March 12 Rev. Aurelien L. Moreau, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1961 Rev. Adrien E. Bernier, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1989 Rev. George I. Saad, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Purgatory, New Bedford, 1991

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River. MA 02710 508-6i6--2454

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HELPING HANDS - Part of a recent delegation from the Diocese of Fall River to the mission in Guaimaca included, from left: Brenda Perry, Sister Marta, Betsy Chernecki, Lucy Soares, Pam Potenza, Donna Canuel, Andrea Russo, Elizabeth Kearney, Mary Mitchell Hodkinson, and Joyce Barrett.

Mission

Mass was said at the mission church in Guaimaca, which was usually filled to capacity. The whole congregation was the choir, with the 'Spanish music upbeat and moving. At the sign of peace, these poor but spiritually rich people would leave their seats and intermingle, offering hands, hearts and hugs. Truly an uplifting experience.

The night before we left, Father Craig told us he would be celebrating a funeral Mass at seven 0' clock that night in the home of the deceased. The one-room house was crowded. Father Craig set up an altar on a small table. The wooden coffin was against a wall, with a concave glass covering the upper body, which was not embalmed.

The room was bright with candlelight, there being no electricity in the house. Here she had slept, cooked and cared for her family.

Here those whom she lived with and loved were saying goodbye in the most simple of ways, in the most simple of places.

After 10 days it was sadly time to go home. As we flew through the skies of Honduras, I looked down on the green mountains and thought of the people I had come to know and love. I was returning to a land of plenty and leaving behind so I 1<:

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part of the mission complex. There were two dorms, divided between the sexes, with small beds and new pillows. At the end of the dorm room was the shower. Regretfully, it took a few days to figure out how to produce hot water. We did not discover the switch to the heating coil for several days, making the 6 a.m. shower a real wakeup call.

On our first night in Guaimaca we were serenaded by energetic roosters who thought sunrise was at I or 2 a.m. Several barking dogs helped them serenade us. Among our group were four nurses eager to put our hands and hearts to work come morning.

Although the medical clinic was only a short, easy walk from our dorm, it was not so for the sick residents, many of whom had miles to walk, often barefoot, from the nearby mountains and neighboring villages. Many of these patients arrived as early as 6 a.m., tired and worn from their overnight journey. As they waited to be seen, the volunteers and Dominican Sisters gave them cups of steaming oatmeal.

Most of the patients were women, young children and babies. Only one man came to the clinic. They would pay the equivalent of an American dollar for their clinic visit. We nurses would assess, diagnose and do a treatment plan for whatever conditions were presented to us.

The only Honduran doctor at the clinic, a woman, examined the sick babies while we nurses

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handled all the other cases.

A volunteer from Florida, John, greeted the patients, listened to their medical problem in Spanish, and wrote the information in English for the nurses to follow through.

One of our nursing team, Bridget, a young registered nurse from Maryland, would review in Spanish our diagnosis of the problems and treatment plan with the patients. Bridget volunteered a year to the missions in August of 2006.

Since the local diet was comprised mainly of rice, beans and occasional chicken, it was easy to see why many suffered from malnutrition. Since milk is only an occasional luxury, most of the patients suffered joint and bone pain from a lack of calcium. Most were anemic.

Women complained of muscular pain in the upper back and shoulders since they washed the family clothes in a large outdoor cement tub, with a cement scrubbing board. The water was always cold.

Besides working in the clinic, we would walk to the girl's school, lntemado, which served 60 girls from the nearby villages~ Sister Maria expressed her concern that there would not be enough teachers to operate the school. This school was started in 2000 by people from the village with the help of volunteers from the Fall River Diocese and continues to grow each year. Every day volun-

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many poor, sick and uneducated people. But in their very simplicity they had taught me the meaning of joy, community and caring. Even their faith was vibrant and alive.

And looking down on the tops of the puffy white clouds, I could almost see the face of that six-year old boy who was born deaf. And I thought how wonderful it would be if some doctor and hospital could care for him here in the States.

Maybe even someone reading this story. The Gospel says that Jesus cured the sick. Wouldn't it be wonderful to repeat his work here in Massachusetts?

Our experience in Honduras is something none of us will forget.

We will remember the daily work, the joy, the sorrow, the laughter, the beans and rice, the friendships made, the love shared with these wonderful Honduran people, and the special bond formed by our mission group.

Adios. Or as we say in English, "Go With God." Mary Mitchell Hodkinson is a parishioner of Holy Name Parish in Fall River and is a nurse at Our Lady's Haven. She and her husband Charles are the parents ofsix children. Her email address is mary-hodkinson@comcast.net.

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" teers went to the school to paint, do carpentry, garden and teach knitting and sewing classes.

At five o'clock each afternoon after our days' work, we would sit in a circle in side-armed school chairs eating our supper of rice and beans and occasional pieces of chicken, rehashing the events of the day. The group was composed of Dave Berube; William F. Kearney Jr.; Herman LaPointe; Father George Harrison, Dr. Anthony Potenza; Pam Potenza; Tom Chernecki; Betsy Chernecki, RN; Lucy Soares; Donna Canuel; Andrea Russo; Elizabeth Kearney; HEALING HANDS - Nurses Betsy Chernecki, in pink, and Mary Joyce Barrett, RN; Brenda Perry, Mitchell Hodkinson, right, discuss treatment for children with their RN; and Mary Mitchell mother at a Guaimaca clinic.

Hodkinson, RN. One day we made a trip into the mountains so the priests could say Mass for the villagers. It was celebrated in an open field since the village had no church. In this mountainous region, it is difficult for Father Craig to celebrate even one Mass per month per village because of the distances between them.

After Mass the priests baptized 13 babies and young children using an old enamel basin and tin cup. Following the baptism, the priests broke branches from a tree, dipped them into the baptismal water and sprinkled the people.

A MISSION FAMILY - Bishop George W. Coleman, second from Afterwards we were invited by one left, visits with a family living in La Canas, Honduras. From left: of the families to a meal of celebra- Christian; Father David A. Pignato, secretary to the bishop; the tion on her porch. Peanut butter bishop; Mery; Guadalupe; Karina; little Juan Pablo; Father Paul E. and jelly sandwiches never tasted Canuel; and Franklin. The bishop's contingent visited the diocesan better.

Honduran mission shortly after the group Father George E. Harrison Each evening at seven o'clock, .was in, returned home. (Photo courtesy of Father Craig A. Pregana) ,"

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