February 3, 2023

Friday, February 3rd 2023  Established 1905  222 South & Wellington Streets, Georgetown, Guyana  Year 118, No. 5

Pope Francis in DR Congo: more than 1 million attend joyful Mass

Editorial: Africa is not the future, it is today - p2

Letters to the Editor - p2

Consecrated persons have ‘special role’ in fulfilling church’s mission, pope says - p2

Pope, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders push South Sudanese to make peace - p3

Prayer to end Human Trafficking - p3

A Christian Perspective on Social Issues - p4

Sunday Scripture - p5

Pope Francis appoints Evaristo Pascoal Spengler, OFM, bishop of Roraima - p6

Prayer for World Day of the Sick - p6

Bishop’s Engagements - p6

Journeying with the Word of God - p7

Children’s Page - p9

New SSVM Convent in Charity opened - p11

Church’s mission is seen in care for the sick, pope says in message - p12

Saint of the Week - p12

On the lighter side - p12

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

celebrate feast of St. Angela

Merici

By Sr. Nishi Kujur, OSU

ith immense joy and gratitude to God, we the Ursuline Sisters (Srs. Rashmi, Deepkala and Nishi), along with the students from St. Angela’s Hostel for girls and parishioners of St. Therese church, Karasabai, Region 9, celebrated the Feast of our Foundress St. Angela Merici on Friday January 27th with a thanksgiving Holy Mass offered by Fr. Joel please turn to p7)

Saturday, February 11, 2023

EDITORIAL Africa is not ,

From Our Sunday Visitor

Often European and American Catholics cite the Church in Africa as the future of the Church. The World Christian Database projects that, by 2050, 32% of the world’s Catholics will be African. But it is a narrow view that casts Africa as the Church of the future. Africa is the Church of today. Home to more than 250 million Catholics, Africans already make up 19% of the global Catholic population. Africa is home to nearly onefifth of our Church!

Popes have been visiting the continent since Pope St. Paul VI in 1969. During a welcome ceremony at Entebbe Airport, he declared, “Thanks be to God also for the marvels of His grace, poured out abundantly upon this land, and for the generous response of Africa to the Gospel message.”

In the course of the trip, Pope Paul VI dedicated the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs in Namugongo (a shrine to 22 African martyrs) and lobbied for the cause of peace in the face of the Nigerian civil war. The people of Africa perpetually face great challenges challenges related to poverty and violence and corruption. But how much do we pay attention? How often do we read the news stories, pray for the people who suffer and assist them with our own resources? How often are the struggles of our brothers and sisters in Christ just white noise in the background of our day-to-day tasks?

That’s why an apostolic journey like Pope Francis’ trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan matters so much. Pope Francis departed Jan. 31 and arrived in the DRC for a three-day journey before moving on to South Sudan. He returns to Rome on Feb. 5. The texts and visits of the trip will illustrate to the global Church the challenges faced by our brothers and sisters today and, no doubt, call the world to action.

First among these is the civil situation. Many African countries continue to suffer civil wars and diplomatic insecurity. Paul VI’s first visit was marked by appeals for peace in Nigeria. Already in 2015, Pope Francis has visited Africa, making a journey that included stops in Uganda, the Central African Republic and Kenya. But the themes

Dear Editor, Maybe one stays away from Mass for want of confidence in God and generosity.

What is happening at Mass? What the Lord did? This is the important thing. In all that can be said about Holy Mass, this must always be the first thing to dwell on. The church does what the Lord did. At the Last Supper Jesus gave the command. “As often as you do this you shall do it in memory of me”., and in obedience to this command is what the church is still doing today.

The simplest of gestures, the giving of bread and wine, and the simplest of words, “This is my body, this is my blood”, focus for us all that Jesus is and gives. There is more than we can

realise at one time. The expectation of the kingdom the memory of Jesus’ farewell, the presence of Jesus’ sacrificial act, the covenant between God and us, the forgiveness of sins, a meal, a thanksgiving, a sacrifice all at once.

We see then that the striking symbols of broken bread and red wine are not only a memory, they also present a striking reality, the body and blood of Jesus. “For my flesh is food indeed and blood drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him.” (Jn. 6: 55-56).

When Jesus said this it was too difficult to understand. How could it be possible?

Strictly speaking we are always children in face of God’s mysteries. We go through the actions, but the mystery which is unfolded before us remains to some extent incompre-

hensible.

The Eucharist has often been pondered, discussed and written about. And new light can still be thrown on it in each age. It is the focus of all the great realities of faith. Hence it is not surprising that in each period of church history new facets and values are revealed in this so divinely simple gesture.

The church has been charged to transmit and safeguard this gift. It is convinced that the Spirit of God will not permit it to err in this matter. At Mass we come together to give God praise and thanks. We are also invited to a meal, where Jesus is not only the giver of the meal, but the food itself. Let us not forget one of the pearls among Jesus’ sayings, “Where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20).

Leon Jeetlall

VATICAN CITY (CNS) While Pope Francis was “on mission” in Africa he urged consecrated persons to embody the church’s missionary spirit in spreading the Gospel.

In his message read out to consecrated persons gathered for Mass on World Day for Consecrated Life in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major Feb. 2, the pope said that consecrated persons have a “special role” to be examples among God’s people derived from their “total dedication to God and his kingdom, in poverty, chastity and obedience.”

of non-violence and peace endure:

Pope Francis chose for the theme of the trip the phrase, “All Reconciled in Christ Jesus.” The current conflict in eastern DRC has led to more than 11,000 deaths and displaced 1.4 million people. The Holy Father will meet with victims of the fighting in the east. While 95% of Congolese people are Christian, the war rages on.

The theme for World Day for Consecrated Life 2023 is “Brothers and Sisters on Mission.”

“If each person in the church is a mission, each and every one of you is so with your own grace as a consecrated person,” the pope said in his written message.

He also praised the “stupendous variety” of charisms which consecrated persons offer to build the church and its mission, “so that the church can witness and proclaim the Gospel to everyone and in every situation.”

Second is the plight of migrants. While flying over the Sahara desert on his way to Kinshasa, Pope Francis invited the journalists traveling with him to pause for a moment of prayer. He said, “Let us spare a little thought, in silence, a prayer for all the people who in search of a little comfort, a little freedom, have crossed it and have not made it.” Far from being a photo op, the Holy Fa-

Pope Francis sent the message while on his apostolic journey through Congo and South Sudan Jan. 31 to Feb. 5. It was read to consecrated persons before a Mass in Rome presided over by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Consecrated persons “exist for mission, indeed, we ourselves are missions,” Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo, the dicastery’s secretary, said in his homily. He explained that only by going out and encountering others fraternally can consecrated persons “show themselves with a prophetic character in a society so profoundly marked byindividualism.” Archbishop Rodríguez, a Franciscan friar, called on consecrated persons to keep Christ’s love at the center of their communities to ensure they always remain open to inviting others into their lives. “Only if he is at the center of our fraternities can we overcome the temptation to build communities with walls, with closed doors,” he said.

St. John Paul II instituted the World Day for Consecrated Life in 1997. It is celebrated each year on Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord.❖

ther’s visit, which includes a meeting with internally displaced persons, will draw global attention to unseen and unspoken needs.

Finally, Pope Francis’ journey will conclude with a visit to South Sudan. On this portion of the trip, he will be accompanied by the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the head of the global Anglican communion, (please turn to page 4)

Consecrated persons have ‘special role’ in fulfilling church’s mission, pope says

Pope, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders push South Sudanese to make peace

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Prayer to end Human Trafficking

Loving Father,

We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved. For those forced into labor, trafficked into sexual slavery, and denied freedom.

We beseech you to release them from their chains.

Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment.

Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning.

Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes. Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking.

JUBA, South Sudan (CNS) Three Christian religious leaders faced the president and vice presidents of South Sudan and told them it was time for them to get serious about peace, development and democracy.

Pope Francis, Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury and the Rev. Iain Greenshields, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, made history Feb. 3 when they began an ecumenical pilgrimage to the world's youngest nation, but one that has known war and violent conflicts for nine of the 11 years since independence.

Thousands of people lined the roads from the airport to the presidential palace, cheering the church leaders as they drove by. The crowd included many groups of a dozen or more women dressed alike, dancing and ululating as the visitors' motorcade passed.

After closed-door meetings with President Salva Kiir and with Riek Machar and the four other vice presidents meetings that lasted more than 40 minutes longer than planned the Christian leaders told the country's political leaders that it is time to stop their violent jostling for power and wealth and to start serving their people.

Speaking first, Kiir told those gathered in the palace garden, "This historic visit of these prominent global Christian leaders must compel us to engage in deep thinking about our recent history, especially on how it relates to the noble task of peace consolidation and the important projects of reconciliation and forgiveness among our people."

The president used the occasion to announce officially a move rumored

earlier: "the lifting of the suspension of the Rome Peace talks with the Holdout Groups," five politicalmilitary groups that did not accept the 2018 peace accord. Kiir pulled out of the talks, hosted by the Rome -based Community of Sant'Egidio, in November.

In his speech, Pope Francis said the religious leaders' words might seem "blunt," but they flow from the heart and from the Gospel the three proclaim, the same Gospel most of the government leaders and an estimated 60% of the population claim to follow.

"Brothers and sisters," he said, "it's time for peace."

Archbishop Welby recalled the retreat and meeting that he, Pope Francis and the Church of Scotland moderator at the time offered at the Vatican in 2019 for South Sudan's political leaders.

"Pope Francis knelt to kiss the feet of each politician," the archbishop said. "Almost five years later, we come to you in this way again: on our knees to wash feet, to listen, serve and pray with you."

But the archbishop also was pointed about what the politicians had promised at the Vatican retreat and what has happened in the meantime. "When I remember the commitments made back in 2019, I am saddened" that little has changed.

Rev. Greenshields did not place all the responsibility at the feet of the politicians but pressed for cooperation among all members of society, including local church leaders.

"We need churches and leaders who are generous of heart, liberal of love and profligate with God's grace," he said. "We need leaders who care

about the values by which our countries live, who care about the conditions in which people live, and who act out their faith in work amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized. These things make for peace."

Kiir, 71, and Machar, 70, were leaders in South Sudan's war for independence from Sudan, a dream that became a reality in 2011.

Pope Francis was blunt again when he asked them what they want their legacy to be: heroes of the fight for independence or warlords who failed their people.

"Future generations will either venerate your names or cancel their memory, based on what you now do," the pope told them.

"We undertook this ecumenical pilgrimage of peace after hearing the plea of an entire people that, with great dignity, weeps for the violence it endures, its persistent lack of security, its poverty and the natural disasters that it has experienced," the pope said. "Years of war and conflict seem never to end."

In a land bathed by the White Nile, which flows through Juba and north to join the Blue Nile and form one mighty river, Pope Francis told the leaders they must work to make the land a garden again and not a "cemetery."

Using Jesus' words to the disciple who drew a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane, Pope Francis said the Christian leaders' message was simple: "No more of this!"

"In the name of God, of the God to whom we prayed together in Rome, of the God who is gentle and humble in heart, the God in whom so many people of this beloved country believe, (please turn to p10)

Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation. For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen [USCCB ]

Segment II of the Lay Ministers' Formation Programme (February to April 2023) will be held via Zoom from 3 - 5pm every Saturday starting February 4th. All interested persons are invited to participate.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 815 5614 2686

Passcode: 445718

04 & 11 February

First Session: Retreat: Fr. Paul Martin,SJ.

Second Session: Understanding

Vatican II: Sr. Carla Thomas, OP

18 & 25 February, 04 March

First Session: Basic Pastoral Counselling: Sr. Katrina Charles, O. Carm.

Second Session: Liturgy II: Preparing for Lent & Easter: Andrew Kerry & Bro. Paschal Jordan, OSB

11, 18 & 25 March

First Session: Homilies for Holy Week & Easter Triduum: Msgr. Terrence Montrose.

Second Session: Liturgy II [cont'd] Holy Week Liturgies: Andrew Kerry & Bro. Paschal Jordan, OSB

01 April

Sessions 1 & 2: Retreat: Bp. Francis Alleyne, OSB

Easter Break: 08 - 15 April

Segment III - end of April to Junewill begin on Saturday 22 April

Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby, Pope Francis, President Salva Kiir and the Rev. Iain Greenshields, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, a meeting with authorities, civil society representatives and members of the diplomatic corps in the garden of the Presidential Palace in Juba, South Sudan, Feb. 3, 2023. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

A Christian Perspective on Social Issues

Spiraling violence

By GHK Lall

It is an understatement to say that life is cheap in today’s Guyana; on many occasions, it is more accurate to assert that life has no worth, given how circumstances develop and deteriorate. Death or serious injury is the usual numbing result. More and more, the local environment is riddled with violence, soaring violence that sprawls across neighborhoods, regions, large swaths of territory. Violence in the homes against loved ones, and which I have written right here. Violence between friends, and among strangers, both of which groups appear so edgy and reckless, it is as if they are primed for trouble, and any level of violence that must accompany such a mindset, such postures, the reckless disregard for thelaw.

We need no new familiarity with what comes out of the media reports. It is the same jaded stories that arise almost daily in one community or another. A drive-by in the vicinity of Smyth and D’Urban Streets, and a man downed in a hail of almost a dozen bullets. The news spoke of the deceased as one who was no stranger to the law, in all the implications of what is a statement loaded with much meaning, most of them likely crime-oriented. Around the Soesdyke-Linden Highway neighborhood, a DJ, a young man’s fingers and one wrist were severed, and a deep chop to the back of his neck dispatched him with savage finality. He was no stranger to me. The circumstances, as made known to me, was of some people who were ‘looking for trouble’ came for him and got him. He, too, is dead, cut down in the prime of his life.

I read about the same senselessness in rum shops, and other places of social

gatherings and merriment. Alcohol is the fuel that reduces inhibitions, and once consumed in copious quantities, all restraint and inclinations to orderliness vanish. The cutlass, or a gun, or some other instrument of violence is employed to lethal effect. It is of men taking the law into their own hands. Recently, there were at least two instances in which men lost their lives because the women in their lives had had enough, and couldn’t take it anymore. The tables are turned, and now women are pushed, justifiably or for other reasons, to the brink. The children in such unions now stare at the nightmare of one parent gone, and the other gone also for all intents and purposes, once the law decided that a heinous crime was committed. Imprisonmentmay follow.

Separately, what is happening on our roads is nothing less than calculated violence unleashed with parallel recklessness, which endangers many. The madness of uncontrollable speeds, of drinking and driving, must amount to a form of violence that makes use of a vehicle as the weapon of choice. The chronic lack of courtesy, the acute absence of disciple, and the near total disregard for law and order, are all expressions of latent violence on our roads and streets, no matter how clothed or denied,or wished away.

It is felt, and I believe so, that there is what I would call a different kind of violence, one that is delivered by those in charge against those without the means to resist, or to confront and challenge. It is a bloodless violence characterized by who is squeezed and pressured, who is made to feel and taste the brunt of wraths of those with the power to have their way. It could be in the commercial realm, or the social environment, or from the leadership heights.

I would make the case that when our national institutions do not stand for us, make a mockery of their duty to us, then a strain of psychic violence is inflicted on citizens who expect much, who fear much, but end up emptyhanded and worse for wear with worry.

Taking all of this into consideration, with the admission that much has been left out, how does a society function

with wisdom, energy, and confidence, when violence, in some form or another, is the now constant routine, seemingly an inseparable element of the national culture. Violence in language. Violence in bearing and posture. Violence in action and in practice, and for the most ordinary, the most mundane, and the most frivolous of situations. The problem is not that we embrace this violent and arrogant way of living, but that we seem to have developed a lasting love for it, as the means and solutions forallevents.

I am looking into the sanctuary, and ask how we get a counter message across. One that is of powerful biblical proportions that mean something because they register. A message that serves as protective safe harbor because it is built on, cushioned by, and reinforced by the peace of Jesus. To recognize situations and to do our best to defuse them, to be messengers for a different way, to stand for pathways of peace. These are fostered by self spect for others, and a willingness to exist in humility, to turn the cheek, to remember Jesus’ counsels. ❖

EDITORIAL (From P2)

and the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rev. Iain Greenshields. This ecumenical visit is intended to be a sign to the world of the ongoing work for Christian unity. Standing together in solidarity, these three Christian leaders will witness to the harmony of the Gospel in the midst of discord and strife.

Pope Francis’ voyage to Africa is a lifeline for many who are facing terrible challenges with no easy way out. Said one refugee to OSV News: “We have suffered for a very long time, and his coming means a lot to us because he is the only hope we have as people of South Sudan.”

Let us pray for Pope Francis during his journey, and especially for the people to whom he is ministering, that he might be that ray of hope, reminding the world that the people of Africa the home of the Church today need our attention, our support and, most of all, our love.❖

Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests.

Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.

Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.

Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen

Counselling Services at Brickdam Presbytery

Carmelite Sisters are available for counselling on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00am to 12 noon and 1:00pm to 2:00 pm, at theCathedral Presbytery.

They are also available by appointment. Persons are encouraged to avail themselves of these services. Kindly contact the Cathedral parish office on tel. no. 226-4631fordetails.

Pope’s Intentions

February Monthly Intention: For Parishes

We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need ❖

FirstReading Isaiah 58:7-10

Then will your light shine like the dawn

Thus says the Lord:

Share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor, clothe the man you see to be naked and turn not from your own kin. Then will your light shine like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Your integrity will go before you and the glory of the Lord behind you. Cry, and the Lord will answer; call, and he will say, ‘I am here’.

If you do away with the yoke, the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, and relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 111

Response: The good man is a light in the darkness for the upright.

1. He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just. The good man takes pity and lends, he conducts his affairs with honour. Response

2. The just man will never waver: he will be remembered for ever. He has no fear of evil news; with a firm heart he trusts in the Lord. Response

3. With a steadfast heart he will not fear; open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory. Response

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

During my stay with you, the only knowledge I claimed to have was about Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ.

When I came to you, brothers, it was not with any show of oratory or philosophy, but simply to tell you what God had guaranteed. During my stay with

about Jesus, and only about him as the crucified Christ. Far from relying on any power of my own, I came among you in great ‘fear and trembling’ and in my speeches and the sermons that I gave, there were none of the arguments that belong to philosophy; only a demonstration of the power of the Spirit. And I did this so that your faith should not depend on human philosophy but on the power of God.

Gospel Acclamation Jn 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia!

I am the light of the world, says the Lord, anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!

and the way He intends for us to use the gifts He has given us.

You are the light of the world.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.’❖

Today’s readings are part pep talk and part marching orders for us Christian stewards. They offer wonderfully clear guidance on what matters most to God in the way we prioritize our lives

The first reading, from the prophet Isaiah, gives us very straightforward instructions: “Thus says the Lord: Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” The Lord gives no wiggle room here care for our brothers and sisters in need is a “must do” for the Christian steward.

But note how generous our God is to us when we do these things. “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your wound shall quickly be healed.” The more we give ourselves away the more we will find ourselves, and “light shall rise” for us in the form of more of God’s grace in our lives and more joy and peace in our hearts.

Our Gospel passage, from Matthew sends us out on our stewardship way with a bang as Jesus declares to us, His disciples, that we are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the

world.” But, He adds, salt no longer gives flavour if allowed to go stale light cannot bring its blessed brightness if left hidden. Therefore, we must act! We must live our lives so that others will see the things that we do the ways that we serve others, care for the vulnerable, prioritize our family relationships and above all, our love for God and then give Him glory.

This is the stewardship way of life. Let’s give it our all! ❖

Pope Francis appoints Evaristo Pascoal Spengler, OFM, bishop of Roraima, Brazil

As a priest, Dom Evaristo Spengler served as vicar in parishes in the state of Rio de Janeiro between 1984 and 1996. From 2001 to 2010, he was a missionary in Angola.

of the Sick

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Merciful God, you care for your people with the strength of a father and the tenderness of a mother; and you desire to give us new life in the Holy Spirit. You sent Jesus your Son as Saviour of all people; he proclaimed the gospel of the Kingdom and healed those who suffered from illness and disease. We ask you to send the grace of your Son to us now, that he may bring healing and hope to all who suffer with infirmity and sickness. Send the Holy Spirit to impart that new life which comes from Jesus your Son, throughthepowerofhisdeathandresurrection. May the same life-giving Spirit sustain and enlighten all who care for the sick and infirm, and all who seek cures for the diseases that afflict our human condition. Through Christ, our Healer and Lord. Amen. Mary, Health of the Infirm, Pray for us. Amen

[Australian Catholic Bishops Conference]

Bishop’s Engagements

Sunday Feb 5th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation and blessing of Presbytery at Kurukubaru

Monday, Feb 6th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Maikwak

Tuesday, Feb 7th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Kopinang

Wednesday, Feb 8th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Waipa

Thursday, Feb 9th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Kamana

Friday, Feb 10th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Penak

Saturday, Feb 11th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Kanapang

Sunday, Feb 12th

09:00 hrs – Confirmation in Itabac

Monday, Feb 13th

09:00 hrs – Return to Georgetown

bishop of the diocese of Roraima Brazil (the border state to Region 9 in Guyana) Bishop Evaristo Pascoal Spengler, OFM, transferring him from the Territorial Prelature of Marajó. Medino Abraham SJ translated the following article, and included some observations: On Wednesday 25th of January 2023, Pope Francis appointed Dom Evaristo Pascoal Spengler, a Franciscan, to shepherd the people of Roraima. His appointment came after some time when the previous Bishop of the diocese Dom Mario Antonio was transferred in 2022 to the Archdiocese of Cuiba another state in the Amazon. During the time of Sede Vacante and before the appointment of the new bishop, the diocese was administered by Father Lucio Nicoletto. (It was great working with the Jesuits last year in Boa Vista where I got to know Fr Lucio. Thanks for the great works he did in the absence of the bishop and may God bless the newly appointed Dom Evaristo in his new mission to the people of Roraima.)

Dom Evaristo Pascoal Spengler was the bishop of the prelature of Marajó, in Pará, since 2016. The 62-year-old from Santa Catarina is also president of the Special Pastoral Commission for

Combating Human Trafficking of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB).

Born in Gaspar, municipality of Santa Catarina on March 29, 1959, Dom Evaristo Pascoal Spengler completed courses in Philosophy and Theology at the Franciscan Theological Institute in Petrópolis (RJ). He has a specialization in the Bible and a postgraduate degree in Biblical Theology from the Franciscan Biblical Studiesin Jerusalem. In Petrópolis, Dom Evaristo Pascoal Spengler made his solemn profession in the Franciscan Order

In 2016, the missionary priest was named Prelate Bishop of Marajó and, two months later, he officially became bishop. In addition to chairing the Special Pastoral Commission to Combat Human Trafficking, Dom Evaristo Spengler is a member of the Special Episcopal Commission for the Amazon and president of the PanAmazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM).

The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil welcomed and celebrated the appointment of Dom Evaristo Spengler through a letter signed by the president and vice-presidents of the CNBB, one of them the former bishop of Roraima, Dom Mário Antônio. "The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil received with joy the news of your appointment as bishop of the diocese of Roraima. We wish you a fruitful ministry, and that the testimony and courage of the Apostle Paul be an inspiration in this new stage of your ministry", says an excerpt

Bishop Francis journeyed to Region 2 for Confirmations and the blessing of the new SSVM were confirmed with the Gifts of

the Holy Spirit at Christ the King Church, Suddie, Essequibo Coast on Saturday, January 28th.❖

Confirmed at Suddie

Dom Evaristo Pascoal Spengler interacting with the faithful in the Amazon. Photo: REPAM.

Dom Evaristo Pascoal Spengler and a religious sister during their mission outreach to a riverine community in the Amazon. (Photo: REPAM)

Ursulines in Karasabai celebrate feast of St. Angela Merici Journeying with the Word of God

community of Karasabai, especially the young s childhood and her foundation of faith in the family (which presented the extraordinary in ordinary life) s Hostel. By sharing some snacks and drinks with We the Ursuline Sisters take this opportunity to thank all who are directly and indirectly associated with us for your valuable prayers and support in chizing the people and preparing the young and future mothers and wives in order to bring healing I have come so that (John 10:10).

MAKING THE WORD OF GOD YOUR OWN

Step 1: Lookattoday’sReadingsprayerfully.

1st Reading: Long before the coming of Christ, the prophet reminds God’s people that they have a mission to be light to the world. They are to prove this by their concern for the weak and the neglected.

2nd Reading: Paul reminds us that the strength of our faith comes from God’s grace and not from human reasoning.

Gospel: In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that his followers are salt that gives flavour to the world and light which gives warmth and brightness.

Step 2: ApplyingthevaluesoftheReadings

toyourdailylife.

1.In the First Reading we hear some interesting ideas on how we are expected to live as God’s children. Do you, in any way find these expectations too demanding?

2.Jesus says that we are the light of the world. What does this mean to you personally in your relationship with other people? What do you feel you can do if you are to be a light to the world?

3.Like salt, disciples of Christ can help give better taste and joy to life. How do you feel you can be salt by giving taste and joy to the life of others?

4.Often we think we are good simply because we are not conscious of doing any great evil. Do you consider yourself a good person? Why do you think so?

Step

3:

Accepting the message of God’s Wordinyourlifeoffaith

We all have the capacity for goodness. We can be a source of light for others. We have hands that can care, tongues that can speak encouraging words, eyes that can see, ears that can listen to others and hearts that can love. We cannot let our light grow dim through laziness, indifference, and selfishness.

Step 4: Somethingtothink&prayabout

1.It is easy for me to let the light shine in the comfort and safety of my own home. But this is a selfishness because I will be keeping the light to myself and this is not where the light is needed. It is needed in the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This is where I am called to be salt of the earth and light of the world.

2.Pray that the Lord will help us believe in our own goodness and to let our light of goodness shine so that others can find the way to God. ❖

[From: Journeying with the Word of God, The Religious Education Department, Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana ]

Children of Sacred Heart Parish were able to have this photo with visiting Guyanese-born, internationally acclaimed actress Letitia Wright who was more than willing to stop and interact

with the young, enthusiastic fans on her tour of Main Street on Sunday January 29th. The Sacred Heart Community wishes the kind and humble

actress a wonderful and blessed trip as she traverses her beautiful homeland. ❖

(Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church Guyana FB page)

Pope Francis in DR Congo: more than 1 million attend joyful Mass

More than one million people attended Pope Francis’ Mass in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday morning, according to local authorities.

The Mass in Kinshasa, DRC’s capital city, took place on the airfield of the N’Dolo Airport on the second day of the Pope’s trip to two countries in central and east Africa.

Catholics attended a prayer vigil with confessions and music the night of Jan. 31; some people who traveled from far away stayed at the airport all nightuntilthemorningMassonFeb.1

People gathered in the field hours before the start of Mass at 9:30 a.m. local time. They arrived as the sun began to rise, dressed up and carrying baskets of food. They sang and danced and prayed as they waited for the pope. Many in the crowd, especially the women, wore cotton dresses with

Pope Francis celebrated Mass in French, the official language of DRC, and Lingala, the Bantu-based creole spoken in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and by millions of speakers across Central Africa.

The Pope delivered his homily in Italian with French translations for the Mass. The liturgy itself lent to the sense of joy. For the most part, it followed what commonly is called the Zairean Rite, using the "Roman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaire," the former name of Congo.

The missal incorporates Congolese music and rhythmic dance, gives an important space to the litany of saints and of faith-filled ancestors, and the penitential rite and the exchange of peace take place together after the homily and before the offertory.

“Brothers and sisters, with Jesus, evil never wins, evil never has the last word,” Pope Francis said at Mass.

than 5.5 million people displaced from their homes, the third-highest number of internally displaced people in the world.

“In a world disheartened by violence and war, Christians must be like Jesus,” Pope Francis said in his homily.

“As if to insist on the point, Jesus told the disciples once more: Peace be with you! We are called to make our own this inspired and prophetic message of peace and proclaim it before the world.”

The Pope said there are three “wellsprings of peace” forgiveness, community,andmission. He also encouraged the people of DRC to unite their suffering to the suffering of Christ.

“When guilt and sadness overwhelm us, when things do not go well, we know where to look: to the wounds of Jesus, who is ever ready to forgive us with his infinite, wounded love,” he said.

Jesus, Francis added, “knows your wounds; he knows the wounds of your

repeats the words he spoke today through the prophet Isaiah: ‘I will heal them; I will lead them and repay them with comfort,’” he said.

Pope Francis encouraged Catholics in DRC to take the crucifix from their wall or hanging on a chain around their neck and to hold it in their hands, close to their hearts, “in order to share your wounds with the wounds of Jesus.”

“Give Christ the chance to heal your heart, hand your past over to him, along with all your fears and troubles. What a beautiful thing it is to open the doors of your heart and your home to his peace!” he said.

A number of cardinals and bishops from Africa concelebrated the papal Mass Feb. 1.

Cardinal Antoine Kambanda of Rwanda, Cardinal Dieudonne Nzapalainga of Central African Republic, Archbishop Edmond Djitangar of Chad, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Nigeria were among those who traveled from

The Pope flies to the city of Juba in South Sudan on Feb. 3 for the second leg of the trip. The visit to South ” and take place together with the archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the moderator of the Church of Scotland, Iain Greenshields.

Dear Boys and Girls,

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus tells us that ‘You are the salt of the earth’ and ‘You are the light of the world’.

We are sure you all know that many foods taste much better with a little salt. It doesn't take much. In fact, when you are cooking, a recipe often calls for "a pinch of salt." Not much, just a pinch, but that little pinch of salt makes a big difference in the flavour.

Jesus said to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." What do you think that means? Jesus means that he wants us to improve the quality of life of those we meet each day. How can we do that? We can do that by introducing them to Jesus and by showing them that having Jesus in our life is like having salt on our food. Everything is better when we have Jesus in our life.

There is a lot of hatred and bitterness in our world today. If we will show the love of Jesus in all that we do, we can be the salt of the earth like Jesus called us to be. Just a pinch of salt can do much to reduce bitterness and bring peace to our world.

‘You are the light of the world’ Today’s Gospel reading also tells us that we should let our light shine. Before our light will shine, we must be plugged in and turned on. We must be plugged in to God’s power supply and we must be turned on for Jesus. When we invite Jesus into our heart, we have the power. When we come to Church to worship and praise Him and study His Word, we get turned on for Jesus. When we are plugged in and turned on, our light will shine.

Heavenly Father, our prayer is that we may be the salt of the earth by showing the love of Jesus in all that we do. We also want our light to shine. We ask you to help us to remember that we need to be plugged in to your power and we need to be turned on for Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.❖

You are the salt of the earth.

Pope, Anglican, Presbyterian leaders push South Sudanese to make peace (From Page 3)

now is the time to say, 'No more of this,'" the pope repeated.

"No more bloodshed, no more conflicts, no more violence and mutual recriminations about who is responsible for it, no more leaving your people athirst for peace," he said. "No more destruction: it is time to build! Leave the time of war behind and let a time of peace dawn!"

The political leaders, the pope said, also must renew the commitment they made in the 2018 peace accords to include young people, women and other civil society representatives in

discussions about governing the country, rather than leaving everything to the former combatants.

"Women, mothers who know how life is generated and safeguarded, need to be increasingly involved in political life and decision-making processes," he said. "Women need to be respected, for anyone who commits an act of violence toward a woman commits it toward God, who took flesh from a woman."

"Before all else," he said, "there is a need to combat poverty, which serves

Prayer for the Synod on Synodality

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

as the fertile soil in which hatred, divisions and violence take root."

The poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable are the estimated 2 million South Sudanese who have been displaced by fighting, he said. "How many people have had to flee their homes, and now find themselves consigned to the margins of life as a result of conflicts and forced displacement."

"Above all, there is a need to control the flow of weapons," he said. "Many things are needed here, but surely not more instruments of death!"❖

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen

New SSVM Convent in Charity blessed and opened

By Mother Nikopoia, SSVM

The Sisters of the Servants of the Lord had the Blessing and Opening of their new convent on Sunday, January 29th in Charity, Essequibo Coast. Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB blessed the house, and many sisters from the diocese joined in the celebration.

The convent will not only be a safe, permanent residence for the sisters, it also has adequate space for Spiritual Exercise Silent retreats, Bible Studies and Formation Classes, Girls Groups, Vocation Discernment, a novitiate, a place for missionaries to stay, a library, and a large spacious chapel for all to come, pray and listen to God's love for them and know their dignity as beloved children of a loving Father. We are grateful especially to our patron St. Joseph for his immense

spiritual gifts he has given us throughout the two years of construction. A spiritual exercise silent retreat will be held the last weekend of February

for both men and women, preached at the new convent and a Confirmation Retreat and Catechist Formation has already made the new convent

Saint of the Week

Church’s mission is seen in care for the sick, pope says in message

sion and takes care of that stranger on the road, treating him as a brother. In doing so, without even thinking about it, he makes a difference, he makes the world more fraternal.”

People need the love and support of others as they age and especially when they are ill, he said. Usually, people are not prepared to fall sick, he said, and, often, “we fail even to admit that we are getting older.”

Cardinal Peter Turkson, former prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting

Human Development, anoints the hands of a woman as he celebrates Mass marking World Day of the Sick, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this Feb. 11, 2022, file photo. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) The way individual Catholics and their parishes care for the sick offers a precise measure of just how much they either are part of or are fighting the “throwaway culture” that ignores or discards anyone seen as flawed or weak, Pope Francis said in his message for the World Day of the Sick.

The care of those who are ill shows “whether we are truly companions on the journey or merely individuals on the same path, looking after our own interests and leaving others to ‘make do,'” the pope said in the message, which was released by the Vatican Jan. 10. The Catholic Church celebrates the world day Feb. 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

“Experiences of bewilderment, sickness and weakness are part of the human journey,” the 86-yearold pope wrote.

But, he said, the Bible makes clear that “far from excluding us from God’s people,” those situations of vulnerability “bring us to the center of the Lord’s attention, for he is our Father and does not want to lose even one of his children along the way.”

Those who profess belief in God, he said, should do likewise, placing the sick at the center of their attention.

To illustrate his point, Pope Francis used the parable of the good Samaritan, a story he often cites to illustrate the importance of community and fraternity in contrast to cruelty and selfabsorption.

“The fact that the man, beaten and robbed, is abandoned on the side of the road” in the parable “represents the condition in which

all too many of our brothers and sisters are left at a time when they most need help,” the pope said. In addition, he said, in too many cases it is not easy “to distinguish the assaults on human life and dignity that arise from natural causes from those caused by injustice and violence. In fact, increasing levels of inequality and the prevailing interests of the few now affect every human environment to the extent that it is difficult to consider any experience as having solely ‘natural’ causes.”

The problem is not only illness, the pope said, but also loneliness and the feeling of abandonment, both of which “can be overcome more easily than any other injustice, because as the parable tells us it only takes a moment of our attention, of being moved to compassion within us, in order to eliminate it.”

In the parable, he said, “two travelers, considered pious and religious, see the wounded man, yet fail to stop. The third passerby, however, a Samaritan, a scorned foreigner, is moved with compas-

“Our vulnerability frightens us, and the pervasive culture of efficiency pushes us to sweep it under the carpet, leaving no room for our human frailty,” he said. And even when people do not turn away, sometimes those who are sick think they should distance themselves from loved ones so they don’t become “a burden.”

But, Pope Francis said, “this is how loneliness sets in, and we can become poisoned by a bitter sense of injustice, as if God himself had abandoned us. Indeed, we may find it hard to remain at peace with the Lord when our relationship with others and with ourselves is damaged.”

If the Catholic Church is truly to be a “field hospital,” the pope said, then its members must act.

The church’s mission, he said, “is manifested in acts of care, particularly in the historical circumstances of our time. We are all fragile and vulnerable, and need that compassion which knows how to pause,approach,healandraiseup.”

“The plight of the sick is a call that cuts through indifference and slows the pace of those who go on their way as if they had no sisters and brothers,” Pope Francis insisted.

Those who are sick, he said, “are at the center of God’s people, and the church advances together with them as a sign of a humanity in which everyone is precious and no one should be discarded or left behind.

February 8th: St. Josephine Bakhita

Patron Saint of all who suffer from DomesticViolenceand Human Trafficking

Born in Olgossa in the Darfur region of South Sudan in 1869, our saint had a loving family and happy childhood. At age seven, however, she was abducted by slave traders; the trauma of which caused her to forget her own name. A slaver sarcastically named her Bakhita, Arabic for lucky. She experienced the cruelties, humiliations and sufferings of slavery, including severe emotional abuse, beatings and indescribable mutilations. In 1883, at age 14, Bakhita was sold to an Italian consul. Two years later he took Bakhita to Italy and gave her to an Italian couple - she would become nanny to their infant daughter. Needing to leave the country on business in late 1888, the couple entrusted their daughter and Bakhita to the care of a Venetian convent of the Canossian Daughters of Charity. When they returned from SudanandwantedtotaketheirdaughterandBakhita back with them, the future saint refused to go. During the ensuing court case, the Canossian sisters and the patriarch of Venice intervened on Josephine's behalf. An Italian court ruled that because Sudan had outlawed slavery even before Bakhita’s birth and because in any case Italian law did not recognize slavery, Bakhita had never legally been a slave, could not be considered property, and having reached majority age, could make her own decisions. Bakhita chose to remain with the religious community.

In 1890, Bakhita received the sacraments of Christian initiation, and embraced the name Josephine. Josephine entered the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa in 1893 and made her profession three years later. In 1902, Sister Josephine was assigned to the convent in Schio, in the Italian Alps. Sister Josephine happily served her community as sacristan, cook, and portress (the community member appointed to interact with the public and provide hospitality to guests). She was a model of forgiveness and service.

Sister Josephine died on February 8th, 1947,and was canonized in 2000. Many have sought her prayerful intercession, especially those who experience any form of slavery, and those who need to find peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in their lives. ❖

Integral