SERVING SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
t eanc 0 VOL. 22, NO. 51
FALL RIVER, MASS., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1978
20c, $6 Per Year
Church Urged To Promote Catholic Political Action
THE INFORMAUTY of a pope who swings toddlers into the air and, as here, laughingly covers his ears against an uproarious welcome from Roman schoolchildren "has captured the imagination of m~ch of the world," writes Father Andrew Greeley. (NC Photo)
Letter to a New Pope Dear Jan Pawla II: Nyeh binje pohvalony Jezus Christus! People are saying that you're the most gifted pope we've ever had. I've gone through the history books about the last 500 years and I think they're right. Philosophers we've had before, but not philosophers with enough published articles to guarantee a faculty position at almost any university in the world. Poets we've had; your predecessor Leo XIII wrote lovely sonnets (and any number of other things about which the Catholic history books are rather silent). A man of great public presence we've had before, but in the nature of things, never a man who sparred with the press, kissed babies, and spoke on world television in 11 languages. Heroes of the faith we've had before, and those aplenty, but you're the first one who ever literally risked his life to save Jews from anti-Semitic murder-
ers. In your modesty you would doubtless laugh it off but the charge of being the most gifted pope in history seems on the record to be irrefutable. Nor, since you emerged on the balcony of St. Peter's on that gorgeous moonlight evening in October, have you made any wrong moves. From the first "praised be Jesus Christ" in Italian to a befuddled Roman citizenry, you have with ease and elegance done just exactly the right thing. To express it in American terms, you have pleased the readers of both the "Sunday Visitor" and the "Commonweal," the left and the right, almost without exception. It is the "honeymoon" time, of course, the beginning of a new administration when the press and public are enthused automatically about everything a new leader does. This time will not last; and you can exTurn to Page Thirteen
By Jim Castelli WASHINGTON (NC) - The National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors has urged that "the church. actively promote the participation of Catholics in the political process." "Individuals are to be encouraged to run for office and to donate their talents to organizations involved in the political process," the association said. The association also said the state Catholic conferences and the U.S. Catholic Conference should develop education about "the moral obligations and duties of citizenship, how public policy is made, the role of the Church in shaping just public policy and the issues facing the. citizens on the local, state and national leveL" The directors made their recommendations in a statement responding to a call by the U.S. bishops for them to develop pro路grams to promote "a greater understanding of the way public policy is made and the duties of citizenship." The bishops had also supported establishment of a justice education center within the USOC. AlthQugh no action has been taken on that request, the ,State Catholic conference directors recommended that education about the making of public policy and the duties of citi-
zenship be included in such a center. The association outlined the responsibilities of good citizenship and possibilities for action at five levels. . They said individuals must evaluate issues "in the light of political, social and moral criteria. The individuals must then both exercise their right to vote and 'also voice their informed convictions to the community by public and private expression of opinion, letters to the editor, open support of issues and candidates and through other appropriate channels." The association said local community organizations such
as parishes or parish organizations "may take part in civic affairs through adult education programs, homilies, speakers, political candidates' forums and publication in the local communications organ, such as the parish bulletin. Dioceses and diocesan-level organzations may establish a public affairs or justice and peace or advocacy office, the statement said. "These organizations should utilize diocesan newspapers whenver possible when promoting understanding of issues, moral responsibility and education for justice," the association said.
Father A. Castelo Branco To Retire from Pastorate Father Asdrubal Castelo Branco, f.or 22 years pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford, one of the largest parishes in the diocese, will retire from active ministry Wednesday, Jan. 3. Noted for his quiet and un-
assuming manner, Father Branco is equally well known for his unremitting devotion to his people, especially the children of his large flock. During his pastorate, said a fellow priest, "he has helped the poor in seTurn to Page Five
Msgr. Regan New Episcopal Vicar Effective immediately, Msgr. John J. Regan has been named Episcopal Vicar for the Fall River and New Bedford areas of the Fall River diocese. In this capacity, he will aid Bishop Cronin in a special manner within the areas designated. Msgr. Regan last month assumed the pastorate of St. ThomTurn to Page Five
The Anchor wishes its readers and advertisers a New Year filled with hope and joy.
FATHER ASDRUBAL CASTELO BRANCO
year路 of jubilee
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
d)~eople. Pla~es. Events-NC News Briefs (b Stevens GuHty
Asylum Asked
WASHINGTON - The National Labor Relations Board has found J. P. Stvens and Co. guilty of bargaining in bad faith with the union elected in 1974 to represent 3,000 textile workers at seven Stevens plants in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. The 4-0 decision resulted from complaints by the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union that J. P. Stevens and Co. had never intended to reach a contract during nearly two years of bargaining.
MILAN, Italy - A French bishop expelled from Vietnam in 1975 after 38 years of missionary work appealed to governments to "open their doors" to the thousands of refugees fleeing from Vietnam and the other communist-ruled countries of Southeast Asia. "Every government must assume its responsibilities in this drama th'at is being played in Southeast Asia," said Bishop Paul Seitz.
Not the Answer
\;
DAVID BYERS, U.S. Catholic Conference rural issues coordinator, was among religious leaders discussing proposed U.s.. rural policy with Carter administration.
AMES, Iowa-Producing more grain or exporting more grain to feed 'poor countries will not solve the problems of hunger, according to Frances Moore Lappe, co-director of the Institute for Food and Development Policy in San Francisco. She said she believes that if land and resources were equitably distributed, most countries would have enough food.
Chinese Relations WASHINGTON - "Inevitable" is the word most often used by a sampling of Catholics with Chinese connections to the normalization of American relations with the People's Republic of China. Most of those interviewed supported the move by President Jimmy Carter, with some seeing possible benefits for the church. Some of those who supported Carter criticized him for the way the move was made.
Pains Faked WASHINGTON The prosecution will ask that an abortionist who has tried for perjury and murder be held in contempt of court for allegedly faking the chest pains that hospitalized him and contributed to a mistrial declaration on Dec. 15. Judge Fred B. Ugast of the D.C. Superior Court said he would order the defendant, Dr. Robert J. Sherman, to show cause why he should not be held in contempt when the prosecution makes the request.
BROTHER ROLAND GAUDETTE has been named Brothers of Christian Instmction vocation director for the United States. He will coordinate vo,::ation outreach in schools served by his community, including Bishop Connolly High School, Fall Riv~r.
Guinea Exodus . GENEVA, Switzerland President Macias Nguema of Equatorial Guinea has prompted a mass exodus from that African country by being "totally ruthless in liquidating political opponents," said a report by the International Commission of Jurists, an independent human rights agency. The report charges that since the country gained independence from Spain in 1968, one-fourth of its population has escaped to other regions.
Has Father ROME - Pope John Paul II recently dedicated a vocational school started by Pope Paul VI and visited the Basilica of St. Paul's-Outside-the-Walls. At St. Paul's, the pope recalled the apostle after whom the basilica was named and spoke warmly of Pope Paul VI, the first modern pope taking the name. The current pope said he considered Paul VI "not only as my predecessor, but indeed as my father."
MSGR. EMERSON J. MOORE, believed first black monsignor in U.S., says mood in Harlem, where he is a pastor, is one of hope, combined with deep pessimism, but that on balance "I think our people have faith that things will get better."
Beatification Sought MEXICO CITY-Father Enrique Salazar, assistant rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, said proceedings are under way to seek the beatification of the Indian, Juan Diego, to whom tradition says the Virgin Mary appeared four times in 1531.
-'Routine Crisis' CLEVELAND-The best way to learn to deal with the "routine crisis" of death is to "listen to those who are further along toward death than we are," a priest-psychiatrist told some 150 priests, Religious and lay people attE!nding a seminar at John Carroll University in Cleveland. "Death is a commonplace, frequent occurrence which is a "routine crisis'," Jesuit Father Ned Cassem said.
A DECADE AFTER his death, the influence of Trappist monk Merton is still far-reaching. Many programs have marked the anniversary and assessed his contributions to religious thought.
Too Much I VATICAN CITY - Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, president of the Pontifical Justice and Peace Commission, in a message commemorating the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, cited excessive individualism as one of the threats to human rights.
Squatters Supported LONDON-English Christians are being asked to protest the decision by the South African government to demolish a squatter camp outside Cape Town, South Africa. The campaign is being organized by Anglican Bishop David Brown of Guildford, chairman of the Church of England's Board fQr Mission and Unity. The camp houses -about 20,000 blacks and the government's decision would mean the separation of many families, said the bishop.
Learns More Here WASHINGTON-Two Catholic magazines, Mensaje and Solidaridad, "sell like hot cakes because they bridge the news gap in Chile," said Mrs. Josefina Burgos on her return from a visit to, her homeland. She is a refugee in Washington. "I know less about Chile while visiting there than while living here," she said. "Sure, there was enough in the media about a possible war with Argentina, but little else."
WORD OF COMFORT is offered by W. Thomas Smith, executive director of the Hymn Society of America, who says quality of Catholic hymns is improving.
Election Consequences PARIS-The election of Pope John Paul II will have "important consequences for Eastern Europe," said French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing at a recent press conference. The election of a Polish pope will not hinder detente, he added.
OK, But Don't Do 'US
Carter Rural Policy
UNITED NATIONS - Members of the United Nations have been quick to praise the fact-finding report on Chile of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. But many nations especially from the communist bloc and the'Third World are reluctant to have the human rights group do similar work in other countries.
WASHINGTON - Fifteen representatives of Catholic and Protestant groups have met with Carter administration officials to discuss a proposed White House rural policy statement. The meeting was organized by Alexander Peeler of the National Conference of Catholic Charities.
R.. SARGENT SHRIVER, 63, is considered a top candidate to head the upcoming White House Conference of Families.
THE ANCHOR-
Stonehill Offers New Courses
Thurs., Dec. 28, 1778
New Year Mass
New offerings at Stonehill College, North Easton, include a IO-week non-credit course on federal and state income tax procedures, to begin Tuesday, Jan. 9 and a listening and communication skills workshop for persons engaged in healing ministry, to be held the weekend of Jan 6 and 7. The latter program will be non-residential, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Conducted by Dr. Hugh Boyle Jr. of the Stonehill faculty, it is open to persons in prayer groups who want to develop and improve basic communication and relationship skills. Information regarding both offerings is available from the college. Also of note at Stonehill is the recent publication of "Women in American Trade Unions" by Dr. James J. Kenneally of the history department, a study which examines the role of women in the American labor movement.
Poland Censors Papal Letter ROME (NC) - A letter from Pope John Paul II to the people of his former Archdiocese of Cracow was censored by the Polish government before it was released, according to a report from Warsaw that was widely carried in the nalian press. The government reportedly deleted a portion of the Christmastime letter calling St. Stanislaus of Cracow "the defender of the most important rights of man and of the nation." St. Stanislaus, patron of Poland, was killed in 1079 by King Boleslaus the Daring because the saint, one of the first bishops of Cracow, opposed regal policies. After killing the bishop, the king was forced to flee into exile and spent the rest of his life as a penitent in a Benedictine monastery in Hungary. In strongly Catholic Poland St. Stanislaus is often considered a symbol of the church's autonomy with respect to civil authority.
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Since the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, New Year's day, falls on Monday, Catholics han
two distinct Mass obligatiom~, one for Sunday and one for th.e Monday holy day. The Sunday obligation may be fulfilled at a Saturday vigill Mass or at any Sunday Mass. The New Year's day obligation may be fulfilled at any Mass after 4 p.m. Sunday or at any Monday Mass. One Sunday evening Mass does not fulfill both obligatiom:.
Ask Reconsiderationl WOMEN VlNCENTIANS: Members of St. St. Vincent de Paul Society, the only one in with pastor. From left, Mrs. Olivia E. Gerardi, Father Manuel Ferreira, Mrs. Irene Pimental.
John the Baptist parish conference of the the diocese with women members, meet Mrs. Alice Sylvia, Mrs. Alvira Encarnacao, (Rosa Photo)
Vincentians Seek Women Members It's not generally known that for the past four years the traditionally all-male Society of St. Vincent de Paul has admitted women. In fact, although across the nation many parish conferences have active women members, in the Fall River diocese only the New Bedford particular council of the organization has voted to go along with the national trend. Even in New Bedford, the only parish conference that has actually admitted women is that
of St. John Baptist; although there is one Fall River parish that has women as auxiliary members. Vito V. Gerardi, president of the diocesan central council of the Vincentians, would like to see that situation change. He notes that as an all-male organization the Vincentians' numbers are dwindling, while the average age of members is rising. "Hardly any young men join
us," he said. He thinks that an infusion of women members, with their proverbial ability to get things done, plus their feminine sensitivity to human needs, would be just what's needed by the Vincentians. He points to his own conference's success with its distaff members as an example of what can be expected by other units opening their doors to female Vincentians.
WASHINGTON - Leaders of three major Catholic, Protestant and Jewish. national organiza.tions have urged President Carter "to reconsider the decision tt) increase the defense budget at the expense of domestic pmgrams. We are deeply concerne:l about recent administration statements which suggest th~.t the federal budget for fiscal year 1980 will permit the reduction cf human service programs while allowing real growth of three per cent in defense spending," they said.
Being the Church "The laity must above all have a conviction . . . not only 'Of belonging to the church, but of being the church." - Pope Pius XII
Belgrade Parley PHILADELPHIA - Last year's Belgrade conference on human rights was a success because it helped to keep the world's attention on human rights in the Soviet Union, according to Msgr. George Higgins, who was an adviser to the U.S. delegation to the talks. Msgr. Higgins, U.S. Catholic Conference secretary for research, said there have also been "some mildly encouraging signs" that that attention has done some good inside the communist bloc.
But A Trace "Christ did not find heroism in everyone; whoever showed but a trace of good will, to him he tendered his hand and inspired him with courage." Pope Pius XII
Diocese of Fall River
OFFICIAL RETIREMENT Father Asdrubal Castelo Branco will retire from the pastorate of Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford, effective Wednesday, January 3, 1979. APPOINTMENT Msgr. John J. Regan has been named Episcopal Vicar for the Fall River and New Bedford areas of the Fall River diocese, effective immediately.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
the living word
themoorin~ Sound the Shofar Addressing a commemorative event this past month, Pope John Paul. II offered the following reflections which certainly apply also to our own diocese as we begin 1979, our Year of Jubilee. The Holy Father stated that such an event is "not the hour for empty chatter and arrogant attitudes. It is the hour for great 路:asks. It falls upon all during such a time, but particularly the young," he continued, " to construct the future, to cons':ruct the new era of history. This is the testimony which your own Christian community and the world should expect from you during these days of joyful celebration." Such thOUg:ltS certainly should be the catalyst inspiring the many events which will mark 1979 as the people of God in this diocese rejoice in Jubilee. Reflecting on the past helps us realize the reality of the present to the end that all may try to fulfill the hopes of the future. Such a spirit can inspire each member of our . diocesan family to show in action that it is possible to huild around the cause of our joy, the Lord, a community of men and womer. who can carryon their daily work without :losing contact with the essential frame of reference of a Catholic view of life; a community of men and women sustained by the joyful awareness of possessing in our diocesan family a sense of commitment and dedication to :the Church; a c:>mmunity of men and women who seek to incarnate in their homes and social environments the divine Hfe that is the fundamental reason for our rejoicing. This indeed. should be the spirit of renewal that permeates our JubJee celebration. And it fits in wonderfully with the Jubilee reflections given us in the Living Word a:.. found in the book of Leviticus: "In the year of Jubilee de not afflict your countrymen, but let everyone fear his God because I am the Lord your God. Do my precepts and keep my judgments and fulfill them that you may dwell in the land without any fear" (Lev. 25:17-18). Thus at the sound of the trumpet or the shofar of both ancient and modern Jewry (the shofar was a ram's-horn t.rumpet and the word "jubilee" is derived from the Hebrew for ram's horn):. a year of liberty was proclaimed. In our day it should set us free from any bondage that would prevent us from continuing the work of the Lord in this diocese, this corner of His vineyard. Truly, in such a frame of reference, the events and undertakings of this diocesan Jubilee will not only mark a historic past but will encourage the promise of the future. Blow the trumpet! Sound the Jubilee! A year of renewal is at hand! Letters Welcome Letters to the editor are welcomed. All letters should be brief Imd the editor resl!rves the right to condense any letters if deemed llecessary. Alllett芦!rs must be signed and contain a home or business llddress.
theancho~
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER
Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Dioces路e of Fall River 410 Highland Avenue Fall River, Mass. 02722 675-7151 PUBLISHER Most Rev. Daniel A. Cronin, D.O., S.T.D.
EDITOR Rev. John F. Moore
FINANCIAL ADMINIsTRATOR Rev. Msgr. John 1. Regan . . . . leary Press-Fall River
'it is the year of iubilee!' Lev. 25: 10
Views Differ on Salt II Merits Bishop Raymond Hunthausen By Jim Castelli The U.S. Catholic Conference of Seattle is the remaining bishhas joined one group set to lobby op on the Americans for SALT for a U.S.-Soviet arms control board. Bishop Sullivan is a member treaty at the same time Bishop Walter Sullivan of Richmond has of the board of Pax Christi, a resigned from the board of an- Catholic peace group which recently decided to refuse to supother. The two incidents highlight a port SALT and to urge other growing debate within the Cath- church groups supporting the olic community over the merits treaty to reconsider. He said he does not condemn of a Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) agreement now al- SALT, but he said lte does not most completed. The agreement, see how he can support it as a which has been worked on for Christian. Father Hehir said the treaty is six years, is the second in a series and is known as SALT II. flawed and could be better but Most of the treaty's details have that "it's the only thing you can get at this moment." been public for months. "What do you do the mornin'g Father J. Bryan Hehir, USCC associate secretary for interna- after you defeat SALT II?" he tional justice and peace, said the asked. "What's the next pro' USCC has joined the Religious posal?" SALT I limited the United Committee on SALT, an organization formed earlier this year States and the Soviet Union to to coordinate religious support 2,400 vehicles - missiles, bombfor ratification of a SALT treaty ers and submarines - capable when it is completed and to of launching nuclear weapons. raise ethical issues in the SALT SALT II would lower that ceiling to 2,250. debate. The president of Pax Christi, The USCC is one of 18 Catholic, Protestant and Jewish or- Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit, said the new ganizations in the committee. Bishop Sullivan said he has re- limit "leaves the U.S. strategic signed from the board of Amer- force intact and, for all practical icans for SALT, a secular lobby- purposes, invites the Soviet ing group, because he believes Union to increase theirs." Bishop Gumbleton said the the treaty now being negotiated "doesn't really limit the arms agreement "is hardly more than race" and "legitimizes" nuclear .a cruel hoax. We cannot support this agreement and still be called weapons. "Eventually we use the weap- Catholic peace-makers." Father Hehir said that without ons we build," he said.
SALT II, "we'll go far 'beyond 2,400" strategic vehicles. He said the reduction in the upper limit was important psychologically because it 'marks the first time a limit has been lowered. He also said the treaty was important because it contains "qualitative controls" subceilings on different types of weapons, such as 1,320 multipleheaded, independently targeted missiles. In a related development, Msgr. George Higgins, USCC secretary for research, criticized Bishop Gumbleton's remarks in a column syndicated by NC News Service for release Dec. 25. Msgr. Higgins said he supports SALT II. "The question which the U.S. Senate must answer during the next session of the Congress is: Would it be better to approve an admittedly imperfect arms control argeement or would it be better to scrap the SALT II treaty and start over again, assuming that history will give us another chance to do so?" he wrote. "There is no single 'Christian' or 'Catholic' answer," he said. . .1tI11llllllllll.... ''''''III'''nIlItlUllllllll_rtl......._''"I11f'tlllllll'IIIII''11111111.11_
THE ANCHOR Second Class Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. published every Thursday at 410 Highland Avenue, Fall River. Mass. 02722 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid per year.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
Letters to the Editor
Father Branco Continued from Page One cret ways," never seekiI}g recognition for his many anonymous deeds of mercy. A lover of art and collector of outstanding pieces of ecclesiastical workmanship for his church, Father 'Branco has enjoyed travel over the years, often returning to his native Portugal and to other European countries during his vacations. tHe is well read and in 1948 published "The Crusade of Fatima," a book inspired by his
Letters are welcomed, but should be no onore than 200 words. The editor reserves lIle right to condense or edit, If deemed necessary. All letters must be signed and Include a home or business address.
Yule Concert On December 16 I had the privilege of attending a magnificent event here in New Bedford. It was the 'Crystal Light Carol' concert presented by Holy Family High School Music Department. Mr. Arthur Buckley, the direc" tor, and the youth participating in the concert are to be congratulated for their handmade scenery as a back-drop for the concert and for the professional touch of the concert. The pastors and parishioners who have the heavy burden of maintaining the Holy' Family High School should be justifiably proud of the accomplishments of the young people of the school. And the people of God of the Diocese of Fall River, during this joyful season of commemorating the birth of Our Divine Saviour, should give thanks to Him that the Diocese is so devoted to giving a sound Catholic education to our youth. Fr. Allan Foran, OFM Our Lady's Chapel New Bedford
New Vicar Continued from Page One as More Church, Somerset, after seven years as rector of St. Mary's Cathedral. He is also financial administrator of The Anchor and director of diocesan health facilities. He was named a domestic prelate June 30, 1974. Born in Taunton, the new Episcopal Vicar graduated from the former Coyle High School and attended St. Charles Seminary, Catonsville, Md. and St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore. He was ordained May 22, 1953. He has also served at St. James parish, New Bedford; Sacred Heart, Fall River; and St. Patrick, Falmouth.
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MSGR. REGAN
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Necrology January 6 Rev. James F. Roach, 1906, Founder, Immaculate Conception, Taunton
PAPAL FIRST: Pope Paul, in a white sleeveless sweater, greets Roman crowds on a cold, damp day. It i~ believed the first time a pope has worn a sweater in public.
Pope Will Attend Puebla, Mediate Latin Dispute VATICAN CITY (NC) - Pope John Paul II will visit Mexico at the end of January. The pope announced his first trip abroad as pope at his Christmas meeting with cardinals in Rome, the pontifical family, the Roman Curia and other Rome prelates. He also announced that he is sending a personal representative to Argentina and Chile to mediate their dispute over the Beagle Channel and try to head off the threat of war between the two countries. Both governments had asked him to mediate their differences. In his first Christmas message the pope also announced that the secret Vatican archives from the reign of Pope Leo XlII (18701903) would be opened to scholars. And he renamed the large modern audience hall built by Pope Paul VI the "Paul VI Hall." Pope John Paul did not make the long-expected announcement of his trip to Mexico until he was two-thirds of the way through his long speech. "At the end of this January I hope to be able--God willingto go to Mexico to take part in the third general assembly of the Latin American bishops, which will take place, as you know, in Puebla de Los Angeles," the pope said. "But before going to the conference site," he added, "I will make a stop at the celebrated sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is from here, in fact, that I desire to take the higher comfort and the necessary stimulus - the good omens as it were - for my mission of pastor of the church, and, particularly, for my first contact with the church in Latin America." The Puebla conference begins
Jan. 27. Although the pope did not announce specific dates for his trip, it is preseumed that he will attend the opening ceremonies, possibly visiting the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe the day before. The conference is a meeting of representatives of the hierarchy from throughout Latin America. It is the first such meeting in a decade. Pope Paul VI attended the opening of the last conference in 1968, which coincided with an international eucharistic congress in Bogota, Colombia. That conference, held at nearby Medellin, set the Latin American church on a new course of spiritual renewal and social involvement.
January 7 Rev. Alfred R. Forni, 1970, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi, New Bedford January 8 Rev. Alfred J. Carrier, 1940, Founder, St. James, Taunton Rev. John Kelly, 1885, Founder, St. Patrick, Fall River Rev. Arthur C. Lenaghan, 1944, Chaplain, United States Army January 10 Rev. Jourdain Charron, O.P., 1919, Dominican Priory, Fall River Rev. George H. Flanagan, 1938, Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Fall River Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Sousa de Mello, 1977, retired pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton
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deep devotion to our Lady of Fatima. Father Branco was born in Lisbon, moving to St. Michael, Azores, after graduation from high school. He was ordained June 29, 1927 in the Azores, where a priest brother still serves in the city of Ponta Delgada. After five years service in the islands he came to the Fall River diocese, responding to the need, great even then, for Portuguese priests to serve the immigrant population. Initially assigned as associate pastor to Immaculate Conception, where he is now pastor, Father Branco also served in various Fall River parishes and was pastor of Our Lady of Health parish, Fall River, before his present assignment. In 1977 the veteran priest celebrated his golden jubilee, at which time he was presented a commemorative plaque by State Sen. George Rogers of New Bedford.
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Before announcing his Mexico trip the pope told the assembled prelates and Vatican officials that both parties in the ChileArgentina conflict had appealed to the Holy See for mediation. "The Holy See could not refuse the appeal, even with an awareness of the delicacy and complexity of the question, considering the higher interests of peace stronger than the political and technical aspect.s of the dispute," he said.
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Papal Appeal VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II marked the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights with a solemn appeal "that, in every place and by everyone religious freedom be respected for every person and for all peoples." The message contained an implied criticism of communist-ruled states, such as Poland, the homeland of the pope.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
Informal Plot To Subvert Religion, Catholicism
By
REV. ANDREW M. GREELEY .!'%.(
During thE: November bishops' meeting, while the headlines were going to the George Higgimi/Anne Neale battles, another major issue faced the bishops - the problem of the growing anti-Catholicism, indeed anti-reli~;ious, environment in America, especially in the federal government. Brian Hehir and Charles Whelan, two of the members of the bishops' national staff who were not scheduled for the headman's ax, assured the bishops that there was no anti-Catholic or anti-religious conspiracy in the federal government. "It is complexity, not conspiracy," said one of them. If the bishops are interested in saving money, they should get rid of the people who are trying
Iy MARY CARSON
Many people suffer from depression aro'lnd the holidays. In fact, for many years I found mysel:: blue before Christmas, after New Year's and in some cases, both. This depression was much worse when my children were younger. Usually the week before Christmas I was ready to cry at the drop (.f an ornament. By Christmas I sometimes believed I had raised eight horrible examples of greed, self-centeredness, anger, and indifference.
to tell them that there is no anti-Catholic or anti-religious conspiracy in the federal government. The federal bureaucracy has turned viciously anti-religious in the last several year, and Catholics and fundamentalist Protestants are the principal targets of this viciousness. You do not need to have cabals (meeting over three-hour lunches on taxpayers' time) to plot against religion.. There are other conspiracies besides the explicitly organized and formalized ones. For the radical New Left bureaucrats to go after organized religion there don't have to be any secret meetings. The anti-religious and anti-Catholic ethos which permeates the federal bureaucracy is so pervasive that one doesn't need a formal conspiracy. Research proposals on Catholic schools, for example, at the National Institute for Education go invariably to black staff members who state explicitly on the record that they believe all Catholic schools are segregation-
ist - a belief that doesn't yield to contrary empir ical evidence. The NEW blitz, led by the turncoat Joseph Califano, against Catholic schools made the ridiculous charge that these schools are the enclaves of wealthy segregationists. No secret meetings are required. In many circles, response to the mention of Catholic schools is like that of a dog to a tree or a little boy to a water fountain. By the standards of the two usce staffers, it may not have been a conspiracy, but from the point of view of Senators Packwood, Moynihan and Roth, whose legislation was defeated by this alliance, it most certainly was a conspiracy. The Internal Revenue Service is embarked on a campaign to take tax exemption away from religious newspapers and religious schools. They are doing so allegedly in the name of fighting the segregationist academies of the South, but anyone who thinks that those are the real targets doesn't understand the
minds of the New Left federal bureaucrats. The targets are Catholic schools and Catholic newspapers. If the hierarchy refuses to fight, it will be actively encouraging religious persecution, just as it did by its' silence during the tuition tax credit fight. This neo-nativism can be beaten. It does not represent a substantial segment of the American population; it is, rather, limited to a small group of intellectuals and bureaucrats, many of them self-anointed spokesman for "minority" groups who really don't reflect the feelings of those for whom they claim to be spokesmen. ,But the anti-Catholic and antireligious elites do happen to have certain key positions in the national media, the universities and in the federal bureaucracy. They will not go away simply because they are bad men; much less will they go away because Brian Hehir says the issues are complex. They will go away because American Catholics are
willing to use their political muscle against such people. Unfortunately, at the present stage of things in the American church, that muscle will only be used when the hierarchy is prepared to organize it or at least initiate it. How many more staff members of Secr.etary Califano are going to say that they could not make a Catholic head of the White House Conference on the Family any more than they could give the job to the Pope's son before the bishops begin to believe that there really is bigotry at HEW? How many more Internal Revenue Service rules will there have to be before the bishops understand that there really is a conspiracy in that agency to get the Catholic church?
My sister-in-law is 10 years younger than I aI!d at that time she was shocked by my attitude. She was marrled less than a 'year and Christmas was a wonderful time. How could I possibly be in such a terrible mood when so much was beautiful and right with the world especially when I had all those young children to share and enjoy all the great traditions. Ten years later she had a house full of young children and mine . were pretty well grown. One year, I had a phone call from her about a week before Christmas. "I've got to talk to someone who'll understand. I'm crying all the time. I feel like I hate Christmas, I hate the kids
As I talked to her - admitting how I used to feel - she realized that I had changed.' She was even more startled than she had been by my earlier Scrooge attitude. "What's wrong with you? Why aren't you in tears?"
Christmas for the kids. Then those years of limited finances changed for the worse. There was just no money for anything. One of those years - the bleakest financially - we were given $25. With that I bought a tree, Christmas dinner, and a gift for each of the eight chilreno The gifts were silly - a nerf ball for a son in college, a box.of crayons, a puzzle, pickup-sticks for kids in high school. That was it. And it was one of the best Christmases we ever had. It began to sink in that there are more important things about Christmas than dollars spent, exhaustion endured, or the relationship of how much you do for one child compared to another. There were things I could give
my children that money could never buy . . . the fact that I love them, that each of thelll is important to me. I had underestimated them, thought that they would be disappointed if there wasn't "enough" compared to their friends. Those years gave me an enormous respect for my children. Mutual love and respect are worth more than an~ gift under a tree.
. , . and I'm just beginning to understand why you were so blue."
'Catch-22' By
JIM
CASTELLI
In recent months the press has been full of both complaints about government "incursions" into internal church affairs and calls for greater government involvement in church affair:; to head off tragedies such as the mass murder-suicide at the People's Temple in' Guyana. But the issue of church-state relation:; is complex and problems require more sophisticated solutions than either a total hands-off policy 'by government toward religion or, as one professor has suggested, Federal Trade Commission clearance for
new religious groups. For example, a major complaint among the churches is that recent government actions have attempted to define churches and their mission. But there's a Catch-22 situation here: How can government protect religion without in some way defining it? At the same time, government's responsibility to protect religion may conflict with its responsibility to protect citizens. The established constitutional law in this area is that while freedom of religious belief is absolute, freedom of religious action may be limited where it conflicts with other important rights. One expert at dealing with such problems is Jesuit Father Charles Whelan, a professor at Fordham Law School. In a recent issue of America, a Jesuit opinion journal, he said, "One practical consequence . . .
I couldn't explain exactly when the change took place for me because it was gradual. But each year, after New Year's, when I started to get enough rest again and could look at it objectively, I found that my depression was my own doing. I had feelings of never doing as much for other people as I had wanted to. When my children were young we were on rather limited finances. When others were giving their children new bicycles I was bargaining for used ice skates. I never felt I could afford a really "nice"
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In
I find myself agreeing with my . friend Cardinal Krol once again: There is a conspiracy in certain quarters of the government to subvert religion and especially Catholicism. I hope the other bishops will listen to the cardinal and fight back.
This year as I look back on the holidays, I realize that I haven't done all the things I was "supposed" to do. I wasn't able to send cards, Christmas cookies were eaten as fast as baked, gifts were still limited, there was an ache for friends who have died . . . '. . . but I have' a family who deeply love and care about each other.
Relationship of Church and State
of religious exemptions is that government must distinguish between meritorious and unmeritorious claims of such exemptions. "-Brothels and massage parlors have incorporated as 'temples of divine love.' Thieves have masqueraded as messiahs. Opportunists have created fake churches in an effort to avoid paying taxes. If government had to recognize every claim to religious exemption as meritorious, ras-' cals would rapidly pervert the purposes of the exemptions and bring them into public disfavor." "If everything the churches or religious individuals do is religious, and if everything religious is exempt," Father Whelan said, "the gulf between church and state becomes too deep for public safety." Recent headlines have brought to light some potential abuses of religious exemptiol1s: Synanon,
the drug rehabilitation program turned cult considered becoming a "church" in order to avoid government investigation of its internal activities; members of the Church of Scientology have been accused of infiltrating and harassing the government and stealing government documents; the Unification Church (the "Moonies") have been investigated for allegedly violating currency laws and with being a front for the Korean CIA. On another level, people buy mail-order ordinations to incorporate as churches to avoid taxes. Last year Bishop George Speltz of St. Cloud, Minn., publicly criticized a group of farmers, mostly Catholics, who had tried to avoid taxes in this way. Catholic officials have focused their complaints about government interference with religion on areas such as the National Labor Relations Board's efforts
to assert jurisdiction over Catholic schools and government actions which appear to define religion and religious mission in the process of doing something else, such as requiring information tax returns from church-run colleges and hospitals or requiring coverage of lay teachers in church schools under the unemployment compensation system. -But church complaints center around different levels of activity and, since they are usually expressed within a narrow legal context, often cause confusion. Church-state relations are inherently complex; a first step in dealing with them involves determining just where the problems lie and whether exemption for the sake of exemption is justified. Father Whelan was applauded by the U.S. bishops when he told them at a recent workshop, "Jesus came to save us, not to exempt us."
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
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FALL RIVER AREA committee membe rs preparing for the 24th annual Bishop's Ball are, from left, Dorothea Almeida, Antone Pacheco, Mrs. Robert Nedderman, Claire O'Toole, Mrs., Roger Forest, Father Daniel I. Freitas.
Bishop's Ball Presentees Are Listed Pamela Ann Deda, a student at Nazareth Hall School, FaIl River, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Deda, will be featured at the traditional presentation ceremony of the annual Bishop's Charity Ball. Like 33 other young ladies representing as many diocesan parishes, she will be presented by her father to Bishop Daniel A. Cronin in one of the most colorful highlights of the winter social event, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12 at Lincoln Park Ball room, North Dartmouth. Presentees and their parishes foIlow: Attleboro Area Patricia Ann Birch, St. John the Evangelist parish, Attleboro; Marie Charron, St. Stephen's, Attleboro; Susan M. VeIletri, S1. Mary's, North Attleboro; Barbara Pestana, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Seekonk. Cape, Islands Area Carole T. McGillicuddy, St. Margaret's, Buzzards Bay; Laurie Rebello, St. Patrick's, Falmouth; Suzanne Marie Ozon, S1. Joan of Arc, Orleans; Justine M. Lemenager, St. Elizabeth's, Edgartown; Susan Therriault, St. John the Evangelist, Pocasset; Nancy Oliveira, Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet. Fall River Frances Melvin, Saint Mary's Cathedral, FaIl River; Katherine Hudner, Holy Name, Fall River;
Energy Program After consultation with religious groups across the state, the Massachusetts Energy Office has developed an energy conservation program especially tailored to the needs of houses of worship. It is explained in manuals now being distributed to members of the clergy and will be further discussed at energy seminars to be held throughout 1979. A letter accompanying the manuals declared that implementation of the church program will be a major step in the commonwealth's conservation plan.
Everyone "To the saints, everyone is child and lover. Everyone is Christ. - Dorothy Day
Marie-Paule Boulay, Notre Dame de Lourdes, FaIl River; Annette Diane Degagne, Saint Anne's, Fall River. Rochelle St. Martin, Saint Louis, Fall River; Gail Anne Roderick, Saint Michael's, Fall River; Lisa Soares, Saint William's, Fall River; Linda Teresa Paiva, Santo Christo, Fall River. Helen Cabricip, Saint Bernard's, Assonet; Jacolyn Brodeur, Our Lady of Grace, Westport; Margaret J. Sullivan, Our Lady of Fatima, Swansea; Pamela Ann Deda, Nazareth HaIl, FaIl River. New Bedford Area Sharon Louise Lopes, Our Lady of Assumption, 'New Bedford; Andrea Caruso, Saint Francis of Assisi, New Bedford; Christine Pateakos, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford; Doreen Raymond, St. Joseph's, New Bedford. Monique Boisvert, S1. Kilian's, New Bedford; Marlene Louise
Family Planning Classes Slated Fertility awareness helps women understand the body's natural cycle and when fertility occurs. As a family planning method it is becoming widely acclaimed as it is easy to use, effective, and poses no threat of physical harm. Natural Family Planning classes teach couples several easy-to-use methods of identifying the fertility cycle. This knowledge can be used to space pregnancies and is useful throughout one's lifetime. A new series of Natural Family Planning classes will be offered to the public at St. Anne's Hospital, FaIl River, beginning in January. Each class will meet once a month, on a Wednesday evening, for four months. The course is taught by a registered nurse who is equipped to answer questions about common or unusual situations or problems. Classes will begin on January 10, January 17, and January 24. Pre-registration is requested. More information is available by calling Mrs. Mariette Eaton, RN. at S1. Anne's Hospital, 674-5741.
Frigault, S1. Mary's, Fairhaven; Patricia Sweeney, Saint Rita's, Marion. Taunton Area Marcia Ann Ducharme, Holy Rosary, Taunton; Mary Jane Pereira, Our Lady of Lourdes, Taunton; Stacey Marie Poucel, St. Mary's, Taunton; Debra Ann BotelIio, Saint Paul's, Taunton; Denise Tremblay, Immaculate Conception, North Easton.
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Use of Formula Is Criticized BOGOTA, Columbia (NC) Medical experts from Colombia, the United States and Brazil said broad use of infant formulas, spurred by commercial advertising, is causing great damage to children from poor Latin American families. They cited ignorance of how to prepare the formula and unsanitary living conditions as causing a rise in infant mortality. The criticisms were made at a symposium sponsored by Xavier University, a Catholic institute in Bogota. The symposium· studied ways of reducing infant , mortality which currently stands a 100 per 1,000 live births in Colombia. Figures released by government agencies say Colombia imports some $17.5 million in powder milk for infant formulas. Government figures also show a decrease in breast feeding.
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Clown1s Death Leads To New Apostolate For Priest PENSACOLA, Fla.' (NC) Seven years ago, Assumption Father David G. Hennessy ::Ittended wake services for a circus clown, a Catholic. As he began to leave, he remarked to the clown's wife that he assumed a priest would be by later to say the rosary. The woman's reply "We don't know anybody, Father" - has haunted him ever since, and has led to a new and unusual apostolate. . On Dec. I, Father Hennessy became full-time Catholic chaplain to Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus and other U.S. circuses. He will live on the road with one of the two units of "The Greatest Show on Earth," administering sacraments, giving religious instruction, providing counseling and staying on the lookout for other priests throughout the country who would be interested in ministry to the circus people who arrive in their towns. The appointment was announced by Bishop Rene H. Gracida of Pensacola-Tallahassee, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Migration and Tourism. The work is being financed by the Catholic Church Extension Society, which funds mission projects in the United States. "I've been interested in circuses since I was a small boy. Wherever there was Ii circus I was there," said Father Hennessy in a telephone interview from New York. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a port chaplain for the Apostleship of the Sea in the Port of New York. But during the last seven years, he's also been working with the circus people who've come through New York. Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey officially recognized that work in March 1974, when Irvin Feld, president, appointed him chaplain to the circus' performers and staft:
Father Hennessey and Friend "I was always perturbed about the fact that there was no one in a permanent pos::tion to take care of the -circus people," he said. "In New York, I did it. But sometimes when they left me, they didn't see a priest again until they came back." Many of the trapeze artists, animal trainers, clowns and other circus performers and workers whom Father Hennessy will serve come from predominantly Catholic countries in Europe and Latin America. The priest, born in England and educated for the priesthood ih France, speaks
Spanish, Italian, German, French and English - an ability which has helped him in his work with both seafarers and circus people. Father Hennessy had high praise for the late Father Edward Sullivan, who ministered to 'circus people who passed through Massachusetts for 40 years. But no one has filled that role since Father Sullivan died, he said. Emphasizing that his new apostolate "is not one of those glamorous sorts of things," the priest said circus people "are not interested in you except as a priest, as someone who can give
them the sacraments and be there when they want him." Many are good practicing Catholics, finding .churches in a new town each Sunday, but for others the logistics of the matter require too much time, he said.. Right now, Father Hennessy is looking for a trailer and a car to pull it and is awaiting word from the circus about which unit he • will travel with. And the exact parameters of the new apostolate will unfold with time. "Anyon~ connected with the circus," the priest says, "I'm there for their benefit."
Peasant Training Prepared Dominican Priest By Gerald l\1. Costelln SANTIAGO Dominican Republic (NC)-His parish sprawls out for miles. Its ramshackle huts house some 20,000 or 25,000 people. No one knows the exact number. His rectory is a dirt-floor shack with a thatched roof, and the parish secretary is a worn school notebook recording baptisms, first Communions and training schedules. The signs of Father Felix Garcia's priesthood are not unusual in the Dominican Republic where priests are in short supply and living conditions, by U.S. standards, are often primitive. What makes Father Garcia's priesthood unique is that he never attended a seminary nor has he had other forms of traditional preparation. He is believed to be the only man in the world ordained to ti;le Roman Catholic priesthood without any classroom training. His ordination took place after the Vatican granted special permission. Authorities of the progressive diocese of Santiago say the ordi-
nation is a logical extension of their pioneering program to place dedicated, able laymen in leadership positions. The priesthood of Father Garcia is a priesthood of the people, say diocesan officials.
Garcia recalled. "You need both faith and culture to become a priest. i thought I had the faith, but I knew I didn't have all the studies needed." Actually, the priest-to-be had more studies than normal for a Father Garcia, who is 65 but tobacco-growing peasant, largely looks 12 years younger, lives on because he was an assembly a family farm in the town of' president. The assembly president is a Licey, 10 miles from Santiago. There, on an acre of land which member of a local community produces tobacco, yucca and who has been appointed its spirbananas, he lives with his itual director by church authorities and with the consent of the mother and sister. people. As president of the Licey Although he was ordained in assembly, the future Father Gar1975, Father Garcia began his cia received training in comvocation to church service in the munity leadership and church 1940s when he helped arriving doctrine. He was the contact Canadian missionaries get ac- man between his community and quainted with the local people. the official church. The Santiago In later years, he assumed the diocese has about 800 assembly more responsible roles of cate- presidents and was the first of chist, "president of the assem- this country's eight dioceses to bly" and ordained deacon. establish the office. Five years ago, the then Msgr. Becoming a deacon and receivJesus Maria Moya - now auxil- ing more church training was the iary bishop of Santiago - asked next logical step for Garcia. Garcia, who never married, if After Garcia expressed interest he'd like to become a priest. in the priesthood, Bishop Roque "I said 'impossible,''' Father Adames of Santiago took his
case to Rome and permission was granted. The ordination that Father Garcia once thought impossible took place Jan. 21, 1975. "I'm doing more pastoral work than before. But the main difference is the independence I have. Before when anything happened I was always trying to find a priest for a special Mass or for first Communions. Now I am the priest. I can do these things myself. This year 500 children made their first Communion. This would not have been possible before," he said. Santiago archdiocesan officials hope to have other "priests of the people." "We can't say just how and just when. Permission will be required each time. It all depends on the quality of the people and the necessity of having more priests. We think others are able," said Bishop Moya. A key obstacle is that many able laymen are married, barring them under celibacy restrictions.
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
More on Guidelines for Teen Dating By Dr. Jim and Mary Kenny In your article on guidelines for teen-age dating, you stated that "once a child is graduated from high school, we no longer set hours. The child is an adult, and we expect him to be responsible for his own hours.." I found that this didn't work with my 20-year-old son. I left him in God's hands each night and never questioned what time he came home. Then, twice I awakened after 5 a.m. and he wasn't in yet. I do not mean to imply he was doing anything immoral, but I felt that since he was still living at. our house, he should respect our moral code, which is to be in at a decent hour. (Pa.) A. Your letter raises two issues: establishing principles for living with adult children and your own rights as individuals and owners of your home. " At some time we must accept our children as adults and grant them adult independence. When is this point? Is it when they act the way we would act or want them to act? Obviously, this day will never come. We are raising people, not puppets. This attitude of requiring complete agreement can and does cause tension between parents who are in their 70s and "children" who are in their 40s. Can we accept our children as adults while they still live at home? Parents might say, "As long as you live in this house, you will follow our rules." Such a position is justified for those rules necessary for the running of the household. Thus we believe parents may say to children of any age, "You may not flick cigarette ashes on the carpet or put your feet on the damask sofa or leave dirty dishes in the sink." Such rules apply at all ages. They enhance living together. Other rules are by nature de-
signed to control the child's be- and support him in such a havior. "You must come in at choice. By age 20 you have concluded midnight" is a behavior-control your job of raising a child. Now rule. But parents cannot justify be- let your son take adult responsihavior - controlling rules for bility for his actions. It is your adults. If such rules are enforced privilege to enjoy a new relationas long as the child lives at ship with him as an adult. home, then parents are saying, Reader questions on family "You cannot be an adult as long living and child care are invited. as you live at home." Many par-to The Kennys, c/o The Address ents make such rules, and many, children move out of the home Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, Mass. 02722. for just this reason. When is a child an adult? Many cultures have a rite of passage which' clearly defines for everyone in the society when a person becomes an adult. . ROME (NC) - U.S. AmbassaOur own culture grants' varidor to the United Nations Andous adult rights and privileges from 16 onward. The nearest .rew Young said Pope John Paul ritual we have is graduation II can help build "a cultural from high school. Most children bridge" between East and West. "On the problems of detente, have reached 18 by this time, I expect great things of the and most adult rights are theirs. This is the best· objective stand· pope," said Young in a press interview in Rome shortly after ard for our society. he met privately with the pope. This we hold that adults may Americans and Russians do stay out all night, and sleep all day, even though this is not the not ,know each other very well pattern most of our society fol- and are doing little to get to know each other better, said lows. One further issue concerns Young. But the new pope from Poland, your rights as a person. You and your husband own, operate and he said, "comes from living in a take responsibility for your Marxist society, preserving his house. Once your children are deep Christian convictions. Thus, adults, they live in your house- he has realized in himself a kind hold as contributing members (if of detente. His experience can be they pay board) or guests (if important in the next years. "There can be a cultural they do not). If you wish, you can justi- bridge between East and West," fiably make rules for your own he said. "In this work, the pope convenience, such as, "I'm a can help us. Since he has lived light sleeper. When you come in and survived in a communist reo at 4 or 5 in the morning, I wake gime, keeping his principles inup and cannot sleep the rest of tact. He is not afraid of the comthe night. Therefore, in our munists. But we are afraid of house everyone comes in before communism without understandmidnight." Such a rule is for ing it very well." your good, not for the control of Regarding Africa he said he your son. If you state this posi- was not greatly concerned about tion honestly, you will realize Soviet influence. A greater con· that your son may well choose cern is the regional conflicts, esto move out in order to live as pecially those resulting from he wishes to and has a right to. apartheid in southern African Hopefully, you will understand countries, he said.
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SENATOR MARY FONSECA of Fall River admires the Processional Cross of Lislaughtin, a typical late Gothic cross of the 15th centu'ry, one of 70 masterpieces of early Irish art touring the country. The exhibit will be at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts through Jan. 21.
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
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SISTER MARY OF JESUS manifested during a recent visit we made to St. Gabriel's. We felt it a privilege to share, even briefly, the lives of the nuns, lives that express in meditation, solitude and sacrifice a genuine love of Christ crucified. It seemed there was a neverending increase of charity poured out to us by everyone, each in her own way. The monastery itself is situated on top of a mountain with a breathtaking view of the surrounding towns, together with a solitude that permeates one's whole being. It was not difficult to collect one's thoughts and feel the vastness of eternity in this pace, away from the struggle, noise and turmoil of the world. One realizes that the materialistic world is one of trouble and
complication, but that a life of prayer is a life free from stress, a life of total commitment. In the spring the nuns con· duct weekend retreats for women, continuing until the end of June and resuming them in September and October. The summer months are devoted to private retreats for nuns of other communities and to receiving visits from relatives. During the coming summer, too, Sister Mary of Jesus will celebrate her jubilee, anticipating its actual date of O~tober 3. She and the other members of her community have had a great spiritual influence on many lives. I hope they will inspire others seeking a religious life to consider, as my sister did, the Pass~ ionist community.
Pope an Opinion-Maker, Says Envoy
Harold W. Jenkins, Jr. Richard E. Gregoire Directors
ROME (NC) Pope John Paul II already has been an important influence on world opinion and should continue his efforts, said Robert F. Wagner, special 'envoy of U.S. President Jimmy Carter to the pope. Wagner cited papal concern over Lebanon and papal appeals for countries to accept Indochinese refugees. He also said President Carter would like to upgrade U.S. representation at the Vatican.
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The U.S. favors the Vatican having a major :role in world affairs, added Wagner. He cited the Middle East and also said the U.S. would like the Vatican to mediate the border dispute between Chile and Argentina.
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The pope "has inspired everybody, young people particularly," said Wagner.
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The coming year wiD be a special one for Sister Mary of Jesus, a Passionist nun at St. Gabriel's Monastery, Clarks Summit, Pa. During it she will mark her golden jubilee as a cloistered religious. Born in 1903 in St. Patrick's parish, Fall River, she entered religion in 1927 and made her first profession in 1929. Her story is told by her sister, Mrs. Arthur J. L_izotte of Little Compton. Born Eulalia 1,. Simonin on Aug. 5, 1903 to Mr. and Mrs. Auguste V. Simon:in, Sister Mary of Jesus left for the cloister at the time that a chapel was dedicated to St. Theresa of the Child . Jesus and the then Msgr. James E. Cassidy, who was to become Bishop Cassidy, spoke of her many visits to the church, her continuous prayer for her vocation and her imitation of St. Theresa's life. The future Bishop James J. Gerrard w~s her counselor and her confessor and. both he and Msgr. Cassidy were instrumental in helping her achieve her goal of entering religious life. Sister Mary of Jesus was also visited by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin in the past year and a half. The Passionist order was founded by St. Paul of the Cross in 1771 and St. Gabriel's Monastery was established in 1926, Sister Mary of Jesus being one of the first seven nuns to enter. At that time, the nuns followed very rigid rules. They made their own sandals by hand, slept on pallets and wore veils over their. faces. These customs have been abolished, however, although the contemplative life is still followed. My husband and I were deeply moved by the warmth and sincerity of the community,
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"I think he's going to play a role in bringing them back to make religion a part of their lives," said the 68-year-old Wagner . in an interview in his Rome office, three days after
he presented his credentials to the pope. Wagner said he did not think the pope's position on the con· troversial issues of abortion or the indissolubility of mariage would diminish his moral influence with non~Catholics on social and political themes. He will be effective in supporting human rights and advocating an end to world hunger, added Wagner. "I think people are for someone because he's good and decent:' the U.S. envoy said. "They respect someone who can give leadership. It's difficult to find someone in public life that you agree with on everything." The presidential envoy, the former mayor of New York City, said he did not bring a formal invitation to the pope to visit the United States. "But I did say he'd receive an overwhelming reception." Wagner said President Carter, presidential adviser Zbigniew Brezezinski and Secretary of State Cyrus Vance "want to upgrade" the position of envoy. He
said he did not know whether the president was considering establishing full diplomatic relations with the Vatican. The envoy said he outlined for the pope the U.S. position on human rights, on dealing with Communist-ruled countries and on arms control. "I said we're concerned about Lebanon and hope that the pope will raise his voice:' Wagner said. Regarding Indochinese refugees, "We're happy the pope raised his voice urging countries to accept more," Wagner added. "We've taken 200,000, including 40,000-45,000 this year, We're paying the bill for resettlement elsewhere."
More Difficult? "Which is more difficult, to be born, or to rise again? That what has never been, should be, or that what has been, should be again? Is it more difficult to come into being than to return ~o it?" Blaise Pascal
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Hitler was a Roman Catholic in good standing." Is this true? (Mo.) A. Hitler's mother was a devout Catholic, and he had some Catholic education in a German Benedictine monastery. He received the sacrament of confirmation when he was 15 years old, but rarely went to church.
Q. We hardly ever hear about Purgatory any more, even at funerals. Is this another part of our faith that has gone by the wayside? What, if anything, are we supposed to believe about it FATHER JOHN GEANEY, as Catholics? (Texas) director of communications A. Purgatory has certainly not for the Baltimore archdiogone by the wayside. It is still Long before he became chan- cese, has been elected presivery much a part of our faith, as every sacrifice of the Mass and cellor of Germany (1933), he had dent of UNDA-USA, an orevery other prayer for the dead determined to destroy the Chris- ganization of Catholic broadtian faith in the German people, casters and other communiattests. Perhaps one reason less is said and even had visions of wiping cators. (NC Photo) about it today is that we have a out the church entirely. Under lot of collected debris about Pur- the Nazi government, Catholics gatory to clear out of our minds. and other Christians shared the WASHINGTON (NC)-As peoThe hoary pictures of torture, concentration camps and the gas ple are recalling the events of pain and a scourging God, which ovens with the Jews. made of Purgatory a kind of I doubt if Hitler himself, let 1978 and making resolutions mini-hell, may literally scare the alone the church, considered that . about 1979, it's easy to forget devil out of someone, but they're he was a Roman Catholic in 1977. But 1977 was a very good totally irrevelant to the doctrine good standing. year, at least in terms of vital of Purgatory. Questions for this column data on births These gory images grew up should be sent to Father Dietzen, statistics deaths, marriage and divorce --.: around the idea of Purgatory c/o The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, are concerned. through the Middle Ages and . Fall River, Mass. 02722. Provisional figures for 1977 later into the Renaissance. released by ·the National Center Our church doctrine defines for Health Statistics show the only two facts about Purgatory: . Enemy From Within lowest death rate, the lowest in(1) It exists, that is, there is SADDLE BROOK, N.J. (NC)- fant mortality rate and the highsome process or condition of A local tax assessor who is a est life expectancy in U.S. hispurification that takes place after member of St. Philip the Apos- tory. death. (2) People who have died tle parish in Saddle Brook is The figures also showed no incan be helped in that process by threatening to place the parish crease in the divorce rate for the our prayers. (Council of Trent, plant up for sale. first time since 1966 and an insession 25) The problem centers on a spec- crease in the fertility rate. What will it be like? Where Here are some of the reports ial $7,400 sewer assessment will it be? How long will it last findings: which dates back to 1968. The - a moment, a century? What - There were 3,313,000 births parish has contended that it is do the words time, and years, exempt from such one-time as- in 1977, a five per cent increase and place mean in the framework sessments just as it is from over 1976. of eternity after death? - The fertility rate rose for property taxes; Saddle Brook Any answers to those ques- mayors through the years have the first time since 1970, with an tions are pure conjecture, and told the parish to "forget about increase of two per cent to 67.4 are not part of the content of it" when the bill was presented births for every 1,000 women beour faith. tween ages 15 and 44. annually. - The death rate of 8.8 for Q. DoE'S the Catholic Church Rose Mayo, the newly appointevery 1,000 persons was the lowbelieve in sayings of soothsayers ed tax collector and a St. Philest ever recorded in the United or prophets concerning who will ip's parishioner, says however States, down from 8.9 per 1,000 be elected pope, and how long that she has .no authority to repersons in 1976. The report said the popes will live? voke the assessment and is reAn article in our paper per- questing payment of the origin- the absence of an influenza epitaining to the prophets who fore- al sum, plus penalties and in- demic in 1977 may have been a told about the popes said one terest, a total figure of more factor in the lower death rate. - The estimated life expectpope would die very soon after than $19,000. ancy for a child born in 1977 being elected (Pope John Paul I), Her position is not getting was the highest in U.S. history, and the next pope's name would have a "U" in it. (In Polish the much support from other town with an average of 73.2 for the present pope's name is pro- officials. The Saddle Brook at- total population. torney said that should the The life expectancy for differnounced with a "U".) Archdiocese of Newark bring ent groups were all also the highOne prophet said we would suit on the matter, the tax colest in U.S. history: white fehave three popes after John Paul lector should be the sole defen- males, 77.7; all other females, I, and the other said four popes.. dant and should pay for the 73.8; white males, 69.9; all other How true are these prophecies? costs of the suit herself. males, 65. (Texas) - The maternal mortality rate A. The so-called prophecies of dropped to 9.4 per 100,000 live Award to Santiago births in 1977, down from 12.3 Nostradamus and St. Malachy have long been discredited. At UNITED NATIONS - The Vi- per 100,000 in 1976 and less least they were written long cariate of Solidarity, human than half the rate in 1968. after some popes they claimed rights agency of the Archdiocese - The infant mortality rate of to foretell. Early "predictions" of Santiago, Chile, was among 14 per 1,000 live births was the are relatively plain. But later the organizations and individuals lowest in U.S. history, a drop ones get fuzzy. awarded the 1978 U.N. Human from 15.2 per 1,000 live births in Like the daily newspaper hor- Rights Prize. Accepting the 1976. Record low rates were scopes, we can read almost any- award was Cardinal Raul Silva found for both white and all thing into them if we want to. of Santiago, who said the human other infants. Q. I bave just heard the fol- rights agency is aiding political - There were 2,176,000 marlowing statement on a national prisoners in Chile "irrespective riages in 1977, a one per cent radio religious hour: "Adolph of the ideology of the victims." increase.
1977 Good Year
LEXINGTON, Miss. (NC) Five Franciscan sisters of the Diocese of Jackson, Miss., have been named co-defendants in a $392,000 civil suit filed by white merchants in Lexington for their support and participation in a seven-month-long economic boycott. The suit charged the nuns with engaging in ll: secondary boycott, which is against state law. Also named were officials of the United League of Mississippi, the Mississippi Hunger Coalition and "all other organizations" who have participated in the boycott. Since May, members of the United League and other groups have been picketing the white merchants of Lexington for their alleged discriminatory hiring practices. They have also protested alleged brutality by the Lexington police force and charged city and Holmes County officials with discriminatory hiring practices. Before the suit was filed, said Sister Deborah Honer, the merchants were claiming that only two percent of the Lexington townspeople were participating in the boycott., "Now they are apparently saying a lot more people were participating in the boycott," "It would be hard to justify the fact that they are suing us for $392,000 in damages if only two percent of the people had been participating in the boycott."
F-earful Winter "Sin is the sad fearful winter of the soul." - St. Francis of Sales
THE ANCHORThurs., Dec. 28, 1978
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THE M~CHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978'
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KNOW YOUR FAITH NC NEWS
Basil the Great: Surprised by God By Monika K. Hellwig
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Spirituality is a matter of living by the inspiration of God. It suggests a sailboat with canvas spread to catch the wind. We can also think of spirituality as a matter of responding to a call from God. Such a summons is always somewhat unpredictable, like the wind. Following a vocation is not like having a blueprint for the relit of one's life. St. Basil the Great offers a striking example of this. Basil was born in the carly fourth century into a wealthy Christian family. He went to the best (pagan) sch<)ols, and began a career of oratory. He later claimed that he had wasted his early adulthood on worthless endeavors. In his late 20s he became aware of God calling him. He described it as an awakening out of a deep sleep. It seems that Basil, though from a Christian family, had not been !baptized. When he presented himself for Baptism, he
really meant it as a total conversion of his life. His first thought was that this meant turning away from people and society. He g~we up his wealth and went into the desert as a hermit. He was to discover, however, that the call of God does not always lead away from "the world," and that the spirit can lead a person into the desert to prepare him to return to the center of the action. Many joined Basil in the desert and he was forced to become a leader and organizer. Then the local bishop persuaded him to present himself for ordination. Later, when the bishop died, Basil was called to succeed him. He found that this involved much he thought he had given up through his Baptism: exercise of civil as well as church power, disposition of considerable wealth and acquisition of a great reputation for wisdom and oratory. He threw himself into the task
of reforming his city and it seems that his years as a hermit stood him in good stead. He could not' be bought or deflected by threats, even though such threats came from the enormously powerful emperor. In spite of the strain of his position, Basil wrote extensively, out of passionate concern for reconciliation and peace within the church. It was a time of confusion and Christians wasted much energy in fruitless disputes. It seemed urgent to Basil to 'bridge gaps in understanding and to effect reconciliations. Basil, who died at age 49, seems a figure for ,our times, bridging the gap between contemplation and action, between detachment and involvement, between fidelity to commitments already made and readiness to respond to new needs, between learning and simplicity, between Gospel and practical response to concern for the preaching of the human needs.
The Calling of a Tax Collector By Father John J. Castelot It is appropriate that the terse account of the call of Levi (Matthew) should occur in a Gospel section dealing with Jesus' concern for sinners and his repudiation of people who thought themselves too good to have anything to do with such riffraff. It follows immediately upon the forgiveness of the paralytic's sins (Ma:;k 2:1-12) and directly precedes a conflict occa'sioned by Jesus' dining with "sinners" (Mark 2:Ui-17). Matthew (9:1-13) and Luke (5:17-32) followed the same sequence, obviously using Mark as their source. The actual call and Levi's response are narrated with surprising brevity - just two verses. What is especiaLy surprising is that Matthew copies the story almost word for word. This is one of the many reasons for the fairly general consensus of scholars that this apostle was not the author of the Gmpel traditionaly called "according to Matthew." Almost certainly he would have given a more personal account of his own call by the Master. Levi was a tax collector and consequently a "sinner," despised by the "better" people. These men colle<:ted taxes from their own comp,ltriots for the hated Romans. Furthermore, the job went to the highest bidder, and he, in turn, had to practice blatant extortion in order to make a profit. Jesus was aware of all this, of course, but app,uently he detected a nobler aspect of the man's personality. And so, much to the scandal of the self-right-
eous bystanders, he invited this crook to follow him. And without further ado, Matthew left "everything behind" (Luke 5:28). It is hard to visualize a rapacious tax collector seeing a strange itinerant preacher, hearing his invitation to follow him, and simply getting up and walking away with him. It would be satisfying to know the whole story: Matthew's initial reaction, his interior struggle and the motives that influenced his decision. But as is, it demonstrates that the call to discipleship must be answered promptly, even at the cost of personal sacrifice. If Levi was any good at his business, he must have turned his back on a considerable income, to which he could not easily return. However, one indication that the story is telescoped is the fact
that it is followed immediately by the account of a "great reception" (Luke 5:29) which the new disciple gave in his house; to which he invited a "large crowd" of his old cronies. Obviously, he hadn't left everything. At any rate, this shocked the Pharisees. It was bad enough for Jesus to have joined this renegade to his company, but now he was actually eating in his house. Of course, for them, sinners were all those who did not follow the intolerable rules and regulations they had dreamed up. Thus they made a mockery of true religion, and Jesus was scathing in his denunciation of this hypocritical formalism. Overhearing their remark, he said to them, "People who are healthy do not need a doctor. I have to call sinners, not the self-righteous."
For Children By Janaan Manternach Matthew was a wealthy tax collector, who became rich by collecting more taxes from people than they had _to p~y. After sending the right amount to the Roman tax bureau, he kept the rest. He was a Jew, but he worked for the Romans who ruled the Jews. He collected taxes from his own people. Needless to say, he was not well liked. People looked down on him as a collaborator with the enemy. Good Jews would have nothing to do with someone like Matthew.
But Matthew was not all bad. He probably enjoyed the good things his money could buy, but deep down he knew many poor people were suffering because of him. ' Well, one day, as Matthew was sitting at his table on the street corner collecting taxes, he looked up and noticed Jesus. He was surprised to see Jesus walking over to him. Other people noticed, too. They wondered what Jesus would do. Matthew felt strange. But something about Jesus seemed to draw him. He spoke so often about Turn to Page Thirteen
Is permanent commitment a thing of the past?
Why Are They Leaving? By Russell Shaw This must begin with a personal disclaimer. I'm not and never have been a priest or religious. I don't know from the inside why priests and religious leave. Like other people, I have my opinions and I suspect that most opinions on this subject are more or less correct. Evidently there are many reasons why priests and religious leave. I offer my own opinions as part of the explanation, not the whole. Start with another phenomenon, marital breakup and divorce. It has never been as prevalent as today. Then take another such phenomenon: mid-life vocational change, a well-established fact on today's social scene. What do departures by priests and religious, marital breakup and divorce, and mid-life vocational change have in common? All reflect changed attitudes toward commitment - a greater reluctance to make commitments, along with greater readiness to discard them when they no longer seem right for oneself. Not too long ago it was usually taken for granted that, except for the most serious and exceptional reasons, commitments like marriage, priesthood, religious life and even job or profession were for keeps. But in the last two decades this has changed drastically. For many people commitments are still for keeps, but for others the idea of permanent commitment has been gutted of emotional and intellectual force. As a result, . disappointments and frustrations
that once would have been accepted - and by many people still are - as "God's will" or "part of growing up" or just "tough luck" now serve as occasions for pulling up stakes and pulling out. It's a temptation to become moralistic about this, either hailing it as a great leap forward in the cause of human happiness and fulfillment, or deploring it. as a great leap backward mto individual selfishness and societal chaos. Leaving moralizing aside, one can at least say that this new attitude has some connection with departures from the priesthood and religious life. Without passing judgment on individual cases, it can also be said that the departure rate has been unhealthily high for some time. What to do? We are dealing here largely with the offshoot of a cultural phenomenon, not an eternal verity. Attitudes toward commitment have changed before and will 'again. In the past, for example, much . emphasis was placed on having candidates for the priesthood and religious life enter the seminary at an early age. At present there seem to be a growing emphasis on mature candidates. As for tomorrow - who can tell? If the notion of permanent commitment was sometimes abused in the past, it is hard to see the present tendency to reject permanent commitments as any more desirable. In time the penclulum will swing again, towar4 renewed stability in commitment. For the present, commitment in general is taking its lumps.
THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
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Letter To A New Pope
The Year In Pictures
Much of the papal style that has Continued from Page One pect the sniping criticisms to be- lasted through the years seems gin soon. No man, however gift- calculated to deny the humanity ed or adroit, can please everyone of the pope, but this is surely all the time. You have tough de- a counterproductive strategy. As cisions to make in the days Jesus himself well knew, we canahead about the organization of not be inspired by a man who the Roman Curia, about the isn't human like us. Hopefulacute financial problems the ness, courage, joy are only inchurch faces, about the power of spiring when we observe them the World Synod of Bishops and in somebody in whose rich huthe various national hierarchies, manity we see a reflection of and about human sexuality. our own humanity. Those little Doubtless you will make these' monsignors who try to make the decisions, as you have made all pope someone more than human the decisions in your life as a . in fact often made him somewhat church leader, through consul- less human. There is the rumor that you tation, study, prayer and a careful attempt to build broad con- were married and your wife was sensus. It is not, however, about killed by the Nazis. You have denied the rumor (with a smile, these issues that I am writing. I'm told) and I accept your deIt is rather about the humanity of the papacy that I am put- nial, but I cannot understand ting these words on paper. Those why an American cardinal charof us who were annoyed and acterized the story as scurrilous, then angered by the way the offensive and part of a communbevy of little monsignors hem- ist plot. I fail to see how. even med in and harassed your holy if the rumor were true, it would predecessor in his public appear- detract in the slightest from ances are delighted at the way your holiness or your dignity as you brush them off. We were a pope. We know from Scripture pleased and touched by your that one of your predecessors, a reported visit in a black suit to certain Simon Peter, was maryour close friend Bishop Andre ried (how else could he have had Deskur in a Roman hospital. a mother-in-law for the Lord to The informality with churchmen, cure?). The mentality, Jan Pawla II, reporters and the ordinary people has captured the imagina- that denied on a priori grounds the possibility of a pope who is tion of much of the world. My plea to you in this letter a widower, is the enemy of a is: Don't let them stop you. I new papacy that you seem to do not think that "they" are ill- be striving to create. So my plea - and I'm sure intentioned men. They do their job as they see it. They are try- I speak for millions of other ing to protect the majesty and Catholics around the world - the sanctity of the papal office. is don't let them get to you. What they don't understand and Keep on climbing the mountains, what you apparently do under- canoeing the rivers, rushing stand is that the majesty and the down the ski slopes, for God holiness of the office do not depend on the protection of the outmoded Renaissance court ritual, but. on the goodness, the MINNEAPOLIS (NC) - Beneopenness and the hopefulness of dictine Sister Marjorie Heltemes the man who occupies the office. didn't quite make it out of the hospital in the five days she predicted after being mugged while on her way to visit an elderly South Minneapolis client earlier Continued from Page Twelve God as a forgiving father. this month. Matthew wanted to believe it, But that's no reflection on Sisbut would God forgive someone ter Heltemes' ruggedness, belike him? cause the 62-year-old nun didn't Jesus stopped right in front of seek treatment for the broken Matthew's table. He smiled and pelvis, bruised knee and facial said to Matthew just two words: cuts that resulted from the at"Follow me." Matthew could tack until after she had comhardly believe his ears. Jesus pleted her visit. was inviting him to be one of his Sister Heltemes was on her disciples, one of his friends. way to visit Mary Sanderson, 81, He got up, leaving the day's a patient of Chateau Care Centaxes on the table. He went with ter, when she said a "young Jesus and began a new life. He street tough" knocked her down felt better than he had felt in and stole her purse. Her hip years. hurt, but she thought it was only He had a big party for all his a bruise, so she had the police fellow tax collectors because he officers help her to her schedwas so happy. He wanted them uled visit with Miss Sanderson. to meet Jesus. Jesus came to the After returning to St. Mary's party and ate dinner with Friends office, a storefront help Matthew and his friends. People stood around outside center for the elderly and handithe house watching. They were capped where she has worked upset that Jesus was eating with for the last five years, she desuch bad people. Some asked cided her bruise might be seriJesus' disciples why he ate with ous, so she went to North Mepeople like that. Jesus overheard morial Hospital. Sister Heltemes said her hosthem and said, "People who are healthy do not need a doctor. I pital stay has not been unpleashave come to call sinners, not ant. "Friends have been wonderthe self-righteous." ful calling and of course, I have
made the mountains, and the rivers, and the ski slopes and they are good; the pope's enjoyment of them merely reflects God's goodness and makes the whole papacy more iuminous rather than less. Continue to write your poetry, sing your folk songs, play your guitar and even write your philosophical articles. What a terrible comment on the church it would be if it forced its leader to shed some of his most admirable and appealing characteristics. In fact, you might even think about sometime singing your religious folk songs on world television (a suggestion which will give many of the little monsignors heart arrest). That suggestion of a singing pope would shock so many people (and I'm sure it will) merely illustrates how far the process of dehuma"nizing the papacy has gone. A papal folk-sing would horrify stodgy, somber, grim-faced people who equate our faith with propriety and dignity instead of joy and hope. I do not want to make too much of this perhaps bizarre suggestion. I use it as an illustration. Still, it would be one of the most powerful sermons that the world has ever heard in its long history - a song-fest of religious joy and hope in 11 languages presided over by a pope!? No one would dare to dismiss Catholic Christianity after something like that. Don't let them get to you, Holy Father. Don't let them get to you. With respect and prayers, Andrew M. Greeley
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Mugging Fails To Stop Nun
For Children
PAPAL TRANSITION: On Aug. 6 Pope Paul vi (top left) died at Castelgandolfo and Catholics throughout the world mourned their leader of 15 years. Three weeks later the College of. Cardinals meeting in conclave chose a new pope - a churchman hardly known outside Italy - Cardinal Albino Luciani, patriarch of Venice, who took the name John Paul I (top right). After a 34-day reign, one of the shortest in history, the pope whose warm smile and friendly manner had captured the affection of millions joined his predecessor in death and cardinals again were called to Rome for a papal funeral (bottom left) and to elect a new pope. A puff of white smoke (center) rising over the Sistine Chapel on Oct. 16 signaled they had found their man. This time the cardinals chose the first non-Italian since 1523. Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Cracow, Poland, who took the name John Paul II. A week later at a ceremony in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II accepted the pallum, symbol of his office (bottom right). Below, marchers line up on Capitol steps for annual March for Life; Dr. William Waddill, California doctor charged in abortion case, holds his own daughter; boat people brave seas as they escape Vietnam; pro-lifers continue attempts to block abortion clinics; world's first test tube baby (center) is born in England. (NC Photos)
my rosary-not an idle moment to think about the future and no time to get lonesome," she said. She also keeps in telephone contact with many of the 70 elderly and handicapped clients whom she visits regularly. This year, Christmas gifts were delivered to her clients by volunteers. Since the mugging, police have recovered the nun's purse, minus $8, but have not apprehended the thief. Sister Heltemes hopes they'll find him because she thinks there's something seriously wrong with him and believes that if he's apprehended he'll get the help he needs. And after her hospital stay is over, Sister Heltemes plans to return to the South Minneapolis area. But she said she won't carry a purse.
Brooklyn Guidelines NEW YORK - Bishop Francis J. Mugavero of Brooklyn has issued guidelines for CatholicJewish relations urging Catholics to refrain from proselytizing Jews. The guidelines, praised by the B'nai B'rith Anti~Defamation League, call on Catholics and Jews to learn more about each other's history and traditions and to exchange views on a grassroots level.
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THE AN CHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
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By Cecilia Belanger A young man wrote me that now and then he borders on despair. That there is just too much for him to handle in a world that he feels has gone mad. He said that many of his friends are in By Charlie Martin the same boat so they cop out and do things they wouldn't or1inarily do. That these youth TIME PASSAGES need help goes without saying, It was late in Dt!Cember, the sky turned to snow but who will and can do the job? All- around the day, was going down slow Just as there are few good Night like a rivel' was beginning to flow violinists and concert pianists, I felt the beat of my mind go drifting into so are there few people who Time passages, yes go falling in the fading light know how to deal with youth Time passages, buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight and who have that given ability Wen, I'm not the kind to live in the past to relate and understand, at the The years run too short and the days too fast 'lame time doing something conThings you lean on, things don't last <1tructive about it. Negative disWell, it's just now and then, my line get tossed into those ~ipline seldom helps. Time passages, there's something back there that you left behind One need be neither psychic Time passages, buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight nor prophetic to sense that most Hear the echoes and feel yourself starting to tum people in today's world are Don't know why you should feel that there is something to learn caught in the grip of discourageIt's just a game chat you play ment. There isn't an institution Well, the picture is changing, now you're part of a crowd that is not suspect in their eyes. They're laughing at something, the music is loud More is knowable than they can A girl comes toward you, you used to know learn and that bothers them. You reach out your hand, but you are all alone, and those More is possible ~han they can Time passages, I know you are in there, you're just out of sight do. More is changing than they Time passages, buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight can absorb. And worst of all, they say, more is crumbling than Written by Al Stewart and Peter White, sung by AI Stewart, they can preserve (c) 1978 - by Arista Records, Inc. The crisis of the spirit remains . despite the many movements This song asles us to consider time as it pervades our existence. abroad. People are beginning to It becomes increasingly apparent that time is our life, and if we be more and more suspicious of waste time, we also waste our lives. movements. They see too much jokeying for position in them, On its most fundamental level, time is a gift. The God of life the power struggle, the self-gain. brought us into time and asks us to participate in his plan for People, young and old, are too creation. tired. Nothing looks good to or:e Consequently, we need to evaluate our attitudes about time. Is who is tired. Going at a great it a burden, something we have never quite learned to manage? clip, people become physically, Is it a quickly flowing current carrying us forward to an unknown emotionally and psychically destiny? Does our time revolve through endless and somewhat drained. They become dry as empty periods of waiting, forming our lives into a series of destinadust and can offer nothing. They tions unknown? become like a broken record saying the same thing over and over Or is time a gift of opportunity to discover the world around again. and within us? One should never make a critiOur most important perspective of time reveals itself in the cal life decision while exhausted. realization that life flows from a God who transcends all of time. Reputable psychiatrists seldom His view of our "nows" surpasses all our understandings and quesproceed with a pr,tient wi!hout tions. He invites us to use time for growth. Our past, present and first ordering a thorough physifuture already palticipate in an eternity of God's presence and love. cal examination.
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focus on youth • • • More and more I find people getting impatient with the way evil - is handled in the world. They wish to see the instant routing of "the priests of Baal," as it were. There is a longing for a showdown that will settle matters once and for all. But life and evil and problems are not a baseball game. In baseball, after nine innings or extra innings there is a winning pitcher and a losing one. There is victory and defeat. There is a decision. . But evil is not that simple. Evil is pervasive and complicated. God does not break down events into innings and chapters that are neatly tied up after a certain amount of time. There are accounts still open. Evil is elusive. The good guys are never all that good and the so-called bad guys are not always all that bad. It is not our place to declare any event in history a watershed event with the thought that, safely passing it, we will see the kingdom come in all its magnificence. God's will is not to be equated with the momentary passions of any person or any age.
In short, all of us who take God seriously must learn to live with ambiguous and deferred results. We must be patient.
Bishop Stang How to cope with death is the subject of a course on "Death and Dying" currently being offered at Bishop Stang by Edward Parr of the religion department. S6 popular is the course at the North Dartmouth school that. it will be repeated next semester for a waiting list of students who c<luld not be accomodated in the current class. Parr describes the content, approaches and goals of the course in the current issue of "Momentum," published by the National Catholic Educational Association. He notes that its effects have overflowed to his colleagues and to students' parents through outside discussion of the classroom topics and speakers.
Who's Who Martha Costa, South Dartmouth, and Susan Hunt, Fall River, both students at Newport CollegeSalve Regina, have been named for inclusion in the forthcoming edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges." The honor recognizes their achievements as campus leaders.
New.Metropolitan
BISHOP CRONIN addresses students of Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, after Christmas liturgy. _ (Bergh Photo)
MOSCOW (NC) - The synod of the Russian Orthodox Church has named Metropolitan Antonij of White Russia and Minsk, Soviet Union, as the new metropolitan of Lenigrad and Novgorod, Soviet Union, the second highest post in the church. He replaces Metropolitan Nikodim who died Oct. 5 during a private audience with Pope John Paul I.
Worlkers, Not Talkers ness of academically trained companions in the same community?" Father Mallon asked. "If so, we are forced to conclude that, in the opinion of manual these communities, workers are second-class citizens of both this world and the next, or at least they are simply frustrated men and women comWriting in Homiletic and Pas- pelled to work with their hands toral Review, M~.ryknoIlFather because intellectual empl<lYVincent T. Mallow said about ments are closed to them for 35 percent of the American work one reason or another," he addforce is blue collar but a far ,'ed. lower percentage of religious "Communities that discourage perform blue-collar work. candidates eager to serve God "Do some religious institutes with their hands and feet are truly hold that it is a waste <If practicing a self-destructive a life and, particularly, of a elitism and a contradictory disreligious vocation to spend one's crimination against the very days on earth sea ling envelopes, kind of workers with whom they washing dishes or running a have been loudly proclaiming tractor for the love of God, even solidarity <lutside supermarkets if theSe occupations would ad- and in shared homilies," Father vance the evang{!lical effective- Mallon said.
NEW YORK (NC) - Religious communities whic:h "tend more and more to prefer talkers to workers" should re-examine that "attitude and step up their vocarecruitment efforts tional among blue-colla r workers, a Maryknoll missionary and seminary pr<lfessor has urged.
PAPAL SKIS: Pope John Paul II, an expert schusser, accepts skis from fellow enthusiasts at a general audience. (NC Photo)
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THE ANCHOKThurs.. Dec. 28, 1978
Intersch.oJastic Sports
The Careless Times MINNEAPOLIS':-The National News Council rejected complaints of biased reporting on abortion by The New York Times and on a homosexual gathering by WCBS-TV News, New York, while upholding another complaint against the Times for identifying a pro-lifer as a Catholic. The council recommends that identification by race, national origin and religion be avoided and said the Times is "either insensitive to justifiable criticism or condones careless editing."
IN THE DIOCESE
By Bill MORRISSETTE
Holy Family In Doubleheader Saturday The Holy Family High boys varsity basketball team will entertain Martha's Vineyard in a non-league doubleheader at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Kennedy Youth Center, New Bedford. Next Wednesday the Holy Family hoopsters will open their Division III Southeastern Mass. Conference schedule at Bishop Feehan High in Attleboro. The school's girls basketball team will entertain the Martha's Vineyard girls in a single game at 1 p.m. tomorrow in the Hammond gym in the old New Bedford Vocational High School.
Next Tuesday they will be at Coyle-Cassidy in a conference opener at 3:15 p.m. Bishop Stang High's girls' basketball team will meet Durfee, in Fall River, at one o'clock Saturday afternoon in an interdivision contest. Durfee is participating in the Wareham High tournament. In other tournament action, Fall River's Diman Voke will take part in the Cape Cod Tech Invitational today through Saturday. Diman opens its Division III Southeastern Mass. Conference schedule at Westport next Wednesday.
Connolly High Faces Busy Week Three games in six days is Bishop Connolly High's "bill of fare" starting with a Division One conference game at Somerset tomorrow night. The Cougars will host Case High in an inter-division encounter Saturday night, at Connolly, and will be at Taunton Wednesday night in another Division I contest. In other Division One games tomorrow night, Durfee is host to Attleboro, Dartmouth is at Fairhaven and Barnstable at Taunton. There are also several nonleague games tomorrow night, among them Bishop Stang High at New Bedford, Bourne at Wareham, Seekonk at Westport, Blue Hills at Apponequet, New Bedford Voke-Tech at Case and Old Colony at Southeastern Voke. Apponequet is at Westport and Middleboro at Somerset in non-
leaguers Saturday. Meanwhile, New Bedford High will be participating in the Christmas Tournament which opens tonight in Rogers High School, Newport. There is ice hockey aplenty on tap for the next week. At 8 tonight Durfee is host to Case in a non-leagu~ game in the Driscoll Rink, Fall River. Next Tuesday Durfee will be home to Falmouth, also in the Driscoll Rink, in a conference opener. Connolly will entertain Dartmouth, at 8 p.m. one week from today, in the Driscoll Rink. This game is the nightcap of a twin bill in which Somerset will meet Dighton-Rehoboth at 6 p.m. Somerset will oppose Seekonk at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Bay State Arena and will be home, in the Driscoll Rink, Tuesday at 8 p.m. to New Bedford.
Hockomock Active In All Sports With the exception of ice hockey which opens Saturday, all Hockomock League winter sports are now in full swing. In ice hockey, defending champion Canton will meet North Attleboro on the latter's ice at 5 p.m., and Oliver Ames will host Stoughton at 7:30 p.m. Franklin visits Wrentham at 6 p.m. Last year Canton was 13-1-1 (won, lost, tied) and finished three points ahead of Franklin, 11-2-2. Sharon and Stoughton, last season's co-champions in basketball meet on the latter's court tomorrow night. North Attleboro has the bye on tomorrow night's schedule but is host to 'Oliver Ames next Tuesday. Other games tomorrow night have King Philip at Mansfield, Franklin at Oliver Ames, Foxboro at Canton. Tuesday's schedule also lists Mansfield at Sharon, Canton .at Franklin, Foxboro at Stoughton. Girls' basketball tomorrow lists defending champion Sharon home to Stoughton. The other games are the same as for boys basketball except that the home teams in the boys' games are the away teams for girls basket-
ball. On another front, Hockomock tract teams will participate in the annual Massachusetts Track Coaches Invitational Indoor Track Meet at Northeastern University on Jan. 5. Also of interest is the Silver City Ice Hockey Tournament that gets underway tonight in Taunton.
Marriage Ministry MIAMI, Fla. (NC) - Twentyone couples have been commissioned by Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy of Miami to work in south FlorJda parishes as marriage ministry teams. The commissioning followed a 50-hour training program in counseling and communications skills. In their parishes the couples will cooperate with pastors in providing personal services to persons and couples experiencing a problem or difficulty in their family.
What It Is 'ILoneliness is really a homesickness for God." - Dom Hubert van Zeller
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It Matters t ..,f
t
LOSING ACADEMY AWARD candidate Maggie Smith gobbles leftovers from a hotel food cart in scene from "California Suite," film version of a Neil Simon comedy.
....It would be as wise and rea-
sonable to say that it does JIot matter which way the rudder swings as the ship moves, as to say that is does not matter what a man thinks." - W. J. Dawson
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tv, movie news
JEFFREY E. SULLIVAN Funeral Home
Symbols following film reviews indicate both general and Catholic Film Office ratings, which do not always coincide. General ratings: G-suitable for general viewing; PG-parental guidance suggested; R-restricted, unsuitable for children or younger teens. Catholic ratings: AI-approved for children and adults; A2-approved for adults and adolescents; A3-approved for adults on!y; B-objectionable in part lor everyone; A4-separate classification (given to films not morally offensive which, however, require some analysis and explanation); C-condemned.
wife whose husband is involved with a younger woman, succumbs to the charms of John Travolta. Despite some gestures towards human values, this film is ludicrous, banal and offensive in its graphic depiction of adultery. R, C TV Movie Saturday, Jan. 6, 9 p.rn. (CBS) - "Mr. Billion" (1976) - This is a pleasant if more than slightly sappy comedy about a poor young Italian (Terence Hill), addicted to Westerns, who inherits the controlling interest in a vast American corporation, provided he can reach San Francisco by a certain day. Villainous Jackie Gleason hires Valerie Perrine to impede him, but, predictably enough, she switches sides. PG, A2
"California Suite" (Columbia) integrates the four short plays of Neil Simon's Broadway production into one narrative. The plots involve a couple maneuvering over custody of their daughter; an actress disappointed at not winning an Academy Award; an inadvertently unfaithON Radio ful husband whose wife revenges Sunday, Dee. 31, "Guideline" herself on him; and a slapstick . (NBC) presents a dialogue mediskit about two doctors and their tation on the old and new years. wives on a vacation plagued by Guests will be Father Peter misadventures. Stars include Mann, a British Benedictine, and Jane Fonda, Alan Aida, Maggie Father William Ayres of RockSmith, Michael Caine, Walter ville Centre, N.Y. (Check local Matthau, Elaine May, Bill Cosby listings for time.) and Richard Pryor. This is good fun, often moving, but its adult Educat:ionto Be Topic nature rules out younger viewers. PG, A3 of Papal Document VATICAN CITY (NC) - Pope "Every Which Way But John Paul II has announced that Loose" (Warners). Clint Easthe plans to issue a document on wood is a footloose trucker in love with a waif-like girl (San- religious education early next dra Locke) of uncertain virtue. year. The· papal document could beHe pursues' her across several states, . in the process viciously come the first major written beating all sorts of people. That statement issued by the new and the low' moral tone of the pope, although work on it began fi.lm make it offensive for any long before his pontificate. Developed from the 1977 world audience. PG, B Synod of Bishops which dis· "Oliver's Story" (paramount) cussed religious education, it is a sequel to "Love Story." In was in the final draft stages it Oliver Barrett (Ryan O'Neal) under Pope Paul VI before he makes a new life with a rich died last August. According to WASP. An ambiguous presen- Vatican sources, Pope Paul I tation of an extramarital rela- was about to issue the document tionship between the principals when he died in September. Sources speculated, after Pope calls for an adult rating. PG, A3 John Paul II did not issue the al"Moment by Moment" (Uni- ready completed statement versa!). Lily Tomlin, a wealthy, quickly, that he might want to middle-aged Beverly Hills house- revise it.
550 Locust Street Fall River, Mass.. 672-2391
Rose E. Su Ilivan William J. Sullivan Margaret M. Sullivan
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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Thur., Dec. 28, 1978
• steering points
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PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN , are asked to submit news items for this column to The Anchor, P. O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722. N'lme of city or town shOUld be included, as well as full cates of all activities. Please send news of future rather than past events. Note: We do not carry news of fund raising activities such as bingos, whists, dances suppers and bazaars. We are happy to carry notices of spiritual programs, club meetin,ls, youth projects and similar nonprofit activties. Fundraising projects may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from The Anchor business office, telephone 675·7151.
OUR LADY OF ANGELS, FALL RIVER A parish family mission is planned for Sunday, Feb. 25 through Friday, March 2. It will be conducted in English by Dominican Fathers from New York City and will include a three-day special retreat for grammar school children. The. parish credit union will hold its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2t; in the church hall. LA SALETTE ~HRINE, ATTLEBORO The annual Christmas illuminations at the shrine will end Monday, Jan. 1. They will be
displayed until 9 tonight and from 5 to 10 p.m. through Monday. Thousands of pilgrims have viewed them during the holiday season and individuals and families who have not already done so are invited to climax their Christmas observance in this manner. ST. STANISLAUS, FALL RIVER The traditional parish New Year vigil will begin at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, concluding at 1:30 a.m. Monday. With Poles throughout the world, parishioners began observance 6f the year of St. Stanislaus on Christmas day. The parish observance will include a pilgrimage to Rome and Poland. ST. MARY, SEEKONK An appreciation dinner is planned for ,Friday, Jan. 19 in the church hall. Those planning to attend are asked to notify the rectory.
Bad Marks Given To 20th Century SEVILLE, Spain (NC) - The 20th century gets bad marks even though it still has over two decades of life left, according to the Catholic weekly, "Church in Seville." "Taking a look back, we must conclude that a sick tree only gives sick fruits," wrote Moises Lopez. He criticized eight specific problems: - In 50 years governments spent $4 billion in armaments. - World War I left 10 million dead, 20 million mutilated. - World War II left 15 million dead, 90 million wounded, 23 million homes destroyed. - Civil wars raged in Mexico,
China, Korea, Congo, Spain, Vietnam, Biafra, Lebanon, Nicaragua. - Ther~ are tensions in the Middle East and terrorist activities in Ireland, Rhodesia, Spain and several Latin American countries. - Bad habits and vices increase sharply. In Spain smokers sp~d millions of dollars each year. Alcoholism and gambling are up and drug addition is the new plague. - Disregard for life is seen in traffic and labor accidents. Abortion has been legalized in several countries. Homic~des increase.
- Conservationists are waging a losing battle with special interests. Air, water and food pollution increases, as do the number of endangered species. Man must now be included as an endangered species, concludes Lopez.
~ope
to Egypt?
VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II was invited to visit Egypt and pray on Mt. Sinai by Egyptian deputy Prime Minister Fikry Makran Ebeid during a private audience Oct. 23. The Egyptian official exte nded the invitation on behalf of Egypt's President Anwar Sadat.
"'
Twenty-Fourth Annual
Bishop's Charity Ball DIOCESE OF FALL
RIVER
For The Benefit Of The Exceptional And Underprivileged Children Of Every Race, Color And Creed
COMMEMORATING THE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER
Pope Asks World Leaders For A~udacious' Moves I
VATICAN CITY (iNC) Pope John Paul II, in his first World Day of Peace message, urged statesmen to "make gestures of peace, even audacious ones, to break free from vicious circles and from the deadweight of pal;sions' inhetited from history." The pope also appealed to individuals and families to control passions and ac::ept and respect one another in the first major address of his pontificate. His message was for the 12th World Day of Peace on Jan. 1, 1979. Its theme - "To Reach was Peace, Teach Peace" chosen by Pope Paul VI, who in 1967 designated New Year's day as the World D"y of Peace. Vatican Justice and Peace Commission officials said the content, however, was the work of the present pope. ,
Youth should resist the sterile :violence in which adults, who are not at peace with themselves, sometim ~s _want to make use of," said the pope. "There is no peace without justice and fre'~om, without a courageous commitment to promote both," he said. In the first section of the message, Pope John Paul outlined the difficulty of achieving peace.
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"The daily spectacle of war, tension and division sows doubt and discouragement," he said.
"In places the flames of discord and hatred even seem to be kindled artificially by some who do not have to pay the cost. And too often gestures of peace are ridiculously incapable of changing the course of events, even if they are not actually swept away and in the end taken over by the overbearing logic of exploitation and violence," he added. The pope listed several "firm principles" for peace: - "Human affairs must be dealt with humanely, not with violence." - "Tensions, rivalries and conflicts must be settled by reasonable negotiations and not by force." - "Oppressing ideologies must confront each other in a climate of dialogue and free discussion." -"The legitimate interests of particular groups must also take into account the legitimate interests of the other groups involved and of the demands of the higher common good." - "Recourse to arms cannot be considered the right means for settling conflicts." - "Inalienable human rights must be safeguarded in every circumstance." - "It is not permissable to kill in order to impose a solution."
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Featuring VINCENT LOPEZ ORCHESTRA UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DANNY LEROY
IN THE BALLROOM 9 P.M. to 1 A.M. Auspices of ST. VINCENT DE PAUL and THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN
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