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Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

F riday , September 19, 2014

Cancer support group flourishes on island of Martha’s Vineyard

By Becky Aubut Anchor Staff

EDGARTOWN — For most of us, Martha’s Vineyard conjures up images of beautiful beaches, quaint shops and the potential sightings of famous actors or even the President of the United States. It’s known as a summer haven whose population swells to more than 100,000 during peak season, but there are more than 16,000 residents who call the island their home year-round.

AnneMarie Donahue is one of those who appreciate the benefits of living year-round on the island, but her picturesque island life was shattered 26 years ago, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s a very, very frightening thing,” said the Edgartown resident, who was 33 years old at the time. “I didn’t know if I was going to live to see my 40th birthday. I didn’t know what was going to happen.”

A friend of Donahue’s had already been diagnosed with cancer and had been looking for a support group. After seeing an ad in the local paper spoofing

the “Got milk?” ad with an ad asking, “Got cancer?” Donahue’s friend called the number listed.

“I think she put her name and phone number, and a dear friend of mine saw that, and she had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and the two of them officially connected. They started reaching out to more people, one of whom was me,” recalled Donahue. “At the time it was not a formal group; it was just a group of women meeting very informally at each other’s homes to share their worries and hope, and from that it just evolved.”

As the group expanded to include new people, the group began to meet once a week in the doctors’ library at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, “then it really started to grow,” said Donahue. “It wasn’t just women, it was men as well, and all different types of cancer.”

Most of those coming to those early meetings were newly-diagnosed “and so in need of talking to other people who totally understood what they were going through, and looking for information,” said Donahue. “If one of the women was Turn to page 15

Bishop Connolly High School (Fall River) principal Christopher Myron, second from left, stands with his son, host student, and his family at Wangfujing Catholic Church in Beijing, China, on Easter morning during a trip to China and Vietnam. From left: Jingcheng Wu, Myron, John Myron, Yufeng (Lucas) Wu (a student at Connolly) and Yannan Wu.

Father Rodrigo Miranda, IVE, third from left, pastor of the cathedral parish in Aleppo, Syria, meets with Pope Francis during a general audience at the Vatican in May. (Photo courtesy of Father Rodrigo Miranda, IVE)

Priest from Syria discusses dire situation, needs in Middle East

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

NEW BEDFORD — After speaking to parishioners and students in the Religious Education program at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish last weekend about the dire situation in Syria, Father Rodrigo Miranda, IVE,

was impressed that one of the first to respond was a 13-year-old girl.

“She came up to me and immediately asked: ‘What can we do to help?’” Father Miranda said.

As the current pastor at the cathedral in Aleppo, Syria, Father Miranda is Turn to page 18

Christopher Keavy, second from right, principal at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis, stands in front of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Guangzhou, China on Easter Sunday, with agency staff, translators, and leaders from two other American Catholic schools during a spring trip to the country.

Diocesan principals travel the globe to make the world a bit smaller Chris Myron finds faith alive in China,Vietnam

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

FALL RIVER — Admittedly nervous before his very first trip to China and Vietnam this past spring, Bishop Connolly principal Christopher Myron told the agency that invited him, EduBoston, “The only way I’ll go is if I can go to church to attend Mass on Easter

Sunday,” since the Asian trek was to begin on Good Friday. Myron said the agency said that wouldn’t be a problem, and off he went on what he called, “a very Spiritual experience,” in a region not noted for its tolerance of the Catholic religion.

While the Connolly principal spent Turn to page 15

Chris Keavy bridges gap from Cape Cod to China

By Dave Jolivet Anchor Editor

HYANNIS — “We always felt that when Pope John Paul II High School was ready, and by that I mean having a strong school culture and stable enrollment, welcoming international students would bring benefits to our domestic students as well as improving an excel-

lent experience for our international students,” Christopher Keavy, principal of JPII High School and Head of School for the combined JPII and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis, told The Anchor. “Now that the high school is in its eighth year, we know that the time is right.”

Turn to page 17

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News From the Vatican

September 19, 2014

Vatican and Vietnam continue to strengthen ties, seek full relations

Hanoi, Vietnam (CNA/ EWTN News) — The Holy See recently held a fifth round of talks with the Vietnamese government to strengthen and develop their bilateral relations, which have been in disrepair for nearly 40 years.

“The Holy See delegation emphasized that Pope Francis has followed with interest recent developments in Vietnam — Holy See relations, and encourages the Catholic community in Vietnam to continue to contribute to the country’s major goals,” stated a communiqué issued after the recent VietnamHoly See Joint Working Group.

The working group was established in 2009, and met in Hanoi in a “sincere, candid and mutually respectful atmosphere.”

It is co-chaired by Msgr.

Antoine Camilleri, Vatican undersecretary for Relations with States, and Vietnamese vice minister for Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son. By custom, the working group meets alternately in Vietnam and at the Vatican; its last meeting was held at the Vatican in June.

During this fifth round of talks, the Holy See “reaffirmed that it attaches great importance to the development of relations with Vietnam in particular, and Asia in general, as evidenced by the recent and coming papal trips to the continent.”

The Holy See acknowledged that the country “has facilitated working visits to Vietnam by the non-residential special envoy of the Holy See to Vietnam, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.”

Archbishop Girelli has in fact been able to visit each of Vietnam’s 26 dioceses since his appointment in 2011.

“The Holy See delegation appreciates the support given by the competent authorities at all levels to the Catholic Church in Vietnam for the accomplishment of her mission,” and also “took note of the development in the religious policies of Vietnam, reflected in 2013 Amended Constitution,” the joint communiqué also noted.

The new Vietnamese constitution was approved in November 2013, and came into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

The constitution preserves the Communist Party’s dominant role, and keeps religious freedom under state control,

though it also includes clauses that protect the right to practice or not to practice religion.

The joint communiqué reads that the Holy See, “together with the Catholic Church in the country, wishes to make more active contributions to the country’s development where the Catholic Church has strengths, for example health care, education, charity, and humanitarian works.”

And the Vietnamese “reiterated the consistent policy of the state and party in respecting freedom of religion and belief of all people and supporting the Catholic Church in Vietnam to actively participate in national social economic development.”

The communiqué stressed that both the sides are encouraged by the positive developments in Vietnam-Holy See relations, which have been shown “by increased exchanges and contacts at all levels.”

With six million adherents to the faith — nearly seven percent of its entire population — the Church has a notable impact on Vietnamese society, a fact acknowledged by the government’s desire to dialogue with the Holy See. Diplomatic relations between the two states were dissolved in 1975, when the communist north overran South Vietnam.

But since then, the visits of more than 20 Vatican delegations led to the 2007 visit of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to Pope Benedict XVI. After the 2007 meeting, the Holy See and Vietnam began talks to re-establish diplomatic ties, and for this purpose the joint working group was established in 2009.

In 2008, after decades, the Holy See was finally able to appoint seven new bishops in Vietnam, and the bishops ordained hundreds of priests.

The talks led to the appointment of Archbishop Girelli as non-resident special envoy to Vietnam in 2011.

The following year, Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, visited Benedict, thus showing that Vietnamese authority really wish to normalize diplomatic relations.

Further improvements on the diplomatic side are expected for the sixth meeting of the working group, which should take place in the Vatican.

Pope Francis greets Salvatore D’Argento of Chieti, Italy, as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican recently. D’Argento has quadriplegia. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope Francis greets paralyzed man who risked all to see him Vatican City (CNA/ EWTN News) — A man paralyzed from the neck down made his way to Pope Francis’ general audience, saying he took the massively risky move because he wanted to experience for himself the pontiff ’s uniqueness.

Salvatore D’argento recently spoke with CNA saying that he came to the audience because of “the personality of Pope Francis.

He’s not a common pope.”

Confined to a bed from the age of 24 due to an accident while practicing judo, the now 42-year-old Italian was the first to be greeted by Pope Francis when he emerged from the Vatican gates to welcome pilgrims.

Descending his popemobile in order to come down and bless the bedridden D’argento, Pope Francis approached him, patted him gently on the head and exchanged a few words with him before greeting his mother and giving his blessing.

Able to move his lips but without sound, D’argento was interpreted by his mother, who said there “are no adequate words to describe” meeting Pope Francis. “He’s a person that needs to be met. A unique person.”

D’argento has been living at home in Chieti, Italy since 1995 and has only left his room twice since the accident due to the risks involved, the second being to meet Pope Francis in his audience.

His emergency doctor Achille Cavallo was also present with him in St. Peter’s Square, explaining to CNA that “I have known him since the accident.

The importance of being here is

for him to say.”

The doctor explained that they got up at 3:30 in the morning and came by ambulance.

“It’s an enormous risk to bring him outside, but it’s worth it,” the doctor said.

Achille said when D’argento first expressed his desire to meet the pope, he did so “in a very informal way, with very little confidence to come” due to the difficulty involved in moving him.

It was the Bishop of Lanciano, Emidio Cipollone, who paved the way, he noted, explaining that once they were given the green light D’argento had his choice of days to go and picked September 10 because it was the only opportunity for many of the volunteers who also wanted to participate.

Out of the 26 people accompanying D’argento at the audience, most were volunteers of

the Brotherhood of Mercy from Chieti and Alanno, Italy. Along with his mother, there was also one psychologist, two doctors and a Capuchin priest.

Before the accident, Achille said D’argento studied information technology.

Although his life is now confined to a room, the doctor said D’argento is a programmer for Linux with “a great mind.”

“He studies with the help of his mom,” he said. In order to allow him to read, she places a book on top of a flat pane of glass which is put over his face so that he can see the pages.

Although he is immobile, his mother is “his hands, arms, legs,” Achille said. “Every two hours, he has to be turned. Otherwise he’ll get bedsores.”

“He moves his mind, we’re his legs.”

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In light of “countless requests from every part of the world,” Pope Francis has approved putting SS. John Paul II and John XXIII on the Church’s universal calendar of feast days.

Called the General Roman Calendar, it is the universal schedule of holy days and feast days for the Latin rite of the Catholic Church.

The two saints’ feast days, both of which have the ranking of an optional — not obligatory — memorial, are October 11 for St. John XXIII and October 22 for St. John Paul II. The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, published

the decree September 11 from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

The pope determines who is on the universal calendar based on recommendations from the congregation for worship.

Pope Francis, who canonized the two saints in April, approved the optional memorials “given the extraordinary nature of these pontiffs in offering the clergy and the faithful a unique model of virtue and in promoting the life of Christ,” the decree said.

“Taking into consideration the countless requests from every part of the world,” the pope took “as his own the unanimous wishes of the people of God,” it said.

Feast days of Saints John Paul II, John XXIII added to universal calendar

The International Church For some Iraqi Christians, returning to homeland is not an option

September 19, 2014

BEIRUT (CNS) — Uprooted from his home in Iraq by the advance of Islamic State fighters, Nouree sees no future for Christians in his country.

“It’s like a nightmare,” the Chaldean Catholic father of six told Catholic News from a modest apartment in Beirut where he and his family have temporarily resettled after fleeing Iraq. “They just came and took our villages,” Nouree said of the militants.

Nouree requested that his full name not be used to protect his identity.

“It’s not a coincidence. It’s like a plan to rid the region of Christians. We Christians paid the price, and the Yezidis (the minority religious community) did, too,” Nouree said. “Even though they pushed us out, we won’t forget our homeland. This is our past, our history.”

His village, Tel Isqof, about 19 miles north of Mosul, was home to some 1,500 Christian families, all of whom fled the advance of the Islamic State fighters in early August.

For nearly two months, following the militants’ attack on Mosul in June, Nouree and his family slept on the roof of their house to watch for flashing lights of artillery shelling, signaling such an advance because there were constant rumors that the fighters were coming toward their village.

“We were always on alert. We thought that at least if there was an attack, we could see it coming and evacuate, to save ourselves,” Nouree said.

But when the militants invaded Tel Isqof, Nouree said, the Kurdish regional forces, known as peshmerga, withdrew, leaving the villagers unprotected as they fled to Irbil, the capital of the Kurdish region of Iraq. Irbil now hosts more than 100,000 displaced Christians and other Iraqi minorities.

“We have no trust,” Nouree said. “There is no credibility, in the government, (in) the Kurdistan forces — even some clergy are leaving.”

In Kurdistan, he added, Christians are considered second-class citizens. He spoke of Cardinal Fernando Filoni’s August 13-20 visit to Iraq as Pope Francis’ envoy and said the Kurdistan government is only trying to please the Church with empty promises.

“Whatever the Kurdistan government promised him (Cardinal Filoni) will be only words,” he said.

Michel Kasdano, a third-generation Iraqi Chaldean in Lebanon who volunteers his time to help Iraqi refugees, also has observed the same mindset among the refugees he meets: They do not want to return to Iraq and, their relatives remaining in Iraq want to leave.

A retired general with the Lebanese army, Kasdano has mobilized a group of friends and relatives who have met with some 50 Christian Iraqi families, now refugees in Lebanon as a result of the Islamic State attacks in their homeland. Aside from listening to the tragic stories of the refugees, they distribute food, clothes and money to the families.

“In my opinion, there will be just a symbolic presence of Christians in Iraq, like a museum,” he told CNS. It was clear 10 years ago that Christians were leaving Iraq, he said, not just because of threats, but “because there was no support, they saw no future.”

“There has been no concrete movement from the Church, the international community or government authorities to anchor them there,” he said. “Despite pessimism, I still have my faith, and I still believe Christianity must remain in Iraq.”

The future is unclear for Nouree and his family, but his priority is to get resettled in another country.

In Beirut, he registered his family with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and was issued an asylum-seeker certificate. His next appointment is scheduled for March 2015.

At that first visit to the UNHCR, Nouree got an indication of the frustration and despair faced by other refugees.

“I saw a young man, depressed and screaming, because he’s been here so long,” he said.

Even before this summer’s mass exodus of Iraqi Christians, there were about 9,000 Iraqi refugees in Lebanon, most of whom fled their homeland after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Lebanon has also experienced a flood of more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees, equal to at least one-quarter of Lebanon’s resident population.

“I’m open to do any kind of work to support my family,” Nouree said. But the 45-year-old biology teacher has not found any work in Lebanon, and competition is fierce among other refugees, many of whom typically work as laborers for $20 a day.

“My children are my hope — to go to school and be educated and to live in a democratic environment,” Nouree said.

His 17-year-old daughter, Mariam, a top student, dreamed of becoming a doctor and was to enter her last year of high school in Iraq.

Now Mariam and her two teen-age siblings are working full time to support their family, each earning about $350 a month. She and her 14-year-old sister work at a confectionary business, and her 19-year-old brother works in a bakery.

Those salaries cover the $700 monthly rent for their modest apartment in a rundown area of Beirut and the $200 electricity bill, but there’s not much left over for food and other necessities. Nouree’s elderly mother, who has Alzheimer’s, is also living with them.

A recent report by Fides, news agency of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, quoted Father Paul Karam, head of Caritas Lebanon, as saying that around 350 families of Christians who fled Mosul and the villages in the plain of Ninevah have found shelter in Lebanon, “but the numbers continue to rise every day.”

“We at Caritas Lebanon provide health care, food and prime necessities,” Father Karam said. “However we are saddened

by the fact that almost all of them (Iraqi refugees) have no intention of returning to their country: Their desire is to emigrate, to leave the Middle East for ever.

Sad to say this is the situation. And also

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on this issue the international community is called to make sensible decisions, unless it wants to contribute with its policies, to the extinction of Christians in Iraq,” Father Karam said.

A nun leads prayer for displaced Iraqi Christians who fled Islamic State militants in Mosul at a school acting as a refugee camp in Irbil, Iraq, recently. Irbil now hosts more than 100,000 displaced Christians and other minorities. Some Christians who have fled Iraq say they do not want to return. (CNS photo/Ahmed Jadallah, Reuters)

The Church in the U.S.

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September 19, 2014

Church leaders, politicians, laity meet in D.C. on behalf of Christians

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Emphasizing that diversity does not preclude unity, nearly a thousand Christian leaders, politicians and lay people gathered in Washington to launch a massive effort on behalf of the minority communities of the Middle East.

High-ranking Church leaders representing Pope Francis and Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II, patriarchs of Eastern churches, members of Congress and Christians in the diaspora came together in

Washington for the inaugural “In Defense of Christians” summit. They set off for Capitol Hill with a message to U.S. lawmakers and policymakers: Christians and other minorities have an inherent right to live in the Middle East, where they have lived for centuries.

“Some in this city have asked why Christianity is vital to the Middle East, what’s in it for America?” said Andrew Doran, executive director of In Defense of Christians, a new organization with the aim of shaping

policy and heightening awareness of Christians in the Middle East. “The short answer is that Christian institutions provide social services, health care and education for millions throughout the region, and that this alone does more to prevent violent extremism than can be measured.

“Christians are not only the doctors, professors, lawyers, and businessmen in their communities; they are also the servants.

Their very presence is a source of pluralism that has a moderating

Pope appoints two U.S. priests to help tackle sexual abuse of minors

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis appointed two U.S. priests to top positions at the Vatican for dealing with the sexual abuse of minors.

The pope named U.S. Father Robert W. Oliver to be the new secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and appointed Jesuit Father Robert J. Geisinger to replace Father Oliver as the promoter of justice at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — the Vatican’s chief prosecutor of sex abuse crimes.

The Vatican made the announcement September 10.

Father Oliver fills a new fulltime position of secretary for the pontifical commission, which Pope Francis established in December.

A Vatican source told Catholic News Service there would be another announcement “soon” of more new members to be added to the commission, as it aims to expand the number of representatives from around the world, especially from Africa and Asia.

The commission, which currently has eight members, including a survivor of clerical sexual abuse, mental health professionals and experts in civil and Church law, is tasked with laying out a pastoral approach to helping victims and preventing abuse.

The pope has said he wants the commission to help the Church develop better policies and procedures for protecting minors.

Father Oliver, a Boston priest and canon lawyer, worked on the abuse crisis in the Church in his home archdiocese and at the Vatican as the promoter of justice since his appointment there February 2013.

As secretary of the Vatican commission on protecting minors, the priest again will be assisting Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston — the head of the commission.

Before he was appointed to the Vatican, Father Oliver had served as a judge and promoter of justice in Boston tribunals and as a consultant to the Boston archdiocesan review board, a body that advises Cardinal O’Malley in assessing accusations of child sexual abuse by members of the clergy and in determining the suitability of an accused priest for ministry.

Born in New York in 1960, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Boston in 2000 and is a member of the Brotherhood of Hope. He earned his doctorate in canon law from The Catholic University of America and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has served as a judge, taught, devel-

oped policy and offered counsel as a canonical adviser.

Father Geisinger will replace Father Oliver as promoter of justice in the doctrinal congregation — a position similar to a prosecuting attorney in a civil court. The position also involves monitoring the procedures that national bishops’ conferences have in place for dealing with abuse accusations and handling the dismissal from the priesthood of those guilty of sexual abuse.

A member of the ChicagoDetroit Province, the Jesuit priest has been serving in Rome since 2001 as general procurator for the Society of Jesus — the chief in-house canonical advisor to the Jesuit superior general in Rome.

Born in Parma, Ohio, in 1958, Father Geisinger received degrees in English literature, philosophy, canon law and a master of Divinity degree.

He has a background in teaching and he worked as associate chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago and as a presiding judge on the archdiocese’s metropolitan tribunal.

He also once worked as a news director of a radio station in Nome, Alaska, before he entered the Society of Jesus in 1981. In the 1970s, he worked as an assistant manager of Chicago’s Granada Theater.

influence throughout the region.

This is the answer for the policymaker,” he said.

As President Barack Obama recently prepared to tell the nation of his strategy against the Islamic State, the Christian leaders made clear they were not looking for military intervention from the U.S. alone.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, head of the Vatican Congregation for Eastern Churches, reiterated in his keynote address recent what Pope Francis has said, that the United Nations must be “the place where decisions are made in which all peoples not only proclaim but also defend in practice, with adequate resolutions and actions, the dignity of the Christians in the Middle East, together with those who belong to every other minority.”

Earlier, in a homily at an ecumenical prayer service, Maronite Bishop Gregory J. Mansour of Brooklyn, N.Y., reflected on the Gospel reading of the Beatitudes, which he called “a way of life for Christians.” He said even if a person was angry — and those looking at recent events had a right to be angry — it was hard to stay angry after listening to the reading.

He suggested to about 500 people gathered at Washington’s Omni Shoreham Hotel that there were three ways to respond when Christians and other minorities are persecuted: — Pray and do nothing, “and say to ourselves, ‘Christianity was made for suffering.’” But, he added, “that is not the way of Jesus.”

— Declare war, fight with every tool available and “destroy those who destroy us. But that’s not the way of Jesus, either.”

— Nonviolent resistance, which he said worked for Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and St. John Paul II. This requires “much prayer, much fasting, much building of solidarity.”

“This nonviolent resistance can be powerful,” he said.

Bishop Mansour and others spoke of atrocities faced by Christians, Yezidis and other minorities at the hands of Islamic State militants, and the unity needed to fight such incidents.

“It is never, ever acceptable” that innocent people be forced from their homes, be forced to flee their land and “when they return to their home, their home would be booby-trapped, and they would open the door and be killed,” said Bishop Mansour.

Bishop Angaelos, general bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and representative of Pope Tawadros, said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ Article 18, which guarantees the right to freedom of thought and religion, was not something devised in the 20th century. Such rights came from “a loving God” Who even allowed people to reject Him. “That right came with Adam and Eve,” he told participants.

He said unity surpasses religion.

“No one can possibly agree to a beheading,” he said. No one can agree that humans are only “bargaining chips.”

He said that lives “must not just become statistics on the six o’clock news” and pleaded with politicians; “Please do not use our brothers and sisters as bargaining chips.”

At the National Press Club the previous day, Catholicos Aram of Cilicia, patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church, emphasized that the patriarchs had traveled to Washington “in defense of religious freedom, whether that is related to Christians or other minorities.”

“Today, we are the victims of the violations of religious freedom in the Middle East.

Tomorrow, others may be, in the Middle East or somewhere else,” he told the media.

He also said the world was facing “a global evil which has and which may have different names, different forms, different expressions, which may be present here and there, in different places, which may become omnipresent.”

Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan told the media that the Christian leaders “are not against Islam; we are against the wrong way to profess Islam.”

Robert A. Destro, director and professor of Law at the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, added that much of the Muslim world “is reeling” from the atrocities. He said what Islamic State fighters were doing “is a fight for the soul of Islam.”

Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl thanked the patriarchs “for the heroism of your ministry and life. Thank you for the unity of your ministry and what you bring to your people every day. No one knows the suffering of their people more than these leaders assembled here today.”

September 19, 2014

The Church in the U.S.

A necklace with a cross is seen hanging from a 9/11 memorial art piece outside a firehouse near the World Trade Center site in New York. September 11 marked the 13th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York City, Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon. (CNS photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters)

Catholics in America will — and do — suffer for ‘swimming against the tide’

Chicago, Ill. (CNA/ EWTN News) — Faithful Catholics will face increasing difficulties in American society as public life becomes more dominated by another “religion” that marginalizes the Church and imposes its own morality, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago has written.

“Swimming against the tide means limiting one’s access to positions of prestige and power in society,” Cardinal George wrote in a recent column for Catholic New World, the newspaper of his local Church.

“It means that those who choose to live by the Catholic faith will not be welcomed as political candidates to national office, will not sit on editorial boards of major newspapers, will not be at home on most university faculties, will not have successful careers as actors and entertainers.”

He continued, “Nor will their children, who will also be suspect. Since all public institutions, no matter who owns or operates them, will be agents of the government and conform their activities to the demands of the official religion, the practice of medicine and law will become more difficult for faithful Catholics.”

“It already means in some states that those who run businesses must conform their activities to the official religion or be fined, as Christians and Jews are fined for their religion in countries governed by Sharia law.”

The cardinal’s column, titled

“A tale of two churches,” is so impactful that Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia forewent his own recent column, using Cardinal George’s in its place.

Cardinal George “is among the most articulate Catholic voices in the United States,” Archbishop Chaput wrote. “His column deserves a very wide audience and serious discussion. I’m happy to give my own column space this week to the words of His Eminence, and I hope Philadelphia-area Catholics read and re-read his comments in the coming months.”

The column chronicles the history of the Church in the United States: how it was long able to flourish with American society, and how that is coming to an end.

Cardinal George said this marks a departure from the past of the United States, in which the Church initially found a country “that promised to respect all religions because the state would not be confessional; it would not try to play the role of a religion.”

“The social history was often contentious,” he acknowledged, “but the state basically kept its promise to protect all religions and not become a rival to them, a fake church — until recent years.”

The United States had never “officially told its citizens what they must personally think or what ‘values’ they must personalize in order to deserve to be part of the country — until re-

cent years.”

However, social and legislative approval has in recent years been given to “all types of sexual relationships that used to be considered ‘sinful,’” and the Church’s teaching is now seen as “evidence of intolerance for what the civil law upholds and even imposes.”

“What was once a request to live and let live has now become a demand for approval,” Cardinal George said. He charged that the American ruling class, with opinion makers in politics, education and entertainment, is “using the civil law to impose its own form of morality on everyone.”

He noted the increasing insistence that there is “no difference between men and women” even in Marriage itself.

“Those who do not conform to the official religion, we are warned, place their citizenship in danger,” he wrote, referring to a Huffington Post columnist who voiced “concerns about the compatibility between being a Catholic and being a good citizen” following the Supreme Court decision on the Obama Administration’s HHS mandate.

The cardinal said that this attitude is “more sophisticated” than past expressions of antiCatholicism in the United States such as nativism, the KnowNothing Party, the American Protective Association, and the Ku Klux Klan.

“This is, rather, the self-righteous voice of some members of the American establishment

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today who regard themselves as ‘progressive’ and ‘enlightened.’”

The result of this conflict, he said, “is a crisis of belief for many Catholics.”

“Throughout history, when Catholics and other believers in revealed religion have been forced to choose between being taught by God or instructed by politicians, professors, editors of major newspapers and entertainers, many have opted to go along with the powers that be. This reduces a great tension in their lives, although it also brings with it the worship of a false god.”

“It takes no moral courage to conform to government and social pressure. It takes a deep faith to ‘swim against the tide,’ as Pope Francis recently encouraged young people to do.”

Continuing his narration

of the Church’s history in the United States, Cardinal George concluded that “we don’t know” how the tale ends.

“The actual situation is, of course, far more complex than a story plot, and there are many actors and characters, even among the ruling class, who do not want their beloved country to transform itself into a fake church. It would be wrong to lose hope, since there are so many good and faithful people.”

“Catholics do know, with the certainty of faith, that, when Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, the Church, in some recognizable shape or form that is both Catholic and Apostolic, will be there to meet Him.” “There is no such Divine guarantee for any country, culture or society of this or any age.”

WASHINGTON (CNS) — In light of the recent political, military and social conflicts taking place around the world, Catholics and other Christians have found reason to come together in faith to pray for world peace and healing. The 22nd International Week of Prayer and Fasting will take place September 20-28. Organizers are encouraging individuals, families and parishes around the world to participate by fasting, attending daily Mass, prayer services and Holy Hours, going to Confession, and praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Sponsored by the International Prayer and Fasting Coalition, made up of various Catholic and Protestant groups, the nine-day campaign to call for an end to global violence and persecution kicks off in

Washington with a Eucharistic prayer vigil September 20 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Organizers said the campaign’s goal is to invoke Mary’s help in “changing the course of world events” and to promote “a newfound appreciation for basic human rights” and build “a culture of life.” Maureen Flynn, the coalition’s chairman, said the event began as an effort to promote peace in the world.

“We felt what was needed in our country was a grass-roots movement of people praying and fasting for the goals of our nation,” she told Catholic News Service in a recent telephone interview.

The coalition’s website, http:// iwopf.org, has information about the prayer and fasting event.

Coalition hopes days of prayer, fasting will help bring peace to world

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September 19, 2014

Anchor Editorial

A gamble not worth taking

The bishops of Massachusetts, working together as the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, issued a statement on September 15 urging voters to approve Question 3 on the November ballot. This referendum would put an end to the possibility of having gambling casinos in Massachusetts.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley, O.F.M., Cap., archbishop of Boston, together with the bishops of Springfield and Worcester and Bishop George W. Coleman (who signed as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Fall River, a post which he has until September 24, when Bishop Edgar da Cunha becomes our bishop), signed the document, reminding Catholics and other people of good will why it would be better to ban casino gambling from the Commonwealth.

After recalling how the state passed a law legalizing gambling in 2011, out of a desire to increase jobs and revenue for the government, the bishops then point out what has happened in other states that have gambling in recent years. “As the Commonwealth has recovered, other northeast states where gambling is legal have seen troubling trends in a decline in revenue in their local gambling venues.

Casinos in New Jersey and Connecticut are struggling and closing. In fact, it appears likely that five of the 12 casinos in Atlantic City, N.J. alone will be closed by the end of 2014.”

What the bishops mentioned in the last paragraph is not to make more of an argument against casinos, but is an appeal to people’s practicality — if casinos are failing in other nearby states, what makes us think that they will somehow miraculously do well in Massachusetts?

“Many individuals in those states who heard the same promises of gainful employment in the gaming industry are now losing their jobs. Furthermore, reliance on gambling revenue in neighboring New England states such as New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine will only increase the pressure and decrease the economic success of the gambling industry in the Commonwealth.” Here again the bishops appeal to the common sense of voters.

Next the bishops warn the public about harm which most likely will arise with legalized casino gambling here. After conceding that “the Catholic Church views gambling as a legitimate form of entertainment when done in moderation” (in other words, going to a casino and gambling a little is not a sin), the MCC warns

that “expanded gaming in the Commonwealth opens the door to a new form of predatory gaming. We are concerned that the Commonwealth will be forced to rely on an unstable form of revenue, depending largely on those addicted to gambling. They are the citizens who are already among the ranks of the poorest in the community — the ones who can least afford to gamble.”

One need only look at the data from the Massachusetts State Lottery to see how poorer communities have a much higher expense per capita buying lottery tickets than rich towns. Rich, well-educated people in general know that they might as well throw their money in a furnace than buy tons of lottery tickets. Less educated people, or people with “magical thinking,” are more easily tempted to gamble, even though the odds are against them.

On June 17, 2013 Pope Francis spoke to a diocesan convention in Rome and said, “Each one of us can think in silence of people who live with no hope and are steeped in profound sadness from which they struggle to emerge, believing they have found happiness in alcohol, in drugs, in gambling, in the power of money, in sexuality unbridled by rules. However they find themselves even more disappointed and sometimes vent their rage against life with violent behavior unworthy of the human being. How many sad people, how many sad people without hope!” Do we want to add to those problems in Massachusetts? As one local police chief said years ago, “We have enough problems with addiction around here.

We do not need to add to it.”

This bishops concluded their statement with this call to action (on November 4): “The gambling industry threatens local businesses, weakens the moral fabric of society, and fundamentally alters communities for decades to come. Three destination resort casinos and a ‘slots’ parlor will saturate the entire state, diminishing our rich heritage and history. There is too much at stake for Massachusetts to open the door wide to expanded gaming — Massachusetts can do better. Massachusetts can say ‘no’ by voting ‘yes!’ We urge the citizens of Massachusetts to vote ‘Yes’ on Ballot Question 3 and stop the expansion of predatory gambling.”

We echo that call here at The Anchor, so as to preserve what is good in the entire state and especially to protect the cities and towns within the Diocese of Fall River which would be irreparably harmed if casinos were located in them.

Pope Francis’ Angelus address of September 14 Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

On September 14, the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Some non-Christian people might ask themselves: why “exalt” a cross?

We can respond that we do not exalt a cross, or all the crosses: we exalt the Cross of Jesus, because in it revealed fully the love of God for humanity. It is that which reminds us of the Gospel of John in today’s Liturgy: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (3:16). The Father has “given” the Son to save us, and this resulted in the death of Jesus, and the death on a cross.

Why? Why was the cross neces-

sary? It was because of the gravity of the evil we were enslaved to.

The Cross of Jesus expresses two things: all the negative strength of evil, and all gentle omnipotence of the mercy of God. The cross seems to declare the failure of Jesus, but in reality it marks His victory. On Calvary, those who mocked Him would say to Him: “If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (cfr.

Mt. 27:40). But the opposite was true: precisely because He was the Son of God, Jesus was there, on the cross, faithful to the end to the loving plan of the Father. It is precisely this reason why God “exalted” Jesus (Phil 2:9), conferring on Him a Universal KingOFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

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ship.

What do we see, then, when we turn our gaze towards the Cross where Jesus was nailed?

We contemplate the sign of the infinite love of God for each and every one of us and the roots of our Salvation. From that cross flows the mercy of the Father Who embraces the whole world.

Through the Cross of Christ, evil is overcome, death is defeated, life is given to us, hope is restored. The Cross of Jesus is our only true hope! This is important!

Through the Cross of Christ hope is restored! That is why the Church “exalts” the holy cross, and that is why we Christians bless ourselves with the Sign of the Cross. That is we do not exalt a cross, but the Glorious Cross of Jesus, a sign of the immense love of God, sign of our Salvation, and the path towards the resurrection. And this is our hope.

As we contemplate and celebrate the holy cross, we think with emotion of so many of our brothers and sisters who are persecuted and killed because of their faithfulness to Christ. This happens especially where religious liberty is still not guaranteed or fully realized. But it also occurs in countries and environments where, in principle, freedom and

human rights are guaranteed, but where concretely believers, especially Christians, encounter limitations and discriminations.

So today we remember them and pray in a particular way for them.

On Calvary, at the foot of the cross, was the Virgin Mary (cfr.

Jn 19:25-27). She is the Sorrowful Virgin, who we celebrate in tomorrow’s Liturgy. To her I entrust the present and the future of the Church, so that we may all discover and receive the message of love and Salvation of the Cross of Jesus. I entrust to her in particular the newlywed couples who I had the joy of uniting in Marriage this morning, in St. Peter’s Basilica.

After the recitation of the Angelus, the pope said: Dear brothers and sisters, Tomorrow, in the Central African Republic, will officially begin the Mission desired by the Security Council of the United Nations to promote peace in the country and to protect the civilian population, who are severely suffering the consequences of the ongoing conflict. While I ensure the commitment and prayers of the Catholic Church, I encourage the efforts of the international community, who are coming to the aid of Central Africans

of good will. As soon as the violence gives the way to dialogue, the opposing factions will put aside their special interests and strive to ensure that every citizen, no matter what ethnicity or religion they belong to, can collaborate for the edification of the common good.

May the Lord accompany this work for peace.

Yesterday I went to Redipuglia, to the Austro-Hungarian cemetery and the Sacrario. There, I prayed for those who have died because of the great war. The numbers are shocking! It’s estimated that almost eight million young soldiers were killed as well as almost seven million civilians. This makes us understand how war is madness! A madness which humanity has not yet learned the lesson! Because after that one, there was a Second World War and so many others that continue today. When will we learn, when will we learn this lesson? I invite everyone to look at Jesus crucified to understand that hatred and evil are defeated by forgiveness and goodness. To understand that war only increases evil and death.

And now I cordially greet all of you, the Roman faithful and pilgrims from Italy and from various countries.

Anchor Columnist The patron saint of multitaskers and multiple hat wearers

September 19, 2014

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e’re living in an age in which many are drawnand-quartered by workload, commitments and responsibilities.

Parents often work two or more jobs, in addition to raising their kids, serving as their taxidrivers, taking care of the majority of house chores and more.

Young students have to use calendar programs to keep all of their extracurricular activities organized, striving to find time in all their sundry rendezvous to do their homework and get some sleep.

Priests now must do by themselves the work that several priests once shared, while shepherding more than one parish and even taking on other diocesan assignments or pastoral commitments.

In the midst of so many activities and things to get done, it’s easy to begin to lose our sense of priority and our focus on God. That’s why there’s a particular need in this age of multitasking and of wearing many hats for a patron saint, someone who can show us how to keep things united with God in the midst of the whirlwind and to intercede for us to follow that example.

On September 27 in Madrid, there will be the beatification of someone to whom I’ve always looked to help me in just that way.

Don Alvaro del Portillo — who was born 100 years ago this March and died just after his 80th birthday in 1994 — was a Spanish engineer, priest, bishop,

L

ast week I mentioned some of the people I encountered on my recent train trip to Newark to visit with our new Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha.

I’d like to continue that journey at bit more, this time focusing on how different people can be.

I’m sure everyone reading this column has experienced the best and the worst that mankind has to offer — the way we’re treated, spoken to, spoken about, and thought of. Well my friends, I can’t think of a better place than New York City and the trip to and fro, to run into the full gamut of human nature.

Right from the start of our trip, Denise and I encountered or witnessed the good and not-sogood of humans.

At the Providence train station, I was sitting in the waiting area and a blind man came and sat next to me.

Just because he was blind wasn’t the stimulus to begin a

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Vatican II giant, author, friend time, something that would be of popes and paupers, and chief akin today to going to medical collaborator and successor to St. school and law school simultaJosémaria Escriva leading Opus neously. After he finished the Dei, which was founded in 1928 first, he began to work full-time to help people achieve holiness while completing the second. At in the midst of all their ordinary the same time he was traveling duties of life. as a consecrated layman all over I first heard about Don AlSpain, studying and sleeping in varo— “Don” is the Spanish and train cars, to spread the superItalian title for a secular priest — natural vision of Opus Dei. soon after he visited my hometown in 1988 to have a get together with Putting Into thousands of Catholics at the Lowell Memothe Deep rial Auditorium. When I began college a few

By Father months later and told Roger J. Landry some fellow Catholics where I was from, they asked whether I had gone to see him. I had no idea After the Spanish civil war who he was or what Opus Dei — during which Alvaro was was, but I soon found out. And imprisoned, mistreated and I’m happy I did. repeatedly in danger of death for Over the course of time, Don his faith — St. Josémaria asked Alvaro’s writings and words him whether he would consider began to have a big impact on studying to be a priest so that he me, especially with regard to could give Spiritual care to fellow sanctifying the ordinary things of Opus Dei members. He agreed. life. He had superb ability to give While doing all his seminary practical advice on how to unite studies and continuing his travels, one’s study and work to God. he also obtained on the side a But the greatest way he’s civil doctorate in philosophy and helped me is by teaching me literature. how to turn even occasionally After his ordination St. enormous amounts of work into Josémaria asked him to go to a unified prayer, an art he learned Rome. There he built Opus Dei’s from St. Josémaria. headquarters, worked on Opus When he was in his 20s, at Dei’s legal status, supervised its a time when engineering was expansion throughout Italy, got Spain’s most prestigious proa doctorate in canon law summa fession, Alvaro went for two cum laude, founded, taught moral engineering degrees at the same theology at and served as the first

rector of what is now the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, and served as St. Josémaria’s confessor and right hand.

St. Josémaria eventually nicknamed him “Saxum,” the Latin word for “rock,” because he was so steady at his side.

During the Second Vatican Council, while continuing his other tasks, Don Alvaro was appointed to assist on the council’s general congregation, as well as to serve on the Commissions for the Laity, States of Perfection, Media, Bishops and Clergy. He would eventually become the secretary of the Clergy Commission and the principal coordinator for writing Presbyterorum Ordinis, Vatican II’s decree on the priesthood.

After the council, he served on a staggering 13 different Vatican congregations, councils and commissions, including a very time-consuming service to revise the Church’s canon law. He did all of this while guiding Opus Dei and its 75,000 members worldwide, helping and then succeeding St. Josémaria, promoting St. Josémaria’s writings and canonization, and working to establish Opus Dei as a personal prelature.

I should mention that while doing all of this he was battling severe headaches and various other health complications.

How did he accomplish so much at the same time? It was through less sleep and more

prayer!

“I have to cut back more and more on sleep,” he once acknowledged, “but I’m happy to do it to fulfill the demands of my vocation.” But instead of cutting back on prayer, he increased it. “To multiply our time, we need to have more presence of God. Then we will work with greater peace and greater intensity and with more desire of doing things well.”

That constant time-multiplier of prayer also helped him to turn his work into the sacrifice of Abel, his desk into an altar, his agenda into a Liturgy of the Hours, and his life into a Mass.

No matter how busy we may be, few of us will wear as many hats, or as significant ones, as Don Alvaro wore for the last 60 years of his life. Even though we may not be able or asked to emulate his academic, organizational and pastoral fruitfulness, we can all learn from him how to sanctify our multiple tasks and convert the various hats God has given us into imperishable wreaths.

I’d encourage everyone to get to know him better by reading John Coverdale’s new biography of him, “Saxum,” or by visiting the rich site set up for his beatification, www.alvaro14. org — and to begin using him as an intercessor in all your life and work.

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

a bit. I finally (it’s a guy thing) conversation, but the fact that he asked for directions from a N.J. was wearing a Montreal Canacop in full ammo and uniform. diens jersey was.

He said he had noticed us walkIt turned out that the young ing aimlessly and thought we man loved all teams Canadian.

We talked about Canadian football, ice hockey, weather, and people. It was a great way to start the trip. When the young man left, I watched in admiration how he

By Dave Jolivet adeptly made his way through a busy train station by himself. would eventually stumble on the Once aboard Denise and I couldn’t help but listen to another right area. He chuckled when young man on the train. This one he realized we hadn’t and he cheerfully steered us in the right wasn’t so pleasant. He was on a direction.

Bluetooth phone and was obviWe stayed the night in the Big ously on a conference call with, Apple and made our way to one what I imagined, was a gaggle of of our favorite eateries, the NYC young business men. He seemed Hard Rock Cafe. to relish the fact others could We were greeted there by two hear his conversation. I was just young women who obviously glad I didn’t have breakfast. were annoyed by the fact that we When we arrived at Newark asked to be seated. Strange, bePenn Station we couldn’t find a decent waiting area to sit and rest cause that was their job. But once

inside the restaurant we were greeted and treated like rock royalty by the rest of the staff. Such a contrast from the pair just a few feet away that reminded me of Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets.

Once we had eaten we hit Times Square and it was wall-to-wall people.

Most were friendly and smiling, while others plodded along with heads down like a running back hitting the line of scrimmage.

We headed beneath the square to catch the subway back to the hotel. The train arrived and you couldn’t squeeze another human on board — but that doesn’t stop New Yorkers. I held tightly to Denise’s hand and yanked her on board. A woman tried to break our chain to no avail. “I didn’t know you were attached,” she muttered. A smile is all I could return.

At the hotel we again were

treated like royalty — until I checked out and found a $10 WiFi fee when it was supposed to be free. I questioned the desk clerk. He told me I signed on incorrectly and asked snarkily if the fee was going on my credit card. So much for royalty.

I often wonder why people act the way they do — some so nice and others not so much. I do realize that I’ll never know what they are going through in life, and I should give all the benefit of the doubt. Lord knows, I’ve had my share of bad days and took it out on the rest of the world. People, you gotta love ’em.

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

People

My View From the Stands

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ome years ago I had friends visiting and staying with me from out of state.

Planning to go to Mass that Sunday and knowing that I was preaching, they asked me what the Gospel was for that particular Sunday. It happened to be the same as this weekend’s Gospel: “The Workers in the Vineyard.” I recounted for them the story whereby men are hired to work in a vineyard and regardless of the time they were hired or actually worked they all received the same pay.

They responded immediately and passionately with, “I can’t stand that Gospel!” A little taken aback that anyone would feel that way about any Gospel, I was able to stay calm and curious enough to ask them why.

Their response to the question was as quick and deliberate as their previous statement.

They said, “It is not fair, it’s not just.” Let’s face it if we’re honest, it is a tough pill for us to swallow as well. All of us have all been brought up in and formed by a world where competition, getting ahead, comparison of wealth, win at all costs, and reward based on performance is deeply rooted in our culture. It becomes a way of thinking without thinking

September 19, 2014

‘Are you envious because I am generous?’ about it. It is our unconscious spective takes on new meaning. reaction and response to any We are all familiar with standard or way of thinking the Old Testament quote, “An that is different than ours. eye for an eye and a tooth for The first reading makes a a tooth.” The problem with critical observation which we this is simple; we would all be know is true, but to which walking around toothless and we seldom heed when it says, blind! This is not really justice.

“God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and Homily of the Week our ways are not God’s ways.” We would Twenty-fifth Sunday prefer to say that “Our in Ordinary Time thoughts are God’s thoughts and that our

By Deacon ways are God’s ways.”

Bruce Bonneau That in essence is the problem the workers in the vineyard have with the It is equal retribution and seeming injustice of the wages. revenge disguised as justice.

It is impossible for them to unWhen it comes to justice we derstand God’s thoughts and like to balance the scales, make actions when they are preoccuthings even, it’s our sense of pied with protecting their own. fairness. It is really a small Someone rightly said if we world of self-justification and really understood the powerhas nothing to do with the ful impact of Jesus’ stories forgiveness and mercy found in and parables we would all be a benevolent universe created wearing crash helmets! Today’s in God’s love. readings turn our unchallenged God’s way of justice is not thoughts and comfortable that everyone gets what they ways upside down and it’s a deserve which is made clear in good thing, because this week’s the Gospel or for that matter Gospel is not about equal pay, everyone gets the same thing, where money is the issue, but but that everyone receives what rather about God’s mercy and they need, regardless of when forgiveness and our lives are they get into the game. What the issue. Justice from this peris truly needed for all of us is

mercy and forgiveness. Who among us doesn’t need God’s and each other’s forgiveness?

We easily and quickly fall into the false assumption that we can earn God’s love. We think, “If I am good to God, then God will be good to me.”

It is a mirror image of the way we operate in so many of our relationships.

The truth in God’s relationship with us however, is that God doesn’t love us because we are good; we are good because God already loves us. God does not forgive us because of what we do, but almost always in spite of what we do.

There is nothing we can do to add to or subtract from God’s love for us. It is not a matter of meritocracy or earning anything, but remaining humble and honest enough to realize that we are all in need of the forgiveness and mercy. It is all gift and it is what we call grace. It is offered to all who accept the invitation to enter into the vineyard. All we can do is make ourselves available and open to the gift. Do we have the courage to enter the vineyard and “wager” on God’s

love being unconditional even if it seems too late in life to be redeemed? Is God’s promise real or is it empty?

The promise of Jesus is that we will never be “cheated” by God when it comes to His goodness, generosity, and love.

Jesus’ final point is to address those workers who were offended and resentful, having felt they were short-changed at the end of the day when He asks them why they are envious of their fellow workers. In essence He asks them: Why do you feel cheated? You received what I promised you. What Jesus promised to them and to us today is to be healed and set free from the shame that comes from sin. It is a place where our value is not predicated on what we do or how we perform but who we are; made in the image and likeness of God. When we truly experience that promise, why would we care who was first or last, what was earned or merited? Should we not be overjoyed that everyone received what they truly needed: God’s mercy and forgiveness?

Or “are we envious because God is generous?”

Deacon Bonneau currently serves at St. Mary’s Parish in Fairhaven.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Sept. 20, 1 Cor 15:35-37, 42-49; Ps 56:10c-12,13-14; Lk 8:4-15. Sun. Sept. 21, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Is 55:6-9; Ps 145:2-3,8-9,17-18; Phil 1:20c-24,27a; Mt 20:1-16a. Mon. Sept. 22, Prv 3:27-34; Ps 15:2-4b,5; Lk 8:16-18. Tues. Sept. 23, Prv 21:1-6,10-13; Ps 119:1,27,30,34-35,44; Lk 8:19-21. Wed. Sept. 24, Prv 30:5-9; Ps 119:29,72,89,101,104,163; Lk 9:1-6. Thurs. Sept. 25, Eccl 1:2-11; Ps 90:3-6,12-14,17bc; Lk 9:7-9. Fri. Sept. 26, Eccl 3:1-11; Ps 144:1b,2abc,3-4; Lk 9:18-22.

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here are many appeals to “authentic Islam,” which is purported to be peaceful, reverent of the human person, and an allied faith against an increasingly secular world. And yet, as many know, the foundation of much of the violence in the Near East is the difference of opinion concerning where authority lies: in the traditions of Islam as guarded by the Sunni leaders or in the leadership of those descended from Muhammed himself, the Shi’ites. The Muslim world is divided between them, and hostility and outright warfare between the two camps have ever been manifest over the centuries since the death of their prophet.

Christian authorities as well as political leaders often appeal to the “better angels” of Muslims worldwide, begging them to remember the inviolate nature of “innocents,” and the benefits of peaceful coexistence. Even our own administration has weighed in on what constitutes “authentic

Ultimate victory is not in the sword him be accursed” (Gal 1:8).

Islam,” admonishing its followers to eschew violence and honor Furthermore, Mohammed’s firm insistence (based on just such an the conscience of non-believers “angel”) that God had no Son in their midst. Indeed, with the would clearly identify his creed increased radicalization of belief, as antithetical to the Christian the very survival of Christians in many places around the globe depends on the good will of their Muslim neighbors.

While diplomacy and dialogue have their place in the higher echelons

By Genevieve Kineke of power, the Christian in his pew must focus faith, leading St. John of Daon other things — namely the mascus (d. 749) to insist that tenets of his religion and how Mohammed was a “forerunner firmly he believes them, for of the antichrist” and a “false countless followers of Christ, prophet.” facing the sword, have had to The most compelling dimencrystallize their true beliefs in sion of this threat is its ability to the twinkling of an eye. We, force us to reflect on the core of further removed, have yet time our faith: do we believe that Jeto think.

For starters, what do we make sus was the Son of God and that He redeemed us from our sins? of St. Paul’s (twice repeated!)

Ultimately, without acclaiming admonition: “But even if we, or the Resurrection of Christ, we an angel from Heaven, preach are no longer Christians. After any other Gospel to you than discerning whether we believe we have preached to you, let

The Feminine Genius

this central truth, we must consider whether we would be willing to die for it — as many have even in recent days. While the saints of ancient Rome’s Colosseum may simply be innocuous memorials on our Church calendar, their blood has been mixed in recent days with that of our contemporaries, who made this very profession before death.

Women, in particular, would do well to meditate on why we insist on enjoying the benefits of fundamental equality with men; why we value the ability to enter into exclusive marriages of our own choosing, and whether we want to live in a culture that seeks to protect us from sexual abuse or degradation. None of these are guaranteed by the Qur’an or the shari’a law that flows from it.

In the end, the bulwark against error and aggression is neither in weapons nor accommodation, for God is — in the Trinity of Divine

love, in His gracious Incarnation, and in the glory to be revealed in the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Authentic nuptial love in this world — whether through Marriage, consecrated life, or chaste fidelity strengthened by God’s Own grace — will increasingly prove to be the light in this present darkness, in contrast to the myriad lies pressing us from all sides.

Error cannot be resisted in a vacuum, nor can one lie wrestle with another for the sake of peace. The truth will prevail, and we will either prevail with it or perish in the chaos. Even our perishing — in the mundane sense — is victory if Christ is on our lips as we depart, for His Name is the wedding garment that will guarantee our Salvation in the end. Now, let us live as if we truly believe it.

Anchor columnist Mrs. Kineke is the author of “The Authentic Catholic Woman.” She blogs at feminine-genius.typepad. com.

September 19, 2014

Tuesday 16 September 2014 — Homeport: Falmouth Harbor — Opening of the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations here are many priests in our diocese who are bilingual and even trilingual. I am not one of them. Call me linguistically challenged, but I’m monolingual. Sometimes there’s even a question about that.

Come to think of it, there is another language I can read fairly well. I read body language, although not fluently. Body language can vary by individual and by culture but, generally speaking, it’s universal. It can never be the primary method of communication because there are too many nuances and variables. Nevertheless, reading body language can be helpful to those who work with people.

It’s a language you learn from observation.

When a priest is teaching, leading prayer, or preaching, he can readily tell when the people are with him and when he has lost them. Where have folks chosen to sit in the church or hall? Up close or as far away as possible? Are they making eye contact with you or studying the ceiling? Are they fidgeting with the bulletin? Fanning themselves with the missalettes?

Chatting? Feeding the kids Cheerios? Texting? Dozing off?

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Anchor Columnists Read between the lines

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people to be too comfortable.

What facial expressions do you These chairs are not La-Z-Boy observe? What is the overall recliners. They’re high-backed body language? wooden chairs, with a seat cushThe same principles apply ion as a concession. I also try to large assemblies, small group to keep a box of tissues handy. meetings, and one-on-one Sometimes heartfelt body lansessions. People speak volumes guage involves tears. without saying a word. I set the stage for communication beforehand by carefully choosing and placing the The Ship’s Log furniture.

Reflections of a In the Sacrament of Parish Priest Penance, the penitent usually has the option of

By Father Tim kneeling anonymously Goldrick behind a screen or sitting face-to-face with the confessor. Of course, if In the counselling room, the person chooses to remain the chairs are upholstered and behind a screen, you are unable a bit more comfortable. These to read body language. Even are swivel chairs so as to better remaining behind a screen can make eye contact by facing have its pitfalls. in the direction of the person The “screen” here is a piece speaking. There is also a low of white waffled plastic. The problem is, the plastic is jammed table separating the chairs. The table serves as a psychologiin place and not solidly fixed. If cal barrier and seems to make a penitent sneezes too hard, he people more comfortable. or she could easily blow out the In the council meeting room, screen and end up staring at the the chairs are hard. This encourpriest. I must remember to have ages meetings to end sooner that fixed before flu season. rather than later. The table is On the “face-to-face” side, oblong, rounded at both ends, there are two chairs. I arrange them at an angle so that the two to encourage eye contact and to signal that everyone at the table of us are not facing each other has an equal voice, but the table head-on. This seems to make itself is purposely a formidable people more comfortable. On personal barrier. A conference the other hand, I don’t want

table means business.

If I wanted more personal sharing, there would be a circle of chairs and no furniture between the participants.

In my office, I have a big desk. This is for very formal meetings. If I want to be a little less intimidating, I move my chair over and away from the desk. By the way, I have found it best in such a setting that the individuals sitting (or, rarely, standing) in front of me have clear access to the exit. It’s comforting to know one can make a beeline out the door.

When people arrive, the furniture speaks to them. Now let’s look at what my guests are themselves saying.

— One leg resting across the other, ankle to knee: American male posture indicating independence or stubbornness. If the ankle is also grasped by one hand, it means resistance.

— Legs crossed and parallel: If the knees and feet are pointing towards me, it means attentive but cautious. If the knees and feet are pointing away, it means disinterest.

— Legs straight and parallel: if the knees are pointing towards me, it means properness and

respect.

— One foot behind the other, with legs parallel: defensiveness.

— Legs apart, both feet on the floor: dominance, even arrogance or combativeness.

— Tapping the fingers: excitement or impatience.

— Lowered eyes: bored, embarrassed, deflective, or calm.

— Elongated blinks: nervousness, boredom, annoyance, disbelief.

— Looking away: disinterest.

— Direct eye contact: confidence.

— Eyes firmly closed: stress, alarm.* — Constantly twitching mouth: agitated, annoyed.

— Passing facial twitch: amused, irritated, excited.

— Tightened eye muscles: lying.

— Staring unblinkingly: hostility.

— Leaning forward: interest and engagement. * I need to be aware of my own body language. At an intense meeting, I may firmly close my eyes and rest my head on the table to minimalize visual distractions and better concentrate. People ask if I’m sick. “No, I’m just thinking. Sorry. Wrong body language.”

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

care. Living wills raise concerns, — who ask questions about however, because these docupatients’ health care wishes, and ments attempt to describe our check boxes on the form that wishes about various medical correspond to their answers. The situations before those situations facilitators receive training that actually arise, and may end up can lead them to paint a rather limiting choices in unreasonbiased picture of treatment opable ways. Given the breathtaktions for patients, emphasizing ing pace of medical advances, a potential negative side effects person’s decisions today about what care to receive or refuse may not make Making Sense sense at a later timepoint.

Out of In the final analysis, it is impossible and unrealisBioethics tic to try to cover every

By Father Tad medical situation in a Pacholczyk living will, and it is preferable to have a proxy, a person we trust, who can interact with the hospital and the while side-stepping potential health care team, weigh options benefits or positive outcomes. in real time, and make appropriPOLST forms thus raise sevate decisions for us as we need it. eral significant moral concerns: A new type of living will 1. The approach encouraged known as a “POLST” form — a by the use of POLST forms may tool for advance planning — also end up skewed toward options of raises concerns. The POLST non-treatment and may encourform (which stands for Physiage premature withdrawal of cian Orders for Life Sustaining treatments from patients who can Treatment) is a document that still benefit from them. establishes actionable medical 2. Filling out a POLST form orders for a patient’s healthcare. may preclude a proxy from exerThe form is typically filled out cising his or her power to protect with the help of trained “facilitathe rights of the patient, since tors” — usually not physicians the form sets in motion actual

medical orders that a medical professional must follow. As a set of standing medical orders, the POLST approach is inflexible. Many POLST forms begin with language like this: “First follow these orders, then contact physician or health care provider.”

Straightforwardly following orders created outside of a particular situation may be ill-advised, improper and even harmful to the patient.

3. In some states, the signature of the patient (or his or her proxy) is not required on the POLST. After the form has been filled out, it is typically forwarded to a physician (or in some states to a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant) who is expected to sign the form.

Thus, in some states, a POLST form could conceivably be placed into a patient’s medical record without the patient’s knowledge or informed consent. In a recent article about POLST forms in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, approximately 95 percent of the POLST forms sampled from Wisconsin were not signed by patients or by their surrogates.

Fortunately, in some other states

like Louisiana, the patient’s signature or the signature of the proxy is mandatory for the form to go into effect.

The implementation of a POLST form can thus be used to manipulate patients when they are sick and vulnerable, and can even lead to mandated orders for non-treatment in a way that constitutes euthanasia. The POLST template represents a fundamentally flawed approach to end of life planning, relying at its core on potentially inappropriate medical orders and dubious approaches to obtaining patient consent.

Notwithstanding the pressure that may be brought to bear on a patient, no one is required to agree to the implementation of a POLST form. Patients are free to decline to answer POLST questions from a facilitator, and should not hesitate to let it be known that they instead plan to rely on their proxy for end-of-life decision making, and intend to discuss their healthcare options uniquely with their attending physician.

Anchor columnist Father Pacholczyk serves as the director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

See www.ncbcenter.org.

Of proxies and POLSTs: The good and the bad in end-of-life planning

P

lanning for end-of-life situations is important. We should put in place an advance directive before our health takes a serious turn for the worse and we are no longer able to indicate our own wishes or make our own decisions. Advance directives can be of two types: living wills and health care agents.

The best approach is to choose a health care agent (a.k.a. a “proxy” or a “durable power of attorney for health care”). Our agent then makes decisions on our behalf when we become incapacitated. We should designate in writing who our health care proxy will be. The National Catholic Bioethics Center (http://www.ncbcenter.org) and many individual state Catholic Conferences offer helpful forms that can be used to designate our proxy. Copies of our completed health care proxy designation forms should be shared with our proxy, our doctors, nurse practitioners, hospice personnel, family members and other relevant parties.

In addition to choosing a health care proxy, some individuals may also decide to write up a living will in which they state their wishes regarding end-of-life

10

September 19, 2014 The recent Dartmouth 350 parade was the “main event” for the yearlong celebration of the town’s birthday. The Knights of Columbus from the Father Hogan Council #14236 in Dartmouth were out in full force. They were among the roughly 1,000 participants in the parade that drew a huge crowd throughout the three-mile parade route that started at the Dartmouth Middle School and ended at St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth. Pastor Father Rodney E. Thibault was one of those participating in the parade. There were approximately 120 groups and five divisions of marchers. Many communities, including Westport, Fairhaven and New Bedford, participated in the celebration. Planning for the event started more than a year ago. There were veterans groups, marching bands, horses, clowns, fire engines, police and sheriff’s cars, vintage cars, pageant queens, floats, folks in era costumes, a dance group and local businesses. The faith community was well-represented with the parishes of St. Julie Billiart in North Dartmouth and St. Mary’s participating with floats and marchers.

There were also other Catholic groups in attendance.

11

September 19, 2014

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

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

12

September 19, 2014

Details set for installation of Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. FALL RIVER — The Fall River Diocese will welcome a new shepherd next week as Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., is installed as eighth Bishop of Fall River.

The installation will take place in the context of a 2 p.m. Mass on September 24 at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.

Priests, permanent deacons, representatives of religious communities serving in the diocese, delegates from diocesan ministries and institutions, and two representatives from each of the 84 parishes in the diocese will join with family and friends of Bishop da Cunha for this significant event in the life of Fall River Diocesan Church.

Because of the limited capacity of St. Mary’s Cathedral, admission will be by ticket only.

WLNE-TV, Channel 6, New Bedford-Providence, will broadcast the Mass of Installation live, beginning at 2 p.m., and the station will stream it on its website, www.abc6.com.

It will also be carried live

by CatholicTV and the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), two cable networks carried by most cable television providers in the area.

As Metropolitan Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., will install Bishop da Cunha as Bishop of Fall River in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Carlo M. Vigano.

The Rite of Installation will follow the reception of Bishop da Cunha at the door of the Cathedral and include remarks by retiring Fall River Bishop George W. Coleman; an introduction by Cardinal O’Malley; the reading

by Archbishop Vigano of the

Apostolic Letter of Appointment naming Bishop da Cunha as the Bishop of Fall River; the presentation of the Letter to the Diocesan College of Consultors; and the escorting of Bishop da Cunha to his cathedra — or, chair — at which he takes possession of the diocese. Greetings to the newly-installed bishop will then take place from representative members of clergy, religious and laity together with ecumenical and interfaith leaders.

Bishop da Cunha will be principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass. Among principal concelebrants will be two preceding bishops of Fall River: Bishop Coleman, who has led the diocese since 2003; and Archbishop Emeritus Daniel A. Cronin of Hartford, Conn., who served here from 1970 to 1992. Cardinal O’Malley, who was Bishop of Fall River from 1992 to 2002, will preside at the Mass.

Lectors will be Claire McManus, S.T.L., who is director of Faith Formation in the Fall River Diocese, and Osvaldo Pacheco, a parishioner of Santo Christo Parish, Fall River.

The Fall River Diocesan Choir, whose members come from 13 parishes in the diocese, will lead music during the Mass together with representatives of the Brazilian Music Ministry and the Hispanic Music Ministry in the diocese. Music director and organist will be Madeleine Grace and cantors will be Elizabeth Heath and James LaFlame.

After the cathedral ceremony, Bishop da Cunha will greet participants and congregants at a reception at White’s of Westport.

The reception will later open to interested members of parishes from throughout the diocese who were invited to request tickets in recent weeks at their parishes.

Air dates and times for Bishop Coleman Thanksgiving Mass A video of the August 26 Mass of Thanksgiving honoring Bishop George W. Coleman is airing on several cable television public access channels in the diocese.

As of press time, the announced schedule is as follows: — Falmouth, cable channel 13, September 20 at 1:30 p.m.; September 21 at 3:15 and 10 a.m.; September 22 at 1 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and September 23 at 1:30 a.m.

— North Attleboro, Comcast channel 15 or Verizon channel 24, September 20 and 27 at 4 and 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; September 21 and 28 at 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.; September 22 and 29 at 12 a.m. and 4

p.m.; September 23 and 30 at 12 and 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; September 24 and October 1 at 3 a.m.; 2 and 10 p.m.; September 25 and October 2 at 6:30 a.m.; 2:30 and 10:30 p.m.

— New Bedford, cable channel 95, September 24 and October 1 at 2 p.m.

— Sandwich, cable channel 13, September 20 at 4 p.m.

— Somerset, cable channel 9, September 21 at 11 a.m.

— Taunton, Comcast channel 15 or Verizon channel 22, September 20 and 28 at 1 p.m.; September 21 and 28 at 7:20 p.m.; and 23 at 10 p.m.

Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Harry Connick Jr. and Morgan Freeman star in a scene from the movie “Dolphin Tale 2.”

For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Warner Bros.)

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

“Dolphin Tale 2” (Warner Bros.)

The real-life story of Winter, the female dolphin with the prosthetic tail, continues in this dramatic follow-up to the 2011 film, directed again

by Charles Martin Smith.

Several years have passed at the Florida aquarium where Winter is the star attraction, and her original rescuers — now teen-agers — are volunteer guides (Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff ). Crisis erupts when Winter’s pool mate and surrogate mother dies (a fleeting scene that may upset young viewers).

By law, dolphins in captivity must live in pairs, as they crave companionship and social interaction in the water.

The aquarium owner (Harry Connick Jr.) must rally the troops to locate another dolphin fast, or the authorities will step in and take Winter away. A rare Hollywood film that is wholesome and fun for all ages, with nice messages about family, responsibility, and perseverance. The Catholic News Service classification

is A-I — general patronage.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

“The Last of Robin Hood” (Samuel Goldwyn) The final years of swashbuckling actor Errol Flynn (Kevin Kline) are the subject of this film written and directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, a lurid account of the decline and fall of a once-beloved matinee idol. In 1957, Flynn is washed up as an actor, but still dashing and debonair, constantly prowling the movie studios for nubile young starlets to seduce. He lands one in Beverly Aadland (Dakota Fanning), a chorus girl on a Warner Brothers film.

Beverly dreams of stardom,

groomed from childhood by her pushy mother Florence (Susan Sarandon). In reality, Beverly is 15 years old, which doesn’t matter in the least to Flynn, who has been accused of statutory rape before (and was acquitted). They embark on a very public affair, with plans to marry. Fate intervenes, and a happy ending is not in store. A scene of rape, nonmarital sexual activity, partial nudity, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual banter, and frequent profane and crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, September 21, 11:00 a.m.

Celebrant is retired Father Thomas McElroy, SS.CC.

13

September 19, 2014

S

God wants to forgive us

eptember is a month of paradox. For those whose life marches to an academic calendar, September is a time for new beginnings. For those who follow the seasons of the year, September is a time for ending summer and assessing the bounty of a season of planting. For the Diocese of Fall River, September is a month of a new beginning and an assessment of the harvest as we say farewell to Bishop George W. Coleman and welcome Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha.

The Church in which Bishop Coleman served for 50 years has gone through enormous change, sweeping along with a pendulum that has swung through the Second Vatican Council, the 25-year reign of St. Pope John Paul II and into the uncertain times of a papal resignation.

Bishop Coleman retires just at the time when the winds of change are blowing through the Church that Pope Francis wishes to shape. This is the Church into which Bishop da Cunha will begin his time at the helm.

For both men, the challenges facing the Church are

I

dialogue with those disciples not locally grown. Throughout who, having left Jerusalem bethe world, pluralism, secularhind, are wandering aimlessly, ism, and fragmented values alone, with their own disapin the culture have twisted pointment, disillusioned by a the psyche of the Christian faithful. The Church has ham- Christianity now considered mered at the problem with old barren, fruitless soil, incapable of generating meaning.” methods that no longer offer The pope wants us to diaa compelling alternative to the logue with her people, and for larger culture. Pope Francis acknowledged that the erosion of the Church’s faithful is not going to be stemmed without renewing our approach.

Speaking to bishops in Brazil in 2013, Pope

By Claire McManus Francis compared these dissatisfied defectors to the disciples who fled a conversation starter we need Jerusalem and encountered only look to Jesus for a clue.

Christ on the road to EmFrom the moment that Zechamaus. “Perhaps the Church riah sang His praises about appeared too weak, perhaps the coming of the Messiah to too distant from their needs, the dying Words of Jesus on perhaps too poor to respond the cross, the central message to their concerns, perhaps too was forgiveness. The bishops cold, perhaps too caught up heard the message loud and with itself, perhaps a prisoner clear and have established that of its own rigid formulas. We the theme for this catechetical need a Church unafraid of year will be “Teaching About going forth into their night.

God’s Gift of Forgiveness.”

We need a Church capable of While most of the emphasis of meeting them on their way. the teaching will center on the We need a Church capable of Sacrament of Reconciliation, entering into their conversation. We need a Church able to we all know that forgiveness

The Great Commission

is not a subject that can be taught intellectually, but must be conveyed through the heart.

The Church fears that this generation has lost its sense of sin. Anyone who has raised children knows that from the time they are very little and through adolescence, they always know when they have broken the relationship with their most beloved. Why else would we receive so many apology notes in our Mother’s Day cards? Forgiveness, like love, may be our most primal need; the two walk hand-in-hand. If we can tap into that feeling of being reconciled with the one we love, then the foundation for teaching about God’s gift of forgiveness has been laid.

The hardest lesson to teach is that God really does want to forgive us. Many of the most pious Mass-goers have said that even though they go to Confession on a regular basis, they don’t feel worthy of God’s forgiveness. This demonstrates the complexity of forgiveness, for it is a system with many moving parts. To accept

Money is flying out the window

Shifting gears on Kalaupapa

turned the ignition key back of a truck on a dusty road. and without hesitation my Young people are quite flexible Paddy Wagon began to purr in and so they had no problem anticipation of the ride. Then shifting gears as well as vehicles.

I put the shift lever in forAfter visiting St. Philomena ward and suddenly something Church in Kalawao as well as snapped in the gear box. What a the graves of Father Damien, time to have this happen when I was about to take my young college visitors on a tour to Kalawao!

Still, it was providential that it happened here in

By Father Kalaupapa town rather Patrick Killilea, SS.CC. than on the way. SS. Damien and Marianne were surely watching out for us. Then along came Meli Father Shulte, Brother Dutton and Randall Watanuki, like the and our Sacred Hearts Brothers, Lone Ranger and Tonto riding we went on to Judd Park where to the rescue. Soon my young we had lunch under the trees passengers were seated in the overlooking the landing area back of the Watanuki truck and where many of the patients arwe were on our way to Kalawao, rived at the Kalawao settlement the former settlement. in those early years. On the Earlier that Sunday morning, way back to Kalaupapa town I had met John, Jared, Jennifer, we made the now customary and Ryan as they came off the hike to the Kauhako crater, the Kalaupapa trail. They had been students shod only in their flip school friends on Oahu and flops. Oh to be young again! are now in school in various In the afternoon I left this colleges on the mainland U.S. energetic foursome at the base For them this was an advenof the trail and headed for the ture as well as a pilgrimage. So airport to meet my classmate they didn’t mind riding on the from St. Damien Church on

Moon Over Molokai

Topside Molokai, Father Bill Petrie, SS.CC. He of the golden tongue and smooth flowing words had arrived to give the annual retreat to our young novice students, Matthew, Semisi and Esitio. So from Sunday to Friday they enjoyed the luxury of a beach house for their retreat. Some people have all the luck.

LOL. Since that eventful week, we have celebrated Pauline’s birthday at the pavilion overlooking the harbor. She is now 80 — going on 28. Tina has returned to topside Molokai to join her husband,Willie, in the workforce and Sister Sam has taken on a leadership role in Manoa, Oahu. She leaves me to keep an eye on Sister Theresa until a replacement arrives. I promise to keep both eyes on her! We all learn to shift gears here in one fashion or another and I have learned to do so also.

Hey, after all, my Paddy Wagon is still in sick bay. Aloha.

Anchor columnist Father Killilea, SS.CC., is pastor of St. Francis Parish in Kalaupapa, Hawaii.

God’s offer of Divine mercy, one must experience human forgiveness. To be forgiven, one must feel loved. To be free to accept human and Divine mercy, one must be a forgiver.

It is all so complex, yet it is all so necessary. In his book, “The God Who Won’t Let Go,” Peter Van Breeman, S.J. wrote that “in forgiveness something new breaks through in our world. Whoever wants to live creatively, must forgive. Without forgiveness we remain imprisoned — caught — in the demonic circle of endless repetitions, in a sterile and one-dimensional world far from God.” The world that offers so many challenges to our faith can never destroy the gift of God’s forgiveness. This should be great reassurance to our bishop who is leaving behind a Church that through all of its challenges faithfully preserved this essential teaching from Jesus Christ. The task set before our next leader is simple, for all he has to do is get the conversation started.

Anchor columnist Claire McManus is the director of the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.

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14

September 19, 2014

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent

40 Days for Life begins September 24

vided Highway 118, seek to save the lives of children and prevent ATTLEBORO — This fall, their parents from making decimore people have pledged to stand sions they will regret forever. The vigil in front of the Attleboro site attracts like-minded people abortion clinic than ever before. who come to pray for “the conThe 11th 40 Days for Life cam- version of the hearts of the clinic paign outside the Four Women staff and those of the mothers and Health Services begins September fathers.”

Howard, chairman of the 24, but the prayerful presence has Abundant Hope board, said that increased all year long.

“We hope that 40 Days for she hopes more parents will be Life may have played some small referred to the pregnancy resource part in this accomplishment, and center — located less than half a we look forward to welcoming mile from the abortion clinic.

“Abundant Hope offers pregmore new participants to join,” said Darleen Howard, one of the nancy tests, options counseling, adoption referrals, community campaign’s coordinators.

The kickoff event will take service referrals, maternity and place on September 27 with an baby clothing, diapers, wipes, ecumenical prayer service at the formula and baby food all free of vigil site at 8 a.m. and a Mass at St. charge,” she said.

Howard encouraged support Vincent de Paul Church at 9 a.m.

Howard added that all the Pro- of the center through its annual Lifers who come to Angell Park, a fund-raising dinner, which will narrow strip of grass between di- be held at Lake Pearl Luciano’s

in Wrentham on October 2 from 6:30-9 p.m.

In an email to vigil participants, the Attleboro 40 Days for Life coordinators said that participation by youth has also increased — during the campaign and at other times of the year. Another Pro-Life Boot Camp, organized by the diocese, was held at the site on a Saturday morning this summer. More than 30 young adults attended.

The coordinators called the event “a most powerful display of Christian charity.”

“These young men and women are powerful evangelizers of the Pro-Life message amongst their peer group and beyond. God bless the youth!” they said in the email.

Ron Larose, 40 Days Attleboro coordinator, noted that a second change this campaign will be where vigilers are legally allowed to stand.

used to house the school.”

As noted in a recent history BUZZARDS BAY — One prepared for St. Margaret’s Parof the youngest Catholic schools ish, which is also celebrating its in the Fall River Diocese is pre- 100th anniversary this year, St. paring to celebrate an important Margaret Regional School came milestone on September 27, about in the early 1990s when as students, staff, parents and families from parishes in the alumni are expected to come area began to express a desire together to mark the 20th an- for a more accessible Catholic niversary of the opening of St. school for children who lived Margaret Regional School in in Bourne and its surrounding Buzzards Bay. communities. They appealed to The event will be commemo- the then-bishop of Fall River, rated with a special anniversary Séan P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap., Mass at 4 p.m. inside St. Mar- to explore the possibilities and garet’s Church, followed by the he listened to their call.

14th annual spaghetti dinner in Since St. Margaret’s had an the school cafeteria at 5 p.m., existing parish center that, with with all proceeds to benefit modest renovations, could be scholarships for the graduates of more effectively used as a school, the Class of 2015. the diocese decreed that the par“We’re hoping that all our ish center would become a diocalumni come back to say hi to us esan school and be named St. and have a bite to eat during the Margaret Regional School. The dinner afterwards,” said Mary parish would continue to use the Jackson, who just began her sec- building for Religious Educaond year as principal of St. Mar- tion classes and special activities. garet Regional School.

In September 1994 the doors Founded in 1994, St. Marga- opened to kindergarten, grades ret Regional School is housed one and two. The immediate and within a one-level building be- favorable response brought forth hind St. Margaret’s Church on interest in additional grade levMain Street in Buzzards Bay els and a rapid expansion began. that was originally built as an In 1995 the school expanded to adjacent parish center in 1969. include kindergarten through “Bishop Sean O’Malley de- grade five. Each subsequent year cided that we needed some a class was added, bringing birth Catholic school representation to a middle school. By 2000 on the Cape, and this is the St. Margaret Regional School school he opened consequently,” graduated its first eighth-grade Jackson told The Anchor. “This class. was a parish center that the Noting that this was the first parishioners of St. Margaret’s Catholic elementary school raised the money to build, and to serve the area of Cape Cod they generously said it could be commonly referred to as the

“Upper Cape,” Jackson said St. Margaret’s currently has 175 students enrolled in grades prek through eight.

“We have students from Plymouth, from Wareham, and many from Cape Cod,” she said.

“Some students travel at least a half-hour to come here. The next closest elementary school would be St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth.”

As the sole administrator, Jackson works alongside 14 fulltime faculty members and nine part-time teachers.

“I have found that the teachers here are absolutely wonderful,” she said. “They are very good at what they do and they are always taking classes to try to learn more about their practice. They are very collegial with each other and they love the children; and the children certainly love them.”

Another key to the success of St. Margaret Regional School, Jackson said, is the ongoing support it gets from the families who make the sacrifice to send their children to a Catholic school.

“I’ve found the families here to be so good,” she said. “We call and they always come to help us, no matter what we ask. And the Catholic schools in the whole diocese have been so helpful and supportive to us as well.

We’ve gotten computer equipment from all the high schools; when they update their equipment they offer us their existing equipment. “(In this diocese) it’s a whole Catholic school family and ev-

In June, the United States Supreme Court struck down the 35-foot buffer zone outside Massachusetts abortion clinics. Under that law, the nearest place for Attleboro vigilers to stand was across the street in Angell Park. The clinic, located far from the road, has a private parking lot. As soon as the law was overturned, some Pro-Lifers have been standing just outside the driveway.

Since the space next to the clinic’s driveway is small, coordinators are encouraging the majority of vigilers to stay at the park across the street. An added benefit is that the group is more visible to traffic moving in both directions there, Larose said.

The new buffer zone law, passed in July, allows a single police officer the discretion to require anyone “substantially impeding” access to the clinic to stand back 25 feet for a period of eight hours.

Larose said that in the history of 40 Days Attleboro, there has never been a conflict with the police.

“It’s all pretty quiet,” he said.

“If law enforcement does come, everybody’s respectful of their requests, and we keep everything calm and peaceful.”

Larose added that 40 Days has an established code of conduct that puts town officials at ease.

This fall’s campaign will continue through November 2. Coordinators encourage groups and individuals to participate.

Anyone who would like to get involved can invite others, put up fliers advertising the campaign and sign up for a prayer time on the Attleboro vigil’s calendar at www.40daysforlife.com/attleboro.

Tickets for the Abundant Hope fund-raising dinner and silent auction may be purchased by calling 508-455-0425.

St. Margaret’s Regional School to celebrate 20 years

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

Students at St. Margaret Regional School in Buzzards Bay prepare a poster to promote the school’s upcoming 20th anniversary Mass and dinner on September 27. Pictured here working in the school gym are, from left, second-grader Lylah Carll, third-grader Abby Aflague, second-grader Julia Carll, and second-grader Luke Green.

(Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

erybody wants to help everybody else, we’re not in competition with each other.”

Another relative newcomer to St. Margaret Regional School, Father Bruce Czapla, OFM, pastor of St. Margaret’s Parish, likewise echoed Jackson’s sentiments about the importance of having a Catholic school presence in Buzzards Bay. “I firmly believe in Catholic education and am grateful that there is such a school here at St. Margaret’s Parish,” Father Czapla told The Anchor. “This school has done well because of its high standards in learning, and because it teaches knowledge of the Catholic faith and encourages the practice of this faith.”

A resident of North Easton and parishioner at Immaculate Conception Parish, Jackson — who was named principal of St. Margaret Regional School in July 2013 — did not attend Catholic school herself and admitted she sometimes feels like she “missed out.”

“There wasn’t a Catholic school near us and my father was a public school administrator, so we went to his school,” she said. “But my children all went to Catholic schools and my grandchildren are attending Catholic schools now, so it’s very important to us.”

For more information about St. Margaret Regional School, visit www.saintmargaretregional. com.

15

September 19, 2014

Bishop Connolly principal finds faith, family in China and Vietnam continued from page one

the journey with EduBoston, an agency that specializes in pairing up international students with host schools and families in the United States.

While Myron was traveling through China and Vietnam, his son John was staying in Beijing with Yufeng (Lucas) Wu, a student who has been staying with the Myrons for the past few years while he attended Bishop Connolly High School.

“John and Lucas have become great friends, and Lucas is part of our family,” said Myron. “So Lucas brought John to spend the spring break with him and his family in Beijing while I worked.”

Myron said it was Lucas and his family who arranged for him to attend Easter Mass at Wangfujing Catholic Church, whose patron saint is St. Joseph, in Beijing. “When I received my itinerary from the agency, it did not include time for Easter Mass,” continued Myron. “I told them that was part of the deal, and they made arrangements for it to happen. As a matter of fact everyone with the agency on the trip, most of whom weren’t Catholic, came to Mass as well.

“I was told that if you weren’t Chinese you wouldn’t be allowed in the church for Mass,

but we were and it was beautiful.”

Myron said many “barriers were broken down” during the trip. “The Holy Spirit is alive and well in China and Vietnam,” he continued.

Myron said he also attended Mass at a church in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, saying he witnessed the Mass and the Vietnamese people praying the Rosary. “There’s a strong Marian influence in Vietnam.

“The Liturgies are exactly the same in China and Vietnam as they are in the U.S., and the people there have a great hunger for Christ,” he told The Anchor. “Even the people who don’t know Christ, have a yearning for something, and Christ is Who can fill that void, in time.”

“Connolly has been involved with international students for about six years now. We now have eight students from China, and one each from the United Kingdom, Brazil an Vietnam.”

Myron said what he observed most in both Asian countries was the importance of family. “While the Chinese currently are only allowed one child, family is still very important to them; the mother, father, child and grandparents,” he said. “In Vietnam there isn’t that child limit, and the family

is equally as important there.”

Myron did meet the family of one of the two Vietnamese students enrolled last year at Connolly.

Myron said that working with the Chinese and Vietnamese and other peoples, is “a great way to evangelize. Hosting these students is uniquely tied to our school mission. I couldn’t have planned it any better.”

The program, Myron said, is open to all students, but when they come to Connolly they take theology classes and are exposed to the Catholic faith.

“Many students see what goes on here and go back home and they tell the people there about it. They see the truth and they share it.”

“I admit I was nervous going to a different country, especially during Holy Week, a time I usually spend with my family,” Myron said. “It was a challenge to go, especially since the Malaysian jet liner went missing around that time. But I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. It was a beautiful Spiritual journey, and I’m forever changed by it.

“I spent Good Friday in the air and I prayed up in the sky, and it was an Easter Sunday I’ll never forget.”

Dads are dads in any country. Bishop Connolly High School principal Christopher Myron, left, shares a moment on the Great Wall of China with Jingcheng Wu, the father of Yufeng (Lucas) Wu, a student at Connolly who is staying with the Myron Family during his enrollment at the Fall River school. The Myrons and Wus have become good friends through the international student program.

He added that the commitment from the student to the school and the school to the student is important, and the host families and schools take it very seriously, and things have worked out very well over the last six years.

“We hope to branch out even further in the future,” added Myron, admitting the world

is not as large as it seems thanks to the joining of international students and U.S. schools and the families involved.

“There’s so much to learn on both sides of the relationship,” Myron added. “God has this beautiful plan, and this trip helped me realize my role in that plan. I have to be open to whomever He sends.”

apply, with requests running the gamut, from transportation to off-island housing, to child care to alternative treatments like acupuncture and massage; “We are very open to helping the patient doing what they can to get well as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Donahue.

“The beauty of what we do is we raise money specifically to help island cancer patients and families with different costs,” said Donahue. “Every penny that we raise goes to all of the patients.”

Thanks to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, new medical oncology and hematology services are now offered at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, whereas the choices before had been seeking treatments either on the Cape or in Boston, said Donahue. Still, not every treatment type is available, and the group’s website offers a detailed resource list.

“All the money goes to the patients, and I think that re-

ally impresses people here,” said Donahue. “I have to say, this group is very close to my heart. I have been through breast cancer two more times, and the good news is I’m very well. I truly don’t know what I’d do without this group. One gal put it really well, that while she wouldn’t have asked to be diagnosed with cancer, in some ways it was a gift because of the people she has met through this group, and possibly may have never have met them in other circumstances.

“We are filling that need for year-round island people.

I think people think of Martha’s Vineyard as this wonderful, seasonal place that all the rich people come to visit their beautiful homes. The reality is that there is a very large, yearround population that are barely middle class, working hard to make ends meet, and when you have cancer thrown in that disrupts the financial part of their household, they are absolutely in need.”

Cancer support group growing, flourishing on Martha’s Vineyard continued from page one

just that much further ahead in her treatment, then maybe she had things to offer others in terms of experiences, like nausea — oh, this is what helped me. Getting mouth sores from the chemo? This is something to try; just those little things like that were really helpful.

“The good news is that we were there for those newly-diagnosed, the bad news is that, as we all know, cancer is an insidious disease and it doesn’t discriminate and affects so many people. More and more people were being diagnosed and finding out about us, mainly through word-of-mouth at that point.”

Due to the need for extensive treatments, many of the cancer patients found themselves having to travel off-island for chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, and individuals found themselves floundering in mounting medical bills, along with lost income from missing work for treatments. Suddenly, the support group members

realized that more than emotional support was needed for their colleagues.

“What began to slowly happen, through the years as we sat across the table from each other, what we realized was that, not only were these people in need of emotional support, they were really, really struggling financially,” said Donahue. “We began talking among ourselves, and exploring what it took to become a not-for-profit group so that we could start raising money.”

A lawyer working pro bono helped establish the Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, Inc. in 1996. Run strictly by a volunteer board of directors who meet once a month to review applications, the group started its efforts with a fundraiser that has evolved into the “Evening Under the Stars” annual event.

“Area restaurants and businesses have been just wonderful in donating all the food, drink and desserts. We have been

able to have that every year, and I think it’s become something people really look forward to,” said Donahue.

The fund-raising efforts also include an annual tennis tournament, blueberry pancake breakfast, and recently the group took over the Daffodil Days from the American Cancer Society. Earlier this year, during the board of directors monthly meeting, the group decided to reach out to the churches on the island, including the Catholic parish, where the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, Father Michael Nagle, is spreading the word and putting the group’s mission in church bulletins.

“It was a very effective way of getting the word out,” said Donahue.

Applications for year-round residents of the island can be found on the group’s newly established website: www.

MVCancerSupport.org, and the board of directors work to meet the needs of all those who

16

Youth Pages

The students at Coyle and Cassidy High School and Middle School Division in Taunton began their school year filled with excitement. After a summer that included many renovations and improvements, students in grades six-12 were welcomed back by faculty and administrators. All are busy learning, playing sports, and participating in numerous clubs.

September 19, 2014

St. John the Evangelist School in Attleboro sponsored a “Welcome Back BBQ” for the students and faculty. Under sunny skies, everyone enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and watermelon. Enjoying their lunch are eighth-graders Maddie Bissette, Lauren Chapman, Jocelyn Taylor and Anna Wagner.

Back to school at St. Mary’s School in Mansfield involved kicking off its final push for hole sponsors and golfers for the September 22 fund-raising tournament.

Preschoolers at St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary by making birthday cards and singing for Our Lady. It warmed everyone’s hearts when students in Ms. Cordeiro’s preschool-4 class delivered their cards and spontaneously held hands and hugged an image of the Blessed Mother at the school.

Faculty, staff, students and parents of St. James-St. John School in New Bedford enjoyed a cookout and open house during the first week of school.

September 19, 2014

I

received an email recently entitled, “Where is God in all of this?” and it is the same question that I get asked often. I believe it is a common question for those who put their faith out there and an even more frequent question for those of us who work for the Church. I hear it from my students many times. Just the other day in class we were talking about the existence of God and I asked my students why they think that people do not believe in God. There were many different answers but in each of my classes, the first answer was, “Because so much bad happens in the world that if there was a God, why doesn’t He do something about it?” It is absolutely a fair question to ask.

I am dealing with this question right now in a very personal way. My best friend’s nephew recently got diagnosed with Burkett’s Leukemia. He is almost seven years old and probably one of the sweetest little boys you will ever meet.

When Jordan was nine months old he was diagnosed with Williams’ Syndrome, a genetic disorder that resulted in him needing open heart surgery as a baby. Everyone who has had the pleasure and blessing of meeting Jordan understands

Youth Pages Where is God in all of this? what an amazing and loving child he is. He has had to battle his whole life so far but none greater than the battle he is going through now.

The question of where is God in all this was one that came at me pretty quickly.

Within moments of the news of the diagnosis, my friend went from despair to anger at God. “If there is a God, how can He allow this to happen?” “If there is a God, I want nothing to do with Him!” Just a few days later I would see another friend on Facebook write a post about a loved one he had lost, this being the second young person in his family to die in seven years. In his post he asked that people stop telling him that “God needed him” and that “God took him home” because if there was a God he did not want anything to do with Someone Who was so mean and evil.

It was so hard for me to see these people I care about so hurt and feeling so abandoned

by God. It was at that time that I received the email (which happened to be spam) entitled “Where is God in all of this?” and I thought maybe it was my sign to share what I thought on

this topic. Please understand that I am not writing as an expert in suffering and loss but rather a person who happens to be able to see God in the hardest of times. This does not mean that I do not get mad at Him or upset with Him, it just means

Be Not Afraid

By Amanda Tarantelli that God and I have come to an understanding that I will get mad for a brief moment, but with the help of His grace, I will quickly get over my anger.

So to get to my original point, where is God in suffering, I believe He is right there, in the midst of it, suffering beside you. I believe that when I am crying, God is holding me, crying with me because like any good father, He feels the pain of His children. He did not create us to see us suffer. He created us out of love, to be in a loving relationship with Him, a relationship designed to last for all eternity. It is like the beautiful poem, “Footprints” says, it is at our lowest moments, when

17

we no longer have the strength to stand up on our own, that God carries us. I think most of us have been to that really sad wake or funeral where we wonder how the family is making it through it. Those are the moments that I know that God is right there.

Tim Keller wrote a book entitled “Walking with God through Pain and Suffering” in which he writes, “You don’t really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have” (page five). There have been so many times in my life and in the lives of those I care about that I have seen them get through the day to day only by their recognition that Christ is all they have left. And that’s enough. Sometimes it feels like it is barely enough but He does help you hold on.

The other issue is if God loves us so much, why do we suffer? Again, I am no expert on this but unfortunately through our own sinfulness, things like disease, pain, disasters, war and ultimately death have become prevalent in our world. This is not what God intended for us but He had to allow us to choose to follow Him, choose to love Him and

so came freewill. Humanity sadly chooses to not always use our freewill to follow God and through that we caused sickness and destruction. Now I do not mean to imply that a child who gets cancer gets it because of his sinfulness.

What I believe is that humanity as a whole has brought illness and death through our neglect of the planet and the bodies that God gave us. The good news is that the grace that God provides us with during suffering only makes us stronger. Again Tim Keller writes, “A lump of coal under pressure becomes a diamond.

And the suffering of a person in Christ only turns you into somebody gorgeous” (pages 180-181).

I do not believe that God causes suffering and I firmly believe that He suffers beside us. He is right there waiting for us to lean on Him. I pray for all those who are suffering at this time and I hope that you too can see God in the midst of pain.

Anchor columnist Amanda Tarantelli has been a campus minister at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth since 2005. She is married, a die-hard sports fan. She can be reached at atarantelli@bishopstang.org.

for a trip to China by some of the students studying Mandarin Chinese, with the creation of the “China Excursion Club.”

Keavy said he hopes the relationship with China will

flourish and grow, and “We are beginning to explore a similar program for Brazilian students.

It would be a great fit for Cape Cod and also in light of our new Bishop Edgar da Cunha.”

Principal of Hyannis high school meets, greets Chinese students continued from page one

With that philosophy in mind, Keavy made the long journey to China this past April, along with leaders from schools in New York and Ohio, to make contact with families, agents and representatives of students who may have been interested in coming to the Cape Cod school this September.

“Eight flights in six days left me pretty tired,” Keavy told The Anchor, “but my interaction with families and students was the most beneficial aspect of the trip by far.”

Keavy made five presentations in four cities in six days, in addition to conducting a number of personal interviews.

“The major presentations took place in Shanghai, Nanchang, and Guangzhou.”

During the trip, Keavy explained, “I learned to understand and appreciate the journey that families take to place their child in an American school. I was able to hear the desires and plans that students have and that their par-

ents have.

“After these meetings, I feel much better prepared to bridge the inevitable gap in culture, language, and expectation.”

As a result of the whirlwind expedition, JPII High School welcomed five Chinese students this month; three juniors, one sophomore, and one freshman.

“To be sure, the differences in language, culture, and religious understanding can be significant,” Keavy said. “But we don’t consider them obstacles so much as opportunities to learn more about ourselves and others. Our international students have chosen to study in America in order to receive an American education, so they are willing to tackle those challenges.

“It’s incumbent upon staff members and domestic students, in the name of charity, to understand and appreciate the challenge that this poses for international students, and assist.

In the end, we will learn more about our culture, faith, and

ourselves as a result.”

The Hyannis school has already had an exposure to the Chinese language. “I’m proud to say that students in grades six-12 can elect to study Mandarin Chinese at Pope John Paul II High School and St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School,” Keavy explained.

“Several years ago, Dr. George Milot encouraged all diocesan high schools to offer Mandarin and we made it a priority. We are blessed with two excellent teachers of Mandarin in our unified school. I imagine that we are the only school on Cape Cod offering Mandarin Chinese from grades six-12.”

So far the transition from China to Cape Cod has been relatively smooth. “Our domestic students have been awesome — extremely helpful, welcoming, and appreciative of our international students,” Keavy told The Anchor. “This is no surprise as hospitality is a hallmark of JPII and SFXP students.”

Plans are already in the works at the Hyannis school

A sign advertising Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis was displayed at an education fair where principal Christopher Keavy made a presentation and met with families in Shanghai, China.

18

September 19, 2014

Priest from Syria discusses dire situation, needs in Middle East continued from page one

hoping that all Catholics would be just as quick to generously respond to the needs of fellow Christians in the Middle East.

According to Father Miranda, for the past three years Aleppo has been embroiled in a violent civil war that has destroyed the once-thriving Syrian city that is home to about 2.5 million people. While the vast majority of inhabitants are Muslim, Father Miranda said there is a small contingent of Christians living in Aleppo.

“A few years ago, I’d say maybe 15 percent of the population was Christian,” Father Miranda told The Anchor. “Now, I think it’s closer to 10 percent, if not less. We are clearly the minority within the community.”

Not only are Christians in the minority, they often find themselves caught in the middle of the warring factions on either side of the conflict.

According to recent Catholic News Service reports, more than 70,000 people — mostly civilians — have been killed and more than three million Syrians have been displaced inside the country since the uprising against President Bashar Assad began in March 2011. In addition, some 1.1 million people have taken refuge in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

“The problem is you have Palestinians on one side, Arabs on the other, and the Christians are stuck in the middle,” Father Miranda said. “It’s a completely different situation than what you have here in the U.S. You have Christians who are trying to live out their faith — just like any other Christian in the world — but they are caught in the middle of a war raging in

the Gaza Strip.”

“Both sides have preconceptions about the other,” he added. “People have their own beliefs and they don’t understand or appreciate the other’s style of life.”

While “everyone receives some form of help from the United Nations,” Father Miranda said Christians must rely solely on the Church for support.

“Our mission (in Syria) is to evangelize the culture,” Father Miranda said. “We are trying to bring Christ to the people.

We go to the places where the Church can’t go due to circumstances.”

It’s clear that Father Miranda is very passionate about his missionary work in Syria, and despite the hurdles he’s had to overcome, he remains optimistic.

“As a priest, I lean on my faith,” he said, smiling.

A native of Chile in South America, Father Miranda was ordained a priest in 2006. Before coming to Syria, he previously ministered in Bethlehem, Egypt, Jordan, the Gaza Strip, and for a brief time in Argentina. While serving as a deacon just prior to his ordination in the latter country, he got to know the future Pope Francis.

“He’s a very humble and simple man,” Father Miranda said of the pontiff.

In May, Father Miranda briefly met with and spoke to Pope Francis about the grave situation in Syria, during his weekly general audience.

“I greeted him and introduced ourselves as missionaries in Syria,” Father Miranda wrote on his blog. “Instantly

the laughter was gone and the countenance of Pope Francis saddened, unable to hide the deep pain that this war has caused him. We talked a bit about the situation and conveyed to him the gratitude of our people for his prayers. It lasted only a few moments, but they were very intense. Saying goodbye to us, the face of the Successor of Peter lighted up again as he encouraged us with lively enthusiasm ‘Keep going forward in the missions! Keep going forward!’”

In fact, it is this worldwide missionary focus that first drew Father Miranda to profess to the Institute of the Incarnate Word order.

“I was working towards my master’s degree in fine arts when I decided I had to do something else,” Father Miranda recalled. “The Institute of the Incarnate Word community came to do a mission near where I lived at the time and they talked about the work they were doing, trying to bring Christ to the people in a simple way, but with a sense of radicalism.”

That brief encounter not only convinced Father Miranda to give up his studies and career to become a priest, but also to pursue missionary work in the Middle East.

“I wanted to do missionary work in the Middle East because it’s Jesus’ land, it’s the Holy Land,” he said. “It’s the same place where Jesus walked, and where He suffered. It’s where the Church began. It’s where St. Ignatius of Antioch came from. The first eight popes were from Syria after St. Peter, as were many fathers of the Church.”

Of course, Father Miranda probably never realized what he’d be getting himself into when he agreed to come to Syria.

At the height of the conflict, there was a period for six months where they were incommunicado and friends and relatives outside of Syria feared they might be dead.

“We had a bomb attack very near our cathedral, which killed

more than 450 people in 10 minutes,” he said. “We had no way to contact people, so our first message posted to Facebook was: ‘We are alive. We are trying to do Christ’s work.’”

Fluent in Spanish, Arabic and English, Father Miranda’s message is clear in any language.

“I think we all need to be more grateful for the blessings we have everyday,” he said.

“Take, for example, electricity.

You have electricity here in the U.S. and you don’t think about it. In Syria, we sometimes have electricity for one hour a day.

And without electricity, there are no lights, no telephones, no Internet, not even pumps for water. At one point, we only had water for two hours every 10 days. And this has been going on for almost four years now.”

Currently on a missionary trip to the U.S. that will next take him to New York, Father Miranda noted this is the first time he’s been able to travel and let the world know about the devastation in Syria.

“People (in Syria) often ask me: ‘Why doesn’t the pope or the Church do anything for us?’ The thing is, people are so involved in their own lives and problems, it’s sometimes difficult to think of people living in other places,” Father Miranda admitted. “When people perceive that they are not being abandoned, it makes a big difference. They feel like the Church is helping them.”

In fact, if not for the support of the Catholic Church, Father Miranda said the current situation in Syria could be a lot worse.

“In Aleppo, the Church prepares and provides 17,000 meals everyday for students, children, and workers in colleges and schools,” he said, adding that most of the schools, hospitals and dispensaries have been severely damaged or completely destroyed.

“Like any other parish in world, there is a sense of hope and peace,” he said. “But we have to remain very prudent in our decisions moving forward.”

Going back to that 13-yearold girl’s question — “What

Visit The Anchor online at http://www.anchornews.org

can we do to help?” — Father Miranda said there are two ways.

“First, we ask for your prayers,” he said. “Prayer can help you to understand that you are sharing in the suffering with us. It’s like Christ told St. Paul: ‘Why are you persecuting Me?’ Today, it’s our conflict. We are the persecuted Christians.

“Second, we could use economic support. Right now, the only financial support we are receiving is from the Church.”

Father Miranda’s simple but sincere approach certainly seemed to resonate with people at Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish.

“We are grateful that Father Miranda came to share his story with us,” said parishioner Carol Oliver. “It reminds me that we are part of a larger Christian family all over the world and we need to pray for one another and support one another.”

“Father Miranda has awakened my responsibility to pray for the needs of our fellow Christians in the Middle East and around the world,” agreed parishioner Sue Auger. “May God keep him safe and well as he serves the Catholics of Syria.”

“Father Miranda spoke with the Confirmation classes about his work and showed them images of Aleppo from 2010 and contrasted them to today with all the fighting,” said Tim Mitchell, director of Religious Education at the New Bedford parish. “The students asked good questions and Father Miranda asked them to commit to pray a Hail Mary daily for the people of his parish.”

While Syria is essentially a melting pot of 33 different groups or sects representing some 60 countries and varied political interests, Father Miranda said he answers to just one person.

“My job is to be another Christ,” he said. “Jesus is the King of peace; without Jesus, there is no peace.”

For updates about Father Miranda’s missionary work in Syria or to make a donation, visit www. facebook.com/soschristiansinsyria or soschristiansinsyria.wordpress. com.

At the request of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, a second collection will also be taken at Masses this weekend (September 20-21), to be used by Catholic Relief Services to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs facing the people in Iraq, Gaza, Syria and surrounding countries where refugees have fled.

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September 19, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAIRHAVEN — St. Mary’s Church, Main St., has Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Reconciliation, with Benediction at 11:30 a.m. Also, there is a First Friday Mass each month at 7 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration. Refreshments follow.

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

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

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

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has Eucharistic Adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass and concluding with 3 p.m. Benediction in the Daily Mass Chapel. A bilingual holy hour takes place from 2 to 3 p.m.

Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

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

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

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

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

Please use the side entrance.

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

NEW BEDFORD — St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, 565 County Street, holds Eucharistic Adoration in the side chapel from 7:30-11:45 a.m. ending with a simple Benediction NORTH DARTMOUTH — Eucharistic Adoration takes place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m., ending with Benediction. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available at this time.

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

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

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

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

Mass.

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

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

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

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

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

Fall River school to host workshops on life and human dignity

FALL RIVER — A morning workshop presenting two women who are experts in fields of intense concern in matters of human dignity and respect for life, has been scheduled for September 27 at Holy Name Parish Center School, 850 Pearce Street, Fall River.

Attorney Patricia D. Stewart, an expert on end-of-life issues, will present information about the Medical Order for Life Sustaining Treatment Form that has been introduced into patient care in Massachusetts, and what a patient should know before signing. She will describe how to avoid the pitfalls of MOLST forms that can inappropriately limit medical care for a patient with chronic illness or at end of life. Stewart will present alternatives that are available to avoid such risks.

She is the executive director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life and author of “The Health Care Decision Guide for Catholics.”

Dr. Angela Franks will present a session on “Contraception and Catholicism: What the Church Teaches and Why.” She is a full-time professor at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John’s Seminary and maintains a notably active speaking and teaching schedule in other ven-

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Sept. 20 Rev. Simon A. O’Rourke,USN Chaplain, 1918 Rev. Omer Valois, Retired Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1958 Sept. 21 Rev. George Pager, Founder, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 1882 Rev. George Jowdy, Pastor, Our Lady of Purgatory, New Bedford, 1938 Rev. William H. Crane, SM, Superior at National Shrine of Our Lady of Victories, Boston, 1988 Sept. 23 Rev. Antoine Charest, SM, Former Assistant St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River, 2001 Sept. 24 Rev. Joseph E.C. Bourque, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Fall River, 1955 Sept. 25 Rev. Robert J. Woodley, S.J. Missionary, Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River, 1857 Sept. 26 Rev. John J. Donahue, Assistant, St. William, Fall River, 1944 Rev. Flavius Gamache, SMM, Former Pastor, St. Peter, Dighton, 1996 Rev. John C. Martins, Former Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River, 2008 Rev. Clement E. Dufour, Retired, Former Pastor, Sacred Heart, New Bedford, 2009

ues that draw upon her expertise in abortion, eugenics, the Theology of the Body, Marriage, contraception and feminism as well as other topics. Her doctorate is in theology, and she holds a master’s degree in philosophy.

Her latest book is “Contraception and Catholicism” (2013).

Earlier works include “Margaret Sanger’s Eugenic Legacy: The Control of Female Fertility” (2005), and a chapter contributed to “Women, Sex, and the Church” (2010). She resides with her husband and six children in Boston.

The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coffee and pastry will be offered. There is a registration fee of $5 to cover cost of materials. The Parish Center has ample parking and is handicap accessible. All are welcomed, but kindly contact Barbara Wenc, 508-675-1098 to confirm your reservation in advance.

The event is hosted by the Holy Name Parish Respect Life Committee, and sponsored by the Greater Fall River Chapter of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, Inc.

Around the Diocese

Josée Vachon will be performing her first concert after moving back to New England, on Sunday at All Saints Parish, 323 Rathbun Street in Woonsocket, R.I. beginning at 2:30 p.m. It will be an afternoon of traditional songs, sing-alongs and many selections from her last two CDs. Tickets are $10 at the door.

For more information, call 401-762-1100 or 401-765-0468.

St. Julie Billiart Parish, 494 Slocum Road in North Dartmouth, will host its Septemberfest on September 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature a parish yard sale, Portuguese bazaar, and an art, book and bake sale. It’s fun for the whole family and all are welcome.

A Mass of Healing will be celebrated September 23 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main Street in Centerville in the Msgr. Perry Parish Center. The Healing Mass is offered on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. and is sponsored by Our Lady of Victory Catholic Cancer Support Group. Immediately following the Mass, a presentation will be made by Scott Woodman and Deb Mareb from the YMCA in West Barnstable. They will speak about the Livestrong Program, a free 12-week program open to cancer survivors and those currently in treatment. All are welcome. For more information contact Geri Medeiros at 508-362-6909.

A fund-raiser to benefit the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Food Pantry in New Bedford will be held September 27 at 5:30 p.m. (after the 4 p.m.

Mass). The food pantry, along with support from the Knights of Columbus, is hosting a clam cakes and chowder dinner. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased ahead of time or at the door. Please come join them to support this worthy cause.

Maria Rocha of the Mission From God Healing Ministry will present a teaching and conduct a healing service on September 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Parish, 126 School Street in Taunton. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 4 p.m. This event is sponsored by The Living Word Prayer Group. For more information, call Mary Leite at 508-8222219.

The 40th anniversary of Portuguese Pilgrimage Day will take place on September 28 at La Salette Shrine, 947 Park Street in Attleboro. Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate Mass at 3 p.m. with music provided by the Our Lady of the Rosary Choir from Providence, R.I. Confessions will be heard from 1 to 4 p.m., with the praying of the Rosary in Portuguese at 1:30 p.m. The shrine cafeteria will be open to serve visitors.

On October 3 at 7 p.m. Bob Curley, whose 10-year-old son Jeffrey was murdered in Boston in 1997, will share his personal about-face journey from vengeance to forgiveness at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. All are welcome to hear Curley discuss “Beyond an Eye for an Eye” and refreshments will be served.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 2282 Route 6 in Wellfleet, will host its annual Holly Fair on October 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on October 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair will feature beautiful theme baskets, a quilt raffle, books, teacup raffle, homemade items, toys, ornaments, baked goods, wreaths, a silent auction, white elephant sale, jewelry, cookie table, and much more. Free photos with Santa will be taken from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 11. Lunch will be served as well. For more information call 508349-1853 or 508-255-6076.

St. Mary’s Parish, 106 Illinois Street in New Bedford, is hosting its annual Holiday Fair in November and is looking for crafters. The fair will be held November 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact Linda at 508-995-4166.

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September 19, 2014 To advertise in The Anchor, contact Wayne Powers at 508-675-7151 or Email: waynepowers@anchornews.org

St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet recently hosted A Day With Mary, at which about 100 people enrolled in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

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