08.20.93

t eanc 0 VOL. 37, NO. 32

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Friday, August 20,1993

FALL RIVER, MASS.

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUT~IEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD ,& THE ISLANDS Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

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$11 Per Year

Cindy Wooden sees the pope up close and personal

By Cindy Wooden

/i.

MARIAN DESROSIERS

Diocese gains new pro-life voice

By Marcie Hickey If her face and message are not already familiar to you, Marian Desrosiers hopes they soon will be.

Named to the new position of Diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate assistant, the Sandwich wife and mother of four hopes to reach all corners of the Fall River diocese as a pro-life speaker and resource person.

Her focus in the apostolate. directed by Father Stephen A. Fernandes. will be on educating youth and guiding catechists and Catholic school teachers in better integrating pro-life lessons into their curriculum. Other projects are to include speaking to parish groups and other organizations and coordinating diocesan participation in Respect Life Month activities each Oc':ober, including the annual Respect Life Walk in Boston. Mrs. Desrosiers will also organize arrangements for those attending the annual March for Life in Washington, DC, marking the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

The ambitious agenda means that the apostolatl:. funded by the Catholic Charities Appeal, will be able to increase involvement in pro-life work, offer more educational resources a.nd further disseminate its message in defense of society's most vulnerable members.

"We are deeply grateful to Bishop O'Malley and to Catholic Charities Appeal donors for making all this possible," Father Fernandes said.

The bottom line, Mrs. Desrosiers summed up, is that lives will be saved. ''I'm thrilled with everything we are doing so far," she said." When it comes to defending life, we have to put our money where our mouth

is, though it requires a great deal of time and sacrifice."

Mrs. Desrosiers became committed to pro-life work several years ago after newborn son Marc Edward died of a birth defect and she later had a stillbom daughter, Mary Elizabeth. The experience, she said, solidified the pro-life convictions of the whole family: husband Jospeh, sons Joseph, 18; Lee, 10; and Stephen, 3; and daughter ,Kara, 16.

"Losing two children of my own," she explained, "led me to cultivate an attitude of compassion and understanding and love for everyone on both sides of the issue.

My heart goes out to those who have suffered because of abortion, and I would like to find a way to bring healing to them, There is great pain involved in losing any child. and you can't h;de from it forever."

She began her involvement as a volunteer for Birthright, a crisis pregnancy counseling service. then established and directed a pro-life group at her Sandwich parish, Corpus Christi. She was Cape Cod deanery representative to the Diocesan Pro-Life Committee before being appointed assistant at the Pro-Life Apostolate in July.

In the course of these positions, she had numerous speaking'engagements, including at the 1992 Catholic Charities Appeal kickoff and the diocesan Catholic Teachers' Convention. Currently she and her ~au~hter Kara have a pro-life proJect 111 the works with local access cable TV on the Cape.

She looks forward to the educational aspect of her new position with t!:le conviction that the primary obstacle to pro-life sentiment is lack of information about the humanity of the unborn child.

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DENVER (CNS) - A lot of people wanted to see Pope John Paul II up close and personal during World Youth Day '93 - but only a few got there.

Those few lucky souls who got a personal greeting from the pope in Denver included the more than 300 bishops present and some 350 International Youth Forum delegates attending Mass Aug. 14.

But that still left hundreds of thousands of young people and some 3,000 reporters in the outfield.

I was one of the lucky ones.

My presence with the papal entourage Aug. 14 started with an after-lunch reintroduction to Pope John Paul-I had been ajournalist on several papal fligh~s - and lasted until a limousine dropped me at the: press hotel shortly before midnight.

When I arrived at the cathedral rectory, where the pope was staying, he was finishing a 20-minute., rest and drinking a cup of coffeesomething eight hours later I was to wish I had done.

I walked next to the pope, professionally eavesdropping, as he greeted about two dozen people who had a hand in making the trip successful.

The first to be introduced were Ralph Basham, head of the Secret Service detail assigned to the pope, with his wife, Judy, and other members of his family.

The pope and Basham were pleased at how things were going.

At the end of the receiving line was Yak King, who was involved Turn to Page 13

Flood response In response to a special collection taken up the weekend of July 24 and 25, diocesan Catholics have donated over $185,000 to aid flood victims in eight Midwestern states.

The chancery office has announced that the funds will be transmitted directly to Catholic Charities offices in the affected dioceses. Bishop Sean O'Malley expressed profound thanks to contributors "for their extraordinary generosity in responding to their brothers and sisters i,n need."

Noting the prayerful support of Popdohn Paul II, expressed last week in Denver, for those affected by flooding,. officials said: "The response ofthe faithful to the needs of their brothers and sisters is but one more sign ofthe Church's continued commitment to those in need and to support of the God-given dignity of every human person."

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POPE JOHN PAUL II, entering Mile High Stadium in the popemobile, waves to thl~ crowd of 90,000 gathered for a ceremony welcomin~ him to Denver. Aug. 12 (Hickey photo)

World Youth Day 1993

Descending on Denveir

By Marcie Hickey With CNS reports They were pilgrims traveling to see a pilgrim pope.

When nearly 150 diocesan youth and young adults going to Denver began meeting in the spring to prepare for their journey to World Youth Day 1993, they answered an important question.

"Why do you want to go tei World Youth Day?" they wen: asked by Christopher Tanguay, associate director of diocesan youth ministry, who organized the pil.. grimage.

The youths replied that they wanted to meet people of differem cultures, to gain a sense ofa global church. More expectations were added: to bring diocesans closer together; to share our faith. deepen our spirituality. experience sim.. plicity and sacrifice; to experience the power of God. And, of course, to see the pope.

When the weary pilgrims arrived home, some by plane in the earlv hours of Aug. 16 and others b;, train Aug. 17, they had not bee;. disappointed.

In the course of the Aug. II to 15 international convocation of youth. likened by one of the teen; to a "giant retreat," the dioces'an contingent claimed a piece of history when they joined thousand:; from around the world in welcoming Pope John Paul II to Denve-

Aug. 12 at Mile High Stadiufl.

They attended an Aug. 14 pray:r vigil with the pope and a series 1)1' lively catechetical sessions. They shared sleeping space on the floor of Annunciation parish school wil h groups from the U.S, Virgin 1;lands; Walla Walla, Washingto 1; Manassas, Virginia; and Lewisto 1, Idaho; and they traded souveni's with young people from all corne's of the world.

They sang. loudly and ofte 1. and they prayed each evening wi! h Bishop Sean O'Malley.

It was at once exhausting ar d exhilarating.

"Everyone keeps asking if I would do it again," said Nan,:y Fernandes of Our Lady of tile Angels parish. Fall River. "Of course I would. Definitely yes! I got so much out of it-a sense )f the whole world uniting as one."

Some had simple expectatio lS fr(lm the experience, like tile LaSalette Shrine youth group, member who declared on rhe fil st day, "Hey, Ijust spoke to someO'le in Portuguese--I'm happy!"

But most of the young people hoped to meet Pope John Paul II personally, a privilege that was n the end reserved for a lucky few Not one member of the diocesl n contingent, which included I' 7 pilgrims from the diocesan vou' h ministry office and 28 from tIle Turn to Page Eight

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THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Aug. 20, 1993

Father Lawler to head Holy Apostles Seminary

Health -issues to be focus of NCCW convention With CNS reports Headed by diocesan moderator Father James F. Lyons and Diocesan Council of Catholic Women president Bella Nogueira, 20 diocesan women will attend the biennial convention of the National Council of Catholic Women, to be held Sept. 16-20 in Chicago.

Coping with AIDS as a societal and individual issue will be a focus of attention at the meeting and seminars will address the roles of women in bringing about changes in society and in the church.

Among speakers will be Mary Davis Fisher, founder of the Family AIDS Network; Father Robert Rybicki, founder of Chicago's Bonaventure House for Al DS patients;

and Ursuline Sister Ann Duggan, AIDS response coordinator for Catholic Relief Services.

The conference also will include sessions on health care reform and how life issues relate to the current political climate and advances in medical technology.

Presenters for those sessions will be Daughter of Charity Sister Bernice Coreil, who chairs the Catholic Health Association's Leadership Task Force on National Health Policy Reform, and John Carr, secretary of the U.S. Catholic Conference's Department of Social Development and World Peace.

Other topics will include spiritual enrichment; caring for an aging population and how to use ethnic diversity to build coalitions.

LaSalette sets Polish Day The 13th annual Polish Day will be held at LaSalette Shrine, Attleboro, beginning at I :30 p.m. Sunday. Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Thad J. Jakubowski will preside and preach during an outdoor liturgy in the shrine's Garden of Worship. The celebration will begin with praying of the rosary at the Rosary Walk, followed by a procession to the Holy Stairs and Calvary. The sacrament of penance will be available from 1:30 to 3 p. m., with a priest at each of the 14 stations of the Cross to hear confessions.

An all-Polish votive Mass in honor of Our Lady of LaSalette will begin at 3 p.m. with Rev. Canon Anthony D. Iwuc, pastor of St. Joseph's parish, Central Falls, RI, as master of ceremonies and Polish seminarians Adam Sowa, MS, and J arosla w Borucki, MS, as deacons.

The lectors will be Francis Slowick of St. Stanislaus Kostka parish, Woonsocket, RI, and Sister Leandra Jankowska, CR of St. Saviour Day Nursery, New Bedford. Music will be by the 路St. Michael's parish choir of Haverhill.

All parish societies and Polish fraternal, social and cultural 01'-

ganizations are invited to the Mass and are urged to wear native dress, uniforms and insignia and carry banners or flags. Some pilgrims will walk from St. Joseph's Church, Central Falls, to LaSalette, a distance of 8.2 miles, gathering at 9 a.m. for the march. All are welcome to join them.

Classical Scholar Auxiliary Bishop J,!kubowski is a Chicago native who holds mas c ter's degrees in religion and in classicallanguages. Ordained in 1950, he served in a parish while completing his language studies and from 1957 to 1976 taught Latin, Greek, Polish and classical literature at Chicago's preparatory seminary, for much of that time also serving as dean of students.

Thereafter he was a pastor, urban vicar and dean and in 1988 was ordained an auxiliary bishop.

In that capacity he is episcopal vicar for 59 Chicago parishes, frequently represents the archdiocese at liturgical and civic events and counsels organizations concerned with seminary development, eth~ nic and immigrant ministry and Catholic communications.

THE

VERY

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With CNS News Reports The appointment of Yery Rev. Ronald D. Lawler, OFM Cap., Ph. D., as president and rector of Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, CT, has been announced by the institution's chancellor, Bishop Daniel P. Reilly of Norwich, CT, and Very Rev. Marc P. Lussier, M.Ss.A., superior general of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles.

Seven men at the seminary are studying for the Fall River diocese, said an official there. Father Lawler, who has been theological consultant to the Pittsburgh diocese and director of education at the Pope John XXIII MedicalMoral Research and Education Center in Braintree, is from the Pittsburgh-based Province of St. Augustine of the Capuchin Franciscans, as is Bishop Sean O'Malley. In a telephone interview, he noted that the bishop had been among his stud,ents.

Thomas R. Potvin, 59, has been elected prior provincial of the Dominican Order in Canada. Dominicans of the French-Canadian province have served St. Anne parish in Fall River since 1887.

Father Potvin is a native of Worcester, and the first FranConference Speaker co-American to head the FrenchFather Lawler was a speaker at Canadian province. He stulast month's International Hudied at Assumption College manae Vitae Conference in Omaha, in Ottawa. He holds a massponsored by, the Pope Paul VI I nstitute for the Study of Human ter's degree in theology from Reproduction to mark the 25th . the University of Ottawa and anniversary of the encyclical "H ua doctorate in theology from manae Vitae" (Of Human Life), the University of Fribourg, The message of chastity is diffiSwitzerJaild. cult to get across, he told his A teacher of theology and audience, because it is too comwriting for the past 30 years, monly understood as a negative prohibition rather than a positive he is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of Amer- virtue. "Too much of our moral education is legalistic," he said. . ica and the Canadian Society "The church must teach chastity of Theology. He has served as with gracious force." theological consultant to the Stressing that "chaste love is full archbishop. of Ottawa and to of joy." the Capuchin friar said the Canadian Conference of that "much of today's world is confused路 about the idea of chasCatholic Bishops. tity.

As our young people are Within his community, he growing up, they hear nothing has been prior of the Dominiabout it-unless hearing it from a can House in Ottawa, and has distinguished sex educators like served on the provincial coun- [pop singer) Madonna, who has very little good to say about it." cil.

Father Potvin entered the Speaking positively about chasDominican Order in 1957 and tity has been made more difficult was ordained a prie'st June 30. by the media, which have des1"962. His new position has troyed the mystery of human sex. uality, he said. "Being cha~e is taken him from the academic world to that of leadership in the Canadian province of his community:

presumed to be strange, out of touch with one's feelings," he said.

Defining chastity as "learning to civilize one's passions," Father Lawler said it "is possible and 'much needed in our age."

"On a deeper level it is a virtue.

A virtue gives one not only the power to act correctly but to do it with joy," he said.

Chastity is a much neglected topic for homilies, said Father Lawler.

"Priests have more important things to talk about than chastity.

They will caution their people not to drop a nuclear bomb nor destroy the rain forest, but say nothing about chaste love," he said.

"When did you last hear a sermon on natural family planning or about what the proper place for sex is within marriage'!" he asked.

Many marriage preparation programs are weakened by not emphasizing chastity within married love, he said. ' "When young people begin a new life in marriage, they must be invited to come to new ways of living.

"Too few are convinced of the truth of their faith," he said. "If the church invites them to something better. if they are told about chaste patterns of love." they will respond, he said.

"We must gently show them why contraception serves a kind of love that is not bound to last," he said.

"Natural family planning seems unrealistic to some people for they never have been enabled to understand Chastity," Father Lawler said.

He said chastity is sometimes portrayed as an upper-class or middle-class virtue which is unfairly required of those at a lower socioeconomic level.

"It is not undemocratic nor unconstitutional to teach chastity," he said. "Christ did not see ordinary people as 'slobs' unable to live well. He knew they could live strong lives in freedom."

The home must be the first school of chastity, Father Lawler said, with parents being supported by the church in teaching the lesson in a hostile world .

Abortions triple ZAGREB, Croatia (CNS) Since war spread to Bosnia-Herzegovina in April 1992, abortions have tripled in the besieged capital of Sarajevo, along with a sharp rise in still births and miscarriages, according to a Croatian Catholic newspaper. The church-owned Glas Koncila weekly, quoting Western news agencies and local correspondents, said women could be found lining up each morning in a dimly lit corridor of Kosevo Hospital, Sarajevo's main hospital. Most said they had asked to end their pregnancies in view of the "terrible future" awaiting children in the besieged city.

Amusement KIM DOLAN signs Fall River banner, carried on pilgrim march and used as altar cloth at Mass celebrated by Father David Costa at Annunciation school. (Hickey photo)

"Government investigations have always contributed more to our amusement than they have to our knowledge."

FUTURE POPES tryout newspaper mitres as they look on at World Youth Day a~tivities. (Hickey photo)

God judges suicide VATICAN CITY (CNS) - God alone can judge the hearts of people who commit suicide, Vatic~n Radio said after the Catholic funeral of a leading Italian industrialist.

Raul Gardini, who killed himself last month, was buried with a funeral Mass. He had been under investi.gation in a wide-ranging kickback and bribery scandal.

Vatican Radio, reporting on Gardini's funeral, said July 26: "It is good to remember the attitude of the church regarding suicide.

The new 'Catechism of the Catholic Church' reaffirms that this act is 'seriously contrary' to the proper

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

love of oneself, love of neighbor' and love of the living God." The catechism adds that "serious psychological disturbances, anguish or great fear of trial, suffering or torture can attenuate that responsibility of one who comm its suicide," the Jesuit-run radio station said.

The radio report quoted the catechism further: "One must not give up the hope for the eternal salvation of persons who have killed themselves. God, in ways he alone knows, can prepare for them an occasion for repentance. The church prays for those who have taken their lives."

Fri., Aug. 20, 199~

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Life member named hy Corpus Christi Guild When Mrs. Agnes McBride moved to Providence from E,lSt Sandwich, fellow members of the Corpus Chri~ti Women's Guild named her an honon.ry member for life in recognition of he( many years of service to the guild and Corpus Chrsti' parish.

"I expect to still be partly active with the guild," she said, adding that "it is one of the nicest group of women any chUl ch would be happy to have."

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YOUNGSTERS AND LEADERS from Our Lady of the Assumption parish, New Bedford, turned out in force last month for a K ujenga- Viongozi retreat at Salve Regina University, Newport. Kujenga-Viongozi is Swahili for "To Build ,Leadership" and the purpose ofthe retreat is to develop leaders~ip skills among youth with African roots as well as to make them knowledgeable as to the role of those of African descent in church history. With the young people were adult advisors Sister Marianna Sylvester, RSM, Dorothy Lopes, Bernadette DePina and Mark Correia.

Chur~~hes

play' crucial role in naltion's social welfare

WASHINGTON (CNS) their congregations. About 43 Church congregations across the percent of that time was devoted United States playa crucial role in to human services. the social welfare of the country, - Clergy and other paid' emaccording to a new national study ployees of congregations devoted

by Independent Sector which found nearly 750 million hours, valued at that churches give a substantial about $7.7 billion, to human amount of time and money to services. meeting social needs.

- When paid program expenIn addition, Independent Sector ditures for human services within said, other studies show that in congregations were added, the total addition to what they do through estimated contributions of religious their congregations, churchgoers congregations to community sergive more as individuals to com-. vices was $27.7 billion. munity-service activities than do According to a separate Indenon-churchgoer!;. pendent Sector study completed Congregations devoted an esti- last year, the 56 percent of Amerimated $6.6 billion and 1.5 billion Can conributors who give to both hours of paid and volunteer work religious institutions and other to social and civic causes in 1991, charities account for 73 percent of according to the study. all contributions to other charities.

They contributed to services In other words, church contribincluding health. welfare, arts and utors give the most to charity outculture programs, family counsel- side church and then give more ing, adult education, environmen- through their church. tal protection, civil rights, refugee According to the new study, resettlement, overseas development nearly 90 percent of religious conand disaster relief. gregations are involved in health Independent Sector's study, programs. Three out of four have funded by a Lilly Endowment overseas aid or relief programs. grant, is titled "From Belief to Five out of eight are involved in Commitment: The Community Sercommunity development or social vice Activities ,and Finances of justice programs.

Religious Congregations in the .

Just over half support schools Un ited Sta tes." or adult literacy programs, just It was based on 1991 in-depth surveys of a representative national under half support art or culture programs, and two out of five are sampling drawn from the nearly 258,000 U.S. religious congrega- involved in environmental protions listed in telephone books. It grams.

The report said, "Expenditures gave no breakdown by denominain major activity areas other than tions. religion were: $7.5 billion for eduReport highlights included: -Individual financial contribu- cation, $4.4 billion for human sertions to U.S. religious congrega- vices, $4.0 billion for p.ublic and societal benefit programs, $0.5 biltions in 1991 amounted to $39.2 lion for international activities, billion.

- Congregations used some $6.6 路and $2.1 billion for other activities," "I n a nation in which people are billion of that in direct expenditures for community service: almost increasingly isolated and mobile." $4.7 billion to denominational or- said the report, "it is criti<;al that we learn more about the kinds of ganizations in the community, and institutions that nourish spiritual $654 million in direct assistance to growth and renewal, that foster individuals. community participation and that -Churchgoers donated libout 1.8 billion hours of volunteer ser- . inspire individual generosity and volu!1tary service." vice, valued at $ i9.2 billion, to

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4 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri .. Aug. 20,1993

the moorins..-,

the living word

Denver Reflections The assessments are pouring in and it seems from all reports that Denver's World Youth Day was a grand success. Aside from the fact that the city was rather small to host so many delegates, ther~ is no do.ubtthat the eventitselfwas superb. All the partiCipants were great and the Holy Father was a "wow."

Given all that, we should look at the presentation of World Youth Day by the media. As expected, they went to Denver with all the old axes to grind. At first they were into their usual Catholic-bashing but once they realized that the assembled youth were just not playing into their preconceived notions regarding the Church, they began to report the happenings more accurately.

It was great to see the youth winning over the media! It was hard for the blase print and TV types to believe that all these kids were in Denver to be fulfilled in their faith. They couldn't get over the fact that as the young people prayed and sang they were reflecting the pilgrim Church. After all, when one is used to reporting on teens and their activities from the MTV point of view, it really is hard to understand the attitude of those who' do not think that drugs, sex and pornography are the be:all and end-all of life.

But as last week moved forward, events and gatherings were reported with greater objectivity. The faith and commitment of the young people simply overpowered the doubt and skeptiHickey photo cism too often the hallmark of the secular media. By the time of MASS FOR DIOCESAN PILGRIMS TO DENVER IN ANNUNCIATION CHURCH the concluding papal Mass, SOlJ1e reporters' accounts had become positively glowing.

"And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth."

Of course, we should be thankful for the camera time we Ps 42:4 rated. All in all, World Youth Day coverage was the best we have received in recent times, considering some of the in-house problems facing the Church in America.

Catholics with cable television were particularly well served

By Father Kevin J. Harrington listening to the voice of God in "As Jesus said, only the truth will by the coverage of EWTN, popularly known as M other Angelyour most intimate being, and by Last Saturday night in Denver make you free. And the truth is not ica's channel. True, the commentary was somewhat repetitive Pope John Paul II delivered one of the fruit of each individual's imag- acting in accordance with its direcand less objective than one might have wished, while some of the most powerful speeches of his ination. God gave you intelligence tions, will you reach the freedom you yearn for." the personal theological reflections were over-pious. Yet that long pontificate at a World Youth to know the truth, and your will to Our 73-year-old pontiff is unDay prayer vigil. But his words achieve what is morally good. He would be expected, considering EWTN's rather conservative likely to survive to see how the concerning conscience were lost has given you the light of conbent, which was seen in Mother Angelica's subjective com170,000 youth assembled in Denver among the headlines on his com- science to guide your moral deciments on a gamut of issues on which the church itself is more will respond during the course of ments on controversies surround- sions, to love good and avoid evil.

M oral truth is objective, and a open than she. their lives to his challenge to live ing the sexual misconduct of priests. according to a properly formed His words recalled the words of properly formed conscience can All this being said, the real message was the messenger, John conscience; but it must have been Jesus when he told the parable of perceive it."

Paul II. Looking somewhat tired and frail, he was nevertheless The Holy Father is more an very heartwarming for him to be the weeds and the wheat.

He lamena forthright preacher of the Word and the kids knew it from the with so many young pilgrims ted false prophets and teachers optimist than most reporters very first moment he addressed them. The bonding between yearning to hear his voice. What a who wish to manipulate the con- seemed to feel. He sees in youth an pope and people was impressive. In his address at Castel sciences of youth. He condemned openness to become part of what' beautiful response to the nay-sayers who claim that he is out of touch Gandolfo on the Sunday before his departure to the New the slaughter of innocents such as he refers to asa rebirth of the sense of personal accountability before with reality! . the unborn and terminally ill.

World, he told his audience that "the future of man largely God, before others and before His message makes crystal clear He exhorted the young people depends on a broad alliance for life and young people are one's own consciences. that he truly believes in original to imitate Him in whose image and called to be in the front ranks of this demanding battle for The centrality of a properly innocence and hates to see conlikeness they were created and to civilization which is also a battle for authentic progress." be good shepherds of the envi- formed conscience is at the core of sciences corrupted. The Holy Giving an important new twist to life issues, he brought _ ronment that they have inherited. the pope's optimism. As he stated: Father is fully aware of the love world hunger, widespread criminal activity, the problems of He condemned those who teach "Conscience is the most secret core . and joy these young pilgrims I<an bring to their local churches. Every that objective good and evil no and sanctuary of a person, where alcohol and drugs and the fratricidal madness of war under thl:: we are alone with God .... Only by parish should embrace its youth longer really matter. life umbrella. He was also more than firm in condemning the with as much affection and pasIn Denver, Pope John Paul II "culture of death" which often presents itself as the civilized was like the good farmer who toral solicitude as did the pope during those four memorable days achievement of new rights but which in fact is the enemy of sowed good seed in fresh soil. The in Denver. human life whether by preventing its birth through abortion or pope appealed directly to the conOur youth proved a fertile field science of his hearers, expressing a by hastening its end through euthanasia. in which Jphn Paul II could sow sure hope that youth would respond These are indeed the messages A merica needs to hear and to generously word of God. Just as the master in to his challenge to live For Unity' the parable of the weeds and the heed.

The Editor a more Christ-like life". To some wheat told his servants to let the reporters he seemed pessimistic Heavenly Father, united field be until harvest, the pope's when he warned: "America needs in the prayer of your Son, mission was not primarily to chasmuch prayer, lest it lose its soul."

Jesus Christ, "that they all tise the adults who have confused ' Like the sower told about weeds and corrupted the consciences of may be one," we ask your among the wheat, he sees an eneyouth, but to encourage youth to blessing upon us as we seek my's hand in today's problems. keep the field as healthy, strong This is why he reserved his harshfor ~II Your people. unity OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER and fertile as they can and trust est criticism for those who lead the Grant that all of us who Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River God to bring them to the harvest young astray. He knows full well have been baptized into P.O: BOX 7 887 Highland Avenue and to take care of evildoers in his that drug and alcohol abuse, porFall River, MA 02720 Fall River, MA 02722 .

Christ may grow in the gift own time. nography. other sexual disorders Telephone 508-675-7151 offaith which we have been and violence are not the underly111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 FAX (508) 675-7048 ing problem but are symptoms of a given. Continue to guide us THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020). Second Se~d address changes to P.O. Box 7 or call telephone num,ber above basic philosophy that defines good Class Postage Paid at Fall River. Mass. into that fullness of comPublished weekly except the week of July 4 as what is pleasing or useful at a munion with one another PUBLISHER and the week after Christmas at 887 Highparticular moment and evil as whatland Avenue. Fall River. Mass. 02720 by Most Rev. Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., PhD. which is in accordance with ever contradicts one's subjective the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall Your divine will. We ask wish.

EDITOR GENERAL MANAGER River. SubscriptillO price by mail. postpaid Close to the conclusion of his $11.00 per year. Postmasters send address this in the name of Jesus Rev. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault speech, the pope focused on the changes to The Anchor. P.O. Box 7. Fall ~5 "LEARY PRESS - FALL RIVER the Lord. Amen

A papal farmer who sowed good seed

praye~BOX

the

heart of the matter when he stated:

River. MA 02722.

Belief, not autholrity, .makes: us

Crisis sold bishop on health proxy

differE~nt Isaiah 2:2: 15,19-23 Roman.s 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20

Modern Scripture scholars (Catholics included) commonly believe the historical Jesus simply wanted to reform the Judaism of his day, not found a new religion.

Yet after 20 centuries of building structures, developing authority systems and cre:ating an organization totally independent of Judaism, it's hard to put ourselves back into the mind of this first century Galilean carpenter and appreciate what he intended.

We spend much more time reinforcing and defending our institution than in te:aching and maintaining the spirit of reform with which Jesus was so completely .taken.

'Yet Matthew wall beginning to see the necessity for organization and structure by the time he composed his gosp,~1 in the 70s. Jesus had not retum~d in the Parousia as quickly as the early Christian community had anticipated. And because of the:ir refusal to help defend Jerusakm against the Romans and their habit of accepting Gentiles into full fellowship, the Lord's followers were methodically being excluded from official Jewish organization and structure.

This seems to be why Matthew added three verses to the account of Peter's confession of faith in Jesus which he ,:opied from Mark.

These three ve'fses-17, 18, 19,-have become the only multiple verses of . Scripture most Catholics can quote by memory.

Because Matthew's is such a unique effort to reinforce Peter's post-Easter authority in the community, many s,:holars believe he's playing the rol,e of compromiser.

Christians who followed a strict Jewish tradition would have favored James as their leader; those with a Gentile background would have preferred Paul.

Peter was acceptable to almost everyone.

Yet we must be careful not to extend Matthew's three verses beyond his intent. There's nothing to indicate he's setting up the Scriptural foundation for the papacy.

Nor can we use these lines to prove we Catholics arl~ "right," and every other Christian denomination, "wrong."

Daily I~eadings Aug. 23: 1 Thes 1:2-5,810; Ps 149:1-6,9; Mt 23:13-22 Aug. 24: Flv 21:9-14; Ps 145:10-13,17-18; In 1:45-51 Aug. 25: 1. Thes 2:9-13; Ps 139:7-12; Mt 23:27-32 Aug. 26: 1. Thes 3:7-13; Ps 90:3-4,12-14,17; Mt 24:42-51 Aug. 27: 1. Thes 4:1-8; Ps 97:1-2,5-6,10-12; Mt25:1-13 Aug. 28: lThes4:9-12; Ps 98:1,7-9; Mt 25:14-30 Aug. 29: .Ier 20:7-9; Ps 63:2-6,8-9; IRom 12:1-2; Mt 16:21-27

By FATHER ROGER KARBAN Were this passage meant to be an unerring blueprint for church authority and structure, the three other evangelists (who omit these lines) would have left out an essential part of Jesus' teaching: The reason this narrative was so important for Mark (and the reason why Matthew and Luke rigotously copied it) revolves around the signifi~ance of such faith for everyone in the early communities. Our Christian uniqueness should never spring from the kind of authority system we use, but from our practice of believing as Jesus believed. It is by believing in him that we're set apart from others around us. Our po)-Ver and our salvation derive from our faith, not from our organizational flow chart.

This distinctive faith prompts Paul to marvel about God's "otherness." "How deep," he writes, "are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How inscrutable his judgments, how unsearchable his ways!" Our faith unites our mind with God's, and pushes us beyond simple human logic to see things through the Lord's farsighted eyes.

Like Peter, one of the things we see is Jesus' uniqueness. He's not just a rerun of past heroes, but someone who leads us into areas never traveled before. Unfettered with maintaining the traditions and legacies of an institution, the first Christians could give themselves completely over to the person of Jesus, and to the faith into which he was leading them.

o yes, I almost forgot the first reading. It seems to have been chosen for today's formulary because of its reference to "the key of the House of David" - a word parallel to "the keys of the kingdom" in the gospel. But when we read the passage carefully, we realize that it, like the rest of Scripture, is not advocating any particular office or position. Rather, it's a commentary on the faith of the person in that office or position.

We must ask why Shebna lost his job as "master of the palace."

Optics now option DAYTON, Ohio (CNS) - The University of Dayton plans to become the first Catholic university in the nation to offer a doctoral degree in electro-optics.

"Electro-optics is one of the fastest growing technology fields in the country," said Gordon Sargent, vice president for graduate studies and research. It makes possible fiber optic communication, laser eye surgery and pattern/ target recognition systems that helped U.S. troops locate tanks and missiles during Operation Desert Storm.

The Marianist-run university expects to begin the program in Janua~y, pending accreditation.

ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS) - A recent health care crisis in his own family convinced Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany of the importance of filling out a health care proxy before a medical emergency.

In a front-page, first-person article in The Evangelist, Albany diocesan newspaper. Bish-op Hubbard spoke about "the lessons I learned" from the recent hospitalization of his aunt. whom he did not name.

Although he chairs the Public Policy Committee of the New York State Catholic Conference and helped prepare a brochure on New York's health care proxy statute. which took effect in January 1991. neither the bishop nor his aunt had completed the proxy form which specifies a patient's wishes on med- . ical care ifhe or she is incapacitated.

The federal Patient Self-Determination Act, similar to the New York law, requires that any patient admitted to a medical facility receiving federal funds be advised of his or her right to sign a living will, if the patient has not previously done so.

"Quite frankly, however, a crisis in the hospital is not the best setting for discussing difficult and complex issues like the utilization or withdrawal of life-support systems or the artificial provision of nutrition and hydration [feeding t!1bes)." Bishop Hubbard wrote.

"By acting ahead of crisis, a person has time to seek out moral guidance from his or her priest. spiritual adviser or health care provider about those issues," he added.

Bishop Hubbard said his recent experience "heightened my a wareness of the fears many people have about being victimized by high. tech medicine."

"The stark reality that fuels the euthanasia movement in this country and makes it an attractive alternative to some is the growing apprehension people have that they will be tra-pped in a system which ignores their suffering and individuality," he said.

Bishop Hubbard said the national health care reform proposal expected from the Clinton administration must address not only access and costs of health care but also its quality.

"People entering a hospital or nursing home need to know'that they will not be treated as nameless or faceless statistics ... [but) as persons with sacred dignity, a unique history, a distinctive story and specific needs, wants and expectations relative to their health care," he said.

He said the state Catholic conference is reviewing another piece of proposed legislation that would establish a hierarchy of persons designated to make health care decisions for incapacitated persons who have not filled out a health care proxy form.

"Regardless of the outcome of this pending legislation. however. the best way to ensure that one's deeply held beliefs and values about health care matters are "upheld is by filling out a health care proxy form and by discussing one's views with a designated agent or proxy," he said.

Bishop Hubbard's aunt is "now well on the way to recovery," he said.

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Aug. 20,1993

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The Anchor Eriday, Aug. 20, 1993

By

DOLORES CURRAN

A Lutheran friend brought me J.F. Powers' book, Lions, Hart, Leaping Does and Other Stories.

"Didn't you love it?" he asked later.

"Who can't like J.F. Powers?" I replied. "\t's a good nostalgia book."

"What do you mean, nostalgia?" he asked.

"Well, it's about a church of the

Let's' get away from the Bells of St. Mary's church past," I replied. "Arrogant monsignor-pastors, young intimidated curates, eccentric housekeepers who managed and frustrated priests in the rectory, bumbling bishops - that sort of thing."

"Has that changed?" he asked.

I laughed and marveled once again at the naivete of Protestant friends who still believe in a Catholic church out of Bing Cosby's Bells of St. Mary's.

I could retire if I had a dollar for everyone who is surprised I'm Catholic. When I ask why, they conjure up an image of Catholic women cleaning the church, bowing to Father, accepting everything the church says at face value, and terrified of nuns in black and white.

"When I've introduced my friends to priests and nuns who do not fit that image, they are astonished.

They don't expect to meet laylooking folk with degrees and successes in fields like social work, the arts, psychology, medicine, and law.

We were "invited to a dinner once when we were having a nun as a house guest. I called the hostess and asked if we could bring her. "Oh, that would be a treat," she said. "Most people here have never met a nun." When we arrived, they were visibly disappointed that she wasn't in a long habit fingering her beads, but was as interested and knowledgeable on the recession, child care, politics, and the arts, as they were.

I believe that the reason most

people outside the Catholic church still envision us as we were back in the 50s is that very little has been written, dramatized, or televised.on the modern church. Nostalgic stuff like St. Ignatius and Black Patent Leather Shoes still abounds.

But where is the movie about today's church with Meryl Streep as an overworked pastoral administrator trying to keep it all together in a parish where a burned-out pastor has two mission churches to serve as well as a parttime diocesan position under a harassed bishop struggling with insufficient priests and funds and an oversuppl~ of lay needs?

Where are the documentaries about the Hispanic Catholics who

are flocking to fundamentalism or about the truly extraordinary education and ministries of today's religious women?

Granted, Ingrid Bergman as the sweet nun may be more comforting to view than lay and religious women disenchanted over the snail's pace of today's church to grant women equality. Today's involved Catholics know that there is great drama going on in the church but perhaps it will take another 20 years for us to get it into the arts so that the Protestant image of us will catch up to reality.

Meanwhile, where are you Catholic authors, playwrights, artists, and directors when we need you?

Let's sound a call for some good drama on today's church!

How can you tell if a child is lying?

MARY KENNY Dear Dr. Kenny: How do I know if my child is lying? I've looked in my daughter's eyes, listened to the tone of her voice, and just when I thought she was most sincere and truthful I found out later that she was lying. Are there any ways to tell? - Indiana The truth is simple enough in theory. A fact is a fact. Or is it?

There may be willful deceit to

By FATHER JOHN J. DIETZEN

Q. My friend was educated at a Catholic boarding school in Thailand. She and her husband, a physician, are Buddhists.

There is no opportunity for their children to be educated in Buddhism "in her city, where the nearest temple is a great distance.

Since she attended a Catholic school and sends their first son (and probably the other two sons

gain an advantage. Memory sometimes plays tricks. And two people often see the same event differently. In real life, truth may be hard to determine. Here are three criteria: I. Is the "story" to the child's advantage? If so, no matter how sincere your child acts, you may doubt the veracity.

Children may benefit from a lie in two ways. First, they may deny having done something for which they would be punished. Second, they may tell a lie in order to cover staying out late, having to do homework, etc.

Children may say they have no homework in order to play after

school. They may say they are babysitting for a neighbor in order to have a night out. In both cases, they may have lied. Parents should always be cautious when lying benefits the child!

2. Has the answer or lie been suggested? The best and only way to investigate an important matter is to request information in a general way. To the extent that you suggest an answer, that answer may be suspect.

The proper way to begin an inquiry is to start, not with questions, but with open-ended statements. For example, instead of asking"Did you take $20 from my purse?" you would do better with

"Tell me where you were this afternoon."

Instead of beginning "Are you finished with your homework?" try this: "I'd like to see your homework."

When you are searching for the truth, begin with what is called "free recall" and then move to open-ended statements or questions. Never ask questions that can be answered yes or no. Instead, start with "free recall" statements like "tell me about..." or "Describe ..." or ,,( would like to hear what happened yesterday...." If you wish the unvarnished truth, don't put words in your child's mouth.

3. Doublecheck. Every good

reporter is required to verify any key story by using more than one source. If the truth is important to you, check it out.

Your child may complain that you don't trust him or her. Your response should be that you always check in at least two places on important issues.

Truth is elusive. Be realistically suspicious if your child stands to benefit from a falsehood. Avoid suggesting any facts or details.

And doublecheck.

Reader questions on family living and child care to be answered in print are invited by the Kennys, 219 W. Harrison St., Rensselaer, Ind. 47978.

Baptizing children whose parents are not Catholic will follow) to a Catholic school, she would like to raise the children as Catholics.

She has asked me about her son joining in the sacrament of reconciliation with his second-grade friends. The child wants to do this.

Is it possible? Can this boy be baptized when his parents are not in the Catholic faith?

The father agrees with this way of raising the children, but would expect the wife to be the one to go to church with them. (Indiana) A. It is not entirely out of the question for these children to be baptized, but some essential steps would need to take place first.

According to church law and the rite of baptism itself, before a child may be lawfully baptized

there must be a solidly founded hope that he or she will be raised properly as a Catholic.

That would need to be determined in your case through discussion with the priest or other parish minister.

Two factors will certainly enter the picture. Godparents will inevitably assume a greater importance here than usual. If they are good Catholics, sincerely committed to these children and their parents, and near enough to be effective models and counselors in matters of their faith, this would be a significant positive sign.

Also, the first child, at least, is of an age where baptism should not be administered without some religious formation and knowledge,

and some personal involvement in the decision for baptism.

According to proper procedure, the oldest child (and any other who is over the "age of reason," about 6 or 7) should be confirmed and receive the Eucharist at the time of baptism, which emphasizes even more the need for serious catechesis before these sacraments are administered. (See Canon 852 and the U :S. statutes for the catechumenate, 14, 18 and 19.)

Of course, the formation and instruction presently being received in their Catholic school will supply a good deal of that.

No sacrament, including reconciliation, should (or could) be received before baptism. The child might talk with the priest, how-

ever, at the time his classmates receive this sacrament, perhaps say a prayer of contrition and receive a blessing. This is done often with children in our schools who are not Catholic.

The hopes and desires of these parents for their children are much to be admired. Ask them to talk with the priest where their son is in school, and discuss what everyone will need to do.

A free brochure outlining Catholic prayers, beliefs and practice is available by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701. Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

Thoughts on unlocking one's creative powers By ANTOINETTE BOSCO

Anyone in my business hears the following sad tale over and over: A fellow writer or a student wants to meet to talk about problems with getting ideas out of their heads onto a sheet of paper. It's what long has been called "writer's block," and it happens to all of us.

That frustrating ability to create doesn't hit only writers. All artisti9 people, from painters to poets, periodically go through the tormenting pain of being unable to express themselves.

That's why I was interested in a newly formed group meeting at a Catholic retreat center in Connecticut. The group's mission is to help people heighten their creativity and recover blocked creativity.

The basis of this quest to get rid of the things that get in the way of one's creativity was a 12-week program given by film and TV writer Julia Cameron. She had put her method into a book, "The Artist's Way - A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity."

After I got the book, I called the author and asked her how an artist, or anyone, can keep going when most of the time they meet dead ends. From my experience, I told her, blocks usually are rooted in a sense of frustration born of too many failures and not enough successes.

"In any sustained creative endeavor," responded Ms. Cameron, "you will encounter injuries. The best analogy is an athlete in a marathon who is going to have injuries."

She said she wrote her book so that creative people who sustain a sort of creative injury will not shut down. "The book aims at giving people resources to deal with the pain," she said.

"I don't consider my books for artists only," the author said. "In my opinion, many people are not working creatively because they were blocked in early school. When people tell me they are not visually talented, I ask, 'Who told you that?'" She finds it was usually a parent or teacher.

"People tend to think it is our ego that wants to create. But it's

our ego that keeps us from creating. Ask yourself, 'What would I let myself do if I didn't have to do it perfectly?'''

Ms. Cameron quoted famed Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's statement that creativity is a true way to "explore daily the will of God." "We are not accustomed," said Ms. Cameron, "to thinking that God's will for us .and our own inner dreams can coincide. Instead,

we have bought the message of our culture; this world is a vale of tears, and we are meant to be dutiful and then die. The truth is that we are meant to be bountiful and live."

There was something refreshing in her reminder that creative work of any kind has spiritual importance. It reminded me of what someone once told me when I was pregnant: that we're never closer to God than when we are engaged in a creative endeavor.

MCFL elects Massachusetts Citizens for Life has elected Madeline McComish as president. A director of MCFL for over IS years, she has been board chairman and has headed

its state legislative 'and political action committees. She is a senior consultant and analytical biochemist with a Boston area consulting firm~

Health care rationing seen as necessary evil NEW YORK (CNS) - A Jesuit bishops' Domestic Policy Compriest, who played a key role in mittee, protested March 22 that developing the Oregon health care the Oregon plan' had inequities, plan said in New York that he did and should not become a model not like the rationing involved, but for the nation. that it was necessary if coverage ;, The Oregon Catholic Conferwas to be broadened to include ence also opposed the waiver, but everyone. the state's 12 Catholic hospitals Father John D. Golenski, supported it.

Father Golenski said that when founder and president of the Bioethics Consultation GToup in Ber- he was brought in as a consultartt keley. Calif., predicte,d current for developing an Oregon plan, trends would take the nation the state had 400,000 people under toward the Oregon approach, 65 without any insurance, 105,000 . wheth~r, ,or not President Clinton of them children. Oregon was ressucceeded in his efforts for health tricting the number getting Medicare reform. caid coverage and had a bad record.

U ndec 0 regon's'pla n, -+thhee-s'sttJlatttee--onlrrlnp,:rayviimnCl>g-hhrnOlS'spniiintairlIClrsHaTlilldrl-nphh"'yssiiCi(;iraanll:S-s decides it will not pay for some for care of Medicaid patients, he medical services such as bone mar- said. Eventually, it became the . row transplants, and will redirect first state to face up to the reality money to services given a higher that benefits would have to be cut priority, such as prenatal care and if everybody was to be covered.

Father Golenski said the health immunization.

But' because of mistakes in the care reform'team headed by first way Clinton is approaching health lady Hillary Rodham Clinton was care reform, Congress is not likely making a mistake by developing to enact any plan this year, Father its plan in relative secrecy. Many Golenski said. hearings have been closed sessions.

He addressed the topic of He said the American public did rationing May 17 at a weeklong not understand what was happenseminar for administrators of ing,andCongresswouldnotenact Catholic hospitals held at St. Jdhn's a plan lacking constituency supUniversity, in Queens, with joint port. sponsorship by the Catholic MedAnother mistake, he said, is the ical Center of Brooklyn an'd' team's failure to involve more than Queens. a few health care providers in The United States now spends developing the plan. nearly 15 percent of its gross Father Golenski said it was national product on health care, childish for team members~ mostly more than any other major indus- staff people from congressional trialized country, but provides and executive branch offices, to coverage for a smaller percentage think they could get a workable of its population, Father Golenski plan enacted without involving said. . ' t h o s e who actually deliver care.

He reviewed various approaches Any health care plan adopted is to containing health care costs, likely to present a legion of diffisuch as group contracts and com- culties for Catholic hospitals, he petition among providers, but said pointed out, saying that abortion none slowed cost increases by more will probably be included and there than minor amounts. would likely be problems regarding provision of fluid and nutriEven Jf Clinton gets health reform approved. a financial crunch tion to unconscious elderly patients will force adoption of rationing in ,by tubes. Oregon will not pay for a few years, Father Golenski de- keeping patients in a persistent clared. vegetative state, he noted.

On March 19, the Clinton adminCatholic and other hospitals that istration gave Oregon a waiver of focus on serving the poor may also some federal regulations so it could be at a disadvantage if payment implement its rationing plan for levels are not adequate and more Medicaid. affluent patients must be admitted Auxiliary BishopJohn H. Ricard to help pay costs, Father Golenski of Baltimore, chairman of the warned.

Let's get going!

give respite care, etc., but we have failed miserably in trying to correct societal ills through letter writDear Editor: The Catholic-bashing by Dr. ing, legislation and electing repreElders, the president's nominee for sentatives who share our Catholic surgeon general, prompts this let- values. ter. I have.been active in women's These values are being trash~d , groups for many years and have by our president, his nominees and been regent in the Catholic Daugh- our representatives but few bother ters of America, District 5 presi- to write or call to complain. dent and international and comI admire the Jewish people, the munity affairs chairman of the blacks, the gays: they at least fight Diocesan Council of Catholic Wo- for their beliefs.

I hope when parish board meetmen and of my parish guild (St. , Pius X, South Yarmouth). ings are held this summer, more Resolutions are passed at con- emphasis wiJI be put on having ventions, excellent pr.ograms are speakers and programs which edupresented and distributed but are cate, inform and encourage more active participation in the legislaseldom acted on at the parish level.

It is true that we volunteer and tive and political process. donate to the homeless, Birthright, Alice Houst West Dennis' the missions, etc. We visit the sick,

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

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SISTER MARGARET C. Sims will speak on her experiences in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Betania, Venezuela, at a prayer meeting at St. Dominic's Church, Swansea, Wednesday, Aug. 25. Our Lady is believed to have appeared at both sites.

Sister Sims' talk will follow 7 p.m. Mass and recitation of the rosary.

She is a Sister of St. Joseph ,of Boston who was for many years a teacher and principal in New Mexico and has since 1972 been engaged in retreat work and spiritual direction.

She has visited Medjugorje47 times and has been visiting Betania since 1990. She recently published a book on the Venezuelan shrine.

Sister Sims is at present spiritual director for the Medjugorje Messengers in Framingham, a group that spreads devotion to Mary through

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8 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Aug. 20, 1993

.-,---II ~__~ ~--路路

-, . WorldThuili D~-i~~ri~~~o~Denve

Continued from Page On'e LaSalette Shrine youth group based in Attleboro, was unaware of the reason for the dazzling grin worn all week by Jim Durette.

The 17-year-old from St: ,Patrick's parish, Somerset, was propelled to instant local celebrity when he was named the diocesan representative to meet the pope at Denver's Stapleton International Airport.

As many times as Durette was asked to recount his experience, he never got ,tired of telling how be met the pope. "'He's just glowing," described Durette's father, Robert, who was .noHIll:_only memb~Lof th~$o.up to apply words like "glowing" and "radiant" to the youth's demeanor.

"I couldn't believe it; I was breathless." the younger Durette said of his meeting with Pope Joh'n Paull!. "I can't express how amazing it feels to be that close to the Holy Father."

Arriving on the first bus transporting youth representatives to the airport welcome. Durette managed to get "a front row seat" and a chance to shake hands with the pontiff.

"I grabbed his right arm with both hands," he recalled, "I just said 'Holy Father' and then I didn't know what else to say!"

The pope blessed the wooden cross which Durette. like all Fall River pilgrims, was wearing, and the teenager knows the pbpe must have said something to him but admits he was so awestruck he can't remember what it was.

When he signed on for the Denver trip. Durette. a member of the Somerset High School Marching Band, never envisioned such an opportunity, even when his mother called him at a drum major camp Aug. 4 to tell him he was scheduled to meet the pope.

"I thought she was kidding," he said.

Things seemed only slightly more real Aug. 12 as Durette stood in the rain awaiting the touch of Pope John Paull!.

"I turned to the girl next to me and said, 'Is this really happening?

Is this really the pope?'"

Durette also shook hands with President Clinton. who met the pope for.the first time at the air-

PLENTY OF PILGRIMS: Diocesans in the Office for Youth.Ministry group at Annunciation School. (5-1. Pierre photo) port. The crowd was excited to see the president. Durette said. but when the pope arrived. "they went crazy. Everyone was jumping up and down and waving and hollering."

In his address, "The best thing the pope had to say was about respecting life. Especially having him say it so President Clinton could hear," added the teen. who is a codirector of Somerset Teens Against Needless Death, an organization which opposes abortion and euthanasia. He and his father are also volunteers at Rose Hawthorne Lathrop Home for cancer patients in Fall River.

The pope told his airport

audience that" All the great causes that are yours today will have meaning only to the extent that you guarantee the right to life and protect the human person."

World Youth Day had as its theme "I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)." and from the outset Pope John Paul II described the event as a meeting of "young people gathered from all over the world for a serious reflection on the theme of human life: the human life which is God's marvelous gift to each of us. and the transcendent life which Jesus Christ our savior offers."

Durette ,said tie was impressed

with the pontiffs affection for those gathered to see him. Despite attempts by security personnel to steer him away from the crowd. the pope "insisted on greeting all the young people" present. said Durette, who took six rolls of photos at the airport alone.

Between the younger Durette and his father. diocesan pilgrims will find that their trip has been well-documented. Robert Durette captured the entire experience on video, from preparatory meetings that began in the spring to the baggage claim after the return flight to Logan Airport in Boston. He said he hopes to have the video duplicated for all of the pilgrims.

Glimpsing the Pope While no other diocesans can claim such an up-c1ose-and-personal encounter with Po'pe John Paul II. Amy Bedard ofSt. Mary's parish. New Bedford, and Ryan Mooney. traveling from Attleboro with a Bishop Feehan High School group. came close when they attended a papal Mass for two representatives of each U.S. diocese and 350 delegates to the International Youth Forum which preceded World Youth Day events.

The first of 400 World Y(}uth day pilgrims to arrive at Denver's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the Aug. 14 morning Mass. Mooney and Miss Bedard

DOIN GS IN DENVER: (Fromtop left, counterclockwise)路 Diocesans enter AnnunCIation Church for Mass on the first day of World Youth Day events. Bishop O'Malley greets arriving pilgrims. LaSalette girls sing World Youth Day theme songfor an NBC cameraman. Civic Center Park, site of the youth day opening Mass; diocesans await the start offestivities. LaSalette group advertises itself duriQg a catechesjs session at Mile High Stadium. Ni@ht prayer in Annunciation Church. A group from St. John Neumann Church, East Freetown, joins in song at a catechesis session. Kris and Frank Lucca of St. Dominic's parish, Swansea, renew their wedding vows on their 15th anniversary.

(Hickey photos) .

~ were seated directly behind the forum participants. While they were disappointed they did not get a chance to meet the pope, they said at least they had a good view of him, especially when he walked right by them in the entrance procession.

"For me to be three feet away when everyone else in Denver was trying to get close to him was overwhelming," said Mooney. "I just thought, wow. he's right there!

I loved it; it was really powerful."

Miss Bedard said the pope told the representatives that just as Christ commissioned the apostles to spread Christianity, he was commissioning thenY-Quth-.!..o be_wtlnesses to the faith.

Also asking them to work for justice in the world. the pope spoke on vocations to the priesthood and religious life, saying that "Christ is knocking very hard at many hearts, looking for young people like you to send into the vineyard where an abundant harvest is ready."

"We know that Christ never abandons his church." the pope added. God is calling new ministers even "when many are 'confused regarding the fundamental truths and values on which to build their lives and seek their eternal salvation. when many Catholics are in danger of losing their faith-the pearl of great price."

The pontiff"was challenging us to bring people back to the church," said Mooney. "Withso many drifting away it's our job to set an example and get them back in."

The evening before that papal Mass at the cathedral, Robert Durette and seminarian Michael Racine of N orton went for a walk and stumbled upon the pope's motorcade arriving at the cathedral from Camp St. Malo, the Denver archdiocesan retreat center where the pope spent a day of rest Aug. 13.

Their glimpse of the pontiff "lasted all of three seconds, but it was great!" declared Racine, who counted a papal blessing as the most important moment of his pilgrimage.

Like most other pilgrims in Denver, Racine picked upa few of the ubiquitous World Youth Day T-shirts found in every nook and cranny of the city. But the papal blessing given at the end of the Aug. 12 papal welcoming ceremonyat Mile High Stadium "is the souvenir I'll have forever." he said.

Diocesans attended the welcome Turn to Page 14

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Aug. 20, 1993

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Aug. 20, 1993

Has crudity triumphed?

By Mitch Finley At best; it's just a sign of my own encroaching middle age. At worst, it signals the degradation of everyday social interactions.

I'm tallcingabout the widespread acceptance ofcrudity - that which is in bad taste, that which is unrefined, raw, without tact, rough in short, that which is crude. Sometimes it seems that crudity is everywhere, and it bothers me more than a little. • .

After Mass, no less, one Sunday morning, a mother of two young daughters recounted a recent ex"Doesn't your mother like kit- perience and her indignant response

By Dan "1 orris I was daydreaming as we pulled ties?" smiled the little girl sweetly. to it, and in doing so she used the out of All Saints parking lot last "Did you hear that?" I chucked. "r' word in the presence of her Sunday. My wife punched my "She thinks..." daughters. shoulder.

"I heard," spouse said in a tone I was offended. The daughters "Oh.no youo6i1't, St. FranCIS," fI1iltturned the grasS brown for· . did not seem to notice. Am I, at she said before 1 saw it. "We do not several feet around us. this late date, a prude? Naive? need, will not accept, shall not "How many shall we take?" I A teenage boy and girl rode by even think of looking at..." asked wife, changing the subject. our house in the back of a pickup "Aw," 1 interrupted, "look at Her mouth opened and closed truck one sunny morning. In the this." At the side of the exit sat a three times, but no sound came park across the street, a couple of cute little girl by a cardboard box. out. I could tell by the size of her other teenagers called out words 1 An appealing crayon sign on a eyes, though, she was excited. did not hear clearly. grocery bag proclaimed for all of "I think she wants three," I The beautiful young girl in the good heart to read: "Free kitty- grinned. Just about instantly our pickup raised herright hand toward the kids in the park, her middle kitties. Please take one - or tbeir precious-kitty caretaker had three future is uncertain." of the fuzzballs stuffed in a shoe finger extended. She lowered her hand, then raised it again. The boy I pulled over and stopped. My box and in my hands. In the .nick riding with the girl was blase. I was wife was touched. She slowly of time, I might add. bounced herforehead on the dashshocked.

An instant evilthe station Has the socI'al ml'II'eu moved b oard . "Th' ere s one b om every wagon pulledlater up an and girl minute," she mumbled. beyond me to a point where beauI don't know where she read jumped in the back seat with her tiful young girls use an obscene that statistic, but I also had heard kitten box and sign. gesture and it suggests nothing about how many kitties ~re born.

"There's one born every minabout their character or values?

"Look, mister, the black-and- ute," 1 heard the driver cackle.

Am I completely "out of it"? Or white one really loves you." cooed "Let's try the Episcopalians next." worse, sexist? (Boys do this, so the young vender of fuZzy, cute When we got home, my wife why shouldn't girls?)

My own sons come home from creatures. "See how he's trying to pulled out some paper plates. "For talk tuyou? He wants you to pick' the kitties?" 1asked. "And to think schooLand when angry with one another sometimes use words 1 him up."

1 was worried you might not want "What 1 see," my wife whis- them at all." never heard until I left home and pered, "is a screaming little beast "Yes, for the kitties," she said. "I joined the Navy. 1 become upset trying to attack your headand tear want you to spend some quality and let them know it. They will not use such language in our home. Is it to shreds. And I don't see he's'a time with them at the exit of the 'he.' This kid is good." grocery store."

Dad old-fashioned?

"Isn't she: though," 1 agreed.

On '-he first plate in crayon she My spouse, my children and 1 "What a little saint." wrote:' "Free kitty-kitties. Please attended a summer festival in a "I was talking about her sales take one or this man's future is city park. There we saw messages ability," spouse said. uncertain." , on T-shirts that in years gone by -------------------~-------- would have made a foot soldier blush. 1 was embarrassed to see such T-shirt messages in the comNEW BR UNSWICK, N.J. Members of the local commun- pany of my three sons, but they did (CNS).- M,!,intaining a good mar- ity swelled the crowd of 5,500 con- not seem to notice. riage or being a faithful priest are ventionparticipantsto neaTly &,000 Driving down the street, at a bo\hlike walking on. water, says people at the: Aug: 8 Mass in the traffic light I braked to a stop behind another car. On the car's Bishop Paul V. Dudley of Sioux Rutgers Athletic Center.

Falls, S.D. Marriage Encounter helps cou- bumper was a message suggestBishop Dudley, episcopal niod- pies both to build their own rela- ing in four letter words that if I erator of Worldwide Marriage En- tionsbjp and serve others. did not like the driver's driving counter, made the analogy in his. homily on the·. final day of· the organiz~tion'src;,cent international convention at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

Free kittens!

Thousands at Encounter parley

Drawing a parallel between the Gospel reading and the convention theme, "Companions on the Journey," Bishop Dudley posed the question, "Why did Peter sink when he tried to walk on the water?"

The first reason, he said~ was because "he took his eyes offJesus and was overwhelmed by his own insecuritiCll and problems that surrounded him." The second reason, he suggested, was that he did not have the support of his companions on the journey, the other apostles in the boat.

"To live our sacraments [of holy orders and matrimony] to the fullest is like walking on water," Bishop Dudley said. "It's going to be tough, but it's being done by couples and priests like you, who are walking on the water in spite of a society that is so anti-family and anti-life."

A FATHER and son team, Bert Juedemann and Adam, II, fill sandbags at the Meramec River in Arnold, Mo., where members of St. David parish were active in flood control efforts. (CNS photo)

style I could make a meal of excrement.

I was offended. I wished I could get out of my car, rap on the driver's window and ask what right he thought he had to impose crudity on every driver that finds himself or herself behind his car in traffic.

Is it the triumph of crudity?

Have words that were crude, rude' and unacceptable anyplace but in the gutter 30 years ago become common coin?

Some may point out that bawdy and obscene references are present. even in the works of Shakespeare and Chaucer. True enough. But they were put tliere for light, impersonal purposes. They are not used to.ins~lt anyone except, perhaps, a fictional character.

In our socIety ,the trrumph ot crudity' may reflect a loss of ordinary respect for other human beings. Words and gestures that are crude and rude are part of the cultural vernacular.

I prefer a world where people, by and large, do not at the slightest provocation insult one another with '" word or gesture, where it is a point cf personal honor for paren~s to establish and enforce standards prohibiting obscene and abusive language in the hom~.

Must you be #1?

By Tom Lennon "Nice guys finish last." That was Leo Durocher's opinion when he was manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Some argue that his remark points to a dark side of the competitive spirit and raises intriguing questions.

Does a winner have to be rough, tough and maybe play dirty sometimes? Do you have to step on people to become No. I? Do you have to be obsessed with being a winner?

To try to answer these questions, let's look at several people and see what they tell us about the competitive spirit, good and bad.

Let's begin with me! I have a board game called Camelot. It's more complicated than checkers but doesn't have as many moves as chess.

I've had this game for 30 years, and not many people can beat me.

I focus all my attention on the game and am relentless in trying to take over my opponent's castle. I play to win and almost always do.

But in a way I'm not a good competitor, because I usually feel a tinge'ofregret that the other guy lost. There's a slightly wimpy streak in me that wishes that somehow both of us could win.

No so Craig. Never for a moment does he wish the opposing team could win when he's pitching. He never lets up when he':; on the mound.

He plays ball with all of his heart and wants to be the best he can be. Between games he practices frequently.

When his team loses he has no excuses. He just grimly faces the facts with a renewed determination to do better next time.

Craig is a solid competitor in the best sense of the word.

Kevin, however: isn't. This young recovering alcoholic has a number of personality problems, and one. of them concerns the competitive spirit.

"It's not just when I'm bowling or playing basketball that I 'Yant to be No. I," says Kevin. "I carry this spirit into every area of my life. 1have to be No. I in everything.

SISTER Elizabeth Thoman warns families that the link between violence on television and in films and in society-in general is indisputable. (CNS photo)

CFM heads named DUBUQUE, Iowa (CNS) Paul 'and Jane Leingang of Evansville, Ind., were installed as presidents ofthe Christian Family Movement at a meeting of the group's board of directors before CFM's recent national convention in Dubuque. paul Leingang is director of communications of the diocese of Evansville and editor of the weekly diocesan newspaper, the Message.

His wife is newspaper-in-education coordinator for the Evansville Courier and the Evansville Press.

Members of the CFM national board since 1986, they have two college-age sons, Matt and Ben. Father William Young, a campus minister in Highland Heights, Ohio, was elected national chaplain of the movement and Andy and Martha Maurer of San Jose, Calif., were elected vice-presidents.

Secretaries Larry and Margie Murchan of San Jose and treasurers Ken and Carol Grenier of Moline, Ill., were reelected.

The Christian Family Movement is a network of families who meet in small groups to help each other reinforce family and community Christian values. Its national office can be reached at PO Box 272, Ames, IA 50010, telephone (515) 232-7432.

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"If my buddy got a new car, I'd right away start figuring out how soon I could swing payments on a new car. If my girl had a higher paying job than 1 did, I'd be unhappy. I remember when my brother would get higher marks than I did in school, I'd be miserable.

For Kevin the competitive spirit is out of hand.

What is your idea of a good competitor? How do you achieve your fullest human potential? Is it perhaps better to compete with yourself, always striving todo the best you can? .

How do you reconcile the competitive spirit with Jesus' words, "Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all" (Mk 1O:43-44)?

And how can a tough competi-' tor implement St. Paul's inspired words to the Romans, "Put .away ambitious thoughts and associate with those who are lowly" (Rom 12:16)?

Could it be that we are at our best' when we compete with one another in serVing others?

Old :age: is it a blessing' or is it' a burden?

For the third summer, Father William W. Nortolli, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Woods Hole, presents a series of thought-provoking articles, the third of which appears below.

The Editor More television ads highlight youth than old age. Ads aimed at the elderly usually show them suffering some physical complaint while the young are depicted in automobile, clothing and cereal commercials. People are awkward about their ages. No one admits beyond his or her 39th birthday.

From cosmetics to plastic surgery, crash diets, and wrinkle removing creams, our culture caters to a youthful body, good looks and good grooming. Think young, stay young, and never admit your real age. If you are gOing bald, join a hair club; dye your gray hairs.

Where do older people like myself, now 52, fit in; what about people in their sixties, seventies and eighties?

By contrast, Japan and many other countries have enormous reverence for the elderly. They are honored members of the family to whom their juniors look up and respect. Interestingly, in 1900 in the U.S. only 3 million people were over 65. In 1985,28 million men and women were over 65. In the year 2030 it is predicted that 65 million Americans will be 65 .or older. . .

Sometimes we make false assumptions or have illusions about the elderly. For instance, a 1982 survey found only 7 per.cent of the elderly live in nursing homes, while 65 percent live with their spouses or family members, and 28 percent live alone. The survey also found that 68 percent of the elderly enjoy fair to good health, with 32 percent in poor health. Some 60 percent reported that they were able to five on their monthly 'income and savings, while40 percent found life in the golden years a financial struggle.

Itee ingpOintJ ST. ANTHONY OF DESERT, FR All welcome at exposition of the Blessed Sacrament noon to 6 p.m.

Sept. 5 with holy hour 5 to 6 p.m. o of I, ATTLEBORO Sister Rosellen Gallogly, RSM, will speak at 7 p. m. Sept. 2 on Market Ministries shelter in New. Bedford at Alcazaba Circle meeting, K of C Hall, Hodges Street.

O.L GRACE, WESTPORT Council of Catholi<: Women open meeting 7 p. m. Sept. I, parish center. All women welcome.

K of C, FALMOUTH All welcome to a dance 8 p. m.

Aug. 27 at Council Headquarters on Brick Kiln Road, Fal::nouth.

CATHEDRAL CAMP, E. FREETOWN Bethany ret.reat, Aug. 20 to 22.

HOLY GHOST, ATTLEBORO Farewell Mass and reception for Father Raymond Robillard 4 p.m. tomorrow. Arts and C rafts program for children I to 4 p.m. each Thursday, gazebo. Open to the community.

ST. MARY, NORTON Healing service 6 p. m. Sept. 9. All welcome.

ST. MARY, NORTON The parish has a register of young people available for babysitting. Information: 285-4462.

SEPARATED/DIVORCED, NEW BEDFORD Meeting 7 p.m. Aug. 23, Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Rd., N. Dartmouth. Pat McCarthy, PS W, will speak on communication with children of all ages. information: 991-4019.

CHRIST THE KING .. MASHPEE Volunteers needed to visit lonely seniors one hour per w'~ek. I nformation: 477-7766.

NOTRE DAME, FR A prayer partnership is .being established between parishioners receiving communion at home and religious education teachers. Pilgrimage to Rome Feb. 19 to 26, 1994. Those interested may contact Father Richard Degagne, tel. 6791991.

SEPARATED/DIVORCED, MID-CAPE Meeting 6:30 p.m. Sunday St. Pius X parish center, S. Yarmouth.

Father Edward Healy, new spiritual director, will be introduced: video on depression will be shown. Information: 362-9873.

ST. MARY, SEEKONK Redeemable bottles and cans may be left behind the parish center. Proceeds aid parish youth ministry.

DCCW EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING, TAUNTON District Three, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, will host an executive board meeting at 2 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 29, at St. Jacques parish center, Taunton. Rev. Thomas E. Morrissey, District Three moderator, will be in attendance.

The older members of our families have a wealth of experience to share with us. Many survived the Great Depression. Many have lived through two World Wars and their accompanying sacrifice of gasoline, sugar and other commodities in the effort to keep America strong.

Some seniors can assist in childraising while giving quality time to ,their grandchildren. The elderly often embody moral values, modeling for each of us the way to enjoy productive and good lives.

Seniors can enjoy the privileges of retirement: freedom to travel, to pursue hobbies, and to cast off the constraints of the work routine uriless someone feels that parttime employment provides extra income for enjoyment and to help in paying the perennial bills. Some of course may find that growing old includes common physical changes in eyesight and hearing and someumes reasoning or ability to exercise or tackle the heavy work one

SAFE BABYSITTING PROGRAM, ST. ANNE'S HOSPITAL ·For boys and girls ages 11-13,· Aug. 26 and 27. Information: 6745741, ext. 2480.

DCCW MASS A Mass to be telecast to mark the beginning of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women's year will be taped at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 28 at St. Julie Church, North Dartmouth. All DCCW members are invited to attend.

ST. MARY, NB Cancer support group's first meeting 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, parish center.

All welcome.

TV violence scored

ST, STANISLAUS, FR All welcome at Czestochowa prayer days daily through Aug. 26 with Mass at 6:50 a.m. and evening prayer and teaching at 7 p,m.

BISHOP STANG ALUMNI Class of 1968 reunion Nov. 26, White's of Westport. Inquiries or information: Alumni Office, 9938959..

I am always impressed by older priests and religious sisters who gave us the Church we have today.

They worked all their lives for the good of the Church and now the Church must take care of their needs. It is important to remember that our older Catholics believed and still believe deeply in the Church and her mission to the world. These faithful seniors have supported the Church all their lives; now the Church must be faithful to those to whom it owes so much.

Indeed, the Church and its priests must be advocates for the elderly and their rights. Long life is considered in the Old Testament as a blessing from God; but I wonder if it is accurate to say that

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (CNS) - Americans believe violence on television contributes to violence in society, according to the results of a Gallup Poll commissioned by the Family Channel, a Virginia Beach-based cable channel. The poll also showed that an overwhelming majority of respondents did not like the way women were portrayed on television; and that more than half watch TV "somewhat less" or "much less" than they did a year ago. Majorities also indicated they believe TV programming is worse than a year ago, and that they are more offended by what they see on the screen this year than last.

FATHER NORTON our own culture treats growing old as a burden one must bear. Is it a blessing, or is it a burden?

. Get aQuick-arid-Easy Auto Loan at Citizens-Union.

Pre-approved financing is available' for new auto loans.

Transfer your payment from a Citizens-Union checking or savings account and reduce your rate by .25%.

LaSALETTE SHRINE, ATTLEBORO Author, teacher and retreat leader Sister Jose Hobday will speak at 4:30 p.m. outdoor Mass Aug. 21 and give a presentation in the Garden of Worship at 7 p.m. In case of rain events will be indoors.

ST. STEPHEN, ATTLEBORO Parishioners and friends are invited to a farewell open house for Father Richard Gendreau I to 4 p.m. Sept.

19, church hall. New pastor Father Richard Roy will be installed at II a.m. Mass Aug. 22.

11

might have done in younger years.

ST. JOAN OF ARC, ORLEANS Deacon Don Biron, chairman of the Interfaith Council for Homeless, seeks assistance for the program.

HOSPICE OUTREACH Training for new volunteers begins Sept. 7 and will continue 10 a.m. to noon Tuesd!ly and Thursdays at Clemence Hall, 243 Forest St.. Fall River (behind St. Anne's Hospital). More information: 6731589.

PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN are asked to submit news items for this column to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. Name of city or town should be included, as well as full dates of all activities. Please send news of future rather than past events.

Due to limited space and also because notices of strictly parish affairs normally appear in a parish's own bulletin, we are forced to limit items to events of general interest. Also, we do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from The Anchor business office, telephone (SOB) 675-7151.

On Steering Points items, FR indicates Fall River; NB indicates New Bedford,

The Anchor Friday, August 20, 1993

Call 508·678-7641

G}.

MemberFDIC/DIF

~,.m

W

hen a devastating earthql1ake, and the towering, raging waves that came with it, struck the island of Flores, the most Catholic island in predominantly Muslim' Indonesia, this past December, an estimated 2,500 people were killed and churches, semi-

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,

naries, clinics and schools destroyed. An American missionary priest serving there told of a village where not a single house remained standing. "But the first thing the people wanted from their bishop," recalled Chapel at Ende, Indonesia, after the eatthquake

FatherSepp Hollweck, S.V.D., "were not relief supplies, but a cross, a picture of Our Lady and a book to use for Services of the Word when a priest cannot be present." They wa.nted what was needed to celebrate Christmas.

The Society for THE PROPAGAnON OF THE FAITH

",all of us committed to the worldwide mission of Jesus

.

Reverend Monsignor John.l. Oliveira. V.E. 410 Highland Avenue.• Post Office Box 2577 Fall River. MA 02722 "Allention: Column."

No. 101 ANCH. 8/20/93

Please remember The Society for the Propagation of the Faith when writing or changing your Will.

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri .. Aug. 20.1993

Believing in

Catholicis~

By Father Pierre E. Lachance, OP

We believe that Christ founded one Church, the Catholic Church.

In 1962 a man named Loraine All Christians accept the Apostles' Boettner published a book titled "Roman Catholicism," which has Creed and the Nicene Creed as basic statements of the faith of the been called the bible of the antiearly Church. In these we say, "I' Catholic movement and has been believe in the holy, catholic influential in feeding anti-Catholic Church."

(Apostles' creed, 2nd prejudice. Boettner, alas, is amazcentury); "We believe in one, holy, ingly ignorant of the real Catholic Church. He is one of those who catholic and apostolic church." hate what they mistakenly think (Nicene creed. 325 A.D.) This Church was instituted by the Church is.

Jesus Christ; this is clear from the Here is a sample of what such anti-Catholics say. "The conten- words of Jesus to Peter, "You are Peter (rock), and on this rock I will tion that our Lora established the build my church and the gates of Roman Catholic Church is a total hell (forces of evil) shall not prefabrication. There was no such thing as the Roman Catholic vail against it." (Matth. 16:18) Based on this solemn promise, we Church during the first 300 years after the Ascension of our Lord. are assured that the church Jesus Catholics are not Christians. Their founded exists today and will exist church is the whore of Babylon. 'until the end of the world ..

There is no salvation in the Roman Jesus founded only one church.

Catholic Church." As we read in He said, "I will build my church." the Letter of Jude: "They revile "There shall be one fold, one shepwhat they do not understand." herd."(John 10:16) To counter such propaganda, I There are hundreds of Christian will discuss the credentials of the churches in the world today. They Catholic Church that support her cannot all be the one church Jesus claim to be the one true church founded. Only one can make that founded by Jesus Christ. claim: the Roman Catholic Church, But first we might ask: Do we which alone goes back in history need a church at all to be saved? . to the church of the Apostles and to Jesus Christ.

Some Protestants say we don't, quoting the words of St. Paul: All the other Christian churches "There is only one mediator be- broke away.from the original tween God and man, the man church. For instance, the Greek Christ Jesus." (I Tim 2:5) So they Orthodox Church broke away in say: we go directly to God. We the year 1054. Before that it was don't need any intermediary Ijke part of the Catholic Church. The the Church, the pope or priests, Protestant Reformation stemmed the sacraments. All we need is from the break of Martin Luther Jesus Christ. We are saved by from the Catholic Church in the faith, by believing in Jesus.

16th century. After that, ProtesHow do we respond? Very sim- tant churches divided and multiply: the Church is not really an plied endlessly. As separate intermediary between Christ and churches, they are man-made. man. Paul says the Church is Some will admit that the CathoChrist, the body of Christ. Christ lic Church goes back to the Aposis in the Church, which makes his tles, but at some point it became presence and saving actions vis- corrupt and began to teach erible. As St. Augustine says, when roneous doctrines, thus is no longer the priest baptizes, it is Christ who the church founded by Christ. baptizes. When the priest conseIn that case, we would have to crates the bread and wine at Mass, say that the Church founded by it is Christ who says through him: Jesus no longer exists, but has "This is my body; this is my blood." been overcome by the powers of Christ is the only mediator between evil, meaning that Christ has not God and men. kept his promise that "the forces of Fundamentalists argue that the evil would not prevail against it."

Church did not exist for 300 years No one who believes in Jesus Christ after the Ascension. The truth is can say that. that the Church remained largely The conclusion is clear: the underground during tile Roman Church founded by Christ must . persecutions. In 313 the Emperor exist today and only the Catholic Constantine converted to路 the faith Church can claim to be that church. and granted civil freedoms to the Some say it doesn't matter what Church; and it was then that Chris- church we belong to. We all wortians came out of the catacombs, ship the same God. That's saying built churches and began to organ- that Jesus himself doesn't matter. ize ministries. But the Church had If he founded one church as his existed previously, with popes and way of salvation, we are not free to bishops, many of whom died pick and choose. We shall be saved martyrs. on his terms.

BILL COSBY sits in with youngsters at St. Augustine School for the Arts during a benefit performance for the school located in one of the poorest sections of South Bronx, N.Y. (eNS photo)

South Bronx Catholic school of arts subject of prize-winning PBS special NEW YORK (CNS) - The St. Augustine School of the Arts. a Catholic grade school in one of the poorest sections of the South Bronx. is the subject ofa PBS special focusing on its arts-based curric.ulum.

The special. "Something Within Me." will be broadcast by PBS channels at varying times throughout the natior.

The documentary won the Audience Award. Filmmakers' Trophy and a Special Jury Prize at the 1993 Sundance Film Festival in Utah; and a May benefit screening in New York featuring Bill Cosby, Kevin Kline, Phoebe Cates. Jon Voight and Michael Moriarty raised $300.000 for the school, which suffered extensive damage in a fire last December.

The school's arts curriculum. which started in 1985, was o'riginally a response to declining enrollment, said Father Robert Jeffers, St. Augustine parish pastor for 23 years. The priest asked Thomas Pilecki, a concert pianist and music teacher whose afterschool music program was a big hit with parents and children alike, to develop a new curriculum.

Pilecki was made principal, and proposed that the school treat the arts as seriously as any other academic subject. integrating them 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Latin's key to Scripture, say fans BOYNTON BEACH. Fla.(CNS) -- If you don't read Latin. you

couldn't possibly know what you are missing in the Scriptures. according to a group of Latin language enthusiasts from around the world.

The group, "Familia Sancti Hieronymi." or Family of St. Jerome. gathered last month for their.annual conference 'at St. Vincent de Paul Regi'onal Seminary in Boynton Beach. Participants included elder scholars and young. married or single lay people.

"Through Latin. people who speak mostly Spanish or mostly English. can talk together. This

conference has awakened our consciousness to use one language as Catholics." said Pierre Maurice. a professor of Latin and Greek at National University in Bogota.

Colombia.

Based in Clearwater. Fla.. the Family ofSt. Jerome is an international society that views Latin as the best vehicle for unifying Catholics around the world. Members must promise complete loyalty to the pope. a commitment to follow the example of the saints. and of course. must be able to read and speak Latin.

Holy Cross Father Suitbert Siedle. a board member of the Vat-

ican Foundation Latinitas in Rome and founder of The Family of St. Jerome, called the ability to read scriptural texts in Latin. a "treasure of incomparable excellence."

Latin Bible texts originated during the second century. A complete Latin Bible k,nown for centuries as the Vulgate was primarily produced by St. Jerome. a father and doctor of the church who died in 420.

"Up to the last century. all university professors spoke Latin; the last 10 popes have stressed that the whole church is based on Latin," said Father Siedle. ,"Even those [church] documents that are translated. are translated very badly." he added.

into all other programs so that each reinforced the other.

Since then St. Augustine's enrollment has more than doubled. to 467 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school is 100 percent minority - 96 percent black, the remainder Hispanic and ..{\~- Ninety-five percent of the students read at or above grade level and 98 percent meet New York state academic standards, despite the fact that St. Augustine's is in a neighborhood where only 25 percent of children graduate from high school.

"One goal of this film is to show the arts as an indispensable catalyst that can create hope for urban education." said the documentary's producer, Jerret Engle, in a statement.

"We hope that the film will inspire our audience to look around and discover the children in their own urban neighborhoods, the thousan.ds of other kids, just like these children. who are also too precious to lose," Engle said.

"These children from St. Augustine's have inspired something in all of us," said NBC president and CEO Bob Wright at the May benefit.

"The academic performance has risen so dramatically that those of us who have seen it close up wonder why we can't do this in more places of the country." Wright said.

During the benefit, Cosby joined students to play baritone saxo-

phone on a musical piece. then delivered a comedy monologue on his own boyhood problems in school.

"Whenever you give these kids something they like, you're going to have some kids interested in learning," Cosby said. "And the way St. Augustine's does it is that it gives these kids a chance to express themselves through music and art."

"The best thing about it is that the children are just children they don't have to audition to be in the music program." Father Jeffers told Catholic New York, newspaper of the New York archdiocese.

"Less than I percent of our students will ever pay the rent by playing music. That's not what it's about. It's about developing creativity," said the priest.

Hard times ahead CHARLESTON, S.c. (CNS) - Along with the community, Catholic schools and parishes in the diocese of Charleston face hard times ahead with the closing of the Navy base and other facilities in Charleston. In addition to parishes, seven area Catholic elementary schools and a Catholic high school could be affected. At least one school may be forc~d to close.

"The Navy presence is very important to the entire area," said Sister Carol Ann Kliendinst, a Sister of St. Mary of Namur and principal of Charleston Catholic School.

.--

Dic()cese gains new pro-life voice Continued from Page One "I have counseled women who have had abortions, and they experience a lot of grief. They really didn't know all the facts and later when they discover the facts they are devastated," she said.

Initially Mrs. Desrosiers is working'at the pro-life office in the Family Life Center, North Dartmouth, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesdays through Thursdays co'mpiling materials to be used for speaking programs and in schools.

The Knights of Columbus have donated funds for assembly of pro-life kits containing books, videos and pamphlets, she said.

"It's a lot of research, and continual reading," she said. "I always emphasize to anyone doing prolife work to be as balanced and accurate as possible."

Looking ahead to the fall, she is also working with Catholic school faculties to establish pro-life educational efforts.

Her presentations, she said, -al,ways "begin with the basics" about fetal deve.lopment and include a forum for que:stions which she addresses on an age-appropriate level.

For young people, "most of the program is very positive, showing them the miracle of their own life and how amazing it is that they came to be," she said.

While "many people are afraid of the abortion issue being addressed openly;" Mrs. Desrosiers finds that "youth want to hear the' truth."

"I try to present it as tactfully as I can," she said, "but I have to be sensitive to tlie audience and ask beforehand ifanyone will be ~ncomfortable with the material." ' With teen audiences, her presentation would include not only discussion of biological facts, but "confronting the whole question of choice regarding abortion. I ask them. at what point does your choice infringe on someone else's right to life?" she said.

The discussion might also include the topic of chastity, which too many young people dismiss as "old-fashioned," said Mrs. Desrosiers.

But the pro-life message is more than counteracting abortion, she declared. It is also about instilling a sense of self-respect in young people who are "bombarded" by

CYO golf results The annual Fall River area CYO golf tournament was held recently at the Fall River Country Club.

In the senior division, Doug Smith of Holy Name parish, Fall River, finished first and Michael Frasier, St. Bernard's, Assonet, was second. The intermediate division was led by Kevin Blaser of St. Louis de France parish, Swansea, and Jamie Codl~ga; St. Joseph's, Fall River .was runner-up.

In the junior division, Jay Oliveira of Somerset fi nished first and Andy Horvitz, also Somerset, came in second. In the cadet division, Brian Dedrick, of Holy Rosary parish, Fall River, was the champion and Jeffrey Figueiredo, St. Jean the Baptiste" Fall River, was runnerup.

Father Jay Maddock expressed thanks to Tom Tetreault and members of the Fall River Country Club for hosting the tournament.

Everett Smith, assisted by Roger Dugal, was tournament director.

messages' from peers and in the media that sexual activity is the norm and that condoms will protect them.

All of this simply "pushes them more" toward irresponsible sexual behavior, she said.

She concludes her presentations with information about how young people can become involved in pro-life work; for example, by volunteering for Birthright or other organizations that offer abortion altermltives; by participating in the Boston or Washington marches; or, "if they can't be actively involved, there is always a need for prayer," said Mrs. Desrosiers.

She has found that youth have responded positively to her presentations in the past. including one to 70 sophomores at Bishop Stang High School last year. "The, students were very enthusiastic; some commented that it had made their pro-life convictions stronger," said Mrs. Desrosiers.

She hopes to see more youth involved in the annual March for Life, which she has attended her-

self for the past three years along with youth from her parish.

Before the 1994 March, the apostolate will sponsor an essay contest for eighth- through twelfth-graders, with the winner earning an expense-paid trip to Washington for the event.

In addition, diocesan participation in the March will be on a larger scale this year, said Father Fernandes, noting that the apostolate plans to arrange overnight accommodations so that participants can attend the vigil Mass at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception the night before the March.

Meanwhile, as she begins her new venture, Mrs. Desrosiers looks forward to the rewards of hard work.

"When you see the infants of those you've helped," she said, "it's as exciting as seeing your own child. Even if you save only one life, all of the pain and hard work is worth .it."

But "you won't only save one life," she added. "There will be so many we won't know about."

THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall ,River-Fri., Aug. 20, 1993

the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. The daily Gazeta Wyborcza said opposition could be expected from parties who would see the concordat as "proof of the Catholic Church's privileges."

Vatican-Poland sign WARSAW, Poland (CNS) The Vatican and Poland have signed their first full-scale concordat since before World War II, regulating and normalizing aspects of diplomatic relations between the two. The IS-page document, signed after more than a decade of intermittent negotiation, has the status of an interstate treaty and is widely seen as a basic model for future Vatican agreements with other post-communist countries.

It still must be ratified by the Polish parliament before final signing by President Lech Walesa and

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Cindy Wooden Continued from Page One in preparations for World Youth Day, with his two young sons.

Rex King, 4, couldn't manage to keep his eyes open until the pope came downstairs. ,So, without waking him up, the pope gently kissed his cheek.

As part of the Secret Service security arrangements, Pope John Paul was never seen walking out of the rectory. An enclosed awning went from the door to a tent on the street where his black limousine was parked.

Security was tight, but Denver police officers keeping watch outside the city's cathedral said they had never heard so many "thank you, officers" in one week.

Papal photographer Arturo Mari was the envy of the entourage after an officer gave him a Denver Police Department badge - a souvenir unique among the thousal1ds of items being hawked near World Youth Day sites.

Four Marine helicopters, including a white-topped aircraft assigned to the presidential squadron at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va., were made available to the pope and his attendants, The pope and a few close 'aides were in chopper No. I, the only one with Marines in dress blue uniforms rather than green flight-crew jumpsuits.

Since the helicopters couldn't land at the cathedral rectory, the papal motorcade - with limousines for the pope and cardinals, a police car and motorcycles, Secret Service wagons an.d minibuses for the rest of the entQurage ----, drove from the cathedral'to a high school field and back 10 times during the pope's stay.

Even as the routine of helicopters taking off and landing became old hat to the neighbors, papal fans would gather outside the fence to cheer Pope John Paul with a chorus of "Hip, hip, hooray!"

The papal group returned to the cathedral rectory each evening for dinner, but the pope ate in private quarters.

Dinner was a bit backward Aug. 14. The main course wasn't ready

when the diners were, so some started the meal with chocolate eclairs, Mile High cream puffs and a new favorite among the nonAmericans: freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. One Vatican official even ate them for breakfast while in Denver.

There are times when being the only woman in a group is awkward, particularly when the men have gotten used to traveling together and restroom facilities are limited.

But the cardinal who was washing his hands when I opened the door seemed to take things in stride.

People getting their first upclose glimpse of the pope, usually on television, often wonder if he is napping through events.

'Especially when he is listening to a speech in a language other than his native Polish or his adopted Italian, the pope listens with his eyes closed and his head down. It's also self-defense against the glare of television lights, which were particularly bright at the outdoor nighttime event.

By the time the pope returned to the rectory after II p.m., I was convinced the Vatic'an let me join his company as a witness to papal stamina.

Despite an extra dose of adrenalin, I was not as awake as was Pope John Paul when the prayer vigil ran overtime, which happened despite the best efforts of papal aides to shorten his speeches.

But their efforts came to naught at the end of the event when the pontiff kept returning to the microphone to r.espond to the continued cheering of the crowd.

When the pope began moving t.oward the 700-member choir, most of the entourage - already back on the bus by then -laughed when one irreverent soul suggested the Holy Father was going to personally greet each singer.

Then a staff member responsible for logistics announced everyone would have to be up for breakfast in an hour.

And I still had several stories to write.

13

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Descending on Denv'er

SPENDING TIME WITH THE POPE: (Top) Diocesan pilgrims wave at the papal-helicopter as it arrives at Cherry Creek State Park where thousands gather for Mass Aug. 15.

Left: pope's image on screen at Saturday night vigil; pope blesses the crowd during welcoming ceremony at Mile High Stadium. (Hickey photos) .

Continued from Page Nine least, the pope was waving just to them and looking right into their unexpectedly-originally they had eyes. been scheduled to attend Stations Moments later the car seemed· of the Cross. the next eveningto meld into the sea of people and it became the undisputed shouting and cheering and waving highlight of the pilgrimage for colorful handkerchiefs and banmost .of the group. ners, one of the largest being from Youth and adults alike said they the pope's native Poland. were overwhelmed just seeing the Margie Copeland, a youth leader pope arrive and hearing him speak; from Our Lady of the Angels parand most said they had never ish, said experiencing the response before experienced such solidarity to tht pope showed the young in faith as when they were cheering people "the power of this one man Pope John Paul II amid upwards to represent Christ." . of 90,000 Catholics jam-packed "To think one man could do all into every available inch of Mile , that," exclaimed John Camara of High Stadium. ' St. Anthony's parish, New BedThe ceremony began with enterford. "When.the helicopters «.a.me tainment more than two hours down everyone went nuts!" before the pope's 6 p.m. arrival. It "Everyone was wonderstruck," included singers and choirs, ethnic added Jenn Jasinske of St. Mary's dances and the pounding of drums. parish, New Bedford. "A feeling of Performers induded Up With unity passed through you. My legs People and three-time Grammy were shaking!" winner Deniece Williams, whose Brother Dave Dumaine, MS, commitment to include at least advisor to the L':lSalette youth one gospel-orient!<d song on each group, said the sight of the pope of her albums has helped integrate and the response of the crowd gospel music into·the mainstream. brought tears to his eyes. "I was so She told the youth that "there is moved and awed by the number of only one person" who can "heal people from all over the world the hurt's" of the world, and "that ... who were all excited about being is Jesus Christ."

Catholic," he said.

• Flags of many of the more than John Paul II emerged on stage 100 countries represented at World and 'greeted everyone in reach with Youth Day were unfurled from the a handshake or hug. They included upper decks of the stadium and white cloth was used to form a 14 young people representing youth of the world. large cross among pilgrims on the Before his talk, the pope was stadium floor as the pope's arrival welcomed by Cardinal Eduardo drew near.

Pironio, president of the PontifiMore accustomed to the roar of sports fans, Mile High, home of cal Council for the Laity, which sponsored World. Youth Day, and the Denver Broncos and Colorado Archbishop William H. Keeler, Rockies, was filled with excitepresident of the National Conferment that erupted into wild cheers ence of Catholic Bishops. The when a helicopter set down nearby. archbishop told the pope that "the It wasn't the pope's after all, but U.S. motto "In God We Trust" three helicopters later the pontiff reveals the nation's foundation did indeed emerge into the staupon religious freedom and faith dium to circle the floor in the in God:' bulletproof-glass encased "popeTo a chorus of cheers the archmobile," all to mounting cheers bishop said that "most people in and foot-stomping All the inconveniences of being this land believe in God and cher· ish values rooted in faith." a pilgrim-sleeping on the floor, "We are deeply grateful to you eating irregular meals and waiting in long lines-"were worth it at for convening us here in Denver," that moment when the stadium explod- he told the pope. "We greet you as ed with enthusiasm," said Ellen .the successor of the Apostle Peter, Binns of St. John the Evangelist celebrate our unity in the Holy Spirit's gifts of faith, hope and parish, Attleboro.

Members of the LaSalette group, love. And we wish you to know with prime seats in the stadium's that we love you."

Events on the stage, which front rows near the beginning of the popemobile's route, craned their included a greeting from youth necks and stretched over the rail- representatives and pe.rformance ing to feel that, for a moment at of the World Youth Day theme

song, "We Are One Body," by its author, Irish singer Dana, were shown on the stadium's large screen for those unable to see the stage.

The pope's message to youth was one of joy that so many had come together in faith in a "stupendous setting in the heart of the United States of America."

In several languages, the pontiff greeted delegations from each nation, in the end telling them, "We are here to listen to one another, I to you and you to the pope. But above all we .are in Denver to hear to one true word of life." . He called the youth to "rise to the challenge, follow the pilgrim . cross, go in search of God, because he can also be found in the heart of a modern city."

He concluded: "You are the universal church, and 1 pray that Jesus will be with you and bless this World Youth Day for everyone."

After the time-consuming listing of participating nations, the pope displayed a bit of humor, declaring that "my speech was long. It .was too long! But now I have finished!" He told the youth, "I look forward to our next meeting."

About halfway through the pope's address, the skies opened up and it thundered and poured in Denver for the second time that day. Umbrellas and ponchoes were swiftly deployed, but few seemed inclined to leave and seek shelter.

Paul Cardoso and Aaron Lebeau, traveling with a New Bedford area group, said the pope had everyone too riveted to care about the rain.

"I wouldn't have left for anything," said Lebeau. "It was the pope!"

As the storm tapered off. the welcome program concluded with the presentation to the pope of the Holy Year Cross, which the pope gave to youth of the world for the first World Youth Day in 1987 and which now travels to dioceses all over the world between the bienniel international youth day gatherings.

The pontiff departed the stadium to chants of "John Paul II, we love you!"

He left the crowd in a boisterous and celebratory mood, and singing continued long after his helicopter was out of sight.

Turn to. Page 15

Descending on Denver Continued from Page 14 "When the pope left us singing, you couldn't hear yourself-it was like we were singing as a people" with one voice, said Sarah Traynor of St. Mary's parish, Seekonk, "It seemed like the Holy Spirit was all around the stadium, filling everyone with intensity and peace," said Bryan Mercier of the LaSalette youth group.

"When the pope arrived at the stadium, as he moved through the crowd, my eyes filled with tears," recalled Nancy Fernandes. "I only hope someday our world can unite like the different countries did there."

Home Away FJrOm Home While the papal welcoming gave diocesans a sense of the universal church, they experie:nced community on a smaller scale at Annunciation parish, where they received a warm welcome from parish staff and its Hispanic communi~y.

The experienc,e was also a homecoming of sorts for Bishop O'Malley, who met not only with Fall River diocesans but a delegation from the Virgin Islands where he was previously bishop. Dorothy Leonard, the pastoral assistant at Annunciation who made arrangements for diocesans' stay at the school, was a student of Bishop O'Malley at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and Annunciation's Capuchin pastor, Father Bill Kraus, was among his seminary classmates.

The bishop arrived at Annunciation the evening of Aug. 10 to greet pilgrims, and when ~he las't buses of diocesans arrived late that night, he was there to meet them and hear their expectations for the coming events. Most of the youths simply screeched, "I'm so excited!"

Pilgrims from the diocese, ranging in age from 14 to 20, were assigned to 10 groups led by 31 adults. Like most groups in Denver, they came equipped with identifying caps and T-shirts-teal baseball caps and white T-shirts with teal print listing on the back all the parishes and organizations represented by the pilgrims.

In all about 300 people from five dioceses stayed at the school, where the cafeteria, gym and classroom floors were lined with visitors' sleeping bags.

Annuniciation parishioners generously provided the fixings for tacos the night of the pilgrims' arrival and cooked a breakfast the next morning, served after a parish Mass celebrated by the Annunciation priests and Father Bill Campbell of St. Dominic's p~rish, Swansea, also attending World Youth Day. Much of World Youth Day developed a Franeiscan flair as diocesans staying in a Franciscan parish celebrated two Franciscan feasts: that of St. Clare on Aug. II, also the first anniversary of Bishop O'Malley's installatio'n in Fall River; and that of St. Maxjmilian Kolbe, Pope John Paul II's favorite saint, on Aug. 14.

In the past the pope has said that the future of the church lies in embracing the ideals ofSt. Francis - simplicity, poverty, charity and obedience.

In Colorado, in fact, 'Catholicism itsel('can be traced to St. Francis, as the first Catholic missions in the state were established

by Franciscans.

Celebrating St. Clare's feast day in the 800th year since her birth', Father Kraus told diocesans the

name Clare means "a bright light, shining in the darkness."

Her life as a contemplative nun and follower of St. Francis is an example that "Jesus is so important that someone would give her whole life attempting to focus on him."

"Our invitation and o~\rprayer," Father Kraus continued, "is that during these days you will fix your gaze on Jesus in all the ways he comes to you: in the poverty and inconvenience of being a pilgrim; in the sacraments; and in encountering the pope.

"When you do that, you'll be like Clare, a very important light for our church," he said.

That evening, when Bishop O'Malley joined the diocesan pilgrims for night prayer at Annunciation Church, Jean Willis, an adult leader with the group from St. Stanislaus parish, Fall River, returned to the theme of keeping one's gaze fixed on Christ through living simply.

"The first attitude a pilgrim needs to have is poverty," she said, "and it is an internal poverty that requires trust" - a trust that "every experience we have on this pilgrimage is meant to be. had and will bring about God's,revelation."

Bishop O'Malley told the group that "our presence here is such a graced moment" and that all should be mindful of "the way we treat others and the way we treat strangers, because in God's eyes no one is a stranger." In doing s.o, "we can catch a glimpse of the universality of the church," he said.

Nightly, the gishop joined the diocesan pilgrims for evening prayer, led by one or another of the small groups.

The bishop also celebrated Mass for the pilgrims on Friday, Aug. 13, at Annunciation Church, speaking on the ability of the Eucharist to unite all Catholics.

Concelebrants were Father David Costa, assistant director of diocesan youth ministry and Father Mark Hession of St. Mary's parish, New Bedford.

Jesus is present to us, he said "in the Gospel, in the community where two or three are gathered in his name, in the hierarchy of the church and the authority of the Holy Father to teach, and in the sacraments," most significantly in the Eucharist.

"Jesus' presence in the Blessed Sacrament of the Mass is more real than any other': kind of presence we experience in the world, said the bishop.

"How many people was he present to during those 33 years" of his earthly life? At some point he was present to thousands for a few minutes, hours, or years; but "Jesus wanted to be present to all no matter where we were, what language we speak or when we live."

In the early days of the church, the bishop continued, what confounded the enemies of the Christian community was that "these people were so happy because they had the joy of Christ in their hearts. That is what drew people to Christ.

"We know that we will live forever - that is what Jesus promises us in the Eucharist," said Bishop O'Malley. Through it "we commune with the Lord and with each other. This is why we have a Sunday celebration in our parishes and why it is so important that we be there to witness to this."

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop O'Malley presided as Kris

THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-'-Fri., Aug. 20,1993

15

and new democracies are bein.~ and Frank Lucca, youth leaders a backdrop for the pope's arrival. from St. Dominic's parish, SwanThose close to the stage were born, "the threats to life do not sea, renewed their vows on their again treated to the pontiffs per- lessen," he said. "They grow enor15th wedding anniversary. sonal touch as they reached out to mous."

The pope said an "anti-life menOn Aug. 14, Father Costa celeshake his hand. brated Mass for the group on the The pope spoke late into the tality" is spreading - "an attitud ~ feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe. night, again in several languages, of hostility to life in the womb and Denita Tremblay, an adult leader focusing on the World Youth Day life in its last stages."

"A bortion and euthanasia -the in the Sf. Stanislaus parish group, theme of "life in abundance." He spoke on the sacrifice of St. Maxwarned the youths about develop- actual killing of another huma 1 imilian, who gave his life for that ing a "private system of values" being - are hailed as 'rights' an :l solutions to 'problems,''' he said. of another prisoner at Auschwitz which stifles the conscience.

"The slaughter of the innocenls during World War II. "In a technological culture in St. Maximilian's life is an ex- which people are used to dominat- is no less sinful and devastatin g ample, she said, that "even in this ing matter, discovering its laws simply because it is done in a legd day and age people can give their and mechanisms in order to trans- and scientific way," the pope sai:l to the cheers of the young peoph . lives for someone else - but it form it according to their wishes, The pope as cheerleader wer t doesn't have to be your actual the danger arises of also wanting hand-in-hand with the pope as Iife... you can always stand up for to manipulate conscience and its pastor, exhorting the young peewhat you believe or come to the demands," said the pope. aid of someone in need."

His toughest words about abor- pIe "to have the courage to comm t Meeting the World in Denver ,.tion during his Denver visit came yourselves to the truth," to the ful ness of life found in Jesus and t) During the heavily scheduled during the vigil. nations progress As time passes, week, diocesans joined an estiTurn to Page 16 mated 175,000 World Youth Day participants at a number of gatherings, including opening ceremonies and Mass Aug. '11, catechesis sessions and the Prayer vigil with Pope John Paul II the night of Aug. 14.

Diocesans, camped in a grassy area surrounding Denver's Civic Center Park, watched events at the opening Mass on a.giant TV screen provided for those at a distance from the stage in the center of the crowded park. All day the park had been host to entertainment, information booths for various volunteer organizations, religious orders and charitable causes and souvenir tents.

Denver Archbishop Francis J. Stafford was principal celebrant of the Mass, 'with most U.S. bish-\ ops in attendance. They joined the colorful entrance procession which traversed the length of the park as the crowd gathered to shake their hands or catch the attention of a bishop they knew.

Catechesis was held the mornings of Aug. 12-14 by age group, with sessions for teens in Mile High Stadium. They involved witnesses from young people, a talk

by Bishop G. Patrick Ziemann of Santa Rosa, California, and much jubilant singing and cheering.

The culmination of World Youth Day was the Saturday night vigil and Sunday morning Mass with Pope John Paul II outdoors in the 880-acre Cherry Creek State Park outside Denver. World Youth Day used about 120 acres: A huge stage had been constructed in the park, which was roped into sections assigned to groups of the estimated' 250,000 pilgrims who stayed overnight after the vigil. Numbers were thought to have at least doubled by the next morning when the public was allowed into the park for the Mass.

Leading up the vigil was a 13mile pilgrimage walk which had been limited by World Youth Day organizers to 20,000 participants due to logistical and safety concerns.

However, officials believed as many as 40,000 others joined the walk without authorization, contributing to a rash of health problems caused by exhaustion and dehydration.

Pilgrims from the Fall River diocese joined most other World Youth Day participants in the final three miles of the pilgrimage leading into Cherry Creek. Groups were assigned sections upon arriV~GIL: Doug Rodrigues, right, Marcus Dyl (center) val to stake 'out positions for the and DIOcesan teens hold candles as Pope John Paul II vigil and Mass. pr~ys on stage at vigil in Cherry Creek State Park.

Showers threatened but dissi(Hickey photos) pated as skies gave way to a spectacular Rocky Mountain sunset as

.. /

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16

THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Aug. 20,1993

Descending on Denver Continued from Page 15 the love God has for each of his sons and daughters.

While Christ ~ants each person to have abundant life, "he sees the wolf coming to ravage and scatter the flock," the pope said.

"He sees so many young people throwing away their lives in a flight into irresponsibility and falsehood.

"Drug and alcohol abuse, pornography and sexual disorder, violence: These are the grave social problems which call for a serious response from the whole of society, within each country and on the international level," he said.

At the same time, the pope told the young people, they are personal tragedies that require acts of love and solidarity toward those who are lost or suffering.

The pope asked the exuberant crowd preparing to sing, <lance and visit all night to make time to listen to the voice of God in the depths of their heart and to follow its directions.

The event went more than an hour longer than scheduled even though Pope John Paul Irs aides on the stage cut several paragraphs from his text.

The pope seemed reluctant to leave the young people.

Those able to see his image on the large screens said he was visibly moved upon his arrival at the sight of the huge crowd.

"There were tears in his eyes, he was so overwhelmed," said Sue Neves, a group leader from St. Louis de France parish, Swansea.

At the end of the vigil, the pope hugged Maestro Gilbert Levine, who directed the National Repertory Orchestra, Colorado Symphony Chorus and Colorado Chil-

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dren's Chorale in music for the service.

As he began to depart, cries of "John Paul II, we love you," drew him back to center stage. Again displaying some humor, he declared that the youths' voices "seem to be very strong" and then assured them, "John Paul II, he loves you, too."

Diocesans, in an area ofthe field out of view of the stage, later held their own prayer service, lighting candles and offering petitions and prayers of thanksgiving. While some of the 250,000 settled into sleeping bags for the chilly evening, the park remained animated all night as the crowd awaited the return ofthe pope for Mass on the Feast of the Assumption.

Closing Mass The pope reaching the end of his celebration of World Youth Day, gave young people their charge: Cherish life in Christ and share it with others.

The World Youth Day celebration of life was a powerful experience of unity and sharing, the pope told the happy but sweaty and exhausted crowd.

It was on its feet, cheering and· waving hats and banners, when the papal helicopter came into view Sunday morning and circled the park twice, reportedly when the pope spotted a huge banner with an image of Christ c'reated by a Leominster, Mass., family and said to be the largest painting of Christ ever prod uced in theU nited States.

Estimates of attendance at the Aug. 15 Mass at Cherry Creek State Park ranged from 500,000 to 750,000.

Pope John Paul asked the youths to continue their pilgrimage and even begin preparing for World Youth Day 1995, which he announced will be in Manila, Philippines.

"Christ needs you to enlighten the world and to show it the 'path to life,'" the pope told the crowd.

His message to the young was not so much a plea to prepare themselves for future leadership in the church and the world as to make their presence felt now.

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felt a sense of accomplishment and strengthened faith.

"I have this joy in my heart," said Michelle Texeira of Our Lady of the Angels parish, "that we have religion in common and knowing that I don't stand alone. People all over the world believe the same things I do."

The whole experience "shows that there are no walls between people. If we work together things can happen and the world can be better," said Anthony Moura of St. Mary's parish, New Bedford.

"This shows it can happen, it's not far away, if we take it back home with us."

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Although he again dropped sevMost who sought help were eral paragraphs from his prepared treated on site at first aid tents on homily, the pope's Mass, recita- the fringes of the enormous crowd. tion 'of the Angelus and farewell They were given cots and received remarks to the crowd lasted almost fluid intravenously. four hours.

Noone from the diocesan group "I guess I have spoken too needed treatment.

Diocesan pilgrims, setting out much," ht> said. The crowd roared "No," and the pope continued with on their journey home after retrievoff-the-cuff remarks about the ing their luggage and saying their unity and new life they share in good byes at Annunciation parish, had a final gathering as a group in Christ.

"Now more than ever, ina world the. chapel at Stapleton Airport, that is often without light and . where Father Costa led a prayer without the courage of noble ideals, service and favorite songs from the people need the fresh, vital spirit- wc:;ek were given voice.

Though weary from the jouruality of the Gospel," the pope ney, the young people said they said in his homily.

Those who believe in Christ and live the Gospel must defend human life despite the huge challenges the . modern world presents, the pope said.

"In our own century, as at no other time in history, 'the culture of death' has assumed a social and institutional form of legality to justify the most horrible crimes against humanity: genocide, 'final solutions,' 'ethnic ,cleansings,' and the massive 'taking of .Jives of human beings even before they are born, or before they reach the natural point of death,'" he said in his prepared remarks.

"Woe to you if you do not succeed in defending life," the pope said.

But, "have no fear," he told his young flock. "The outcome of the battle for life is already decided" because of Christ's resurrection.

"In your hands, carry the cross of Christ," he said. "On your lips, the words of life. In your hearts, the saving grace of the Lord."

During the Angelus, in addition to announcing the location of the next international gathering, the pope offered special prayers for those questioning their vocations.

"Blessed Mother," he prayed, "assist all the young people who are struggling to give a definitive and responsible 'yes' to the Lord's call to the priesthood, to the religious life, or to a special consecration in the church."

Using 15 languages, the pope told the young people, "goodbye, until we meet again."

He addressed young people from the Balkans in Croatian, offering them prayers and his concern for the ongoing war in their homeland.

"Let us invoke God's blessings of peace upon the whole region," he said. "The noise of battle and the specter of death and suffering must give way to the joy of peace and harmony among peoples."

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Heat, Altitude Take Toll The temperature proved too much for thousands of Mass participants.

What began as a cool, crisp morning quickly heated up to a reported 98 degrees 'under cloudless skies.

Paramedics said that during the Mass some 14,000 people were treated for heat exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition.

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Denita Tremblay, principal ofSt. Stanislaus School, Fall River, speaks to pilgrims about St. Maximilian Kolbe on the saint's feast day. Amy Bedard, Wendy Weldon and Kate Negri take up a diocesan banner as pilgrims begin the walk to Cherry Creek State Park. Father Costa leads a service in the chapel at Stapleton Airport before group's departure from Denver.

(H ickey photos)