Anchor 10.22.10

Diocese of Fall River

The Anchor

F riday , October 22, 2010

R.I. bishop urges Catholics to be politically active

By Christine M. Williams Anchor Correspondent

NEWTON — “You were not baptized to be irrelevant,” Rhode Island Bishop Thomas Tobin told Commonwealth residents gathered for Massachusetts Family Institute’s annual banquet, held at the Marriott Hotel in Newton October 14.

The bishop of the Diocese of Providence said that society is so set against the Christian worldview that it often dismisses what Christians have to say before they have a chance to speak.

“You’ve probably noticed that on occasion our message is not well-received,” he joked, and many in the crowd gave a knowing chuckle.

He told the story of being invited to a surprise birthday party, and when he arrived, he was greeted by a young girl, about seven years

old, who said, “I don’t know you.

I don’t like you. And who invited you anyway?” That is the response that people of faith often receive when they try to speak about their values, he said.

There is no doubt that we are living in difficult times when “the basic premises of civilization are being questioned” and “fundamental moral values are so easily discarded.” The world is troubled and confused, and as disciples of Jesus, Christians must witness to Christ.

The bishop added that he does not believe he was ordained to be irrelevant either.

Last year, Bishop Tobin had a public discourse with Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) after Kennedy spoke out against the American bishops, saying that their opposition to a health care bill that funds Turn to page 14

Catholics embracing new media, technological tools for evangelization

By Kenneth J. Souza Anchor Staff

FALL RIVER — Slowly but surely, Catholics are beginning to embrace rapidly evolving tools of technology to evangelize and spread the Gospel. Today Christ’s good news is being proclaimed not only through long-standing media outlets such as television, radio and newspapers, but also via websites, cell phones, social networking forums and even electronic trivia games.

For Father David C. Frederici, parochial vicar at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth, it’s something that’s been a long time coming — a point he emphasized by citing a quote from Pope Paul VI’s “Inter Mirifica” (“Decree on the Media of Social Communications”) issued almost 50 years ago:

“It is quite unbecoming for the Church’s children idly to permit the message of salvation to be thwarted or impeded by the technical delays or expenses, however vast, which are encountered by the very nature of these media.”

While the pope’s message was directed toward the print and visual mediums prevalent during the early 1960s, it could just as easily apply to today’s “new media” like the Internet and cellular telephones.

“They were referring to radio and TV at the time, but it’s a profound statement,” Father Frederici said. “But with new technology, it does take time to learn it and sometimes it involves an additional cost.”

With Pope Benedict XVI’s more recent directive delivered Turn to page four

a day of transition — Deacon Riley J. Williams, center, receives the book of the Gospels from Bishop Bernard Hebda, at a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, at which Williams was ordained as a transitional deacon. (Photo courtesy of the Pontifical North American College)

Diocesan deacon eager to complete priesthood formation process

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

ROME — Riley J. Williams, a seminarian from the Diocese of Fall River, took one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a Catholic priest.

Earlier this month, Williams and 29 of his colleagues were ordained as transitional deacons in a

ceremony at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Bishop Bernard A. Hebda of the Diocese of Gaylord, Mich. presided. Bishop Hebda is a former official of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts in Rome and also served as Turn to page 14

lunch with a feast of faith — Father David C. Frederici, right, speaks at a recent Theology on Tap session at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Taunton. (Photo by Rebecca Aubut)

Theology on Tap: A mix of food, seasoned with faith

By Rebecca Aubut Anchor Staff

TAUNTON — Sequestered in a room off the main dining area of the Olive Garden in Taunton, a group of mostly young men and women have begun to gather.

Some come alone while others come in a group; all are here to enjoy food for their stomachs and

then receive food for their souls.

Welcome to another night of Theology on Tap. “Theology on Tap offers the opportunity for young adults in their 20s and 30s, whether they’re in college, single, married, or dating, to gather as a community in a nonthreatening, safe environment,” explained Crystal Medeiros, assistant

director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Office of Faith Formation.

Medeiros continued, “Particularly for those who may have questions about their faith, or maybe don’t go to church as often and don’t feel comfortable asking any type of questions in church; Turn to page 13

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October 22, 2010 News From the Vatican Synod members alarmed by declining Christian populations

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Concern, and even alarm, over the real threat of the disappearance of Christians from the Middle East has been a recurrent theme at the Synod of Bishops focusing on the region.

Christians, who were present in the region long before Islam, “are presently facing a deadly dilemma: to choose between disappearance and isolation, which would bring an end to their historical role and their mission,” said Hares Chehab, secretary general of Lebanon’s National Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue.

Chehab, a papally appointed observer at the synod, addressed the gathering October 12 and echoed concerns voiced by a variety of bishops who spoke before him.

The region is gradually emptying itself of Christians, “who had contributed so much to the elaboration of its civilization, and were always the pioneers in the battle for its freedom, its ascent to modernity,” he said.

The emigration of Christians cannot be attributed only to economic difficulties, “otherwise the whole region would have been depopulated,” Chehab said.

He pointed instead to “discrimination, persecution in certain areas, fear in others, the lack of freedom and inequality of rights” as the leading motives for leaving.

A key to addressing the problem is to strengthen ChristianMuslim dialogue, he said. But while dialogue is taking place in many countries throughout the

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region, too often it never gets beyond the common belief in one God and values like the importance of family, which Christians and Muslims share, he said.

The standard dialogue style “should give way from now on to another form where the language of complaisance would

Laham of Damascus, Syria, told the synod that “among the most dangerous effects of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict” is the phenomenon of Christian emigration, “which will make Arab society a society with only one color, a society uniquely Muslim.”

If the Middle East is seen as

government, lack of equality and about a legal system that is based on Islamic law.

“To make peace, this is the great challenge. This is the great ‘jihad’ and the great good,” he said, using “jihad,” the Arabic word for “struggle.”

U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley,

Muslim and the West seen as Christian, “any occasion would be propitious for a new clash of cultures, of civilizations and even of religions — a destructive clash between the Muslim Arab East and the Christian West,” the patriarch said.

Patriarch Laham also called for increased Christian-Muslim dialogue and for Christians to tell their Muslim brothers and sisters “what our fears are,” including concern about a lack of separation between religion and

grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, told the synod that praying for peace in the Middle East is an obligation all Christians share.

“I am convinced that the continued tension between the Israelis and the Palestinians has contributed greatly to the turmoil in all of the Middle East and also to the growth of Islamic fundamentalism,” he said.

“While many, including the Holy See, have suggested a

two-state solution to the IsraeliPalestinian crisis, the more time passes, the more difficult such a solution becomes, as the building of Israeli settlements and Israeli-controlled infrastructure in East Jerusalem and in other parts of the West Bank make increasingly difficult the development of a viable and integral Palestinian state,” the cardinal said.

Melkite Archbishop Joseph J. Zerey of Jerusalem said Christians must make their own examination of conscience about why their brothers and sisters are leaving the region in such numbers.

Emigration, living the faith “half-heartedly” or giving in to material, political or social pressures often are the result of not living a life centered on prayer and Christian charity, he said.

“Many of our so-called ‘Christian’ families have a vital need for re-evangelization and to personally embrace the forgiveness and mercy of God earned by the passion, the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,” the archbishop said.

He encouraged the bishops to welcome the new Catholic movements as instruments for strengthening the faith commitment of Christians in the region.

Syrian Catholic Archbishop Basile Casmoussa of Mosul, Iraq, said emigration has meant that Christianity is losing its presence in the land where it was born. The situation is exacerbated by “waves of terrorism inspired by religious ideologies,” which crush minorities, including “Christians, the most vulnerable,” as well as by “the alarming decrease of births among Christians” and an ever growing birthrate among Muslims, he said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Witnessing to the Gospel in the Middle East and finding acceptance among the Muslim or Jewish majorities requires Catholics, first of all, to be holy and charitable, said members of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East.

“We may never convince with words our Muslim or Jewish neighbors that our presence is

truly a real blessing for them, but the same antidote which helped the first Christians survive and overcome all challenges is also available to us: a share in God’s generous and Holy Spirit and an apostolic love for one another,” said Maronite Bishop Gregory J. Mansour of St. Maron of Brooklyn, N.Y. The U.S.-based bishop was one of several synod members who spoke October 13 about the obligation of all Christians to give witness to the faith, even when they are a small minority struggling to survive.

Another was Armenian Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni of Beirut, who said the fact that so many Middle East Christians seem afraid to share their faith and that so many of them are emigrating shows a

need for better evangelization and religious education.

Christians in the region today live as a tiny minority just as Christians in the early Church did, he said. And like the early Christians, they must not be afraid to stay and witness to the Gospel.

“This does not mean we should not fight to re-establish justice and peace in the Middle East. But it would be wrong to consider that, without this justice and peace, the Christian cannot fully live his faith or should emigrate,” the patriarch said.

“Nobody migrates to look for a better Christian life,” he said.

By their life and their actions, he said, Middle East Christians are called to share “the most convincing message of the love of Jesus.”

warm welcome — Pope Benedict XVI greets Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib of Alexandria, Egypt, at the start of the opening session of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East in the synod hall at the Vatican. The patriarch is the synod’s recording secretary. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

be banned, to focus especially on truth, no matter how hard it is, but with love and sincerity,” Chehab said.

Chehab, like many of the synod members, pointed to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict as the chief reason for the strained relations and sense of insecurity that push many Christians to flee the region.

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Catholics called to witness to holiness in Middle East

October 22, 2010

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Pope canonizes six, calls them ‘shining examples’ of holiness

thanks be to god — Miner Mario Gomez, 63, the oldest of the 33 trapped miners, prays as he arrives on the surface after being rescued in Copiapo, Chile, October 13. Chile’s 33 trapped miners traveled nearly half a mile through solid rock in a shaft just wider than a man’ s shoulders as their two-month ordeal after a cavein came to an end. (CNS photo/Hugo Infante-Government of Chile via Reuters)

As miners are rescued, Chileans unite in prayer

COPIAPO, Chile (CNS) — As miners were pulled one-by-one October 13 from the tunnel in the San Jose mine in Copiapo, celebrations of thanksgiving replaced the round-the-clock vigils and special Masses appealing for the men’s safety.

Many of the miners, who had last been above ground August 5, came out of their rescue capsule making some gesture to God, kneeling in prayer, crossing themselves and voicing prayers.

“By their witness of unity and solidarity, these 33 brothers have united all Chileans,” said a statement issued by the standing committee of Chile’s Catholic bishops the day after the rescue operation was completed.

“Their strength and hope invites us to work together as a society to ‘rescue’ so many brothers who suffer from poverty and marginalization, looking to make Chile ‘a table for everyone,’” the October 14 statement said.

Among the thousands of people waiting at Camp Hope outside the mine in the daylong culmination of a two-month rescue effort, Bishop Gaspar Quintana Jorquera of Copiapo spent time with miners’ families, sharing in celebrations with those already out of the mine and encouraging those awaiting their loved ones’ return. The bishop also celebrated Mass at the camp, asking God’s protection for the miners, seeking guidance for the rescue and offering thanks for all those involved in the effort.

Masses and prayer services of thanksgiving near the mine and around the country quickly replaced the Masses and prayer services of the previous days that were focused on asking for protection for the miners and for the success of the rescue effort.

An image of Our Lady of Candelaria, patron of Chile’s miners, which had been a fixture at Camp Hope, was moved back to its place in Candelaria Church in Co-

piapo in a procession October 14.

At a Mass that began late October 12, as the first miner was being brought to the surface, Santiago Auxiliary Bishop Cristian Contreras Villarroel said the lives of the 33 miners should be seen as a sign of the need all people have for redemption.

“There is no saint without a past, nor sinner without a future,” he reminded the congregation in El Sagrario chapel next to Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral.

In a daylong drama watched worldwide on television and the Internet, miners were raised to the surface one at a time from the tunnel where they were trapped in a collapse of the mine August 5. Family members, medical personnel, politicians, reporters and well-wishers were there to meet each man as he left the capsule that drew him to the surface.

The bishops’ standing committee expressed the “immense joy and thanks to God” for the rescue of the “33 miner brothers,” and noted that it had been a time of prayers from millions of people around the world, in particular Pope Benedict XVI, who showed special concern.

“We are happy to see and hear our brother miners, their loved ones, the authorities and people throughout Chile thanking God for this gift, for this miracle with which we have been blessed,” the bishops said. They also expressed their appreciation for the “admirable efforts of technicians, professionals, laborers, countrymen and foreigners, who have contributed to the preparation for and execution of the rescue.”

They said they would continue to pray for the miners and their families, that “this re-encounter with life will be an opportunity for them and for all of us to appreciate the most precious things we have, life, dignity as children of God, faith, the treasure of family, the value of work justly compensated and in secure and dignified conditions.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed six new saints, including an Australian nun and a Canadian Brother, calling them “shining examples” of holiness and the power of prayer.

Thousands of pilgrims from Australia applauded and waved their national flags after the pope pronounced the formula of canonization October 17 in St. Peter’s Square for Blessed Mother Mary MacKillop, who educated poor children in the Australian outback in the late 19th century. She became the country’s first saint.

In his homily, Pope Benedict said St. MacKillop, 1842-1909, was a model of “zeal, perseverance and prayer” as she dedicated herself to the education of the poor in the difficult territory of rural Australia, inspiring other women to join her in the country’s first community of religious women.

“She attended to the needs of each young person entrusted to her, without regard for station or wealth, providing both intellectual and spiritual formation,” he said. Her feast day is celebrated August 8.

Canadians cheered the canonization of Blessed Andre Bessette, 1845-1937, a doorman known for his devotional practices and his healing touch. He became known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal.”

The pope said St. Andre “showed

boundless charity and did everything to soothe the despair of those who confided in him.” Although he had little instruction, he “understood what was essential to the faith” and had an intense prayer life, the pope said.

“For him, everything spoke of God and his presence,” the pope said. Thanks to this simplicity, St. Andre led many people to God, he added.

St. Andre “lived the beatitude of the pure of heart,” the pope said. “May the example of Brother Andre inspire Canadian Christian life.”

Relics of the six saints were brought to the altar during the two-hour liturgy.

Tapestry portraits of the newly-canonized hung from the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica behind the papal altar, and many pilgrims carried their own personal pictures of the saints.

The others canonized were: — St. Camilla Battista Varano, 14581524, the illegitimate daughter of an Italian nobleman, had to overcome her father’s initial objections to enter the convent of the Poor Clares. Known for her mystical experiences during prayer, she died in an outbreak of the plague.

— St. Stanislaw Soltys, 1433-1489, who devoted his life to caring for the poor in his native Krakow, Poland. Famed as a preacher and confessor, he was known as Turn to page five

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The Anchor

Catholics embracing new media, technology continued from page one

during last year’s World Communications Day to use new technology to spread Christ’s message, it seems like the Catholic online presence has begun to expand.

“I can’t recommend the use of our parish website enough,” said Father Michael Racine, pastor of St. Bernard’s Parish in Assonet. “It’s become a very useful tool and we try to keep it as updated as we can. While we still print a weekly parish bulletin and get occasional calls, the website has become the easiest and most reliable resource for parish information.”

With more than 1,600 students registered in Faith Formation classes, Father William Sylvia, parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Parish in Mansfield, said his parish website and email accounts are indispensable tools.

“But I don’t think the parish website will ever replace the weekly bulletin,” Father Sylvia said, jokingly, “because what would parishioners read during the homily?”

“That’s become the real challenge now — maintaining a parish website,” agreed Father Frederici. “Most parishes have a website that offers a lot of information, but they would have been considered cutting edge maybe 10 or 12 years ago. We’re not reaching part of our demographic — the younger people who don’t want just information, they want to learn more. They want some-

thing more than just text and photos; they’re looking for videos, for something interactive. We need to have a presentation that is more than just an online bulletin, so to speak.”

Father Frederici made the analogy that potential parishioners might be drawn to a particular parish by the exterior landscaping or historic architecture of the building — things that would make the invitation to join more inviting.

“But we don’t put the same thought into our online presence,” he said. “We’re also learning that when members of Generation X and Y move into a new area, the first thing they do before they go to a church is go to its website online. That could make or break whether they ever step foot inside the church itself.”

The predominant use of cell phones and email has also become a gamechanger for Father Karl Bissinger, vocations director for the Fall River Diocese, who said they are the most efficient modes of communication with his seminarians.

“I think I use email more than regular mail now,” Father Bissinger said. “We have a website for the vocations office that needs to be updated a bit more, but it’s been useful to reach out to potential seminarians.”

Father Bissinger also enjoys the immediacy of being able to get news from the Vatican and the United States Conference

of Catholic Bishops instantly via their respective websites — communications in the past that would have been delayed for days until an official statement had been faxed or mailed out.

Not to be outdone by the increasing popularity of Facebook — which itself has become a great tool to connect with fellow Catholics — the Boston-based CatholicTV Network recently launched its own unique social networking site called iCatholic (www.icatholic.com).

Bearing the tagline “I am Catholic, we are the Church,” iCatholic is another resource for the faithful to connect, share likes and dislikes via discussion forums, and interact online 24/7.

“This is a place where young and young-at-heart Catholics can go to discuss their faith and ask questions about their faith,” said Father Robert Reed, president of CatholicTV. “We’re coming to where you live. We’re making sure we stay on the cutting-edge of technology.”

But it’s not just the Internet that offers avenues of electronic evangelization, cell phones and portable devices like Apple’s iPad are becoming go-to devices for many diocesan priests with convenient “apps” (applications) like iBreviaryPro, iMissal and iRosary.

“I use gadgets like my iPod touch and my cell phone for my daily Divine Office prayers and the application offers not only the text but also the audio,” Father Frederici said. “Listening to the prayers helps slow me down — particularly if it’s been a busy day — so I can sit down and pray the

October 22, 2010 Breviary as if I were in a chapel listening to someone else recite it. It also reminds me on another level that I’m not praying this alone.”

Speaking of gadgets, Justin Paul Brown found a great way to use Apple’s popular iPhone to educate fellow Catholics about their faith. The technologically savvy parishioner from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City recently created an iPhone app simply called “The Catholic Game” that is akin to an electronic version of “Trivial Pursuit.”

“I had been trying to teach my family and friends about my cherished Catholic faith and I made a homemade Catholic trivia board game to play for fun at our kitchen table,” Brown said. “While discussing the game at work, one of my co-workers challenged me to use my rudimentary programming skills to make a multiple-choice, quiz version of my board game available for the iPhone. After months of writing and coding questions, I completed the iPhone application in August.”

“The Catholic Game” features more than 500 questions on Catholicism, broken down into five, comprehensive categories.

“We’re still learning, but we really need to step up the pace,” Father Frederici said of Catholics using new media. “Our Protestant brothers and sisters are already well ahead of us, as are those who don’t share our values in faith, so our message is in danger of getting lost or not even noticed.”

October 22, 2010

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The Anchor

Pope canonizes ‘shining examples’ of holiness continued from page three

the “Apostle of the Eucharist” for his taking Communion to the sick and lonely.

— St. Giulia Salzano, 18461929, taught catechism to schoolchildren near Naples, Italy, and later founded the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to continue her work, which offered religious education to children of all ages, to their mothers and to regular laborers.

— St. Juana Cipitria Barriola, 1845-1912, was a champion of education for girls and young women in her native Spain.

Known in some countries as Mother Candida Maria de Jesus, she founded the Daughters of Jesus with five other young women. She ran a special school on Sundays for girls who were employed as domestics, because Sunday was their only day off.

In his homily, the pope said the new saints exemplified the effectiveness of prayer as an expression of faith.

“Sometimes we get tired of praying, we have the impression that prayer is not very useful in life, that it is not terribly effective. So we are tempted to dedicate ourselves to activity, to using all human means to achieve our aims, and without turning to God,” he said.

The canonization brought some 8,000 Australian pilgrims to Rome, where Australian flags waved in abundance during the papal liturgy.

Peter Haynes, a 26-year-old Australian living in England, came to Rome for the Mass. He studied St. Mary MacKillop in primary school and was impressed by the fact that “she started from nothing and made something out of it. And her legacy continues today. That’s something.”

St. Mary MacKillop, the oldest of eight children of Scottish immigrants to Australia, began at the age of 24 to work with a priest to provide free education to the rural poor of the country.

Three years later, there were 60 Sisters working in schools, orphanages and women’s shelters.

The nuns were also committed to following poor farmworkers, miners and other laborers into remote areas of the country to educate their children.

Local Church officials, however, disapproved of the Sisters living in tiny, isolated communities — sometimes only two to a hut — frequently cut off from the sacraments in the remote Australian outback. She was even briefly excommunicated by the local bishops, who disbanded her order, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

But within a few months, the

bishop lifted his censure, and a Church commission cleared the Sisters of all wrongdoing.

In 1901, she suffered a stroke during a trip to New Zealand, and her health declined until her death in 1909.

Canadians in the square spoke warmly of St. Andre; some of the pilgrims even had personal connections to him.

Diane Guillemette of Montreal said that when her mother was 16 years old “she had a problem with her ear and she went to Brother Andre and he healed her.” Guillemette called St. Andre “an example of patience, humility and love of work.”

One of 12 children, St. Andre suffered from a chronic stomach ailment that kept him out of school. His father and mother died when he was young.

When he entered the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1870, his childhood parish priest, Father Andre Provencal, sent a letter to the novice master saying, “I am sending a saint to your congregation.”

St. Andre served as the doorman of Notre Dame College, the community’s school in Montreal, for 40 years. His devotion to St. Joseph and his reputation for healing attracted thousands of people, and he began to be known as a miracle worker.

When he died at the age of 91, a million people came to pay homage to him, and many remain dedicated to his memory today.

His feast day is January 6.

making a joyful noise — ValLimar Jansen and Tom Kendzia inspired youth and adults at the recent diocesan Youth Convention held at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth.

Gospel comes alive for youth at convention

By Dave Jolivet, Editor

NORTH DARTMOUTH — Several hundred youth put in a full eight-hour day last Saturday, but it wasn’t a work day. It was a day of song, dance, skits, conversation, and inspiration at the annual diocesan Youth Convention held at Bishop Stang High School.

Keynote speakers ValLimar Jansen and Tom Kendzia made the event most memorable for students and Faith Formation teachers and directors.

Jansen is well-known for her inspirational speaking, Gospel sing-

ing and story-telling. Kendzia is a renown composer, music arranger, author, teacher, and speaker.

“The theme of this year’s Diocesan Youth Convention was ‘Good Teacher, What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life,’” said Frank Lucca, chairman of the Christian Leadership Institute program. “The Youth Convention, planned by the graduates of the 2010 CLI opened with a prayer service that included a guided meditation along with a skit and witness talk on the theme.”

Revised and updated ...

Jansen brought the Gospel to life with her vignettes of various scenes from Scripture.

“Imagine nearly 300 young people whooping, hollering, swaying, and clapping during a speech,” Lucca told The Anchor.

“No they weren’t being disrespectful, they were truly engaged in the presentation of Val’s keynote address. There is no doubt that this year’s convention attendees were enthralled by the performance of Turn to page 16 Order Ear Comple ly!!!

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The Anchor Miracle at the mine

The October 13 rescue of the 33 miners trapped for 69 days in a subterranean dungeon of the San Jose mine in Atacama was one of the most moving, exciting and literally uplifting moments the world has seen in years. For a day, the people of the whole world were united through television and the Internet with Chilean families in the northern Chilean desert, as we nervously watched the trapped miners and then their heroic rescuers get lifted one-by-one through a 40inch hole hewn in a half-mile of unforgiving rock. Our eyes were transfixed on the huge wheel controlling the cable attached to the rescue capsule, rejoicing that it was moving when it should have been moving and that it had stopped when it should have stopped. We were privileged to have been allowed, by technology, to accompany miners’ three closest family members and the Chilean president to welcome each one as they came from darkness into the light. On a day in which the miners’ lives were turned right-side-up, the world was turned upside down, as humble, hard-working, unknown miners from South America became household names, with their photos, personalities and close family members known throughout the globe. For a day, the world became a small Chilean family.

One of the most striking things for many watching was how physically and psychologically strong the rescued miners appeared after so many days underground and after a dangerous ride through 2,200 feet of rock. Television commentators tried to come up with material explanations for how well they were, like praising NASA for developing special food and drinks or American companies for designing special socks to prevent fungus in the mine and the formation of blood clots on the ascent. Without a doubt these inventions and others made a difference, but it would be hard to deny that the fundamental reason why the miners were in such good shape overall was spiritual.

For most if not all of the miners, the 69 days underground was a life-changing spiritual experience. It’s hard to imagine for most of us what it would be like to be trapped under a half-mile of rock for 17 days in utter darkness, surviving on a half-a-cap full of tuna a day, wondering as the days went on whether people would continue or abandon the search, whether the underground refuge would in fact become a starvation chamber and mass grave. To say the least, it was a supremely stress-filled situation that could easily have brought out the worst in the miners. Part of the reason it didn’t was the strong leadership of shift foreman Luis Urzua, who imposed a system of rations and assigned tasks to keep not only exterior order in the mine but interior order in the miners. But it seems that the main reason that the miners didn’t turn on each other is because they turned together in prayer to the Lord, who was the one person they knew realized they were alive and the one person, more than any other, whom they trusted would never give up on their rescue.

The witness of the miners’ faith was outstanding. During the initial 17 days, the men were regularly led in prayer by Mario Gore Messes, at 63 the oldest of the miners who proved himself to be a spiritual elder in the most trying of circumstances. When they were eventually discovered, knowing that it would still take months for them to be set free, the miners asked that a crucifix, statues of Our Lady, St. Lawrence and other saints be sent down so that they could set up a shrine in their 538-square-foot refuge. Rosaries blessed by the pope were sent down. Miniature Bibles with magnifying glasses were transported. MP3 players with audio recordings of the life of Jesus came down. Prayer groups formed. Their involuntary entrapment became, in many ways, a 69day retreat. Jesus had once promised that wherever two or more were gathered in his name, he would be present in their midst (Mt 18:20). The miners gathered themselves in the name of Jesus and they could feel his presence. As the youngest miner, 19-year-old Jimmy Sanchez said, “There are actually 34 of us, because God has never left us down here.” They felt God’s presence with them, and for that reason never felt abandoned. As Mario Gore Messes wrote to his wife in his famous “Dear Lila” letter early after their rediscovery, “I want to tell everyone that I’m good and that we’ll surely come out OK. Patience and faith. God is great and the help of my God is going to make it possible to leave this mine alive.” Mario Sepulveda, the charismatic second miner brought to the surface, talked about the temptations he underwent in the mine and how his faith in God not only triumphed but was strengthened. “I was with God and I was with the devil. But God won.

I held onto God’s hand. At no point in time did I doubt that God would get me out of there.” He added, “We always knew that we would be rescued. We never lost faith.”

Many of the miners faced a similar choice between God and the devil, and several, like Sepulveda, reached out for God in conversion. Carlos Barrios wrote to his cousin Alonso, who was holding vigil for him in Camp Hope, that he never had considered himself religious before these events, but added, to the joyful tears of his relative, “Cousin, now I believe in God. I believe completely!” Jimmy Sanchez wrote his girlfriend, “God wanted me to stay here. I don’t know, maybe so I change from now on. I have thought, and I will change a lot.” Esteban Rojas, after having received a note from his civil wife of 25 years expressing her hope that once he was rescued, they would finally have their marriage convalidated in the Church, replied: “Jessica, thanks for your concern and for praying that we are all right. I love you all …. When I get out, we’ll buy a wedding dress and get married in the Church!” As soon as Rojas left the rescue capsule, in a gesture that moved the world, he knelt down, blessed himself and prayed, and Jessica presented him with an image of Our Lady — both signs that they were now intent on grounding their love in the practice of the faith.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera was not shy in ascribing the rescue not just to the ingenuity of so many experts from several countries who participated in the rescue efforts, but also in the prayers of the miners, their family members, their friends, Chileans and people united in prayer across the world. Basing himself on the words Jesus said in the Gospel about the power of faith as small as a mustard seed, he thanked all those who had prayed for a successful outcome and exclaimed, “That faith ended up moving mountains!”

Such overt credit to God — emphasized by so many miners coming to the surface proudly wearing T-shirts saying “Gracias, Señor!” — bothered some observers. As one commentator said, “Miners, engineers, astronauts, rough necks, bureaucrats and others spend 69 days, millions of dollars and immeasurable angst rescuing 33 men. Who gets credit? God. I’m curious what God would have done without those miners, engineers, astronauts, rough necks, bureaucrats and others!”

One of the chief rescuers, Greg Hall, whose company Drillers Supply International bore the successful “plan B” channel to rescue the miners, talked explicitly about the role God played.

After 17 days of drilling, he said, the drill got stuck, and after trying everything, there was nothing technical they could do. Hall, who hopes to be ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Houston in February, said he just started to pray, asking God to do what human means couldn’t.

Soon afterward, the drill bit loosened and they were able to complete the rescue mission. When he was done, experts and colleagues told him that his project was technically impossible and they had no idea how he had succeeded at all, not to mention in just six weeks. Hall commented, “I know that there are miracles. But you know what? Now everybody knows!”

October 22, 2010

‘Lord, I am not worthy to receive you’ (part II)

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render visible the proper attitude of adoran October of 2003, just a few weeks tion before the greatness of the mystery of after I arrived in Rome for my the eucharistic presence of our Lord.” seminary formation to the priesthood, the In May of 1969, the Sacred Congregacity was filled with many tourists for two tion for Divine Worship issued the docuextraordinary events. The first was Pope ment, Memoriale Domini, which granted John Paul II’s 25th anniversary as pope; permission for Communion to be received the other was the beatification of Mother on the hand, explaining that “It is certainly Teresa of Calcutta. true that ancient usage once allowed the Many of my friends and I were privifaithful to take this divine food in their leged to assist at the Mass. Because there were so many people there, we were asked hands and to place it in their mouths themselves.” to hold up white Vatican umbrellas to inIn that same document, however, the dicate where holy Communion was being Congregation also declared, “The method distributed. Seeing so many people was a great testimony to a woman who loved our of distributing holy Communion (on the tongue) must be retained, not merely Lord so much and who did such a heroic because it has many centuries of tradition job of showing that love to the poorest of behind it, but especially because it expressthe poor. es the reverence that the faithful have for The Missionaries of Charity (the the Eucharist.” religious community founded by Mother While granting the concession to allow Teresa) have no reservations about reachCommunion to be distributed on the hands ing out and touching Christ whom they see in the poor, ministering to them as they of the faithful, the Church expressed this die in the streets, and cleaning wounds and caution: “The fact that the lay person is now able to receive holy Communion in loving them because they see Jesus Christ the hand should not suggest to anyone that in them. this is ordinary bread, or just any sacred As much as they are willing to reach object. Rather out and touch it ought to the poorest strengthen members of the Putting Into one’s sense of body of Christ, the Deep their dignity they choose, as a member however, not to of the Mystitouch him with

By Father cal Body of their hands in Jay Mello Christ. One his real presshould possess ence in the Blessed Sacrament. All of Mother Teresa’s a respectful attitude that should be proportionate to what one is doing.”

Sisters are united in their many hours of This all begs the question, has the pracprayerful adoration before the Blessed Sactice of receiving holy Communion “in the rament and in the fact that they all receive hand” really strengthened and clarified our holy Communion in the same way — on faith in the real presence? Do people have the tongue. a greater belief and reverence for our Lord I recently read an article in Homiletic in the Eucharist than in the days when all and Pastoral Review referencing an interthe faithful would kneel and receive on the view of Blessed Mother Teresa conducted tongue?

by Father George Rutler, a priest of the Pope John Paul II provided us the folArchdiocese of New York. He asked Mother Teresa, “Mother, what do you think lowing reflection: “The doctrine of the Eucharist, sign of unity and bond of charity, is the worst problem in the world today?” taught by St. Paul, has been in subsequent She, more than anyone, could name any times deepened by the writings of very number of things: famine, plague, disease, many saints who are living examples for the breakdown of the family, rebellion us of eucharistic worship. We must always against God, the corruption of the media, have this reality before our eyes, and at world debt, nuclear threat, and so on. the same time we must continually try to Without pausing a second, Mother bring it about that our own generation too Teresa said, “Wherever I go in the whole world, the thing that makes me the saddest may add new examples to those marvelous examples of the past, new examples is watching people receive Communion no less living and eloquent, that will reflect in the hand.” These are certainly powerful the age to which we belong” (Dominicae words from such a humble and compasCenae, 5). sionate woman. By this she was referring Certainly many faithful, pious and revto the fact that for hundreds of years peoerent Catholics come forward to receive ple would come forward to receive holy Communion kneeling down and receiving holy Communion on the hand. Many who on the tongue — an image that provides us choose to receive this way have a great a clear reminder in our posture that we are love and devotion to our Lord and a desire to adore and worship him in the Eucharist. doing something sacred and holy.

Receiving on the hand, though certainly They come forward and make a throne for our Lord with their hands. They are to be allowed today by the Church in some commended for the reverent example that countries, does not necessarily remind they provide. us of the sacredness and solemnity of the We all need to be reminded about havreality that we are receiving God himself. ing a greater reverence for the Eucharist.

Msgr. Guido Marini, the Master of Papal Whether we choose to receive “on the Ceremonies recently explained, “It is tongue” or “on the hand,” let us never from this perspective that Pope Benedict forget that we are receiving Jesus Christ XVI, starting from the feast of Corpus and let us never approach the altar in a Christi last year, has begun to distribute common or casual way. holy Communion to the kneeling faithful Father Mello is a parochial vicar at St. directly on the tongue. By the example of Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth. this action, the Holy Father invites us to

October 22, 2010

Q: I should like to know if it is correct to give general absolution to a group of 15 elderly people living in a nursing home and brought together for Mass in a small room. Please note: (a) It is practically impossible to hear their confession individually as they are placed very close to each other in their wheelchairs; (b) when asked how many are going to receive Communion (to consecrate the necessary quantity of hosts) they all want to receive. Could I prepare them with a good act of sorrow and then give them general absolution, making it clear to the nurses and relatives that this absolution is not for them? And if general absolution is permitted in this case, what about the obligation of confessing grave sins later on? H.D., Melbourne, Australia A: In his 2002 letter “Misericordia Dei” Pope John Paul II clarified the conditions for granting general absolution and the concept of “grave necessity.” He said: “1. Ordinaries are to remind all the ministers of the sacrament of penance that the universal law of the Church, applying Catholic doctrine in this area, has established that: “a) ‘Individual and integral confession and absolution are the sole ordinary means by which the faithful, conscious of grave sin, are reconciled with God and the Church; only physical or moral impossibility excuses from such

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The Anchor

General absolution at a nursing home

cause of the great number of confession, in which case reconciliation can be obtained penitents, as can occur on the occasion of some great feast in other ways.’ “b) Therefore, ‘all those of or pilgrimage.”

“With reference to the case whom it is required by virtue of grave necessity, the followof their ministry in the care ing clarification is made: of souls are obliged to ensure “3) It refers to situations that the confessions of the that are objectively excepfaithful entrusted to them are heard when they reasonably ask, and that they are given the opportunity to approach individual confession on days and at times set down for their

By Father convenience.’

Edward McNamara “2. The absolution of a number of penitents at once without previous confession, as envis- tional, such as can occur aged by Can. 961 of the Code in mission territories or in isolated communities of the of Canon Law, is to be corfaithful, where the priest can rectly understood and adminvisit only once or very few istered. Such absolution is in fact ‘exceptional in character’ times a year, or when war or weather conditions or similar and ‘cannot be imparted in a factors permit. general manner unless: “4) The two conditions “‘a. the danger of death set down in the Canon to is imminent and there is not determine grave necessity time for the priest or priests are inseparable. Therefore, to hear the confessions of the it is never just a question of individual penitents; whether individuals can have “‘b. a grave necessity their confession heard ‘in an exists, that is, when in light appropriate way’ and ‘within of the number of penitents a an appropriate time’ because supply of confessors is not of the shortage of priests; readily available to hear the this must be combined with confessions of individuals in the fact that penitents would an appropriate way within an otherwise be forced to remain appropriate time, so that the deprived of sacramental grace penitents would be deprived ‘for a long time,’ through no of sacramental grace or holy fault of their own. Therefore, Communion for a long time through no fault of their own; account must be taken of the overall circumstances of the it is not considered sufficient necessity if confessors cannot penitents and of the diocese, in what refers to its pastoral be readily available only be-

Liturgical Q&A

organization and the possibility of the faithful having access to the sacrament of penance.

“5. Judgment as to whether there exist the conditions required by Can. 961 §1, 2 is not a matter for the confessor but for ‘the diocesan bishop who can determine cases of such necessity in the light of criteria agreed upon with other members of the Episcopal Conference.’(21) These pastoral criteria must embody the pursuit of total fidelity in the circumstances of their respective territories to the fundamental criteria found in the universal discipline of the Church, which are themselves based upon the requirements deriving from the sacrament of penance itself as a divine institution.”

In light of this text I believe that the case presented by our correspondent does not fulfill the conditions for a grave situation.

There are many other options open to the priest to resolve the situation. For example, he can arrange with those who bring the elderly people to Mass to see which ones would like to have confession and then arrive an hour or so before Mass to hear their confessions in a suitable place or, if necessary, visit them in their rooms.

Father Edward McNamara is a Legionary of Christ and professor of Liturgy at Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. His column appears weekly at zenit.org.

To submit questions, email liturgy@zenit.org. Please put the word “Liturgy” in the subject field. The text should include your initials, your city and state.

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October 22, 2010

The Anchor

Being a missionary in thought, word, and sacrifice

efore he returned to the Father, Our Lord promised to send his Holy Spirit. He charged his Apostles with these words recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (1:18): You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Each of us is called to be a witness to Jesus Christ at baptism. That was reaffirmed, as it were, at confirmation when we were given the gift of the Holy Spirit to assist us in being witnesses. We are to be a witness, not in Jerusalem or Samaria, or the ends of the earth, but right here and now where we find ourselves. That is why God put us here at this time and in this age, and in these circumstances.

He needs our witness.

While we witness here in our own area, we are also called to support in prayer and sacrifice the work of missionaries. What we do here is done in every corner of the world. Whether it be Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands or the remote regions of Latin America, Mass is offered, prayers are said, the Bible is read and people help one another.

Recently I had the honor and privilege of representing

thing I expected to hear in this Bishop George W. Coleman and village in the mountains was a our diocese at the celebration cell phone. Even in their dire commemorating the 10 years the poverty they try to get a cell Diocese of Fall River and the phone (and coverage is good Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa have considering the circumstances) to collaborated in our mission parbe able to be in communication ish in Guaimaca. with each other.

One of the Masses I celebrated in Spanish (with a heavy Portuguese accent) Homily of the Week was held in the rugged mountains at the village Thirtieth Sunday of Gones. It was on a in Ordinary Time cool Saturday afternoon, about the same time that

By Msgr. John J. we would be having Oliveira Mass at St. Mary’s.

I spoke at the conclusion of the Mass and the Mountain roads are difficult pastor, Father Craig A. Pregana, under the best of circumstances, translated my brief remarks. but when it rains they are impassI noted that even though I was able. Communication is necesfar away, the same Mass, the sary. same readings, the same elements Unlike most parishioners in of bread and wine were being the United States, they walk to used in prayer. Although different church. At times, a mile or more in time, distance and language, is normative. The first village I reminded them that what we where I visited, some of the do is done in every corner of the parishioners came to church ridworld. We are one in Christ; we ing horses. The Mass there was are one in the Church. One Lord, celebrated in a one-room school. one faith, one baptism.

Each one, however, is dressed Similar to St. Mary’s, on rare properly and neatly. Mass is occasions, I was very surprised something special and brings to hear a cell phone go off during the community together in unity, Mass. I remarked that the last

faith and love.

Mission Sunday is celebrated every year on the next-to-last Sunday in October. Catholics of the world unite to recommit and remind themselves once again of the great privilege we have of being missionaries. In every church, every chapel, every mission station, Mission Sunday is celebrated this weekend.

In his Mission Sunday message, Pope Benedict says that during October, we are reminded that the commitment and task of proclaiming the Gospel belongs to the entire Church. Christians are to “make Jesus visible,” to make the redeemer’s face shine in every corner of the earth.

He notes that this celebration leads to ever-greater missionary cooperation among the Churches.

This is an expression of what the Diocese of Fall River and the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa have accomplished. Missionary zeal has always been the mark of vitality among our Churches.

Our Holy Father notes that the Eucharist is the source and summit not only of the Church’s life, but also of her mission. The

Church becomes “communion” starting from the Eucharist in which Christ, present in the bread and wine, with his sacrifice of love, establishes the Church as his body, uniting us to the one Triune God and with one another.

In his message, Pope Benedict, renews the invitation to prayer, and in spite of the economic difficulties, he asks for concrete aid for the younger churches.

Aside from the gift of prayer, some concrete suggestions are these: A gift of $5 is a week’s support of a young man in a mission seminary; a gift of $30 supports a young woman missionary who is preparing to serve her people as a religious Sister; a gift of $100 helps a parish in the missions where the poor are served and above all, experience Jesus’ love.

More than 1,150 dioceses are hoping for assistance from the Propagation of the Faith.

This weekend, let us recommit ourselves to being missionary in thought, word, and sacrifice.

Msgr. Oliveira is the diocesan director of the Propagation of the Faith and pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat. Oct. 23, Eph 4:7-16; Ps 122:1-5; Lk 13:1-9. Sun. Oct. 24, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sir 35:12-14,16-18; Ps 34:2-3,17-19,23; 2 Tm 4:68,16-18; Lk 18:9-14 . Mon. Oct. 25, Eph 4:32-5:8; Ps 1:1-4,6; Lk 13:10-17. Tues. Oct. 26, Eph 5:21-33 or 122: Eph 5:2-32; Ps 128:1-5; Lk 13:18-21. Wed. Oct. 27, Eph 6:1-9; Ps 145:1014; Lk 13:22-30. Thur. Oct. 28, Eph 2:19-22; Ps 19:2-5; Lk 6:12-16. Fri. Oct. 29, Phil 1:1-11; Ps 111:1-6; Lk 14:1-6.

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here was considerable just war argument before, during, and after the Iraq War. Some of it was not terribly insightful, but, in the main, the debate demonstrated that the principles of the classic just war tradition, if not the tradition’s intellectual architecture, were still in place in American public life. The postmajor-combat just war debate over Iraq was particularly important, as it surfaced an idea that I had been promoting, without much success,

Bob Woodward, the president, and just war classic ends of politics. since 1987: that, in addition to There has been relatively little the classic theory’s ius ad bellum (war-decision law) and ius in bello (war-conduct law), there was a ius ad pacem, or what others called a ius post bellum, implicit in the just war tradition — that is, a morally justified use of force had to be aimed at

By George Weigel creating the conditions for the possibility of a peace composed of security, just war debate about the war order, justice, and freedom, the underway in Afghanistan, but there ought to be in light of Bob Woodward’s new book, “Obama’s Wars” (Simon and Schuster).

In his 2009 Nobel Prize address, the president spoke about the just war tradition as the moral framework in which statesmen had to ponder their responsibilities in the face of either conventional armed threat or terrorism. But Woodward’s description of an administration that treats the life-anddeath decisions of war-and-peace as an annoying distraction from its domestic agenda, that bases decisions on troop deployments on domestic political calculation rather than military necessity, and that seems to have lost sight of the moral imperative to use armed force in such a way that victory and peace — not withdrawal according to a domestic political time table — become possible suggests that neither the president nor his

The Catholic Difference

advisors are very well versed in the tradition the president lifted up in Oslo last December.

It’s not as if political calculation never played a part in any previous administration’s thinking about war and peace: political calculation is what politicians do, and a healthy sense of what the public will support is essential to democratic leadership, especially in a long-haul war like Afghanistan. But what is so disheartening about the account of administration deliberations in Woodward’s book is that it’s all politics, all the time. Moreover, on Woodward’s account, the president and his team, from the moment they took office, were thinking about an exit strategy rather than about victory: and this, despite the fact that, during the 2008 campaign, the president, long critical of the Iraq War, had seemed to juxtapose it to Afghanistan, the good war.

No war is good, in an important sense. But some wars are necessary, and if the war is necessary, then a leader should tell his people that, explain that it might take a long time to resolve, think about military strategy in terms of the morally-acceptable means necessary to achieve victory—and then perhaps stay and enforce the peace. Significant American forces

remained in Europe for almost a half-century after World War II, and in Korea for decades after the Korean War armistice was signed in 1953. It’s simply not true that the American people have no staying-power. But they are unlikely to support an extended effort in Afghanistan, or anywhere else, if the first question being posed by their political leadership is, How do we get this over with and get out in the least politically damaging way?

That the president and his team seem not to be thinking in just war terms — that their intention, which is one of the core principles of classic just war analysis — seems flawed does not mean that American and allied troops in Afghanistan are participating in an unjust war. A very powerful just war case can be made for bringing a measure of order to Afghanistan, draining the terrorist swamps along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and trying to build a new Afghanistan whose people can benefit from its ample mineral resources can be made. The president and his people aren’t making it. In one of the administration’s favorite images, a reboot is morally imperative.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Friday 22 October 2010 — at same meal three times a week for home in The Dightons — World the rest of your life.”

Food Day My sister Mary is a part-time ack when I was a young deacon, a wise old pastor gave me sound advice. “Tim” Reflections of a advised Monsignor Dan Parish Priest Shaloo, then pastor of Holy Name Church in

By Father Tim Fall River, “if the cook Goldrick asks you how you liked the meal, respond with enthusiasm but not too much enrectory cook. Occasionally, I’ll thusiasm. Never say ‘Absolutely come across a cookbook at a yard fantastic. Out of this world. That sale or at Ocean State Job Lot. was the best meal I’ve ever had.’

If any of the recipes seem like Excessive enthusiasm will result something I might enjoy eating in you having to eat that very (which would be just about any-

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The Anchor

October 22, 2010

The Ship’s Log

Soup and salad thing) I mail the book to my sister.

She is especially fond of church cookbooks.

My church’s Supper Club is planning to publish a cookbook.

They didn’t ask me for any recipes, but they did give me an idea: prepare a menu using food items priests themselves cook and serve to others. Share these recipes with faithful Anchor readers. I figure I can’t go wrong.

Decades ago, The Anchor published its first recipe. It was a recipe for “Congo Bars.” That year, any church meeting you

What fills the mystic’s heart

lory be to God for dappled things — For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow; For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim; Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings; Landscape plotted and pieced — fold, fallow, and plough; And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange; Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)

With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim; He fathers-forth whose By beauty is past change: Praise Him. One thing I’ve learned in my travels here with you: what breaks the logician’s head will fill the mystic’s heart. For example: Why does suffering exist? The philosopher idealist is dumb on this but the practical mystic intuits that it impacts eternity through the offering. I used to think that it was a sequential experience, an if/then statement: if I offer my suffering then I will be united to Christ. It is sometimes that way — it is sometimes even a delayed fruit which we will not taste here. I’ve come to learn, however, that the offering is often more an entering into.

We enter into suffering, willingly, because that’s where Christ resides. You may have noticed the tissue between ourselves and heaven is often translucent at the extremes and in-betweens: height of a fever, edge of sleep, excruciating pain, emotional stress, brink of death. People say after an experience with illness or pain — “I came close to God last night.” Sometimes we are making a joke that we were near death.

But the joke in the literalness of the expression masks the truth that we are closer to Christ when we suffer.

The poet and priest, Gerard Manley Hopkins realized this more than most; he knew that a man can only reach so far toward

heaven if he is unsure how much of him must remained tethered to the earth. Part of his suffering was the battle between poet and priest within him, a heroic struggle and a point of resistance to the times in which he lived; the 19th-century Romantic poets had presented themselves as gods. Hopkins chose a different path — giving himself, and his poetic ambitions, to God instead

On Great Catholic Writers

Jennifer Pierce of trying to become one himself.

Theodore Maynard once described Gerard Manley Hopkins as a hero; he fought his inward battles silently and fought his outward battles in imagery, meter, and metaphor. While he studied classics at Oxford University, he converted to the Roman Catholic Church under the leadership of John Henry Newman. Soon after, he determined he had a priestly vocation and joined the Jesuits.

If one wants to know anything about Gerard Manley Hopkins and his battles, there are two things that one should know about him. He once denied himself liquid for so long that his tongue turned black and he lost consciousness. The other is what he did with his poems before entering the priesthood: he burned them.

Regarding the first fact, Hopkins was constantly seeking out the boundaries of things, the liminal spaces, the in-betweeness of things — like the “little low heavens” that are robins eggs — and he seems particular concerned with finding the very outer boundaries of physical resilience. He proposed that we don’t need as many liquids as we think we do, and he set out to find where that line was and it

was at that line where he found God, as he later writes: Palate, the hutch of tasty lust, Desire not to be rinsed with wine: The can must be so sweet, the crust So fresh that come in fasts divine.

This stanza comes from the last poem he wrote before his personal bonfire of the vanities — setting all of his poems aflame — immediately following his conversion.

What he did with liquid he did with creative nectar as well, testing how much he could strip from himself to see if he could disappear inside his God. Not wanting to mistake poetry for its source, his goal was to create in himself the purely religious life, without the distraction of poetry.

Knowing what creative fire stirred within Hopkins, we know how far he was willing to leave his own desires in order to know God, and like God rewarding Abraham, Hopkins was stopped just short of murdering his own creative children. Eventually, the priest and the poet ceased running from and began running toward each other, even if it meant they would, like all lovers, occasionally quarrel.

Like any practice with great spiritual power, self-denial is riddled with pitfalls. Instead of expressing a love of God and praising his creation, it can express hatred of the material world and body, which was one of the earliest Christian heresies. In another way, it can be profoundly misunderstood as a strike on a heavenly scorecard. A true ascetic like Hopkins, however, knows what the pharisees in their sackcloth and ashes did not — one does not brave the edges of self-denial to gain God’s approval, one does it to touch him.

Jennifer Pierce is a parishioner of Corpus Christi in East Sandwich, where she lives with her husband Jim and two daughters.

attended throughout the diocese featured congo bars.

I made my first foray into recipes with that traditional southern dish, squirrel stew. My Anchor recipe was a total flop. Nobody made it, although many read it in curious disbelief. This caused squirrels everywhere to rejoice exceedingly. You may have heard them laughing and jumping around in your backyard.

My second attempt will be this priest-prepared menu. In the spirit of the late great Julia Child, let the culinary adventure begin.

Would you like to start your meal with soup or salad? Can’t decide?

Why not have both?

The salad will be my contribution to the cause for no other reason than I can’t cook. I hear one doesn’t need to cook salad.

I’ve served this salad to guests several times. I got the recipe from my friend Eileen Canty who, in turn, received it from a friend of hers and combined it with something from Jane Brody’s “Good Food Book.” All you have to do is put the ingredients in a bowl and toss it (the salad, not the bowl).

Father Tim’s Own Salad with Top-Secret Dressing • Spinach • Fruit (strawberries or mixture of orange/grapefruit sections) • Slivered almonds • Red onion rings (optional) The secret ingredient is the dressing. (So don’t tell anyone, OK?) • 1/2 cup of orange juice • 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard • 4 tablespoons of olive oil (optional) • 4 tablespoons honey • 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds • Salt and pepper to taste Pour this stuff over the salad and enjoy.

The next course is the soup du jour. Here’s the back story.

Some 20 years ago, Father Rick Furlong convinced the chef at Maine’s York Harbor Inn to share the house recipe. Father Furlong has been serving brie cheese soup

ever since. One of our monthly parish suppers is what we call “The Soup Sampler.” Parishioners are invited to make and share their favorite soup or stew. Father Furlong brings his brie soup. The rule is that it has to be made from scratch. We can end up with twodozen delicious soups. Parishioners are invited to try them all, and as much as they want until they’re gone. So many parishioners ask for Father Furlong’s recipe we keep a stack of them in the church office. The Supper Club refused to accept my crockpot of several freshly-opened cans of Habitant French pea soup.

Father Furlong’s Famous Brie Cheese Soup • 6 cups chicken stock • 2 oz. butter • 2 oz. flour • 12 oz. brie cheese (room temp, rind removed) • 3 oz. white wine • 2 oz. carrots (sliced julienne style) • 2 oz. celery (sliced julienne style) • 2 oz. mushrooms (sliced thin) • 2 oz. heavy cream • 2 oz. salt and pepper Melt butter. Add flour. Mix and cook until it starts to turn golden brown. Add stock and whip. Bring to boil and reduce to a simmer. Skim and continue to simmer. Reduce to 2/3 of original quantity (the consistency of heavy cream). Strain through a fine sieve and return to pot.

Add brie cheese. Cook over low heat until cheese is melted. Stir occasionally. Add wine. Add vegetables until al dente. Heat heavy cream over low heat and add to soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with scallions or chives. (Serves six.)

Hint: for stronger cheese flavor, allow the brie to ripen by sitting out at room temperature for three to nine hours.

Take time to enjoy your soup.

The main course won’t be served until I feel like it.

Father Goldrick is pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton.

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The Anchor

By Rebecca Aubut Anchor Staff

ASSONET — Bob Adams has a give-and-take relationship with his volunteer duties at St. Bernard Church in Assonet — he will give all that he has while taking on any task asked of him.

“He’s very active in the parish,” said Father Michael Racine. “He’s there when you need him; he’s just there to help out. He is a wonderful person.”

Adams has called Assonet and St. Bernard’s Parish home since 1974. Retiring in 1999, Adams took on the role of maintenance man for the church for three years, and then took some time off to do odd jobs.

He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, a greeter at Sunday Mass, part of the parish’s adult team of funeral servers, and continues to use his maintenance skills around the parish plant.

“When Father Mike came I started to get involved again,” said Adams. “It’s been one thing after another, the guy kills me with all the work he gives me.”

It’s that open-minded humor that came through as Father Racine related the story of how he approached Adams to add yet another volunteer role at the church. On a trip to Dighton for artificial trees for the altar, the two men stopped at a restaurant in Taunton.

“I took him out for lunch and bought him a beer,” laughed Father

Maintaining a full plate and a sense of humor

Racine. “I asked him to be the festiFerreira joined the Army after friends were sitting and detonated val chairman.” graduating high school and soon it. To compound the ensuing chaos, “I had a beer in my hand and al- was serving in Afghanistan; his insurgents began to fire upon those most choked on the lime when he most recent trip home was this past trying to rescue the wounded and dying. said that he wanted me to be the Christmas.

“It was a planned attack chairman of the festival,” because the insurgents were said Adams, who added his up in the hills shooting at own humorous moment to them while they were trythe request. “I made him ing to recover the bodies. It wait. I knew I wanted to do it was a complicated and wellbut I wanted him to sweat a planned attack,” said Adams. little bit. I gave him a couple “I hate to say it, but it should days and then told him I’d have killed Brendan.” do it.”

Ferreira did not die but Father Racine added, was temporarily shipped to “That’s a big undertaking.

Germany, and then to Walter It’s a two-year commitment, Reed Hospital in Washingand he just went to town on ton D.C. to recover from his it.” extensive injuries.

His turn as chairman has “Brendan lost his left arm been a learning experience, below the elbow; his eyesaid Adams, and this year’s sight and hearing; he had a festival was also the focus compound fracture on his of an emotional moment beright leg, which is still in one tween Adams and his neighof those ring-type casts; his bor, Brendan Ferreira. left femur was pretty well “I’ve known Brendan shattered,” said Adams, gosince he was knee-high to a ing quickly through the list grasshopper, both he and his brother who is a few years Anchor person of the week — Bob Ad- of injuries that included additional broken bones and younger than him,” said ams. burns.

Adams. “His mother would Adams was motivated to kick him out of the house when there was snow on the ground “We went over his house for do something to boost Ferreira’s to go shovel out my driveway and company and some food,” recalled spirits. He began to collect greetmailbox. Every winter he was out Adams. “The last thing I said to ing cards from members of the St. there. In the fall, when the leaves him before we left was, ‘Your job Bernard’s Parish and give them to were falling, he would come over is a sniper, just remember both sides the Ferreira Family before their weekly visits to the hospital. In with his brother and work with me have snipers.’” picking up leaves in my yard. He In March, the phone call that all August, Adams and his wife made was always right there for us.” people dread came through and Ad- the emotional visit to Walter Reed Hospital to visit Ferreira. Shortly ams was in shock.

“It was emotional to find out after they returned, Adams continued to look for ways to support about it,” said Adams.

Sitting around a campfire in Af- Ferreira.

“We thought, what can we do beghanistan, Ferreira was hanging out with some of his friends when a per- sides cards for Brendan? So Father son, who all thought was a friend to Mike contacted the Ferreira Family the embedded troops, turned out to to ask what do we do,” said Adbe an insurgent who had been me- ams. “They, in turn, spoke to Brenthodically bringing in pieces of a dan, who said if they could collect bomb into the camp. After strapping things, I want them to go over to my the completed bomb to himself, he troops in Afghanistan.”

In July, the call went out and walked to where Ferreira and his

October 22, 2010

more than 500 pounds of items ranging from baby wipes to snacks to toiletries were packed into 15 cartons. In September, Adams got word that Ferreira was coming home to Assonet.

“He came home two days before the festival and when I found that out, I asked his mother if Brendan could make an appearance at the festival,” said Adams, who was warned that Ferreira might be too tired. “I’m walking around the festival on Sunday afternoon near the stage, and I felt this tap on my shoulder.”

It was Ferreira, who was quickly ushered over to meet Father Racine, and then asked to take the microphone and say a few words to the audience of parishioners who had placed him in their thoughts and prayers.

“After that Brendan began to walk through the crowd and shake hands,” recalled Adams, “and people were crying.”

Though there are area groups willing to help send the items over to the troops in Afghanistan, Adams is supporting Ferreira’s desire to have the boxes shipped directly to his unit. From contacting the offices of Sen. John Kerry to Sen. Scott Brown, Adams has been a man on a mission to make this happen for the little boy who never hesitated to help him.

“I just hope it doesn’t fall apart,” said Adams, “because if they say they can’t guarantee that his unit is going to get this, all of this was for nothing. Brendan was specific; ‘I want this for my guys.’”

Father Racine understands Adams’ motivation.

“He just does it with a great sense of love for the parish, and that’s what it is all about,” said Father Racine. “He is just a great guy.”

To submit a Person of the Week nominee, send an email with information to fatherrogerlandry@anchornews.org.

October 22, 2010

The Anchor

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The Anchor

October 22, 2010

Sharing Gospel helps build better world, says Mission Sunday message

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m.

World Mission Sunday

Celebrant is Msgr. John J. Oliveira, diocesan director of the Propagation of the Faith, and pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Bedford.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christians committed to building a world where all people recognize they are brothers and sisters need to share the good news of salvation in Christ, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“The fundamental law of human perfection and, consequently, the transformation of the world, is the new commandment of love” taught by Jesus Christ, the pope said in his World Mission Sunday message.

The annual observance will be marked Sunday at the Vatican and in most countries.

In his message for the day, the pope focused on how faith in Christ must lead Christians to build strong faith communities, which become signs for the world that it is possible for people of different races and cultures to live and thrive to-

gether.

The fact that World Mission Sunday is held in October, the month the Church dedicates to the rosary, is a further reminder of God’s love for the world, a love that took flesh because Mary said yes to God’s plan, the pope wrote.

To be missionaries today and respond to people’s need for hope and their desire to live in a new way means “to become champions of the newness of life made up of authentic relationships in communities founded on the Gospel,” he said.

“In a multiethnic society that is experiencing increasingly disturbing forms of loneliness and indifference, Christians must learn to offer signs of hope and to become universal brethren, cultivating the great ideals that transform

history and, without false illusions or useless fears, must strive to make the planet a home for all peoples,” the pope’s message said.

The world needs God’s love, which people encounter in Christ, he said.

Every Catholic has an obligation to participate in the Church’s missionary outreach in their own families and communities and by supporting foreign missions, the pope said.

“I therefore renew to everyone the invitation to pray and, despite financial difficulties, to offer fraternal and concrete help” to support the Churches in missionary lands and the pontifical missionary societies, which fund the training of priests and catechists and the education of children, he wrote.

Pontifical Mission Society websites offer commentary for Catholics and for preaching

The Anchor provides a weekly wealth of Catholic information.

Why not share this gift with a friend?

WASHINGTON — Catholics, and those called to preach, now have a resource in two new websites from the Pontifical Mission Societies: MissionInScripture.org offers reflection on Sunday readings in light of the missionary vocation to share the faith; PreachingMission.org helps with homily suggestions for those same Sunday readings, targeting a mission theme.

“We are called, by baptism, to be missionaries — in word and witness, through prayer and sacrifice,” explains Msgr.

John E. Kozar, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. “And as priests and others called to preach on the Word of God, we can help Catholics — and ourselves — come to a greater understanding of this call. These sites fulfill both purposes.”

Commentary for the coming

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Sunday will be posted on both websites the preceding Monday. There will also be missionbased insights on both websites for certain non-Sunday Liturgical celebrations, such as, for the feast days of the patron saints of the Missions, St. Thérèse of Lisieux (October 1) and St. Francis Xavier (December 3), as well as for Christmas.

The websites also offer a direct link to related Scripture passages from the “readings” page of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website (www.usccb.org).

Providing these reflections for the Pontifical Mission Societies is Michael G. Krejci, an editorial consultant and writer with a background in liturgy and communications.

“We hope that both sites will nurture a missionary heart within all who visit them,” Msgr. Kozar added.

The Pontifical Mission Societies, active in some 120 countries throughout the world, work to animate the faithful to a universal missionary spirit, and to gather support for the efforts of the Church in some 1,150 mission dioceses in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and remote regions of Latin America.

The four Pontifical Mission Societies are: The Holy Childhood Association which directs its efforts to elementary school children, while the Society for the Propagation of the Faith seeks prayer and support for pastoral and evangelizing programs and needs of mission dioceses from high school and college students, and adults. The Propagation of the Faith provides assistance to the Church in Africa, Asia, the islands of the Pacific and remote regions of Latin America, including aid for the education and support of seminarians, religious novices and lay catechists; for the work of religious communities in education, health care and social services, and for communication and transportation needs.

The Society of St. Peter Apostle is concerned with gathering help for seminarians and religious novices in the missions. The Missionary Union of Priests and Religious is a spiritual apostolate, working on formation in the missionary spirit among those called to animate all the faithful in this essential work.

October 22, 2010

Theology on Tap: A mix of food, seasoned with faith continued from page one

it really gives the opportunity to gather not just for friendship but for fellowship, and to hear a speaker talk about a topic that is critical to them at their age and to tie it in with their faith so that they can see the benefits of our faith.”

Theology on Tap was cofounded by Father John Cusick, pastorin-residence of Old St. Patrick’s Parish, and Father Jack Wall, codirector of the Young Adult Ministry Office of the Chicago Archdiocese, in June 1981. Since its inception, the program has spread to more than 180 parishes and at least six other countries. In 2007, the Archdiocese of Chicago began a collaboration with RENEW International, a Catholic ministry organization, to expand Theology on Tap in the United States.

Under the direction of Medeiros, the Fall River Diocese initially partnered with the Diocese of Providence last year, having their meetings at a location in Attleboro.

Buoyed by the success, this past summer both dioceses decided to look for their own locations to help reach more people, thus making it logistically easier for people to travel to the venue.

“I decided to expand to Cape Cod because people were saying, ‘Well, when are you bringing it to this side of the bridge?’” chuckled Medeiros. “So we moved it out of the Attleboro location because it was difficult to get to, and moved it to Taunton.”

The first event in September “encompassed a pretty large geography,” said Medeiros, of those who came from Mansfield, Fairhaven, Fall River and other surrounding communities.

“We’ve made it very simple,” said Medeiros. “We have a certain section of the restaurant. If they come in with a group of friends, they can all sit together at tables or booths.”

And if they come in by themselves, as many people did during this past gathering, then there are plenty of opportunities to sit down and meet new people. The twohour event reserves the first hour

13

The Anchor for ordering food and beverages; the responsibility lies with the attendees, who not only need to be over 21 years of age to drink, but is also responsible for their own check at the end of the night.

Regardless if it’s an appetizer or an all out three-course meal, it’s not the food that brings the people; it’s the second hour that belongs to the keynote speaker. Rebecca Couet of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown has attended a few of the meetings.

“It’s the spiritual connection with other people your age,” she said. “The social connection with food is obvious but I think the speakers that Crystal provides think out-of-the-box. They make you think differently about your faith.”

“Keynote speakers are pulled from people that myself and my staff in the office have heard of,” said Medeiros, “and we do have a group of young adults on Cape Cod that help to really flesh out the topics that are relevant to them. It encompasses those really tough questions that they ask. This month’s topic is being a disciple while in our social networking world. How do we bring our faith to that digital age?”

Father David C. Frederici of the Diocese of Fall River, and parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset and St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth, was the guest speaker, and he brought his humor and knowledge to his talk exploring the human relationship with God, and how people’s religious zeal holds up against social networks.

“We put on the face of Jesus Christ to other people,” said Father Frederici, but then asked, what happens when technology enters the equation?

Social networks like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are a challenge, said Father Frederici, though there’s nothing wrong with using these services.

“All of these things are staples of communication, and those who refuse to use these things will be

isolated,” he said, saying these tools not only socialize us, but educate us — but there may be too much of a good thing, he warns.

“We have all this technology coming out and we don’t know how to use it. There is a risk with all this information.”

The danger lies in people becoming as emotional as the computer they are typing on; computers have begun to redefine our lives, with even the basic staples of courtship being watered down to fit in the palm of our hands.

Can expressions of true love be communicated in 160 letters or less?” asked Father Frederici.

The Internet search engines have begun to shape our everyday existence, said Father Frederici. Culturally we have put more

weight on Facebook than there needs to be, and have allowed it to redefine the word “friend,” said Father Frederici, asking, “Can we be the best of buddies with 834 people?”

We must fight the urge not to let them redefine us, said Father Frederici, and remain authentic.

“To thine own self be true,” he said, taking a page straight out of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” “Good advice. Be authentic to who we

are, and not portray a false self.”

Internet and social sites are never going away, but Catholics need to fight the urge to make that their number one communication tool.

You have to initiate human contact, said Father Frederici, or run the risk of losing emotional connections altogether.

“Don’t forget God in all of this,” warned Father Frederici. “Make sure we use these tools to grow in a relationship with him.”

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14

The Anchor

Diocesan seminarian one step closer to the priesthood continued from page one

an adjunct spiritual advisor at the North American College.

The 30 ordinaries were from dioceses across the U.S. and two were from Australia. Family, friends, and guests from across the world attended the ordination ceremony.

During the Mass, Msgr. James Checchio, rector of the North American College, pronounced, “We have found these men to be worthy.”

Bishop Hebda told the men, “A life of faithful service is not only possible but satisfying. As you fall prostrate upon the floor of this basilica, give yourselves completely to Christ and his Church.”

Deacon Williams is a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, and a graduate of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth.

In an interview with The Anchor, Deacon Williams said, “It’s hard to believe that the past seven years have gone by this quickly.

While I feel prepared for the steps I am taking, it doesn’t take away from a certain feeling of amazement that the time for ordination to the diaconate and, God willing,

the priesthood, are here.”

Deacon Williams credits his family, parish priests, and others from around the diocese for encouraging him to pursue the calling he felt from Christ.

“I can only feel a sense of profound gratitude for the support which I have received from my family. There is no substitute for that, and so it makes these events that much more exciting, since they are sharing in them with me after supporting me for so long.

“For as long as I was ever giving thought to a vocation, I have received a great deal of support from the priests of my parish and the schools I attended. Right now I’m just looking forward to completing my studies and joining the many priests of our diocese, whose example has inspired me thus far in serving in the Lord’s vineyard.”

The formation process for Deacon Williams has been a period of growth as a person and in his faith life. “I went in not really knowing what to expect,” he shared. “I have found that I have grown in so many ways throughout the process, and not only in

This week in 50 years ago — The first Wayside Shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart was placed on Route 6 outside of the Knights of Columbus council headquarters in Mattapoisett. The small statue was to acknowledge the many blessing of God upon the council.

25 years ago — Youngsters at St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River, gathered together to participate in a balloon liftoff as part of the home’s observance of its 100th anniversary.

the seminary, but also, and maybe more importantly, in my times in the different parishes in our diocese as well.

“I have found the support given by other seminarians, in the diocese and in the seminary, to be one of the greatest helps during my time in formation. Really, they are the only ones who know what it’s like to go through the process, so at times, they’re the only ones to whom you can turn.”

His pastoral work in diocesan parishes has been a large part of his formation process, as well as the encouragement he’s always found from diocesan priests. “I always found my time in parishes back home to be a big help to my discernment — the way I felt in bringing Christ to others in church through catechesis, in the hospital, and in the many other ways that parochial ministry reaches out to the community.

“My past two summers, which were spent in parishes in New Bedford and Hyannis, were especially instructive as to how important it is that priests support one another, since I saw

Diocesan history 10 years ago — Bishop Sean P. O’Malley presided at the St. Jude Novena and evening prayer service at Immaculate Conception Church in Taunton, helping inaugurate a renewal to the traditional novena.

One year ago — Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, celebrated its first school-wide Mass of the year and honored the Sisters of Mercy who originally staffed Bishop Feehan 48 years ago. The high school named its recently constructed Mercy Hall in their honor.

October 22, 2010 this in action. I know I’ll receive this support in the future, and I hope that I will be able to return the support to those whom I can help.”

As his ordination to the priesthood approaches, Deacon Williams remains humbled by the calling, thanking God, “for the vocation he has given me.”

He also encouraged young men who have even the slightest interest in such a vocation to give

it some serious thought. “You’ll never know unless you test it,” he said. “Take the time to pray about it and reflect on it, and maybe even talk to a priest or someone else trusted about it. Discerning a vocation doesn’t happen in a day, or even a year. The most important thing though, is to develop a solid relationship with Christ, because if you have this, you’ll be able to hear his call, wherever he is leading you.”

Bishop urges political activism continued from page one

abortion only served to “fan the flames of dissent and discord.”

In an interview with CNS on Oct. 22, 2009, Kennedy said the Church was denying 50 million Americans life-saving health care.

He said such opposition was “unproductive” and called the issue of abortion funding a “red herring.”

“I can’t understand for the life of me how the Catholic Church could be against the biggest social justice issue of our time,” Kennedy said. “I thought they were Pro-Life. If the Church is Pro-Life, then they ought to be for health care reform because it’s going to provide health care that is going to keep people alive.”

Bishop Tobin responded the following day with his own statement in which he affirmed the bishops’ long record of supporting health care reform, and said the Congressman’s statement was “ignorant of the facts.”

“Congressman Kennedy continues to be a disappointment to the Catholic Church and to the citizens of the State of Rhode Island.

I believe the Congressman owes us an apology for his irresponsible comments. It is my fervent hope and prayer that he will find a way to provide more effective and morally responsible leadership for our state,” he wrote.

The bishop invited Kennedy to dialogue. A meeting was scheduled and then canceled by the Congressman. In his response to the bishop, Kennedy stated, “While I greatly respect the Catholic Church and its leaders, like many Rhode Islanders, the fact that I

disagree with the hierarchy of the Church on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.”

To that, Bishop Tobin responded with a long letter in November.

“That sentence certainly caught my attention and deserves a public response, lest it go unchallenged and lead others to believe it’s true,” he wrote. “When someone rejects the teachings of the Church, especially on a grave matter, a life-anddeath issue like abortion, it certainly does diminish their ecclesial communion, their unity with the Church.”

He called Kennedy’s rejection of the Church’s teaching on abortion “a deliberate and obstinate act of the will.” He concluded by inviting the Congressman to “enter into a sincere process of discernment, conversion and repentance.”

Later that month in an interview with The Providence Journal, Kennedy disclosed the fact that in a private letter, Bishop Tobin had asked Kennedy not to present himself for holy Communion. Kennedy also claimed that the bishop had instructed the priests of the diocese not to give him Communion.

The bishop said in a following letter that such words required him to reply. He affirmed that he had written to Kennedy requesting that he not receive Communion in 2007, but added that he never instructed priests to deny the sacrament.

“I have no desire to continue the discussion of Congressman Kennedy’s spiritual life in public.

At the same time, I will absolutely respond publicly and strongly whenever he attacks the Catholic Church, misrepresents the teachings of the Church, or issues inaccurate statements about my pastoral ministry,” he said.

Michael Gilleran, chairman of Catholic Citizenship’s board, said in his introduction of Bishop Tobin, that His Excellency was invited to speak at the MFI banquet because of his loving defense of life and his public challenge of a politician who wears “the mask of the faithful” but does not adhere to the teachings of the Church.

“Tonight we have with us a Church leader who has chalTurn to page 15

October 22, 2010 Continued from page 14

lenged, and with Christian love, pulled aside the mask of a politician who claimed to still be faithful,” he said.

At the banquet, Bishop Tobin outlined some problems that people encounter when they live their faith. So often, those who disagree use the principle of the “separation of church and state,” meant to protect the Church from the state.

It was never intended to cleanse society of any religious influence, he said.

“Never be intimidated by this bogus claim,” he said. “You have every right and every duty to be part of the public discourse.”

In fact, many Christians have been “too beige” in living out their faith. Bishop Tobin said he is partial to beige but not in the spiritual life. Christians must be vibrant, bold, stand out and make a difference. Otherwise they will not be recognized for who they are and who they follow.

He encouraged all to “challenge publicly the sin and evil that is embedded in our culture.”

Kris Mineau, president of MFI, spoke to the banquet attendees about the political successes and failures of the previous year. He said the Bathroom Bill had been locked up in committee where it belongs but that MFI, in cooperation with Massachusetts Citizens for Life, was unsuccessful in getting Laura’s Law passed.

He talked about the miracle victory of Sen. Scott Brown over Attorney General Martha Coakley for the seat formerly held by Sen.

In Your Prayers Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks Oct. 25 Rev. Reginald Chene, O.P., Dominican Priory, Fall River, 1935 Rev. Raymond B. Bourgoin, Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1950 Rev. James W. Connerton, CSC, Founder, Stonehill College, North Easton, 1988 Rev. Msgr. John J. Steakem, Pastor, St. Thomas More, Somerset, 1999

Oct. 27 Rev. Francisco L. Jorge, Assistant, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, 1918 Rev. Edmond L. Dickinson, Assistant, St. Mathieu, Fall River, 1967 Rev. Joseph F. O’Donnell, Retired Pastor, Immaculate Conception, North Easton, 1990 Oct. 28 Rev. Alfred E. Coulombe, Pastor, St. George, Westport, 1923 Rev. Stanislaus Kozikowski, OFM Conv., Pastor, St. Hedwig, New Bedford, 1956 Oct. 30 Msgr. Robert L. Stanton, Retired Pastor, St. Paul, Taunton, 1992 Rev. Denis Sughrue, CSC, Director of Postulancy, Holy Cross Novitiate, North Dartmouth, 2002

The Anchor Ted Kennedy. What was meant to be a “Coakley blow out” ended up as a four percent victory for Brown.

Mineau urged pro-family voters to be vigilant as the November 2 election quickly approaches.

Pro-family candidates are running in more than half of the 200 state legislature seats that are up for grabs. If even half of those profamily candidates were successful, it would give Massachusetts

another chance to pass a marriage amendment, he said.

“We will be facing the most decisive midterm elections of our lifetime,” he said. “We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to end the liberal supermajority in Washington and Massachusetts who stand in direct opposition to our values.”

“We love our country. It’s the only country we have, and we want it back,” he added.

Around the Diocese 10/23

The “Fill These Hearts” Tour, sponsored by the Diocese of Providence, R.I. and featuring Theology of the Body speaker Christopher West and the Christian band Mike Mangione and the Union, will take place tomorrow from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the R.I. Center for the Performing Arts in Cranston, R.I. To register visit www.fillthesehearts.com or call Father Greg Stowe at 401-331-1316.

10/23

A seminar on “Women’s Health and Caring for the Patient with Renal Disease” sponsored by the Fall River Diocesan Council on Catholic Nurses will be held at White’s of Westport tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to register call 508-678-2373.

10/27

Clifton Hospice Services will host Bereavement Support Groups for those experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one. The groups will next meet at Clifton Rehabilitative Nursing Center, 500 Wilbur Avenue, Somerset, on October 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information or to register call 508-675-7583.

10/27

The Celebrate Life Committees of Holy Redeemer and Holy Trinity Parishes have changed the times for the monthly holy hour. It will now take place the fourth Wednesday of the month.

This month’s holy hour is October 27 at Holy Trinity Church, West Harwich, following the 9 a.m. Mass.

10/28

The Divorced and Separated Support Group will meet on October 28 at 7 p.m. in St. Julie Billiart’s Parish Center, North Dartmouth. This meeting will include a screening of the video “Dreams End” and will cover “Death of a Relationship,” “A New Reality,” and “The Mourning Process.” Discussion will follow and all are welcome. For more information call 508-678-2828.

10/30

15 Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese Acushnet — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Francis Xavier Parish on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays end with Evening Prayer and Benediction at 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays end with Benediction at 2:45 p.m.

ATTLEBORO — St. Joseph Church holds eucharistic adoration in the Adoration Chapel located at the (south) side entrance at 208 South Main Street, Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to midnight, with overnight adoration on Friday and Saturday only.

Brewster — Eucharistic adoration takes place in the La Salette Chapel in the lower level of Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Road, on First Fridays following the 11 a.m.

Mass until 7:45 a.m. on the First Saturday, concluding with Benediction and Mass.

Buzzards Bay — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Margaret Church, 141 Main Street, every first Friday after the 8 a.m. Mass and ending the following day before the 8 a.m. Mass.

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

EAST TAUNTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place First Fridays at Holy Family Church, 370 Middleboro Avenue, following the 8:30 a.m. Mass until Benediction at 8 p.m.

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

FALL RIVER — St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 North Eastern Avenue, has eucharistic adoration Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on the first Sunday of the month from noon to 4 p.m.

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

FALL RIVER — Good Shepherd Parish has eucharistic adoration every Friday following the 8 a.m. Mass until 6 p.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel. There is a bilingual Holy Hour in English and Portuguese from 5-6 p.m. Park behind the church and enter the back door of the connector between the church and the rectory.

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

HYANNIS — A Holy Hour with eucharistic adoration will take place each First Friday at St. Francis Xavier Church, 21 Cross Street, beginning at 4 p.m.

MASHPEE — Christ the King Parish, Route 151 and Job’s Fishing Road has 8:30 a.m.

Mass every First Friday with special intentions for Respect Life, followed by 24 hours of eucharistic adoration in the Chapel, concluding with Benediction Saturday morning followed immediately by an 8:30 Mass.

Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville will host Dennis Fisher of Catholic Relief Services on October 30 at 7 p.m. In the parish center, rooms one and two, Fisher will provide an update on Haiti, the Sudan work, and talk about fair trade and economic justice. All are welcome.

St. Anthony’s Parish, School Street, Taunton, needs crafters for its fifth annual Harvest Craft Fair to take place October 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include food, baked goods and crafts to buy. For more information call 774-226-5537.

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

11/2

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

10/30

An All Souls Day Walk of Remembrance will take place at the Rosary Walk on the grounds of the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, Easton beginning at 11:15 a.m. November 2. All are welcome to join in this prayer as they remember those who preceded us in life.

A Mass for the intention of departed loved ones will follow at noon in St. Joseph Chapel. For more information call 508-238-4095.

11/5

The public is invited to an evening of contemporary Christian songs of comfort, healing and hope with singer-songwriter Anne DiSanto on November 5 at the Father Peyton Center, 518 Washington Street, Easton beginning at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided and a free-will offering will be accepted. For more information call 508-238-4095.

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

NORTH DIGHTON — Eucharistic adoration takes place every First Friday at St. Nicholas of Myra Church, 499 Spring Street following the 8 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction at 6 p.m.

The rosary is recited Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

OSTERVILLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 76 Wianno Avenue on First Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and every Friday from noon to 5 p.m., with Benediction at 5 p.m.

11/7

Taunton — Eucharistic adoration takes place every Tuesday at St. Anthony Church, 126 School Street, following the 8 a.m. Mass with prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for vocations, concluding at 6 p.m. with Chaplet of St. Anthony and Benediction.

Recitation of the rosary for peace is prayed Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

11/7

WAREHAM — Adoration with opportunities for private and formal prayer is offered on the First Friday of each month from 8:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, High Street.

The Prayer Schedule is as follows: 7:30 a.m. the rosary; 8 a.m. Mass; 8:30 a.m. exposition and Morning Prayer; 12 p.m. the Angelus; 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet; 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer; 7 p.m. sacrament of confession; 8 p.m. Benediction.

St. Mary’s Parish, 106 Illinois Street, New Bedford is hosting a Holiday Fair on November 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again on November 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring a full kitchen, crafts, bake table, white elephant table, Chinese auction, and much more. For more information call 508-942-5031.

St. Mary’s Parish, Fairhaven, will be serving its famous Fall Parish Breakfast November 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The buffetstyle breakfast will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked ham, sausages, homemade potatoes, fruit, juice and coffee. Tickets are on sale before weekend Masses through October 30. For more information call 508-993-9113.

11/13

A Day of Music and Reflection with Gregory Norbet, sharing his gift of prayer and meditative song, will be held at the La Salette Retreat Center, 947 Park Street, Attleboro on November 13, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For reservations or more information call 508-222-8530.

11/20

Crafters are wanted for the annual Holiday Craft Fair at St. Margaret Regional School, Main Street, Buzzards Bay on November 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information email capeflorence1@verizon.net or call 508-566-2632.

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

WOODS HOLE — Eucharistic adoration takes place at St. Joseph’s Church, 33 Millfield Street, year-round on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No adoration on Sundays, Wednesdays, and holidays. For information call 508-274-5435.

Youth Page

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October 22, 2010

St. Patrick’s Cross Hooded Sweat ~ Small to 2X-Large ~ 508-678-4096 www.irishspecialtyshoppe.com ready to roll — Students from St. James-St. John School in New Bedford prepared for their annual walk-a-thon by beginning with prayer.

that’s life — Youth from the Annunciation of the Lord Youth Group in Taunton attended the recent March for Mothers and Children in Boston, singing and chanting the entire walk.

Gospel scenes come alive for attendees of annual Youth Convention continued from page five

Val and Tom. She was able seamlessly to weave Biblical stories supported by her own musical talents, as she communicated the truth of Scripture to her young audience. Attendees were treated to her vivid style of musical storytelling.”

“She truly embraced the Gospels through her songs and her acting skills,” said Patricia Grime, a confirmation IV teacher at St. Lawrence Parish in New Bedford.

“Her role playing of the various scenes had the students captivated. I was looking around during her performances and they were intently watching. And when it came time for participation, they easily took part. Val truly embraced each of them.”

Liz Henry, the Religious Education Coordinator at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pocasset, told The Anchor, “Val was fantastic.

She is the best I’ve ever seen at a youth convention at bringing the Gospel alive for the students ... and the adults.

“This wasn’t an event where the students just sat and listened.

They were brought into the Gospel scenes through Val’s great artistic performances, and there was plenty of interaction as well. The students became a part of the event.”

Jansen’s animations included the rich young man, the blind man, Lazarus, and the Samaritan woman. “The students were fixated on Val when she was performing,” said Grime, who had 13 of her students attending the conference with her. “She gave the kids an idea what it was like to live back then. It was so inspirational, so real.”

Henry’s group included nearly 25 confirmation students and four adults. “We combined a bus trip with the confirmation students from St. Patrick’s Parish in Falmouth. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves, even though it was a long day.”

Seven students and two adults accompanied Heather Wesp, coordinator of Youth Ministry at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. “The presentations were very dynamic and high-energy ... they pushed the teens to come out of their comfort zone and sing and dance about their love for God,” she said. “I was impressed with how well Val was able to connect with the teens and get them singing and moving all day.”

Bishop George W. Coleman celebrated a closing Mass with the conventioneers at St. Julie Billiart

Parish next door to Stang. Many of Kendzia’s compositions comprised the Mass music.

“The youth in attendance from our parish commented on how they really enjoyed the guided mediations and the closing Mass with the bishop,” added Wesp.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such well-behaved students at such an event,” added Henry. “We arrived at the church about 25 minutes before Mass was to begin.

The cantor practiced some of the musical responses, and told the students, ‘OK, you can go back to your meditation now.’ That’s how good they were. I was glad to be with them.”

“I think one of the highlights of the day was when Val challenged the students to reach out to someone they haven’t spoken with in a while, or who has grown away from the Church, or is with another crowd,” said Grime. “Val asked them if they would reach out to someone like that, and the kids all seemed to raise their hands as a commitment. She told them to call or text someone like this and reestablish contact and try to reconnect.

“I wish more kids could attend something like this. They would really get something out of it.”

tasty lesson — As an extension of the first-grade science curriculum at St. Mary–Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro, the students enjoyed an Apple Party. Prior to the party, the students read “Johnny Appleseed” and learned how an apple comes into being from a germinating seed to the actual appearance of fruit on a tree. The party entailed rotating through different apple centers. The students performed various tastetesting activities from comparing apple juice and apple cider to trying various apple confections such as apple sauce, apple galette, apple muffins, apple crisp, and apple cookies. In addition, they played Pin the Worm on the Apple, Apple Bowling, and Apple Beanbag Toss. Each student also made an apple craft. Here, Jenna Freeman and Alec Certuse taste test some apple dishes.

ringing in the new year — The Coyle and Cassidy Class of 2012 gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Taunton surrounded by family and friends to commemorate the receipt of their school rings and their ascension to upperclassmen. They proceeded from the school, led by class officers and class moderator Sarah Mawn.

Many students purchased school rings while others had special pieces of jewelry blessed by Chaplain Father David Stopyra who encouraged the students to “Wear their rings with pride.” From left: John Lundin, Thomas DeMello, and Colby LaCouture.

October 22, 2010

T

The Anchor

Use your head — Don’t use your head

he big buzz this week in disability. And that wasn’t even sports, and particularly a helmet-to-helmet hit ... it was a the National Football League shoulder to helmet hit. is the rash of vicious helmet-to-helmet hits that at worst can kill or paralyze someone; that can give him a concussion that may have longterm effects; or at the

By Dave Jolivet very least, ring his bell and leave him feeling like he’s in a different area code.

Today’s NFL players are There are those who feel intelligent enough to alter their helmet-to-helmet hits warrant not only a hefty fine, but a suspension as well.

Some TV and radio sports gurus are already on their soap boxes claiming football is a violent game, and suspensions would morph the game into nothing but “touch football.”

If it takes a play where both players can snap their necks like twigs to make football a “man’s” game, then I think some of these “purists” have themselves taken one too many helmet-to-helmet hit.

There always has been, is now, and will continue to be great hits that can evoke a collective “Ooooooooo,” from the fans in the stadium and watching at home on the tube. And these hits are clean and legal.

That is part of the game.

Helmet-to-helmet hits are not. Those afraid of the suspension punishment say that not all such hits are “intentional.” And they’re right ... but there are no other penalties in football that are decided by “intent.” Offsides is offsides; illegal motion is illegal motion; roughing the QB is roughing the QB. Intent has nothing to do with the infraction.

When a player leads with his head to make a tackle, there is always the chance for bad things to happen. If the intent was to hit the man with his shoulder and he missed and hit with his helmet, it’s understandable, but he should still be subject to a lesser suspension.

If the player obviously is out head-hunting, then the punishment should fit the crime and be more severe.

We’re not talking about the integrity of the game or diminishing its “toughness” here.

We’re talking about walking the fine line of a player never being able to walk any line ever again.

Just ask New England Patriot Darryl Stingley if he’d agree with the suspension method. Oh wait, you can’t. He’s dead. Because of a vicious hit in an exhibition game, he became a quadriplegic at the age of 27. He died at age 56 from complications due to his

My View From the Stands

tackling style without compromising the “fear factor” against receivers.

I enjoy seeing a good hit as much as the next football fan, but not one that makes you wince, and wonder if the player(s) will ever regain consciousness and walk off the field ... or ever walk again period.

It’s time for NFL players to use their heads, and not use their heads.

We follow the Redeeming Christ through a life of prayer and sacrifice, praying in the name of the Church and the world, especially the poor, lonely and abandoned, bringing all to the heart of Christ.

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The Anchor

October 22, 2010

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The Anchor

October 22, 2010

Vocation directors report increased interest for fourth year in a row

WASHINGTON (CNS) — New revelations of clergy sex abuse and the Vatican apostolic visitation of U.S. communities of women religious have not discouraged Catholics from considering a religious vocation, with the majority of vocation directors seeing an increase in inquiries for the fourth straight year, according to a recent survey.

The survey, commissioned by the Chicago-based Vision Vocation Guide, also found that vocations directors reported some positive impact on their work from Pope Benedict XVI’s call for atonement for the Church’s failings, the Year for Priests and the canonization or beatification of a particular saint.

Conducted August 30-September 23, the survey received responses from 431 “vocation inquirers” and 175 vocation directors. The majority of the vocation inquirers said they were very serious about choosing religious life, with 18 percent saying they planned to enter a religious community in the next year.

“The fact that Church events have little impact on a person’s exploration of a religious life says a lot about the depth and seriousness of the call,” said Patrice Tuohy, executive editor of Vision Vocation Guide and VocationMarch.com, in a September 30 news release about the survey.

Nearly 84 percent of the respondents considering a vocation said prayer was the most essential element in their decision-making process. The majority also listed spiritual direction, opportunities to experience community life and greater knowledge of what would be a good fit as essential in making a decision about religious life.

About one-third said they felt most drawn to an “apostolic/evangelical” community and another third said they were drawn to a “contemplative/contemplativeactive” community. The rest were divided among monastic, cloistered/semi-cloistered or missionary communities.

Asked what attracts them most to a particular religious community, nearly three-quarters chose “living a life of faithfulness to the church and its teachings” as an essential element, while more than half said “praying with members of the community” was essential.

The most frequently cited challenging aspects of being a religious priest, brother or sister were the discipline of prayer, the vow of celibacy, a life of service and sharing resources and living simply. Less than 20 percent of the respondents said they found living in community or restrictions on personal freedom to be the most challenging aspects.

Twenty-five percent of men and 25 percent of male and female

respondents over age 40 said they found wearing a religious habit essential; among women and respondents under 40, the percentage increased to nearly 37 percent.

Asked what resources they found most helpful in gathering vocation information, more than half cited personal contact with a religious priest, sister or brother as essential, while 40 percent named the “come and see” weekends or discernment retreats sponsored by religious communities.

Judged less helpful in gathering vocation information were a community’s or discerners’ blogs, parents and family, and campus, youth or young adult ministers.

The survey asked vocations directors to what they attributed the increase in inquiries about religious life, and 60 percent said the main reason was a desire for deeper spirituality. More than 40 percent attributed it to a desire for community and identity, while

more than 30 percent credited the easy availability of information via the Internet.

Although more than three-quarters of the vocation inquirers said they used email all the time and more than a quarter said they used smart phones all the time, only 56 percent of the vocations directors said they used email all the time and 13 percent said they used smart phones all the time.

Vision Vocation Guide, in print and online at www.VocationNetwork.org, is published by TrueQuest Communications on behalf of the National Religious Vocation Conference.

Fathers Kevin A. Cook and Karl C. Bissinger The Fall River Diocesan Vocation Office

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The Anchor

October 22, 2010

The Society for THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH ... a Pontifical Mission Society Complete the coupon and submit it with a donation in the basket this weekend at church, or send to: Rev. Msgr. John J. Oliveira, P.A., 106 Illinois Street, New Bedford, MA 02745 Enclosed is my World Mission Sunday gift for the Missions ...

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