12-13-13 Vol. 35 No. 18

theleaven.com | vol. 35, no. 18 | december 13, 2013

Holy night Croatian star shares her musical talent, Christmas story

Story by Jessica Langdon

T

Leaven photo by Joe McSorley

International singing star Tajci performed a series of concerts throughout the archdiocese, including one at Savior Pastoral Center in Kansas City, Kan., and another at Prince of Peace in Olathe. he story of Christmas has been told for more than 2,000 years, but as a singer and songwriter, Tajci hopes she helped people in Kansas approach the season from a new perspective.

Tajci (pronounced TY-chi) and Matthew Cameron and their three sons — 13-year-old Dante, 11-year-old Evan and 8-year-old Blais — bring their faith to life through music yearround.

The family shared not only its musical gifts, but a heartfelt story of faith and a quest for God’s love For more information, to during several performances of “A purchase CDs, or to learn Christmas Concert Experience” in more about Tajci’s stoKansas in late November and early ry, visit her website at: December. www.idobelieve.com. To Tajci, a native of Croatia who view videos of her perforsoared to stardom as a young pop mances, go to YouTube at singer in Central Europe in the late TajciTV. ’80s and early ’90s, interwove her personal story and original music with traditional Advent and Christmas songs.

While in the archdiocese, she performed concerts in Topeka, Kansas City, Kan., Lansing and Olathe.

“She has a fantastic voice,” said Tom Winkelbauer, an accountant for the archdiocese and a parishioner of Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph Church in Leavenworth.

“How she was able to take her life story from Croatia and merge it with the songs of the Christmas season just made everything more meaningful,” he said.

Tajci shared what it was like growing up under the communist

Learn more

>> See “prison” on page 6

Leaven photo by Lori Wood Habiger

Tajci performs for the maximum security inmates of the Lansing Correctional Facility on Dec. 4.

2 archbishop

theleaven.com | december 13, 2013

Life will be victorious

O

Who is God calling you to bring closer to him?

ur culture has been aptly called a celebrity culture.

We honor and adulate star athletes. We worship movie stars and accomplished actors. We idolize singers and entertainers. In fact, one of the most popular shows in recent years is even called “American Idol.”

Our culture reveals what it values by those professions that we most highly compensate and celebrate.

We even indicate that somebody is really important by referring to them as a “rock star.”

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend a Christmas concert performed by a woman who grew up in the former communist Yugoslavia. Her name is Tajci. Tajci’s parents were atheists. In school, she was taught there is no God. Still, in her heart something told her that there must be a God. Her father was a gifted musician who encouraged his daughters to love music.

Tajci possesses an incredible singing voice and is a gifted musician. She is also a very attractive woman.

Right at the time the Berlin Wall was being torn down, she won the equivalent of “American Idol” in Croatia.

Her stardom was identified with the newly gained freedom for her country. She

archbishop Joseph F. Naumann became an instant celebrity and a national icon. Tajci was literally a “rock star.”

She was Croatia’s biggest musical celebrity. She had realized the ultimate achievement in her chosen field of music. She had fame. She was wealthy. Tajci had everything she thought she ever wanted. However, she felt empty inside.

Tajci was more depressed than she had ever been before her success. Before she had become a celebrity, Tajci could imagine if she just succeeded or just had more money or became famous, then she would be happy.

Now she knew that none of that was true. Tajci even wondered if life was worth living.

She was surrounded by people who wanted to use her and her celebrity for their own financial gain. Tajci had many fans, but not many real friends. She was idolized by many people, but not truly loved as a person. Tajci had everything, but, in reality, had nothing.

She met a group of young Catholics who invited her to come to church with them.

Tajci recognized something

in them that she desired.

They had the peace and joy that she desired. She admired their compassion and love for each other, as well as their unconditional acceptance of her. This launched Tajci on a journey of faith, a spiritual quest.

Tajci left behind everything that she had achieved.

She came to the United States and eventually began a new career, using her gift of singing no longer to gain fame or money, but to lead others to Jesus Christ and his church.

For those of us who are cradle Catholics and grew up in strong believing families, it is easy to take our faith for granted. Tajci’s testimony helps us appreciate the great gift of our Catholic faith.

During this season, we often develop a variety of lists. We have our Christmas card list, our Christmas gift list, and our Christmas decoration list. I suggest that we make another list, a list of people — family members, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors — who have stopped practicing their faith or maybe never received the gift of faith. I propose that you pray every day by name for the people on your faith list during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Make secret sacrifices for their spiritual welfare.

Pray and sacrifice asking God to somehow open the hearts of these family members, friends and acquaintances to be able to receive and experience Our Lord’s

We welcome the newest member of our staff Graduate of Hayden High School, 1994 Graduate of KCKCC in Mortuary Science, 1996 Licensed Funeral Director since 1997 Licensed Embalmer since 1997 Member of Knights of Columbus Council #534, Topeka

Jeremy Schwerdt

love. Ask Jesus also to inspire you to know what to say and, perhaps more importantly, what not to say to them. Perhaps the Lord desires for you to invite someone to come to Mass or go to a Bible study or attend a catechism class with you.

The fact that these persons are on your faith list indicates that God is asking you to befriend them, to make an effort to grow closer to them.

God is calling us somehow to become more involved with those for whom we are praying and making sacrifices. If God desires to use us as an instrument to draw someone closer to him, then the other person must first know that we love them and care for them.

It may mean writing notes or making phone calls or sending text messages that will help make those on our faith list aware that we are thinking about them. People have to know we care about them before they will care about what we have to say.

As we spend more time with another person and our friendship grows, they will begin to recognize how important our Catholic faith is to us. They may even begin to ask questions about our faith and why it matters so much to us. The Holy Spirit may inspire us at some moment to share with another why Jesus and his church are the foundation of our lives.

During this time of Christmas, as we think about giving gifts, we should remember

calendar archbishop

Naumann Dec. 15 Pastoral visit — St. Joseph, Shawnee Dec. 16 “Shepherd’s Voice” taping Dec. 17 Priests Personnel meeting Comcast and Time Warner “Newsmakers” taping Dec. 19 Administrative Team meeting December 21 Quo Vadis retreat December 22 Annual Catholic Radio Chiefs game

archbishop

keleher Dec. 15 Mass — Federal prison Dec. 21 “Catholic Way” taping

that faith is the greatest gift someone could receive. Let us pray and offer sacrifices that friends and family may receive this most priceless of all gifts. After all, having faith is better than winning “American Idol” or becoming a rock star!

second front page 3

december 13, 2013 | theleaven.com

Area Catholics mobilize to help typhoon victims

By Jill Ragar Esfeld jill@theleaven.com

T

OPEKA — “I wouldn’t say I knew what needed to be done; I would say I knew to be patient.”

When disaster struck his homeland in the Philippines a month ago, Ping Enriquez, a parishioner of Christ the King in Topeka, knew from experience that it would take some time before it would be clear how he could best help recovery efforts.

After all, he has been involved with multiple disaster relief efforts there — since, in fact, he volunteered to help Ping Enriquez with earthquake recovery at the age of 13.

“There’s always a knee-jerk reaction at first,” he said. “It takes patience to sit back and see what needs are being met, and what needs are not being met.”

Meeting the greatest need Enriquez, who was born in Manila, moved to Topeka almost 40 years ago.

But he’s stayed connected to the area as owner of Ad Veritas Construction Company, which does much of its work in Asian Pacific nations.

He was there in October when a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit, killing nearly 1,000 people. When the typhoon struck a few weeks later, Enriquez said, “It was probably the worst thing that could have happened.”

Back in Topeka at the time, he was fortunate to have a close friend in the Philippines he trusted to evaluate the situation.

“One of our roofing contractors, Ray Lamdagan, lives where the earthquake struck,” he said. “One of the things I told him on my way back to Topeka is: ‘You need to be my boots on the ground.

You’ve got to let me know how we can help.’”

After aid poured into the islands and Lamdagan saw that nutritional and medical supplies were becoming accessible, he contacted Enriquez with the one great need that was not being met — personal privacy.

“Ray and I decided if we could develop temporary toilet/bathing stations with septic tanks,” said Enriquez, “we could provide a little bit of dignity for people going to the bathroom and taking showers in privacy.”

On a business trip in California, Enriquez met a generous couple that handed him a $5,000 check and said, “Do what you need to do.”

With that seed money, he opened an account at the Educational Credit Union in Topeka, and people began dropping off checks.

“As of yesterday,” said Enriquez, “we’ve raised over $10,000, which basically will fund materials for two restroom/bathing stations.

Member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Topeka

Publication No. (ISSN0194-9799) President: Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann

CNS photo/Bobby Yip, Reuters

A woman carries her daughter inside the typhoon-ravaged Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Palo, Philippines, Nov. 17. Seven priests of the Archdiocese of Palo were ordained amid the ruins of the cathedral in Nov. 25 ceremonies.

“I just wired the money to Ray so he can start purchasing materials for the first station.”

Lamdagan is donating all the labor and hopes to have the first station built before Christmas.

Another kind of patience Patience was also the course of action taken by Teresa Arnold when she heard about Typhoon Haiyan — but it wasn’t the course she wanted to take.

A parishioner of St. Thomas More Church in Kansas City, Mo., Arnold is from Tacloban, the area hardest hit by the storm.

When the typhoon hit, she lost all communication with her family. All she could do was wait . . . and pray.

“Then, suddenly, one of my sisters finally got a hold of us through text,” she said. “And that is when she told us everyone is OK, except my brother’s wife was missing.”

After giving an account of the family, Arnold’s sister told her they were in desperate need of water and food.

“They were telling people to go to the airport to get water and food,” said Arnold. “But she was afraid she wouldn’t make it, because it’s a four-hour walk.”

There were other problems. Arnold’s sister was recovering from tuberculosis.

Her medication had been washed away with the storm, and the family was concerned she would have a relapse.

Looting was also now out of control, and the family feared if they left their home, looters would take what little they had left.

“But my brother had to leave so he could search for his wife,” said Arnold.

“My brother walked days and days and

just kept looking.”

Survivors searching for loved ones described horrendous conditions.

“There was a dead body floating beside a dead body, beside a dead animal,” said Arnold.

Survivors didn’t have the strength or energy to move the bodies. They just checked for familiar faces and moved on.

The stench of death was unbearable.

Because the threat of a cholera epidemic was so great, the government began preparing to bulldoze trenches for mass graves.

“My family was, like, ‘No, they can’t do that. We haven’t found my sister-inlaw yet!’” said Arnold. “It isn’t humane to just use a bulldozer and just put them in the trench.”

Happy reunion At the time the typhoon struck, Arnold’s sister-in-law had been away visiting family.

Knowing the storm was coming, her brother had encouraged the trip because he thought she would be safe — her relatives lived on higher ground.

But the wind and waves grew treacherous and her family’s house was washed away.

“She ended up running with her relatives,” said Arnold. “When the water was up to their necks, they got separated.”

Arnold’s sister-in-law clung to a plastic tub and floated until she got to a point where she could walk again. Eventually she found a Red Cross station.

“She didn’t know what to do,” said Arnold. “There was no transportation; she didn’t have any money.”

She decided to stay at the station where she would be safe and to pray her

Editor Reverend Mark Goldasich, stl frmark@theleaven.com

Production Manager Todd Habiger todd@theleaven.com

Reporter Jessica Langdon jessica@theleaven.com

Managing Editor Anita McSorley anita@theleaven.com

Senior Reporter Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

Advertising Coordinator Julie Holthaus julie@theleaven.com

Donate Teresa Arnold is collecting items to send to the Philippines in March.

You can drop off canned food, clothing and toiletries at her place of work: Aloft Hotel, 11620 Ash St., Leawood, KS 66211.

Arnold is also looking for people to sponsor boxes of supplies being shipped directly to Tacloban. A donation of $110 will cover one shipment.

If you’d like to sponsor a box, or have any questions, you can contact Arnold at: marnold@kc.rr.com.

Build a bathroom People interested in donating to Ping Enriquez’s project to build temporary restroom/shower facilities in the Philippines may drop off or send contributions to: Philippines Relief Fund, Educational Credit Union, 2808 S.W. Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66614.

husband would find her.

She made the right choice, said Arnold. After walking for a week, her brother finally found his wife.

“And actually now, they are never separated,” she added.

Medication also reached her sister to continue her tuberculosis treatment.

“You know when you pray,” said Arnold, “something happens.”

With her family accounted for, Arnold has turned her efforts toward collecting food, clothing and toiletries for the disaster survivors.

“Right now, they’re telling me it is too dangerous to send it there,” she said.

“It might make it to Manila, but it won’t make it to Tacloban.” >> See “Early” on page 10

Published weekly September through May, excepting the Friday the week after Thanksgiving, and the Friday after Christmas; biweekly June through August. Address communications to: The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-1570; fax: (913) 721-5276; or e-mail at: sub@theleaven.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Leaven, 12615 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109. For change of address, provide old and new address and parish. Subscriptions $18/year.

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4 local news

theleaven.com | december 13, 2013

Parish celebrates 20 years of perpetual adoration

By Marc and Julie Anderson Special to The Leaven

T

OPEKA — What is the most important aspect of a successful faith community? According to Pope Francis, it’s simple: adoration.

Pope Francis discussed his theme at length in his daily homily on Nov. 22.

But the concept was not a new one to the parishioners or pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka.

In 1993, Stan and Maxine Wiechert, founding members of the parish, approached then-pastor Father Norbert Lickteig about starting a perpetual adoration ministry. The ministry is a simple one. A parishioner signs up for one hour of prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the parish’s chapel. The prayer can be formal — such as a rosary — or informal. It is up to the individual.

The inspiration for spending that specific amount of time in prayer is drawn from the Gospel of Matthew.

After the Last Supper, Jesus takes a few of the apostles with him to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Arriving in the garden, Jesus goes off to pray. Upon his return to the apostles, he finds Peter asleep and says to him, “So you could not stay awake with me for even an hour?”

At Christ the King, when the hour is done, the next person rings the doorbell just outside the chapel’s doors and “relieves” the person at prayer. The process continues around the clock, 365 days a year. The only exception is during Mass and during the Easter Triduum.

In the case of Christ the King, adoration has been continual since Nov. 7, 1993, with the Wiecherts still serving as the coordinators.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ministry, the 350-plus parishioners participating in it were invited to a Nov. 3 potluck in the parish’s social hall, followed by a shortened hour of eucharistic adoration, Benediction, during which Father Mitchel Zimmerman, pastor, led one set of mysteries of the rosary.

Father Zimmerman took the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by those involved and offer words of appreciation and gratitude on behalf of the parish for the countless hours spent in prayer by those individuals

Leaven photo by Marc Anderson

Father Mitchel Zimmerman, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Topeka, leads a group of parishioners in praying the rosary before the Blessed Sacrament in the adoration chapel Nov. 7. Prior to the rosary and Benediction, more than 100 gathered for a potluck in the church’s social hall. Both events helped to mark the 20th anniversary of perpetual adoration at the parish. before the Blessed Sacrament. Those words touched the heart of parishioner Jeanette Nelson, who, along with parishioner Kay Fangman, has held the same 8 p.m. hour every Thursday.

“He said thank you and stressed upon us the importance of what we have been doing. He knows the prayers and the time we have spent have helped our parish, plus he knows the sacrifices we’ve made,” Nelson said.

The sacrifices, of course, involve time that could be spent doing other things, not to mention the fact that sometimes it would be easier to stay home, especially on nights when it’s extremely cold, rainy or snowy. The sacrifices though, Nelson said, are definitely worth it. “[My eucharistic adoration hour] has totally made my life easier,” she said. “If there is anything going on in your life — good or bad — it’s a time to say thank you, and it can also be a time to ask for help. I do both, and I use the petition book a lot for friends, family

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members and other parishioners.

“It’s just a special time before Jesus.”

The petition book that Nelson mentioned is a notebook placed near the adoration hour sign-in sheet. Parishioners are invited to write their petitions there, even if they do not wish to leave their name. Those coming into the chapel for their adoration hour then pray for their own intentions, plus those in the notebook.

Perhaps the notebook — not to mention the comings and goings of the adorers — helps explain one of the major benefits of the ministry, said Maxine Wiechert, in that eucharistic adoration promotes a sense of community.

“Adoration is a wonderful way of uniting a parish community,” she said.

“You get to know the people who share your hour and those who pray before and after you. You know when there is sadness in their lives and when there is happiness. Their sorrow is shared and their joy is multiplied.”

In addition to unifying the parish

community, Father Zimmerman said there are many other benefits for the parish.

“Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament purifies,” he said. “When we see how humbly the Lord waits for us in the Eucharist, when we dare to wait in stillness before him, it awakens the ears and eyes of the heart.

“It purifies our relationship with God and one another, and focuses us on that which endures.”

Besides affecting individuals’ lives, Father Zimmerman said the pastor of any parish with eucharistic adoration benefits from it as well.

“The pastor benefits tremendously from all the prayers in adoration. And the parish does, too,” he said.

“Just think of all the prayers offered that wouldn’t be if adoration was not encouraged — if people were not committed,” he added. “The constancy of the prayer is the heart of the parish.

There’s nothing like it.”

6 Local news

theleaven.com | december 13, 2013

Prison show touches singer >> Continued from page 1 regime of the former Yugoslavia.

Winkelbauer was moved by Tajci’s stories of her family, and how she caught certain glimpses and sounds of the Christmas season — including moments her Italian grandmother shared — yet Tajci didn’t understand the entire story until years later.

The singer, who grew up in a musical family, burst onto the international scene as a teenager with her performance in a Eurovision Song Contest, and soon was living the life of a superstar.

“And yet I felt so lonely and so empty,” she said.

It wasn’t communism — or even the war that broke out in the region in 1991 — that drove Tajci to walk away from the commercial successes she had achieved.

Instead, at age 21, she wanted to find for herself the same thing she hopes her music today brings to others.

“My message is to really inspire people to search deeper,” she said, “to look inside to find who they are and the bigger purpose in life.”

And those answers don’t always match the world’s expectations, she said.

They certainly didn’t in her case, when she realized that “I have everything and I still have nothing.”

Tajci left the life she knew and came to the United States seeking something more, and she found that being involved in the Catholic Church led her into a strong, personal encounter with God.

She shared that encounter — as well as a message of freedom — with the maximum security inmates of the Lansing Correctional Facility on Dec. 4.

“There are no walls, no bars that can be an obstacle between you and God,” she said.

She later described the night in Lansing as “breathtaking.”

“They sang ‘Gloria’ with me. They sang ‘Silent Night,’” she said.

They became engaged with the performance’s carols and stories.

“And when they sang ‘Silent Night’ . . .

I don’t know how to describe it,” she said.

Many of the men approached the performers afterward to shake their hands, wish them a Merry Christmas, and tell them a little about themselves. Some shared their hopes and dreams for the future.

Tajci’s sons were not able to join her for the prison performance due to prison regulations.

The three boys, however, are generally an integral part of each show.

“It’s a beautiful moment when they come on stage and sing,” she said. “It just makes everything so real.”

It also brings her own path into focus, she said.

Winkelbauer found the part of the concert when the boys joined their mother onstage very touching.

And to him, the performance did make a very old story new again.

“It kind of re-energized me,” he said.

Archbishop suspends priest Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I regret to inform you that I have suspended Father William McEvoy of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lansing.

The vicar for clergy has received several related complaints alleging abuse of alcohol and other inappropriate behaviors. After investigation and after my meeting with Father McEvoy, I have concluded these issues merit suspending him from priestly ministry. None of the complaints involve any type of impropriety with a minor; none of the complaints were made by St. Francis de Sales parishioners, where he has served as pastor most recently, nor from former parishioners at previous assignments.

I have asked Father McEvoy to un-

dergo an evaluation and treatment program to help him address the physical, spiritual and psychological causes underlying this behavior. I have restricted Father McEvoy from exercising his priestly ministry publicly and ask that the faithful of the archdiocese pray that the coming months will be a time of grace and healing for him.

I have appointed Msgr. Gary Applegate as parochial administrator of St. Francis de Sales effective immediately.

Sincerely yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

Announcement

Father William Bruning has been actively engaged in a residential treatment program for the past six months, a time of grace, healing and renewed hope in which he has recommitted to his priestly promises.

Upon successful completion of the remainder of this program, Father Bruning hopes to resume priestly ministry in a limited capacity with-

in the Archdiocese of Kansas City by the first part of next year.

As he transitions back to the archdiocese, Father Bruning anticipates making a few visits home to the archdiocese over the next few months.

He will be establishing support networks to assist him in transitioning back into ministry and appreciates your prayers and support.

Lasting legacy

The educator

Catholic education has always been a priority of Archbishop Keleher’s. Several new schools were built on his watch, including a new high school, St. James Academy in Lenexa.

Jubilee 2000

The archdiocesan-wide Jubilee 2000 Mass at the Topeka Expocentre was one of the highlights of Archbishop Keleher’s tenure, as a full house celebrated the jubilee year.

Archbishop James P. Keleher celebrates 20th anniversary in Kansas

By Joe Bollig joe@theleaven.com

K

ANSAS CITY, Kan. — He was flat on his back, recovering from spinal surgery, when Bishop James P. Keleher of the Diocese of Belleville, Ill., got a call from a papal diplomat.

“Bishop, the Holy Father wants you to become the archbishop of Kansas City,” said Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan.

“Do you need some time to think about it?”

Even laid up as he was, Bishop Keleher didn’t hesitate. Kansas had always appealed to him.

The answer was an immediate “yes.”

He even knew enough to ask the nuncio a very important question.

“I asked him twice, ‘Which Kansas City do you mean?’” recalled Archbishop Keleher. “And he told me, ‘Kansas City, Kansas.’ Before we hung up, I said, ‘Once again, which Kansas City are we talking about?’”

Whenever Archbishop Keleher went to Rome, Archbishop Cacciavillan would tease him, “Jimmy, why did you ask twice about where you were going?”

Although born and raised in Chicago, the big city boy fell in love with the interplay of town and country life after he was appointed bishop of Belleville in 1984. And he saw in the appointment to Kansas that same dynamic.

“I never really felt like an outsider,” said Archbishop Emeritus Keleher. “I loved the plains [in] Kansas. I loved the cities in Kansas. Secondly, I fell in love with the people of Kansas. They were so welcoming and gracious.”

When asked if he would move back to his native Chicago after he retired in 2005, his answer was an emphatic “no.”

“Kansas is my home,” he said. “It’s hard to beat Kansas.”

Archbishop Keleher received his appointment on June 28, 1993, and was installed as archbishop on Sept. 8, 1993.

Now, 20 years later, he had to wait to celebrate his anniversary until he could find the time — he just returned from teaching at the University of St. Mary of the Lake-Mundelein Seminary in Illinois.

Archbishop Keleher left quite a legacy from his 12 years at the helm of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.

Some of the more notable include the establishment of Prairie Star Ranch in

Williamsburg; the opening of new Catholic schools at a time when other dioceses were closing theirs; the co-hosting of the National Catholic Youth Conference — not once, but twice; and an archdiocesan-wide Jubilee 2000 Mass held in Topeka During his years at the helm, Archbishop Keleher also was responsible for the appointment of more laypeople to various advisory boards in the church, establishing the Santa Marta and Villa St. Francis retirement homes, and boosting archdiocesan vocations.

“When I came, the archdiocese had only three seminarians, and one left soon after I arrived,” said Archbishop Keleher. “I was horrified.”

He learned a lot from serving as bishop and archbishop.

“What people look for in a bishop, or in a priest, is approachability — that’s the magic of Pope Francis — and a sincere spiritual life,” he said. “You can be a very spiritual person but if people don’t feel like you welcome them, it doesn’t do much good.”

Oh, yes. And some administrative ability helps, too.

No leader, however great, can go it alone. “[A bishop is] very smart if he enlists very competent people to assist him,” said Archbishop Keleher.

“I had a wonderful group of advisers I met with regularly.”

He had two priests who would usually take opposing sides on issues, and he’d listen while they traded arguments and viewpoints.

“And when the conversation was over, I saw the light of what I really should do,” said Archbishop Keleher. “It was very important for me to have people like that, who would be very honest with me and tell me what they thought.”

Pope Paul VI established a rule that bishops are required to submit their resignations at age 75, although resignations are not always immediately accepted.

Archbishop Keleher was already preparing for this transition long before he reached that date. He wanted a smooth transition, so he asked the Holy Father to send him a coadjutor bishop — a successor.

That successor was Coadjutor Bishop Joseph F. Naumann, who was appointed on Jan. 7, 2004, and installed in March.

On almost a year to the date, on Jan. 15, 2005, Archbishop Keleher resigned at age 73. He added “emeritus” to his title.

Although many men find retirement

“I never really felt like an outsider.

I loved the plains [in] Kansas. I loved the cities in Kansas.

Secondly, I fell in love with the people of Kansas. They were so welcoming and gracious.”

The professor to be a difficult and uncertain time, Archbishop Emeritus Keleher embraced his role.

“Two things help a priest or bishop who retires,” he said. “As long as they are physically able, there are many things they are able to do. Basically, the administrative [duties] change . . . but they can still celebrate Mass, anoint and preach.”

Archbishop Keleher didn’t want his presence to inhibit or in any way detract from his successor, so he planned to skip his first post-retirement chrism Mass.

Archbishop Naumann, however, insisted that he participate, and that gracious spirit has made for a warm working relationship ever since.

Archbishop Keleher has had a full, busy retirement. He teaches a class about the documents of the Second Vat-

ican Council at Mundelein Seminary for two months each fall.

When classes are over, he returns to the archdiocese to help Archbishop Naumann as much as he can. Two of his major commitments here in the archdiocese are prison ministry and confirmations — about 15 a year.

“The only time I had a regret was the first time I sat at an ordination — I had done them for 20 years — and the new archbishop was doing the ordination for the first time,” said Archbishop Keleher.

“And there was a moment when I said to myself, ‘I wish I was doing that,’ and then God sent a grace,” he continued. “‘James [God said], do you want to assume all the responsibilities of this archbishop, including his administrative tasks? The angry phone calls? The

insulting letters?’ and I said, ‘Lord, no! I really don’t!’”

The best thing about retirement is more time to pray, said the archbishop. He spends many hours in his home chapel.

One of his favorite items is a silver pectoral cross, depicting the Good Shepherd, given to him by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago. It symbolizes what he hopes he was and is.

The archdiocese will celebrate its 200th anniversary on July 19, 2050. What would he hope would be his legacy among those celebrating that day?

“That he was a good shepherd,” said Archbishop Keleher, holding that cross.

“That would be wonderful. And maybe bury me with my Good Shepherd cross.”

The archbishop teaches a class about the documents of the Second Vatican Council at Mundelein Seminary outside Chicago for two months each fall.

Youth advocate

Prairie Star Ranch in Williamsburg was established with Archbishop Keleher’s blessing. The ranch has served as a focal point for youth activity in the archdiocese.

10 local news

theleaven.com | december 13, 2013

Early churches are among storm’s casualties >> Continued from page 1 Authorities are saying by March the airport and some of the roads should be repaired.

“Hopefully, by the first week in March, I will be able to ship this out,” said Arnold.

Been there “Typhoons are very common in the Philippines,” said Jonathan Dizon, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas who is native to the islands. “We normally get 15-25 every year, each with varying strengths.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration releases tropical cyclone warnings in the form of Public Storm Warning Signals.

“The one that hit Tacloban would have been classified as Typhoon Signal #4,” said Dizon. “While I was still there, the strongest typhoon that I experienced was Signal #3.”

Depending on signal strength, Dixon said school and work may be canceled as heavy rains tend to flood the streets very quickly.

“During a typhoon,” he said, “families tend to just stay home, much like in a snow storm.

“Some areas are easily flooded — there’s a chance of prolonged power outage and the strong winds can bring down trees, power lines and other weak

CNS photo/Athit Perawongmetha, Reuters

A man lights a candle Nov. 25 as he pays respects to a deceased relative at a mass grave where victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan are buried near St. Joaquin Church in the province of Leyte, Philippines. structures.”

The Philippines is a Third World country, and most of its people are too poor to afford homes built to withstand such storms.

“One of the beautiful things to watch after a storm is how a community comes together to help clean up the debris and see which families need help,” said Dizon.

Arnold’s family has slowly begun that cleanup process, but she said they tell her the task is overwhelming and the smell is “just unbearable.”

“The mud in the houses is a foot thick,” she explained. “My sister said they have to scrape it, wash, scrape and then rest.

“The next day they do it again.”

Hanging on through faith One of the greatest tragedies left in the wake of Haiyan is the destruction of ancient Catholic churches that were the foundation of the country’s faith heritage.

“Those early churches that the Spaniards — the Franciscans and the Jesuits — built; they’re all gone,” said Enriquez.

“Churches that are 250 years old — they’re gone.”

And yet the people’s faith has persevered.

“The faith of the people carries them through the day-to-day challenges,” he said. “They still have Masses outdoors — they may be under a bridge or under a tree — but they have Masses every day.

“And they have novenas to every saint you could imagine. They celebrate their Catholic faith. That’s what buoys the whole country.”

Dizon agreed.

“The strength of the Catholic faith in the Philippines is the reason the country is so resilient in the face of natural disasters,” he said. “We trust in God’s power to deliver us from mortal danger — and also trust in his providence in the event that we lose everything we own.”

When lives are lost, Dixon said, the deep faith of the Filipino culture helps them grieve because they believe in the abundant mercy of God. Through that same faith, they accept natural disasters as part of their collective life as a community and as a country.

“The destructive power of nature allows us to see firsthand the might of God,” he said. “Because of our faith, we see that God is still Lord over all these calamities.

“His true power is found in his love made manifest through charity.”

World 11

december 13, 2013 | theleaven.com

Pope to set up commission on abuse

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis accepted a proposal to set up a special commission on the sexual abuse of children, which will advise him on ways to prevent abuse and provide pastoral care for victims and their families.

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, a member of the pope’s advisory Council of Cardinals, announced the decision at a Vatican briefing for reporters Dec. 5, during a break in the council’s meetings with the pope.

The cardinal said the new commission would continue the work of Pope Benedict XVI against clerical sex abuse, and that among its tasks would be to “study the present programs in place for the protection of children, and to come up with suggestions for new initiatives” by the Vatican, in collaboration with national bishops’ conferences and religious orders around the world.

According to the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Pope Francis heard the proposal on the afternoon of Dec. 4, during the second of three days of meetings with his eight-member Council of Cardinals, and announced his decision to the council the following morning.

The council, which the pope formally established in September to advise him on church governance and reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, was holding its second round of meetings, following an initial three-day session in October.

Cardinal O’Malley said the new sex abuse commission would be of international composition, consisting perhaps of 12 members, including lay people, members of religious orders and priests. The members will be persons with “competence in the safety of children, relations with victims, mental health, law enforcement” and other relevant subjects, he said.

The new body will not take over the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s authority for disciplining abusive priests, and local bishops will

CNS photo/Paul Haring

Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, a member of Pope Francis’ advisory Council of Cardinals, speaks during a press conference at the Vatican Dec. 5. Cardinal O’Malley announced that Pope Francis accepted a proposal from the council to establish a special commission on the sexual abuse of children. Its goal will be to advise the pope on ways to prevent abuse and provide pastoral care for victims and their families. remain responsible for the safety of children in their dioceses, the cardinal said; but the “Holy See will try to be helpful and help to identify best practices.”

The cardinal said he did not know whether the commission would play any role in disciplining bishops who fail to prevent or punish sex abuse by those under their authority.

In 2011, the Vatican instructed the world’s bishops’ conferences to establish formal guidelines on dealing with clerical sex abuse, but reported in February 2013 that about a quarter had failed to comply.

Asked whether the new commission was intended to fill a particular gap in the church’s response to the problem, Cardinal O’Malley said the Vatican’s focus so far had been on legal procedures, and that the new body would represent a more pastoral approach.

The cardinal said the commission would study a number of areas, including programs to educate pastoral workers in signs of abuse, psychological testing and other ways of screen-

ing candidates for the priesthood, and the church’s “cooperation with the civil authorities, the reporting of crimes.”

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., called the pope’s decision to establish the commission “a most welcome initiative.”

“Abuse of minors is a sin and a crime, and every step must be taken to eradicate this blight. Such abuse is especially grave when committed by anyone in ministry in our church,” the archbishop said in a statement released in Washington. He is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“The problem of sexual abuse of minors exists throughout society and every effort must be made to protect children, particularly within the church,” he added.

The commission represents a needed international, broad-based approach to address “this horrific problem,” said Archbishop Kurtz, pledging the “full cooperation” of the U.S. bishops with its work.

Pope calls for action against scandal of hunger

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

V

ATICAN CITY (CNS) — People must stand united against the scandal of hunger while avoiding food waste and irresponsible use of the world’s resources, Pope Francis said.

People should “stop thinking that our daily actions do not have an impact on the lives of those who suffer from hunger firsthand,” he said in a video message Dec. 9, launching a global campaign of prayer and action against hunger.

Organized by Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based federation of Catholic charities, a global “wave of prayer” was to begin at noon Dec. 10 on the South Pacific island of Samoa and head west across the world’s time zones.

Pope Francis offered his blessing and support for the “One Human Family, Food For All” campaign in a video message released on the eve of the global launch.

With about 1 billion people still suffering from hunger today, “we cannot look the other way and pretend this does not exist,” he said in the message.

There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, he said, but only “if there is the will” to respect the “God-given rights of everyone to have access to adequate food.”

By sharing in Christian charity with those “who face numerous obstacles,” the pope said, “we promote an authentic cooperation with the poor so that, through the fruits of their and our work, they can live a dignified life.”

Pope Francis invited all people to act “as one single human family, to give a voice to all of those who suffer silently from hunger, so that this voice becomes a roar which can shake the world.”

The Caritas campaign is also a way to invite people to pay attention to their own food choices, “which often lead to waste and a poor use of the resources available to us,” the pope said.

Caritas Internationalis invited its 164 member organizations and local

churches to pray for an end to hunger and malnutrition, by acting on a local, national or global level against food waste and in favor of food access and security worldwide.

Caritas urged Catholics to take a few moments at noon Dec. 10 to join the world in praying against hunger, and to engage in long-term action through raising awareness, advocacy, charitable work or other efforts supporting food security.

The right to food is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the “Food For All” launch-date of Dec. 10 marked the U.N.’s Human Rights Day. The Caritas campaign is calling on the United Nations to hold a session on the right to food at its 2015 General Assembly and is asking governments to guarantee the right to food in national legislation.

People can contact their local Caritas organization for more information or the campaign’s main site at: food. caritas.org.

Abbey’s e-business brings monks into high-tech age VALYERMO, Calif. (CNS) — Throughout history, monks have been linked to ink, penning beautiful calligraphy in books and illuminating manuscripts.

The Benedictine monks at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, located in California’s Mojave Desert 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, have updated the ink connection for today’s digital age with their new venture, MonksInk, an online ink and toner business. Since it launched in 2011, MonksInk.com, an online store offering brand name and remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, has tripled the number of its customers, who hail from corporations, dioceses and schools nationwide. This year, it has more than tripled its sales revenue, with sales doubling in just the last six months. Benedictine Father Joseph Brennan, prior of St. Andrew’s Abbey, credited the surge to recently targeted marketing efforts to Catholic dioceses and schools as well as customer interest in ordering ink and toner cartridges from a monastery instead of an impersonal big box office supply store.

Pope, council begin work on reorganizing Curia VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis and the eight members of his international Council of Cardinals have begun their discussions on specific ways to reorganize the Roman Curia with the aim of “a renewal that will truly be a service to the universal church,” the Vatican spokesman said. On the second day of the council’s Dec. 3-5 meeting, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the spokesman, said the cardinals planned to discuss the work of each congregation and, hopefully, each pontifical council. They had begun, he said, with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. Father Lombardi had told reporters Dec. 3, “They have to start somewhere,” but declined to provide more information about why the congregation responsible for liturgy was the first to be examined. Spanish media have reported that Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, congregation prefect, will conclude his five-year appointment Dec. 9 and could be named the next archbishop of Madrid. The Vatican spokesman continued to insist journalists and other observers should not expect changes to the Curia to be announced quickly.

Pope asks for prayers for kidnapped nuns VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis called on Catholics worldwide to pray for several Orthodox nuns who were kidnapped in Syria and for all people who have been abducted during the conflict there. “Let’s keep praying and working together for peace,” he said in an appeal at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 4. The pope invited everyone to pray for the nuns who “were forcibly taken away by armed men” Dec. 1. “Let us pray for these Sisters and for all people abducted because of the conflict underway,” he said, before leading the crowd in praying the Hail Mary in Italian. The kidnapping of the nuns from a Christian village near Damascus shocked Syria’s Christian community and filled many Christians with fear, said Chaldean Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo, Syria.

Bishop Audo said the latest information was that the superior and four of the nuns belonging to the Orthodox Monastery of Santa Tecla in Maaloula were kidnapped during the night Dec. 1 and taken to Yabrud, a city nearby.

12 classifieds Employment Business manager - Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa, is seeking a business manager to assume responsibilities no later than Feb. 3, 2014. Holy Trinity is an active and vibrant parish with 2,700 registered families and operates a K-8 school with 690 students and an early education center with 300 children. Duties include responsibility for overall parish fiscal management and upkeep of the physical plant. The position includes oversight of accounting and management of financial resources; human resources and employee benefit programs; and facility management. Individual will report to the pastor and provide supervision of office staff (bookkeeper and secretary/receptionist) and maintenance personnel. Qualified candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in business or related field; have 7 - 10 years of progressive experience in business and management; excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; experience in development and fundraising; and possess the ability to work with a variety of constituencies.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by Dec. 31. Please mail to: Pastor, Holy Trinity Church, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215. The full job description is available online at: www.htlenexa.org.

Baseball coaches - Bishop Ward High School is looking for two baseball assistant coaches. Anyone interested in the positions can contact Greg Duggins by sending an email to: gduggins@wardhigh.org or by phone at (913) 371-1201.

Middle school youth minister - Church of the Ascension seeks a part-time role that is perfect for a person who loves to share the faith with young people. Please send resume by email to: findithere@gmail.com.

Musicians - Musicians are needed for the 11 a.m. Mass choir at Holy Name Church, Kansas City, Kan. Guitar and/or piano. Please contact Father Michael Hermes by email at: frhermes@wardhigh.org.

Financial representatives - Due to the success and growth of the Knights of Columbus, we are adding a financial representative in the Kansas City metro, Lawrence, Topeka and the Seneca - Sabetha area. Ideal for a determined, high energy, high expectation, professional, self-disciplined, independent individual desiring to serve others, yet earn a better-than-average income. We provide top-rated financial products to our members and their families and will provide excellent benefits and training. Please contact John A. Mahon, general agent, for more information or an interview by sending an email to: john.mahon@kofc.org, by phone at (785) 408-8806 or at 1275 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612.

Services Electrician - Free estimates; reasonable rates. JoCo and south KC metro. Call Pat at (913) 963-9896.

Garage door and opener sales and service - 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service on all types of doors. Replace broken springs, cables, hinges, rollers, gate openers, entry and patio doors, and more. Over 32 years of experience. Call (913) 227-4902.

Tree service - Pruning trees for optimal growth and beauty and removal of hazardous limbs or problem trees. Free consultation and bid. Safe, insured, professional. Cristofer Estrada, Green Solutions of KC, (913) 378-5872. www.

GreenSolutionsKC.com.

Housecleaning - Reasonable rates, reliable. Cleaning patrons from The Leaven only for 20 years. Call Kathy at (913) 593-3795 or Judy at (913) 709-8130.

Mike Hammer local moving - A full-service mover. Packing, pianos, rental truck load/unload, storage container load/unload, and in-home moving. No job too small. Serving JoCo since 1987. St. Joseph, Shawnee, parishioner. Call Mike at (913) 927-4347 or send an email to: mikehammer moving@aol.com.

Quilted Memories - Your Kansas City Longarm Shop Nolting Longarm Machines, quilting supplies and machine quilting services. We specialize in memorial quilts - Custom designed memory quilts from your T-shirt collections, photos, baby clothes, college memorabilia, etc., neckties etc. For information or to schedule a free consultation, call (913) 649-2704. Visit the website at: www.quiltedmemoriesllc.com.

Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too!

20-plus years experience. Excellent references. Southern JoCo area. Call (913) 548-8702.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Tutoring - Available for K-12th grades and test preps available. For more information, please call Kathleen at (913) 206-2151 or send an email to: Klmamuric@yahoo. com.

Housecleaning - I love what I do and you can love it, too! 20-plus years experience. Excellent references.

Southern JoCo area. Call (913) 548-8702.

Brick mason - Brick, stone, tile and flat work. 19 years of residential/commercial experience. FREE QUOTES - KC metro area. Small and large jobs accepted. Call Jim at (913) 485-4307. www.facebook.com/faganmasonry.

Housecleaning - Old-fashioned cleaning, hand mopping, etc. A thorough and consistent job every time.

References from customers I’ve served for over 17 years.

Call Sharon at (816) 322-0006 (home) or (816) 214-0156 (mobile). Serving the 913 area code area.

Tim the Handyman - Small jobs, faucets, garbage disposals, toilets, ceiling fans, light fixtures, painting, wall ceiling repair, wood rot, siding, decks, doors, windows, and gutter cleaning. Call (913) 526-1844.

CLUTTER GETTING YOU DOWN? Organize, fix, assemble, install! “Kevin Of All Trades” your professional organizer and “HONEY-DO-LIST” specialist. Call today for a free consultation at (913) 271-5055. Insured. References.

Visit our website at: www.KOATINDUSTRIES.com.

Cleaning lady - Reasonable rates; references provided.

Call (913) 940-2959.

Machine quilting - by Jenell Noeth, Basehor. Also, quilts made to order. Call (913) 724-1837.

Bankruptcy consultation - If debts are overwhelming you, seek hope and help from compassionate, experienced Catholic attorney, Teresa Kidd. For a free consultation, call (913) 422-0610; send an email to: tkidd@kc.rr. com; or visit the website at: www.teresakiddlawyer.com.

We moved! Come check out our new office in Lenexa.

Agua Fina Irrigation and Landscape The one-stop location for your project!

Landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance.

Cleanup and grading services It’s time to repair your lawn. 20% discount on lawn renovations with mention of this ad.

Visit the website at: www.goaguafina.com Call (913) 530-7260 or (913) 530-5661 Lawn Mowing Spring Cleanups/Landscaping Local Parishioner Insured/References Free Estimates Call Tony (913) 620-6063 MEDICATION SETUP & MANAGEMENT - RN support visits for filling weekly pill boxes & managing medication. Affordable and convenient. To learn more, call Home Connect Health Services at (913) 627-9222.

Home Improvement STA (Sure Thing Always) Home Repair - Basement finish, bathrooms and kitchens; interior & exterior repairs: painting, roofing, siding, wood replacement and window glazing. Free estimates. Call (913) 491-5837 or (913) 5791835. Email: smokeycabin@hotmail.com. Member of Holy Trinity, Lenexa.

Custom countertops - Laminates installed within 5 days. Cambria, granite, and solid surface. Competitive prices, dependable work. Call the Top Shop, Inc., at (913) 962-5058. Members of St. Joseph, Shawnee.

House painting Interior and exterior; wall paper removal.

Power washing, fences, decks.

30 years experience. References. Reasonable rates.

Call Joe at (913) 620-5776.

Heating and cooling repair and replacement - Call Joe with JB Design and Service. Licensed and insured with 20 years experience. Member of Divine Mercy Parish. Call Joe at (913) 915-6887.

Swalms Organizing Service - Reducing Clutter - Enjoy an Organized Home! Basement, garage, attic, shop, storage rooms - any room organized! Belongings sorted, boxed and labeled, items hauled or taken for recycling, trash bagged. For before and after photos, visit: www. swalmsorganizing.com. Over 20 years of organizing experience; insured. Call Tillar at (913) 375-9115

Detail construction and remodeling - We offer a full line of home remodeling services. Don’t move — remodel!

Johnson county area. Call for a free quote. (913) 709-8401.

Adept Home Improvements Where quality still counts!

Basement finishing, Kitchens and baths, Electrical and plumbing, Licensed and insured. (913) 599-7998 The Drywall Doctor, Inc. - A unique solution to your drywall problems! We fix all types of ceiling and wall damage — from water stains and stress cracks to texture repairs and skim coating. We provide professional, timely repairs and leave the job site clean! Lead-certified and insured!

Serving the metro since 1997. Call (913) 768-6655.

EL SOL Y LA TIERRA *Commercial & residential * Lawn renovation *Mowing * Clean-up and hauling * Dirt grading/installation * Landscape design * Free estimates Hablamos y escribimos Ingles!!

Call Lupe at (816) 252-3376

Caregiving Caregiving - We provide personal assistance, companionship, care management, and transportation to the elderly and disabled in home, assisted living and nursing facilities.

We also provide respite care for main caregivers needing some personal time. Call Daughters & Company at (913) 341-2500 and speak with Laurie, Debbie or Gary.

Childcare - Need some time to run errands or go to an appointment and want your child to benefit from a fun, Catholic, social environment all at the same time?

Consider Our Lady’s Playcare! We provide quality by-thehour childcare that offers flexible hours and a schedule that works with yours. No long-term commitment is required. Simply register in advance of the day you would like your child to attend. We also offer a long-term Mother’s Day Out program. For more information, please call Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church at (816) 7618811 or send an email to: ljenkins@kc.rr.com.

Caregiving - CNA home health aide. Will provide care for your loved one, very reliable. Maintain clean and safe environment. 100% dignity for your loved ones. 18 years of integrity. Meal preparation, all personal care, companionship, light housekeeping, errands and vital signs.

Experience with transfers. Experience with Alzheimer’s, dementia and special-needs patients. Overnight. CPR and first-aid qualified. Great references. Call Sarah at (913) 449-8348.

Have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease? Inquire about our fresh, unique approach to care. At ComfortCare Homes of Kansas City, we provide a calm, stressfree and well-structured home environment for five to eight residents living with Alzheimer’s disease. A ComfortCare home is not “homelike” but rather it is a real home in a real neighborhood — there are no signs in the yard, no restaurant-style dining and no long, impersonal halls lined with patients. To tour and learn more, call Courtney Minter at (913) 609-1891 or visit the website at: www.ComfortCareKC.com.

Caregiving - CNA home health care specialist provides quality home comfort and care for the elderly. Available anytime. References. Affordable/seasoned/nonsmoker.

Call (816) 521-1336.

Looking for high quality home care? - Whether you’re looking to introduce care for your family or simply looking to improve your current home care quality, we can help. Our unique approach to home care has earned us a 99% client satisfaction rating among the 1,000-plus families we have assisted. We are family-owned, with offices in Lenexa and Lawrence. Call Benefits of Home Senior Care, Lenexa: (913) 422-1591 or Lawrence: (785) 727-1816 or www.benefitsofhome.com.

Caregiving - 15 years experience providing quality care that includes assisting with bathing and dressing, personal hygiene, cooking, light housework, dispensing medications, keeping doctor appointments, running errands and basically doing everything to keep you happy, healthy and at home. Excellent references available. Call Mary at (913) 526-6235.

Caregiving - Live-in nurse/companion position wanted.

Will be responsible for all care related to the client. Salary negotiable, recent references. Call (913) 579-5276.

theleaven.com | DECEMBER 13, 2013

December 13, 2013 | theleaven.com

vacation

December

Pilgrimage to France with St. Thérèse - Lourdes, Paris, Lisieux, Normandy. Sept. 8 - Sept. 18, 2014. From Kansas City, $4,499. Call Father Ernie Davis at (816) 444-5406.

Colorado vacation - Winter Park; 2 BR, 1 BA, furnished.

Mountain biking, golf, hiking, and fishing. $125 per night or $700 per week. Call (816) 392-0686.

Mountain cabin in Winter Park, Colo. - 2 BR, 1 BA, fully furnished; sleeps four. View of Continental Divide from deck. Close to points of interest and activities. $95/ night. Call (913) 642-3027. For pictures, visit the website at: www.tillmancabin.com.

REAL ESTATE For sale - 28 Binder Lane, Ottawa, built in 2004. 4 BR, 3 BA, with a finished walkout basement, oak floors and vaulted ceilings. Sits on 5.7 acres of trees and manicured lawn with lake. All paved roads and covenants. Call (913) 980-3007 or send an email to: tomandmaryw@gmail. com for pictures and pricing.

For sale - 10504 W. 65th St., Shawnee. Built in 1966. 3 BR, 2 BA, wood floors, 2 fireplaces, family room, steel storage rooms, fenced yard. Asking $149,000. Call (913) 269-5337.

For sale - 15615 Conser St., Overland Park. St. Michael the Archangel Parish. 3 BR, 2.5 BA. Approximately 2,000 square feet. New floors, paint, roof, garage doors, furnace and AC. $225,000. Call Frank at (913) 558-5204 for more details.

for sale For sale - Single-depth lawn crypt in Charity Gardens.

Surrounded by all the beautiful saints. Includes bronze martyr vault, vase and property. Lot 21, section D4. $5,000. Call (913) 254-0290.

A Singles of Nativity Christmas dance will be held on Dec. 14 from 7 - 11 p.m. at Church of Nativity Parish hall, 119th and Mission Rd., Leawood. The cost to attend is $15 and includes appetizers, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks. At the dance there will be a one-day-only promotion to join SON or renew the 2014 membership for $10. The dress code is semi-formal. For more information, send an email to Susana at: susana.marcos@gmail.com.

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A memorial liturgy for deceased loved ones will be held at 8 a.m. on Dec. 14 at Curé of Ars, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood.

Following the Mass, the bereavement ministry will hold its monthly support meeting in the Father Burak Room. Msgr. Charles McGlinn will speak on spirituality and grief.

For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

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Christ’s Peace House of Prayer in Easton will host a contemplative prayer retreat day from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. Instruc-

tion will be provided on request. Full- or half-day options are available, with a noon meal included. The cost is $25 per participant. The retreat may be extended for an overnight stay. For information or to register, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: info@shantivanam.com.

A Mass with prayers for healing, sponsored by archdiocesan charismatic prayer groups, will be held Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Father Burak Room at Curé of Ars Parish, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood. For more information, call (913) 649-2026.

The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus, 2646 S. 34th St., Kansas City, Kan., will host an all-you-can eat pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15 from 8 - 11 a.m. in the church hall. The cost to attend is: $6 for adults; $4 for children ages 4 - 12; and free for children under the age of 3.

The vocation office will host a short, challenging Quo Vadis re20-22 treat for single men ages 18 – 35 to discern their purpose in life, including a look at the priesthood, from Dec. 20 - 22 at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, Kan. Activities include a pro-life Mass and rosary procession, eucharistic adoration and lunch with the Sisters, Servants of Mary, and talks on holiness, sacrifice and discernment.

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, priests, and seminarians will offer their insights and guidance. There is no cost to attend, and those who register by Dec. 16 online at: www.kckvocations.com are eligible to win a gift card.

“Gaudete Vespers: An Advent Celebration,” featuring vocal ensemble Sursum Corda, will be held Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at Holy Angels Church, 15440 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor. The program will invite those present to join first in the liturgical celebration of evening prayer, accompanied by the choir, and conclude with a brief concert of sacred polyphony to prepare minds and hearts for the joy of the Christmas season. There is no cost to attend.

Freewill donations will be accepted for the support of Sursum Corda.

All Addictions, a support group for women dealing with any kind of addiction at any stage of recovery, meets on Tuesday evenings from 6 - 7 p.m. at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. To register, call (913) 906-8990 or register online at: www.keelerwomenscenter.org.

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Archbishop Joseph Naumann will be joined by archdiocesan seminarians and vocational retreatants for an archdiocesan pro-life Mass on Dec. 21 at 8 a.m. at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, 44 N. Mill, Kansas City, Kan. Immediately following Mass will be a rosary procession to an abortion clinic approximately four blocks away. Eucharistic adoration will be available for those not processing. Benediction concludes services by 9:45 a.m.

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For sale - Mausoleum double crypt and inscription with interment fees for two. Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa.

Queen of the Holy Rosary patio, tier F115; $7,500. Call (913) 634-1178.

Stair lifts & More We’ll lift you up!

Residential lifts - Buy/sell/trade. Stair lifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts and elevators. Recycled and new equipment.

Member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Leawood.

Call Silver Cross KC at (913) 327-5557.

Call Ed Toll Free 1-855-543-8632

ENTERTAINMENT New Year’s Eve singles extravaganza - Dec. 31 from 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m., Holy Trinity Church hall, 9150 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa. Save $5 on advance tickets. For tickets and table reservations prior to Dec. 20, call John Stuart at (913) 219-3465. Includes DJ Zepster, delicious appetizers, beer, wine, soda, water and champagne at midnight! The cost to attend is $40 at the door.

MISCELLANEOUS Donate a vehicle. Make a difference. Donate your vehicle to Catholic Charities to support those in need.

Your tax-deductible donation of a vehicle helps children and families served by Catholic Charities and is an environmentally wise way to recycle your vehicle. Cars for KC Kids is a partnership between Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Call (866) 430-9499 or visit our website at: www.cars4kckids.com.

wanted to buy Wanted to buy - Antique/vintage jewelry, lighters, fountain pens, post card collections, paintings/prints, pottery, sterling, china dinnerware.

Renee Maderak, (913) 631-7179.

St. Joseph Parish, Shawnee Wanted - Old drugstore, pharmacy, apothecary, soda fountain. Also will buy old signs and Coca-Cola.

Call (913) 593-7507 or (913) 642-8269.

Will buy firearms and related accessories - One or a whole collection. Honest evaluation and top prices paid.

Contact Tom at (913) 238-2473. Member of Sacred Heart Parish, Shawnee.

Wagner’s Mud-Jacking Co. Specializing in Foundation Repairs Mud-jacking and Waterproofing.

Serving Lawrence, Topeka and surrounding areas.

Topeka (785) 233-3447 Lawrence (785) 749-1696 In business since 1963 www.foundationrepairks.com

Christ’s Peace House of Prayer will hold a retreat on St. Thomas 13-15 Aquinas as a spiritual guide from Dec. 13 - 15. The cost to attend is $150 per person or $225 for each couple, with all meals included. If interested, call (913) 773-8255 or send an email to: director cp@christspeace.com.

calendar 13

Concrete Work

Any type of repair and new work Driveways, Walks, Patios Member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish

Harvey M. Kascht (913) 262-1555

Scooter/bath/wheelchair/pool Free consults. Leaven discounts!

Member Good Shepherd, Shawnee

The annual seminarians and parents Mass and luncheon, sponsored by the Serra Clubs of the archdiocese, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 at the Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St., Overland Park.

27

January St. Therese Little Flower Church, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, Mo., will host its annual Mass dedicated to Kansas City police officers who have died in the line of duty on Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Father Ernie Davis at (816) 444-5406.

1

Do you and your spouse need help with improving your communication skills? Marriage for Keeps, an outreach of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, is returning to St. Paul Parish, Olathe. Marriage for Keeps offers education, support and resources for couples seeking to improve their marriage and strengthen their family. Workshops teach couples to communicate effectively, reduce conflict, connect emotionally and learn to better meet each other’s needs. Classes begin Jan. 7 and run seven consecutive Tuesdays through Feb. 18 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Registration is required by calling (913) 621-5775, ext. 1105, or send an email to Donna at: dmills@catholiccharitiesks.org.

7

DeLeon Furniture

Furniture, upholstering and restoration 1142 Minnesota Ave. Kansas City, Kan. 66102 (913) 342-9446

14 commentary Scripture Readings

theleaven.com | december 13, 2013

Dec. 15 third sunday of advent Is 35: 1-6a, 10 Ps 146: 6-10 Jas 5: 7-10 Mt 11: 2-11 Dec. 16 Monday Nm 24: 2-7, 15-17a Ps 25: 4-9 Mt 21: 23-27 Dec. 17 Tuesday Gn 49: 2, 8-10 Ps 72: 1-4, 7-8, 17 Mt 1: 1-17 Dec. 18 Wednesday Jer 23: 5-8 Ps 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Mt 1: 18-25 Dec. 19 Thursday Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25a Ps 71: 3-6, 16-17 Lk 1: 5-25 Dec. 20 Friday Is 7: 10-14 Ps 24: 1-6 Lk 1: 26-38 Dec. 21 Peter Canisius, priest, doctor of the church Sg 2: 8-14 Ps 33: 2-3, 11-12, 20-21 Lk 1: 39-45

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ordained to serve

mark my words

third week of ADVENT

“A

Turn your gift giving into an art

rt enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the

same time.”

Thomas Merton, the famous Trappist monk, author and mystic, once uttered these wise words. This year, following Merton’s idea, I’m recommending some books, all having to do with art in some way, to consider giving (or getting!) for Christmas.

First up is a gorgeous book that teaches the art of praying with art. Your prayer guide is Father Mark Haydu, LC, who is the international coordinator of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. The volume, “Meditations on Vatican Art” (Liguori, 2013; 202 pp.; $29.99), contains over 28 masterpieces. Father Mark includes information about each piece, a Scripture passage to ponder, a detailed meditation, a prayer and reflection section, and a practical spiritual exercise. It’s worth every cent of the purchase price.

Next up is the art of learning to pray with Scripture.

Many Catholics are still a bit afraid when it comes to the Bible. Sister Maria Tasto, OSB, will calm that fear and lead you in “The Transform-

Father Mark Goldasich Father Mark Goldasich is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Tonganoxie. He has been editor of The Leaven since 1989. ing Power of Lectio Divina” (Twenty-Third Publications, 2013; 116 pp.; $12.95). She explains the four stages of lectio in this simple guide to help readers ultimately “become the Word of God you are meant to be.”

Learning the art of making prayer a habit could not be easier than with Kevin Cotter’s “Through the Year with Pope Francis” (Our Sunday Visitor, 2013; 384 pp.; $16.95). Although I’ve not physically seen this book, as it was just published on Dec. 9, I’ve examined samples of it on Amazon. It presents 365 papal quotes, usually just a paragraph or two long, and a short reflection question and action from the author. I really liked what I saw and have a copy winging its way to me.

An interesting side note is that Kotter is a former Nativity parishioner and worked at Prairie Star Ranch.

And, speaking of Pope Francis, the next book teaches the art of Christian leadership. It’s not only a glimpse into what makes our Jesuit pope tick, but it gives anyone who leads — in a company, family, classroom, or team — some lessons in pursuing spiritual leadership. “Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads” (Loyola Press, 2013; 171 pp.; $16.95), by Chris Lowney, will help readers to lead “with courage, compassion and conviction.” Far from being dry and jargon-filled, this very readable book — with chapters like “Of Spiritual Exercises and Cell Phones,” “Washing Feet,” and “Dirty Shoes” — challenges leaders in any capacity to thoughtful reflection.

The last two entries, though not recently published, were new to me and so I’m recommending them.

One could be called the art of praying like an artist.

Sybil MacBeth has written a captivating little book called “Praying in Color” (Paraclete Press, 2007; 104 pp.; $16.95). A truly unique and

fascinating way to pray, this book suggests that we try “drawing a new path to God.” She invites us to reenter “the childlike world of coloring and improvising.” Don’t let the “drawing” aspect deter you. With plenty of colorful illustrations and suggestions, MacBeth will have you sneaking your kids’ colored markers and approaching God in a whole new way.

The sixth book for possible Christmas giving is one that teaches the art of not taking life — or even your faith — so seriously. To tickle your funny bone, check out Deacon Tom Sheridan’s “Second Book of Catholic Jokes” (Acta Publications, 2010; 96 pp.; $10.95). Although readers may have heard some of these jokes before, it’s nice to have them collected in book form and easily accessible.

Here’s just one, appropriate for this season of the year: Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshipers? They sold their souls to Santa!

(Cue the drummer for a rimshot: badum-CHING.) On that note, it’s time to close the book on this column so you can hustle out and practice the art of last-minute shopping.

In the beginning

God’s salvation not limited to spiritual needs

R

ecently, I read the book, “The Worst Hard Time,” by Timothy Egan. It tells the story of the Dust Bowl, which hit the Great Plains during the 1930s.

It is hard to imagine the extreme hardships that people endured. Some died from the dust that they inhaled. Many were reduced to poverty. The fact that the entire country was going through the Great Depression did not help any.

People’s spirits were at an all-time low. One man wrote in his diary: “Today is just common hell, death and destruction to every growing thing. A dry, deadly S.W. wind, a dead clear sky and a vicious blazing sun make up the picture of destruction. God in his infinite wisdom might have made a more discouraging place than Webster County, Nebraska, but as far as I know

commentary 15

december 13, 2013 | theleaven.com

Father Mike Stubbs Father Mike Stubbs is the pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Overland Park and has a degree in Scripture from Harvard University.

God never did.”

The book also tells about the efforts to reverse the damage done to the soil by the over-plowing which caused the dust storms. As part of the New Deal, soil conservation districts were created to promote better farming practices that would protect the land.

The goal was to heal the land and restore it to health.

Through that process, people’s physical health would

Pope francis In addition to having worked sweeping floors and running tests in a chemical laboratory as a teenager, Pope Francis revealed he also used to work as a bouncer. No longer kicking troublemakers out of clubs, he has discovered the secret to bringing people back, this time, into the church, according to the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, Dec. 2.

also improve. Ultimately, their spirits would rise.

That also is the vision proclaimed in Sunday’s first reading, Is 35:1-6a, 10: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom.” Of course, the land in this case is the Holy Land.

Over the centuries, over-grazing of the pastures, intensive farming, and the cutting down of trees for firewood and lumber had taken their toil on the land. The desert gradually made inroads. This is the original dust bowl. The land is in need of healing.

The prophet extends his vision of God’s healing to include people as well: “Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak. . . . Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the

The pope spent four hours at a parish visit of the church of San Cirillo Alessandrino in a working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of Rome Dec. 1. He chatted informally with a large number of parishioners before and after celebrating Mass. He told one group that when he was young, he worked as a bouncer, and that his work later in life, teaching literature and psychology, taught him how to get people back into the church. He said it’s enough to be a wit-

tongue of the mute will sing.”

Besides healing these physical ailments, God will also address the spiritual needs of the people: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.”

In Isaiah’s vision, salvation encompasses restoration of the land, and people’s physical healing as well as their spiritual healing. God wishes to address all three areas. We cannot limit God’s salvation to any one area.

The vision of salvation that Isaiah enunciated thousands of years ago continues to speak to our own situation.

The earth has suffered ecological damage. People still have physical ailments. They are still in need of spiritual healing. We are waiting for our God to save us.

ness of hope and, as St. Peter said, “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” Recounting how he discovered his vocation to the priesthood after confession with a priest he had never met before, the pope joked it was common knowledge that the best confessors are priests the penitent does not know and priests who are deaf.

— CNS

A peek at a day in the life of deacon candidates

L

ast August, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann admitted 19 men as candidates for the permanent diaconate.

These men had already completed one year of preliminary formation called “aspirancy,” yet those who persevere in the program won’t be ordained until 2017.

What are they doing now to prepare for ordained ministry?

In a word, plenty.

The candidates’ demanding regimen includes one full weekend per month of classes at Savior Pastoral Center

Leon Suprenant Leon Suprenant is the pastoral associate for administration in the office of the permanent diaconate. He also blogs at: www.archkck.org/blog. (with plenty of studying and paper-writing in between); an array of pastoral experiences (the men are currently volunteering with Catholic Charities); daily meditation and praying the Liturgy of the Hours; various forms of service in their respective parishes; and — oh, yeah — responsibilities at home

(they’re all married with children) and work (they all have full-time “day jobs”).

Just balancing all these elements can be quite a challenge. Brad Sloan of Topeka describes a typical day in his life: 5:45 a.m., prayer with fellow candidate Tim Ruoff; 6 a.m., men’s group; 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., work; after work, ministry to needy; 6:45-9 p.m., family time; 9-10 p.m., study; 10:30 p.m., bed.

The candidates report a significant deepening of their prayer life as a result of their formation. Ron Zishka of Tonganoxie feels especially “part of the universal church” as he prays the Liturgy of the Hours. Dave Cresswell of Kansas City, Kan., reports that his day “usually begins with morning prayer with

about 10 other early risers” at St. Patrick Parish. He says that this communal prayer “energizes [him] in the morning to pass on encouragement to others throughout the day.”

Without exception, the candidates say that their life is different now than it was before they entered the program. Phillip Nguyen says that the combination of theological, spiritual, and service-oriented formation has made him “a humbler and more patient person.”

Steve Nguyen (no relation) of Overland Park strives to be a “man of the kingdom,” adding, “I am learning to trust Christ daily — for myself and for my family. And that is enough to keep me going.”

No doubt these men

came to the program already dedicated to daily prayer, family life, and service in the church. Yet, as Joe Allen of Olathe recognizes, “becoming a deacon candidate takes that devotion to prayer, family, and service to a whole new level, all rooted in an intense love for Jesus.”

Marcos Navarro of Lenexa beautifully sums up the process: “My life has been transformed. My priorities are focused on loving the Lord and answering his call to service. I have become increasingly aware of the many needs of others, including the homeless, hungry, disabled, incarcerated, and those needing spiritual support. . . . It is reassuring to me that this is what I am called to do.”

Building the culture of Life

Update on Affordable Care Act — life and liberty attacks

W

ith all of the media coverage and confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act, it seems timely

to review, in summary fashion, the major ACA provisions impacting religious freedom and life which are not often covered by much of the media.

Let’s cover religious freedom first. The coercive HHS mandate (part of ACA) attacks religious freedom and forces individuals and organizations, including Catholic organizations and ministries, to violate their religious beliefs on issues of life. There are dozens of lawsuits against

Ron Kelsey Ron Kelsey is the archdiocesan consultant for the pro-life office. You can email him at: prolife@archkck. org or call (913) 647-0350. this mandate, including those brought by Catholic dioceses and Catholic organizations.

One of these lawsuits received a favorable ruling in a federal district court in Pennsylvania on Nov. 21. The plaintiffs include the Catholic dioceses of Pittsburg and Erie and related organizations.

Fortunately, a preliminary injunction was granted preventing the government from

enforcing the HHS mandate against the plaintiffs.

In another encouraging development, the U.S. Supreme Court has recently agreed to hear two cases involving the for-profit organizations, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties. These companies are arguing that their religious freedom has been violated by the HHS mandate.

For more information regarding religious liberty issues go to the bishops’ website at: www.usccb.org/ issues-and-action/religiousliberty.

Now let’s cover the numerous life issues involved in the ACA. First, most state exchanges, although not the one in Kansas, include insurance policies that cover abortion.

Since many individuals will receive federal subsidies to

help pay for their insurance, this effectively forces all taxpayers to provide monies to help pay for abortions.

Also, under ACA, Medicaid will expand significantly.

Medicaid, by federal law, covers abortions in cases of rape, incest and life endangerment of the mother. Additionally, under Medicaid, some states use state monies to cover abortions beyond those covered in federal law. The Lozier Institute estimates that the above two aspects of ACA will expand abortions by 71,000, to 111,500 abortions per year.

The HHS mandate will also expand abortions by providing free access (no outof-pocket insurance costs) to ella, the abortion drug similar in chemical composition to the RU-486 abortion pill.

Abortions will also expand

by increased free access to contraceptive drugs and devices, such as IUDs, which can cause abortions.

Bottom line? Abortions will increase due to certain provisions of ACA. It is important to note that the rights that are being attacked are fundamental rights. Fundamental rights are those rights which must exist before other rights can exist.

Life is a fundamental right because one does not need other rights if one is dead.

Religious liberty is our most fundamental liberty right, because our religious beliefs are at the center of our very being. When fundamental rights are eliminated, other rights are at risk.

Therefore, we must stay vigilant and informed on provisions within ACA which attack life and liberty.

from the super

Among a myriad of changes, one thing stays the same

D

ear friends of Catholic schools,

As I write this, the Thanksgiving holiday weekend has ended and Advent begun.

The last of our children and grandchildren have returned to their own homes, and I find myself reflecting on how blessed Jim and I are.

It is a tradition in our family for everyone to gather at our home for Thanksgiving.

This year, it meant feeding 24 for several days! Amid all the laughter, noise, and activity, there were multiple times that I felt overcome with gratitude that I have lived to “see my

kathy o’Hara Kathy O’Hara is the superintendent of archdiocesan schools. children’s children.” Our four sons have married four great women who are wonderful wives and mothers, and our sons are active parents.

Our daughter, while still single, loves entertaining her 13 nieces and nephews.

I am so appreciative that

our grandchildren are being raised in faith-filled, stable environments.

I write this not to brag about my family but as a realization that not all children have this experience, and this greatly impacts what happens in schools. Often, when I visit with people, they will lament that school “just is not what it used to be” when they were growing up.

The reality is that schools cannot operate the way they used to in the past because the children of today are different. Many times, today’s children live part of the school week with one parent and the other part with the other parent. Many children

are being raised by grandparents. Some children have families who left a country thousands of miles away and are just learning to speak English. Many children have diagnosed learning problems and/or physical or neurological disorders.

How does this all impact what happens in schools?

Teachers in today’s schools must first understand all the learning implications this diverse student population creates, and then be able to adjust teaching to meet all of their students’ instructional needs. Lesson planning is almost like preparing an individual education plan for each student, rather than a group

lesson for an entire class. And this is the easy part!

Think about how all this student diversity affects the most important part of our Catholic school mission — the formation of our students’ souls. The good news is that our teachers can pray with students, regardless of their circumstances. Our students can feel the loving touch of Jesus in the Eucharist and know that they have innate dignity and worth because they are children of God. This is one aspect of schooling that has not changed in Catholic schools, nor will it ever. ¡Vaya con Dios!

16 nelson mandela

theleaven.com | december 13, 2013

‘a servant of the people’ Mandela recalled as a man who inspired others to uphold human dignity W ASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Francis joined church and government leaders from around the world in crediting Nelson Mandela for a steadfast commitment to promoting human rights and upholding the dignity of all people in response to the death Dec. 5 of the former president of South Africa.

In a message to South Africa President Jacob Zuma, Pope Francis said he offered a prayer to assure that Mandela’s efforts to forge a new nation based on nonviolence, reconciliation and truth after the apartheid era “will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.”

The pontiff also asked God to “console and strengthen all who mourn [Mandela’s] loss.”

Mandela, who had been battling complications from a lung infection, died at his home in Johannesburg. He was 95.

Others commended Mandela for leading a peaceful transition to democratic rule after he was released from prison in 1990 after 27 years and his election in 1994 as South Africa’s first black president.

President Barack Obama praised Mandela for striving to achieve a “democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”

“We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again,” Obama said during a press briefing Dec. 5. “So it falls to us as best we can to forward the example that he set, to make decisions guided not by hate, but by love, to never discount the difference that one person can make, to strive for a future that is worthy of his sacrifice.”

Obama later in the day directed that flags be lowered to half-staff through sunset Dec. 9.

The Catholic Church in Southern Africa said the death of Mandela brought great sadness and expressed its gratitude “for the sacrifice he made for all peoples of South Africa and for the leadership and inspiration he gave in leading us on the path of reconciliation.”

“The greatest way we can acknowledge the life of Nelson Mandela is to strive for the ideals he cherished: freedom, equality and democracy, and to defend these ideals from those who would corrupt them,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference said in a statement signed by Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town.

Mandela “never compromised on his principles and vision for a democratic and just South Africa where all have equal opportunities, even at great cost to his own freedom,” the statement said.

When Mandela was released from prison, “the country was in turmoil and blood was being spilt almost daily,” the bishops said.

“Through his leadership at that time, reinforced when he became president in 1994, he led the country on the path of reconciliation and peace, calling on South Africans to throw all arms of destruction into the sea. For this we shall always be indebted to him,” they said.

In a personal statement, Archbishop Brislin said Mandela inspired the world.

To honor Mandela’s memory and continue the struggle for justice in South Africa and elsewhere, people must continue to seek a just order that includes all people, end discrimination, eradicate poverty, ensure that people live in dignity, have

CNS photo/Mike Hutchings, Reuters

Former South African President Nelson Mandela, who led the struggle to replace the country’s apartheid regime with a multiracial democracy, died Dec. 5 at age 95 at his home in Johannesburg. He is pictured in a 2008 photo. honest government untainted by corruption and care for the poorest and most vulnerable people in society, he said.

In a telephone interview Dec. 6, Bishop Kevin Dowling of Rustenburg, South Africa, said Mandela “lived the values that make life truly meaningful” and explained that the former president’s “memory invites us to reflect on our call to be human beings with each other and for each other.”

Bishop Dowling, vice chairman of the Southern African bishops’ conference justice and peace department, helped establish the conference’s parliamentary liaison office in Cape Town soon after Mandela was elected president.

The bishop recalled one day in November 1995 in which he met Mandela twice: once at the funeral of a king of the Bafokeng people and later in Oukasie, a tumbledown township that was the site

CNS photos/Siphiwe Sibeko, Reuters

Women pose for a picture while holding a poster during the national memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg Dec. 10. People packed the First National Bank Stadium, celebrating Mandela’s life and his gift for uniting enemies across political and racial divides.

of significant struggle during apartheid, for a gathering of the international Young Christian Workers.

In Oukasie, Mandela “headed straight for the kids who were there and there was such mutual joy at seeing each other,” Bishop Dowling said, noting that Mandela “always had such smiling eyes and an exceptional love for children.”

Then Mandela “asked me if the people at the meeting were all from different countries and when I confirmed this, he said, ‘Then I must greet them all personally.’”

“So there was this old man, who had had a very long day, shaking hands with every person there, asking them what country they were from. And the look on those young people’s faces as he did that . . . ,” Bishop Dowling said.

The values Mandela portrayed — “understanding, compassion, reaching out to others — are values I aspire to, and I think every one of us feels the same. He was what we yearn to be ourselves: profoundly human,” he said.

Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, a South African priest who served in Mandela’s cabinet, said the former president “was such a servant of the people that I sometimes thought, ‘This man should have been a priest, not me.’”

The priest, who now heads South Africa’s Moral Regeneration Movement, said that as deputy minister of education he once opened a new school in a poor rural area of South Africa in Mandela’s presence.

“I felt so small and wondered why he didn’t take over and officiate. But he put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Smangaliso, this is your day. I am here to stand next to you and give you support.’

That was the kind of man he was,” Father Mkhatshwa said in a Dec. 6 telephone interview from Johannesburg.

Retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu lauded his fellow Nobel laureate as a man who showed a deeply divided nation how to come together. He downplayed rumors that South Africa

“

In his struggle against apartheid rule, Nelson Mandela was a light for peace and equality in his country and for the whole world.”

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, Louisville, Ky. would “go up in flames” in the wake of Mandela’s death, saying such talk discredits South Africans’ and Mandela’s legacy.

“The sun will rise tomorrow, and the next day and the next. . . . It may not appear as bright as yesterday, but life will carry on,” he said.

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also mourned Mandela’s passing, calling him an icon.

“In his struggle against apartheid rule, Nelson Mandela was a light for peace and equality in his country and for the whole world,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky. “His years of imprisonment exemplified the suffering experienced by so many who seek justice. As president of South Africa, Mandela sought to undo the structures that marginalized and impoverished people — work Pope Francis is now challenging the entire world to imitate.”

Archbishop Kurtz added that the prayers of the U.S. bishops were with the Mandela family and the people and church of South Africa.

“We thank God for his brave witness and for all men and women who work against injustice and seek, in the words of Pope John XXIII, ‘to make the human sojourn on earth less sad.’”