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FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS

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VOL. 41, NO. 42 •

Friday, October 31, 1997

FALL RIVER, MASS.

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Bishop O'Malley issues statement opposing death penalty Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., issued the following statement October 23 before passage by the state House of R~presentativesof a bill restoring the death penalty in the Commonwealth ofMassachusetts. On Oct. 28 the House passed the measure 81-79. It now goes to committee for reconciliation with a similar Senate bill passed E!arlier this month. Passage of the legislation will make Massachusetts the 39th state to impc>se capital punishment.

Catholic Church's opposition to the death penalty The. Catholic Churqp's opposition to the death penalty 1s ba~iedontQe conViction that h~man life . is sacred and that deliberately to extinguish a life inevitabjytends todirninish the value of all human life. This in no way contradicts the aspirations of society to redress crimes and insure the safety of our people. The truth is that the violence of our age and the devaluation of human life are coarsening us and undermining our moral judgment. We are turning into a society where inconvenient human beings Clre eliminated, whether they be children of unwanted pregnancies, or the elderly with some incurable malady. Our goal must be to seek effective punishment for violent crimes without compromising the values we hold.

History demonstrates that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to crime, that it is not applied equitably, and that, at times, innocent people have been executed for crimes they did not commit. Nations throughout the free world h~ve come to see that capital punishment does not have a place in modern democracies. We are capaQle of developing other methods of dealing with violert crimes rather than government sponsored violence.

To debate the death penalty at a timey.Jher'l·the entire community is outraged over recent atrocities is not a responsible way to deal with this issue.

Legalizing the· death penalty now would help people feel better bU1t would not make us better people. It will have allowed the criminal element in our midst to dehumani2:e us, to make us more like it.

We hope tl1at our elected officials will not use the recent tr8lgic events to exploit people's sentiments for poli1tical advantage. Too much is at stake.

-Most Reverend Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap.

.AT UIA MEETING, from left, Fall River Fire Chief Francis McDonald and Our Lady of Assumption, New Bedford, parishioner Dorothy Lopes address the gathering; above, part of the large crowd in attendance. (Gaspard photos)

Fall River, New Bedford churches join to improve quality of life in cities Some 800 persons attended the Oct. 27 inaugural meeting of United Interfaith Action (VIA) held at St. James parish hall, New Bedford.

They included members of 20 Catholic and other congregations, together with priests, ministers, union members and area politicians.

The gathering culminated over three years of meetings of New Bedford and Fall River clergy seeking to organize an interfaith coalition that would work "to restore the faith of New Bedford and Fall River residents in their local governments by asking [those governments] for accountability within a framework of cooperation."

Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., opened the meeting with a prayer for hope offered in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. Rev. John Mueller of United Methodist Church, Fall River, chaired the evening's program, himself speaking on the seeming lack of opportunities for youth in New Bedford and Fall River, and the need for

more active police response.to drug dealing and vandalism in both cities. Rev. John 1. Oliveira, pastor of St. John Baptist parish, New Bedford, discussed the history and purposes of VIA. Other speakers included Frederick Kalisz and Mayors Rosemary Tierney, New Bedford, and Edward Lambert, Fall River. Discussing conditions in both cities and posing questions to the mayors were Ms. Dorothy Lopes for New Bedford and Ms. Lean Ferland for Fall River. Both mayors expressed support for the VIA agenda and agreed to follow up on the Oct. 27 gathering with regular meetings with members and also to attend a general meeting planned for spring, 1998.

Police chiefs Francis McDonald of Fall River and Arthur Kelly of New Bedford were asked to agree to increasing police presence in certain neighborhoods and also to maintain contact with VIA members.

Catholic parishes represented at the meeting were Holy Name, Our Lady of Health, St. Anne and Santo Christo in Fall River and Our Lady of Assumption, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart, St. James and St. John the Baptist in New Bedford.

Craig Gaspard, assistant diocesan director for the Campaign for Human Development, among UIA founders, represented the diocesan office of Catholic Social Services.

He noted that "Cities of Hope," as the Fall River-New Bedford alliance has been termed, aims to unite "people of different faiths who have many visions but one goal: to improve the lives of the residents of these two diverse and creative cities."

Those interested in joining the project may contact the UIA office by mail at 635 Purchase St., New Bedford, 02740; in Fall River call Ray Gagne tel. 673-4670; in New Bedford Elmer Stanley, tel. 9938976.

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THE ANCHOR -:- Diocese of f<illl River ~_F:ri." Oct. 31, 1997

FROM LEFT Rev. Bartley MacPhaidin, CSC, president of Stonehill College, North Easton, Thomas J. Whalen, award recipient, and Bishop O'Malley. (Kearns photo)

420 gather for Catholic Schools Scholarship Dinner been established to assist a Coyle and Cassidy graduate who chooses to attend Stonehill.

At the end of the dinner, five students who received financial aid through the Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund spoke about their appreciation for the assistance they received. The students commented on the economic and social challenges they have faced ---, with limited financial resources. Several of the stu'W dents are in single :;>arent househo Ids having.,lost a parent wcently, and expressed their appreciation for being able tc' continue to learn in a stable, safe, Whalen was a i Christian envi"friend" to students, ronmeni. Their parents, staff, and JOSEPH H. FEITELBERG administration. Rev. com m.e n t s were really the high point of the ocBartley MacPhaidin, CSC, President of Stonehill College, spoke to casion as attendees heard fir:;t hand what their gifts have been abl e to acacknowledge Mr. Whalen's contribution, not only to the Catholic complish. school community, but also to his Those students who spokl~ at the alma mater, Stonehill. In his name, dinner included Colin'Capotosto of Notre Dame; Michael and Jessica a $20,000 _sc~olarship fund. has rl Depolito, Taunton Cathl?lic Middle Evangelist Church, Pocasset, Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM , , School; Silrah Chase of Bishop Cap." bless~s the, parish'~" new Madonna Prayer Garden Stang; and Merritt Walsh, I~ishop (above); below, 'N,lththe bishop, from left, retired Father, Connolly.;Students on hand ru; greeters included Alicia deSousa, TaunFranCis Et Connors, Who resides In the Pocasset parish,and ton G:atholic Middle School: Katie pastor Father Robert C. Donovan stand beside the new statue.. and Whitney Eager, and Andrew (photos by parishioner,David G. Curran) Offiler of St. Francis Prep; Alyssa and Kristen Hondromik2.lis of Bishop Feehan High School, and David Moses and Amy Riendeau of Bishop Connolly.'

Bishop Sean O'Malley, in his final remarks, expressed deep grati~argaret~cFadden tude to all who made this year's Mrs. Margaret (Duggan) McFadden, 92, mother of Father Bartley event a success. Although the site MacPhaidin, CSC, president of Stonehill College, North Easton, died and date of the 1998 dinner have yet Oct. 25 at her home in County Donegal, Ireland. Her Mass of Christian to be arranged, Bishop O'Malley anBurial was offered Oct. 27 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Calhame, nounced that Mr. Richard Lafrance County Donegal, with her son as principal celebrant and nine other priests of White's Restaurant in WI~stport as concelebrants. Nieces and nephews sang at the liturgy. has accepted the invitation to serve In addition to Father MacPhaidin, she is survived by a daughter, Maras chairperson, and Mr. Ti mothy garet, with whom she lived, and five other sons, John, Hugh and Patrick Cotter of the Fall River Five Cents of Donegal; James of London, England; and Tadgh of Dublin, also by SPEAKERSAWAIT their turn to address the gathering at Savings Bank will serve as, vicemany grandchildren. chairperson.

Stonehill College has established the Margaret McFadden Scholar- the Catholic Schools Scholarship Dinner. From left are Merritt Special recognition was g::ven to ship Fund in her memory, to which donations may be sent in care of the Walsh of Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River; Colin Mr. and Mrs. James M. Riley, who Capotosto of Notre Dame, Fall River; Sarah Chase of Bishop work together throughout the year college at 320 Washington St., North Easton 02357.

A memorial Mass will be offered at the college at a date to be an- Stang High School, North Dartmouth; and Truman Taylor, to maintain contact with the benenounced. emcee for the evening. (Kearns photo) factors and with the schools.

The third annual Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund Dinner was held this year at White's restaurant in Westport. The event brought together 420 friends of Catholic education and has made possible an additional $200,000 to provide partial scholarship assistance to students who demonstrate a need. This year's dinner brings the three year total to over $500,000. Truman Taylor, Director of Programming and Public Affairs and Interim News Director for ABC TV Channel 6 emceed the evening. Rev. William T. Garland, Director of Catholic Education, gave the invocation.

Bishop Sean O'Malley praised the efforts of this year's chairman, . Mr. Joseph H. Feitelberg of the Feitelberg Company in FalJ River, and complim~nted him and members of his committee who were responsible for making the event a success once again. Mr. Feitelberg paid special tribute to Mr. Thomas 1. Flatley of the Flatley Company and Mr. Patrick Carney of the Claremont Companies for their extraordinary and continued leadership and financial support in making the dinner a success.A eight minute video provided a - summary of what the Catholic' ,'schools throughout the Diocese of Fall River are providing for the more AT A PRO-LIFE MAss held earlier this month at St. John ' , , ' . ' , â&#x20AC;˘

than 8,000 young people enrolled in the schools. The video highlighted that many more students do not attend these schools as they cannot afford the tuition. It ,is partial scholarships like these that make these dreams possible.

A special award, given annually to an outstanding individual who has served our schools, was presented to Thomas J. Whalen. This year's ...._ _,.....honoree retired last June after 39 years as religion teacher, business accounting teacher, and guidance: director at . Coy,le and Cassidy High. School in Taunton. As a testimonial last spring, virtually all the speakers reflected on the fact that

'!IIIII

Correction Last week the Anchor published the online website for the Diocesan Health Facilities Office incorrectly.

The correct address is www.dhfo.org.

NEED AGOOD PWMBER?

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MEN CLAPPED their hands to the lively music 6f the Christian group "Spirit" which led the worship at the Wake Up Call for men held Oct. 25 at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River. About 225 men from throughout the diocese attended the event. (Anchor/Mills photos)

Wake IJp Call a success His Excellency Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM, Cap., presided at the first ever diocesan "Wake Up Call" for men held at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River last Saturday.

Some 225 men joined Bishop O'Malley on a day which provided the participants with opportunities through prayer and sharing to renew their commitment to godly living.

The day was structured :in a rally format and it served to mark the beginning of a new step forward for men's ministry in the diocese.

Many phenomena in contemporary society point to the growing realization on the part of glXlly men that something has been lacking in their spiritual lives and the "Wake Up Call" was designed to meet the need for spiritual awakening found in many men's hearts.

It was over a year ago that Bishop O'Malley, sensitive to the indications of an existing vacuum in our Church's response to the special needs of Catholic men, launched a plan to create new opportunities for their spiritual enrichment.

Taking their cue from such groups as the "Promise Keepers," and the "Men of St. Joseph," an ad hoc committee emerged, directed by Msgr.

Thomas 1. Harrington, pastor of Holy Name Church in New Bedford and Secretary for Spiritual Development and Apostolates. Serving on the committee were representatives of the many Catholic organizations which historically have enlisted men, along with some from recently organized spiritual groups. Members of the diocesan corps of permanent deacons were key participants in the committee work, bringing their personal experience and perspective as husbands and fathers to the deliberations.

Those gathered for the day of renewallistened to several speakers including former BC all-American football player Mike Ruth who spoke about his personal journey to deeper commitment to Christ-like discipleship, recognizing the Lord as the center of his life. The music of "Spirit," a musical ensemble well known throughout Massachusetts, was on hand to help entertain and bring the diverse group of men from all areas

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TIlE ANCHOR (USPS-545..()20) Periodical fustage Paid at full River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first 1\',0 weeks in July aoo the week after Chrisb113S at 887 Highland Avenue, full River, Mass. 02720 l!f the Catholic Press of the Diocese of full River. Subscription price l!f mail, postpaid $14.00 per year. fustmasters send address (;hanges to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

of the diocese into a united community of faith.

Another speaker sharing his message with the gathering was Dick Kiernan from the Manchester, New Hampshire, Diocesan Office of Spiritual Development. A leader in the Men of Sl. Joseph, he predicted great developments in the Fall River diocesan initiatives in cultivating men's spirituality. During his presentation he also announced that there will be a rally for all Catholic men from throughout New England at the Lowell Auditorium, April 18th of next year.

Participants at the "Wake Up Call" had opportunities to visit booths arranged in the lobby of the school where various groups of apostolates which enlist men were distributing information. Those on hand inCluded Secular Franciscans; the Cursillo Movement; Knights of Columbus; First Friday Club; Young Adult Ministry; Charismatic Renewal; Men ofSt. Joseph; and Men of the Sacred Heart.

Members of the permanent diaconate from both the Cape Cod and Taunton-Attleboro areas helped to conduct "breakout" meetings for men from the various geographic sections of the diocese, as did Brother John Sweeney, a member of the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance in the New Bedford Community, and leaders of the Men of St. Joseph.

Bishop O'Malley celebrated the Mass for the assembly, joined by several concelebrating priests. The lector was Louis "Bud" Miller, director of the Diocesan Young Adult Ministry and one of the organizers of the "Wake Up Call." The bishop encouraged and challenged all present to deepen their personal commitment to Christian discipleship.

The "Wake Up Call" is seen to be the initial step in an ongoing program of initiatives designed to promote the bishop's vision and the committee's goals. A data base has been created from those who participated and will be used to maintain communication with what is expected to be a growing number of Catholic men affiliated with the renewed diocesan men's ministry.

A series of followup meetings have been scheduled already and participants in the "Wake Up Call" were invited and urgt~d' to attend and to bring along a friend. The schedule for the next area followup meetings is as follows: Cape Cod area - Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich; Fall River/New Bedford area - Nov. 1$ at St. Mary's Cathedral in downtown F.R. also at 7

p.m.; and the Taunton/Attleboro area - at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at St. Joseph's Parish in Taunton.

There also is a Catholic Men's Leadership Training program from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 for

those men who would like to start diocesan service committees. It will be held at St. MaryaI' the Hills in Boylston, MA and those interested in attending should call tel. 678-2828 for more information.

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THE ANGHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct.·3L, 1997

the living word

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Chinese Check,ers Once a parlor game, Chinese Checkers has become a political one. This week's state visit to Washington of People's Republic of China President Jiang Zemin is somewhat of a contradiction of our Constitution as the land of the free hosts the president of the enslaved and impr!soned. It seems a conflict of ideals that Zemin, a visiting tyrant, will travel the Freedom Trail from Williamsburg to Boston, the road of our own deliverance from tyranny.

It is sad that we can scuttle all our ideals for profit. Make no mistake about it, this state visit is nothing more than ap exercise in American capitalism, with commerce triumphing over conscience.

For our government to consider it a political priority is simply wrong. Market politics should never influence a democracy while people in another land are being enslaved and incarcerated.

'By wining and dining the Chinese president, we are tacitly approving him as our partner and ally in the political arena. Somehow this process is viewed as an economic purification which in the long run will produce an atmosphere which will benefit civil and religious liberties. The only ones who will gain from such a mind-set will be the moguls of Wall Street and Beijing.

Somehow Washington seems to be Ignoring the fact that our times have witnessed profound changes in the attitudes of people and in the ways that they are joined together r~sulting from cultural, economic and social developments. These developments are having a great impact on the life of the political community, especially with regard to universal rights and duties connected to the exercise of civil liberties and attainment of the common good. This situation does not obtain in China and unfortunately bur headlong business plunge-into that country has ignored this.

We have somehow lost our sense of awareness of personal and individual rights but we should recall not only to the world family but to ourselves that they include the rights of free assembly, of common action, of expressing personal opinion and of professing our' religion both privately and publicly. We must voice adamant disapproval of any kind of government which blocks civil or religious liberty, adds to the number of victims of political crimes and is a vehicle of self-service for those in power.

Today personal freedom does not exist in China. Religious persecution is intensifying. Catholics and Muslims are singled out as enemies of the state. Still Mr. Clinton defends his "pragmatic policies." The managers' of business agree with this mind-set because it expands trade. But by following the presidential policies we negate the universal common good and ourselves become an obstacle to the family of those nations that condemn the notion that persecution and repression are integral political necessities.

It is imperative that we once again let the world know that America believes that progress begins and develops from the efforts of people themselves. More and more voices are rightly joining together to disapprove any kind of government that blocks civil and religious liberty. No better way to attain a truly human political life exists than that of fostering and supporting the inner sense of justice, goodwill and service and strengthening basic beliefs about the true nature of the political community and the proper exercise and limits of public authority.

More voices should be raised to confront the divisive policies of Washington. Our National Conference of Catholic Bishops should speak out strongly on this issue. A mere in-house paper or reflection does little to safeguard our own civil liberties, let alone express condemnation of the abuses of the Chinese government.

Christians who cherish their own freedom of expression should not remain passive inthe face of this effrontery.' Every American, regardless of religious persuasion, should be alarmed by the action of powers that honor one person and openly dishonor others.

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A GIRL DRESSED AS HER FAVORITE SAINT STANDS WITH ACROSS ON ALL SAINTS DAY, A FEAST CELEBRATED NOV. 1 THAT COMMEMORATES ALL OF THE BLESSED IN HEAVEN, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE NO SPECIAL FEASTS.

"You are fellow citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the capstone."

Ephesians 2: 19·20.

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Strip away'sin of racism

several times, "It's in the Bible!"

The Springer show was in stark contrast to what I saw the next day I took a day off recently to strip on C-SPAN: live coverage of the varnish from the woodwork in our Promise.Keepers rally in Washingliving room. Of all the things I'd ton, D.C. Promise Keepers is an rather do in life, this is far down the ecumenical Christian men's movelist. My wife and kids were out of ment that seeks to have men know town visiting my father-in-law in God better, be better husbands and Pittsburgh, so it was just me and the fathers, teardown walls of division and help bring God's love to the woodwork.

Sampling afternoon television world.

Part of the rally called men to during a lunch break, I came upon "The Jerry Springer Show." Al- . seek racial reconciliation and repent though 1 ,had never' seen the talk for racism', both personal and genshow, I knew Springer invites guests .erational. In fact, the sixth of seven with bizarre views-on life onto his promises of a Promise Keeper calls program. On this day, itwas white men to "reach beyond any racial supremacists. and denominational barriers to On the .program, some told demonstrate the power of biblical The Editor Springer, a Jew, that he was going unity."

The scene at the rally was movto hell because he wasn't a Chris.tian. -Springer_showed a' video of -ing. African-Americans, whites arid 'some of his guests speaking.at Ku others hugged; a few cried. . Klux Klan rallies advocating hatred .

In the book, "Seven Promises of for African-Americans and infer- a Promise-Keeper," founder Bill OFFICIAL NEWS'PAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER ring that Anglo-Saxon Americans McCartney offers what we in the were God's chosen people.

Catholic tradition would call an exPublished weekly. byihe Catholic-Pressof the;Diocese of FalrRive-r Especially sad was the home amination of conscience. He writes: 887 Highland Avenue P.O..BOX 7 "In God's p'resence, ask yourself video of a mother, a Klan member, Fall River. MA 02720 .

Fall River, MA 02722-0007 teaching her preschool-aged chil- questions like these: Do I truly not Telephone 508-675-7151 .dren to hate African-Americans and consider myself better than people FAX (508) 675-7048 to believe in the tenets of the Klan. of one or more other races - more.

Send address changes to P.O. Box 7 or call telephone number above . '-'Are you going to join the Klan intelligent, creative, honest, hardwhen you grow up?" she asked one.' working, moral, trustworthy? How "Yes," said a gleeful young voice. would I feel if a minority family sat EDITOR - .GENERAL MANAGER Seated on the stage before an next to me in church, invited my Rev. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault angry studio audience, the woman family to a picnic in a public park, ~ Lf,A"" "'(55 - FALL AlYEA defended her actions by shouting or moved in next door? How would

theanch~·

By

GARY LONCKI LAKE SHORE VISITOR, ERIE, PA.

I react if my Sunday schoolteacher ormy child's teacher was a person of another race? How about if my new boss was a person of color? . How would I respond if my child married someone of a diJferent race?

"Ask yourself such questions, keep in mind these words given by the Holy Spirit of God through the Apostle John: 'If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For everyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he (God) has given us this command: Whoever loves God must.also love his brother'" (1 Jn 4:20-21).

- That's a stiff challenge Jor all .who struggle to follow Jesu •.

Stripping woodwork is a tedious job. But you feel a sense of accom-' plishmentwhen you admire tiJe bare wood cleared of varnish and then restain it to a more pleasing ,:olor.

Searching the darkness of our hearts for our personal racil:m and other sins is not welcome work ei- ' ther. But admitting and confessing our sins helps Jesus get us down to the '·'bare wood" and allows him, ' through the sacrarnent 9f reconciliation, to "restain" us with his saving blood.

In a few days, I'll h~lp my wife strip the hardwood floor in the living room. No one ever said repentance is easy.

recommended that cremation take place after the funeral Mass, since presence of the body of the deceased at the Mass clearly brings to mind the life and death of the The question of cremation and of the Church and the practice of person and better reflects what the the presence of cremated remains the majority of Catholics. Burying Church affirms in its rites. at Catholic funeral Masses has gen- the body of the deceased in a grave Though this is still the prefererated much discussion and some or tomb is in imitation of the burial ence today with regard to cremaconfusion over the years. of Jesus' body and is encouraged tion, the new appendix of the OrThe United States Conference of as a sign of Christian faith. der of Christian Funerals permits Catholic Bishops' Committee on Since 1963 the Church has al- diocesan bishops to allow the presLiturgy recently reported that use lowed for cremation of a body in ence of the cremated remains of a of cremation by Cat.holics has be- cases of necessity as long as it is body at the funeral liturgy. The come significant in the past ten not chosen as a sign of denial of change was requested by the U.S. years. It noted that in certain states Christian teaching, especially that. Bishops' Conference in response to cremation of the body is used in of the resurrection .of the dead and economic, geographic, ecological more than 40 percent of all funer- the immortality of the soul. The and family 'considerations, which als. In general, cremation is used Order of Christian Funerals, which can on occasion make cremation of in 20 percent of all funerals across provides the rites to be celebrated the body the only feasible choice. the nation. for deceased members of the The new appendix was approved To be sure, the customary tradi- Church, did not make provision for for use in the U.S. in October after tion of a funeral Mass in the pres- the presence of cremated remains Vatican consent in July. ence of the body followed by burial at the funeral Mass. The Church In a letter to priests in this dioof the body remains the preference cese, Bishop Sean O'Malley OFM, Cap., indicated his decision "that the presence of cremated remains may be permitted [at the celebration of a funeral liturgy] according to diocesan pastoral guidelines."

The guidelines state that permission is granted under the following conditions: that the cremation not be inspired by motives contrary to Christian teaching; and that the Dear brothers and sisters, priest judge which rite of the celHaving presented the doctrinal basis of devotion to the Blessed ebration of the funeral liturgy be Virgin Mary, the Second Vatican Council exhorts the church's used, taking into account the conmembers to prorr'ote the different forms of Marian piety, espe- crete circumstances in each indicially liturgical devotion to the mother of God. This includes ven- vidual case, in harmony with the eration of sacred images, the legitimacy of which was affirmed spirit and content of the Order of by the Second Council of Nicea. Far from implying idolatry, ven- Christian Funerals and the appeneration of sacred images of the mother of God and the angels dix regarding cremation.

According to the guidelines, the and saints leads to worship of Christ, who is glorified in the lives final disposition ofcremated remains of the witnesses to his glory. In particular, loving contemplation of images of the Blessed Virgin Mary helps us to recall Mary's of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human constant and tender presence, to invoke her assistance in the body from which they came. Credifferent circumstances of life, and to imitate her~ generous ac- mated remains should be buried in a ceptance of the will of God. Authentic Marion devotion springs grave or entombed in a mausoleum

Guidelines announced for cremation funeral rites

Weekly General Audience Message Pope John Paul II

from faith and from the loving recognition of Mary's unique dignity and of her role in her son's work of solvation. It evokes feelings of filial affection and prompts us to imitate her virtues.

I offer a special word of welcome to the visitors from Trondheim, Norway, led by the Catholic bishop, the Lutheran bishop and the mayor, and including the Cathedral Boys Choir.

Dear friends, you have wished to return the visit which I mode to your city eight 'dears ago. I congratulate you Clnd your fellow citizens on the 1,lJOO-year celebration of Trondneim's foundation. Thank you and God bless you!

Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims, especially those from England, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, the Philippines, Canada and the United States, I invoke joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.

November 1

1924, Rev. William H. McNamara, Pastor, St. Mary, Mansfield 1927, Rev. Louis N. Blanchet, Assistant, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River 1944, Rt. Rev. Msgr. John F. Ferraz, Pastor, St. Michael, Fall River 1953, Rt. Rev. Msgr. George F. Cain, Pastor, St. Mathieu, Fall River 1987, Rev. William E. Farland, Pastor, St. Joseph, Taunton 1988, Rev. William F. Gartland, CSC, St.onehill College, North Easton 1994, Rev. John F. Sullivan, SS.CC, Retired Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford .

November 2

A memento for the repose of the souls of our. bishops, priests and per. manent deacons not on this list.

1923, Rev. Joseph S: Fortin; Founder, St. Jean Baptiste, Fall River 1933, Rev. Michael V. McDonough, Chaplain, St. Mary's Home, New lBedford November 3

1988, Rev. Jose M. Bettencourt e .

Avila, Retired Pastor, O.L. Mt. Carmel, New Bedford November 4

1990, Permanent Deacon James M.O'Gara

SCOUT RETREAT-Participants in the 1997 Catholic Committee on Scouting's Fall River Scout Retreat put rosaries together as part of a service project during their busy weekend recently. From left are Alison Lima and Alisaa Gottschalk of Girl Scout Troop 494 of Taunton working with Mary E. Geovaron on the project. The weekend provided many activities and opportunities for Boy and Girl Scouts of the diocese.

November 6

1933, Rev. Patrick S. McGee, Founder, St. Mary, Hebronville November 7

1985, Rev. 1. Edmond Tremblay, Retired Chaplain, Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 31, 1997 or columbarium. This would preclude the practice of scattering the cremated remains at sea, from the air or on the ground, or keeping them in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased.

In his letter, Bishop O'Malley says that the occasion of the death of a member of the Church and "the concern expressed by the Church for

5

the deceased and grieving family should be a moment ofsensitive pastoral care and evangelization."

It is his hope that these additional options for Catholic funeral rites will help meet the particular spiritual and social needs of the times, offering the deceased and bereaved family and friends the love and rituals of the Church.

CHRISTMAS FAIR Corpus Christi Parish Quaker Meeting House Rd. Sandwich Fri., Nov. 7th 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 8th 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Director of Liturgical Music 1600-household Catholic Stewardship Parish seeks musical director, keyboard and soloist; choir and cantor development; all liturgies, weekends, children's, funerals, weddings. Must be collaborative, long range planner to work in congenial setting. Committee work required. 20 hrs/wk on site. Inquiries by mail only.

Send resume to: DLM Search Committee St. Mary's Rectory 41 Harding Road Fairhaven, MA 02719-4500

6

THE ANCHO~ -

Dio,<ese.of Fall River.-:- Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

news Briefs Reliel and solidarity BALTIMORE (CNS) - Leaders of Catholic Relief Services and other faith-based agencies plan to visit faminestricken North Korea Nov. 4-8 as a sign of solidarity with the people and to bring relief supplies. They plan to deliver $100,000 worth of multivitamins and iron-mineral supplements to children and pregnant or nursing mothers. Members of the interfaith delegation are making the trip as representatives of four groups that comprise the Interfaith Hunger Appeal: CRS, Church World Service, Lutheran World Relief and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

$waziland persecution CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) - Bishop Louis N. Ndlovu of Manzinl, Swaziland, said he was harassed by Swazi police in an attempt to scare him off criticizing the government. The authorities have given contradictory rea~ sons for an armed police visit to the bishop's house at 10:30 p.m. Oct. 14, said a statement issued by Bishop Ndlovu, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference and the only Catholic bishop in Swaziland.

At the time, police said they were looking for a white Toyota Corolla with a South African registration, but they did not search the bishop's property for the car, the bishop's statement said. The following day, after The Times of Swaziland reported the incident, a junior officer went to see the bishop and apologized, calling the visit a "courtesy call:'

Chinese propaganda VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Chinese government's official report on religious liberty is not a factual document but "a pUblicity pamphlet:' according to an editorial in a Vatican-related news bulletin. Fides, a publication of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, said the Chinese report was issued to coincide with President Jiang Zemin's Oct. 26-Nov. 2 visit to the United States.

"If the meeting between Jiang Zemin and (President Bill) Clinton takes place without clear mentions of religious rights, there is little hope for the world. Peace is born only from justice and freedom:' said the article, written by Father Bernardo Cervellera, a missionary formerly based in Hong Kong.

Irish harmony DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) - Catholic Relief Services has signed a "global accord" with Trocaire, the Irish church's overseas aid agency. Not only will the deal imprbve both agencies' ability to respond to emergencies, it will also improve their long-term campaigns, said CRS Executive Director Kenneth F. Hackett. "It will help harmonize our two Catholic agencies' responses to worldwide structural injustices," he said.

Romero statue SAN SALVADOR (CNS) - Church leaders in EI Salvador have welcomed the news that a statue of the late Archbishop Oscar A. Romero of San Salvador will be erected outside London's Westminster Abbey alongside other modern-day martyrs. But a member of the governing rightist ARENA party called Archbishop Romero "unworthy" of such a distinction. San Salvador Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle told reporters Oct. 19 the statue "is a recognition of (Archbishop Romero's) martyrdom .., and reflects his following:'

Bishops don't agree WASHINGTON (CNS) - The general secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops said a New York Catholic priest's recent analysis of Christian relations with Muslims "does not reflect policies, attitudes or understandings of the NCCB." Responding to a letter. of complaint from the Council on American- Islamic Relations in Washington, known as CAIR, Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr said that because of "public statements of the church, I can certainly understand Why you found the remarks in the October issue of First Things very offensive." First Things is the monthly journal of the Institute on Religion and Public Ufe in New York. The exchange of letters between the council and NCCB was prompted by the regular column of Father Richard John Neuhaus, the journal's editor in chief. Father Neuhaus had cautioned "against delusions; for instance, the delusion that a Muslim-Christian dialogue can be constructed on a basis more or less equivalent to the Jewish-Christian dialogue of recent decades."

Saints are still with us

"

.'.;\.

, Stories of the saints always have been a reading Miguel Pro, martyred in ~exico simply for being a priest; Jesuit Father Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the choice for me. I marvel at their lives, so fixed on God great scientific visionary; and Archbishop Oscar but so devoted to others.

Yet I tend to think of saints as people of other times, "Romero, the martyr of San Salvador.

The author tells the stories" of several who were other places. I realized how wrong that is when I bekilled by the Na"zis for their love of others, including gan to read a new book titled "All Saints, Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets and Witnesses for Our Time" (Crossroad).

Written by RoberrElIsberg, editor-in-chief of Orbis Books, this book is a feast for someone like me. He tells 365 stories, one for each day of the year, each a . minibiography of a person he feels deserves the name "saint."

Some of his choices are familiar canonized saints:

By Antoinette Bosco St. Francis of Assisi, Sl. Thomas Aquinas, Sl. Teresa of Avila and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

More surprising are unfamiliar names like Blessed Josephine Bakhita, Joao Bosco Bournier and Hagar the Jesuit priest Alfred Delp, the Lutheran theologian the Egyptian.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Hans and Sophie Scholl, Even more unexpected were stories of the Godbrother and sister, devout Christians who courageously loving people of this century and our day, such as fought Nazi tyranny. They believed, "We must attack Father Henri Nouwen and Jesuit Father John Courtney evil where it is strongest, and it is strongest in the Murray. power of Hitler." They were captured and beheaded.

An additional surprise was the inclusion of people Ellsberg says he chose to profile people whose not of the Roman Catholic faith, like Eberhard Arnold, "sanctity was not simply a garment they wore but a founder of the Bruderhof community; Sojourner quality that was expressed through struggle and conTruth, evangelist, abolitionist and women's suffrage flict as they lived their lives. By exploring a range qf activist; Anne Hutchinson, a Puritan prophet; Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved Jews lives far beyond the official canon of saints, I hope to from the Nazis; and Albert Schweitzer, the missionexpand the popular understanding of holiness itself." ary doctor and Nobel laureate.

This book renews hope. The stories are beautiful The author acknowledges that some might find witnesses to the fact that people can be fully human, fault with his selections. He says he singled them out yet so illuminated with concern for others that they because all are people "whose lives and message, I serve as true signs of God. believe, speak to the spiritual needs of our day."

ElIsberg quotes Cardinal Emmanuel Suhard, who ElIsberg believes readers will recognize "heroic sancsaid that to be a saint means "to live in such a way tity" when they see it. that one's life would not make sense if God did not I was surprised and thrilled to see that the author exist" And that, after all, is what living according to the included Christlike people I had read about, who lived Gospel really means. just before or during m~ lifetime. There were Father

The Bottom Line

The challenge of"getting kids to eat right Dear Mary: Every year when my children go back to school I resolve to encourage better eating habits. Like most children, they love fast foods and turn up their noses at anything new or unusual.

What do you suggest? - Massachusetts Your problem is certainly common if not universal, and it has been going on for decades, even before fast-food restaurants. If it is any consolation, some adults who now enjoy a wide variety of foods were most persnickety as children.

You don't want to wait for adulthood to introduce your children to a variety of foods. You will not change your family overnight. Here are a few suggestions.

I. Begin to teach your children to cook. As much as possible allow them to learn to prepare dishes of their own choosing. Besides being practical, they are apt to become more interested in foods in general.

2. Gardening is another way to develop children's interest. As fall approaches, try some pots of herbs indoors. Next year you might try growing a few vegetables. Many children who scorn cooked veggies will happily "graze" on raw veggies.

3. Have 'specific snack times at a decent interval between meals, and stick to the schedule. A planned snack two hours before the next meal is wise.

4. Serve small portions routinely, giving children a chance to ask for seconds. Children routinely leave large amounts of school lunches and restaurant meals.

Throwing away half of a child's food becomes routine.

At home, serve child-size portions to encourage the idea that food is to be eaten. When you introduce new foods or less popular ones, serve a very small portion. If the new food goes uneaten, it's a small matter. Ignore it.

5. When planning a meal, do not ask children, "What do you want?" but rather, "Would you like (one choice) or (another choice)?" Offering two choices gives the child a part in the decision but allows you to select things that you consider good for your family.

6. Foods which require the diner to "do something" are often popular with children. Raw veggies might be rejected unless you serve low-fat salad dressing for dipping. Fruit chunks can be skewered and dipped in fruit-flavored yogurt Put out chunks of meat and veggies, and allow each person to assemble his or her own shish kebob.

7. Finally, if you cannot beat 'em, join 'em. Serve

foods that children love, but adapt them to be lower in fat and sugar and higher in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

-Pizza can be an excellent food. Use chee:ie sparingly; substitute ground poultry sausage; add veggies.

-Serve whOle-grain pancakes with fruit.

-Use low-fat ground poultry in spaghetti sauce.

-Try a variety of pasta dishes with a variety of toppings.

Family Talk With Dr. James & Mary Kenny -Chicken is popular both as a fast food and as home cooked. Try recipes in which you remove the skin and use tasty low-fat, low-salt coatings or sauces.

If your children reject some dishes totally, do not be discouraged, and do not rush to prepare another entire meal. Let them eat the parts they like, and then let them wait until the next regularly scheduled snack or meal.

Most cooks are challenged by trying to cook for children. Instead of trying to introduce radica::Jy new foods, determine what your children like, and I~xpand those choices into new, healthful alternatives.

Daily Readings Nov. 3

Rom 11 :29-36; Ps 69:30-31 ,3~1-34; Lk 14:12-14

Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 7 Nov. 8 Nov. 9

Rom 12:5-16a; Ps 131 :1-3; Lk 14:15-24 Rom 13:8-10; Ps 112:1-2,4-5,B; Lk 14:25-33 Rom 14:7-12; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; Lk 15:1-10 Rom 15:14-21; Ps 98:1-4; Lk 16:1-8 Rom 16:3-9,16,22-27; Ps 145:2-5, 10-11; Lk 16:9-15 Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12; Ps 84:3-6,8,11; 1 Cor 3:9c-11,16-17; In 2: 13-~~2

Divorce does not imply distance from God Q. I want to comment on your answer some weeks ago concerning two divorced Catholics who decided to remarry each other.

At one point you said they should "get their life back on track with God." Father, after 27 years of marriage, my husband left me for another woman he met 30 years ago. We have three wonderful daughters in theiir 20s.

I resent that you infer my life situation is not on track with God. My Catholic faith is the only thing that sustains me. I am and will always be in God's good graces.

It took me th"ee months to prepare my papers seeking an annulment. I await the church's decision. (Maryland) A. Judging from you and others who wrote, somewhere I missed the boat on that answer.

The question dealt with a Catholic couple who had encountered di fficulties so serious they obtained a divorce. Now, aft,;::r much reflection and counseling, they planned to remarry.

Could they be remarried at Mass? Does the remarriage negate the divorce? May they receive the sacraments?

I tried to guidi: them through some of those concerns, including advice to receive the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist.

They had hurt each other badly, and clearly there were serious spiriltual wounds that needed, and would continue to need, healing.

In that context, including the words you quote, I wanted to suggest that getting back to the best possible relationship with God was part of their return to each other.

I'm sorry if my words seemed to imply that all divorced individuals, Catholic or otherwise, have distanced themselves from God. I know very well that is not true.

In fact, some of the most faithful, generous men and women I've come to know have experienced a divorce, through no discernible fault of their own, and continued to live heroically good lives alone or as single parents caring for and nurturing their families

and others.

I'm happy your faith has helped you through the devastation of your divorci: and enabled you to remain as spiritually and emotionally healthy as you sound.

Q. Don't we have six holy days of obligation?

Now we hear it is less in some places, and only two

Questions and Answers

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

7

MASS AND DEVOTIONS to

ST. PEREGRINE FOR CANCER VICTIMS AND THEIR LOVED ONES Every Thursday â&#x20AC;˘ 9:30 A.M. ST. LOUIS CHURCH 420 Bradford Avenue. Fall River

By Father John J. Dietzen in Canada. Bring us up to date. Who decides these changes? (North Carolina) A. The Solemnity of the Mother of God (Jan. I), the Assumption (Aug. 15), All Saints (Nov. I), Christmas, the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8) and the Ascension are normally holy days in the United States.

The first three are not holy days if they fall on a Saturday or Monday, which may account for some of your confusion.

Canon law lists other holy days, including Epiphany and Corpus Christi, but national conferences of bishops may abolish them or transfer them to a Sunday.

Canada celebrates two feasts as holy days, Christmas and Jan. I.

A free brochure answering questions Catholics ask about cremation and other funeral regulations and customs is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 704 N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701.

Questions for this column should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address.

The days-until-Christmas .

Research has been at the foundation of this column. Just last week I yelled to my wife, "Hey, Cradle Catholic, tell me again how you spell missal."

"The bomb or the prayerbook?" she called back.

"What do you think? I'm writing my column."

She walked into the room. "And your point is?"

"Cute."

I stress research because we have entered the Days-Until-Christmas Countdown Season (Oct IDee. 25), probably the most popular of our country's four seasons.

(You might,as well mark your calendars for the others: Days Until the Super Bowl, Dec. 26-Jan. 31; Days Until School Lets Out, Feb. I-June 10; and Days Until the World Series, June II-Sept. 30.) .

Yes, research. I set my staff to researching.

Christmas words. In this day and age of light- ' weight religious educ~tion, it is wise for us readers of Catholic publications (aka the loyalist troops) to have answers at the tips of our tongues during ' the Days-Until-Christmas season.

All manner of people - like grandchildren or peopl~ in the eight-items-or-Iess line want to know the real meaning of Christmas words like "myrrh" or "swaddling clothes" or "fruit of the womb."

So, for starters, myrrh is not a Rhode Island expression denoting subzero temperatures. Consulting the research texts on my desk (Father John Hardon's "Modern Catholic Dictionary" and Erma Bombeck's "The Grass Grows Greener Over the Septic Tank"), we lind myrrh is a gum resin used as an ingredient in incense and oil of the sick.

Presented by magi to the infant Jesus, myrrh was an offering that Christian tradition understood as symbolic of suffering.

Tell me that's 110t snappier than telling the grandchildren myrrh was some expensive stuff the three kings gave the baby Jesus.

Which of course brings up the magi themselves (aka the three kings). "Magi" have nothing whatsoever to do with Orlando's professional basketball team, although the team occasionally has ap-

THE ANCHOR -

countdo~{n

season

peared to have been whooped up side the head with a gift of myrrh.

The magi were members of the priestly caste of the Mazdean religion, and three of them were recruited by Herod (more on him later) to locate the potentially dangerous baby Jesus.

Our Lady's Monthly Message From Medjugorge t i~,,""

October 25, 1997 '

._,"~\.~

Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina

"Dear children, also today I am with you and I call all of you to renew yourselves by living my messages.

Little children, may prayer be life for you and may you be an example to others. Little children, I desire for you to become carriers of peace and of God's joy to today's world without peace. That is why, little children, pray, pray, pray! I am with you and I bless you with my motherly peace.

Thank you for having responded to my call."

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PRAYER GROUP Marian Messengers P.O. Box 647, Framingham, MA 01701 Tel. 1-508-879-9318

The offbeat world of Uncle Dari

By Dan Morris

Of course, the magi were warned about Herod in a dream, so they took the long way around Jerusalem on their way home and did not give Herod the .' . information he wanted. . ' . . This absolu.tely did not lead to the expression, "Never Herod of him."

Herod, as we know from remarkably deep research which has left a "sleep mark" shaped like the edge of a book on our foreheads, was king of Judea. Judea included Christmas-word places like "Bethlehem" and "Jerusalem."

Despite some confusion among 8-year-olds, Herod is not the character in the Christmas carol, "Hark, the Herod Angels Sing." It is "Herald Angels," which will be underscored by anyone who works for a Catholic newspaper called The Herald.

And then they'll give you a silly grin and say, "Herald Angels. Get it?" Then they laugh, "Hark, hark, hark."

In our next educational essay, we will cover frankincense, swaddling clothes and maybe fruit of the womb.

Until then, counting the days.

Your comments are welcome always. Please send them to Uncle Dan, 25218 Meadow Way, Arlington, Wash. 98223.

COME )01" US I" OUR CELEBRATIO" SECOHD YEAR

Anniversary Qtarmrl Wrrrarr ASSISTED LIVING

The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged & Infirm, the Residents and Staff of

Qturmrl illrrrurr

933 Central Street â&#x20AC;˘ Framingham, Massachusetts

8

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

The Padre Pio cause: taking steps to sainthood

By JOHN THAVIS VATICAN CITY (CNS) Sainthood has its fast-track candidates, like Mother Teresa of Calcutta. But most take a slower and more tortuous path, a process of church investigation in which lingering suspicions and outright antagonisms may playa big part.

Padre Pio da Pietrelcina was not destined for the fast track. But to the surprise of many, his cause took a giant leap forward in October.

A popular but controversial Italian Capuchin confessor, Padre Pio appeared to face an uphill battle for sainthood when he died in 1968. He had been investigated several times by the Vatican for alleged immorality and financial irregularity, and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had a dossier on him that filled 23 boxes.

Things got so bad that Pope John Paul I, when he was archbishop of Venice, forbade his faithful to organize pilgrimages to the friar's monastery in southern Italy.

Padre Pio's reported powers and signs, including the stigmata, or the bleeding wounds of the crucifixion, made him a spiritual legend to millions but a charlatan in the eyes of skeptics.

Many experts predicted Padre Pio's sainthood cause would be quietly buried' - and it was for many years.

But on.Oct. 22, Padre Pio took. an important stepctoward even-tual canonization. A Vatican panel of experts, meeting behind closed doors, voted to accept a report affirming his heroic virtues. If approved by Pope John Paul II, as expected, the church will declare that he lived a holy life worthy of imitation.

A miracle attributed to his intercession would then be required for beatification, and experts are already completing their briefs on several reported miraculous healings. Supporters believe the pope will beatify Padre Pio sometime in 1998.

If that happens, it would be one of the most interesting turnarounds in sainthood history, one in which Pope John Paul II had a personal role.

As a young priest in 1947, the pope confessed to Padre Pio. In 1962, when he was bishop of Krakow, he wrote to the Capuchin friar, asking prayers for a close friend and adviser, Wanda Poltawska, who had been diagnosed with throat cancer. Only 11 days later, the future pope wrote again, saying the cancer had inexplicably disappeared. Poltawska still meets freqllently with the pontiff.

Biographies of Padre Pio also relate personal meetings, in which the Capuchin friar allegedly foresaw then-Bishop Karol Wojtyla's election to the papacy.

Vatican sources said it was the pope who, in 1982, unblocked the sainthood cause and ordered the opening of secret files on Padre Pio. Experts pored over them and found no evidence of wrongdoing.

~'We can say that he was an authentic saint, whom the devil tried to cover with mud," ,said Italian Bishop Andrea Erba, who helped prepared the final church report in October.

The accusations against Padre Pio focused on money, morality and his special "powers." , From 1918, when he reported bleeding from his hands, feet and side, the Vatican's Holy Office forerunner of the doctrinal congregation - kept a close watch on the friar at his monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo, near Italy's Adriatic coast. The stigmata lasted 50 years; some claimed the wounds were self-inflicted, but clinical studies were unable to explain them.

Healing powers and other supernatural gifts were attributed to Padre Pio by his followers. They said he had the ability to emanate perfumed odors, to be in two places at路 once, to endure body fevers of up to 119 degrees Fahrenheit, and to read the minds and. consciences of people speaking to him.

In the 1920s, the Vatican tried to remove the friar from his monastery but reconsidered after the local populace objected; it suspended him from priestly ministries from 1931-33 and considered him disobedient for years afterward, and several times sent apostolic visitors to investigate,l}is activities.

Meanwhile, as his popularity grew, the money rolled in. Padre Pio, unschooled and inexperienced in finances, decided to build a hospital complex near his monastery.

Despite corruption investigations into how the funds were handled, the Vatican found no evidence that the priest had done anything wrong.

The accusation that hurt Padre Pio the most, according to his biographers, was that of immoral behavior with women who regularly confessed to him. The Vatican, in its most recent report, concluded that those allegations were also baseless.

Even at the height of his popularity, Padre Pio's spiritual fame prompted uneasiness. When Cardinal Albino Luciani, the future Pope John Paul I, banned pilgrimages to San Giovanni Rotondo, he said Padre Pio was holy man but that some of the activities around him bordered on the "superstitious and ridiculous."

He said he was worried that his faithful were replacing the sound diet of Mass, catechism and sacraments with "indigestible candies."

Pope John Paul II took a much different view of Padre Pio and has not hidden it. He visited Padre Pio's tomb in 1974 and again, as pope, in 1987, and praised him as an exemplary priest.

Since Padre Pio's death, millions of people have continued to visit and pray at his southern Italian shrine, convinced that this barely literate friar was indeed a holy man.

Next year, they hope the pope will declare him "blessed" - and add more momentum to a "slow track" saint.

a

The power of performing one respectful act By

FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK

The cry "There's no respect anymore!" has never been louder than today. It makes you wonder what our world would be like if we showed a little more respect than we do.

Allow me to share with you an experience I had while walking around Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. It illustrates just one of respect's many rewards.

One morning I noticed a well,dressed man stop to talk with a street person pushing a cart filled with all his belongings. Instead of brusquely greeting him and moving on quickly, as most people tend to do to avoid being asked for money, the well-dressed man lingered.

After some simple remarks about th~ weather, he delicately and respectfully asked the street person about his life. The dignity with which he did this lent profound meaning to their conversation and took it far beyond small . talk or inquisitiveness.

As I listened at a distance, the street person painfully told his story. Ironically, when he finished, he thanked the well-dressed man

for listening and never once asked converse. This time I did, learning that he came from Central for anything.

Reflectin'g on this, I couldn't America. What followed in our help but think that the time and re- conversation was awesome.

His father, mayor of his homespect given that homeless person had to be more rewarding than any town, had been killed for defendamount of money he would have ing the poor. This man fled t:he received. Oh, sure, he would have country and came to the Unit:ed welcomed a handout, but there was ,States, where he learned English an awesomeness about that en- and worked nights and days to counter that took it beyond beg- build up a business. He now owned a large business of his own. ging and handouts.

He told me that his sister had One human being was allowing another to stand tall. . This is rare remained in Central America and among friends, let alone in the en- was teaching poor children in l:he counters of the well-off with the jungles.

"I am planning to see her soon," poor.

No doubt the well-dressed man he said, "I want to build her a small also was rewarded well, for the ex- two-room school. It is my way of ercise of goodness always brings thanking God for everything he us closer to our true self - to that has done for me."

As I left him, I too thanked God person we really are meant to be.

I vowed after experiencing that for having been touched by a perinspiring incident to jump at the son I frequently had seen, but to next opportunity I had to duplicate whom I had given only passing rewhat I saw. I did not have to wait spect. In our encounter I learned that he possessed inspiring com:iclong.

The next morning a group of la- tions - - an important reminder borers began repairing our parish's from him of what my own true parking lot. After Mass, I spotted convictions must be. the foreman and said hello in SpanSo I came to see that respect alish. I had done this several times lows another person to touch our before, but never had stopped to lives in ways that ennoble us.

Sisters of Life to try contemplative lifestyle not yield to apostolic activity alone, be contemplatives to plead :for however strenuous it may be," Car- mercy on our society," he said. dinal O'Connor told about 40 conThe Sisters of Life's contemplaYONKERS, N.Y. (CNS) Cardinal John 1. O'Connor of New templative nuns from six commu- tive experiment began Oct. 1 with York has asked that some members, nities in the archdiocese. They were two of the community's 41 sisters. of Sisters, of Life, a small commu- gathered in Yonkers for an annual Other members who wish to take nity he established, try: a contem- meeting they' have with the cardi- part may try it for a month, three at --......,plative lifestyle to pray for a world nal. atime. That will help individual !:isthat better respects human life.

In a homily, the cardinal cited as ters'discern whether they are called His experimental plan could lead a reason for a contemplative branch to that kind ofIife, the cardinal sa.id. to a contemplative branch of the the Gospel passage in which Christ Sister Loretto Michael CrC1~d, religious community he establish~cl . tells the Apostles that certain de- superior of the community's Our in 1991 to counter assaults on the mons can be driven out from af- Lady of New York convent in l:he sanctity of life. flicted persons only through prayer Bronx, emphasized that the comIn their ministry the sisters have and fasting ... munity is discerning God's will been active in about the proteaching posed conagainst abortemplative tion, contrabranch and ception, asthat it could sisted suicide take some and euthanatime. sia. Recently, "How we they have beultimately gun giving relive the life treats to will depend people active on the exp(:riin the pro-life ence of how movement these sisters and have inwill live lhe creased their componen t," outreach to she told women who Catholic N~w have had York, the abortions. archdiocesan The comnewspaper, munity is conShe said it sidered "acis too early to tive contemdescribe plative" since MEMBERS OFTHE Sisters of Life pray at a pro-life Mass in what kind of members the Washington earlier this year. Cardinal John J. O'Connor, who life spend half contemplati'lcs established the order, said he would like some of its members their day in will live, community to be contemplatives praying for humanity to respect human adding that life. (CNS file photo) prayer bethe expericause the carment will be dinal intended such prayer to be an Cardinal O'Connor said the "de- reviewed after all the sisters who important part of their lives. mons" aftlic~ing society today, in- want to try the life have done so.

But now Cardinal O'Connor en- cluding partial-birth abortion and "So many people have asked if visions that some sisters will have gang violence, "make your contem- we would ever have a contemplaprayer as their apostolate, rather plative life that much more impor- tive branch," Sister Creed said. "We than teaching or counseling. tant from a pragmatic perspective." all consider it a great gift to our ''This is because of our convic"If you weren't contemplatives community because prayer is cention that the destruction of life will simply to thank God, you'd have to tral to our work."

By JOHN BURGER

Nuns disagree with critique of their orders

By TRACY

EARLY

NEW YORK (CNS) - The author of a book criticizing the direction women's religious orders have taken since the Second Vatican Council presented her case in New York to a group of women religious who, for the most part, disagreed with her views.

Author Ann Carey charged that "radical reformers" took a "badly needed" reform effort beyond what the Second Vatican Council intended and into "deconstruction" ofthe basic elements of religious life.

Carey is a reporter for Our Sunday Visitor and author of this year's book "Sisters in Crisis: The Tragic Unraveling of Women's Religious Communities."

Many of her listeners contended that the orders of nuns changed to respond to the signs of the times, and the result was, one of them said, "reconstruction" rather than deconstruction.

Carey appeared Oct. 17 at a symposium sponsored by Media Images and Religious Awareness, a group of New York area nuns from various orders who have come together in recent years to promote what they consider a more accurate image of contemporary nuns.

The symposium also included a presentation by Carole Garibaldi Rogers, who interviewed 94 nuns in 14 states as an oral history project

for the book "Poverty, Chastity and Change: Lives of Contemporary American Nuns."

She took issue with some of the remarks about the life of nuns today and the behavior of their leadership.

But she agreed it was "clear some communities probably won't survive."

A third speaker was Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Anne Munley, a former president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and author of a book called "Threads for the Loom," which was part of LCWR's planning and ministry studies.

She said the women's orders had shown "a consistent thread of fidelity to their charisms in response to the signs of the times." Nuns remain "women of faith" who see the present as a "time of soul-Stretching possibilities" for serving the poor and challenging oppression, she said.

Carey noted what she called a "new attitude of individualism."

She described tht: attitude as one where "a sister's desire to maximize her own gifts and abilities is considerably more important to her than evangelizing, or faith sharing, or maintaining her order's sponsored institutions, or addressing the priorities of the institute, or the priorities of the diocese in which she works."

This individual assessment of what was important also took prior-

Society begun by shoemakerturned-priest now worldwide By

MARY CLAIRE GART

CHICAGO (CNS) -- It all started with a shoemaker who became a priest and may Ont: day be a saint. The organization he founded now has 400,000 membl~rs in 60 countries around the world.

More than 300 people honored Blessed Adolph Kolping at special events in early October marking the 125th anniversary of the Catholic Kolping Society of Chicago.

But the society began decades before that in Germany when Father Kolping, a former shoemaker, set up residences for young journeymen who had to travel around the country learning their craft.

When the society was founded in Chicago in 1872, it again set up "Kolping houses" to provide homes for young immigrants and help them find jobs. The society also worked with displaced people and refugees after World War I and II. Although most of its members are of German descent, the society did not contine its efforts to newcomers from the homeland.

Operating several houses at one time in Chicago, the society opened its doors to hundreds of young Hungarians and Cubans who fled revolutions in their native lands. Over the years, the houses accommodated more than 25,000 young men.

The last house was sold in 1970, said Laura Mahrenholz, the current president of the society. The organization now reaches out to the community through the Kolping Center on Chicago's northwest side.

Now serving her third term as president, Mahrenholz is proof that the originally all-male Kolping Society has welcomed women members for years and turned its attention to family-oriented activities.

-_. Mahrenholz was born in Germany, but says most o( the local society's 230 members are secondOI' third-generation Germans. Instead of helping to settle newcomers to the city, the Kolping Society now focuses most of its efforts on spiritual and social events, along with charitable projects.

Of the 13 Kolping societies in the United States, the Chicago society is the oldest chapter in continuous existence and the third largest, said Mahrenholz.

Only the groups in Cincinnati, with 800 members, and New York City, with 400, are larger.

Among the Chicago organizations benefiting from the local chapter's charitable projects are a technical high school, St. Joseph Seminary, the Catholic Church Extension Society and two institutions for the mentally handicapped.

The society raises funds through activities such as an annual roast beef dinner.

On Oct. 27, local members joined Kolping societies around the world in an annual worldwide day of prayer for the intention of one of its member chapters, which this year is Peru.

The date also marks the sixth anniversary of the beatification of Father Adolph Kolping. He died in 1865 at age 52.

While the Kolping Society continues its spiritual and charitable activities, Archbishop Francis E. George proposed another effort for the group in a recent address.

"The archbishop encouraged them to return to the spirit of Father Kolping in welcoming immigrants to the community," said Father Anthony Englert, associate chaplain of the Chicago society. "And his suggestion was readily accepted."

ity over the judgment of church authorities, and the concept of "lived experience" became more important than the guidelines laid down in church documents about the religious life, Carey said.

She charged that many leaders of congregations refused to distribute pertinent official documents because they disagreed with them, and in some cases did not even tell members the documents existed.

She quoted one sister who had written that two documents were not distributed in her community because a majority of the members would have refused to follow their recommendations and the community would have been "irrevocably split."

The reference was to "Evangelica Testiticatio," issued in 1971, on the witness that religious life today is called upon to give before the world; and "Essential Elements in the Church's Teaching on Religious Life" issued in 1983.

But women religious in the audience said they were familiar with the church documents, and observed that they were available on the Internet for any nun who wanted to read them. And one said the spirit of their renewal was something greater than church documents.

Franciscan Brother Patrick Murphy, co-vicar for religious in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and one of the few men present among 100 or more sisters, said everything from the Vatican had been shared with the religious of his diocese, that Pope John Paul II's apostolic exhortation "Vita Consecrata," issued last year, was sent to all congregations and a day devoted to it was held for religious of the diocese.

Carey argued that while nuns as individuals might be giving vitally needed service, the lives of many of them did not appear different from those of devoted lay women or from those in secular institutes.

Many nuns today often live apart from their communities, rather than maintain a life of corporate prayer and commitment to a corporate apostolate, and focus on the mission aspect of their lives "nearly to the

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

exclusion of the consecration aspect," she said.

Taking these directions has contributed to the decline in the numbers of young women entering the religious life, Carey said, adding that those orders that "maintain a traditional understanding of the vows" attract three times as many new members.

Although Rogers did not criticize the renewal direction taken by the nuns, she agreed with Carey that the nuns were important to the church for what they represented, and their disappearance would be a serious loss.

Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

9

"Nuns are more than what they do," Rogers said. She compared nuns with icons as transmitters of a spiritual force. "Can we live without icons?" she asked.

Although most of the nuns attending the symposium appeared to disagree with Carey, not all did.

Franciscan Sister Lucy Sabatini, a member of a community in the New York Archdiocese, told Catholic New Service afterward that she was part of a minority who agreed that more emphasis should be placed on the distinctively religious roles of their life.

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10

TJ:IE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

Pope proclaims 81. Therese of Lisieux Doctor of the Church youngest person ever proclaimed a docThey include St. Augustine, St. Jerome tor of the church, Pope John Paul said. and St. Thomas Aquinas. The other ATICAN CITY "Yet her spiritual journey was so women are St. Catherine of Siena,and .

(CNS)- Although St. Teresa of Avila.

St.Therese of Lisieux The "Little Flower," as ~---------颅 never studied at a uniSt. Therese is known, died versity and wrote no in 1897 at the age of 24. thick scholarly tomes, Her understandings of Pope John Paul II has named her a docspirituality, theology and Scripture are found tor of the church, placing her among the in three autobio"Something Catholic Church's most graphical manuimportant theologians. surprising is . scripts, published "Something surpristogether after her happening ing is happening today," death as "Story of today," the the pope said Oct. 19 as a Soul." he formally proclaimed Her recognition pope said Oct. the French.Carmelite the as a doctor of the 19 as he 33rd doctor of the church, the pope formally church. said, is a sign to all Despite her lack of Catholics that her proclaimed academic accomplishwritings "can be a the French ments, he said, "beginpoint of reference, Carmelite the ning today, she will be not only because 33rd doctor of they conform to rehonored as Doctor of the Church," a recognition vealed truth, but the church. that goes "well beyond also because they what any academic deshed new light on gree could." the mysteries of the faith The other doctors, all but two of and (lead to) a more prowhom are men, are saints who devoted found understanding of much their lives to learning and to the mystery of Christ." learned explanations of Catholicism.

St. Therese is the

By CINDY WOODEN

that has crossed every border."

The pope also said SI:. Therese showed "the feminine geniw;" of under-

U

f.

,

~.

, AN IMAGE of St. Therese of Lisieux hangs from the facade of St. Peter's Basilica Oct. 19. Pope John Paul II declared the French nun a Doctor of the Church, a designation reserved for saints who lived lives of exceptional holiness and witness to teachings. At top, relics of St. Therese are carried past the pontiff during the ceremony. She js the 33rd saint and the third female to receive the distinction. (CNS/Reuters photo)

standing hidden truths and putting them mature and courageous, the intuitions in her writings about the faith were so into practice.1n her daily life. p,Opd John Paul high: vast and profound: ttia(~h~ deserves to lighted St. Therese is youth. be placed among t~e great ---..;,;.,--- ful. searc,hing for God in an . spiritual masters," he said. , In his formal proclama-" "She helped Oct. 18 address to' an esti'!, ti'on letter, Pope'John.Paul heal souls of mated'50,OOO Italian children and teen~agers, members of said t~at what St. Therese ex-.. . 路 the rigors and the youth section of Catholic plained and described as the "little' wax" of spirituality fears ofthe Action.

Before she entered the was nQthi'ng other th~n a .

Jansenist Cannelite convent at the age fresh and refreshing presendoctrine, of 1.5, she would have made tation of God's love for all which was people and his call for everya perfect member of the par" one to be holy. ' more inclined ish-based groups, which promote community service and "Therese offers a mature to underline involvement in the church, synthesis of Christian spiritheJ'ustice of tuality," he wrote in the letthe pope said. ter published Oct. 19.

God than his "She was full of vitality, faith and enthusiasm for "She helped heal souls of divine mercy," Jesus and for the Gm;pel," he the rigors and fears of the the pope said. said. "Her brief existence was Jansenist doctrine, which completely consumed by was,more inclined to underline the justice of God than . love for God and by the dehis divine mercy," the pope said. sire to make the whole world love him."

"Therese has a unique universality," St. Therese's little way, he said, exhe said. "Her personality and the evanplained'how all people can reach saintgelical message of the 'little way' of hood by abandoning themselve!. to God trust and spiritual childhood found and and to his will for them even in the simcontinue to find a surprising acceptance plest tasks of daily living.

Vatican urges women's rights as mothers

By TRACY

EARLY

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) The Vatican appealed at the United Nations Oct. 21 for increa!>ed emphasis on the "natural righlS" related to women's role in mOlherhood and the family. "(Women) want these rights to be more respected and given the same importance as that which is attributed to their role in the public life of their countries," the Vatican said in a statement to a committee reviewing followup of the 1995 Beijing conference on women.

The Vatican said the "surest and most practical ways of bettering the status of women" were strengthening families and defending the rights of mOlhers.

In a departure from the usual practice of the Vatican's U.N. mission, the statement was nOl presented by the nuncio or other member of the mission staff, which is all male, but by a woman enlisted for the special assignment.

She was Maria Suarez Hamm, a mother of II children, ages 5 to 20, and administrative director of a pregnancy crisis center in Silver Spring, Md. A native of Cuba, she was brought to the United States as a child.

Her cenler, called Tepeyac, for the hill where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, seeks to meet the special needs of Hispanics.

Hamm told Catholic News Service that she met Archbishop Renato R.

Martino, the U.N. nunoio, when she attended the recent congress on the family in Brazil and pa(ticipated in a workshop he led. He later asked for her assistance and recalled the contribution that Harvard law professor Mary Ann Glendon made in leading the Vatican delegation at Beijing, she said.

Since statements p(esented officially at the United Nations need to state church policy precisely and secure Vatican approval before they are put on the record, they are normally written by staff.

But Hamm said she was able to review the draft of the statement she read and offer suggestions on wording, some of which, she said, were approved.

Delivering the statement in Spanish, Hamm told the U.N. General Assembly committee that "a basic right related to motherhood is the freedom to have children."

The right is violated wherever women are forced to undergo sterilization or abortion, or pressured to accept regulation of the number of children they have, she said.

Hamm also said that·"mothers have a right to society's support and protection for the institution of the family itself." And her statement specified that the family wa" based on the maniage of a man and a woman.

"Parents must be helped to exercise their rights, duties and responsibilities in choosing the form and the content of the education of their chil-

dren, most espec:ially with regard to their religious and moral values," she said.

Hamm said the working world should be structured so that mothers could participate in it without having to sacrifice their family responsibilities. But she said mothers should not be forced to work outside the home, and society should prevent that by "striving to guarantee" that one in~ come is large enough to support a family.

The Vatican statement also deplored "all fomls of discrimination against mothers who contribute unremunerated work at home and in the family," and said these included the lack of pension and health benefits for this work.

While giving primary attention to mothers, the statement also called for "a new culture of the role of fathers" that would "ensure that they fully assume their responsibilities and duties in domestic life."

Hamm said that although support for women in their family life was upheld by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Beijing conference, achieving the desired goals would require profound changes in political will and attitudes.

"In some ways we seem to be moving backwards, undervaluing the importance of motherhood to women and to society at a time when many women wish to be able to better reconcile professional and family responsibililies," she said.

Nothing more important in life than prayer

By MICHAEL F. FLACH MCLEAN, Va. (CNS) - Nothing is more important in life than turning to God daily in prayer, Ca.rdinal Achi lie Silvestrini told lhe students and faculty at St. Luke Grade School in Mclean.

"I want to say how important it is for you to pray," he said. ''The highesl prayer of all is the Mass. Pray every day."

Cardinal Silveslrini, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern- Rite Churches, celebrated Mass Oct. 16 at St. Luke Church.

AllerMass, Cardinal Silvestrini met lhe students in the school gymnasium and presented each with a holy card from Pope John Paul Il The student'i presented the cardinal with a spiritual bouquet and a handmade stole.

In brief remarks aftel' Mass, Cardinal Silvestrini focused on the importance of Catholic education.

"To know God is the purpose of Catholic education and formation," he said. "From this knowledge of God comes the great commandment of Jesus: to love one another, never to hann another, never to do wrong."

He added that "no matter how edu-

cated we may become ... we will re- who put God first, who live good lives, main uneducated and ignorant if we do who respect all life, who are true and not know God. If we do not know God, honest, who arejust and noble, who will we do not, and cannot, know ourselves." restore integrity, honesty, decency and He told the students their parents justice to American government and make great sacrifices tb send them to American institutions."

The cardinal told the students that Catholic school. ''They do this with love for you be- the pope loves them and he encouraged cause they know nothiflg is more im- them to keep him in their prayers as he portant, no education is 'nore important celebrates the 19th anniversary of his than an education in our Catholic faith;' pontificate.

"We must pray for the pope and ask he said.

The cardinal noted that a recent U.S. God to protect him and give him a long government study revealed that the best life," Cardinal Silvestrini said. education in America is the education being provided in Catholic schools.

"We shall continue to do our very best to give you, our children, the best education possible and. the best education puts God first;' he said.

He told the student$ that the church Preparing for a marriage today needs them and wants them "to have a involves more than just booking a first-class Catholic education and formation." He also said the country hall and saying "I do," and the Catholic Church recognizes that. "needs you very much."

More than ever before in its history Throughout the Fall River Diocese the United States'''needs leaders in ev- couples are attending marriage ery field," Cardinal Silvestrini contin- preparation programs led by teams of married couples and a priest or ued.

It needs, he said, "men and women /deacon and this year alone 1303 couples participated in one ofthose 48 programs.

They spend a minimum of eight hours exploring the issues of communication, intimacy, parenthood, senior leagues will begin their sea- finances, and religious faith among others. The program gives couples sons.

"Val" indicates that over 900 time to examine their attitudes and young people between the ages of expectations about married life and 10 and 21 will take part in this equips them with tools and techyear's program. Seventeen parishes niques to work through problems from the Fall River area are repre- or difficulties they may encounter.

Recently marriage preparation sented. He will be a$sisted this year

by Rick Lepage, Pat Burke, John booklet'i containing the schedule of Cabral, and Adam Burns. Those sessions for 1998 and instructions wishing information about the CYO for registration were distributed to all diocesan parishes and they are should call 672-9644.

"Val" expressed his thanks to the made available to engaged couples countless number of people who when they arrange their wedding -donate each year tb Bishop Sean date. Any parish which has not yet O'Malley's Catholic Charities Ap- received the '98 booklets should peal, since operation of the CYO is contact the Office of Family Ministry at 999-6420. partially funded by the Appeal.

Fall River area CYO basketball league to open new season Albert "Val" Vaillancourt, the Associate Director of the Fall River area CYO, announced today that the annual CYO Basketball Jamboree will take place on Fri. Nov. 7th beginning at 4 p.m.

This is the traditional opening of the CYO basketball season. Exhibition games fealuring the three divisions of the junior boys' league will highlight the jamboree. Music, provided by M&M OJ Productions will be live from 5-9 p.m. and there will be food, fun, and games for this opening night of the CYO. On Sat. Nov. 8th thl: girls' league will get underway and on Sun. and Mon. Nov. 9 & 10, the prep and

Marriage preparation

11

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

Letters Welcome Letters to the editor are welcomed. All letters should be brief and the editor reserves the right to condense any letters if deemed necessary. All letters must be signed and contain a home or business address.

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12

THE ANCHOR -

D!ocese of Fair River ~ Fri., Oct. ~..l, 1997"

Study shows number of Hispanic Catholics declining WASHINGTON (CNS) - The estants are members of "moderate or number of U.S. Hispanics who iden- even Iiberal Protestant denominations."

The research showed that Hispantify themselves as Catholic is in decline, according to data from the Na- ics who change their religion are bettional Opinion Center's general social ter educated, make more money, are somewhat older and are more likely to survey.

The survey, based on information be married. , It also showed that Hispanic Protfrom 1,202 Hispanic respondents, shows that by the mid-1990s, the per- estants go to church more often, pray centage of Hispanics who said they are more frequently, are more likely to Catholic was 67 percent, down from oppose abortion, premarital and extramarital sex and homosexuality and are 78 percent in the early 1970s.

Father Andrew Greeley, a sociolo- happier in their marriages, family life gist, decried the defection rate in an and person life.

"They seem in some ways to be article in the Sept. 27 issue ofAmerica, better Catholics than Hispanic Cath07 a Jesuit journal of opinion.

"The equivalent of one out of seven lies," said Father Greeley, who first Hispanics has left Catholicism in the noted the erosion in numbers of Hislast quarter of a century," he said. "If . panic Catholics in a 1988 article.

After that article was published, he this hemorrhage should continue for the next 25 years, half of all American said, he heard "no private comments. from those who work in the Hispanic Hispanics will not be Catholic.

"If there is any reason to believe ministry. Nothing. Not a single word."

He noted that the general social surthat the defections will not continue, I am unaware of it," Father Greeley said. ·vey "admittedly ..:does not effectively "A fifth of those who were raised reach Hispanic migratory and undocuCatholics are no longer such. The loss mented workers about whose religious orientations I will not speculate." is catastrophic."

Father Greeley criticized the lack He said that "most of the defection is to Protestant denominations." Sta- of church efforts to stem the outflow. ·"In the early decades of the last tistics show that in the early 1970s, 17 percent of U.S. Hispanics were Prot- century, the church lacked the organiestant, and now 23 percent are, he zation and resources to cope with the immigration of those who were on the added.

The priest also noted that many fringe of the Irish church before they people assume Hispanic Catholics are left t!leir native land," Father Greeley joining fundamentalist and Pentecos- said. "Such an excuse hardly applies tal groups, but halfofall Hispanic Prot- today."

" YAg ga~fn &ome witt De donenn eQ4ln rM ;t ;j .m 9Teauen"

€Qnsecr.ation to the Divine Will Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity: ofXour Light, that YOl\r eternal goodness may open to . me the doors and make me enfer into It to' form my life. all in .

You, Divine Will: Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before Your Light, .I, the least of all creatures, put myseltinto .the little, group of the sons and daughters ofYour Supreme FIAT. Prostrate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that it c1o'tlie me and eclipse all that does not pertain to You; Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligence, the enrapturer Of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it away from me and thus form the new Eqen of peas;e, of h<;lppiness and of lov~. With It I shall be always happy. fShall have a singular-strength and a holiness that sanctifies aWthings and conducts them to God.. . _.Her~ p'rostrate~ I il)voke the help of the. Mo'st Hoiy Trinity' JhatIhey-permit.meto liv.e.in the cloister of the Div.ine Will and thus return' in 'me the first oider of creation,just as the creature ~. was"Greated. ' . .

Heavenly M~t~er, Sov;reign and Queen of the. Divlne:Fiat,· j lake my hand and introduce me into the Light of:the bi~ine Will. You will\b~ .my guide, my most tender Mother, and will ; 'tea~hirle tq liv~)n'4nd to maintain myself in the order and~he _botii'idS'.'Of the Q\yine Will. Heavenly Mother, I conse~rat~ my whol~ being to Your Immac·ulate Heart. You will teach' me the ,, . doctrine. of the Divine. Will and I willlisten'most attentively to Your lessol}s. You will cover me with Your mantle so that the infernal serpent-dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to,entice me and make me fall into the maze of the human will.

Heart of my greatest Good" Jesus, You ·will give ~e Your flames that they may burn me, consume me, and feed me to form in me the 'Life of the Divine Will.

Saint Joseph, you will be my protector, the guardian of my heart, and will keep t,he keys of my ,will in your hands. You will keep my he·artjealously and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never leaving the Will of God, My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my Eden may flourish and be the instrument that .draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine WilL Amen..

J

(In Hbnor of Luisa Piccarreta 1865-1947 Child 'of the Divine Will)

Catholic pilgrilDs lead peac(~ procession in Bethlehem of the Christian pn:sence in Bethlehem.

"For the last 10 years, with all BETHLEHEM, West Bank the problems in this place ... we (CNS)- More than 800 Catholic haven't seen any Christian celebrapilgrims led a peace procession in tions other than Christmas. It is a Bethlehem io demonstrate that refreshing feeling for Christians in people can love one another despite this area," he their differ-' said, ences, said the The Twopilgrims' spiriHearts Peace tual guide.

Flights proThe streets gram is the were filled with brain-child of some 3,000 Dr. Rosalie A. people Oct. 17 TurtDn, presias the pilgrims dent of Founc of the New Jerdation 101, sey-based Twowhich is based Hearts Peace in Washington, Flights pilgrimN.J.:, and is age program led dedicated to the procession the message of with the statue Mary and deof Our Ladyof voted to her.

Fatima. The The two p roc e s s ion hearts repreended with a sent 'the hearts Mass at th'e of Jesus and Church of the Mar:l, who Nativity celalso suffered ebrated . by Latin-rite PatriPILGRIMS ON A peace march carry a statue of Our Lady of as her son was arch Michel Fatima through the streets of Bethlehem Oct. 17. Among the crucified, said Sabbah of marchers was an international group of 830 Catholics on its 20- Turton, who is Jerusalem. day "peace flight." Participants have been traveling to various ~~os: the Di~f The pilgrims Met u c hen, came in the places around the world to pray for peace. (CNS/Hill photo)' N.J. spirit of prayer "The peace flight is cpen only and reparation, and to offer their has taken part in the two previous own.'smaJI· pe~sonalsacr!fices in , Peace Flights, said, "People believe to people who are sincere devotees atonement fOf the sins of the world, they can't <;h?nge the world, that of Our Lady," said Turt'Dn. "The said Father "Bing" Edgardo what they do will have no effect but greater nu'mber of our pilgrims (go daily to Mass) and say the Rosary Avellailo of\he Philippines. He has that is not true. ,"If people think that way and do daily. We come to bring peace. been the spiritualleader'of all three Two-'Hearts'Peac'e Flights pilgrim- nothing, nothing will change. But People'on the flight are willing to ages, if each individual decides to stand abandon themsel ves to whatever The two previous flights were to· up to be counted for peace and love, God wants of us."

The man Russia and whel orgaChina several nize:d the years ago. whc Ie proThe priest cession in said the_pil-, Bethlehem grims are not was Shalom attempting to' Even, an Ischange anyraeli Jew who one. Theyjust runs a tour 'wantto be an' company out example of 'of Toronto how it is posand was resible to love one another 1_'''.... "sponsible for r,egardless ,of the ,group's it i 'n era r y race, religi~"n While in Isand national"' rael. backgrounds.

In welThe 830 Catholic~ piicoril:ing the pilgri.rns, the gr ims -:- who hailed ~frorp CATHOLIC PILGRIMS l:Iold,'eandles ~up high as they march governor of Bethlehem, 14 countries, through BethlE~hem.for p,eace. (CNS/Mill photo) '...

-!... arrived in'· . :: " " Mohammed Jabari, made no,mention'ol' the coIsrael Oct. ,I ~ .after-having em-, .' things will change,", said Ames. barked on a 20-day around tqe The traveling statue of Our Lady 'operative spirit which allowed the world'T\Vo-Heatts Peace Flight. . ofFatima'the'pilgrimstii-ought with event to take place;, but insteadTheir journey had already 'taken them.wa's blessed by Pope Pius XII chose to criticize Israel. : th'em to Japan, the Philippines and in 1947·. . : "All people pray to s~,ve this Russia, where they prayed for . "We think this virgin came here Holy'Land and to achieve the real· God's i'ritervention in bringing to make peace in'Bethlehem and for peace which Israel aims to gestroy peace to the world. all people alI over the world," said and (aims to) bring the area back to From Israel they were scheduled .,' loc:.alresident plga Hasfura, 72, af- bloodshed and violence," said to go to Italy, France, Portugal and ter having genuflected several times Jabari.

But Jacklyn Gaily, a pilgrim in front of the statue and clasping New York. from the Diocese of Pittsbur,gh said, Archbishop Pedro R. Dean of her hands in prayer.

Palo, Philippines, said the pilgrims For Nicola Canawati, who finan- "We are here for both sides. The do not expect immediate results cially sponsored the procession, it idea of peace is for both sides. The from their prayers. They are sim- not only had a spiritual significance political part, that doesn't corne ply "planting the seed" and mak- but also was a concrete expression from us."

By JUDITH

ing their best efforts through prayer and sacrifice to achieve peace "through Him, of course," the archbishop said.

Alan Ames, who describes himself as an author, healer and visionary from Perth, Australia, and who

SUDILOVSKY

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BACKED BY CATHOLIC school students, Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman (right) and garment workers union representative Bruce Raynor (left) announce Oct. 16 an initiative in the Newark Archdiocese to educate students on unjust labor practices. (CNS/Wiechec photo)

Labor secretary calls for end to sweatshops

By BOB DYLAK

NEWARK, N.J. (CNS)- "No child should wear clothes made by workers robbed of their childhood," U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman said Oct. 16 at a press conference held at the offices of the Newark Archdiocese.

"Sweatshops have no place on the American landscape," said Herman. ..

She joined Newark Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick as he unveiled a pioneer archdiocesan educational program aimed at teaching principals, teachers and students in Catholic schools and religious education programs about the injustices of sweatshops.

The program also calls for boycotting products from employers who take unfair advantage of their workers.

Sweatshop industries are staffed by workers l~arning less than the legal minimum wage and working without gettiing compensation for overtime. They have no benefits, and in some cases they are children who have been kept out of school.

The archbishop s.aid the antisweatshop program is a joint effort of the archdiocese, federal and state labor departments and UNITE, the garment workers' union.

Secretary Herman praised the program and said she hoped to see it spread to other dioceses across the country. "I know your voices will be heard," she told the archbishop and the students, teachers and administrators gathered at the news conference.

Archbishop McCarrick said the program has two components.

The first step identifies the manufacturers of school uniforms in the archdiocese. It then attempts to determine the manufacturers' compliance to labor laws and informs school principals of the status of such companies.

The educational aspect of the program involves supplying archdiocesan schools with a learning module to teach students in grades seven through 12 about labor issues and the injustices of sweatshops.

The module is currently being distributed to Catholic schools; religious education classes will receive them soon. ' "Catholic social teaching has stressed always the dignity of every human being," said Archbishop McCarrick. "We believe

that everyone has the right to have their basic human needs for food, clothing, health care and housing met through just wages and in safe working conditions.

"We believe we have an obligation to teach those principles to the students in our schools and our religious education programs.

If change is to be long-lasting, we have to begin with them," he added.

Herman said that the issue, and the archdiocesan approach, are particularly close to her heart.

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., Oct. 31, 1997 "For me, the road to public service began as part of my own Catholic education," she said. "At home, in church, in school, I learned the lessons of Catholic social tcaching. I was raised to believe that next to family and f;tith, the most important thing in our lives is the work we do."

She added, "Work is as much a source of dignity as it is a source of income. Work really affirms our own humanity and allows each of us to make our own contribution to the world."

Bruce Raynor, UNITE's executive vice president, thanked the archdiocese "for turning back the tide" against bad working conditions. But he said the Newark initiative is only the beginning. He said he hopes other organization will follow the example of the schools.

"The Newark Archdiocese is only one of the forums in society involved in purchasing of goods," l,{aynor said. "The federal government purchases millions of dollars worth of apparel. The government shouldn't tolerate its contractors paying povelty wages and mistreating its workers." .

Fred Lopez, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor, said his department is strongly committed to the rights of workers "because we are charged with enforcing the laws ... but more so because it is the right thing to do."

Lopez said h.is agency was "here to prl1tect the law-abiding employers as well their employees."

Herman said the garment industry in New York has been the s~bject of ,:ecent U.S.·Labor Department investigations, and more than half of almost 100 shops were found to be in violation of labor.Iaws.

Sister Domi,nica Rocchio, a Sister of Charity and the archdiocesan education secretary, said it was a pleasure "to work with so many people interested in eradicating evil, and I promise them my support and the support of our educational institutions."

There a,re approximately 23,450 students in grades seven to 12 in 185 schools in the fourcounty Newark Archdiocese.

The program is expected to be expanded to include all elementary grades.· .

The pilot program is available to be duplicated by other interested diocesan and public school districts throughout the country.

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FALL FUN! First and second graders from St. Mary's School in New Bedford recently enjoyed a field trip to an orchard and local agricultural store. The trip included tractor rides and apple cider.

St. Mary's School students enjoy autumn First and second graders from St. Mary's School in New Bedford had a pre-Halloween treat recently when teachers Kathleen Desrosiers and Jeannine Tranfaglia took them on a fall field trip.

Students went to an apple or-

chard to see the sights and fruits of fall and a local business where they did some fall planting. The visit to Peter's Orchard included a walk through the grounds, a tractor ride, and a taste of apple'cider.

At Agway, an agricultural and live-

Catholic Youth

PROUD TO SERVE: Officers of the Father Damien Student Council have been announced for St. Joseph's Eichool in Fairhaven. Elected for the new school year (back row from left) are Allison Kelly, president; Lance Merritt; Ryan Couto, treasurer; (front row) Sara Aiello, corresponding secretary; and Kristina Polchlopek, secretary.

stock store, the children planted flowers, were treated to horse rides, and visited a llama and cows, Students enjoyed their learning experience and were able to bring home a pumpkin as a souvenir of the trip,

Participating nationally to make a difference locally Students at Saints Peter and Paul School, FaII River, recently took the roles of public servants as they participated in a challenge to make a difference Oct. 25, Make A Difference Day, a nationwide invitation for individuals to volunteer to help others, supporting the many programs across the country that need assistance.

Each grade (K-8) participated.

Kindergarteners made cards for shut-ins and first graders brought clothing and toys to the Salvation Army. Second grade collected food and clothing for Our Sister's Place and third grade furnished supplies to Jeff's Animal Center. The fourth grade volunteered to write letters to ac-

company boxes of food for an area soup kitchen and fifth graders traveled to Somerset to make a difference at the Clifton Rehabilitation Nursing Center by playing bingo and other games with seniors.

Sixth graders visited the children's ward at St. Anne's Hos-' pital, Fall River, to deliver Halloween cards made by students.

Both seventh and eighth grades helped out by cleaning in differSENIOR CLASS ELECTIONS were held last wel3k at ent places. Seventh graders went Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth. From left to to St. Luke's Church on Warren right they are president, Don San Juan of Mattapoisett; viceSt. and the eighth grade tackled president, Laurie Rego of Tiverton, RI; treasurer, Miles Flynn Pulaski Park. of Acushnet; and Heather Medeiros of Tiverton. . 'For Saints Peter and Paul School it was a great day to learn more about the needs of the community and to see that there Bishop Stang junior Aaron Aaron is a goalie on the Stang doesn't need to be a special day .Fernandes of Westport has been se- soccer team, a member of the chamset aside to make a difference. lected to attend The National Young pionship math team, and an active Leaders Conference Nov. 18 member of the campus mi nistry .through 23 in Washington D.C. The team. He is the son of Lorna and conference is a unique development David Fernandes. program for high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit.

The theme of this year's NaThe fifth grade at St. James and tional Young Leaders Conference is St. John School has been studying "The Leaders of Tomorrow MeetAmerican Sign Language and dur- ing the Leaders of Today," and ing the month of October the stu- throughout the six-day event'students have had several classes in dents will interact with newsmakers ASL. They put dialogues together and key leaders from all three and performed them in sign lan- 'branches of government, media guage for the first and second representatives and diplomats. grades.

Highlights of the program will As a concluding event, Laurie include welcoming remarks from Grandmontand Ellen Murphy pre- the tloorofthe United States House sented a class in sign. The students of Representatives and a panel dislearned many more vocabulary cussion with prominent journalists words, and even learned the song at the National Press Club. ScholHappy Birthday. It was a very en- ars will visit foreign embassies and joyable unit and some students ex- receive policy briefings from senior pect to do further research on ASL. government officials.

AARON FERNANDES

Stang student to attend conference

SSe James and John School

ELECTIONS FOR OFFICERS of the newly formed student council at Dominican Academy in Fall River were held recently and those elected (from left) were: Allison Sturchio, secretary; Carla Schnitzlein, president; Monica Gouveia, vicepresident; and Carla Sharples, treasurer. Miss Pamela Chretien, third from left, will be the council's faculty advisor.

Students ran campaigns and gave speeches as part of the . election process.

THE ANCHOR -

Our Rock

Diocese of Fall River -

of Age

,

You can't rush a weary soul

By CHARLIE

MARTIN

to a date or as slow as the Take a Little Time gradual recognition that you are not going to reach a much Refrain: desired goal. No matter what It takes a little time sometimes the importance of the event, To get your fE!et back on the ground disappointment always hurts.

It takes a little time sometimes The song pn~sents clues on To get the Titanic turned around how to deal with these diffiIt takes a IitUe time sometimes cult situations. As the song But baby you're not going down says, "you can't fix this pain It takes more than you've with money" and "you can't Got right now sweep it under the rug."

Give it, give it time Money might provide a temporary distraction, and sweeping it under the rug What's this walking through my door might create a false front of I know I've SE!en the look before denial.

Yet the path to real Sometimes on faces in the street healing always passes And sometimes in the mirror through the truth.

Looking bacl< at me The truth begins with just You can't fix this pain with money how you feel. In the song the You can't rush a weary soul disappointed person takes You can't sweep it these feelings to her friend.

Under the rug now honey 'This individual understands But it don't ti:lke a lot to know what is going on within her , friend. She has seen that painful appearance "in the mirror (Repeat refrain) looking' back at me.'" She. knows how disappointment Well it may not be over by morning . hurts, and th~s she doesn'ttry But Rome wasn:t built in a day to minimize its impact. ..

You can name that thing She also realizes that you A thousand times can't always talk it away, InIt won't make me go away stead, she rt~aches out and ofLet me put my arms around you fers: And hold yOl! while you weep ..

"Let me put my arms We've been talking around you and hold· you And you know what, " while you weep." S·upport· I'm sick of talk and caring, in the form oflis,t tening or just being' together, And it's nothing that wori'~ keep really help: In fact, they are a ' You 'can't fix this pain I , ·sure way eventually' to get' With money',' '" ." " ..' . . " . past th~ di.sappQintment. . I You can't rush a ":I." weary soul • ." " ..

• ~ Do 'you 'aspire' to.-follow You can't sweep It Jesus? One sure way to act.

Under the rug now ·bone~.' . 'upon th·is aspiratiort :is to be , p.

But it don;t'take a lotto know .. : . .' 'the type of friehd de'scribed in this song. Such a friend (Repeat refriain) .doesn) always try to cheer, r, .• another up. Rather; he' or she.

Written by Amy GrantlWayne Kirkpatrick acknowleclges the other's pain and is willing to'serve Sung by Amy Grant asa companion 0/1 the jour-, Copyright (c) 1997 by Age to Age l'4usic ' ney of healing - no matter' Inc.(ASCAP)/ Careers-BMG Music Publishing . how long "a little time" is.

(BMI)/Magic Beans (BMI) . Doing this 'requires an HOW LONG does it take actually is depends on several open heart. You must listen to get over a big disappoint- factors. No one likes to' face well and not judge. Ask God ment? the pain of disappointment, to help you be tbere in healAccording toAmy Grant's but life can bring us to this ing ways for your friends. new cassingle, "it takes a place. The key is to make it little time sometimes to get into a stopover, not a destiYour comments are alyour feet back on the nation. ways welcome. Please adground." The song is off her Disappointment can come dress: Chadie Martin, 7125 new CD "Behind the Eyes." in many forms. It can be as W 2008, Rockport, Ind. How long a "little time" quick as someone saying no 47635. ~

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Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

FO'R YOOTti

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ABOUT YOOTti

Jenny's visit to another church

By AMY WELBORN

It's like prayer:' I have to admit, now I was Jenny sat in my office, finger- dumbfounded. ing the pass her teacher had given The girl had been in Catholic her so she could come talk to me. schools for 10 years, and it was big "I don't have any big problem news to her that Communion is a or anything," she began, "but Ijust spiritual act, an encounter with God wanted to tell you about something for which you should prepare! that's going on."

It's a constant problem one enMy first thought was that she counters when working with was about to reveal some enonnous Catholic youth, especially in areas student-initiated plot to blow up the with parishes where youth minisschool or crash the computers. try is a low priority, if it's a priorIt turned out that Jenny, a ity at all.

Cathol ic, educated in Cathol ic Kids grow up attending, in their schools her entire life, had been minds, staid and dull liturgies. Proinvited by a friend to attend a re- grams for them are either nonexvival at her church - a Pentecos- istent or insultingly superficial. tal, fundamentalist congregation. They've never been taught what She had agreed and had been im- Eucharist is all about. pressed.

After all, if their church has em"It was great," she said, "the phasized the gift of Eucharist music was really cool, and all the that no matter what music, preachkids were up front really getting ing or environment surrounds the into it, waving their anns and stuff. sacrament, it is the body and blood And the preacher was really good. of Christ, the nourishing, saving It wasn't bori ng or above my head." presence of God here and now So why was she telling me? their attitude and expectations of "I talked to the preacher after liturgy might be much different. the service, and I told him I was They might look for spiritual susCatholic and that I went to a Catho- tenance rather than entertainment.

So what do you do when the lic school. He got real excited and said I should tell the other kids and glitz and excitement of another my religion teachers to come to the' church tempts you? services, that they'd really like it," First, take what you can from it, she added. and apply ,those lessons to your 'I pondered this a moment and own faith within your Own church. considered how to tell this girl, en- Use it within the context of your thusiastic as she was, about what faith that's been formed within the was really going on. But before I 'Catholic tradition. could start, she had more to tell.

Second; be critical. Examine "Then last week, before all this, what's going on, and determine I was home sick from school, and how much of what you see is rooted my friend's mom invited me to 'a in authentic, substantive faith, and service at their church in the morn- how much~is emotion. ing. They have, like, Communion, Third, remember th'at despitl< : but it's different. - it's little tif\)' good. fntcntion.s, .sometimes per-" square wafers and littl~ Cl!ps,.of sonnel involved in these efforts are. grape juice. It was nice. ~hd;I ,ini~nt o'n drawing Catholics away.' l~arned' somethi ng I nev,er klJew, from their church. Some focus on before." :. . ~Catholics:, especiallY.Gatholic , ..... ' ,... yqb.th, because they know that , "What's that?"

"That you're supp.o~~d .to' tl)(\nyofttiem, like Jenny, h!ve re-. c1.eanse your heart before ybu,get ,ceived poor fonnation in their faith .

Com":!union. You,'re supposed to". and' don't experience strong youth' be ready, totak~ God inside.you: 'milJistry in their parishes. .

:>

Sto~ehill.andBC worki~g togt:.ther Stonehill C6.11ege and Boston College have entered into an agreement by which select BC graduate co.urses will be held on the Stonehill campus, beginning in September, 1998.

The courses will be offered primarily to part-time graduate students from southeastern Massachusetts who are enrolled in the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. Selected Stonehill undergraduates, however, will be able to cross-register for the courses. If they meet the requirements for admission, Stonehill students would be admitted to BC's GSSW with

advanced standing ifthey complete any of the Courses with a grade of B or higher.

"This program will strengthen our Sociology Department's offerings, particularly for our best students," said Stonehill Associate Professor Kenneth Branco, chairman of the department. "It also will provide another vehicle for attracting exceptional applicants to Stonehill."

Courses to be offered include Racism, Oppression and Cultural Diversity; Social Work Practice; Human Behavior and the Social Environment; and the Social Welfare System.

16

THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., Oct. 31, 1997

OPTIMUM HOME HEALTH CARE

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

Due to limited space and also because notices of strictly parish affairs normally appear in a parish's own bulletin, we are forced to limit items to events of general interest. Also, we do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from The Anchor business office, tel. (508) 675-7151.

On Steering Points items, FA indicates Fall River, NB indicates New Bedford. All telephone numbers without area codes are (508).

ST. ANNE'S SHRINE, FR There will be a novena service in honor of St. Anne at 3 p.m. followed by a healing service until 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. All welcome.

SACRED HEART, N. ATTLEBORO The First Friday celebration will feature guest speaker Father Frank McManus, SJ on Nov. 7. The theme for the evening is "Signs and Wonders for a New Millennium" and will include stories and· explanations about sacramental and liturgical practices in the Catholic Church, Mass is at 7 p.m. and the program at 8 p.m. Adoration will continue until 3 p.m. Saturday.

ST. THERESA'S CHAPEL, SAGAMORE All area women are invited to a morning of recollection from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 14. Confessions will be heard by a priest of Opus Dei.

SUPPORT GROUP A support group for the parents and families of gay and lesbian children meets on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Social Services building in Hyannis.

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ADULT EDUCATION "Introduction to Scripture," a two-part course offered as part of the Fundamentals of Faith program of the Adult Education component of the diocesan secretariat of Education and Evangelization, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday Nov. 14 and 21 at Cathedral Camp, East Freetown. To register or for further information, call the Department of Adult Education: 678-2828.

ST. FRANCIS OF PEACE

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, NB

St. Francis of Peace Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order will hold its monthly meeting on Nov. 9 at Holy Trinity Church in West Harwich. A Mass will be celebrated

by Father Cornelius Kelly, OFM, at 1:30 p.m. and the business meeting and refreshments will follow. Inquirers are welcome. Information: Leona Eppinger 432-4424.

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Youth 2000 retreat will be held the weekend of Nov. 7 for young people ages 13-30. Youth 2000 is responding to the call of Pope John Paul II to enable young people to live and proclaim the Gospel. Information: Mario Correia 995-8910.

ST. LOUIS de FRANCE, SWANSEA

SACRED HEARTS RETREAT CENTER, WAREHAM

Preparation for consecration of oneself to Jesus through Mary acAn "Engaged Weekend" will cording to St. Louis de Montfort's take place Oct. 31-Nov. 2. This pro- book, "True Devotion to the gram provides the teachings re- Blessed Virgin" will take place at 7 quired by the diocese and it is a time p.m. Nov. 4 at the parish center. when couples can be alone to look Consecration will take place Dec. and plan where they want to go to- . 8.

Information: Paulette gether as husband and wife. Infor- Normandin, tel. 676-0029. mation: 295-0100.

STONEHILL COLLEGE Sharon Robinson, daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, will speak at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the Joseph' W. Martin Jr. Institute for Law and Society on campus.

She is the author of the. book Steal-

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Men and women who are interested in learning more about the Cursillo movement are invited to attend an informationa:l meeting held at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Holy Ghost parish in Attleboro. Thl~ purpose of Cursillo is to help individuals develop their spirituality, share it with others and help strengthen Christian attitudes and actions in the community and at h':>me. Information: Father Bruce: Neylon, Diocesan Spiritual Direl;tor 3998440.

The Council is sponsoring an educational seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 8 at Cathedral Camp in E. Freetown. Titled "The Secret Depression: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Us," the program will be presented by Peter J. Halperin, M.D. All healthcare workers are invited. CEUs and attendance certificates provided. Information: 678-2373 after 6 p.m.

of an African-American family that embodied the American dream of the 1950s. All welcome. Information: 565-1323.

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CURSILLO MOVEMENT

Volunteers who have clerical experience or computer or telephone skills and who enjoy working with people are needed at St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River. Those interested may contact Betty Novacek at the hospital's Volunteer Department: 674-5741, ext. 2080.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC NURSES

ing Home: An Intimate Family Portrait by the Daughter of Jackie Robinson and will offer a glimpse

CHR.I·STMAS. BAZAARS TURKEY WHISTS H·OLIDAY FESTIVALS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

PRO-LIFE A pro-life rosary, prayer vigil and recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for unborn c:lildren is held from 10-11 a.m. every Wed. at 68 Camp St. in Hyanni:;. Join us in public expression and support of the right to life of all unborn children. Information: 428-7281.

ST. MARY, MANSFIELD Family and friends of hospice patients who have died are invited to join together in an interfaith celebration of loved ones' lives and memories. This program will offer comfort and support. It begins at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the church.

PATIENU KINDNESS GltAU PEACE

Manor golf tourney raises funds

Friends of MadonnaManor hit the links recently for the North Attleboro nursing home's fourth annual golf tournament held at Norton Country Club, Norton. John Hannah, former New England Patriot and NFL Hall of Farner, was a special guest at the tournament which raised over $14,000 to renovate the nursing home's rehabilitative therapies center.

116 golfers participated in the 18hole tournament and a foursome sponsored by Walsh Brothers, Inc. of Cambridge won the event. Local businesses sponsored greens and tees

and donated many items as prizes.

"Our fourth annual gol f tournament was a success due in large measure to the generosity of golli~rs, sponsors, and volunteers. The tournament does everything it's sUppOSl:d to do it raises money for a wonderful cause and it allows our residents, staff and sponsors to interact in a diflerent atmosphere," said Barbara Bdyea, director of volunteers and community development at the homl:. With money raised from the tournament Madonna Manor looks forward to the grand opening of its new center this fall.

The Lazarus group will offer a grief support group entitled "Come Walk With Me" from 7-8:30 p.m. beginning Nov. 1'4. This eightweek Friday session is for people who have experienced the death of a loved one within the past year. .Informationlregistration: Eileen Miller 896-4218 or Happy Whitman 385-3252.

DCCW A program titled "Women's Well ness Education" will begin at 8 p.m. on Nov. 13 at St. Joseph's Parish Center, North Dighton. Speakers will include a nurse whowill discuss osteoporosis and a representative from the Parish Nurses' Association·. The program' will be preceded by a board· meeting at 7 p.m..

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING Natural Family Planning classes wiH,be held from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons beginning Nov. 9 and continuing Dec. 7, Jan. 11, and Feb. 8. Information/registration: C Nestor or Sharon. Levesque 674m 3156.

KNIGHTS of Columbus Council #813' of Falmouth reGently donated $1'0,000 to St. Patrick's Church in Falmouth for church renovations and a new baptismal font. Pictured from leift are former grand knight Frank Nagle; Msgr. John J. Regan" pastor of St. Patrick's; John Coppinger, also a former grand knight; and the late district deputy'John H. Somers; Jr. The Knights are a Catholic family fraternal organization dedicated to the ideals of Charity, unity, and fraternity, working to prov.ide wholesome activities. to benefit church and community.