Sept. 29, 2006

September 29, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 1

www.charlottediocese.org

2006 Eucharistic Congress

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte

Special 4-page pullout guide to the second diocesan Eucharistic Congress Established Jan. 12, 1972

by Pope Paul VI September 29, 2006

| Pages 7-10 Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte

The path to peace

vOLUME 15

no. 43

A shepherd in kenya

Pope expresses respect for Muslims, pledges to continue dialogue by

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Meeting with Islamic ambassadors and representatives, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his deep respect for Muslims, pledged to continue dialogue, and said Islamic and Christian leaders should cooperate to curb violence.

“Faithful to the teachings of their own religious traditions, Christians and Muslims must learn to work together, as indeed they already do in many common undertakings, in order to guard against all forms of intolerance and to oppose all manifestations of violence,” the pope said.

“As for us, religious authorities and political leaders, we must guide and encourage them in this direction,” he said.

The unprecedented encounter at the pope’s summer residence Sept. 25 was designed to soothe Muslim resentment over a recent papal speech that cited a historical criticism of Islam and the concept of holy war. The pope later distanced himself from the quoted material and said he was sorry Muslims had been offended.

Addressing the Islamic representatives at Castel Gandolfo, the pope alluded only briefly to the earlier speech.

Instead, he focused on assuring Muslim communities that his papacy was not backtracking on See DIALOGUE, page 13

Courtesy Photo

Lindsay Shepherd, a teacher at St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem, is pictured with Kenyan students during her summer visit to the African country.

Teacher helps orphans, children with HIV by

SUSAN deGUZMAN correspondent

WINSTON-SALEM — What do most teachers do during summer vacation? Enjoy a break from the classroom and grading papers, perhaps some

Prayers of adoration and reparation Bishop Jugis approved chaplet to be at Eucharistic Congress by

KAREN A. EVANS

relaxation by the pool?

This was not the case for one teacher from St. Leo the Great School in WinstonSalem. Second-grade teacher See KENYA, page 5

To worship and adore

Second Eucharistic Congress to take place Oct. 6-7 by

KAREN A. EVANS

staff writer

staff writer

CNS photos by L’Osservatore Romano via Reuters

CHARLOTTE — At the Eucharistic Congress, Catholics will be able to join in praying in adoration and reparation with a chaplet approved by Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

CHARLOTTE — Next weekend, Catholics from the Carolinas will once again have the opportunity to gather together to worship God through the Eucharist.

Pope Benedict XVI meets with ambassadors of Islamic nations and Italian Islamic leaders in a room at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Sept. 25. The pope assured Muslims that he respected them and was committed to dialogue.

See CHAPLET, page 12

See CONGRESS, page 6

Fun and faith

Culture Watch

Perspectives

Life Teen ministry coming to parish

Anti-Catholic comics pulled; Scripture readings

Father Buettner on the Eucharistic Congress

| Page 4

| Page 11

| Pages 14-15

September 29, 2006

2 The Catholic News & Herald

InBrief

Current and upcoming topics from around the world to your own backyard

WASHINGTON (CNS) — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and two other national Catholic organizations have backed proposed federal legislation that would enable many people with disabilities to live in their communities instead of in nursing homes.

The legislation would help those with disabilities use Medicaid resources to choose independent living, with reliance on community-based services, over Medicaidfunded institutionalized care.

In a joint letter to key House and Senate sponsors of the bill, the heads of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Policy, the Catholic Health Association of the United States and the National Catholic Partnership on Disability urged passage of the Medicaid CommunityBased Attendant Services and Supports Act, known as MiCASSA. “With the services that MiCASSA would make available, more people with disabilities will be able to move from

Walking with faith

CNS photo by Ed Zelachoski, Catholic Accent

Amedeo Scaramouche, 101, walks near St. Martin Church in New Derry, Pa., in early July. Scaramouche was 6 years old when his family joined the parish. Now, nearly 96 years later, he still walks to Mass every day from his home nearby. He will turn 102 in November.

At age 101, Pennsylvania man still walks to church for Mass every day NEW DERRY, Pa. (CNS) — Amedeo Scaramouche was 6 years old when his family joined St. Martin Church in New Derry. Now, nearly 96 years later, Scaramouche walks to Mass every day from his home nearby.

It is the home where the 101-yearold man grew up, lived with his beloved wife, Susan, and where he continues to live, still lovingly tending his garden.

He still remembers the iron fence that used to surround St. Martin Church and its cemetery. Photographs he took at the request of one of the pastors are framed and hang on the back wall of the church.

Scaramouche sang in the parish choir for many years. Although he and his wife weren’t married at St. Martin Church, their son served as an altar boy there.

Scaramouche’s life was tough. He never went to high school. Instead, he joined his father in the coal mines.

“My pap was laying track (for the mines), and I was helping him. But I wanted to make more money so I began digging coal when I was 16,”

Catholic organizations back bill to help disabled avoid nursing homes

Scaramouche said.

His father died later that year, and it became the young man’s responsibility to support his mother and younger brothers.

“I took care of everything; I even paid off the land,” he said.

Later, he held jobs at Westinghouse in Derry and at a glass factory in Blairsville.

He and wife Susan were married when the Depression hit.

“When I got married, I hit the jackpot,” Scaramouche said with eyes turning misty. “She was a wonderful person. Everybody loved her.”

The couple had been married for 67 years when Susan Scaramouche died about nine years ago.

“She told me she wanted to die at home. I was feeding her one day and she said, ‘I love you and I thank you for everything,’” he said. “I have her in my mind every day.”

On Nov. 25, Scaramouche plans to celebrate his 102nd birthday by singing at a parish Mass.

Diocesan planner CHARLOTTE VICARIATE CHARLOTTE — The St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans will be holding a Transitus Service in memory of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

The service will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Rd. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call Bernadette Sewak at (704) 782-6932 MINT HILL — St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Rd., and the N.C. Council of Churches and Interfaith Power and Light, are sponsoring with viewing of “An Inconvenient Truth” Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center of the church. “An Inconvenient Truth” is an examination of global warming and its solutions. Discussion will follow the film.

Childcare will be provided. If you would like to attend, please contact Amber Ockerbloom at (704) 649-8179.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., hosts a First Friday Women’s Retreat, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in Room 239 of the New Life Center, following the 9 a.m. Mass. The program for Oct. 6 will be “Liturgy of the Hours for the Laity.” For more information, call Marie Grzeskiewicz at (704) 542-9748.

CHARLOTTE — The second annual Blanket Banquet for the Homeless of Uptown Charlotte will take place in front of St. Peter Church, 507 S. Tryon St., immediately following the 4:30 p.m. Mass to close the Eucharistic Congress Oct. 7. Donations of blankets and men’s socks and undergarments are needed. For more

institutional care to lives of independence in their communities,” the Catholic leaders said in their Sept. 13 letter.

“The legislation will give them the choices and control over their lives they deserve. It will also increase the ability of people with disabilities to fulfill the duty we all share, to contribute to the common good through work, service and participation in the community,” they said.

“Our faith calls us to work for the full inclusion of all persons with disabilities in society and in the church,” the Catholic leaders added.

The letter recalled the bishops’ 1978 “Pastoral Statement on People With Disabilities,” which called on all people to work for improved living conditions for those with disabilities and seek to ensure that they can achieve the fullest possible measure of personal development.

The services that MiCASSA would make available would help achieve those goals, the letter said. information or to volunteer to help with the meal, please call Greg or Cindy Platko at (704) 3750901 or e-mail gplatko@carolina.rr.com.

CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., and the N.C. Council of Churches and Interfaith Power and Light, are sponsoring with viewing of “An Inconvenient Truth” Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the New Life Center. “An Inconvenient Truth” is an examination of global warming and its solutions.

Climate change is an issue shared by all of us of every political persuasion, and its solutions are in our hands. Learn what you can do to reduce the rate and extent of global warming. For more information, call Mary Rutman at (704) 4995919 or Cheryl Foote at (704) 544-3966.

CHARLOTTE — The Fourth Annual Red Mass for the Diocese of Charlotte will be celebrated at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Rd. East, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. Bishop Peter J. Jugis will be the celebrant. The Red Mass is an annual event celebrated to coincide with the opening of the Supreme Court’s judicial calendar. It is designed to provide all members of the legal community the opportunity to reflect on the God-given responsibilities associated with their profession.

The celebration of the Red Mass is open to people of all faiths and beliefs, and all are invited to attend the Mass and the dinner following at Greek Isles.

CHARLOTTE — Please join St. Ann Church, 3635 Park Rd., for the Sung Rosary: Joyful Mysteries on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. This 50-minute evening of candlelight, music, prayer, meditation and peace offers a lovely and unique way to pray the rosary. Call the church office (704) 523-4641 for more information.

MINT HILL — St. Luke Church 13700 Lawyers Road, will a festival in celebration of the feast day of their patron saint, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 29, 2006 Volume 15 • Number 43

Publisher: Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Editor: Kevin E. Murray Staff Writer: Karen A. Evans Graphic DESIGNER: Tim Faragher Advertising MANAGER: Cindi Feerick Secretary: Deborah Hiles 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Mail: P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237 Phone: (704) 370-3333 FAX: (704) 370-3382 E-MAIL: catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

The Catholic News & Herald, USPC 007-393, is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, 1123 South Church St., Charlotte, NC 28203, 44 times a year, weekly except for Christmas week and Easter week and every two weeks during June, July and August for $15 per year for enrollees in parishes of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all other subscribers. The Catholic News & Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason deemed appropriate. We do not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. Second-class postage paid at Charlotte NC and other cities. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Catholic News & Herald, P.O. Box 37267, Charlotte, NC 28237.

September 29, 2006

The Catholic News & Herald 3

FROM THE VATICAN

Catholic, Orthodox cite friendship, plan for 2007 dialogue meeting VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Catholic and Orthodox representatives ended an important theological meeting on a good note, citing a “spirit of friendship” and making plans for a follow-up encounter next year.

A joint statement issued at the end of the Sept. 18-25 meeting in Belgrade, Serbia-Montenegro, said the approximately 60 participants had discussed in depth a draft document that touched on papal primacy and the role of Eastern Catholic churches.

The draft document “was carefully examined in a shared spirit of genuine commitment to the search for unity,” the statement said.

A joint committee was appointed to revise the text in light of the many observations and comments made during the discussions. The revised text is expected to be taken up in a meeting hosted by the Catholic Church in 2007,

the statement said.

It was the first time the CatholicOrthodox international dialogue commission had met since 2000, when talks were broken off over tensions related to the re-emergence of Eastern Catholic churches in post-communist Eastern Europe.

“The meeting of the joint commission was marked by a spirit of friendship and trustful collaboration,” the statement said.

It said the draft document, titled “The Ecclesiological and Canonical Consequences of the Sacramental Nature of the Church: Conciliarity and Authority in the Church,” was discussed at three levels of the church’s life: local, regional and universal.

The statement offered few details of the discussions. Catholic participants said before the meeting that papal primacy was thought to be the most important and problematic issue on the table and that

There is no admission fee. Members of Mint Hill Arts will exhibit their works. Dale Jarrett’s racing car and vintage automobiles will be on display. Other attractions will include a model railroad, live Broadway music, a scavenger hunt, a raffle, Irish dancers and more. The Red Cross Bloodmobile will also be on hand accepting blood donations 7 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information, call John V. Doyle at (704) -535-9174

St. Francis of Assisi, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Light refreshments and fellowship will be held afterward in the church vestibule. If you have questions, please e-mail Sue Borschke at borschke@triad.rr.com or call (336) 924-0645.

GREENSBORO VICARIATE GREENSBORO — The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will meet Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady’s Cottage at Our Lady of Grace Church, 2205 West Market St. For further information, please call Lawrene Kirwan at (336) 292-2776 GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Church and School, 2210 N. Elm St., are sponsoring a series of workshops for women called Wisdom of Women.

Sessions will be held on the first Thursday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m. in the parish center.

The group will be facilitated by parishioner and life coach Lucy Wellmaker. The purpose of the group is to create a time and a space for women to better connect with their inner wisdom and move forward on their journey in life. For more information or to register call Lucy (336) 6321940 or email coachw@lucywellmaker.com.

GREENSBORO — All Irish-Catholic women are invited to participate in the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, a social, cultural and charitable group for an ongoing series of fun and informative activities. LAOH will meet Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Kloster Center of St. Pius X Church, 2210 N. Elm St. Please join us for refreshments and to learn more about our group.

Any questions can be directed to Mary Giff at (336) 855-7014.

WINSTON-SALEM VICARIATE WINSTON-SALEM — The Franciscan Friars, religious and seculars at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 1730 Link Rd., will be holding a Transitus Service in memory of the death of

Episcopal

calendar

WINSTON-SALEM — The adult education committee of St. Leo the Great Church will host a presentation about the Causes of the Protestant Reformation. The speaker will be history professor Bill Partin and will be held Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in Conference Room B at St. Leo the Great Church, 335 Springdale Ave. For more information, call Barbara Kantor, adult education committee, at (336) 760-4399.

the Belgrade meeting would be part of a long process eventually leading, it was hoped, to some form of agreement.

Pope Benedict XVI, while in

Germany in September, had said he hoped the Belgrade meeting would lead to real ecumenical progress between Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Historian says archives erase claims church did not oppose Nazism VAT I C A N C I T Y ( C N S ) — Documents now available from the Vatican Secret Archives will allow scholars to rewrite history and erase claims the church was not a staunch opponent of Nazism, fascism and other forms of totalitarianism, said a Jesuit historian.

Jesuit Father Giovanni Sale, historian of the Jesuit journal, La Civilta Cattolica, said documents relating to the 1922-1939 pontificate of Pope Pius XI will have an impact on political and religious history.

What emerges is an even clearer picture of the church as being “steadfast in the fight against totalitarianism, against fascism, against Nazism, but also against communism,” he said in a Sept.

18 interview with Vatican Radio.

After years of preparation, the Vatican archive office Sept. 18 opened up to researchers all the documentation from Pope Pius’ pre-World War II pontificate.

The documents were considered especially sensitive because they covered the period in which Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, the future Pope Pius XII, served

as nuncio to Germany and then as Vatican secretary of state.

A 1999 book, “Hitler’s Pope,” accused Cardinal Pacelli of having proGerman feelings that colored his World War II policies as pope, while a 2001 book, “The Popes Against the Jews,” claimed top church officials had a hand in fomenting anti-Semitism in the 20th century.

Vatican historians have repeatedly rejected such claims as false.

Father Sale said now that the preWorld War II documents are available scholars “will have the possibility to truly rewrite important pages of 20thcentury history — this time based on solid and documented foundations.”

He said certain positions that were “often fruit of ideological prejudices” could now be corrected.

An official at the Vatican archives told Catholic News Service that in the first week after the 1922-1939 archives were opened, between 55 and 60 scholars from all over the world were going through the documents each day.

Sharing the faith

WINSTON-SALEM — The Spirit of Assisi hosts a Wednesday Lunch & Speaker Series each Wednesday, 12:30-1:15 p.m., at the Fatima Chapel, 211 W. Third St. Sister Kathy Ganiel will address “Franciscans: Who Are We?” Oct. 4. The sacrament of reconciliation will be offered at 12 p.m. in the chapel. For more information and to RSVP, call Sister Kathy Ganiel at (336) 624-1971 or e-mail kganiel@triad.rr.com. Walk-ins are welcome.

KERNERSVILLE — The Catechism of the Head and Heart religious education series for adults will be held this fall in the library at Bishop McGuinness High School, 1725 NC Hwy 66 South. Danita McDonald will speak about “Highlights of Ecclesiology” Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Loretta Bedner at (336) 564-1040.

Is your parish or school sponsoring a free event open to the general public?

Please submit notices for the Diocesan Planner at least 7 days prior to desired publication date (Fridays) in writing to Karen A. Evans at kaevans@charlottediocese.org or fax to (704) 370-3382.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events:

Oct. 1 — 10 a.m.

Red Mass Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, Mo.

Oct. 6-7 Eucharistic Congress Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte

Oct. 1-6 Diocesan Priests’ Retreat Maggie Valley

Oct. 10 — 6 p.m.

Red Mass St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

CNS photo by Karen Callaway

Ben Subak slips a letter to Mother M. Teresita at the Poor Clare Nuns of the Immaculate Conception Monastery in Lemont, Ill., Sept. 23. A group of religious education students celebrated Mass with the cloistered sisters and brought appreciation letters and contributions to help their ministry.

4 The Catholic News & Herald

around the diocese

Putting the fun in the faith Program to help teens know, serve Christ by

KATHLEEN SCHMIEDER correspondent

HENDERSONVILLE — Youth ministry is evolving at Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville.

The parish is introducing Life Teen, an international youth ministry movement that provides resources and faith experiences to help teens get closer to Christ.

“My mission as a youth minister is to help teens fall in love with Christ, and I believe the best way to help that happen is through Life Teen,” said Emily Sevier, parish youth minister.

Originally founded in 1985 as a youth group at St. Timothy Church in Mesa, Ariz., the program has grown into a prolific youth ministry in the Catholic Church, with 950 programs established in 20 countries. Life Teen estimates that every Sunday, approximately 120,000 teenagers attend a Life Teen Mass.

“The goal is not just to get teens back to Mass. It’s about salvation and making the Gospel relevant to them,” said Sevier.

The Life Teen program includes a Sunday night Life Teen Mass with a band, followed by a Life Night at which teens are challenged to learn and live their faith through ministry, involvement and evangelization Life Teen is not limited to those already in the faith, but serves as an outreach to all teens in the community, teaching them to understand the love of Christ and the value of a faith-filled life, as well as providing answers they need in order to live a spiritual life in a secular world of dating, family relationships and choosing a vocation.

Sevier was looking for a way to move the parish’s teens beyond the limits of the current youth group. She was inspired after attending the recent Steubenville Atlanta youth conference, sponsored by the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and co-sponsored

by Life Teen.

“The teens wanted something like this,” said Sevier. “I started looking into it, what it was, how it worked. ... I called other youth ministers using Life Teen to find out more about it.”

Several parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte already utilize the Life Teen program. Sevier learned that every parish

with a Life Teen program has seen positive results, and not just for the teens.

“It’s been life-changing for youths and spiritually enhancing and renewing for their parishes,” she said. “Many people said they have been reawakened in their faith.”

When she spoke at Masses calling for interested volunteers, several people came forward with Life Teen experience at other parishes. They all recommended it.

“Many adults are seeing teens leave the church because they can’t find things for them to relate to,” said Sevier. “Their friends’ churches have something vibrant and it attracts them; those churches are doing something to bring in teens.”

Life Teen provides all the resources necessary for the program, from teachings “in line with the church and loaded with great information,” said Sevier, to training for volunteers and musicians.

“They give you everything you need to spiritually feed your teenagers,” she said.

Through training of volunteers, the structure and message remain constant in all the individual groups, insuring a consistent message aimed at strengthening the faith and faithfulness to the teachings of the church.

Sevier attended training this summer in Arizona and has been recruiting volunteers.

The goal is to kick off the program this fall. A band is being arranged for the Life Teen Mass, and the parish is still seeking more adult volunteers to assist with the program.

“Core members are a group of adults, preferably not parents of the members, who will be active participants in the lives of the teens,” said Sevier.

The volunteers must be confirmed Catholic adults, at least 21 years old, said Sevier.

“I have a good core group of adults who are onboard and want to see this happen,” she said.

Her pastor, Capuchin Father John Aurilia, is “excited about this and can’t wait for it to get started,” she added.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on Life Teen, visit www.lifeteen.com; at Immaculate Conception Church, contact Emily Sevier at (828) 681-5596 or soconfused2day@ hotmail.com.

September 29, 2006

Confirmed in Charlotte

Photo by Karen A. Evans

Bishop Peter J. Jugis confirms Juana Arias Becerril at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte Sept.

19. One of the three sacraments of initiation, confirmation typically is administered to teenagers who have been baptized and who have received first Communion.

ATTENTION READERS! HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? Is there something unique taking place at your church? Do you know of someone who is an example of how to live the Catholic faith? Have a photo of a recent event at your parish or ministry event?

If so, contact Staff Writer Karen A. Evans at (704) 370-3334 or e-mail kaevans@charlottediocese.org.

September 29, 2006

from the cover

The Catholic News & Herald 5

St. Leo teacher helps orphans, children with HIV in Kenya KENYA, from page 1

Lindsay Shepherd traveled to Kenya to spend the month of July helping infants and children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. “I grew an emotional attachment to the children, but I expected that,” said Shepherd. “The hardest thing for me was knowing that some of those kids, who are the same age as those I teach, have this demon to deal with — HIV.” According to the Amani Children’s Foundation, an estimated 13 million children in Africa have been orphaned due to the AIDS pandemic ravaging the continent.

Amani Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit group based in Winston-Salem, works to assist these children and educate others about their needs. Amani (Swahili for “peace”) organizes groups several times a year to travel with them to Kenya.

Shepherd was one of approximately 50 people who made the journey this past summer. The participants were divided into three categories: professionals, university scholars and high school students.

Marielle Kissick and Julie Anne McKellogg, rising college freshmen and graduates of St. Leo the Great School, traveled for a two-week period on this same trip.

Amani volunteers raise their own funds to cover travel costs and expenses for the month-long stay. Shepherd said she is grateful to the families of St. Leo the Great School who supported her bake sales and other fundraising activities that helped cover costs.

Amani participants worked in cooperation with New Life Homes, an organization that operates several orphanages for children exposed to HIV throughout Kenya and works to find families to adopt the children.

While Kenya’s government has a program to assist those with AIDS, there is nothing for the 2 million Kenyan orphans who have been left behind. Established in 1994 and supported by private donations from Kenya, Britain and the United States, New Life Homes has cared for more than 1,000 infants and children.

The Nairobi facility, where Shepherd spent her first two weeks working, has rescued approximately 700 babies.

Education was also a component of the trip. A conference in Nairobi was organized for the Amani volunteers by universities in Kenya and Uganda. Presentations were given by people of influence from Kenya, including a member of parliament, an economist and two doctors.

They spoke about their history, the present economy, the current crises being faced and ideas for assistance.

After the conference, Shepherd spent

Photo by Susan deGuzman

Second-graders in Lindsay Shepherd’s class at St. Leo the Great School in Winston-Salem point to Kenya on a classroom map. Shepherd spent a month in Kenya assisting orphans and students. four days at a private school associated with New Life Homes in Ruiru, a town just outside of Nairobi. Approximately 90 percent of the students are orphans.

Shepherd worked mainly with the staff, training them in a variety of teaching methods. She said that while most of the teachers were very enthusiastic, many had no formal training.

The school was founded by a Kenyan couple in conjunction with their church to provide education and meals for the poor. It is only within the last few years that public education became “free” in Kenya, according to Shepherd, but families still must pay for items such as desks, books and uniforms.

Most public school classes are overcrowded, with 50-75 students per class, and there is a shortage of teachers.

More than 70,000 children cannot afford public education.

St. Leo the Great School has committed to provide some form of outreach to the school in Ruiri.

Shepherd visited an orphanage and school in Kisumu; 400 of the 700 students are orphans, and the area’s water system was poor, a condition that affects HIV-infected children with fragile immune systems.

“You get overwhelmed, since you want to help in so many ways, but there

is so much that needs to be done,” said Shepherd.

“It breaks my heart to think of how such young hopeful lives are being lost. These children are bearing the consequences of a disease they have no control over, and they face its reality every day,” she said.

Ninety percent of the children in New Life Homes who initially test HIV positive become HIV negative when retested. Shepherd reports that this is due to the proper nutrition, care and antibodies they are given at New Life Homes.

A high percentage of the babies have been adopted. Unfortunately, 60 percent of Kenyans live below the poverty line.

“There is no prenatal care,” said Shepherd, who added that few Kenyans can afford baby formula, something vital for infants whose mothers have AIDS. On the trip, Kissick organized supplies for children at a New Life Homes orphanage in Nakuri that included diapers, formulas, blankets, toys and books.

“The woman in charge of the house kept saying that God must have told us what to bring, since the items we supplied were just what she needed,” said Kissick. “It felt good to see how much we were able to help the babies.”

Shepherd plans to return to Kenya at some point in the future.

“Kenya has taught me how far we have yet to go in the terms of basic human rights,” she said. “It has also enlightened me as to how precious life is and how to savor it in the simplest of ways: faith, hope and love.”

6 The Catholic News & Herald

from the cover

Eucharistic Congress offers much for everyone CONGRESS, from page 1

“I look forward to welcoming everyone to the Eucharistic Congress again this year,” said Bishop Peter J. Jugis. “This is the only time during the entire year that the whole diocese comes together as one family to witness to our faith and our love for Jesus.”

“There is value in coming together like this on such a large scale,” he said.

“It reminds us in a visible way that we are all members of the diocesan church.”

The second Eucharistic Congress in the Diocese of Charlotte will take place at the Charlotte Convention Center Oct. 6-7.

As with the first Eucharistic Congress in 2005, the year’s event will feature a eucharistic procession, speakers, adoration and more.

“The holy Eucharist is the sacrament of unity and charity,” said Bishop Jugis.

“Our participation in the events of the congress — the eucharistic procession, the talks, the holy hour and the Mass — will unite all of us more closely with each other in charity, and form us more perfectly into one body in Christ throughout the Diocese of Charlotte.”

The congress will open Friday evening with a concert of sacred music at 7 p.m., followed with an address by Raymond Arroyo, new director of EWTN, on “The Big Way of Mother Angelica.”

Lauds (morning prayers) will open Saturday’s events at the convention center at 8 a.m., followed by speakers and programs for all ages.

In the early afternoon, first communicants from throughout the diocese will lead a eucharistic procession through the streets of uptown Charlotte in the afternoon.

Designed to provide opportunities for spiritual growth for people of all ages, the congress will feature tracks for adults, teenagers, school-age children and Hispanics.

Featured speakers will be Father Leo Patalinghug, Franciscan Father James Goode, Jeff Cavins, Mary Beth Bonacci, Father Juan Rivas and Dr. Fernando Casanova.

The master of ceremonies will be Maureen O’Boyle, news anchor for WBTV news in Charlotte. In March 2005, O’Boyle interviewed Bishop Peter J. Jugis interviewed as part of a half-hour special about the bishop and the growth of the Diocese of Charlotte.

“Many people have made great sacrifices in preparing for this congress, and many others will make sacrifices to be present for the event,” Bishop Jugis said. “All of these sacrifices, as well as the prayers others have offered for the success of the congress, cannot help but produce many blessings for our diocese.”

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on the Eucharistic Congress, visit www.goEucharist.com.

To read Bishop Jugis’ invitation to the Eucharistic Congress, see page 7.

Note: PRE-REGISTRATION is required for ALL chilidren to participate in the Children’s Track. To pre-register, go to www.goEucharist.com to fill out the reigstration form.

September 29, 2006

September 29, 2006

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

The Catholic News & Herald 7

second Diocesan Eucharistic Congress OCTOBER 6-7, 2006 CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER

Celebrating Our Lord by

BISHOP PETER J. JUGIS bishop of charlotte

A great event is coming to our diocese on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7. The second diocesan Eucharistic Congress takes place at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The theme for the Congress is the motto I use as the shepherd of our diocese, “Caritas Christi Urget Nos,” which means “The Love of Christ Impels Us.” The response to our first Eucharistic Congress in September of 2005 was so overwhelmingly positive that we have arranged to use more space in the Convention Center this year. This will allow us to come together as one in praise and worship of our Lord.

This year’s event will begin with a concert of sacred music, a nationally-known speaker and all-night adoration on Friday, Oct 6.

On Saturday, Oct. 7, we will start the day in the Convention Center with lauds and will then hear from a list of inspiring speakers. Children, teens, adults and Hispanics have separate tracks with messages specifically directed to them.

In addition, a cultural hour will be held for AfricanAmerican, Filipino, Vietnamese and Korean Catholics.

I am looking forward especially to our eucharistic procession through the streets of downtown Charlotte.

We make a beautiful statement of our love for Jesus when we process as one in adoration of His Most Precious Body.

Like last year, the procession will go from St. Peter Church, the oldest church in our diocese, to the Convention Center. Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin will deliver the homily during the Holy Hour that follows.

The day culminates in the Convention Center with a vigil Mass for all, which I will concelebrate with my brother priests.

On the following pages you will find more detailed information, as well as a map of the procession route.

Other information is available at the Web site www.goEucharist.com.

The Congress is a beautiful opportunity for the people of the diocese to come together and celebrate our unity in faith through the sacrament of unity: the holy Eucharist.

I look forward to seeing you and processing with you in praise of our Lord.

8 The Catholic News & Herald

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

September 29, 2006

Eucharistic

Watching and participating in the eucharistic procession THE ROUTE The eucharistic procession, led by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at St. Peter Church, 501 South Tryon Street. (First communicants, clergy, religious and banner carriers should gather on Tryon Street south of St. Peter Church at 1 p.m.)

The procession will head north on Tryon Street for one block, then turn east onto Third Street for one block.

The procession will then turn south onto College Street for three blocks, then turn east onto Stonewall Street to the Charlotte Convention Center.

People of the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to line the procession route.

TO PARTICIPATE As the Blessed Sacrament comes near, it is the custom to be silent and kneel until the monstrance passes.

After the Blessed Sacrament passes by, look for your parish’s banner. When your parish banner passes by, you may fall in along with your parish to join in the procession. Once you have connected with your parish group, simply join in the communal prayers or just pray silently as the procession moves along.

When the procession arrives at the Charlotte Convention Center, move as directed by the ushers to enter the main hall. Proceed to the seating area, joining in the singing until the beginning of the Holy Hour.

Procession Map Legend PROCESSION STAGING AREA & PROCESSION CHECK-IN PROCESSION ENTRANCE INTO CONVENTION CENTER PROCESSION ROUTE PARKING

Frequently asked questions about the Eucharistic Congress What is the Eucharistic Congress?

The Eucharistic Congress is a teaching and worship event that is centered on the Eucharist, the source and summit of Catholic life. The Congress begins Friday evening, Oct. 6, with a concert of sacred music and a talk by EWTN news director Raymond Arroyo on “The Big Way of Mother Angelica.”

Afterward, the Eucharist will be available for adoration throughout the night at St. Peter Church, 501 S. Tryon St. Events on Saturday, Oct. 7, begin at 8 a.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center with lauds (morning prayer). From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., there are programs (or “tracks”) for adults, Hispanics, teens and children. At 12:15 p.m., there will be a culture hour in native languages.

At 1:30 p.m., the eucharistic procession will begin at St. Peter Church and process through uptown Charlotte to the Charlotte Convention Center, where there will be a holy hour.

During the day, the Eucharist will be available for adoration in a special chapel in the Charlotte Convention Center.

Priests will be available for confessions all day and there will be an area for vendors selling religious merchandise and offering information about Catholic vocations, religious organizations and ministries, etc.

The Congress concludes with a Vigil Mass that begins at 4:30 p.m.

Where does the idea for a Eucharistic Congress come from?

The first eucharistic congress was held in Lille, France in 1881 under the direction of Msgr. Gaston De Segur. In time, eucharistic congresses developed to their present international character.

The Congress of 1908, which met in London, was the first occasion on which a representative of the pope had entered England since the Protestant Reformation.

Two international eucharistic congresses

have been held in the United States — Chicago in 1926 and Philadelphia in 1976.

The Diocese of Charlotte celebrated its first Eucharistic Congress in September 2005.

Who is allowed to take part in the procession?

Everyone. Leading the procession will be altar servers, organized societies including the Knights of Columbus, clergy and most importantly, the Eucharist. Following the Eucharist will be banner carriers representing churches, schools and organizations in the Diocese of Charlotte. The faithful are invited to join the procession as the banner for their church or organization passes by.

What if I am handicapped or unable to walk in the procession?

The Charlotte Convention Center is handicapped-accessible. In addition,

individuals with handicaps and those who choose not to walk in the procession are invited to witness part of the procession on the video screens in the Convention Center. Music and clergy will be available in this location until the Eucharistic Procession arrives.

What if it rains?

The Congress will be held rain or shine. The procession may be moved into the Charlotte Convention Center depending on the weather.

Where can I park?

There is ample parking around the Charlotte Convention Center. Since the Congress takes place on a weekend, traffic will be minimal but allowing extra time for parking is advised.

What age children will be able to participate in the Children’s Track?

Children from kindergarten through

September 29, 2006

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

Procession

The Catholic News & Herald 9

Directions to the Congress Directions from Interstate 77 At exit 9, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-277 / US-74 / Wilkinson Blvd / John Belk Frwy / West Blvd At exit 9B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-277 N/US-74 E / John Belk Frwy Turn RIGHT onto Ramp College St / Caldwell St / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto S College St College St / Downtown Arrive Charlotte Convention Center [501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000] Directions from Interstate 85-North At exit 36 Of Interstate 85- North, turn RIGHT onto Ramp NC-16 / Brookshire Blvd / US-74 E / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-16 [Brookshire Blvd] NC-16 / Charlotte / Bank of America Stadium Road name changes to I-277 [SR-16] At exit 1E, turn RIGHT onto Ramp Stonewall St / South Blvd / Kenilworth Ave Keep RIGHT to stay on Ramp Stonewall St / Kenilworth Ave Turn LEFT (North-West) onto E Stonewall St Turn RIGHT (North-East) onto S College St Arrive Charlotte Convention Center [501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000] Directions from Interstate 85-South At exit 38 of Interstate 85 South, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-77 / US-21 / Statesville / Columbia Take Ramp (LEFT) onto I-77 [US-21] I-77 / US-21 / Columbia At exit 9, turn RIGHT onto Ramp I-277 / US-74 / Wilkinson Blvd / John Belk Frwy / West Blvd At exit 9C, keep LEFT to stay on Ramp At exit 9B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-277 [US-74] I-277 / US-74 / John Belk Frwy Turn RIGHT onto Ramp College St / Caldwell St / Downtown Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto S College St College St / Downtown Arrive Charlotte Convention Center [501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, (704) 339-6000]

fifth grade are welcome to participate in the Children’s Track. All children in the Children’s Track must be pre-registered.

Registration forms are available online (www.goEucharist.com) or through individual parishes.

Seating in the Children’s Track will be limited. Children in the Children’s Track will be involved in age-appropriate activities and will be served lunch.

What is being done to provide a secure environment for the children?

The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” as adopted by the U.S. bishops.

All adult volunteers at the Congress who will have supervisory contact with children will be required to attend the diocesan training, “Protecting God’s Children.” Background checks will also be performed on any adult having supervisory contact with children.

Who is speaking at the Eucharistic Congress?

The list of dynamic, inspiring speakers can be accessed by visiting the speakers’ page of the Congress Web site at www. goEucharist.com and on page 16 of this issue of The Catholic News & Herald.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CHILDREN’S TRACK PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Is there a charge to attend the Congress?

There is no charge for any of the events associated with the Eucharistic Congress. Everyone who desires a closer relationship to the Eucharist is encouraged to attend and participate.

The Diocese of Charlotte is accepting contributions to defray the cost of staging the congress. To donate, visit www.goEucharist.com.

ALL children to participate in the

Will food be served?

The Charlotte Convention Center will offer a variety of food for sale

PRE-REGISTRATION is required for

Children’s Track. NO children will be admitted without pre-registration.

To pre-register , go online to

www.goEucharist.com and fill out the registration form. throughout the day. Lunch will be provided at no charge for the children attending the Children’s Track session.

Before and after the congress,

Nocturnal Eucharistic Adoration Scheduled Groups 10-11 p.m. Families, seniors

and religious 11 p.m.-12 a.m. Youths 12-1 a.m.

College students,

young adults 1-2 a.m.

Cursillo women 2-3 a.m.

Cursillo men 3-4 a.m.

Nocturnal Adoration

Group of Charlotte 5-6 a.m.

Seminarians 6-7 a.m.

Permanent deacons 7-8 a.m.

Priests

attendees may want to take advantage of the many restaurants, hotels and attractions that are within easy walking distance of the Convention Center.

1 0 The Catholic News & Herald

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

September 29, 2006

Speakers at the second diocesan Eucharistic Congress FRIDAY, OCT. 6 Raymond Arroyo: “The Big Way of Mother Angelica” — 8 p.m.

News director for Eternal World Television Network (EWTN)

SATURDAY, OCT. 7 Bishop Peter J. Jugis, a Charlotte native and the fourth bishop of Charlotte, will offer welcoming remarks at the conclusion of the Saturday morning lauds and Benediction.

Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin, who retired as bishop of Charlotte in 2002, will deliver the homily during the eucharistic Holy Hour and Benediction on Saturday afternoon.

GENERAL TRACK, SATURDAY Father Leo Patalinghug: “The Mission to be Beautiful” — 9:30 a.m.

Associate pastor of St. John Church in Westminster, Md. Franciscan Father James Goode: “The Mission of Building a Culture of Life” — 10:15 a.m.

Founder of the New York-based National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life

Jeff Cavins: “The Mission of Peer Evangalization” — 11:15 a.m.

Convert to Catholicism and internationally-known speaker Mary Beth Bonacci: “The Mission to Raise Chaste Teens” — 12:15 p.m.

Internationally-known speaker and writer

HISPANIC TRACK, SATURDAY Father Juan Rivas: “The Mission of Catholic Media” — 9:30 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.

Member of the Legionaries of Christ, founder of Hombre Nuevo (New Man) radio Dr. Fernando Casanova: “The Mission of Being Catholic” — 10:15 a.m.

Puerto Rican theologian known for enthusiastic and charismatic talks about Catholicism TEEN TRACK, SATURDAY Mary Beth Bonacci: “The Mission of Chastity” Jeff Cavins: “Mission of Peer Evangelization” Father Leo Patalinghug: “The Mission to be Super Heroes”

Visit these advertisers at their Eucharistic Congress booths

The Catholic News & Herald 11

September 29, 2006

Culture Watch

College newspaper pulls comics after Catholic group, others complain CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CNS) — After receiving complaints from the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights and from more than 2,000 people across the country, the University of Virginia’s student newspaper, The Cavalier Daily, removed comics that had originally appeared in its newspaper from the paper’s Web site.

The comics were drawn by a student at the Charlottesville university and appeared in the school’s newspaper Aug. 23 and 24.

The first one, “Christ on a Cartesian Plane,” depicted Jesus crucified on a mathematical grid. The other one, “A Nativity Ob-scene” implied that Mary had a sexually transmitted disease.

A statement released by the newspaper expressed regret “that many took offense” to the comics. “Offense was not our intent — neither the intent of the artist, nor the intent of the newspaper, which seeks to provide contributors an open forum to present their ideas.”

In a Sept. 15 press release, Catholic League president Bill Donohue said he was pleased with the outcome and noted that his concern about the comic was based on its “anti-Catholic nature” and also because the

WORD TO LIFE

A roundup of Scripture, readings, films and more

newspaper had granted apologies to other groups, referring to a cartoon last year that was offensive to gays.

When Donohue first contacted the school’s newspaper seeking an apology, the editor in chief responded, “Under our newspaper’s policies, satire of religion, or any other belief or creed, is acceptable.”

An unsigned editorial, titled “Catholic bashing,” in the Sept. 25 issue of The Catholic Virginian, newspaper of the Richmond Diocese, noted that the initial lack of an apology was also “not acceptable to some 2,000 people who complained to the paper and university about the cartoon. Their uproar apparently made an impact and the cartoonist has apologized.”

In a statement, the cartoonist, Grant Woolard, said his sole intent “is to present situations that provoke thought and amusement,” and since “this comic did not achieve that goal” he requested that it be taken off the newspaper’s Web site.

The Catholic Virginian’s editorial noted that “fortunately the apology did come — although only after a massive protest from those who were offended.”

“It’s good to know that people’s voices do make a difference,” it added.

Sunday Scripture Readings: OCT. 8, 2006

Oct. 8, Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Cycle B Readings: 1) Genesis 2:18-24 Psalm 128:1-6 2) Hebrews 2:9-11 3) Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

We are a family of faith by

SHARON K. PERKINS catholic news service

“Actually, my siblings and I haven’t spoken to each other in years.”

The young man across the desk from me had come to the parish office to talk about becoming a fully initiated Catholic through the RCIA process, and as the coordinator of the program I was conducting an initial interview. When we got around to talking about his family, I was a bit stunned by his admission.

Although my two brothers, my sister and I lived some distance from one another, we always had been rather close.

I couldn’t imagine going several months without contact, much less several years.

But I was struck by a much deeper irony in the would-be Catholic’s statements. As he chatted about the “family spirit” of the parish and how it had attracted him to consider Catholicism, I couldn’t help but wonder what sort of family he was looking for.

Today’s readings are full of family references — husband and wife, parents

and children, brothers and sisters, even grandchildren — set in an unmistakable context of God-ordained blessing, fruitfulness, relationship and joy.

By contrast, Jesus’ hard sayings concerning divorce make the Gospel reading problematic in a “real world” in which divorce, child and elder abuse, and sibling estrangement are all too common.

Such circumstances make it difficult to imagine how family life with its myriad imperfections and varied interpretations can be viewed as a window to God’s goodness.

Yet Jesus reminds us that we are to accept the reign of God like children.

My children continually surprise me with their willingness to forgive, to overlook my poor attempts at parenting, to magnify the good and minimize the not-so-good qualities of our family life.

My family’s remarkable resilience and loyalty — despite and through heartache, misunderstanding and even the occasional arguing — teach me more deeply about God’s faithfulness than any other relationships I have experienced.

No one should allow himself or herself to be abused by a family member or anyone else. But today’s readings challenge us to recognize and repent of the “hardness of heart” that prevents our encountering God in the sacred spaces of family life.

Questions: In what way have your family relationships been difficult lately? How has your hardness of heart kept you from seeing God’s blessing in another family member?

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE Scripture for the week of Oct. 1-7 Sunday (Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Numbers 11:25-29, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48; Monday (The Guardian Angels), Job 1:6-22, Matthew 18:1-5, 10; Tuesday, Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23, Luke 9:51-56; Wednesday (St. Francis of Assisi), Job 9:1-12, 1416, Luke 9:57-62; Thursday, Job 19:21-27, Luke 10:1-12; Friday (St. Bruno, Bl. Marie-Rose Durocher), Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5, Luke 10:13-16; Saturday (Our Lady of the Rosary), Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-16, Luke 10:17-24.

Scripture for the week of Oct. 8-14 Sunday (Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time), Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 2:9-11, Mark 10:2-16; Monday (St. Denis and companions, St. John Leonardi), Galatians 1:6-12, Luke 10:25-37; Tuesday, Galatians 1:13-24, Luke 10:38-42; Wednesday, Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14, Luke 11:1-4; Thursday, Galatians 3:1-5, Luke 1:69-75, Luke 11:5-13; Friday, Galatians 3:7-14, Luke 11:15-26; Saturday (St. Callistus I), Galatians 3:22-29, Luke 11:27-28.

1 2 The Catholic News & Herald

FROM THE COVER

September 29, 2006

Bishop Jugis approved chaplet to be at Congress CHAPLET, from page 1

The Chaplet of Adoration and Reparation was inspired by prayers taught to the three children by an angel in Fatima, Portugal, in 1916.

A chaplet is a prayer or set of prayers, recited using rosary beads. A familiar chaplet is the Divine Mercy chaplet, prayed on Divine Mercy Sunday (the first Sunday after Easter). There are dozens of chaplets of Mary and the saints.

The Chaplet of Adoration and Reparation was arranged by a Dominican Sister of Perpetual Rosary at a convent in Fatima. Father Christopher Roux, priest secretary to Bishop Jugis, acquired the chaplet from another Dominican sister during a visit to the convent as part of an annual pilgrimage to Fatima in 2004.

Later that year, he was encouraged via correspondence with the sister to seek Bishop Jugis’imprimatur, or ecclesiastical approval, for the chaplet.

Bishop Jugis approved the chaplet Dec. 8, 2004. It has since been printed on a prayer card with an image taken from the story of the angel giving holy Communion to the children.

The angel first appeared in the spring of 1916 as the children were pasturing their sheep. The angel said, “Fear not, I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me.”

The angel knelt on the ground and recited this prayer three times as the children repeated it after him: “O my

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God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee.”

During the second apparition in the summer of 1916, the angel urged the children to pray and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. In the angel’s final appearance, he prostrated himself on the ground before a vision of a chalice and host and said: “Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the Tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences whereby He is offended. And through the infinite merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners.”

Then he gave holy Communion to the children.

The prayer card will be made available in the adoration chapel and at the vendor table operated by the Te Deum Foundation at the second diocesan Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte Oct. 6-7.

WANT MORE INFO? For more information on the Chaplet of Adoration and Reparation and the Te Deum Foundation, visit: www.tedeumfoundation.org.

September 29, 2006

FROM THE COVER

The Catholic News & Herald 13

Pope pledges continuing dialogue with Muslims DIALOGUE, from page 1

the dialogue opened by the Second Vatican Council and developed in large part by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. The pope expressed his “esteem and profound respect” for Muslim believers and said he wanted to continue to build bridges, especially between Muslims and Christians. Productive dialogue, he said, will be based on mutual knowledge, which “with joy recognizes the religious values that we have in common and, with loyalty, respects the differences.”

He said historical animosities should be left behind. The lessons of the past, he said, should help Christians and Muslims seek “paths of reconciliation” that lead to respect for individual identity and freedom.

In that regard, Pope Benedict cited Pope John Paul on the important issue of reciprocal respect for religious rights, quoting from a speech the late pope delivered to Muslims in Morocco: “Respect and dialogue require reciprocity in all spheres, especially in that which concerns basic freedoms, more particularly religious freedom.”

The pope said that in the current world situation it was imperative that Christians and Muslims join to promote human dignity and the rights that flow from that dignity.

“When threats mount up against people and against peace, by recognizing the central character of the human person and by working with perseverance to see that human life is always respected, Christians and Muslims manifest their obedience to the Creator,” he said.

The pope closed his talk by recalling that Muslims worldwide were about to begin the spiritual month of Ramadan, and he prayed that they be granted “serene and peaceful lives.” When he finished, he was warmly applauded.

The meeting, arranged with unusual urgency by the Vatican, was a formal audience and not a closed-door exchange of opinions. In attendance were ambassadors from 22 predominantly Muslim countries and 19 other Islamic

representatives based in Italy.

The pope delivered his talk in French; the Vatican immediately made available translations in Arabic, English and Italian. Afterward, the pope greeted those present individually.

The papal talk was broadcast live on the Arab television network Al-Jazeera.

The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, said the encounter was a sign that dialogue was returning to normal after a moment of misunderstanding. He said the pope’s speech Sept. 12 at the University of Regensburg in Germany might even turn out to be “providential” for dialogue.

“We hope the tension and suffering of the past days make everyone understand the urgency of a renewed dialogue that is positive, trustworthy, capable of looking at problems in depth, and ready for ‘self-criticism,’ as the pope said,” Father Lombardi said.

“If this happens, the speech in Regensburg, with its intellectual courage ... will have been fruitful, perhaps even providential,” he said.

Reaction to the pope’s talk was mostly favorable among the participants and mixed among other Islamic leaders.

An Iranian diplomat assigned to the Vatican, Ahmad Fahima, said the encounter was “good and, as far as we’re concerned, sufficient.” Indonesia’s ambassador to the Vatican, Bambang Prayitno, said the pope’s encouragement to dialogue should have positive effects.

Abdellah Redouane, who represented the Islamic Cultural Center of Italy, said that with the papal talk “a new stage” in dialogue had begun.

Yahya Pallavicini, a Muslim cleric who is vice president of the Islamic Religious Community organization, welcomed the encounter with the pope but said Islamic leaders wanted more than a papal speech. He suggested forming a commission of Christian, Muslim and Jewish experts to map out a new cycle of dialogue meetings.

In Turkey, Ali Bardakoglu, the head of the country’s directorate of religious affairs, said he thought the pope’s talk would be welcomed as a positive development and would allay misgivings in the Muslim world.

September 29, 2006

1 4 The Catholic News & Herald

Perspectives

A collection of columns, editorials and viewpoints

Question prompted by “The Da Vinci Code” Q. Some of us have found the ludicrous screw-ups about the Catholic faith in “The Da Vinci Code” interesting and fun to talk about, especially the fantasy about a marriage between Jesus and Mary Magdalene!

There is one question, however.

We’ve always read that Mary Magdalene was the “repentant sinner” whom Jesus converted (Jn 8). The assumption now seems to be that’s not true. Were there two Magdalenes in the Gospels? (Texas)

Question Corner FATHER JOHN DIETZEN cns columnist

A. No, there is only one Mary Magdalene in the Gospels, but there are three Marys whom tradition for a long time confused with one another.

The Gospels mention Mary Magdalene by name several times. She is also referred to as Mary of Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.

We are told (Mk 16:9) that Jesus expelled seven demons from her. She was one of the women who ministered to the needs of Jesus (Lk 8:2), and she witnessed his crucifixion (Jn 19:25) and burial (Mt 27:61).

Finally, on the Sunday of the resurrection, she was a witness to the empty tomb. Later the same morning the risen Jesus appeared and spoke to her alone commanding her to go tell his “brothers” what had happened (Jn 20:11-18).

Sometimes Mary Magdalene is identified with the penitent sinner you mention, who anoints the feet of Jesus and bathes his feet. That woman is not named, however.

While there’s a long tradition in Christian literature and art that identifies the repenting woman as Mary Magdalene, perhaps because Mary was the one from whom Jesus expelled the demons, there’s no reason in the Gospels for making that connection.

It is generally considered unfounded.

The other woman with whom Magdalene is sometimes confused is

Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha of Bethany. It is she who is said to have “the better part” in her relation with Jesus (Lk 10), who anointed the feet of Jesus in her home (Jn 12:3), and she is much involved in the story of her brother being raised from the dead (Jn 11).

In spite of traditions otherwise, with paintings and sculptures depicting the “Repentant Mary Magdalene,” from all the evidence we have these Marys were three different people.

Mary Magdalene herself is without doubt one of the most distinguished women involved with the earthly life of our Lord.

Next to the mother of Jesus, she has the primary role of all women in the Gospels.

She figures prominently in five of the six resurrection stories, all except John 21:1-23. In John (and, along with some other women, in Matthew and Mark) she is the first witness to the rising of Jesus from the dead.

She is honored as a saint not only by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, but also by the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in the United States and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Despite the self-important claims of the Da Vinci story, how this woman became misconstrued as the public sinner in Luke Chapter 7 is entirely the work of pure, if fascinating, conjecture.

Questions may be sent to Father John Dietzen, Box 5515, Peoria, IL 61612, or e-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

Church should encourage U.N. to improve

Letters to the Editor

In regard to Father John Dietzen’s column, “The church and the United Nations” (Sept. 15), the U.N. Human Rights Council has poor human rights records. This includes Algeria, China, Cuba, Pakistan, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

China has a documented record of forced abortions and sterilizations. Other members are frequently guilty of imposing birth control and denying the “right to life” in certain circumstances.

In fact, the United Nations considers abortion formally established as a defacto “right.” If you take a cursory look at the United Nation’s alleged “social” programs, you’ll also find it granting NGO (nongovernmental organization) status to homosexual activist groups.

And the U.N. Oil for Food scandal, in

which it skimmed millions from the program and deprived Iraqis of needed food and medicine, is public knowledge.

The church’s position been “to espouse any organization for the brotherly collaboration of the world’s peoples.”

But considering the United Nation’s direction, it’s not the best chance for world peace, and certainly has conformed too little for which Catholics stand.

Every pope has encouraged and cajoled the United Nations into doing what is right, but the United Nations has failed the church continuously. The teaching of the church is what the United Nations should be — not what it is.

— Kevin Roeten, Asheville

What is next for Christians and Muslims?

Dialogue must continue toward peace, not hatred

By now it is well known that Pope Benedict XVI enraged large numbers of Muslims by delivering an erudite university lecture making the important point that reason and faith are partners. No religious belief must be imposed by force.

The pope made a passing reference to the 14th-century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus, who said the prophet Mohammed brought evil, “such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

The wise papal admonition against violence provoked its opposite. Riots erupted throughout the Muslim world, ranging from the firebombing of Catholic churches to death threats issued against the pontiff.

The Vatican and other world leaders did their best to calm matters, but to little immediate avail, leading some to utter “res ipsa loquitur” — it speaks for itself.”

While some Islamic voices demanded a greater apology, Pope Benedict was careful never to shade the truth of his original message: “Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul.”

Why this should enrage is mystifying — perhaps especially to Americans, who from 9/11 onward have distinguished the Islamic radicals who hijacked planes from the adherents of Muslim faith in general. More than a few of us wondered aloud why more Islamic leaders did not more strongly and forcefully make the same differentiation.

In truth, the modern Catholic Church has been extending the hand of interreligious friendship to Islam consistently and openly for a great while.

In the conciliar document “Nostra Aetate,” it is written that “the church regards with esteem ... the Muslims.

They adore the one God, living and subsisting in himself.”

Special mention also is made of Islam’s respect for Jesus, who is seen through Muslim eyes as prophet rather than savior. So too, Catholic teaching applauds the honor Islam gives to the Virgin Mary and how greatly Islamic believers “value the moral life and worship of God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.”

Guest Column

DOUGLAS W. KMIEC guest columnist

This is far too much interreligious effort to suddenly forget about at the drop of a footnote. So what’s going on here?

The faiths of others seldom perfectly coincide with our own, but disagreement ought not beget intellectual or actual dismemberment. Quranic passages that say the opposite are, to say the least, troubling.

Various “suras” or passages call upon Muslims to “make war on the unbelievers” or “fight and slay the [nonMuslims] wherever you find them.”

It is more than a little ironic that the U.S. Senate and the Supreme Court have been tied up in knots over being insufficiently generous to alleged terrorist detainees, while the Quran directs Muslims not to take “prisoners of war until a great slaughter [has been made] among his enemies in the land.”

Sound like Iraq? New York? Any hope of religious friendship will depend upon getting beyond mindless literalism.

And we must candidly admit the dark side of Catholic history, be it the bloody Crusades or the tragic moral corruption of child abuse.

But fair is fair.

The word “dialogue” is from the Greek “dialogos,” meaning to converse across difference. It goes nowhere if it is one-sided.

And the present moment is too urgent, too beset by war, to expend valuable time on who owes who an apology.

What Catholics and Muslims owe each other is a transformation of a secular world that too often mocks the sincere religious belief and practice of both. In this, Catholics should give emphasis to Jesus’ commandment of love of neighbor, and Muslims may want to rely upon the “five pillars” or (the “greater jihad” of testimony, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage).

Neither path is compatible with hate or an unforgiving nature that finds fault only in the other.

Kmiec is chair and professor of constitutional law at Pepperdine University.

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September 29, 2006

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Christians must ask God for help when faith is in doubt, pope says

by CAROL GLATZ catholic news service

VATICAN CITY — Christians must have the courage to ask God for help and encouragement when their faith is troubled or shaken by uncertainty, Pope Benedict XVI said.

It is often difficult to understand what God is teaching or asking of his children, the pope said during his Sept.

27 weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

But, he said, people must find “the courage to say, ‘I don’t understand you, Lord. Listen to me. Help me understand.’”

Christians have “the right, so to speak, to ask Jesus for an explanation,” the pope said, and asking for further clarification “is the true way to pray and speak with Jesus.”

Not only does this show that believers realize their own limited ability to understand God’s greater plan, but it also demonstrates their faith in receiving “enlightenment and strength” from God who can grant them, he said.

In an address to some 30,000 pilgrims from all over the world, the pope continued a series of talks on the apostles, this time reflecting on the life and

example of Thomas.

Even though Thomas is mostly remembered for having doubted the risen Christ was alive and among the apostles, Pope Benedict said the faithful can still “take heart from the life of Thomas,” who shows that there is comfort available in times of uncertainty and that “doubt can lead to spiritual growth.”

The pope recalled Thomas’ courage and loyalty when he wanted to accompany Jesus on a dangerous journey back to Bethany where the people there had tried to stone Jesus.

It was Thomas who said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him,” which reveals “a precious lesson” in Christian living, the pope said.

It not only means one should be ready to sacrifice one’s own life for Christ, but also more importantly means one should “never leave Jesus’ side,” since being Christian means living together with Jesus, he said.

Thomas shows the faithful they should not be afraid to ask Christ for help in understanding his words, said the pope.

After Jesus told his disciples “Where I am going, you know the way,” it was

An event to remember Final part of a 7-part series on the second annual Eucharistic Congress We began this brief series on the Eucharistic Congress by recalling the wonderful memories of our first Eucharistic Congress last September: the sacred music concert, the speakers and talks, the eucharistic procession through uptown Charlotte, the books and religious articles for sale, the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, the holy Mass and more.

These memorable events punctuated the day with signs and evidence of God’s grace and mercy. The events formed and shaped the day into lasting unforgettable proof of God’s love.

And as we complete this series in preparation for our second annual Eucharistic Congress, which will take place Oct. 6-7 at the Charlotte Convention Center, it would be fitting to conclude with a glimpse at the events that will unfold very soon - the events that will once again leave an indelible impression on our memories.

As with our first Eucharistic Congress, the second Congress will take a similar path: Friday evening through Saturday evening, beginning with a sacred music concert and ending with the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

However, the events that unfold during these two days will acquire a unique shape this year.

Last year, our minds and hearts, indeed our souls, were captivated and

elevated by the sacred music concert on Friday night, which hosted more than 100 singers. This year, not only has the size of the room doubled, but so has the number of voices!

We are anticipating the beautiful and powerful melodies to be produced by this 200-voice choir composed of people from around the diocese.

Last year, we were inspired by the famous Catholic actor Jim Caviezel, who periodically broke into live performances of his role as the Savior in the film “The Passion of the Christ.” This year, the internationally-known EWTN television host and author Raymond Arroyo will inaugurate the talks with an address on “The Mission of the ‘Big Way’ of Mother Angelica.”

Following the talk, we will have the opportunity to adore the Lord in nocturnal eucharistic adoration at St. Peter Church (across from the Convention Center) throughout the night.

The next morning will proceed differently from last year. Our first Eucharistic Congress began with a eucharistic procession on Saturday morning. This year, however, there is a foot race that will draw thousands to uptown Charlotte. Therefore, we will begin the morning with an indoor procession of the Blessed Sacrament, a moment of adoration, lauds (morning prayer) and benediction.

The Blessed Sacrament will then be

Pain awareness The Pope Speaks POPE BENEDICT XVI

Guest Column FATHER FRANK PAVONE guest columnist

moved to the chapel for private adoration throughout the day.

The daytime events are the same as last year with talks in four tracks: general, Hispanic, teen and children’s. The eucharistic procession will then take place beginning at 1 p.m.

Following our outdoor procession, we will return indoors where Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin will lead us in prayer during a holy hour. Finally, as with last year, the day will come to climax and completion with the celebration of the holy Mass with Bishop Peter J. Jugis, priests, deacons, seminarians, religious brothers and sisters and laity from around the diocese.

The final piece of preparation for the second Eucharistic Congress is both practical and spiritual: arrive early; bring money for food, religious goods, and donations; and prepare your mind for the light of truth, your heart for the grace and mercy of God, and your soul for peace and joy.

This will certainly be a Eucharistic Congress to remember!

Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ, and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan, have introduced legislation in Congress that would require an abortionist to provide documentation on the capacity of an unborn child to feel pain to any woman seeking an abortion past the 20th week.

After receiving this information, the woman must either accept or refuse the administration of pain-reducing drugs directly to the unborn child. The bill also contains congressional “findings” regarding scientific evidence that unborn children experience great pain during abortions at 20 week, and cites existing federal laws that seek to diminish the suffering of animals, such as restrictions on how livestock are slaughtered.

Nothing in the bill would deny that unborn children may experience pain prior to 20 weeks after fertilization, but a notable segment of the medical and scientific community agrees on the 20week benchmark for pain.

Interestingly, Nancy Keenan, president of the leading pro-abortion group NARAL Pro-Choice America, said: “Pro-choice Americans have always believed that women deserve access to all the information relevant to their reproductive health decisions. For some women, that includes information related to fetal anesthesia options. NARAL ProChoice America does not intend to oppose this legislation.”

Good thinking. What can appear more heartless than opposing legislation to keep babies from feeling pain? And what can be more damaging to the cause of abortion than to create a big fight over the pain babies feel during abortion?

It’s one of those lose-lose propositions for the abortion camp. Maybe that’s why abortionists often don’t allow themselves to think about it. Consider the following exchange that took place in U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, between Judge Richard Casey and abortionist Timothy Johnson in March 2004.

Johnson was testifying in the case that dealt with the ban on partial-birth abortion.

THE COURT: I heard you talk a lot today about dismemberment D&E procedure, second trimester. Does the fetus feel pain?

THE WITNESS: I’m aware of fetal behavioral studies that have looked at fetal responses to noxious stimuli.

THE COURT: Does it ever cross your mind when you are doing a dismemberment?

THE WITNESS: Does the fetus having pain cross my mind? No. It’s time for us to make this issue cross the mind of every American. Urge your representatives and senators to support the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (H.R. 256, S. 51).

Father Buettner is pastor of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.

Father Pavone is national director of Priests for Life.

Thomas who asked, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”

The pope said Jesus used that occasion to reveal that he himself was the way, the truth and the life.

Lastly, he said, the “doubting Thomas” helps the faithful learn that a true, mature faith in God does not rest upon having tangible or visible proof: Only after Thomas put his hand on Jesus’ wounds did he believe Christ had risen from death and proclaim, “My Lord and my God.” The pope said this is one of “the most splendid professions of faith in the New Testament” because it shows Thomas touching a man and then proclaiming his faith in God, “whom he neither saw nor touched.”

Jesus, in fact, underlines what true faith is when he responded, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Guest Column FATHER MATTHEW BUETTNER guest columnist

September 29, 2006

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