CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL An Episcopal Community in the Heart of Houston, Texas
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ANZAC Day Observance remembering shared commitment and sacrifice
With the Cathedral’s historic role one of supporting civic life, church leaders say it will be an honor and a privilege to host an ANZAC Day observance April 25 on behalf of the Australian Consulate General-Houston. ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first military action by the newly formed Australian and New Zealand Army Corps — or ANZAC — in World War I’s 1915 Battle of Gallipoli in Turkey. The spirit forged amid their sacrifice has provided great meaning and relevance to Australia’s sense of national identity, according to government representatives. Within this window of the crucifixion on the Cathedral's south wall are figures National observances have from World War I representing the Army, the Red Cross, the Navy, and a nurse. expanded to honor all AusPlanning the upcoming service of rememtralians who have served and perished in war brance here has been a collaboration between or peacekeeping. The solemn occasion is about Australian diplomatic, governmental, and desacrifice, however, not Gallipoli or Australian fense officials as well as church leadership. The nationhood.
ANZAC DAY, page 6
The Rev. Bautista Betances receives Diocesan leadership roles BY CAD WILLEFORD
THE REV. SIMÓN BAUTISTA BETANCES
The Reverend Simón Bautista Betances recently received two important leadership positions in the Diocese of Texas. At the Diocesan Council this February, he was elected by the Bishop and voting members of the Council to the Executive Board of the Diocese. He was also recently appointed by the Bishop to be Head of the Commission on Hispanic Ministry. The Executive Board’s mandate is to
LEADERSHIP, page 3
Reflections on Cuba In mid-February I accompanied Bishop Andy Doyle, Sr. Warden Linnet Deily, Jr. Warden Bob Richter, and several other Texas Episcopalians on a goodwill mission to Cuba. For five days, Bishop Griselda Delgado del Carpio of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba hosted us. It was a faith-filled and inspiring week. On the third day of our mission, Bishop THE VERY REV. Griselda led us into the BARKLEY Cuban countryside, THOMPSON four hours from Havana, where horse-drawn carts are far more prevalent than automobiles. We visited a parcel of land on which the Diocese hopes to build Camp Blankenship, a diocesan camp and conference center. On the return trip to Havana, we visited Bolondron, a neglected and impoverished village of seven thousand inhabitants that has suffered greatly from the collapse of the local sugar cane market. Most of Bolondron’s buildings are crumbling before one’s eyes. We were met in Bolondron by the Reverend Andries Diaz, a dynamic and engaging Episcopal priest in his thirties. He and his wife welcomed us into their home with ham, cheese, and coffee. After a half hour of conversation, Andries asked us if we’d be willing to walk two blocks to his church, San Pablo. We eagerly agreed, and when we arrived at the church we found a dozen parishioners lining the sidewalk, waiting to greet us. San Pablo stands in striking contrast to the rest of Bolondron. It is lovingly cared for, with flawless plaster and new paint. A water purification system treats catchment rainwater, and the churchyard is occupied by an herb garden and outdoor chapel. The day before our visit was Valentine’s Day, and since
CUBA, page 8