05 23 14

Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , May 23, 2014

73rd annual Catholic Charities Appeal off to a promising start

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — Now that the 73rd annual Catholic Charities Appeal is in full swing, Development director James A. Campbell is hopeful that the example of Pope Francis will trickle down into the parishes and homes of the Fall River Diocese during this latest campaign.

“Pope Francis talked about how we need to get out of our princely palaces and be with the poor,” Campbell recently told The Anchor. “So I asked Bishop (George W.) Coleman if he would be amenable to going and meeting some people in the various ministries where we serve this year.”

In fact, the theme for this year’s charitable appeal — “Find the Face of Christ in Your Neighbor” — was inspired directly from the words of the Holy Father.

“That’s got to be the theological basis for why we help our neighbor,” Campbell said. “You know, ‘Whatever you do for the least of My brothers, you do for Me.’” To that end, the short video used to

we’re doing,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to win an Emmy or an Oscar, but I still think it’s very good.”

Instead of using a static shot of Bishop Coleman speaking directly to the camera against the backdrop of a stained-glass window, Campbell thought it would be more powerful to show the bishop interacting with some of the people who benefit directly from the Appeal.

As such, the video produced for each deanery this year included Bishop Coleman’s visits to three key ministries — the Donovan House, a homeless shelter for women and children in New Bedford; the Samaritan House, a transitional home for men and women in Taunton; and also St. Clare’s House, a transitional home for women coming out of prison in Hyannis.

“The only thing that kept us from This billboard, easily seen on Interstate Route 195 West in Westport, is one of three on complete success this year was the the busy highway reminding faithful of the importance of supporting the Diocese of weather,” Campbell said. “We also Fall River’s Catholic Charities Appeal. (Photo by Dave Jolivet) wanted him to go to Martha’s Vineyard in March to visit an English as a sec“Visually I thought it helped to make ond language class, but unfortunately we shot of Pope Francis washing the feet of people on Holy Thursday, then it zooms the connection between what the Holy couldn’t attend because of the weather.”

Turn to page 18 out through the magic of “special ef- Father is doing and the local work that introduce the Catholic Charities Appeal in each parish this year, which is produced in English, Spanish and Portuguese language versions, opens with a

fects” to what Campbell called “a sort of Google maps-like transition” to pan across the ocean to various locations within the Fall River Diocese.

Why we love our sainted popes

By Linda Andrade Rodrigues Anchor Correspondent

A group of Cape Cod teens work at a community garden near Wheeling, W.Va., during their recent “alternative spring break,” when they did numerous service projects for and with the poor in the area.

Cape teens encounter, fight poverty in West Virginia

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

MASHPEE — There seems to be a building trend in this country where young adult men and women are becoming more aware of those around them, particularly, those who are vulnerable, in dire straits, or simply need a hug or pat on the back.

The numbers back it up.

More and more young people are becoming involved in the

Pro-Life movement, and lately, more and more are eschewing the nonsense of spending their precious spring break from school partying and cavorting.

As needed as a spring break can be for a busy student, some are using that time to help those with little or nothing.

This past April, a collaborative group from Christ the King Parish in Mashpee and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Turn to page 15

NEW BEDFORD — Although most of us will never have an audience with a pope, we came to know our two new sainted pontiffs, Good Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II the Great, through the eyes of others.

Some of those folks live among us, and through the years as a religion writer, I have had the pleasure to share their encounters, showing the popes’ very human side and why they are counted among the saints in Heaven.

Father Timothy J. Goldrick, pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth and an Anchor columnist, was one of 100 concelebrants at a Mass with Pope John Paul II in Philadelphia; and he found himself sitting just a few feet from the papal throne.

“My mind wandered during a particularly long prayer, and I began to look around,” he said.

“Pope John Paul II smiled and gave me one of his little blessings, crossing me with his right hand; and in a reflex action, I blessed him back. And the pope laughed.”

Dr. Joseph H. Hagan, a Lay Dominican and Little Compton, R.I., resident, served Pope John Paul II from his appointment as a Gentleman-in-Waiting in 1991 until the pontiff ’s death in 2005. It was his duty to escort dignitaries and heads of state to an audience with the pope.

“John Paul liked to tease,” said Hagan, relating a conversation between the two.

At the Vatican Hagan escorted the ambassador of Japan and his wife for an audience with the pope. The couple waited while he approached the pontiff.

“Are they all right with you?” asked St. John Paul II. “Do you mean do I like them?” replied Hagan. “Yes.” “Then they are all right with me,” said the pope smiling.

Turn to page 13

Bishop George W. Coleman, left, and Stonehill College President Father John Denning, C.S.C. listen to the keynote address at the Easton college’s 63rd commencement. Bishop Coleman gave the Benediction at the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Stonehill College)

News From the Vatican

2

May 23, 2014

Priesthood is not a business, monarchy, orphanage, pope tells students

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis told seminarians not to become “orphan priests,” who are motherless without Mary; “businessman priests,” who are after money; or “prince priests,” who are aloof from the people.

He also warned them not to give “boring homilies,” saying their reflections should be brief, powerful and address the problems and concerns people are really going through.

In a private audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall with thousands of seminarians and priests from around the world who are studying in Rome, the pope spent 70 minutes answering the questions of eight preselected participants.

The pope told them that he already had seen the prepared questions, and urged them to feel free to change the questions and go off-script if they wanted. However, the men, who were from the United States, China, Lebanon, Cameroon, Mexico, Philippines and Poland, appeared to stay with the prepared questions.

In his off-the-cuff replies, the pope addressed questions about formation; difficulties living in a religious community; advice about being far from home and living in Rome; how to balance the many duties of being a priest or bishop; what a real leader must be; and what the New Evangelization entails.

The pope peppered his serious and detailed advice with a number of humorous anecdotes and sarcasm, like when he warned the men to never forget they have a mother in Mary.

“But if you don’t want Our Lady as a mother, you will have her as a mother-in-law and that’s not good,” he said to laughter and applause.

The comment was part of a lengthy response to a Mexican student’s question about remaining faithful to one’s priestly vocation.

The key, the pope said, is vigilance — keeping watch over one’s heart and feelings, and finding peace during times of personal “turbulence.”

Just like a stormy sea, it’s impossible to see what’s going on inside one’s heart when life is in turmoil, he said.

The only way to calm the waters and be able to reflect intelligently on what’s going on is to turn to Mary for help, he said, and to “seek refuge under the mantle of the Holy Mother

of God.” “Some of you will say, ‘But Father, in this era of so many modern benefits, in psychiatry, in psychology, I think it would be better during these times of turbulence to go to a psychiatrist to help me.’ I’m not elimi-

healthy,” he said, and it carries the risk of “slipping into ideologies,” which harms the priest and people’s conception of the Church.

In response to the challenges of living in a religious community, diocese or seminary, the pope said “gossip is the plague” and will destroy a community.

He said, it’s not true that gossip is “a female thing; men, too,” can get wrapped up in backstabbing, jealousy, envy and power struggles.

“Community life isn’t paradise; at any rate, it’s purgatory, but it’s not paradise,” he said to applause.

The best advice, he said, is to speak face-to-face with the person with whom one disagrees or has a problem or go to one’s superior for help.

Also, always pray for that person “and the Lord will do the rest.”

When asked about balancing all of the demands of being a priest or bishop, the pope said the secret is prayer and always making room for the Sacraments Pope Francis greets a child wearing a skull cap as the pontiff arrives for an encounter with Italian stu- and Eucharistic Adoration. dents, teachers and parents in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican recently. About 300,000 attended the The ideal day is to go to bed event. (CNS photo/Claudio Peri, EPA) tired “so you won’t have to take any (sleeping) pills,” he joked.

But he underlined the difnating that (possibility), but go leadership: service. There is no He said “we are late” in pick- ference between the “good to the mother first before any- other way,” the pope said. ing up on this problem and tired” of a productive day verthing else.”

A priest can be a great com- that the Church has a lot to do sus the exhaustion of being run When there’s trouble, chil- municator and have other to ensure homilies are under 10 ragged. dren “always go to their moth- wonderful talents, “but if you minutes and done well “so that He told his audience that er. And we are children in our aren’t a servant, your leadership people understand” the Word he could see his papal assistant spiritual life,” the pope said. “giving me a look right now,” will collapse, it won’t matter, it of God. “To forget a mother is a ter- won’t be able to summon” othThe pope urged seminar- suggesting that the pope does rible thing,” he said, and when ers or guide them. ians to not let their academic not exactly follow his own ada priest forgets Mary or does Service is always being studies take over their spiritual vice in that regard. not have a good relationship available to others, respond- growth, apostolic work and “It’s true. I’m a sinner,” guilty with her, “something is miss- ing to their needs, and help- community life. of overwork and being disorgaing. He is an orphan priest.”

“Academic purism is not nized, he laughed. ing them “grow and walk” with The pope later warned Jesus. against becoming a “businessWhen asked about the “New man priest” or a “prince priest” Evangelization,” Pope Francis in response to a question from said it requires “going out of a Filipino student about the one’s self ” and “getting closer VATICAN CITY (CNS) — was essential to recognize that qualities needed to best lead to the people, to everyone.”

No matter how sophisticated autonomous weapon systems the people of God. “You can’t evangelize with- and how many algorithms are can never replace the human Parishioners are usually very out being close” to others, programmed to help a drone capacity for moral reasoning, forgiving of a priest’s missteps, which means being “cordial” as or other machine make calcula- including in the context of war. except when they are sins of well as being physically present tions before firing on a target, “The development of augreed and vanity — the “two and aware of what others are autonomous weapons systems tonomous weapon systems will hazards” that St. Augustine going through. could never comply with in- ultimately lead to widespread warned about that come with One of the reasons why there ternational human rights law, a proliferation,” the archbishop the priestly office. said, and “the development of are so many “boring homilies” Vatican official said.

The people of God “don’t is because priests aren’t “close” “Meaningful human in- complex autonomous weapon forgive you if you are a pas- to their people, he said. The volvement is absolutely essen- systems which remove the hutor who is attached to money, measure for seeing how close tial in decisions affecting the man actor from lethal deciif you’re vain and don’t treat a priest is to his parishioners is life and death of human be- sion-making is short-sighted people nicely because the con- his homily, he added. ings,” Archbishop Silvano To- and may irreversibly alter the ceited don’t treat people nicely.”

Pope Francis lamented long masi, the Vatican observer to nature of warfare in a less huHe said the early monas- homilies, telling the students U.N. agencies in Geneva, told mane direction, leading to contic Desert Fathers used to say he knows the 40-minute hom- experts recently meeting to dis- sequences we cannot possibly that “vanity is like an onion”: ily “isn’t something made up. It cuss lethal autonomous weap- foresee, but that will in any case the vain keep peeling back and happens!” ons systems. increase the dehumanization of showing off all their layers until Archbishop Tomasi said it warfare.”

Homilies also should not be “you end up with nothing,” but the repelling “smell of onion.”

Instead, “humility must be the weapon of the priest,” who is close to his people and lives a life of sacrifice, poverty and service.

“There is only one path to

“about abstract things,” he said.

While it expresses “the truth of faith,” a homily shouldn’t be a classroom lesson, a conference or an academic reflection, but be “something else,” that borders on the Sacramental, and is “brief and powerful.”

Vatican official voices opposition to automated weapons systems

The International Church

May 23, 2014

The recent National March for Life 2014 in Toronto, Canada drew thousands of those seeking and end to abortion. (Photo by Campaign Life Coalition)

Canadian Pro-Life march shows growing movement

Quebec City, Canada (CNA/EWTN News) — Several thousand Pro-Life advocates recently rallied in Canada’s national capital, seeking an end to abortion and giving witness to the growth of the Pro-Life movement across the country.

“The March for Life was, once again, a huge success,” Matt Wojciechowski, a spokesman for the Campaign Life Coalition, told CNA. “We had thousands upon thousands of Canadians rallying for life and then marching through downtown Ottawa.”

“The numbers keep growing,” he added. “It was a beautiful day.”

The Campaign Life Coalition organized the event, which has been held for 17 years.

Wojciechowski said an estimated 23,000 people attended the Ottawa event, while thousands more rallied in provincial capitals.

The rally drew Pro-Life movement leaders, Pro-Life Members of Parliament and Pro-Life religious leaders, as well as ordinary families, young adults, senior citizens, clergy, and Catholic vowed religious.

Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec City read a message of support from Pope Francis, written by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on the pope’s behalf. Cardinal Parolin told the marchers that the pope “assures them of his spiritual closeness as they give witness to the God-given dignity, beauty and value of human life.”

“He prays that this event fosters greater respect for the inviolable right to life of each person from conception to nat-

ural death and supports the efforts of all who labor to ensure that this fundamental human right receives adequate legal protection,” the cardinal said.

Pope Francis gave his blessing to organizers and participants, particularly those who help women in crisis pregnancies and their children.

This year’s March for Life focused on the dangers of the RU486 abortion drug currently under consideration for approval

by Canadian health authorities, Wojciechowski explained.

“Not only does it kill the preborn children,” he said. “It is also known to have killed dozens of women who take it, through severe bleeding, heart attacks, (and) septic shock.”

Last week, Liberal Party head Justin Trudeau said that all new Liberal Party candidates for Parliament must support abortion, saying he wants to form a government that is “resolutely pro-choice,” the Canadian newspaper The National Post reports.

Wojciechowski said the announcement was not surprising, given Trudeau’s beliefs. His father, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, had a leading role in legalizing abortion in Canada.

However, the March for Life spokesman said the move “alienated a whole demographic of Liberal voters” and contradicted Justin Trudeau’s previous pledges to hold open nomination meetings for party candidates.

He suggested the action shows that pro-abortion rights forces are “on the defensive.”

“They are coming out with these ridiculous statements that

will only hurt them in the end.”

Wojciechowski said Canada’s March for Life this year received the most media coverage ever because of Trudeau’s statements.

Pro-Life leaders have been encouraging people to be involved in politics at the grassroots level. They are also encouraging Pro-Life education efforts in schools, forums and conferences.

The March for Life spokesman voiced appreciation for the “strong spiritual voices” in the Catholic Church hierarchy who are “not afraid to speak out against abortion.”

“We pray and hope that they will continue to lead the way in restoring the culture of life in Canada,” Wojciechowski said.

Cardinal Lacroix’s reading of Pope Francis’ message was not uneventful. Two topless women protesters from the group FEMEN Canada attempted to disrupt him.

Wojciechowski said that the disruption was “obviously very orchestrated.”

The group FEMEN is not only pro-abortion but “antireligion, anti-God,” he said.

“That is why they tend to attack clergy, archbishops and cardinals.”

However, their effect was minimal.

“Most people didn’t even notice,” the March for Life spokesman said. “It’s not something we really focus on because it takes away from the real reason why we’re there and that is to celebrate life.”

Organizers hope and pray the Pro-Life movement will continue to grow.

“This is up to God, not us,” he said.

3

The Church in the U.S.

4

May 23, 2014

‘Love Is Our Mission’ is theme of 2015 family meeting in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — The archbishop in charge of the Vatican office sponsoring next year’s World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia recently paid a visit to the city in typical tourist fashion: by viewing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, was joined by Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and the event co-chairmen, Gov. Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, for the morning review at the Liberty Bell pavilion, then on to a private tour of Independence Hall led

by National Park Service guides.

Afterward at the Independence Visitors Center, Archbishop Chaput led a news conference at which he unveiled the theme of the Sept. 22-27, 2015, meeting in the city: “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

He said Pope Francis’ compassion for the needs of people around the world “and his deep care for the institution of the family” were the inspiration for the theme.

“It not only reminds each of us that love should be our life’s mission but that also it is the engine of life. Our goal for the 2015 World Meeting of Families is to create a moment of hope and celebration for all of the world’s families — a moment in which we hope Pope Francis will join.”

Archbishop Chaput reiter-

ated, as he has in the past, that he does not expect the pope to announce whether he will come to Philadelphia next year until about March. But he said that the World Meeting of Families is being planned as though the pope will attend.

Pope Francis appears to be involved in details of the planning even at this point. The archbishop said the theme was developed through consultation here and with officials of the Pontifical Council for the Family in Rome.

Two suggested themes were presented to the pope and he chose the one announced at the press conference.

It will form the basis of preparatory teaching and programming content for the World Meeting of Families. About 100 speakers are expected to participate in the international conference, along with thousands of attendees from more than 150 nations.

The theme “resonates not just with Catholics, but all people of good will,” the archbishop said.

“It underlines the beauty and truth of family life. The love that we cite in our theme is a love that we must ensure fills every home and all family members with a unique and invigorating light and warmth.”

Archbishop Paglia, who had met Archbishop Chaput, Corbett and Nutter and the Philadelphia delegation during their trip to Rome in March, appeared to thoroughly enjoy his whirlwind tour.

Asking questions of guides at the historic sites and speaking better-than-adequate English, the Italian archbishop said May 13 is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the Church calendar. It was also the day in 1981 when St. John Paul II as pope founded the Pontifical Council for the Family. He would have announced the news but was wounded by an assassin that same day.

The archbishop said Philadelphia was “important to the history not only of the United States but of the world,” and the fitting place to “celebrate the importance of families.”

He called the Catholic Church “a sign of unity for humanity, a family of people. Love flows from the family, and this is the great mission for us.”

Regarding the World Meeting of Families itself, no new details were revealed except that “every inch of the (Pennsylvania) Convention Center has been booked,” Archbishop Chaput said.

He, Corbett and Nutter said they expect plans to be firmly in

place by this September, including a budget for which fundraising continues.

Archbishop Chaput said funds will be raised to help poor families attend the meeting and to help them materially, after meeting expenses for the meeting’s events, in the months and years to follow.

Getting people to the events from hotels in the city and surrounding counties will be a logistical challenge. Corbett said the planning team is looking at smaller yet significant recent events in the region such as last year’s U.S. Open at Merion and the Republican National Convention in 2000.

Once participants arrive they will find programming for all types of families, including “nontraditional families,” Archbishop Chaput said in response to the issue of families headed by homosexual couples.

“Everybody is welcome,” he said, adding that although the meeting will “primarily involve a Catholic understanding of the family,” the virtues of the family are the same: “Love, fi-

delity and support in time of need,” he said.

The morning news conference also included Philadelphia’s Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop Stefan Soroka and students from St. Francis Xavier School in Philadelphia. Afterward Archbishop Paglia and aides from his congregation traveled from the historic district to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and toured the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The wide stretch of the parkway offered the archbishop a view of what Pope Francis might expect to see if he comes to celebrate a Mass in Philadelphia.

Nutter called the area the most likely place to host the Mass.

After walking through the cathedral with the rector, Msgr.

Arthur Rodgers, the entourage of the two archbishops, Corbett and his wife, Susan, walked across the street to Sister Cities Plaza and an impromptu cup of Philadelphia water ice from a street vendor — who might want to prepare a lot more for September 2015.

New Jersey priest dies during climbing expedition on Mount Hood

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (CNS) — A 57-year-old Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., fell to his death on the northeast side of Mount Hood in Oregon the morning of May 12.

Father Robert J. Cormier, of Jersey City, fell nearly 1,000 feet near Eliot Glacier on the south side of the mountain, say officials. Another climber who witnessed the fall, which happened at about 8 a.m., said the priest was on the summit and looked north, when he fell through a cornice — an overhang of snow — to his death.

Father Cormier was climbing in a party of three people, according to Sgt. Pete Hughes of the Hood River County Sheriff ’s Office.

“We have had this happen a few times where people have gone to take a look over to the north side of the mountain and actually fallen off the north side, which is a sheer face,” said Hughes.

Father Cormier was in active ministry in the Archdiocese of Newark for 31 years. He was ordained in 1982 by Pope John Paul II in Rome. At the time of his death, he was administrator of St. Patrick and Assumption/ All Saints, a merged parish in

Jersey City. He also was an author and pilot and enjoyed sailing and scuba diving.

Father Cormier’s climbing group ascended from Timberline Lodge, the traditional south side approach to the summit of Mount Hood, and left at about 1:45 a.m. Officials said the priest was climbing ahead of his party because another climber in the group had a leg cramp.

Conditions on the mountain were clear May 12, with temperatures ranging from the 50s at Timberline Lodge to the 30s near the summit. Avalanche danger has been high because of the warm conditions and recent heavy snowfall.

Searchers located Father Cormier’s body on the Eliot Glacier headwall, in a crevasse, at about 10,500 feet above sea level, according to the sheriff ’s office.

Because of the avalanche dangers, efforts to recover the priest’s body would not take place until a crew could do it safely, deputies said.

James Goodness, Newark archdiocesan communications director, told AP that news of the priest’s death was “a true shock.”

“We’re certainly very concerned about his family, con-

cerned about his parish, and all the people who’ve been part of his life,” he said.

The Cranford Chronicle, a New Jersey newspaper, quoted Gwendolin Herder, head of Crossroad Publishing Co., who had worked with Father Cormier on several books on spirituality he published.

“Father Bob,” as he liked to be called, “was passionate about God, a God Who — he was convinced — did not want to hide behind formulas removed from people’s life experience today,” Herder told the paper.

His books included “Better Than We Believed,” “Why We Look Up” and “A Faith That Makes Sense.”

Father Cormier spoke several languages, including Spanish. His parish assignments included 25 years at St. Rose of Lima Church, where he ministered to the Spanish-speaking community.

He also had worked in education, on the grade school and high school level, and served as a prison chaplain and a rehab counselor.

He had a weekly program on an Internet-based radio station called Radio Inmaculada, for which he also served as spiritual director.

May 23, 2014

Warren Buffett’s billion-dollar abortion funding draws fire

Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) — ProLife advocates have drawn attention to a report showing that businessman Warren Buffett’s charitable foundation has given more than $1.2 billion to abortion providers and advocacy groups.

Buffett is “ensuring the destruction of millions of children worldwide,” Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, told the Media Research Center’s Culture and Media Institute.

She characterized Buffett as the “sugar daddy of the entire proabortion movement.”

Buffett, chairman of the Berkshire Hathaway investment company, is one of the wealthiest men in the world; his estimated wealth peaked at $62 billion in 2008.

The Culture and Media Institute uncovered the details of Buffett’s abortion funding by examining tax forms for the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, which Warren Buffett heads. The foundation has several billion dollars in assets, and is named for his deceased first wife and was previously called the Buffett Foundation.

The institute’s report, drawing on forms for the years 2001 to 2012, found that Buffett’s foundation has given more than $289 million to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the U.S. Another $211 million went to U.K.-based Marie Stopes International, $85 million to the National Abortion Federation, $29 million to the Guttmacher Institute, and $24 million to NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The foundation has given more than $32 million to EngenderHealth, which performs sterilizations in Vietnam. Another $23 million has gone to the Population Council, which helped begin the clinical trials to win FDA approval of mifepristone, an abortifacient drug.

The foundation provided millions of dollars to Catholics for a Free Choice, now known as Catholics for Choice; the U.S. bishops’ conference has said that the organization is not a Catholic organization, and promotes positions contrary to Catholic teaching.

Lila Rose, president of the Pro-Life advocacy group Live Action, said the funding of abortion groups is a “huge scandal,” suggesting that Buffett’s business could be damaged if his abortion funding became better known.

The Church in the U.S.

5

6

May 23, 2014

Anchor Editorial

A message from Nigeria for us

Back on Oct. 18, 2012, during a meeting of the Synod of Bishops discussing the New Evangelization, Bishop John Ebebe Ayah of Ogoja, Nigeria, said that he was “glad to share with you the joys and anxieties of the Nigerian Church in recent times as she struggles to witness to Christ in the face of terrorism popularly known as Boko Haram.” Most Americans have only become aware of Boko Haram in the last few weeks due to the news coverage of the scores of girls who were kidnapped from their school by this terrorist organization (whose name is often translated as meaning “Western Education is Sin,” although the official name is “The Congregation of the People of Tradition for Proselytism and Jihad”), but the people of Nigeria have long been aware of the sorrow which it brings. Nonetheless, Christians there also see the opportunities which God always gives us to bring good out of evil situations.

Bishop Ayah said, “This situation challenges the Nigerian Christian to a deeper reflection and appreciation of the value of martyrdom which the Church holds in high esteem. As against the gospel of prosperity, the Nigerian Catholic, in particular, has come to understand the true meaning of the cross as a sharing in the sufferings of Christ. And life in itself is translated as a pilgrimage of faith with the Lord Jesus to Calvary. Being a Christian within the Nigerian context, therefore, goes beyond ordinary church attendance on Sunday.” What a thing for all of us to meditate upon! We are nourished by Our Lord every Sunday at the altar (or more often, should we so choose), not so as to build up a mountain of riches which will eventually rust and corrode, but so as to have the strength we need for the journey to climb Calvary together with Jesus.

The bishop also mentioned that it is “interesting to note the fact that not only Christians have lost their lives from the bombs and bullets unleashed by Boko Haram, but even a good number of Muslims too, as some statistical data show. It is not every Muslim who cherishes what Boko Haram is seeking to perpetuate in Nigeria. Many admire the Christian virtues of love and peace, which they claim are equally enshrined in the Koran. Many of our Muslim brothers and sisters long to convert to the Christian faith but cannot achieve this, for fear of losing their lives.”

This fear in Nigeria is one which is shared in many majority Moslem countries (Nigeria’s population is almost evenly split between Moslems and Christians). Recently two members of the Concilium (the highest level of the international Legion of Mary) visited Boston to share with New Englanders hopeful news about the New Evangelization. They said that the Legion has been very active in Pakistan, a country where conversion to Christianity often is followed by death (either by the government or by a mob). On the Facebook page of the Legion in Rawalpindi, Pakistan is a quote from St. Teresa of Avila, obviously meant to encourage Catholics in such a hostile land.

“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God — lacks nothing; God Alone suffices.”

Back in 2012, Bishop Ayah said, “As the Universal Church celebrates the Year of Faith, the Nigerian bishops call on their flocks to observe the following: (a) That we Catholics exercise patience in our dealings with those who oppose and fight against our interests as well as not resorting to violence, [even] more so, as a retaliatory measure; (b) That we continue to talk peace to our detractors, seeking meaningful and mature ways of dialoguing that can bring about lasting peace and concord, with time; (c) That our efforts at working toward dialogue and peace should not be interpreted as weakness, but rather as a sign of strength which comes from the Lord Jesus, Who is our Resurrection and life; (d) That we promote sound catechesis at home, schools and small Christian communities; (e) Finally, we commend our every effort for lasting peace into the hands of our Blessed Mother, the Mediatrix of all graces.”

The goals which the Nigerian bishops laid out for their people are valid ones for us, too, both as we pray for those kidnapped girls and for the souls of the many killed in that war and in so many other wars and as we live our own Christian lives in a society more and more hostile to belief in Christ and His Church. As the Nigerian bishops said, we need to lay a foundation of solid catechesis, trusting in Our Lady (as Pope Francis says on page two), and realizing that true strength comes from imitating the Crucified One, always full of love.

Pope Francis’ address of May 18 This is the Holy Father’s address before and after the recitation of the Regina Coeli to the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica on May 18.

Dear brothers and sisters, hello!

Today the reading from the Acts of the Apostles makes us see that even in the primitive Church, too, emerged the first tensions and dissent. There are conflicts in life and the problem is how to deal with them. Until that time the unity of the Christian community had been helped by the fact that its members belonged to the same ethnic group, the same culture. They were all Jews. But when Christianity — which by Jesus’ will is destined for all people — opens up to Greek culture, this homogeneity

disappears and the first difficulties occur. At that moment malcontent spreads, there are complaints, rumors of favoritism and unequal treatment circulate. This happens in our parishes too! The community’s assistance of needy people — widows, orphans and poor people generally — seems to privilege the Christians of Hebrew extraction over others.

So, in the face of this conflict, the Apostles take the situation in hand: they call a meeting that includes disciples too, they discuss the issue together. Everyone. Problems do not go away by pretending that they do not exist! And this frank confrontation between pastors and faithful is beautiful. A subdivision of tasks is thus established. The Apostles make a proposal that is accepted OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

www.anchornews.org

Vol. 58, No. 20

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, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 — FAX 508-675-7048, email: theanchor@anchornews.org.

Subscription price by mail, postpaid $20.00 per year, for U.S. addresses.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use email address

PUBLISHER - Most Reverend George W. Coleman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Father Richard D. Wilson fatherwilson@anchornews.org EDITOR David B. Jolivet davejolivet@anchornews.org OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org ADVERTISING Wayne R. Powers waynepowers@anchornews.org REPORTER Kenneth J. Souza k ensouza@anchornews.org REPORTER Rebecca Aubut beckyaubut@anchornews.org Send Letters to the Editor to: fatherwilson@anchornews.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 Fall River, Mass.

by everyone. They will dedicate themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word, while seven men, the deacons, will provide service at meals and to the poor.

These seven are not chosen because they are experts but because they are honest men with good reputations, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. They are installed in their service by the imposition of the hands of the Apostles. And in this way, from the state of malcontent, from that complaining, from those rumors of favoritism and unequal treatment they passed to a solution. Confronting each other, debating, praying — it is in this way that conflicts are resolved in the Church. Confronting each other, debating and praying. With the certainty that gossip, envy, jealousy never lead to concord, to harmony or to peace.

The Holy Spirit was there too, crowning this agreement and this helps us understand that when we let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit, He brings us to harmony, to unity and to respect for different gifts and talents. Have you truly understood this? No gossip, no envy, no jealousy! Do you understand?

May the Virgin Mary help us to be docile to the Holy Spirit, so that we know how to respect each other and be ever more united in faith and charity, keeping our hearts open to the needs of our brothers.

Queen of Heaven

V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

R. For He Whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.

V. Has risen, as He said, alleluia.

R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, Who gave joy to the world through the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life.

Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dear brothers and sisters, Terrible floods have devastated large parts of the Balkans, above all in Serbia and Bosnia.

As I entrust the victims of this calamity to the Lord, I express my personal nearness to those who are experiencing a time of anxiety and tribulation. Let us pray to Our Lady together for these brothers and sisters, who are in such difficulties.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.

Amen.

Yesterday in Iaşi, Romania Bishop Anton Durcovici, a martyr for the faith, was beatified.

He was a zealous and courageous pastor and was persecuted by the Romanian communist regime.

He died in prison of hunger and thirst in 1951. Together with the faithful of Iaşi and of all Romania let us thank God for this!

I greet all of you, Romans and pilgrims: families, parish groups, associations, schools.

In particular I greet the students of the Catholics schools from Madrid and Pamplona, from Mexico and from Colombes, France, the young people from “Our Lady of the Snow” in Genoa, the children from the “Holy Face” Center in Bari.

I greet the delegations from the city of Perth (Australia) and Vasto (Italia), which have been twinned for 25 years; the faithful from Tombolo, Grezzana, Cerignola, San Biagio, San Fiorano, Parabita, Patù, Bronte, Cassino and Dogana; the choir from Brindisi, the circle of elderly people from Locara, the Little Emmaus Fraternity of St. Benedict from Tronto, the young people of Lodi and Atri.

I encourage the associations of volunteers who have come for the Day of Cancer Victims. I pray for you and for the sick and the families. And pray for me!

I wish everyone a good Sunday! Have a good lunch and goodbye!

May 23, 2014

T

he May 12 saga at Harvard made many Catholics and other interested observers aware of a subject that most are content to know little about: the reality of black masses, which desecrate a validly consecrated host in a ceremony meant to mock the Catholic Liturgy.

In the early days of black masses, rebellious ex-priests consecrated the Eucharist during the ceremony before defiling the host with spit, blood, excrement, sexual fluids and blasphemies.

Since renegade clerics willing to debase what they once adored are hard to find, however, Satan worshippers eventually began to resort to stealing consecrated hosts by breaking into Church tabernacles or absconding them from Mass.

In the Harvard situation, notwithstanding the organizer’s confusing and conflicting statements, it’s likely that we were dealing with a consecrated host, since to hold even a reenactment of a black mass without a consecrated host would be like having a barbecue without meat. It’s also much easier to snatch a consecrated host from an inattentive minister of Holy Communion than it is for a stranger to purloin an unconsecrated one from a Church sacristy; one of the consequences of the indult to receive Holy

I

t should come as no surprise that women choose their close friends from among other women who share their values. In that light, Pro-Life women have more confidence in other Pro-Life women, stayat-home mothers find more affinity with other stay-at-home mothers, and women of faith trust other women of faith — even if they don’t share the exact creed — as long as God and virtue are paramount.

The same is true in the reverse, of course: those who prioritize life-style choices apart from transcendent truths build their own circles of likeminded friends. Most of these women find great discomfort with the fact that some people insist that some choices are immoral and damaging to the wider cultural fabric in which we must all live. Those who reject natural law, the traditional family, and the inherent dignity of all human life feel oppressed and suffocated by

Anchor Columnists Black masses and Eucharistic vigilance Communion on the hands is worshippers are irreverently that it has unintentionally made intent on profaning Him. pilfering consecrated hosts easy.

Several years ago when I Real Satan worshippers, was a pastor in New Bedford, a moreover, are not only just young woman approached me as aware as devout Catholics after Mass informing me that about the difference between she used to participate in saconsecrated and unconsecrated tanic masses with hosts she had hosts, but some even seem to stolen from Catholic parishes in be able to distinguish between the city. I asked a few questions the two. In a bone-chilling to determine whether she was interview published a few years spinning a tale, but after a few ago with a French exsatanist named Nicolas, a journalist asked why Putting Into he never stole conthe Deep secrated Protestant communion hosts. He replied because satanists

By Father knew they remained just Roger J. Landry bread. He added that if a consecrated host from a Catholic Mass were placed minutes of listening to minute alongside nine unconsecrated details of parishes, looting techhosts or hosts from Protestant niques and black mass specifics communion services, he would — not to mention witnessing immediately be able to discern her intense sorrow for what she the validly consecrated one. had done — I concluded she When the incredulous journal- was credible. She implored me ist asked how, Nicolas replied, to do something about how “Because of the burning hate easy it is in many parishes to I would feel toward that host, rip off consecrated hosts. That’s apart from all the others.” He one of the reasons I’m writing claimed to have received some today’s column. of the devil’s spiritual capaciPriests and deacons, exties to recognize what surpasses traordinary ministers of Holy normal human detection.

Communion and indeed all The reality of black masses the faithful must become more requires Catholics to become as vigilant to ensure Jesus in reverentially protective of Jesus the Eucharist isn’t shoplifted, in the Holy Eucharist as Satan by safeguarding that He is

Sharing values

those who cherish all three. women who struggle with the The great debate in this details of motherhood, women country at present concerns who yearn for appreciation whose default argument is and diversions are shallow more threatening: Is the and anachronistic, and should existence of a group of people simply find jobs. The premise who promote the common good based on natural law more dangerous to the notion of individual liberties; or are those people who reject moral absolutes more of a threat to the religious

By Genevieve Kineke liberties of believers? Or in shorthand, which will prevail: the atomized individu- of the movie, they believe, is al or the communal person? flawed because it depends on This is the underlying gender stereotypes, regresquestion being bandied about sive notions of the family, and today in the wake of the light- insulting beliefs. hearted comedy, “Moms’ Night Now Christians have had Out.” Whether or not the film to deal with the immorality of is well-written, well-acted, or the entertainment industry for well-made are red herrings if decades. From promiscuous one reads the scathing reviews plot lines to vulgar rap lyrmore deeply. After panning all ics, from the objectification of three elements, the reviewers women to sickening degrees of get to the heart of the matviolence — the response has ter: women who stay at home, always been, “If you don’t like

The Feminine Genius

7

consumed immediately upon reception, especially when someone receives Holy Communion on the hands. When someone begins to walk away before consuming the Eucharist, we have a duty to follow him to confirm that he has received, and that he’s fit to receive. To do this is not to try to embarrass anyone, especially if the person turns out not to be Catholic and simply doesn’t know any better.

The point is to protect the Lord from profanation or desecration.

Many priests tell horror stories about finding hosts in pews and missalettes. When I was a high school chaplain, one of the students stole a host from Mass and began to write all over it in class until others brought it to the teacher’s, principal’s and my attention.

In Toronto, other seminarians and I saw a communicant do a sleight-of-hand with Holy Communion, pretending to receive but then returning to her pew and furtively putting the host in her pocketbook. When we politely but firmly insisted that she give us the host, she opened her pocketbook and there was a jar with more than 150 stolen hosts inside!

I’ve occasionally heard people say in opposition to

this elementary religious duty to protect the Eucharist, “The Lord can take care of Himself.”

I find it dubious that such words would have consoled the Blessed Mother on the Via Dolorosa. Such sanctimony won’t please her today either.

Nor will it comfort Jesus Who told St. Margaret Mary that His heart is wounded by the “indifference, irreverence, coldness, sacrilege and scorn” that people have for Him in the “Sacrament of His love.”

He’s particularly wounded, He added, when those consecrated to Him who ought to know better behave toward Him in this way.

In 258, the 12-year-old acolyte St. Tarcisius died protecting Jesus in the Eucharist from desecration by a mob. He knew he wasn’t just defending something holy, but rather Someone. His faithful, loving witness calls each of us to ponder what we’re willing to do to protect our Eucharistic Lord not only from unworthy reception but from those who intend to treat Him under Sacramental disguise as the Roman soldiers desecrated Him on Good Friday.

Anchor columnist Father Landry is pastor of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River. fatherlandry@ catholicpreaching.com.

it, don’t watch.” When Tipper Gore (decades ago!) suggested that the wider community was harmed by the existence of such baseness, she was ridiculed and parodied, mocked and marginalized. No moralists were allowed to impose their constraining beliefs on others.

And yet the production of a single movie that is meant to encourage and uplift those who dedicate themselves to the difficult task of child-rearing is likewise decried — even flagged as a throwback to treacherous times when families consisted of a mother, a father, and their shared offspring.

One would think that a silly film with little to commend it would be allowed to die an ignominious death at the box office, but the hysterical response is instructive. Women (and the bulk of these reviewers are women) are not happy

to simply choose as they will and surround themselves with those who choose likewise; rather they must challenge those who choose differently and lampoon the offenders as dangerously stupid.

This ironic incongruence only leads to the more troubling fact: the entertainment industry, the educational establishment, and (most importantly) all governmental agencies are coalescing around the individualists. This answers the important question raised above: secular individualism and communal personhood are mutually threatening and cannot coexist much longer. Thus we see that cultures are not like cliques, because eventually one group will prevail, forcing all to conform to that which is inscribed in law.

Anchor columnist Mrs. Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.”

She blogs at feminine-genius. typepad.com.

8

“J

PII, we love you!

JPII, we love you!”

Those were the words the crowd chanted on the morning in October 1995 when Pope John Paul II entered the Great Lawn of New York City’s Central Park to celebrate Mass for an estimated 125,000 ecstatic, cheering people.

A seminarian at the time, I had the once-in-a-lifetime joy of being among the crowd.

When the Holy Father emerged from his popemobile at the foot of the gigantic, portable altar and climbed the stairs to the altar, the vast assembly stood in awe and continued to chant: “JPII, we love you! JPII, we love you!”

The pope walked from one side of the Sanctuary to the other, raising his outstretched arms in greeting and rhythm to the roaring crowd. As the chanting continued, the Holy Father walked to the micro-

May 23, 2014

Filled with the Spirit of truth phone and quieted the jubiMe you will keep My Comlant multitude. When it was mandments. And I will ask silent enough for the pope to the Father, and He will give be heard, he said, “Yes, yes, you another Advocate to be you say you love me but you with you always, the Spirit do not obey me.” of truth, Whom the world Jesus said to His disciples: cannot accept.” The sign that “Whoever has My Commandments and observes them is the Homily of the Week one who loves Me.” Sixth Sunday We Christians have of Easter the Commandments and are called to obBy Father serve them. Which is Henry J. Dahl why our submission to the will of God is the hallmark of our love of God. we are “in the Spirit” is our Clearly, observing God’s will desire to understand God’s for us involves more than will and obey it. mouthing the words: “I love In the Acts of the AposYou!” tles, we hear that the Gospel To receive the Commandwould spread from Jerusaments and to observe them lem to Judea to the ends of likewise involves more than the earth. Philip, a deacon, our intellectual comprehentravels to Samaria to share sion and desire to submit to the Gospel with the SamariGod’s will. It takes the gift tans. The Samaritans, who are of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said outcasts because their Jewish to His disciples, “If you love faith is now watered down

with pagan beliefs, hear the Gospel and accept it with joy.

However, hearing the Word would not be enough to live out the Commandments. The Samaritans also needed the gift and fire of the love of the Holy Spirit, which is why the Apostles sent Peter and John to pray over the Samaritans and call down the Holy Spirit upon them. Anointed with the Spirit, “there was great joy in that city.”

At our own Confirmation, we were anointed with that same Spirit.

As Spirit-filled people like Philip, Peter and John, we are encouraged to share the source of our hope and joy — our faith in the Lord Jesus — with others. St. Peter says: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence.”

At times we may be maligned and defamed for our beliefs.

Nevertheless, Peter reminds us, “It is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.”

As we prepare for the Ascension, we have Jesus’ promise that He will send another Advocate to be with us always.

Jesus, the first Advocate, will not leave us orphans. The second Advocate, Whom He will send, will be the Spirit of truth, Who will remain with us and be in us always. Filled with this Trinity of Divine Persons, we are invited to share in the overflowing inner life and love of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Brought to life in the Spirit and filled with Divine love and life, we, and all the earth, are able to cry out to God with joy. Now, filled with the Spirit of truth, whenever we say, “I love You,” we truly mean it.

Father Dahl is a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. May 24, Acts 16:1-10: Ps 100:1b-2,3,5; Jn 15:18-21. Sun. May 25, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Acts 8:5-8,14-17; Ps 66:1-7,16,20; 1 Pt 3:15-18; Jn 14:15-21. Mon. May 26, Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b-6a,9b; Jn 15:26—16:4a. Tues. May 27, Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3,7c-8; Jn 16:5-11. Wed. May 28, Acts 17:15,22—18:1; Ps 148:1-2,11-14; Jn 16:12-15; Ascension Thursday Vigil, Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3,6-9; Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20. Thurs. May 29, Ascension Thursday, Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3,6-9; Eph 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20. Fri. May 30, Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn 16:20-23.

A

number of serious diseases are known to occur because of defects or mutations in our DNA. Curing such diseases could, in principle, be carried out by rewriting the DNA to fix the mutated base pairs. Yet until recently scientists have remained largely stymied in their attempts to directly modify genes in a living animal.

Findings described in the Mar. 30, 2014 issue of Nature Biotechnology, however, reveal that a novel gene-editing technique, known as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), can be used successfully in mice to reverse disease symptoms for a liver defect known as Type I tyrosinemia. In humans, this potentially fatal ailment affects about one in 100,000 people. CRISPR, which enables researchers to snip out the mutated piece of DNA and replace it with the correct sequence, holds the potential for treating other genetic disorders as well. As the MIT Technology Review explains, the recentlydeveloped CRISPR technique is proving to be remarkably versatile in the hands of biomedical researchers: “This technology could allow researchers to perform microsur-

Editing our own genes

gery on genes, precisely and easily his health or physical integrity which are excessive.” changing a DNA sequence at Our ability to rewrite the exact locations on a chromosome.

CRISPR could make gene thera- human genome at will through precise DNA editing techniques, pies more broadly applicable, however, does raise substantial providing remedies for simple concerns about misusing the genetic disorders like sickle-cell anemia and eventually even lead- technology. In fact, researchers are already discussing the posing to cures for more complex diseases involving multiple genes. sibility of going beyond therapies Most conventional gene therapies crudely place Making Sense new genetic material at a Out of random location in the cell and can only add a gene.

Bioethics In contrast, CRISPR and

By Father Tad the other new tools also Pacholczyk give scientists a precise way to delete and edit specific bits of DNA — even by and treatments, and instead, changing a single base pair. This using CRISPR and other genemeans they can rewrite the hualteration technologies to enman genome at will.” hance human characteristics. For Correcting mutations in the DNA to remedy a serious medi- example, one possible direction would be to engineer changes in cal defect would certainly be dethe genes of human muscles so sirable and permissible. In 2008, that they could be worked harder in a document called Dignitas Personae, the Vatican’s Congrega- and longer, thereby enhancing tion for the Doctrine of the Faith the performance of athletes and soldiers. agreed that trying to restore “the This kind of human re-enginormal genetic configuration of neering would cross an important the patient or to counter damage caused by genetic anomalies” line: instead of helping human beings who are struggling against would be morally acceptable as serious diseases, scientists would long as the person being treated now begin manipulating human will not “be exposed to risks to

beings for ulterior motives. As Dignitas Personae puts it, “such manipulation would promote a eugenic mentality and would lead to indirect social stigma with regard to people who lack certain qualities, while privileging [others].” The document also notes how attempting to create a new type of human being could unmask a dark and troubling ideology “in which man tries to take the place of his Creator,” resulting in an “unjust domination of man over man.”

Yet the line separating a therapy from an enhancement is not always an obvious one. Some researchers have claimed that the most common versions of genes that many people carry are not necessarily the ideal versions from the standpoint of health.

Thus researchers might be able subtly to improve matters, for example, by rewriting normal genes so that people could better fight off infectious diseases.

Would such a step be enhancement or therapy?

Even as scientists move forward with the project of rewriting our own genes to cure grave diseases, some will be tempted to

go further and use techniques like CRISPR to engineer designer human embryos during in vitro fertilization; genetically modified monkeys have already been produced using this method in China. A prior CDF document called Donum Vitae unequivocally describes the grave problems with subjugating embryonic human beings for research purposes: “To use human embryos or fetuses as the object or instrument of experimentation constitutes a crime against their dignity as human beings having a right to the same respect that is due to the child already born and to every human person.”

The remarkable tools becoming available not only for genetic therapies but also for human enhancement projects and embryonic manipulation raise daunting ethical concerns about the subjugation of man to his own technology, and call for thoughtful measures and vigilance to ensure the proper use of these techniques now and in the future.

Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard.

He is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River. See www.ncbcenter.org.

May 23, 2014

T

he month of May brings many happy events as well as warmer weather. A few days ago, the 20th to be exact, my classmates and I celebrated our 47th anniversary of our ordination to the priesthood. It is hard to fathom where the years have gone.

While I was tempted to reflect on the joys and struggles of those years, it would interest only a small bevy of readers. Therefore, it is better to recognize the many special events occurring in May. We know it is a special month dedicated to our Blessed Mother, Mary. Marian shrines, May crownings, processions and floral bouquets in her honor abound in churches and schools throughout the world.

All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford had our “May crowning” and floral presentation last week on the anniversary of Our Lady’s first appearance at Fatima on May 13, 1917. One of the girls from our First Communion class crowned the statue of Mary (from Fatima itself — a gift to me, from the then-Bishop O’Malley) before Mass on Sunday. We set up a small Marian shrine for the months of May and October.

Anchor Columnists Establishing what is valuable to us May is a month of graduais no Religious Education. It is a tions as well. Most graduations sad fact and it is even sadder that from colleges occur in May while over these many years there has high schools tend to graduate not been a successful manner to in early June. Weddings, not so keep these Christians involved. common now, are celebrated in Although there are some notable May and Mother’s Day occurs on and good exceptions, in general the second Sunday of May. we lose many young parishioners Most First Communion celafter their Sacramental reception. ebrations are held in May, while the Confirmation season usually ends in May as Living many of our Catholic the young adults and others complete their initiation Faith in the Catholic Church

By Msgr. with this Sacrament. It is John J. Oliveira a wonderful month filled with many memories.

Unfortunately, for Each person must establish some, it is also the end of church what is valuable to them. Each attendance when these special person must define their own celebrations are concluded. I values. Family, school and the knew Pope Francis was a very Church play a part in these value pastoral and honest man when he formations, but only a part. noted that for so many, ConfirA person’s values provide dimation is the “Sacrament of fare- rection for the future. It is similar well.” He easily identified a fact to a Global Positioning System. that many pastors unfortunately That system, whether it is in your can attest to, namely, that many car, on your computer, or an apof those who are Confirmed do plication on your cell phone, gives not return to church after their you directions to your destinaConfirmation. The same can be tion. However, the basic beginsaid for many of those who make ning point of any GPS system is their First Communion. They that it begins where you are. take the “summer off ” when there Whenever I go to a meeting,

if I am unfamiliar with the area, I look it up on the computer using “MapQuest.” Regardless where I am traveling, it always starts with “present location.” In a way, our value system is our “present location” as we make choices and live our lives.

There was a family in China who had lived under house-arrest for many years. Although the house was small, it was comfortable, but they longed to return home to America.

One day a soldier came and told the family, “You can all return to America, but you may take only 200 hundred pounds of belongings with you, no more, no less.”

The family had been there for years, 200 pounds was not much.

So the family got out a scale, and then the arguments started between the husband and the wife and the two children on what they would take with them. Each had things they wanted to take.

The father, a professor, wanted to take some books. The mother wanted to take a table cloth and lamp from her parents’ home. The daughter wanted to take all her DVDs and CDs, while the son

Never throw in the towel Friday 23 May 2014 — PortO-Call: Milliways — eve of the Eve of Towel Day must admit, dear readers, I’ve somehow missed a multi-media pop-cultural phenomenon that has been sweeping the world since 1979. It’s purported to contain the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.

These are deep thoughts. The answer, by the way, is 42. Unfortunately, we don’t yet know the question.

I’m sure you’re on top of this, but in the unlikely event that you, too, have missed the boat — don’t panic. I will enlighten you on this esoteric subject. You never know when it will come in handy. Did you know, for example, you can power your computer with a cup of coffee?

Begin with the fictional, eccentric, electronic travel guide “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” (among true aficionados, HHGTTG.) HHGTTG is science fiction. It is not only science fiction, but British science fiction. It is not only British sci-fi but also British comedy. We all know British comedy is so zany it borders on the absurd. Combine “Monty

I

disperse toxic fumes, to defend Python’s Flying Circus” with yourself against attack, or to “Dr. Who” and you get the signal an emergency. Annually, picture.

“A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the on May 25, fans of HHGTTG worldwide will sport towels. As Galaxy,” created by Douglas a fad, it’s mostly harmless. One Adams, began as a BBC Radio day we will all gather (though 4 series. The first episode was improbably) in the restaurant at broadcast on Mar. 8, 1978 at 10:30 p.m. Over the years, it has the end of the universe.

Although I enjoy the genre, been adapted into books, novels, comics, a Hollywood film, stage productions, a The Ship’s Log television series, merReflections of a chandising, conventions, Parish Priest and computer games.

The characters, plots,

By Father Tim situations, locations, and Goldrick story-threads morph to fit the media of the moment.

I’m not what you would call a You know me, dear readsci-fi master, as are some of my ers, I like to keep my thumb on brother priests. Fathers Rich the pulse of the digital-watchWilson, Dan Lacroix, John wearing popular culture, yet I Murray, Peter John Fournier, have been completely oblivious and David Deston come to to all of this until now. It’s very mind. Nevertheless, Towel embarrassing.

Day is this Sunday and I feel As you hitchhike through the galaxy, there is one thing you the need to somehow display a towel. There are “Official must always remember to bring Hitch-Hikerina” towels available along — a towel. The towel is but the actual towel used in the the ultimate utility tool for any 2005 Disney movie has myswell-outfitted galactic hitchteriously disappeared. Nobody hiker. You can use it to keep knows where it came from. warm, to lie on a beach, to sleep Nobody knows where it went. on a bench, to sail on a raft, to

It’s the Holy Grail of sci-fi. I am not making this up.

How can I signal that I, too, am a galactic hitchhiker? The solution came to me in a dream.

I will wear a maniple on Towel Day. Of course you remember the maniple. It’s a Liturgical vestment worn with and matching the chasuble. It hangs from the left arm. Priests have been wearing maniples since at least as far back as the sixth century. They were originally a kind of towel with which clergy could wipe their hands and face when necessary. At any rate, as in so many cases, the maniple developed into an elaborately embroidered, silk fringed, ministole for the arm. The original purpose was forgotten. In 1967, there was an official Church decree that the maniple was no longer required in the celebration of Holy Mass. Many misinterpreted this to mean maniples were forbidden. Maniples vanished from Sacristy drawers all over the world. Now, they’re back. You can obtain one from Liturgical goods stores when you purchase a new chasuble.

So, in celebration of Towel

9 felt it important to take along all his video games. There was much arguing among them regarding what was to be included in the designated weight amount.

So they weighed everything, until the family got it precisely on the dot: 200 pounds.

The soldier came in the next day and said, “Ready to go?”

The parents said, “Yes.” He said: “Did you weigh everything?”

They said, “Yes.” “Did you weigh your children?” he asked. “No, we didn’t” the parents answered.

“Weigh the children,” he demanded. And in a moment, most of their cherished items went into the trash.

Perhaps each of the wonderful and special celebrations we experience this month can help us to develop and express our values in our daily living.

I pray that our blessed Mother Mary, who guided and formed her Son, Jesus, may help each of us. May our values give us direction in our lives, enabling us to love God and one another.

Anchor columnist Msgr.

Oliveira is pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford and director of the diocesan Propagation of the Faith and Permanent Diaconate offices.

Day, I plan to wear a maniple.

Most will interpret it as a statement of my Liturgically conservative proclivities and say to themselves, “Oh no, not again!”

How silly is that? These people are what we call “strags,” nonhitchhikers. But those strags in-the-know will get the point.

To quote the Guide, “What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the Galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through and still knows where his towel is — is clearly a man to be reckoned with.”

And another thing, I’m reminded of the words of St. Paul when he urges us to “put on the armor of faith.” In a certain sense, faith is like that towel. It is an essential tool on our journey through life. As we hike down this road and that, as we encounter twists and turns; problems, situations, and adversities, if we still know where our faith is, we are someone to be reckoned with. Keep the faith. Never throw in the towel. So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Anchor columnist Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

10

May 23, 2014

New pope saints credited with fostering theology of women Washington D.C. (CNA/ EWTN News) — Women in the Church offered praise for the works of newly-canonized SS. John XXIII and John Paul II, saying that they set a foundation for an expanding theology of women.

Both popes taught that “we’re only going to have peace in the world, we’re only going to have true human progress, when the dignity of every human person is recognized,” said Sister Mary Madeline Todd, O.P., a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia and a doctoral student the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

Speaking to CNA, Sister Todd explained that in the teachings of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, “we see a clear contextualization of the question of woman in the broader context of the question of human dignity.”

Sister Todd and Melissa Moschella, assistant professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., said that the two pontiffs helped to explain the Church’s respect for the dignity of women in a way that could be understood by a modern and changing world.

St. John XXIII served as pope from October 1958 to his death in June 1963, and called the Second Vatican Council in 1962. St. John Paul II, who participated in the Second Vatican Council, was elected pope in October 1978 and served until his death in April 2005. The two popes were canon-

ized together on Divine Mercy Sunday, Apr. 27, 2014.

Moschella argued that the two saints’ positions are important to consider in a world that defines women’s rights and ability to participate in society by their access to products and procedures such as contraception and abortion.

“It’s an illusion to think that’s an issue of women’s liberation,” she said, criticizing modern culture’s tendency to use technology to render women infertile in order to conform to men’s roles in the workplace.

In contrast, she said, both popes championed a more flexible workplace that respects women’s role as caretakers for children or family members, as well as recognizing the important work that women do in the home and outside of it.

Moschella also noted that while many people today think of the Church’s beliefs as “anti-woman” and oppressive, women in the early Church recognized that Catholic teaching on sexuality, dignity and womanhood was “in accordance with their dignity,” and in fact, “it was those teachings that made women flock to the Church.”

Sister Todd noted that Pope John XXIII wrote a letter to women religious right before the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Pointing to the letter’s commendation of active and contemplative religious Sisters, she said the document demonstrates that before the council

even began, “the Church is already recognizing that women, and in a special way contemplative women, have a huge contribution to the Church.”

Entitled “Il Tempio Massimo,” the letter praised the “spiritual contribution” of women religious, as well as their academic and active gifts. It pointed out that the “spiritual presence” of contemplative religious women “is absolutely essential throughout the Church and the world,” helping to make possible “real human progress and human peace.”

Furthermore, Sister Todd said, the 1962 letter “spoke specifically to the need for women to obtain degrees.”

“I think it’s really interesting that the pope spoke directly to the need for women to have these educational opportunities to be of service and recognized in the Church,” she said.

Pope John XXIII continued this work of promoting the role of women in the Church in his papal encyclical “Pacem in Terris,” which noted the positive contributions of women in society at large as part of the grand aim of promoting human dignity in the world.

The letter stressed men and women’s equal rights and duties, as well as women’s rights as a worker, in the home and in the workplace. In doing so, the encyclical was “recognizing that women have multiple roles” and a number of vocational callings, and “there has to be a real understanding, a flexibility, a creative way of approaching” this reality in order to respect their dignity, Sister Todd said.

Moschella commented that Pope John XXIII also revived the Church’s emphasis on the inherent dignity and equality of women in calling the Second Vatican Council. The council’s purpose, she noted, “wasn’t to define new doctrine,” but to re-present the “perennial light of faith,” including the Church’s teachings on human persons, in such a way “that will resonate today.”

The emphasis which the council placed on “the universal call to holiness” was significant, she said, because it was a reminder that “we’re all called to holiness.”

The council highlighted that despite the critical and essential role of priests, the laity’s role is “no less important — that’s the front line of the Church.”

Most importantly, this call to holiness was most perfectly achieved by “a woman, Mary,” she added.

The work of St. John XXIII was continued and deepened by St. John Paul II, Moschella continued, particularly through his “Theology of the Body,” “Letter to Women,” and Mullieris Dignitatem.

In these works, the pope particularly focused on “the equal dignity of man and woman as equally in the image and likeness of God,” Moschella explained.

His teachings illuminate that “there’s a richness of that equal dignity that isn’t

a sameness,” and that men and women have a “complementarity of gifts,” rather than the same roles.

In addition, Pope John Paul II placed an “emphasis on the Church as Marian” — as being characterized by faith and service, like Mary, she said. This “servant leadership” defines the Church, and places all Church leaders “at the service of mission.”

Misunderstanding this Marian nature of the Church leads to a misunderstanding of the priesthood, Moschella continued, such as a distorted view of the all-male priesthood “as a position of power and privilege instead of just one more way to serve, which is really what it’s all about.”

Sister Todd described Pope John Paul II’s view as “very holistic,” emphasizing that “both the role of woman in the family and the role of woman in the broader society is to be valued and cherished, because a woman herself needs to be valued.”

The saint saw “what the feminine genius contributes to the Church and the world,” and “saw that there was a particular way in which women, attentive to the human person, could awaken in our society, in the Church and in the world, the centrality of the human person,” Sister Todd explained.

This emphasis on the dignity of women, she noted, did not come from the opposition of woman and man, but from his “profound vision of the unity of man and woman” and emphasis on the “collaboration” of the sexes “both in the family and in society — it’s not one or the other.”

“I think Pope John Paul II will be known in all of history for his personalism, his championing of every aspect of humanity,” she said, “and he really had a call in the Church to renew our understanding of what is the dignity of human life.”

This dignity, she explained, was rooted in his deep understanding “that roles are tasks, not the primary ways which we define a person,” but instead that “we have a foundational dignity and equality,” given from God, that exists outside and prior to anything that we do.

Looking toward the future, Sister Todd said, “We need to continue to build on that foundation” laid by Popes John XXIII and John Paul II in order to further develop what Pope Francis has called a “profound Theology of Womanhood.”

John XXIII and John Paul II understood the need for women in roles of decision-making and service, she said, “and there needs to be a more profound understanding of the fact that all of the laity are called to share in the priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of Jesus Christ.”

The next step, Sister Todd suggested, is growing in an understanding of “how does that actually play out in society and in the Church and the world?”

11

May 23, 2014

Prayer breakfast speakers: U.S. Church called to missionary role

Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) — In an increasingly antagonistic culture, American Catholics must realize that they are not called to comfort, but to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel, said speakers at the recent National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

“We need to find new ways of bringing the Gospel to the contemporary world, of proclaiming Christ anew and of implanting the faith,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston.

Pointing to “the United States or other Western Europe where secularization and dechristianization are gaining ground,” he said that “these are the new mission territories for the Church.”

Cardinal O’Malley delivered the keynote address at the 2014 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, held in Washington, D.C. He was joined by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, who gave the invocation prayer and Archbishop Carlo Vigano, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, who gave the closing blessing.

Professor Robert P. George of Princeton University, who chairs the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, also gave a special address to the group.

“My message is a somber one,” George said, warning that “the days of acceptable Christianity are over, the days of comfortable Catholicism are past” as society finds it increasingly objectionable for people of faith to profess the Church’s teachings on human dignity, life, Marriage and the family.

While a Catholic “can be safe” by remaining “completely silent” about the teachings of the faith, George warned, “a Catholic who makes it clear that he or she is not afraid of

the Gospel is in for a rough go.”

Contemporary society places pressure on Catholics “to be ashamed of the Gospels,” he continued. Catholics today are therefore faced with the question: “Am I willing or am I in the end simply unwilling to take up my cross and follow Christ?”

While secular society may threaten those who proclaim Church teaching on dignity, Marriage and family as being “on the wrong side of history,” George reminded the crowd that “history has no sides” but instead that judgments are made by people and, ultimately, by God. “History is not God; God is God. History is not our judge; God is our Judge.”

At the end of all things, he said, “One thing and one thing alone will matter: was I a faithful witness to the Gospel?”

Cardinal O’Malley stated that Catholics today must ask “What does it mean to live in a culture without belief ?”

“Business as usual is not enough: we must move from a maintenance role to missionary one,” he said.

For American Catholics today, he explained, “Our task is to turn consumers into disciples and disciple-makers,” adding that “every Catholic can be a minister of welcome, reconciliation and understanding to those who have stopped practicing the faith.”

Cardinal O’Malley also emphasized the importance “of the culture of encounter and the art of accompaniment” that Pope Francis often references, saying that Christian disciples are called to nurture a culture that focuses on following Christ and passing that example of the faith on to those around them.

This is precisely what the

Church has been doing “for 2,000 years,” he observed, pointing to how the first Christians shared all they had with one another, responded to a variety of challenges in their community and passed on the faith through mentorship and example.

In contrast, the cardinal noted, “the privatization of religion in today’s climate of a new age of individualism is poison to the Gospel message of community and connectedness in the Body of Christ.”

The hostile culture makes it all the more important to form true disciples, he said.

The Church’s duty to proclaim the truth about the human person leads Catholics to share teachings that may be unpopular, he explained, whether that may be the sanctity of Marriage and human life or the need for public ethics and virtue to prevent “unjust structures and oppressive political and economic systems.”

The cardinal particularly stressed the plight of immigrants and need to reform “a system that is broken and woefully inadequate.”

“Our striving for the common good in society is simply a logical corollary of our love of neighbor,” he said.

Looking forward, Cardinal O’Malley said, Catholics need to know the truths of the faith “and need to know how to live those truths.”

“We all need to discover more deeply our vocation to live the Gospel teaching.”

He urged those present to focus on the saints as their models and to remember the critical importance of the Sacraments.

“Love and justice must motivate us to work for a transformation of our own heart so that we can transform the world around us,” he said.

A preview of the football movie, “When the Game Stands Tall” is shown during the recent 10th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton. The movie, to be released in August, recounts the true story of a 151-game winning streak at De La Salle Catholic High School in Concord, Calif. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)

12

May 23, 2014

Animated video on St. John Paul II aims to evangelize youth Rome, Italy (CNA/EWTN News) — In honor of the canonization of St. John Paul II, audiovisual resource page Catholic Link has created an animated video detailing the profound spiritual life of the saint with the hope of reaching youth.

“With the video we try to tell people and share his life, but in a way that really emphasizes this central point, what the core, the nucleus of all of this was his relationship with Christ,” Garrett Johnson told CNA in a recent interview.

Johnson is the administrator for the English page of Catholic Link, which also has editions in Spanish and Italian, and has been living in Rome for the past two years studying philosophy.

Entitled “Saint John Paul II: the life of a holy pope,” the video was launched by the site May 13 in all three languages.

Speaking of the specific mission of Catholic Link, Johnson noted that the organization originally developed when a group of young Catholics “got together” and brainstormed about how to evangelize in a new way, particularly through the use of the Internet.

Catholic Link then developed as a resource page where administrators search for any videos or audiovisual content that would be useful for doing apostolate, such as working in small groups, in parishes or when giving a talk.

“What we try to do is we look in various channels for videos that can be religious or they can be secular without any specific religious content, but videos that can speak to the youth today and that have a message.”

Having had roaring success with a video they produced about Pope Francis following his election to the Seat of Peter, Johnson explained that when they first heard St. John Paul II was to be canonized, “we knew we had to do something about it.”

When thinking about how

to create a video that would be unique amid so many others, the administrator recalled how he had seen numerous videos come out about the saint, but that “many people still didn’t really understand who he was.”

“And the most important part about John Paul II wasn’t only the fact that he did a lot of trips, that he spoke to a lot of people, that he was very famous, that he had a political role to play in communism and all these kind of things,” he continued.

“The most important part, and to really understand who he was, you have to understand his relationship with Christ. So with the video we try to tell people and share his life, but in a way that really emphasizes this central point.”

Explaining that the video was crafted and edited by a young Ecuadorian man named Canva Ma who is currently studying digital animation, Johnson noted that he is “a very talented guy who has offered his gifts to help us out with this project.”

Ma “has spent hours and hours and long nights working on it, so we’re all extremely thankful for what he’s offered,” the administrator continued, pointing out that he also edited the first video they produced on Pope Francis.

“He’s really made this impressive jump of quality, and he’s improved the graphics, so we’re excited to see that he’s also growing in this.”

Johnson also spoke of the organization’s new website, which is slated to launch within the next two weeks. The idea was “to modernize it, to improve the ascetic values of the page” and “to improve the features that it has.”

“We’re about ready and we’re extremely excited and anxious to finally get this thing going” he stated, explaining that as far as future goals for Catholic Link are concerned, “the sky’s the limit.”

A screenshot from the European animated film, “Saint John Paul II: The life of a holy pope,” released this month.

Animated characters appear in the movie “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return.” For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Clarius Entertainment)

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

“Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return” (Clarius) Though far inferior to the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz,” to which it’s distantly related, this animated adventure with music is at least familyfriendly. With Oz in the grip of the Wicked Witch’s equally villainous brother, the Jester (voice of Martin Short), Dorothy (voiced by Lea Michele) is called back to the magical land by the companions of her original visit: the Scarecrow (voice of Dan Aykroyd), the Lion (voiced

by Jim Belushi) and the Tin Man (voice of Kelsey Grammer). Since this trio is taken prisoner shortly after summoning her, though, Dorothy must rely on the help of a new ensemble of pals, including a friendly owl (voice of Oliver Platt), a military officer (voiced by Hugh Dancy) made of marshmallows, and a porcelain princess (voice of Megan Hilty). In adapting L. Frank Baum’s great-grandson Roger Stanton Baum’s book “Dorothy of Oz,” directors Daniel St. Pierre and Will Finn offer lessons in cooperation, self-sacrifice and the need to put the interests of others first. They also avoid anything more potentially offensive than the sight of a magical fire hydrant running

away from Toto and an instance of childish wordplay. Some sequences, however, may be too menacing for tots. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I — general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested.

“The Railway Man” (Weinstein) This searing account of a former prisoner of war who is unable to overcome the emotional trauma of his past sufferings is directed by Jonathan Teplitsky from the eponymous autobiography by Eric Lomax. During World War II, Lomax ( Jeremy Irvine) was one of thousands of British-led Allied troops forced into slave labor by Japanese forces following the latter’s 1942 capture of Singapore. Three de-

cades later, Lomax (now played

by Colin Firth) fell for and wed a former nurse (Nicole Kidman).

But his captivity’s long shadow loomed over their Marriage.

Insights provided by one of Lomax’s fellow P.O.W.s (Stellan Skarsgard), together with revelations concerning his principal tormentor’s (Hiroyuki Sanada) current status move his story forward, initially along a negative moral trajectory, but eventually toward an unexpected and powerful conclusion fully in line with scriptural values. Graphic scenes of violence, including torture, and a suicide. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

SPECIAL AIR TIME FOR TV MASS

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, May 25, 10:30 a.m.

The weekly Television Mass sponsored by the Fall River Diocese on WLNE-TV, Channel 6, will be seen at a special time on Sunday, May 25, only. The Mass will air that day at 10:30 a.m. The special time is necessitated by the station’s broadcast of the Indianapolis 500. The Television Mass will return to its regular 11 a.m. time slot on Sunday, June 1.

Celebrant is Father Timothy J. Goldrick, pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth.

13

May 23, 2014

W

ell, I made it into St. Peter’s Square for the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII, which was a not-so-minor miracle in itself, given that there were no tickets and about a million people wanting to be there, including what seemed like half of Poland! The group I was with participated in an allnight prayer vigil in a religious house at the top of the via della Conciliazione, and so we were well-positioned to enter the square in the massive push of pilgrims. A graced occasion, to be sure.

One of the outstanding features of St. John Paul’s papacy was the push he gave to canonizing and beatifying the Church’s holy faithful departed. Indeed, he beatified and canonized more people than all of his predecessors put together. Holiness is not just possible in today’s world.

It is incumbent on everyone, as Vatican II stressed. And so, it was particularly fitting

The good, the bad, and the diabolical pope was supposedly the antithat he himself be canonized, Christ. At least our Puritan practicing what he preached, predecessors thought consortas it were, in recognition of ing with the anti-Christ was a his being intimately united to Jesus in Heaven and exercising bad thing. Not so some of our contemporaries in Cambridge, powerful intercessory prayer since the planned black mass before God. went considerably beyond this, Of course, no good deed goes unpunished. So it is not terribly surprising that a group of local satanists would try to stage a black mass at Harvard University recently. The Harvard Catholic community

By Dwight G. Duncan protested by sponsoring a Eucharistic procession and adoraproposing to consort openly tion of its own at St. Paul’s Catholic Church near Harvard with the anti-Christ. Where was Cotton Mather when we Square, which was standingneeded him? But amid a barroom-only. When secularrage of criticism, the satanists ism becomes so assertive and beat a hasty retreat — for the aggressive that it is dabbles in time being. sacrilege and black magic, it There was further good has become satanic and dianews from the Vatican: A mirbolical. For centuries, Harvard acle attributed to Pope Paul had a strong anti-Catholic VI, who was pope from 1963tradition, vividly expressed in 1978, was formally approved an annual sermon on why the

Judge For Yourself

by Pope Francis; and a date was set for his beatification on October 19, during the upcoming Synod on the Family. Pope Paul had presided over the concluding sessions of Vatican II, overseeing its implementation, and famously issued the encyclical “Humanae Vitae” in 1968 condemning the use of artificial birth control. While some may think that we need more saints recognized from among people in the pews, rather than from among the hierarchy, there is no question that the holiness of our recent popes is a wonderful thing, impressive to behold.

There can never be too many saints, after all (From the standpoint of Church history, it is instructive to contrast the relative dearth of personal holiness among popes of the 16th and 17th centuries, St. Pius V and Blessed Innocent

XI being the notable exceptions).

Locally, the tribunal taking evidence on the life and virtue of Father Joseph Muzquiz, one of the first three priests of Opus Dei who started its work in the United States in 1949, wrapped up its proceedings with a closing session presided over by Cardinal Sean O’Malley on May 22. The testimony and proceedings were sealed for transmittal to the Congregation of the Causes of Saints to determine whether Father Joseph, whom I knew personally, lived all the virtues to a heroic degree. Whatever the ultimate outcome, which is up to the judgment of the Church authorities, it is a welcome sign of the importance of holiness in the Church, whatever the devil might think.

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

When Cardinal Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli became pope, he chose the name “John” and joked about it.

“It is the name which has been most used in the long series of Roman pontiffs,” and “nearly all of them had a brief pontificate,” he quipped.

His papacy is primarily linked with the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

Sister Gertrude Gaudette, a Dominican Sister of Hope and nonagenarian, said that Good Pope John’s decree changed everything; but the sad thing is he didn’t stay. He died on June 3,

1963 — four years, seven months and six days into his pontificate.

Ten years ago Father Goldrick told me that if he had the opportunity to dine and converse across time with one of the greatest religious minds the world has ever known, he would choose to break bread with Good Pope John.

“I think we would have a picnic on the shore,” he said. “We would have some simple grilled fish (a-la the meal cooked for the Apostles by the Resurrected Lord), wine, freshly-baked bread, grilled vegetables in season and some seasonal fruit served with angel food cake.”

Why we love our sainted popes continued from page one

Hagan prays to St. John Paul II every day.

“I have a great devotion to him,” he said. “He’s my favorite modern saint.”

Suffering from cervical myelopathy, a stroke of the spine, José Amaral, a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford, prayed to the late pope: “Pope John Paul the Great, please help me,” he pleaded.

“Help me to understand God’s will.”

Turning on the TV to EWTN, he watched the movie, “Witness to Hope,” a biography of Karol Wojtyla, who became Pope John Paul II. “That is when something came over me that is very difficult to explain,” he said. “I just kept remembering the pope’s words: ‘Be not afraid.’”

On Jan. 30, 2008 at 3 p.m., Amaral prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and looked over at Pope John Paul II’s picture.

“I decided to get up and try to walk around without my crutches,” he said. “I just walked back and forth, and I didn’t stop — and I’ve never stopped since.”

Amaral’s doctor had no scientific explanation for the healing.

A letter was sent to the postulator at the Vatican relating his healing through the intercession of Pope John Paul II. Father Roger Landry, pastor

of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Fall River, met personally with Pope John Paul II many times. He remembers the pontiff ’s smile and blessing as he put his very soft hands on his face and then on his forehead. But the most memorable meeting was their last, about six months before the pope’s death. Leading a pilgrimage in the Vatican, Father Landry and his tour group huddled close to the ailing pontiff for a group photograph. Kneeling down next to the pope, he felt a hand pushing down on him; and when he turned around, he saw John Paul II struggling to reach out and touch him.

Father Stanley Sobiech, OFM Conv. was serving at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Bedford at the time of Pope John Paul II’s passing. He struggled to find the words as he grappled with the loss of his shepherd and countryman.

“I almost physically and mentally collapsed,” he said when he heard the news.

Residing at the Franciscan Basilica in Krakow, Poland, Father Sobiech lived across the street from Karol Wojtyla, the Bishop of Krakow.

“I received my tonsure (shaved circle at the top of his head) from him at ordination,” he said.

As a young seminarian, Father Charbel T. Semaan, the former pastor of Our Lady of Purga-

tory Church in New Bedford, celebrated Mass with Pope John Paul II in the pontiff ’s private chapel.

“I shook his hand and touching him was like touching God on Earth,” he said.

Msgr. John J. Oliveira, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford, visited Rome a number of times as secretary to Bishop Seán O’Malley.

“It was awesome to be able to meet Pope John Paul II personally,” he said. “I recall most of all his eye contact. He knew how important it was for each person to witness the Successor of Peter.”

This week in 50 years ago — The diocese received its own version of the Pietà, the moving statue of Mary holding Jesus at the foot of the cross and based on Michaelangelo’s incomparable masterpiece, that was installed at St. Patrick’s Church in Fall River.

25 years ago — Norman Valiquette of St. Anne’s Parish in Fall River was elected president of the Fall River area First Friday Club, succeeding previous president Daryl Gonyon.

Diocesan history

10 years ago — The annual meeting of religious superiors with Bishop George W. Coleman was held at the Family Life Center in North Dartmouth with more than 20 heads of religious orders.

One year ago — A rehabilitated house located on Allen Street in New Bedford was dedicated and named after Archbishop Oscar A. Romero. The affordable housing units within were to be managed by the diocesan Catholic Social Services office.

14

May 23, 2014

Shrine dedicated to patroness of Alaska ‘the jewel’ of Juneau Diocese way to the retreat by taxi or rental car. It’s about a 23-mile drive along Glacier Highway.

Out-of-towners shouldn’t miss a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier, a short diversion on the way to the shrine. The retreating river of ice is a spectacular site that visitors can

a deeply spiritual young French monastic, Therese of Lisieux, was declared a saint in 1925. She was a great admirer of missionaries.

One of the Jesuits was Bishop Joseph R. Crimont, the first bishop of Alaska, who is said to have known the family of St. Therese.

JUNEAU, Alaska (CNS) — There is no doubt that nature is a prime attraction at the Shrine of St. Therese.

Thousands of visitors each year make the short drive from downtown Juneau to the 46-acre site, a forest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock overlooking waters of the Inside Passage and the Chilkat Range.

Along the shrine’s many paths, people enjoy wide vistas of water and ice-frosted mountains. Some sit to reflect or pray on stone benches inscribed with Scripture passages.

The open space muffles sounds of flapping waterfowl, barking sea lions and water lapping against the shoreline. A gravel causeway — foot traffic only — leads to a tiny island and the simple chapel dedicated to the patroness of Alaska, St. Therese of Lisieux.

“It truly is a blessing for us,” said Juneau Bishop Edward J. Burns, who calls the shrine “the jewel” of the diocese.

“You see the aquatic life breaking the surface out there in the water. You see the vast mountains.

You see the beauty of Shrine Island and the peace it brings. People come from miles around,” he told Catholic News Service.

Bishop Burns said local residents and visitors alike arrive to witness the “splendor of God in all of Creation.”

Some come to fish salmon or to catch glimpses of whales making their way down Lynn Canal.

Others, like one man recovering from recent surgery, come simply to pray in the quiet chapel.

Day visitors have plenty to

experience. Highlights include the chapel and Shrine Island, the slightly uphill but paved Good Shepherd Rosary and Grotto Trail and the Merciful Love Labyrinth. The Rosary trail ends at a grotto featuring a replica of the Pietà.

There is a small gift and bookshop near the main lodge. Mass is celebrated in the chapel Sundays at 1:30 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday of September.

The remains of Catholics and non-Catholics are interred at the shrine in outdoor niches of black granite overlooking Pearl Harbor.

On a rock near the columbarium, mourners have piled up stones to show their respect for the deceased.

Cruise-ship passengers disembarking in Juneau can find their

experience close-up.

At No. 2 and 4, the glacier and the Shrine of St. Therese rank among TripAdvisor’s top sites to see in Juneau.

After a recent visit to the shrine, a family from Canada wrote in a guest book, “Wow! What more could be said, than perhaps, praise God!” Beside its beauty and tranquility, the retreat also stands as a testament to Alaska’s mission history.

Two French Jesuit missionaries enabled the retreat not long after

Bishop Crimont placed her as patroness over the mission territory.

The other was Father William G. LeVasseur, an ardent devotee of “The Little Flower.”

The bishop and priest secured a small plot of federal forestland and building began in 1932. The chapel, constructed of beach stone from the shoreline, was dedicated in 1941 on the feast of Christ the King.

Another early supporter of the shrine, also a Jesuit, was Father Bernard R. Hubbard, a geologist and explorer. His adventur-

Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — Pope Francis met with nearly 5,000 members of apostolates dedicated to the sick and suffering on Saturday, encouraging them to live lives transformed by love and to support others who suffer.

“Jesus teaches us to live the pain by accepting the reality of life with trust and hope, bringing the love of God and neighbor, even in suffering: and love transforms everything,” the pontiff recently told the members of the Apostolate of the Suffering and the Silent Workers of the Cross.

Pope Francis met with the members of the associations in the Paul VI audience hall. An estimated 350 attendees were in wheelchairs.

The Silent Workers of the Cross is an association of

priests and consecrated persons who work with the suffering members of the apostolate.

The two associations were founded by Blessed Luigi Novarese, a priest, in the second half of the 20th century to offer persons suffering with illness or disability an opportunity to participate in the work of evangelization. Father Luigi was beatified May 11, 2013.

Pope Francis described him as “a priest in love with Christ and with the Church and a zealous apostle of the sick.”

The Holy Father then reflected on one of the Beatitudes of Jesus, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

“With this prophetic Word, Jesus refers to a condition of life on earth, from which no one is spared. There are those

who mourn because they are not healthy, those who mourn because they are alone and misunderstood.”

Although “the reasons for suffering are many,” Christ understands them all, the pope stressed.

“He gathered human suffering and assumed them in His flesh, He lived them profoundly, one by one. He knew every type of affliction, moral and physical: He experienced hunger and fatigue, the bitterness of misunderstanding, He was betrayed and abandoned, flagellated and crucified.”

Pope Francis emphasized that Jesus did not teach that suffering itself was good, but rather demonstrated how to live suffering in a positive way.

“By saying ‘blessed are those who mourn,’ Jesus does not in-

tend to declare an unfortunate and burdensome condition in life to be happy. Suffering is not a value in itself, but a reality that Jesus teaches us to live with the correct attitude.”

The pope encouraged those present to take up this transformative attitude in their own lives.

“Your sufferings, like the wounds of Jesus, on the one hand are scandal for the faith but on the other hand are the verification of the faith, a sign that God is love, is faithful, is merciful, is (the) Consoler.”

Pope Francis said this positive attitude towards suffering was lived and taught by Blessed Luigi Novarese, who believed in “educating the sick and the disabled to value their suffering through apostolic action, carried out with faith and love for

The Little Flower Retreat cabin at the Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau, Alaska, offers its guests panoramic views of the waters of the Inside Passage, Shrine Island and the Chilkat Mountains. The place of retreat and respite with breathtaking views has been attracting visitors for 70 years. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

ous expeditions into the Alaskan territory starting in 1927 earned him the name the “glacier priest.”

Father Hubbard raised funds and secured goods for the shrine. The stainless-steel boat he used to traverse the Alaskan waterways is kept on the grounds.

The Catholic-run retreat is open to all and it accommodates overnight guests.

“The shrine welcomes everyone,” said Bishop Burns, a frequent visitor who over Lent hosted a group of homeless men there for a day of respite.

The main lodge and four cabins are available for rent by individuals, groups or families. There is no maid service. Guests must leave the premises clean and in order.

The rustic Hermitage Cabin, for visitors “who want the bare minimum during their spiritual journey,” can be reserved for $40 a night for one person.

A modern cabin called the “Little Flower Retreat” is tucked a ways away from the main lodge. It has two queen bedrooms, a full bathroom and a well-appointed kitchen. Set on stilts, the cabin offers panoramic views of the Inside Passage and Shrine Island. It’s available for $210 a night.

The log lodge, which can sleep 22 people, has 10 bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large dining area and living room and an updated kitchen.

The Shrine of St. Therese is open year-round. Reservation information is available on the shrine’s website, www.shrineofsainttherese.org, or by calling 907-780-6112.

‘Love transforms everything,’ pope tells sick, disabled

others.”

“He would always say: ‘The sick must feel that they are the authors of their own apostolate,’” recounted the pontiff. “A sick person, a disabled person can become support and light for other people who suffer, in this way transforming the environment in which he lives.”

Pope Francis urged the sick and disabled to give witness to the example of Christ in their own lives. “With this charism, you are a gift to the Church,” he said.

“I encourage you to be close to the suffering of your parishes as witnesses to the Resurrection. This way, you will enrich the Church and collaborate with the mission of pastors, praying and offering your suffering even for them. I thank you very much for this!”

15

May 23, 2014

Cape Cod teens encounter, fight poverty in West Virginia continued from page one

in North Falmouth trekked southward to Wheeling, W.Va., to spend four full days working with and for area residents living in one of the regions in the U.S. most adversely affected by the current economy.

Cheryl and Dave Ryan from Christ the King Parish, and Dianne and Jim Quinn from St. Elizabeth Seton (SES) Parish were the trip coordinators and they were joined by four other adult volunteers and 17 students from nine different area high schools.

“The idea originated about a year ago,” Dave told The Anchor. “Cheryl and I had made two previous spring break mission trips and we hooked up with the Quinns to begin a collaboration of the two parishes to get another trip going.”

“Once the idea was established, we sent a letter to all the sophomore, junior and senior students in each parish to get the word out,” said Cheryl.

“We mentioned this would be an alternative spring break, and after our first meeting, friends went and told other friends and we ended up with a great group of 17 wonderful students.”

With that, the Mission Appalachia Team was born, and preparations began. Through fund-raising efforts some of the travel expenses were reduced and with great cooperation from both parishes, enough money was raised to fund the different service projects the group would provide in the Wheeling area.

That area was selected because the Ryans kept in touch with a former Christ the King parishioner, Erin McDonald, who was contemplating a vocation as a religious Sister.

“Erin was going to school at a university in the Wheeling area,” said Cheryl. “She set us up with Wheeling Jesuit University that ran Appalachian Institute, whose mission is to promote research, service, and advocacy for and with the people of Appalachia to build healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities. And part of doing that is by hosting volunteer groups like the one from Cape Cod,” added Dave.

On April 21 the group of 25 divided into two 15-passenger vans crammed with clothing and supplies and headed south on a nearly 14-hour ride to their new home for the week.

“We were put up in a cinder-block building that, in the summer is utilized by Boy

Scouts,” said Cheryl. “There were two floors including dorm areas, one for the females and one for the males, and a full kitchen and dining area.

We cooked our own meals and made brown-bag lunches to take with us to the service projects. The youths helped with the cooking and they were great. It was quite interesting.”

“The projects we helped with were already ongoing,” said Dave. “We didn’t start any projects from scratch, but jumped right into what was going on.”

Some of the projects were assisting at a thrift shop; a soup kitchen; painting a parish preparing for the arrival of visiting missionaries; and helping with a, inner-city community garden to assist needy people with healthier and fresher foods.

“The people there were very welcoming and warm, and we were inspired by some of the project directors and organizers,” said Dave. “We learned a great deal about why that area is in such a dire financial state.”

“That part of our country has suffered greatly,” said Dianne Quinn. “The universal problems that we also face in Massachusetts — poverty, unemployment, crime, environmental hazards, seem to be 10fold there.”

Despite many who live in substandard conditions there, Dianne added, “They treated us with kindness and appreciation. They asked questions and wanted to know about us! Under such dire circumstances, we met people of great hope and great faith. They looked to be Christ to others by sharing the little that they have. We were the recipients of their kindness and we are better people for having shared a week in their world.”

“Humbling,” added her husband Jim. “It is a word we don’t use very much anymore, but my experience with the good people of West Virginia and Ohio was exactly that. Proud people who have been dealt a difficult and unfair hand just by living in the place they live are without solid jobs with fair living wages. Factories, mines and mills closed and people who worked hard and were good citizens are now without the means to help their families.

“People in West Virginia help one another without judgment, without prejudice, but rather with the real gift

that comes from doing Christ’s work.”

Recently, the Mission Appalcahia Team met for a reunion at Christ the King Parish to share experiences, feelings and watch a slide-show of their recent trip.

The following are snippets from the sharing of the youths and adult volunteers: Monica Martini, from St. Elizabeth’s: “This week, all together, was inspiring. But one event that really hit home for me was the soup kitchen.

There, we met Becky, the director of the kitchen. She was a woman free of all harsh stereotypes towards the poor. And with her help, my prior views started to vanish. Becky said something that really stuck: ‘Sometimes it’s just a matter of luck.’ This opened my eyes to how fast life can take a turn for the worse and you never know what people are dealing with behind closed doors.”

Melissa Quigg (SES): “This trip was one of the best ideas ever, I’m so glad I went on it.

The people that I’ve met and have gotten close with are amazing. It taught me that anything can happen at anytime good or bad.”

Sean Quigg (SES): “Despite all the issues that many Appalachians are forced to deal with, they are constantly giving back, fighting for a better tomorrow, and showing how much they care for their land and those who live in it. If they can rise above the countless problems that plague them daily, we can also work together as a community to build a better future for all.”

The delegation from Christ the King also shared: Katie Preston: “My experience on the mission trip to Appalachia was truly eye-opening and inspiring. I made connections and friendships with my teammates, as well as the people of Appalachia that I never expected to. Every person who came through the line while I was serving touched my heart, because I could see on their face how grateful they were to be receiving such a simple meal. While there, I completely realized we are all humans.”

Mary Burke: “I feel the pain of the Appalachian people who have lost their land to mountain top removal. The beauty and natural resources that brought the people there are slowly being torn from them.

I learned that there are many

big and little things that can be done, not only in West Virginia but also on Cape Cod, to help these people, such as donations, clothing, food, efforts towards clean water. Every single person in West Virginia can become part of the middle class if we are all willing to help and serve them.”

Sue Preston (adult volunteer): “I was so impressed by the care and support that the teens demonstrated toward each other after the second day.

I have a deep concern for the plight of Appalachia citizens and the battle over clean water, job security for all, and justice and fairness with regards to mining royalties. Their future is bleak.

“I really enjoyed starting and ending each day with prayer, knowing that people back home were praying for us, completing a circle of love.”

Sarah Donahue: “I’ve really enjoyed going on this trip; it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. There have been too many inspiring moments to count and I’ve definitely changed for the better. I’ve learned not to stereotype and learned that anyone can be in a crisis even though they look OK on the outside.”

Sandy Souza: “The directors of so many programs, who don’t just talk the talk, are inspired and called to service such as Dan, a young man I was in care of, who’s bringing fresh veggies and even eggs to the least of his brethren. Can you imagine a community garden totally organic under a highway overpass, on a six-foot by 34-foot-long strip of land next to a sidewalk on a city street?

They were and are his vision, a vision he’s brought to life.”

Shannon Hart: “Getting the opportunity to help out at a soup kitchen, the Salvation Army, and the Bread Basket really opened my eyes to the realities of life; when they don’t have everything they need right in front of them.

Something that really made me inspired was hearing that even though there is so much poverty in West Virginia, that people could still find some happiness in their lives. I would come back here in a heartbeat because these people 100 percent deserve all the help they can get.”

Nathan Ryan: “During this trip I feel as thought the 25 people who came on the trip truly made special connections with each other, especially while seeing the hardship to-

gether. The poverty and stories we heard were things I never thought of happening in the U.S., but after seeing and hearing about it, I now see the need that our country has for helping the less fortunate.”

Kitsy Hoover (adult volunteer): “This week we were shown the beauty of West Virginia, the poverty of West Virginia, and the kind people working to help the poor and impoverished of this state. I was touched by those who give so much each day to help their neighbors, as well as by the groups of people I worked with on this trip.”

Marysa MacKoul: “The trip to Appalachia was an amazing experience. Being able to help the poor in our country helped me realize how blessed my life was. I got to listen to a boy who was 17. Even though he mentioned that he had been in prison more than once, listening to him made me realize that he could have been any ordinary teen-ager. I also realized that in the end, everyone is a person, a person who deserves a chance to be understood.”

Beth McEntee: “Being able to go out and help such a large community was so rewarding.

I met so many great people with some truly amazing stories. You don’t really get the complete picture until you are surrounded by poverty and experience the warm welcomes in soup kitchens, thrift shops, and outreach programs.”

Mikayla Walsh: “Going into the trip to Appalachia I didn’t know what to expect, but by the end of this trip, everything that I had taken for granted now has so much meaning to me, and I appreciate much more. I will definitely appreciate the little things in life and the people who I get to share them with because as I learned, they can be taken away from you in the blink of an eye.”

Catherine Doble: “It opened my eyes showing me that this [a woman who moved to California, lost everything and returned] can happen to anyone.

It broke my heart to see this lady suffering. It makes me sick that she has nothing anymore and deserves everything. She is still a happy person and doesn’t take anything for granted. It made me change my outlook on how I live my life.”

Jeremy Thomas: “The mission trip to Appalachia is not only an eye-opener, but an enlightenment to the issues at hand in our country, and to the Turn to page 18

16

Youth Pages

First-grade students from Espirito Santo School in Fall River stand amidst the many items that students there recently donated and collected. These items were given to the food kitchens sponsored by Catholic Social Services and Holy Spirit Church in Fall River.

May 23, 2014

Thirty-two students from Holy Family-Holy Name School in New Bedford were recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society in a beautiful candlelight ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Holly Clavell)

Holy Name School in Fall River honored Our Blessed Mother during the month of May by crowning a statue at their weekly school Mass. First-graders Emma Lehane and Corey Almeida prepared to crown the statue as pastor, Father Jay Maddock, offered the prayer of blessing.

St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth recently held a ceremony crowning the Blessed Mother. Here Principal Anne Dailey, pastor Father George Bellenoit, eighth-grader Shannon Cummings, and firstgrader Nicholas Hynes prepare for the event.

Pre-kindergarten students at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Taunton proudly display Mother’s Day gifts they prepared for their moms.

Second-graders at St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in Attleboro celebrated Cinco de Mayo with tacos and sombreros they made in class.

St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet recently celebrated the many joys of the Easter season together as a school community. Students and faculty shared their talents as a part of a “variety show” that brought many smiles to all. Pictured are some of the second-graders who entertained the audience with “Our God Is An Awesome God” in sign language and song.

May 23, 2014

I

just sent in my reply card for the fourth ordination to the priesthood that I will have ever attended. I feel so blessed to be invited to be present in these special days. I was not sure if I should write this article or not. I did not know if writing about my love for the vocation to the priesthood would sound inappropriate coming from a lay woman, but I was assured that it would not. I can also promise you that everything I write about the vocation comes from a genuine heart of love and gratitude.

I do not remember any time in my life when a priest was not of significance. I remember as a child thinking that God must be my parish priest. I discovered I was not alone. As I was leaving Mass this weekend a little girl pointed to Mary on my pastor’s chasuble and said, “That’s your mother” and finished with “and then you died on a cross.”

Her mom apologized for her daughter thinking that our pastor was Jesus. I remember sitting in church and memorizing everything the priest said and did and then copying him through

Youth Pages Vocations enthusiast! the Mass. I remember being so enthralled by what the priest did that I would walk around my house handing out Ritz crackers always saying, “Body of Christ.”

I remember weekends sitting at the table with our priest because we always had one over for dinner. I remember running into church because I just wanted to make sure I said hello to our priest.

I remember crying over priests who were transferred to another parish because it was like losing a family member.

When I got married, I sent out nine invitations to priests. Six priests concelebrated my wedding. I never realized this was a strange thing until people started questioning how many priests I know. My life would be so different if it were not for the many priests who have been a part of it. While the priests in my church made a significant impact on me as a child, it’s the friendships as an adult that continue to shape who I am.

When I was in college, I would spend hours with the seminar-

ians getting help on my theology assignments. It was then that I began to understand how much these men dedicated themselves to learning, sacrifice and prayer.

Besides their love for the Church and for Christ, these young men had a genuine selflessness about

Be Not Afraid

By Amanda Tarantelli them that drove them to want to follow what Christ commanded; to leave everything behind and follow Him. I continue to see that selflessness every day in the lives of these men. When my grandmother passed away three years ago, my pastor went above and beyond to make it financially possible for us to give her the send-off that she deserved. When my dad passed away in October, it was one of my priest friends who stayed on the phone with me as I broke

down picking out my dad’s casket. It was that same priest who gave an incredible homily at the funeral. But the biggest impact they have had on my life has been the impact they have had on my husband. When we started dating he was not a practicing Catholic. He willingly attended Mass with me on Sundays, but hanging out in the rectory after Mass took some getting used to. Then he began to play PlayStation games with a priest, going out for dinner with priests, going to sporting events with priests, and spending almost every Sunday during football season at the rectory watching the games. They have shown my husband the human side of the priesthood that has allowed him to come to see the Risen Christ. While the number of priests in my life may be a little abnormal, it is not just me who can have a relationship with them. All priests wish to make connections with their parishioners.

I know there are priests who have done terrible things. I have personally known one. It is heart-wrenching and disturbing, and I by no means wish to lessen the seriousness of their offenses.

What I do know is that there

are so many more great priests in this world than corrupt ones, and they need our support.

This year we have one priest getting ordained in the Diocese of Fall River (and none in the Diocese of Providence). There are more priests retiring every year than there are getting ordained.

They are asking more and more of those who are ordained. While every diocese has a vocation director, it is all of our jobs to support the vocation and to encourage young men to discern.

The most important thing we can do is pray for them. One of my closest friends entered seminary this year and it was such a proud moment for me to see him answer God’s call. If you have a son, nephew, grandson, friend, or neighbor who is considering the priesthood, support them in that decision. Pray for them daily. Also, I ask you to join me in praying for Deacon Chris Peschel who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 7. We, as a diocese, are truly blessed to have him.

Anchor columnist Amanda Tarantelli has been a campus minister at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth since 2005.

She is married, a die-hard sports fan, and resides in Cranston, R.I. She can be reached at atarantelli@ bishopstang.com.

Sean Kane, left, has been named principal of Bishop Feehan High School effective July 1. He replaces Dr. George Milot who is retiring in June. Kane is currently serving in his sixth year as the assistant principal of Norwood High School where he has previously served as dean of students after having taught English for nine years. He is a graduate of Stonehill College, and holds a master of Fine Arts degree in writing and literature from Emerson College and a master’s in operation management from Endicott College. Kane and his wife Jeanine have three children, Brigid, Fiona and Liam, and are parishioners of Holy Cross Parish in North Easton. The appointment was made with the approval of the Bishop of Fall River George W. Coleman and the diocesan Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael S. Griffin.

Students, faculty, staff, and parents from St. Joseph’s School in Fairhaven recently took part in a Multiple Sclerosis Walk. The team, No MSing Around, was comprised of more than 60 walkers who raised more than $2,000 for Walk MS, an organization that helps to connect people living with MS and those who care about them. Money raised through Walk MS helps support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research for the 18,000 individuals affected by multiple sclerosis living in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In addition to St. Joseph’s School participating in the walk, Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, and All Saints Catholic School in New Bedford, supported the walk and represented their schools with teams.

Eighth-graders from St. Margaret’s School in Buzzards Bay recently participated in the Middle School Quiz Bowl at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis.

They competed against other schools answering questions that related to science, social studies, math, literature and pop-culture. The SMR team came in fourth place.

17

Bishop Connolly High School (Fall River) senior, Wil Medeiros, right, of Fall River was named a recipient of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Charles E. Whiterhalter Scholarship worth $20,000. He was selected for this award based on demonstrated academic achievement, community involvement and leadership. The goal of the RMHC Scholars Program is to identify and invest in future leaders.

18

May 23, 2014

Catholic Charities Appeal off to promising start continued from page one

But Campbell was pleased with the footage they did manage to get of Bishop Coleman and his secretary, Father Karl Bissinger, visiting with, praying with, and interacting with the residents of three diocesan apostolates.

“In all three he was really, really engaged,” he said. “He listened to people and the one on Cape Cod was the most dramatic because when he got up to speak at the (recent) kickoff dinner, the women from St. Clare’s were there and he got a little choked up.

You could have heard a pin drop in this room filled with 250 people. The bishop was clearly moved. He spoke from the heart and it was really beautiful.”

“We’ve gotten a lot of good feedback this year on the way the message has been transmitted,” he added. “The Catholic Charities Appeal video was very well-received at all three of our kickoff meetings.”

Working again with Dave and Anne Fortin of the Fairhaven-based Media Image Productions this year, Campbell said he was “very indebted” to the couple for once again helping to shoot, edit and produce the various Appeal videos.

“They get it and they’re really smart and they work hard for us,” he said.

The approximately 15-minute videos are available on the Catholic Charities Appeal website and were provided to the parishes on DVDs and, as an added bonus this year, on digital thumb drives.

“It was a pilot program this year to see whether it was popular or not,” he said. “So I’ve given each pastor two copies for him to do what he wishes. I’m hoping they use it in small discussion groups or play it at the back of the church, just have it on a loop playing — whatever they want to do.”

Campbell agreed that Pope Francis’ high profile in the secular media over the past year and his obvious emphasis on helping the poor and less fortunate have been a great boon to this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal effort.

“His message is about service and being with and valuing the poor and those who need him, and that’s really where the Church needs to be and I think that message resonates with a lot of people,” Campbell said.

“The idea of the Church as a servant as opposed to a kind

of medieval, princely Church is very compelling and very attractive to people.”

It’s no surprise, then, that Campbell latched onto the idea of making Pope Francis the literal “poster child” for the 73rd annual Catholic Charities Appeal. In addition to his inspirational words, the Holy Father’s infectious smile also adorns the campaign’s literature, advertisements, and even — for the first time this year — large highway billboards.

“We’ve got three on Route 195: one in Fall River, one in Westport by White’s (on the Watuppa), and one down in New Bedford,” Campbell said.

Another bit of inspiration Campbell credited to Pope Francis was the use of three younger people to speak at each of the diocesan kickoff dinners for this year’s Appeal.

“It occurred to me that Pope Francis has done so much to reengage and energize the youth — especially right after his visit to Brazil for World Youth Day — so I thought why don’t we ask young people to react to this theme?” he said.

He solicited suggestions from people involved with diocesan schools, ministries and apostolates for possible candidates and noted that “all three were spectacular.”

“The first one was Victoria Johnson, from Apponequet High School, and she spoke at the Cape Cod kickoff,” Campbell said. “She’s very involved in the Christian Leadership Institute and Yes! Retreat programs.

The second was Kate Franklin from Bishop Feehan High School, who spoke in Attleboro; and the third was Owen Leary, from My Brother’s Keeper, who spoke in Fall River.

“They all spoke about how they find the Face of Christ.

The talked about what they do, the service they provide, the reasons they got involved, but they also all spoke from a personal sense of loss. Even in their young lives, they’ve lost either a friend to disease, or they’ve had disease themselves or, in one case, a girl’s father had passed away prematurely. They took that loss and that setback and turned it into something positive. I was inspired by their stories and I thought it was really tremendous.”

Now at the helm of his second Catholic Charities Appeal, having taken over from longtime development director Mike Donly who retired last

year, Campbell is ramping up to better last year’s record-setting collection.

“Last year we set an all-time record for the Catholic Charities Appeal by a little bit more than $100,000 [over the previous record],” he said. “This year, I’m a little nervous to be projecting because my experience is all of one year, but my sense is — given the kind of promotion that we’ve done — I’m hoping we can set another record.”

Even more important than outdoing last year’s $4.3 million final total, though, is Campbell’s aspiration to increase the number of donors who contribute to this year’s Appeal. While he would be thrilled to inch closer to the $5 million mark, he’d be even happier to go from 31,000 to 35,000 donors this year.

“I really want the parish priests and pastors to push that,” he said. “If you can give $5,000, that’s great. But if you can give just $15 or even $5, that’s great, too. We need everybody to understand the connection between their faith and the work that they do to help the less fortunate. We want every single donor to feel as if they are a partner with us in this activity.”

Campbell said the essence of the Catholic Charities Appeal is rooted in the seven spiritual and seven corporal works of mercy, which are, admittedly, sort of archaic terms that people don’t reference much anymore.

“I want to bring that back because this is what we do,” he said. “We have a little catchphrase on the billboards that says: ‘Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Comfort the sorrowful. It’s what we do.’ Just to give people a sense of that mission. The pope may be the one who has been getting people to re-engage with this, but this is what we’ve always stood for.”

The 2014 Catholic Charities Appeal for the Fall River Diocese will continue until June 24. For more information, including this year’s Appeal video, visit www. frdioc-catholiccharities.org.

Contributions to the appeal can be sent to the Catholic Charities Appeal office, P.O. Box 1470, Fall River, Mass.

02722; dropped off at any parish in the diocese; or made on the appeal website at www.frdioccatholiccharities.org. For more information visit the website or call 508-675-1311.

Team members from the groups from Christ the King Parish in Mashpee and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth work at a community bread basket food pantry, filling an order during their recent trip to Wheeling, W. Va. to assist needy people there.

Cape teens encounter, fight poverty in W.Va. continued from page 15

ideas of great minded and spirited people. I met John, a simple volunteer, whom I bonded with at the Community Bread Basket work site. This man, who grew up in the area of South West Virginia, his father a coal miner, enlisted in the Army at 18, served more than 27 years, became special forces in 1998, and served 10 tours in Iraq after 9/11. He volunteers every Friday after seeing what was happening within third world countries, he is horrified that conditions are worse within our own country.”

Dan Burke: “The main lesson I learned on the mission trip is that no matter where you are in the world. Everyone still struggles but some people get out of hard situations with just plain luck. The people down here in West Virginia have their own unique way of getting along with each other and helping others out when deeded within this wonderful community.”

Kendall Hoover: “The people we were working with were so welcoming and just so happy to have us. They pack boxes of food for people for the month.

The act of giving food to others, and having a whole business dedicated to just that, is really remarkable. The mission trip really opened my eyes to what others are going through and a great way to directly help the community and show peo-

ple that you care.”

Dan Chamberlain: “I can tell you that I honestly worked my tail off this week for the amazing people I met just to make their tough lives a little bit easier. Whether poor, rich, fat, skinny, or anything in-between, we are all people and really deserve a fighting chance in life. Thank you for your prayers and support before, during, and after our trip.”

Nicole Linse: “While it was obvious the stereotypes of these regions and cultures were lurking behind other apprehensions, our unbridled enthusiasm pushed it aside. At the heart of our own ‘America’ the ‘promised land’ there are knowledgeable people who have been neglected. So much has to and can be done.”

Beth Donahue (adult volunteer): “Our group of 17 teen-agers willingly handed in their cell phones for their entire vacations, which included more than 24 hours of driving, without complaint.

They worked diligently on all service assignments and willingly pitched into clean, cook, and help others throughout the week. We learned to be thankful for our parishes that generously supported our trip financially and spiritually. We learned to see God in others and know that anything is possible when we listen to His will and follow Him when called.”

19

May 23, 2014

Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evening prayer and Benediction is held Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

ATTLEBORO — There is a weekly Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church on N. Main St. Brewster — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays beginning at noon until 7:45 a.m. First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and concluding with Mass at 8 a.m. buzzards Bay — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the chapel at Holy Family Parish Center, 438 Middleboro Avenue, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration takes place at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. until 7:45 p.m.

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

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

FALL RIVER — St. Bernadette’s Church, 529 Eastern Ave., has continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 8 a.m. on Thursday until 8 a.m. on Saturday.

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

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

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

MANSFIELD — St. Mary’s Parish, 330 Pratt Street, has Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Benediction at 5:45 p.m.

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

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

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

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

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m., ending with Benediction.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Wednesday following 8:00 a.m. Mass and concludes with Benediction at 5 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration also takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m. The Rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

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

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

SOUTH YARMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Pius X Parish, 5 Barbara Street, on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., from March 13 to April 10. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be offered at this time.

Taunton — Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction. Recitation of the Rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

Taunton — Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday at Annunciation of the Lord, 31 First Street. Exposition begins following the 8 a.m. Mass. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and Adoration will continue throughout the day. Confessions are heard from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Rosary and Benediction begin at 6:30 p.m.

WAREHAM — Eucharistic Adoration at St. Patrick’s Church begins each Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. and ends on Friday night at midnight. Adoration is held in our Adoration Chapel in the lower Parish Hall. ~ PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION ~ East Sandwich — The Corpus Christi Parish Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 324 Quaker Meeting House Road, East Sandwich. Use the Chapel entrance on the side of the church.

NEW BEDFORD — Our Lady’s Chapel, 600 Pleasant Street, offers Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For information call 508-996-8274.

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

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

In Holy Land, Pope Francis will focus on unity, not ignore conflict

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — On Pope Francis’ first trip to the Holy Land, May 24-26, his agenda will focus on the search for Christian unity, particularly between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

But inevitably, in a region so rich in history and so fraught with conflict, he will address other urgent issues, including dialogue with Jews and Muslims, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the plight of the Middle East’s shrinking Christian population.

The Vatican has emphasized that the pope’s main purpose on the trip is to meet in Jerusalem with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, considered first among equals by Orthodox bishops.

The official logo for the papal visit is an icon of the Apostles Peter and Andrew, patron saints of the churches of Rome and Constantinople, joined in a fraternal embrace.

Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew are scheduled meet four times during the pope’s three-day visit. Their private meeting May 25 will mark the 50th anniversary of the encounter in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople, which opened the modern period of ecumenical dialogue. At an ecumenical service that evening, representatives of the three churches who

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks May 24 Rev. James F. Clark, Founder, St. James, New Bedford, 1907 Rev. Patrick Heran, SS.CC., Former Rector, Sacred Hearts Seminary, Fairhaven, 1985 May 25 Rev. Michael P. Kirby, Former Assistant, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1925 Rev. James V. Mendes, Pastor, Our Lady of Angels, Fall River, 1961 May 26 Rev. Thomas F. Murray, Assistant at St. Patrick, Falmouth and St. Francis Xavier, Hyannis, 2012 May 28 Rev. Lionel A. Bourque, Former Chaplain, Cardinal Cushing Hospital, Brockton, 1982 May 30 Rev. Jordan Harpin, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1929 Rev. Edmond J. Potvin, Pastor, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 1937 Rev. James M. Quinn, Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Attleboro, 1950 Rev. Robert T. Canuel, Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1993

share custody of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher — Catholic, Greek-Orthodox and Armenian — will pray together at the site of Jesus’ burial and Resurrection.

The event will be “extraor-

dinarily historic,” according to the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, since the three communities normally observe strict separation when they worship in the church.

Around the Diocese A Healing Mass will be celebrated on May 27 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 South Main Street in Centerville inside the Msgr. Perry Parish Center. If you are coping with any physical illness, dealing with worries, fears or anxieties, struggling with a life crisis or just feeling lost spiritually, or if you are concerned about a friend or family member and don’t know how to help them, please join this special Mass of Healing to pray for these concerns. All are welcome. Following Mass, coffee and refreshments will be served. The Healing Mass is offered every month on the fourth Tuesday and is sponsored by Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cancer Support Group.

For more information call 508-362-6909.

Boy Scout Troop 333 has begun its final push to collect worn, torn, faded or badly-soiled American flags which they will honorably retire during a solemn ceremony on May 31. This ceremony, sponsored annually by the East Freetown troop, will burn hundreds flags which have been collected from cities and towns in the South Coast region. The public is invited to attend the 1 p.m. ceremony at Cathedral Camp, 167 Middleboro Road in East Freetown, and are welcome to bring any flags that may need to be retired. It is suggested that visitors bring a folding chair for their comfort. Additional information about Troop 333 may be found at the troop’s website: www.CCTroop333.com or by calling Mike McCormack at 508-965-1075.

Holy Family High School of New Bedford’s Class of 1964 is celebrating its 50th reunion on August 2 and they are looking for some of their former classmates.

Organizers are in the planning phases of their reunion and are hoping to find as many classmates as possible. The 50th reunion will include a Saturday afternoon gathering on West Island in Fairhaven and an 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday morning at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in New Bedford, followed by a brunch. Many classmates have been invited and are attending, but organizers are looking for help in extending invitations to the following classmates: Geraldine Abraham, Maura Brabin Saltmarsh, Carol Brawleski, Sharon Cambra, Robert Carlin, Mary Louise Carney Griffin, Mary Ellen Crowley, Nancy Cunha, Nadine Dow, Jacqueline Fahey, Linda Ferreira, Russell Foley, Madeline Gaudreau, Suzanne Gazdik, Joann Grace, Maryanne Herlihy Garcia, Robert Kramer, Elizabeth Kurowski, Marcia Lacala, Valery Lacey, Jean LaForest Arsenault, Claire Ann Lyle, Susan Mills, Margaret Oliveira, Charles Ouimet, Stephen Payton, Elaine Rego, Diane Rivet, Ellen Roche, Martha Roche, Richard Sheehan, Susan Sweeney, Claudia Trahan, Teresa Walsh, Noella Wilbur. If you are one of the above classmates wishing to attend and/or if you wish to help organizers extend this invitation to one of the above classmates, you are encouraged to contact one of the following reunion organizers: Cecelia Cambra Weeks (cenbseaside@Gmail.com or 508-9923713), Sylvester Vercellone (jeffvercellone@Gmail.com) or Regina Roche Rebello (carmini@AOL.com).

The Fall River Area Men’s First Friday Club will meet on June 6 at the Chapel of St. Mary’s Cathedral, 327 Second Street in Fall River. Following the 6 p.m. Mass celebrated by Father Karl Bissinger, a hot meal catered by White’s of Westport will be served in the school hall across the street. The guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Robert P. Lawrence, Pastor Emeritus of the First Congregational Church in Fall River, who will bring a replica of the Titanic and give a special presentation about the Titanic. The Mass is open to the public. Guest men interested in joining for dinner should contact Norman Valiquette at 508-672-8174.

The Fall River area Bereavement Group of the Fall River Diocese meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through June 24 at St. Joseph Parish, 1335 North Main Street in Fall River. For more information, contact Rose Mary Saraiva at the Office of Faith Formation at 508-678-2828, extension 27, or email rmsaraiva@dfrcec.com.

The New Bedford area Bereavement Group of the Fall River Diocese meets on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Parish, 783 Dartmouth Street in South Dartmouth. For more information, contact Beni Costa-Reedy at beni@ stmarysdartmouth.org or call 508-992-7505.

20

I

’m not sure how I feel about the recent controversy regarding Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome blowing away the field while wearing an equine-sized nasal strip. And then, threatening not to race in the Belmont Stakes for the Triple Crown, which hasn’t been won since 1978, unless he can, again, use the strips.

I’ve tried to find a reason, other than the strips help open up the nasal passages allowing for a better oxygen flow, for this glorious beast to look like it’s in a snoring-aid commercial.

If I’m not sure how I feel, then I must be against it. Unless Chrome has a deviated septum, which would be like a giraffe with a sore throat or an elephant with an earache, I say strip the strips.

What’s next: allowing the horses to wear Air Jordans

May 23, 2014

The tale of the tape

instead of horseshoes, or taping as valid as the DH. But the down their ears for lesser air change that has absolutely resistance? killed the game is instant Let the horsies be horsies replay. It has made an already and run, baby. It’s what they painfully slow game even slowlove to do, and they don’t need er. Not even a sausage race can any help from man, who has already tainted other sports through the years.

Aside from things like blood doping and steroids, man’s bright ideas have changed

By Dave Jolivet the game in too many sports, in too many ways. help keep fans entertained long Since I’m up on my soapbox, enough to make it through the I’ll venture into other areas I continuous stoppage in play to would like to see fixed. determine if, in fact, a play will In baseball, there never be challenged in the first place. should have been a designated Excuse me while I take a nap hitter. I don’t care if it extended while waiting. And if I snore, the careers of a number of play- just put a nasal strip on me. Let ers, unless an athlete can play the umps be umps, mistakes on both sides of the ball, he’s and all. not a baseball player.

In football, please do away And interleague play? It’s with domes and artificial turf and let the elements play a part, as it did in the good old days.

Also, put the goal posts back on the goal line. It’s much more

My View From the Stands

fun to watch receivers not only dodge defenders but the posts as well. And replay? Let the refs be refs, mistakes and all.

Basketball hasn’t changed all that much through the years (except for attitude). My only beef is the slam dunk. While many see this as one of the game’s highlights, I don’t. A slam dunk should be worth only one point.

A player doesn’t have to know how to shoot the ball if all he does is dunk.

Ice hockey today is a far cry from what it looked like in the days before helmets and masks.

Actually helmets and masks are one of the few good changes.

Can you imagine that goalies used to play without a mask?

But today’s goalie equipment makes King Arthur’s armor look like a Halloween costume.

And please, please bring back the wooden sticks. Seeing the ice strewn with broken synthetic stick shafts is like looking at your neighbor’s yard

as his house is being fitted with aluminum siding — remnants everywhere.

There is one rule change I would like to see in ice hockey.

I feel that a team killing a penalty should not be allowed to ice the puck. That would increase the severity of committing a penalty in the first place.

And replays? Let the refs be refs, mistakes and all.

I know none of my sports pet peeves will be altered, but it’s nice to vent once in a while.

Baseball will continue to become slower and slower; football will continue to be played on a rug in a temperature-controlled dome; slam dunks will continue to bring the fans out of their seats; and ice hockey goalies will continue to look like extras in the latest “Godzilla” movie.

But a horse bolting around a track with a strip of duct tape across its snout? I’m not sure how I feel about that. And if I’m not sure, then ....

Dave Jolivet can be contacted at davejolivet@anchornews.org.

A poster of Pope Francis is displayed at a shop in Jerusalem’s Old City May 16. Pope Francis will visit Jordan, the Palestinian Territories and Israel this weekend, his first visit as pope to the region. (CNS photo/ Amir Cohen, Reuters)

To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email waynepowers@ anchornews.org