Summer 2023 - Vol. 58 No. 2

South Texas Catholic

COME AND SEE WEEKENDS Opportunity for discernment

Keep up with the faith at southtexascatholic.com

VOL. 59 NO. 2

Publisher Bishop Michael Mulvey, STL DD Director of Communications and Public Relations

Katia Uriarte Philipello kuriarte@diocesecc.org

Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations

Jesse DeLeon jdeleon@diocesecc.org

Theological Consultant

Rev. Richard Libby, Chancellor rlibby@diocesecc.org

Communications Specialist Adel Sauceda asauceda@diocesecc.org

Social Media Coordinator and Videographer Elizabeth Morales emorales@diocesecc.org

Broadcast Technical Director Richard Luna rluna@diocesecc.org

Communications Administrative Assistant AnaLisa Iber aiber@diocesecc.org

Correspondents

Rebecca Esparza and Jessica Rohr

Translator/Correspondent

Gloria Romero

Contributors: Thank you Rev. Brady Williams, SOLT, Lisa McKelvey, Deacon Michael Mantz

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INSIDE

3 | LETTER FROM THE BISHOP: A time for new beginnings. In this season of Easter, we move from darkness to light from hopelessness to redemption.

6 | DIOCESAN NEWS: Prayerfully consider a gift to support communications efforts in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

On page 8: Efforts to repair and rebuild bring hope long after Hurricane Harvey.

11 | JESUS SAYS: Father Brady compares “the rose is more beautiful, because of the thorns” theme to the Lord’s resurrection.

16 | VOCATIONS: Come and See: offering young men in our diocese the opportunity for discernment.

20 | SPREADING THE LIGHT: Permanent deacons: announcing the Good News outside of the church walls.

24 | CELEBRATING MOMS: Motherhood’s gift of new beginnings, and witnessing God’s love to one another.

28 | WOMAN OF STRENGTH: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton started what is now the Catholic parochial school system in the west.

30 | NATIONAL NEWS: Report shows 6% decrease in abortions in six months after Dobbs decision.

31 | WORLD NEWS: Largest statue of Christ in Mexico, dedicated on Easter Sunday.

32 | A WORD: Vatican announces date and theme for 2023 World Day for Grandparents and Elderly.

On page 33: Pope Francis tells keyboard warriors to put aside online polemics to proclaim the Gospel.

ON THE COVER ST. JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SEEK FURTHER INTO VOCATIONS, PHOTO TAKEN BY ELIZABETH MORALES, STC.. PICTURED ARE: ANDREW YBARRA, LARRY ROBERTS, MARCUS MARTINEZ, MARIO MARTINEZ, NICOLAS URBINA, VICTOR CHAPA, REID SCHWING, ELIJAH MALDONADO, ANDREW EDGHILL, NOAH MERRIMAN (TEACHER), ETHAN NGUYEN, ARMANDO RIVERA, NICOLAS CURIEL, MICHAEL ROBERTS, EVAN KARABANOFF, DAVID CARDENAS (TEACHER), REV. CHARLES SILVAS, MOST REV. MICHAEL MULVEY, BOB CUMMINGS

LETTER FROM THE BISHOP A Time for New Beginnings

My sisters and brothers,

During the season of Lent, we were reminded that prayer, fasting and almsgiving sustain us spiritually as we look forward to celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. In this season of Easter, we move from darkness to light, from hopelessness to redemption, from the pain of the crucifixion to the glory of the resurrection. We see how Jesus’ dying and rising not only shows his tremendous love for us but is rife with a spirit of a new beginning. In fact, we may be surprised when we take the time to realize how many new beginnings are happening all around us. Yet, if we take time to reflect, we can see how that eagerness to begin again buoys and infuses our faith.

Making a fresh start may often be the result of a desire to reassess and rebuild. Whether it is a relationship, an organization, or a physical structure, realistically looking at the situations we face from an honest perspective can lead us to a clearer view of what is essential, what needs to be changed or improved and what can be excluded or omitted. The process itself often requires us to invest a significant amount of time. This investment, if offered earnestly, can bring us to a fresh revelatory perspective that enables us to sustain the energy and the focus to make a meaningful new beginning.

While a new start can be exciting and often much-needed, it can easily make us nervous or anxious about the uncertainty that something new can bring. It is moments like this in which we must remember to embrace uncertainty and ask God for his guidance and peace. Feeling unsure about something

unknown is quite normal. During those moments, we must pray for a steadfast spirit that will move us past our feelings of insecurity into a new experience that can enhance our lives and enrich our spirit in pleasantly unexpected ways.

Some of these fresh starts and new chapters are presented in this issue. You’ll hear about the new beginnings that are being cultivated by the diaconate program in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, how meticulous time and effort are being utilized in the repair of several diocesan properties and buildings, and how the gift of motherhood sets the stage for a lifetime of life-giving new beginnings.

New beginnings are born of forgiveness. The old or unnecessary is put aside in favor of renewal, connection, conversion, and recommitment. Knowing that Jesus is always ready to forgive our sins and offer us peace, we are invited to grow in a deeper relationship with him, renewed by our acknowledgment of our sins and his forgiveness and absolution. New beginnings have the power to change our perspective. They call us to be mindful of how our thoughts and actions affect us and those around us. And with hope in our hearts, we pray that with each new start, we grow closer to God, whose love for us always leads us to the truest and best version of ourselves.

+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

CARTA DEL OBISPO

Un tiempo para Empezar de Nuevo

Mis hermanas y hermanos,

Durante la temporada de Cuaresma, se nos recordó que la oración, el ayuno y la limosna nos sostienen espiritualmente, mientras esperamos celebrar la Resurrección de Jesús el Domingo de Pascua. En este tiempo de Pascua, pasamos de la oscuridad a la luz, de la desesperanza a la redención, del dolor de la crucifixión a la gloria de la resurrección. Vemos cómo la muerte y resurrección de Jesús no solo nos muestra su inmenso amor, sino también nos llena de inspiración para nuevos comienzos. De hecho, nos sorprendería, darnos cuenta de cuántos nuevos comienzos están sucediendo a nuestro alrededor, si nos diéramos tiempo para ello. Si tomamos el tiempo para pensar y reflexionar, podremos ver cómo esas ansias de comenzar de nuevo, son las mismas que impulsan e infunden fe en nosotros.

Empezar de nuevo, es a menudo el resultado de un deseo de reevaluar y reconstruir. Ya sea una relación, una organización o una estructura física, que es en realidad, una manera de enfrentar las situaciones, desde una perspectiva mas honesta y realista, lo cual nos lleva a una visión más clara de lo que es esencial, de lo que se necesita cambiar o mejorar y de lo que puede ser excluido u omitido. El proceso en sí mismo, requiere con frecuencia, que invirtamos una cantidad significativa de tiempo. Esta inversión, si la hacemos propiamente, puede darnos una perspectiva mas fresca y reveladora, que nos permitirá mantener la energía y el enfoque para hacer un nuevo comienzo significativo. Si bien un nuevo comienzo puede ser emocionante y a menudo, necesario, también es cierto que puede ponernos un poco nerviosos o ansiosos por la incertidumbre que genera hacer algo nuevo. Son momentos como este, en los que debemos recordar abrazar la incertidumbre y pedirle a Dios que nos guie y nos de paz. Sentirse

inseguro acerca de algo desconocido es bastante normal. Durante esos momentos, debemos orar por un espíritu firme que nos mueva más allá de nuestros propios sentimientos de inseguridad y nos impulse hacia una nueva experiencia, que tenga la posibilidad de mejorar nuestras vidas y enriquecer nuestro espíritu de maneras inesperadas y agradables.

Algunos de estos principios frescos y capítulos nuevos, se presentan en la edición de este número. Escuchará a cerca de los nuevos comienzos que han sido cultivados por el programa del diaconado en la Diócesis de Corpus Christi, de cómo se ha estado utilizando meticulosamente, tiempo y esfuerzo para la reparación de varias propiedades y edificios diocesanos, y de cómo es que el don de la maternidad prepara el escenario para dar vida a nuevos comienzos.

Los nuevos comienzos nacen del perdón. Lo viejo o innecesario se hace a un lado, para darle paso a la renovación y reconexión, para la conversión y el nuevo compromiso. Sabiendo que Jesús siempre está dispuesto a perdonar nuestros pecados y ofrecernos paz, aprendemos que estamos invitados a crecer en una relación más profunda con El, renovada por el reconocimiento de nuestros pecados, as como de su perdón y absolución. Empezar de nuevo, tiene el poder de cambiar nuestra perspectiva. Es un llamado a ser más conscientes de cómo nuestros pensamientos y acciones nos afectan tanto a nosotros como a quienes nos rodean. Y con esperanza en nuestros corazones, oramos para que con cada nuevo comienzo, nos acerquemos más a Dios, cuyo amor por nosotros siempre nos induce a la versión más verdadera y mejor de nosotros mismos.

+Most Rev. Michael Mulvey, STL, DD Bishop of Corpus Christi

Latest News from the Diocese of Corpus Christi

Diocese of Corpus Christi Communications

BY LISA MCKELVEY Contributor

The faithful of the Diocese of Corpus Christi are very generous. Each year, thousands of Catholics come together to fund ministries and Catholic programs throughout the twelve counties that make up the diocese.

T he Communications Department proclaims the Gospel at all times, in all places, and to all people. They do this through a variety of programs and initiatives. Many Catholics in the diocese are familiar with the South Texas Catholic magazine, but there is so much more being done to spread the good news and evangelize to a variety of people:

Podcasts, Radio and Videos

Our Shepherds View, which you can hear on 89.5 KLUX-FM every Sunday at 9 a.m., is produced by the Communications Team of the diocese. Each week, Bishop Mulvey gives a reflection on the readings and how they apply to our life right now. Did you catch the Lenten Series “Growing in Grace”? That was also produced in-house by the Communications Team. For those homebound or sick, English and Spanish Sunday Masses are livestreamed from the Cathedral each week.

Social Media

The Communications Team is proactively reaching those who may not be actively engaged at one of the 94 parishes and missions around the diocese. Social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, plus the YouTube channel, help reach those people and invite them into a more personal relationship with Christ.

Events and Activities

T he State of the Diocese event had over 600

attendees from all across the diocese to grow in their faith, learn more about getting involved, and celebrate being Catholic. Events like this are great outreach tools to draw people deeper into their faith and involvement in the Church.

South Texas Catholic Magazine

The South Texas Catholic magazine is the official publication of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and was launched in 1966. It is still published each quarter and sent to more than 18,000 households. One of the many ways Bishop Mulvey and the diocese are able to evangelize and promote the work of the Church is through this wide-reaching publication.

The Official Diocesan Website

The diocesan website, diocesecc.org, is the #1 resource guide for all things Catholic in the Coastal Bend. The website is home to pages for each of the offices and ministries, plus directory listings of each parish and Catholic school. You can also find the daily readings, latest Catholic news, calendar of events and more.

ELIZABETH MORALES | STC

DIOCESAN NEWS

Latest News from the Diocese of Corpus Christi

Communications Appeal

Donors to the Communications Appeal support all these ongoing efforts to share the Gospel and reach beyond those we sit next to in the pews each week. Communication truly is the key to evangelization. We can’t evangelize without communicating who we are as Catholics and inviting people to learn and grow more in their faith.

A ll are asked to prayerfully consider a gift to support communications and evangelization

efforts across the diocese. To learn more about the appeal or make a gift, visit diocesecc.org/communicationsappeal

For any questions about the Communications Appeal or the programs it supports, please call (361) 693-6658 or email lmckelvey@diocesecc.org, the Director of Stewardship and Development, Lisa McKelvey.

Left: Bishop Mulvey records the keynote message for a recent conference. Above: Bishop Michael Mulvey records a program and podcast of Our Shepherd’s View with Jesse De Leon.

ELIZABETH MORALES

DIOCESAN NEWS

Latest News from the Diocese of Corpus Christi

Deacon Mark Arnold meets with contractors in the gym’s training area at St. John Paul II High School as they assess building damage caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Eloy Ozuna, Most Precious Blood Parish, and Deacon Mark Arnold, Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, inside St. John Paul II High School Campus.

Latest News from the Diocese of Corpus Christi

Efforts to repair and rebuild bring hope long after Hurricane Harvey

BY JESSE DE LEON South Texas Catholic

Even though Hurricane Harvey affected the Coastal Bend in 2017, the coastal and inland areas continue to navigate through its unexpectedly long aftermath. Several parishes and communities in the Diocese of Corpus Christi sustained significant damage that continues to be addressed, assessed, and repaired through the efforts of the diocese’s Construction Office.

D eacon Mark Arnold, disaster relief coordinator with the Construction Office and Risk Management Services for the diocese, tirelessly coordinates the often complex efforts of repairing and rebuilding multiple buildings on various parish properties across the diocese.

Deacon Arnold recently completed the process of gathering bids for work that needs to be done on the St. John Paul II High School campus. Contractors visited the campus, walked through the buildings that needed repairs, and eventually submitted their bids to make the necessary improvements.

“ We received bids, and we will review and evaluate them based on content and values,” says Deacon Arnold. “Water damage was the main issue in the JPII Chapel, so we are focusing on this area because it sustained the majority of the damage. It is a holy space, so we want to make sure we address anything that may be causing an issue.”

Additional repairs on the St. John Paul II campus include the gym, locker rooms, stage area in the gym, various windows, drywall and carpet replacements. According to Deacon Arnold, the work on the campus is expected to take between

120 and 240 days.

In addition to the work being done on the St. John Paul II campus, several other projects are either set to begin or are already underway at various other parishes in the diocese. These include Ss. Cyril and Methodius School in Corpus Christi, St. Peter’s Parish in Fulton, Sacred Heart Parish in Rockport, and Holy Family Church in Taft.

“For Ss. Cyril and Methodius, bids have been evaluated for the library and computer lab,” says Deacon Arnold. “It will be a demolition and reconstruction project that will be exciting and challenging.” Deacon Arnold also says that work continues on St. Peter’s in Fulton. The preliminary plans are in place, and the layout and liturgical review are expected to be approved to ensure the proposed construction in the church meets correct liturgical design. Also, designs are being reviewed for the school and parish hall at Sacred Heart Parish in Rockport, with foundation work expected to begin after ground testing is completed. Deacon Arnold also said Holy Family Church in Taft will have work done to improve roofs, walls and ceilings as well as replacement of pews and carpet.

“

Our goal is to finish things up in the next two years,” says Deacon Arnold. “We look forward to a fresh start and to doing some ribbon cuttings, rededications, blessings and making everything whole again.”

And as He said this, He showed them His hands and His feet

The Resurrection of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke

BY FATHER BRADY WILLIAMS, SOLT Contributor

It is Easter, and thoughts of the Passion and death of Jesus have been wiped away by the overwhelming joy that Christ is risen from the dead. The disciples in the upper room were so incredulous for joy that Jesus had to say twice, “Peace be with you,” before they could calm down. The sorrow, pain and even

guilt of the previous days seemed to have disappeared, and all is rosy. Still, we came to the realization in our previous article that “the roses are truly more beautiful as a result of the thorns.” Does the resurrection event testify to this reality, and does the overpowering joy of the risen One fully wipe away the thorns of our

JESUS SAYS

Explaining the Gospel message

pains and sorrows?

We believe that our faith stands or falls on the event of the resurrection. St. Paul states it bluntly, “If Christ is not raised from the dead, your faith is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:17). We might be surprised to discover that our faith in the resurrection rests, first, on the empty tomb. Interestingly, the Gospels proclaimed at the Easter Vigil liturgy focus primarily on this fact. The Gospel of Luke, for instance, gives the testimony of the women who went early in the morning to bring spices, only to find the stone moved away and the tomb empty. Two angels appear to them and said, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised. Remember what he said to you … that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified and rise on the third day.” (24: 5 – 9) And they remembered his words.

“He is not here” … these words, taken by themselves, would leave us empty and unsettled. If ‘he is not here,’ then we try to fill in the void. Likewise, the thorns in our life would remain meaningless – only a cause of more pain, suffering, disillusionment, and emptiness. Initially, it is the remembrance of Jesus’ words that begin to shed some light in that dusky and empty space.

Of course, the empty tomb in itself is not enough. The resurrection appearances are

absolutely necessary! The Easter Sunday liturgy attests to this. St. Luke recounts Jesus first appearing to two travelers on the road to Emmaus: “And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them … And [Jesus] said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted for them what referred to him in all the scriptures.” (24: 15, 25 – 27)

Th ese two disciples unknowingly

Rev. Brady Williams, SOLT

encounter Jesus, who takes great pains to explain to them the necessity of His Passion. Through the most perfect Biblical exegesis ever given, the disciples begin to understand the “necessity” of the thorns that reveal the beauty of the rose … and their hearts were set ablaze!

Wh en Jesus appears to the Apostles on that same Easter day, there is a surprising twist: “While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you … Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.” (24: 36, 39 – 40).

In Jesus’ resurrection, the evidence of the Passion remains in his hands, feet, and side. Christ

JESUS SAYS

Explaining the Gospel message

did not show scars – evidence of the biological process of wound repair – he showed them his wounds! In the resurrection, his wounds remained as the way for us to enter into this most sacred mystery. If we consider the image of the rose as symbolic of the resurrection and that of the thorns of the Passion of Jesus, we can recognize that “the rose is more beautiful because of the thorns.” Through the thorns in our lives, participation in the Paschal Mystery of Christ opens to us, renewing and conforming our life more beautifully to Christ. The mystery of the resurrection does not eliminate our life’s pains, sufferings, and sorrows but rather raises us up to something more glorious than we could have attained without them.

JESUS DICE

Explicando el mensaje del evangelio

Y mientras decía esto, les mostró sus manos y sus pies

La Resurrección de Jesús en el Evangelio según San Lucas

POR PADRE BRADY WILLIAMS, SOLT

Contribuyente

TRADUCIDO POR GLORIA ROMERO

Es Pascua, y los pensamientos de la pasión y muerte de Jesús se han ido borrando por el gozo abrumador de que Cristo ha resucitado de entre los muertos. Los discípulos, reunidos en el cuarto de arriba, estaban tan incrédulos por tanta alegría, que Jesús tuvo que saludarlos dos veces: “La paz sea con ustedes” antes de que pudieran calmarse. La tristeza, el dolor e incluso la culpa de los días anteriores parecen haber desaparecido y ahora todo es color de rosa. Aún así, nos dimos cuenta en nuestro artículo anterior de que “las rosas son realmente más hermosas como resultado de las espinas”. ¿El evento de la Resurrección da testimonio de esta realidad y nos da el gozo inmenso del Resucitado, de Aquel que limpió completamente las espinas de nuestros dolores y tristezas?

Creemos que nuestra fe se sostiene o cae, sobre el hecho de la Resurrección. San Pablo lo dice sin rodeos: “Si Cristo no resucitó de entre los muertos, su fe es en vana” (1 Corintios 15:17). Podríamos sorprendernos al descubrir que nuestra fe en la Resurrección descansa, primero, en la tumba vacía. Curiosamente, los Evangelios proclamados en la liturgia de la Vigilia Pascual se centran principalmente en este hecho. El Evangelio de Lucas, por ejemplo, da el testimonio de las mujeres que fueron temprano en la mañana

a llevar perfumes, pero solo encontraron la piedra alejada y la tumba vacía. Dos ángeles aparecen ante ellos:

“¿Por qué buscan al vivo de entre los muertos? Él no está aquí, ha sido resucitado. Recuerden lo que les dijo estando en Galilea: que era necesario que el Hijo del Hombre fuera entregado en manos de hombres pecadores, que fuese crucificado y resucitara al tercer día.”

Y entonces recordaron sus palabras. (24: 5 – 9)

“Él no está aquí” ... Estas palabras tomadas por sí mismas nos dejarían vacíos e inquietos. Si ‘El no está aquí’, no nos queda mas que tratar de llenar ese vacío. Del mismo modo, que las espinas en nuestra vida carecerían de sentido,tan solo serian causa de más dolor, sufrimiento, desilusión y vacío. Inicialmente, es el recuerdo de las palabras de Jesús lo que comienza a arrojar algo de luz en ese espacio oscuro y vacío. Por supuesto, la tumba vacía en sí misma no es suficiente. ¡Las apariciones de la Resurrección son absolutamente necesarias! La liturgia del Domingo de Pascua da fe de ello. San Lucas relata que Jesús se apareció por primera vez a dos viajeros en el camino a Emaús:

Y sucedió que mientras conversaban y debatían, Jesús mismo se acercó y caminó con ellos ... Y [Jesús] les dijo: “¡Oh, qué tontos son!

El obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente Seguridad y Recursos para Niños y Familias están comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que han sufrido abusos de cualquier tipo. Para asistencia inmediata, apoyo e información de referencia, llame al Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas Stephanie Bonilla al (361) 693-6686.

¡Qué lentos de corazón para creer todo lo que los profetas hablaron! ¿No era necesario que el Mesías sufriera estas cosas y entrara en su gloria?” Luego, comenzando con Moisés y todos los profetas, empezó a interpretar para ellos, todo cuanto se refería a El en las Sagradas Escrituras (24: 15, 25 – 27).

Estos dos discípulos, sin saberlo, se encuentran con Jesús, quien se esfuerza mucho por explicarles la necesidad de Su pasión. A través de la exégesis bíblica más perfecta jamás dada, los discípulos comienzan a comprender la “necesidad” de las espinas que revelan la belleza de la rosa. ¡Y sus corazones fueron incendiados!

Cuando Jesús se aparece a los apóstoles en ese mismo día de Pascua, hay un giro sorprendente:

‘Aún hablaban de esto, cuando El mismo se paró en medio de ellos y les dijo: “La paz sea con ustedes”

... Miren mis manos y mis pies; soy Yo mismo. Tóquenme y vean, porque un fantasma no tiene ni carne ni huesos, como pueden ver que yo si tengo”. Y mientras decía esto, les mostró sus manos y sus pies (24: 36, 39 – 40).

E n la Resurrección de Jesús, la evidencia de la pasión permanece en sus manos, pies y costado. Cristo no mostró cicatrices – evidencia del proceso biológico de reparación de heridas – ¡les mostró sus heridas!

En la resurrección, sus heridas permanecen como el camino para entrar en los misterios mas sagrados. Si consideramos la imagen de la rosa como símbolo de la resurrección, y la de las espinas como la de la pasión de Jesús, podemos reconocer que “la rosa es más hermosa por las espinas”. A través de las

Explicando el mensaje del evangelio

espinas de nuestra vida, se abre a nosotros la participación en el Misterio Pascual de Cristo, que nos renueva y conforma nuestra vida más bellamente en Cristo. E l Misterio de la Resurrección, no elimina los dolores, sufrimientos y tristezas de nuestra vida, sino que nos eleva a algo más glorioso de lo que podríamos haber alcanzado sin ellos.

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COME AND SEE WEEKENDS Opportunities for New Beginnings

Retreats offer young men

BY JESSE DE LEON South Texas Catholic

Discerning a call to the priesthood requires prayer, reflection, and guidance. Some young men in the Diocese of Corpus Christi were given the opportunity to explore the experience of discernment more deeply when they attended a Come and See Weekend offered by the Office of Vocations. There were two opportunities for young men to learn more about what it is like to be a seminarian. One took place at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana, from March 31-April 2, and a second was offered at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas, April 13-15.

Bob Cummings, Director of the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, along with Fr. Charles Silvas, Chaplain at St. John Paul II High School, coordinated the visit to St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington to give 16 young men from St. John Paul II High School an opportunity to get a firsthand experience of what life in the seminary is really like. Overall, there were approximately 170 participants from Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi.

“When we first arrived, they were in awe,” says Fr. Charles. “All of them had been looking forward

Andrew Edghill shares his impressions of the weekend with other retreatants during a small group sharing

ELIZABETH MORALES | STC

COME AND SEE WEEKENDS Opportunities for New Beginnings

opportunity for discernment

to this trip and talking about it since November 2022. Their enthusiasm continued throughout the whole trip. I even noticed on the bus ride back that there was a deep sense of fraternity and joy among them.”

The group’s bus departed from St. John Paul II High School at approximately 7 a.m. on March 31 and arrived at the seminary in the early evening. In addition to being exposed to the liturgical life of the seminary (Mass, confessions, Liturgy of the Hours, Stations of the Cross, Marian Procession), the retreatants were able to sit in on classes and participate in an Emmaus walk. They also had the opportunity to play different sports, hear about the dimensions of formation, listen to testimonies from different seminarians about their experiences, and enjoy some tasty Louisiana food.

Stephen Beadle, a seminarian from the Diocese of Corpus Christi who currently studies there, was able to give them a tour of the library, dorms, monastic refectory and the social gathering area.

The experience of stepping into seminary life for a weekend made an indelible impression on these young men. While some were open to the possibility of priesthood before the trip, others discovered that it was not their calling. Still, others continue to be open to the possibility. However, this trip was very influential

Bishop Mulvey shares a moment with everyone who visited St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA.

ELIZABETH MORALES | STC

COME AND SEE WEEKENDS Opportunities for New Beginnings

for four young men who are now seriously considering entering the seminary to continue their discernment.

“I am very pleased with how this trip went,” reflects Fr. Charles. “As I talked with some of the young men, I found they were greatly influenced by the fraternity among the seminarians and the liturgical life of the seminary. Hopefully, we can continue to build on what was impactful for them at St. John Paul II High School.”

“This trip was a very significant step for all those who participated in different ways,” says Fr. Charles. “I am grateful that this trip was instrumental for the four young men who are now seriously considering entering the seminary. This is proof that vocations are out there. I hope we can continue to make this trip available for the young men in our diocese as we continue our efforts to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life.”

The Come and See Weekend at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, held April 13-15, was a fantastic opportunity for two potential seminarians and a special homecoming for Fr. Carlos De La Rosa, who accompanied them on the trip. Holy Trinity Seminary (HTS) was where Fr. De La Rosa

completed his studies prior to his ordination.

“As an alumnus, it was a privilege to return to Holy Trinity Seminary and to concelebrate Mass there,” says Fr. De La Rosa. “I have to say that it was a nostalgic feeling seeing a picture of my graduating class on the wall of the seminary as it brought back many memories of prayer, spiritual direction, education and community life.”

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student Maks Moore and recent Del Mar College graduate Christian De La Rosa were impressed by what they saw and experienced during their visit. These young men were able to sit in on theology and philosophy classes, get a closer look at the facilities and even share a friendly game of ping-pong with a few seminarians.

“Maks and Christian seemed to be unsure of what it would be like at a seminary,” says Fr. De La Rosa. “By the end of the trip, however, they experienced the beauty of a seminary community and loved it. The seminarians currently studying at HTS went out of their way to engage with them and show them what it means to be a community of brothers who encourage each other to grow in holiness.”

Come & Seers stop to take a photo at a fountain after a tour of the Seminary Library.

COME AND SEE WEEKENDS Opportunities for New Beginnings

“It was moving to see the devotion that the seminarians here at Holy Trinity Seminary have to God,” reflects Maks. “It inspires me to want to have the same kind of devotion.”

“It was great to see other guys my age experiencing a special kind of brotherhood and discerning their calling,” adds Christian.

“I really hope that men consider the priesthood not because they believe that they have everything that it takes to be a priest, but because they believe that God can form a priest from any

man, no matter how unworthy he may feel,” says Fr. De La Rosa. “I hope that men considering the priesthood will remember that it is not by our own power or gifts or goodness that we are priests but by the power of Christ, the one true priest.”

For more information, contact Bob Cummings, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, at bcummings@diocesecc.org.

Come & Seers visit the refectory of the Benedictine Monks and stop for a photo under a fresco of the Last Supper.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Permanent Deacons: Announcing the Good News outside of the church walls

BY DEACON MICHAEL MANTZ Contributor

“ Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” These are compelling words of St. Francis of Assisi, who was also a deacon. His memorable expression is a fitting motto of all ordained to the Order of Deacon.

Most of our deacons are men who are employed outside of the “church walls,” so to speak. They not only have jobs and careers, but they are committed to their families who depend on them to not only provide basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and love but also are depended upon to offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of

living the gospel values of Jesus Christ.

I once had a diaconate candidate struggling to reconcile his employment, which at times was competitive and merciless with being a candidate for holy orders. He thought he was “unworthy” of such an honorable sacrament. I told him that none of us are worthy and that God takes us even with all our imperfections and molds us. Look at St. Peter, our first pope; when Jesus called him, he said, “Lord, leave me for I am a sinful man.”

I then asked him, “Why not bring Christianity to your profession?” I also told him to pray with his spouse about their calling to diakonia. After praying, he decided to pursue his candidacy for Holy Orders. Not only was he one of our better candidates, but he has also been an outstanding deacon for the last ten years. He takes his Diaconate wherever he finds himself. In other words, he brings the church to the world.

T his makes me think of our Blessed Mother after the Annunciation. Mary traveled in haste to the hill country to visit her cousin. Mary brought Jesus, the church, to the outside world. Elizabeth cried, Hail full of Grace, and the baby leaped for joy in her womb. The baby

Deacon Michael Mantz was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 1993. He currently serves as the Director of the Permanent Diaconate and the Director of Property Management for the Diocese.

who leaped in his Mother’s womb in the presence of Jesus became his herald, St. John the Baptist. Through it all, Mary never faltered in bringing Jesus to us all.

Deacons have both a unique opportunity and responsibility to bring the Church to the outside world. Like St. John the Baptist, deacons need to become heralds for Jesus to the world outside of the church walls. Like our Blessed Mother, deacons need to bring the church to the outside world. Deacons are entrusted to bring Gospel values wherever they may find themselves.

The Order of Deacon was restored as a permanent order in the church because of the Second Vatican Council. The diaconate completes the three clerical orders in today’s church: episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate. The deacon is called through Holy Orders to build up the Body of Christ through a three-pronged ministry of The Word, Sacrament and Charity. Deacons are ordained for the ministry of service.

However, the concept of a “service ministry” can sometimes be somewhat of a nebulous concept. Let me quote our Holy Father Pope Francis as he addresses the concept of the service of deacons: “Let us remember, please, that for the disciples of Jesus, to love is to serve and to serve is to reign. Power lies in service, not in anything else, and as you have recalled what I say that deacons are the custodians of service in the Church.”

So how does a deacon bring this service ministry to the world outside the walls of the church? How is this ministry of Word, sacrament, and charity brought to the world?

St. Stephen, widely known as the first Christian martyr, was also the first deacon mentioned in Acts Chapter 6 when he is described as “Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit.” Stephen was chosen as one of the first deacons to assist the Apostles with the works of charity to the community. But Stephen soon became filled with the Holy Spirit and began to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, witnessing his beliefs even in front of the same power that had put Jesus to death.

D eacons can draw inspiration from St.

Stephen. They can witness the faith wherever they find themselves, whether in the workplace, grocery store, behind the wheel of a vehicle, or out at a restaurant.

If a deacon lives his faith, people will soon recognize him as someone who offers Christ as an alternative to a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. I have had deacons who lead prayers at public meetings and some who have even instituted some form of prayer before meetings at the workplace.

For example, my ordination had a large contingency of office personnel from a local government office. I was amazed and overjoyed that so many of my employees were present on that very happy day for me and my family. They were very respectful and, on some level, understood that this was not simply an honorary title but something that marked my identity.

Therefore being “Deacon” was not a title or job for just doing things at church. Deacon was a way of being and not something that can be put on and taken off like a hat or coat.

I conducted more diaconate ministry outside of the church walls or church offices than I ever imagined I would. It was inevitable that after my ordination, coworkers began to open up to me about their lives, struggles and challenges. Many times, it led me to invite them to Sunday Mass. There were also many discussions about baptisms, spiritual advising and wedding preparations. I also carried out my service ministry in funeral services for their loved ones and even had a conversion where I sponsored someone entering our faith community.

My ministry outside of the church walls has made me realize why my holy orders were to the ministry of service. The diaconate compliments and completes the three sacred orders in the church of bishop, priest and deacon.

SPREADING THE LIGHT Faith • Knowledge • Service

Deacons are meant to be heralds of the good news of Jesus Christ outside the confines of the church. As part of his ministry of charity, the deacon must bring the Church to the wounded world.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi will begin a series of inquiry meetings for diaconate formation beginning in August 2023. Bishop Michael Mulvey will be asking his brother priests and pastors to recommend individuals who might have a calling to this ministry.

I invite any man between the ages of 31-55 to visit with their pastor about this ministry of service in the Church.

Men (and their spouses) who might be considering this call to a ministry of service should have zeal for working in their parishes as well as a desire to interact and communicate openly with people. Potential candidates for the Permanent Diaconate should already be actively involved in

ministry, and if married, they should have a solid, healthy, and sacramental marriage.

Announcing the Gospel of Jesus Christ outside the church walls should not be extraordinary or something we must plan or think about. For deacons, announcing the good news should be as innate as breathing. It is part of who the deacons are, as we forever carry the indelible imprint from our holy orders.

“Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”

- Mother Teresa

Clean comedy, good fun

Comedy for charity

BY JESSE DE LEON South Texas Catholic

While laughter may be good medicine, it can be even more beneficial when celebrating a worthy cause. Smiles, chuckles, and plenty of laughs are sure to greet the arrival of comedian Jeff Allen when he brings his “Jeff Allen 2.0 Tour” to the Selena Auditorium on Thursday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. for a special evening of Comedy for Charity, benefiting Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter.

Allen, who hails from Sauk Village, Illinois, is a Christian comedian who specializes in clean comedy. His sharp-eyed and often hilarious observations comprise his unique brand of stand-up. Allen’s take on marriage and family life proves to be as uproarious as it is relatable. The comedian has appeared on various television programs and podcasts and maintains a busy schedule of corporate engagements. This year marks his fifth decade as a working comedian.

Allen finds humor in everyday family life, the ups and downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, and even the joys of being a grandparent. His unique and often amusing perspective also includes his ruminations on the precious bliss of the empty nest that is sometimes obliterated by “unexpected returns to said nest.”

A ccording to Shannette Hoelsher, Communications and Mission Advancement Coordinator with Catholic Charities-Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter, the organization wanted to try something different for its annual

Celebration of Charity fundraising event. “Over the past two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have held an online virtual fundraiser. This year, we were ready to do something unique that would get people’s attention.”

Dr. Michele Johnston, Executive Director of Catholic Charities-Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter, has seen Allen perform several times. She decided that doing an event of this kind would not only create some excitement but also offer an opportunity for an evening of good, clean fun the whole family could enjoy.

“ This fundraiser benefits the vital programs of both Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter,” said Dr. Johnston. “Sixteen programs and services are currently in operation to assist individuals with obtaining and maintaining self-sufficiency. Our programs reach through the twelve counties of the diocese and have provided more than half a million people with assistance since Catholic Charities opened in 1965. Supporting this fundraising effort will continue to make a difference in the lives of many.”

Underwriter options for the Comedy for Charity

“Jeff Allen 2.0 Tour” are available at the $10,000, $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000 levels. For more details, call (361) 884-0651 Ext. 246 or email shoelscher@diocesecc.org. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.com or at the American Bank Center Arena box office.

In the spirit of proper stewardship, the Diocese of Corpus Christi encourages the reporting of any financial abuse concerns or related issues. Report confidentially to: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org

En el espíritu de una administración adecuada, la Diócesis de Corpus Christi alienta a informar cualquier inquietud de abuso financiero o problemas relacionados. Informe confidencialmente a: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org

Motherhood’s gift of new beginnings

BY JESSICA ROHR Correspondent

Venerable Fulton J. Sheen once described a mother as “God’s great cooperator.” With her whole being, she actively participates in God’s creative nature by carrying and raising children. Through her willingness to sacrifice and her openness to life, she brings flesh into the world, which the Lord infuses with an eternal soul. For the woman herself, when she becomes a mother,

she receives a gift that brings out her greatest strengths and causes the greatest joy. For Corpus Christi mothers Jenny Hurt, Mariana Cady, and Victoria Velasquez-Feikles, all of this is true. With the help of friends, their spouses, and God, these women pour themselves into their maternal roles daily. That is something philosopher Alice von Hildebrand says is more valuable in God’s sight than “conquering the world or flying to the moon.”

JESSICA ROHR | FOR STC

Marianna Cady embraces her 3 year old son Henry. She and her husband Andrew are parents to Henry and 1-year-old George.

In the past, Jenny and Sean Hurt worked as Peace Corps volunteers in Malawi, Africa. Today, they have a different mission: keeping faith at the center of their family. Sean’s position as a geology professor at Del Mar College allows Jenny, who has a degree in philosophy, to be a stay-at-home mom to their children Teresa (8), Julia (4), and Francis (2). “Femininity is essentially a disposition toward nurturing, and motherhood is the ultimate expression of that disposition,” says Jenny. “There is no mother who has not suffered out of love for her children. Even a mother who has had an abortion cannot escape that pain. Every day requires me to put my children first. That is good for me, even if it hurts in the moment. Every day brings a new wrinkle, a little more strength, and an ever-increasing capacity for love.” A guiding goal in her and Sean’s marriage is to get the kids into heaven. With the aid of a family altar, they create

CELEBRATING MOMS

Witnessing God’s love to one another

space for sacredness, reminding their family that their home is consecrated to God. They instill a love of God, using classical literature, daily rosary, and Mass to help the kids understand their part in the larger picture of God’s salvation of the world.

Mariana and Andrew Cady are parents to two rambunctious boys, Henry (3) and George (1). Though she received her bachelor’s degree in business from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Mariana has opted to be a full-time mother while her husband works as an IT Applications Analyst. In raising their boys, they adhere to key principles of building confidence and accountability by clearly upholding boundaries and setting expectations. They encourage their sons to practice virtue as much as possible. Mariana plans to use a classical homeschool curriculum for the boys’ education, like the one she grew up with. “We want

CELEBRATING MOMS

Witnessing God’s love to one another

our children to have the skills to communicate effectively through speech and writing, as well as know the difference between good and evil. We also want our children to love reading and learning independently, so they can continue to gain skills and knowledge throughout their lives.”

The Cadys’ vision for their children is for Henry and George to become virtuous, hardworking, sociable, and compassionate, standing secure in who they are and what they believe. “We want them to love Christ above anyone or anything else.,” said Mariana.

Victoria Velasquez-Feikles and her husband Cody are new parents to 10-month-old Matilde. Cody is the Regional Director of Ethics for Christus Spohn and the Managing Editor for the Georgetown Bioethics and Medicine academic journal, while Victoria works from home as a neurocognitive clinician and is a freelance writer for a Catholic women’s platform. “Motherhood is a responsibility to expose and teach my child how to love and pursue order, goodness, truth, and beauty,” said Victoria. “To inspire a desire for those virtues is my greatest goal, and without my faith, I would not know how to do that.” Victoria

also shared how motherhood helped her to set healthy boundaries for her family. “Saying no to things or situations that are not good for our child, and moving away from relationships that do not make room for or deliberately attempt to hurt or break down our family is difficult but rewarding.” Taking care of their emotional health in this way has been freeing and healing.

Jenny, Mariana, and Victoria wholeheartedly embrace motherhood and all that comes with it. They embrace the spiritual and emotional growth it brings while recognizing how it deepens one’s capacity to love and serve. Like the Blessed Mother, all Catholic mothers give their “fiat” -- their “yes,” over and over, in submission to God’s design for the family. Cardinal Jozeph Mindszenty once said: “Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation. What on God’s good earth is more glorious than to be a mother?” It is more glorious than conquering the world or flying to the moon. But by the guiding hand of a faithful mother, their children may go on to do just that.

Sean & Jenny Hurt enjoy being new parents.

JESSICA ROHR | FOR STC

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

An American Saint who planted seeds of faith and education

BY ELIZABETH MORALES South Texas Catholic

It is so easy to judge a book by its cover. On the surface, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton may seem a faceless brand synonymous with Catholic education and offering little or no further context.

Yet, behind the popular name is a real person, an all-American girl who enjoyed happiness and endured much suffering in this life.

Born Elizabeth Ann Bayley on August 28, 1774, in what is now the United States of America –two years before the Declaration of Independence, Elizabeth came from a prominent New York family. Her father, Richard Bayley, was a surgeon, and her mother was Catherine Charlton. Both families were among the first European settlers in New York.

Loss entered Elizabeth’s life at a young age as her mother and younger sister passed away before her fifth birthday. Her father remarried, and it was Elizabeth’s stepmother who introduced her to service towards the poor, while her father lived out service to the sick. Although the marriage ended in separation, a seed of caring for those in need was planted deep within Elizabeth, which she would continue to nurture throughout the remainder of her life.

She was raised Episcopalian and developed a love for God, Scripture, nature, music and language becoming fluent in French.

Soon Elizabeth grew of age, and at 19 years old, she married William Seton, a young New York businessman in import trade with whom she was deeply in love. They enjoyed springtime in their young marriage and bore five children.

When William’s father passed away, the young couple took care of his six siblings in addition to raising their own. William, who suffered from tuberculosis throughout their married life, came into severe trouble with his business during

the early 1800s. After claiming bankruptcy, his health took a turn for the worse. A doctor’s recommendation encouraged William to live in a warmer climate; thus, he, Elizabeth and one of their daughters moved to Italy where he had business partners. However, William passed away not long after their arrival.

Remaining in Italy, Elizabeth and her daughter were introduced to Catholicism by the example of William’s friends. Elizabeth learned about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary as her own mother and tracing the roots of the Catholic Church back to the Apostles.

Returning to the States in 1804, Elizabeth was welcomed into the Catholic Church in 1805.

As a widow and mother, she sought to provide for her children and started a school. Yet, once the community learned of her conversion to Catholicism, some parents withdrew their children from the school.

Struggling with discrimination concerning her newfound faith, an invitation from a priest encouraged her to relocate from New York to Emmitsburg, Maryland. Heeding this advice, she moved her family and established a free Catholic school in Maryland. This was the first Catholic school in America, planting the seeds of what is now the Catholic parochial school system in the West.

Elizabeth Morales

Continuing to grow in her Catholic faith, Elizabeth formed a religious order called the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s. This, too, would be the first of its kind – a religious order for women founded in the States.

The order served children in poverty and would grow beyond Maryland to New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada.

Elizabeth’s life was soon cut short as she began suffering from tuberculosis and eventually passed away from this earthly pilgrimage at the age of 46.

Throughout her existence, she became aware of the transience of life at a young age with the loss of her mother and sister, and then in adulthood with the loss of her husband and two of their daughters after the family’s move to Maryland.

An important part of her spirituality was surrender to the will of God as she shared with a friend she felt a responsibility to serve God within education and the orphanage that the religious order cared for.

From the example of people during her life, Elizabeth’s legacy would become a living inheritance planted deeply within America’s roots.

Pope John XXIII said at her beatification in 1963, “In a house that was very small, but with ample space for charity, she sowed a seed in America which by Divine Grace grew into a large tree.”

In 1975, Elizabeth was canonized within the Catholic Church by Pope Paul VI, making her the first native-born American saint.

Elizabeth’s resting place is at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

WOMAN OF STRENGTH

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

She is the patron saint of seafarers and widows. Her memorial is celebrated on January 4, the day of her passing.

May surrender to the will of God and striving to do His will as St. Elizabeth Ann

Seton did continue to spread throughout the earth.

Portrait of Elizabeth Ann Seton by Amabilia Filicchi

COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

Report shows 6% decrease in abortions in six months after Dobbs decision

BY TYLER ARNOLD Catholic News Agency

Legal abortions in the United States decreased by more than 6% in the first six months that followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning the nearly 50 years of abortion precedent set in Roe v. Wade, according to a report from the pro-abortio nonprofit Society of Family Planning.

The average number of monthly abortions decreased from 82,270 in the two months before Roe v. Wade was overturned to 77,073 in the six months that followed the decision. This is a monthly decrease of about 5,377 abortions, which is about 32,260 fewer abortions over six months. Although the number of abortions fluctuated month to month, every month that followed the Supreme Court decision had fewer abortions than April 2022. The national abortion rate fell from 13.2 per 1,000 women who are of reproductive age in April to 12.3 per 1,000 over the six-month period after the decision. States that banned most abortions or imposed heavy restrictions saw a sharp downturn in abortion rates. The states with the largest decrease in abortions over the six-month period were Texas, which had 15,540 fewer abortions; Georgia, which had 10,930 fewer abortions; Tennessee, which had 6,560 fewer abortions; and Ohio, which had 4,920 fewer abortions. States that kept abortion legal saw an uptick in abortion procedures within the state.

Despite the overall abortion totals dropping, the report also found an increase in abortions provided through virtual telehealth clinics, which have increased in every month that followed the Supreme Court decision. In April, before the decision, there were 3,610 abortions provided through telehealth. In December, that number jumped by 137% to 8,540 abortions. In April, 4% of all abortions were provided via telehealth, and in December, it accounted for 11% of abortions.

The reporting effort, which is called #WeCount, compiles data provided by known abortion providers. The report included numbers for 83% of legal abortion providers in the United States and provided estimates for the remaining 17%. The report did not consider illegal abortions.

Ushma Upadhyay, who co-chairs #WeCount, expressed frustration with the decrease in abortions.

“The #WeCount data show just how much abortion care has been disrupted in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe,” Upadhyay said in a statement. “We know that when someone wants to have an abortion but is unable to get one, the impact on their lives can be devastating, economically, physically, socially, and psychologically. Multiply that impact by thousands, and that’s the landscape of abortion access right now.”

Alternatively, pro-life organizations expressed excitement over the results. “The news that abortions in this country dropped by 32,260 in the six months following the Dobbs v. Jackson decision is absolutely wonderful!” Carol Tobias, the president of the National Right to Life Committee, told CNA.

“Women are choosing life for their children,” Tobias said. “With pro-abortion governors and a Biden administration doing [everything] possible to make abortion easily accessible, pro-lifers need to do even more to help and encourage women to choose life.” Tessa Longbons, a senior research associate at the pro-life Lozier Institute, noted thateven though there has been an uptick in some states, overall data shows that legislation has been effective. “This is data straight from the abortion industry that shows that pro-life laws are having an impact,” Longbons said. “[The report] really does point to the effectiveness of those laws.” Even though the data “points to a good start,” Longbons added, “there’s definitely potential for more progress ... to drop those numbers down further.” She suggested that Congress create a federal abortion standard that imposes an earlier cutoff for when abortions are permitted and urged states to continue pushing pro-life legislation.

“It’s sort of an all of the above approach,” Longbons said. In 13 states, abortions are banned in nearly all cases. Another five states imposed heavier restrictions on abortion since the Supreme Court decision. In eight states, restrictions arebeing held up in the court system.

Largest statue of Christ in Mexico dedicated on Easter Sunday

BY ANA PAULA MORALES Catholic News Agency

On Resurrection Sunday, April 9, the Christ of Peace statue was dedicated in Tabasco county in Zacatecas state, Mexico. The monumental sculpture which sits atop a pedestal measures 108 feet high, which makes it the largest of its kind in the country.

The statue stands in the center of the esplanade atop “Faith and Religion Hill.”

Present at the dedication were the governor of Zacatecas state, David Monreal Ávila; the president of Tabasco county, Gil Martínez; and the pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the town of Tabasco, Father Luis Manuel Luévano Díaz.

According to the Christ of Peace Facebook page, the priest blessed the sculpture and gave a message of faith and hope to the thousands of faithful present.

The governor of Zacatecas said on Facebook that “this sculpture is the largest in Mexico. I invite all of you to visit it and discover the wonders that Zacatecas offers.”

In an interview with Reporte Índigo, Miguel Romo, the artist who created the statue, said it took more than two years to be completed.

“If you look, the face is very nicely done. The Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil is very beautiful, but it’s a bit geometrical, with its hands, face, and everything. Not me. I tend to be very realistic, and it’s very difficult at this scale; small scale is very easy, but on this scale it’s very difficult,” the artist explained.

The image was made with steel and various types of polymers. Inside the sculpture there is a staircase and four landings as well as lookouts for visitors.

The sculpture was named Christ of Peace because after its dedication its promoters want tranquility

to come to the inhabitants of Zacatecas, a state plagued by organized crime violence.

Some claim that the Christ of Peace sculpture in Mexico is larger than the Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. However, the image in Rio de Janeiro is 98 feet tall with a 26-foot pedestal, whereas the one dedicated in Zacatecas is 98 feet tall with a 10-foot pedestal.

The largest sculpture of Jesus is that of Christ the King, located in Świebodzin, Poland, with a height of 118 feet, followed by the Christ of Concord in Cochabamba, Bolivia, at 112 feet.

Another image of Jesus that exceeds 98 feet in height is Christ the Redeemer of Tihuatlan in Veracruz state, Mexico, at 103 feet. Currently, the Christ the Protector statue, which will measure 141 feet, is under construction in Brazil.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

The tallest sculptures of Christ in the world.

CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY

A WORD From our Holy Father

Vatican announces date and theme for 2023 World Day for Grandparents and Elderly

BY COURTNEY MARES Catholic News Agency

The Vatican announced Thursday the date and theme for the third annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The event will take place this year on July 23, the Sunday before the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, and the theme for the day, selected by the pope, will be “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50). According to the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, the theme is linked to the theme for World Youth Day 2023, which also comes from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke: “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39). Pope Francis will preside over a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the grandparents’ day and has invited parishes, dioceses, associations, and communities around the world to celebrate the day “in their own pastoral context.”

The pope, who is 86 years old, has been an advocate for the dignity of the aging and has often emphasized the important role of grandparents in passing on the Catholic faith. He established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021. Last year’s theme came from Psalm 92:15: “In old age they will still bear fruit.”

Pope Francis greets an elderly couple at his general audience on Jan. 11, 2023 VATICAN MEDIA

From our Holy Father

Pope Francis tells ‘keyboard warriors’ to put aside online polemics to proclaim the Gospel

BY COURTNEY MARES Catholic News Agency

Pope Francis has told “keyboard warriors” to put aside online polemics and get out from behind their desks to proclaim the Gospel.

Speaking in St. Peter’s Square on April 12, the pope urged Christians to go out and “get moving” to share the good news of the Gospel with the world.

“One does not proclaim the Gospel standing still, locked in an office, at one’s desk or at one’s computer, engaging in polemics like ‘keyboard warriors’ and replacing the creativity of proclamation with copy-and-paste ideas taken from here and

there,” Pope Francis said.

“ The Gospel is proclaimed by moving, by walking, by going.” In his Wednesday audience, the pope warned that it is possible to have “misdirected zeal” that is “doggedly persistent in the observance of purely human and obsolete norms for the Christian community.”

“ We cannot ignore the solicitude with which some devote themselves to the wrong pursuits even within the Christian community itself; one can boast of a false evangelical zeal while actually pursuing vainglory or one’s own convictions,” he said.

As part of the pope’s cycle of catechesis on “passion

Pope Francis greets pilgrims at his general audience on Feb. 15, 2023.

VATICAN MEDIA

A WORD From our Holy Father

for evangelization,” Francis offered a reflection on two lines from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians: “Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.” Pope Francis noted that St. Paul connects zeal for the Gospel with footwear “because one who goes to proclaim must move, must walk.”

“ Evangelical zeal is the support on which proclamation is based, and heralds are somewhat like the feet of the body of Christ that is the Church,” he said.

At the end of the audience, Pope Francis marked the 60th anniversary of the publication of St. John XXIII’s encyclical Pacem in Terris, calling the document a “true blessing” for the world when it was published in 1963 amid the tensions of the Cold War. Pope Francis added that the encyclical remains relevant today, encouraging people to read Pacem in Terris.

“For example, this passage will suffice: ‘Relationships between political communities, like those between individual human beings, must be regulated not by resorting to the force of arms, but in the light of reason, that is, in truth, in justice, in active solidarity,’” he said, quoting paragraph 62 of the document.

“I pray that the heads of nations will let themselves be inspired by it in their plans and decisions,” the pope added.

Pope Francis also reminded the crowd that the Church will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday this week on April 16.

“ The Lord never ceases to be merciful. Let us think of the mercy of God who always welcomes us, always accompanies us, never leaves us alone,” Francis said.

“I invite you to live this Easter season with your gaze turned to the risen Christ, who sacrificed himself for us and for our salvation,” he added.

Pope Francis at his Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square on April 12, 2023.

VATICAN MEDIA

SUMMER 2023 ISSUE

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