Anchor 05.21.10

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The Anchor Diocese of Fall River

F riday , May 21, 2010

Dabbling in the occult seen taking spiritual toll on youth By Deacon James N. Dunbar

BISHOP’S BLESSING — Bishop George W. Coleman blessed and rededicated the newly-named St. Dominic’s Unit at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River last week. The second-floor unit — formerly known simply as South 2 — has been redesigned and cares primarily for patients with a cancer diagnosis. St. Dominic was chosen as a namesake because of the saint’s ministry of healing, hope and humanity and also because the hospital was founded in 1906, the septenary of his founding the Dominicans, and is still staffed by the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

Fetal pain is the ‘next generation’ of abortion ban By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent BOSTON — Last month, Nebraska legislators passed a measure that could dramatically change the way other states craft laws that restrict abortion. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, scheduled to take effect on October 15, bans abortions after the 20week mark. The law, the first of its kind, takes the focus off the viability of an unborn child, which is generally determined to be anywhere from 23-24 weeks gestation. Rather, it hones in on the scientific evidence that unborn children can experience pain. Another unique feature of the Nebraska law is the ab-

sence of an exception for the mental health of the mother. Exceptions to the ban can only be granted in cases of medical emergency — the mother’s imminent death or a serious risk of “substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” Advocates of the law say this provision gives them the opportunity to revisit health exceptions for abortion and speak about the negative impact of abortion on women. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate an increased risk of suicide, depression, anxiety and substance abuse after abortion. According to Americans United for Life (AUL), the medical Turn to page 13

FAMILY AFFAIR — Scottie and Jerry Foley, program directors for the Fall River Diocese Family Ministry Office since its inception in 1980, officially retired from their posts last week after 30 years of service to the diocese. Story on page 12. (Photo by Kenneth J. Souza)

ACUSHNET — Vampires, witches, Ouija boards, satanic rock music and dark video games — innocent fun? “I don’t think so,” said Msgr. Gerard P. O’Connor, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. “Some of what seems fascinating to young people is downright dangerous, and it is sinful any time one invokes the devil or believes in astrology or in psychic readings.” He said reading about Black magic and looking for messages on Ouija boards and on Tarot Cards “are insidious evils that some young people — even some in our Catholic schools — could become fascinated with, not realizing what could happen.” Wicca and the many New Age practices such as Reiki, transcendental meditation and psychic divination “are being marketed as new, but they are part of old heresies and evils that have been around for a long time. But I must say they have become more prevalent today than they were 20 or 30 years ago,” Msgr. O’Connor commented. New Age practices are characterized by an individual approach to spiritual methods and rejection

of religious doctrines or dogma. Reiki involves using a life force that promotes self-healing within the body. Wicca, the largest of the neopagan religions, is a form of modern witchcraft, and centers on worshipping the triple goddess and her consort, the horned god. The occult burst onto the entertainment scene in the early 1960s with television programs such as “Bewitched,” “I Dream of Genie,” “The Munsters” and the “Addams Family.” As for the long-running, popular yet controversial old “Harry Potter” series and its films, Msgr. O’Connor feels they could have an adverse impact “if young people begin to admire what those present outside of a fairy tale sense.” He quickly added, “‘The Catechism of the Catholic Church’ is our guide to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and we are speaking of sins against the First Commandment”: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me.” Matthew in his Gospel says: “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” Turn to page 18

Lay group spreads devotion to Our Lady By Dave Jolivet, Editor

In the Fall River Diocese, A Father Alessandro Apollonio, FI, NEW BEDFORD — Last learned of the day and from there, Day With Mary “At first it started week, the papal trip to Fatima his order spread it throughout the slowly,” said Maggie Sweeney, a team member, “but as time went once again brought the atten- world. on, we started to get more and tion of the world to the mesmore people coming.” sage Mary gave the three The structure of the monthly shepherd children. Here in sessions is the same throughout the Diocese of Fall River, a the world. “We had four team team of 10 to 12 lay people members travel to England to has been bringing the same learn the format,” Sweeney message to parishes for more told The Anchor. “The mornthan a decade. ing session is Marian-themed, The lay team joins with the and the afternoon session is Franciscan Friars and Sisters devoted to the Eucharist.” of the Immaculate to promote Martha McCormack, a padevotion to Our Lady of Farishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish tima and the Eucharist on the in Fairhaven, was one of the first Saturday of each month. four sent to England to learn A Day With Mary is a the process. structured event based on the “I’ve been involved with Fatima message that adheres A Day With Mary since it bestrongly to orthodox Cathogan here nearly 12 years ago,” lic teachings. It had its beMcCormack told The Anchor. ginning in England in 1986 “As a child my mother fosthrough the efforts of Claudio tered in me a devotion to Our lo Sterzo, who was inspired to lead others to heed Mary’s traditional devotion — Brendan Lady that I hold to very dearly call for “prayer and penance Botelho of Good Shepherd Parish in Fall today. I loved the candlelight for the conversion of sinners.” River, adorns a statue of our Lady with a processions as a child, and as I Turn to page four In 1992, and Italian priest, crown of flowers. (C&R Media Photo)


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