August 2013 Bayou Catholic Issue

Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Inside

2013 Football

Native Faith Diocese honors Saint Kateri

HOUMA, LA ~ AUGUST 2013 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

WE BRING

YOU THERE Order Today! (985) 693-0123

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Contents

On Our Cover

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Golden Meadow native Lucas Gilbert, a member of the United Houma Nation Tribe, is pictured in Native American regalia at the annual celebration honoring Saint Kateri Tekakwitha at Holy Family Church in Grand Caillou. Gilbert was dancing with the Bayou Eagles group.

Church Life Father Warren Chassaniol dies at 73

22 Heavenly Recipes

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Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Bayou

Special

Our Churches

Pope’s First Encyclical

St. John A truly prayerful community

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• Welcome

• Question Corner

Vol. 34, No. 2

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Kicking off a new season LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Church Alive

Football 2013

Diocesan Leadership Awards

The guide to local high schools, colleges, Saints

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32 • Reflections

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• Scripture Readings

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How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic

Catholic

2013 Football

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Tammy’s Eggplant Casserole

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year.

The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association.

National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

• Seeing Clairely

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• News Briefs

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Louis G. Aguirre editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager Peggy Adams advertising manager Janet Marcel staff writer Pat Keese secretary and circulation Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer Janet B. Eschete accounts payable assistant Meridy Liner accounts receivable assistant

First Place Winner General Excellence

Where to find us

Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually.

Index to Advertisers Advanced Eye Institute .............................. 29 All American Grease Service Companies ... 69 Barker Honda ............................................. 52 Cannata’s ................................................... 80 Channel 10 ................................................... 9 Charles A. Page & Sons ............................ 70 Chauvin Funeral Home/Twin City Funeral... 66 Conference Office Events .......................... 40 Daigle Himel Daigle ................................... 47 Data Management Services ....................... 51 Diocesan Outreach Line .............................. 5 Diocesan Rome Pilgrimage......................... 37 Diocesan Website ...................................... 63 Dr. Neil Maki Orthopaedics ........................ 78 Duplantis Design Group, PC ..................... 75 Falgout Funeral Homes, LLC ..................... 74 Family Vision Clinic .................................... 65 Felger’s Footwear ...................................... 51 God’s Precious Word & Gifts ..................... 65 Headache & Pain Center ........................... 27 HTeNews .................................................... 55 ISR Physical Therapy ................................. 59 KEM Supply House, Inc. ............................ 75 Lafourche Ford Lincoln .............................. 73 Landry’s Funeral Home/ Thibodaux Funeral Home ........................ 68 LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. ........................ 65 Lewis & Co. ................................................ 35 Lirette Ford Lincoln .................................... 61 Marie’s Wrecker Service ............................ 50 Mary Bird Perkins ....................................... 19 Mpress ....................................................... 39 Office of Youth Ministry .............................. 53 Re-Bath ...................................................... 34 Robichaux Ford .......................................... 57 Rod’s Superstore ....................................... 25 Samart Funeral Home & Crematorium of Houma ........................... 72 Seminarian Education Burses ................... 21 Southland Dodge ....................................... 43 Spotlight ..................................................... 31 St. Joseph Manor ....................................... 38 Sunshine Equipment Co., Inc. ................... 79 Synergy Bank .............................................. 67 Taco Bell/KFC ............................................. 45 Taco Bell/KFC ............................................. 71 Terminix ...................................................... 35 Terrebonne General Medical CenterGail Aycock ................................................ 3 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .................... 44 Vision Communications ............................... 2

Diocesan Outreach Line

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026.

For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org.

Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux.

El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental.

Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026.

Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org.

Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026.

Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org.

Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links. www.bayoucatholic.com

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Welcome

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MARIA HAVIS/BAYOU CATHOLIC

The new Bayou Catholic magazine was recently chosen by the Catholic Press Association (CPA) as the best diocesan magazine for the 2013 award year. The magazine also received awards from the Louisiana Press Association. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs is pictured with staff members, from left, Lawrence Chatagnier, managing editor; Pat Keese, administrative assistant; Peggy Adams, advertising manager; Lisa Schobel Hebert, graphic designer; Louis G. Aguirre, editor and general manager; and Janet Marcel, staff writer.

Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager

General Excellence

It’s time to toot our own horn: Your Bayou Catholic has been chosen by the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada (CPA) as the best diocesan magazine in North America for the 2013 award year.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

Additionally, we have garnered seven more awards from both the CPA and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA).

In recognizing us as the best diocesan magazine, the judges said, in part: “High quality photographs on almost every page document local life across the diocese … from issue to issue Bayou Catholic presents an image of a lively, distinctive Catholic culture which includes the annual Blessing of the Fleet, and recipes. It also offers thoughtful articles on priesthood, historic parishes and pioneering leaders.”

The seven other awards include: From LPA, first place for editorial content for Bayou Outdoor Guide Fall special; second place for best regular column, Claire Joller’s “Seeing Clairely”; second place for advertising content for Bayou Outdoor Spring special; third place for best feature photo,

“Religious Freedom,” by Lawrence Chatagnier; and honorable mentions for multiple advertiser page, “12 Days of Christmas,” and best photo package (Jubilant Day, Diocese Ordains Four Priests) by Chatagnier. The CPA also gave us an honorable mention for the Bayou Outdoor Guide Fall special, in the category of best special issue, section or supplement.

There are many people to thank, including our readers, clergy, religious and laity. We particularly thank our advertisers and those who have sent in contributions to keep the magazine alive and healthy. I especially want to salute our own Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, whose vision and encouragement has given us the impetus to transition from diocesan newspaper to magazine.

Bayou Spirit

Saint Kateri honored The annual Native American celebration honoring Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was held recently at Holy Family Church in Grand Caillou. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Aug. 6, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Rev. Robert Cruz, speaker. n Scripture I, Wednesdays, Aug. 7, 14 and 21, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Deacon John Pippenger, speaker. n “Fill Your Hearts” event for young adults, Friday, Aug. 9, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. Christopher West, speaker. Time yet to be announced. n RCIA Workshop, Sat., Aug. 10, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. n Married Couples Confer-

ence, Saturday, Aug. 10, HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center, Houma.

Guest speaker, Christopher West.

Time yet to be announced. n Acadian Mass, Thursday, Aug. 15, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews, 6:30 p.m. n “Pray Always and Don’t Lose Heart! Learning to Pray with Luke’s Jesus” retreat, Friday, Aug. 16-18, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, Schriever. Sign in Friday, Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m. Concludes with Mass on Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Glenn LeCompte, retreatant. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, Aug. 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall,

6 p.m. Meal served at 6 p.m., events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over 18 years of age invited. Bring your daughter. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, Aug. 21, St. Ann, Bourg, 7-9 p.m. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Sat. Aug. 24, St. Bernadette, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. n Man of God Gathering, Thursday, Aug. 29, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m., events begins at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all men over 18 years of age invited. Bring your son.

n aNew Experience, Wednesday, Sept. 18, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma, 7-9 p.m. n Components of Effective Teaching-Elementary, Thursday, Sept. 19, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Julie Brunet and Renee McAlister, speakers. n The Call to Holiness, Thursday, Sept. 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Rev. Mark Toups, speaker. n Blue Mass, Thursday, Sept.

26, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, 11 a.m.

n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in September through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This course is free and is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks.

A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating can call Brooks Lirette at (985) 876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment.

bulletins for time. n Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will be taking applications for its annual Christmas Toy Drive for residents of Terrebonne Parish on Oct. 1417, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the St. Bernadette KC Hall, 5522 West Main Street – the driveway right before H&H Storage. Any Terrebonne Parish residents on the Food Stamp Program can apply.

Items needed to register are: Food stamp print out, child support print out, proof of birthdates for all children, check stubs and proof of all monthly household expenses. n Catholic Charities USA Partners in Excellence, A Regional Convening on Mission, Connec-

tion and Professional Development will be held Oct. 22-23 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans. Call 1(866) 513-9744 for reservations. Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, will be the keynote speaker. n God and the Human Person, Thursday, Oct. 24, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Katie Austin, speaker. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Sat. Oct. 26, Annunziata, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. n Man of God Gathering, Tues., Oct. 29, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m.

Free event, all men over 18 years of age invited.

SEPTEMBER

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n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Sept. 3, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Rev. Mitchel Semar, speaker. n Scripture I-The New Testament, Wednesdays, Sept. 4, 11 and 25, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Deacon John Pippenger, speaker. n Components of Effective Teaching-High School, Thursday, Sept. 12, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Mike DiSalvo, speaker. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Sat., Aug. 14, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

OCTOBER n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Oct. 1, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Rev. Glenn LeCompte, speaker. n Christology, Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 16 and 30, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker. n Red Mass, Thurs. Oct. 10, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 11 a.m. n Woman of God Gathering, Thurs., Oct. 10, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all men over 18 years of age invited. n White Mass, Sun., Oct. 13, at all church parishes. See church

DIOCESAN

AUGUST

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

EVENTS

Tune In To...

Quality Family Programming for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

~ Channel 10* on Comcast of Houma and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS of Terrebonne Parish. ~ Channel 10* on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in Thibodaux. ~ Channel 10* on VISION COMMUNICATIONS of South and Central Lafourche *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

SUNDAY

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 P.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Spotlight/Revival

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary The Choices We Face Spotlight/Revival

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Divine Intervention Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

MONDAY

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11:00 P.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Closer Walk Live With Passion

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Living Scripture Spotlight/Revival Spotlight/Revival

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Spotlight/Revival

SATURDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Real Food Spotlight/Revival

Programs produced by the Diocesan Office of TV Communications. We reserve the right to make program changes. www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

I 10

“It is a dogma revealed by God that the Immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever virgin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven” (Pius XII 1950).

As we continue to reflect on God’s plan in reference to Mary’s role in salvation history, we realize that there is a progression of unique graces given to her by God. The most central grace is her call to be the Mother of God, the Mother of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. All other graces flow from this central mystery: her Immaculate Conception, her freedom from personal sin, her perpetual virginity, her sharing in the mystery of redemption and her assumption into heaven, body and soul after death.

In the words of Pope Pius XII who declared Mary’s assumption as an infallible truth of the deposit of faith: “Now God has willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be exempted from this general rule (the corruption of the body after death). She, by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcame sin by her Immaculate Conception, and as a result she was not subject to the law of remaining in the corruption of the grave, and she did not have to wait until the end of time for the redemption of her body.”

In another part of the same decree the pope stated: “The august Mother of God, mysteriously united from all eternity with Jesus Christ in

the one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, a virgin inviolate in her divine motherhood, the wholehearted companion of the divine Redeemer who won complete victory over sin and its consequences, gained at last the supreme crown of her privileges — to be preserved immune from the corruption of the tomb, and like her Son, when death has been conquered, to be carried up body and soul to the exalted glory of heaven, there to sit in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the ages.”

Let’s see if we can discern the rationale of this dogma of faith?

First of all, because of the political and social issues of the time, the Holy Father felt it was necessary to bring people into basic truths of our faith, which were being threatened. The world had seen the spread of Communism and its materialistic philosophy as well as the devastation of Nazism through the deaths and violence during World War II. Materialism spawned the thinking that there was nothing beyond what can be seen and measured, thus, there was no life after death and

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What is the Assumption of Mary?

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

the body was not sacred. Cremation at the time was seen as a reasonable conclusion.

The church’s sacred teaching on the sacredness of the person, the sacredness of life, the sacredness of the human body, made in the image and likeness of God, the redemption of Jesus that allows us to live eternally after death with God, the future resurrection of the body and its reunion with our soul eternally—all these were being challenged by the thinking of the day.

The pope felt it was necessary to address these issues and he used a belief, rooted in the life of the church, of Mary’s assumption as the point of reference.

Even though there is no direct scriptural reference detailing the Assumption of Mary, there are some indirect references that are seen as connected to this event.

Pope Pius XII cites the following: “Similarly they (the Fathers of the Church) have given special attention to these words of the New Testament: ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women,’ since they saw, in the mystery of the Assumption, the fulfillment of that most perfect grace granted to the Blessed Virgin and the special blessing that countered the curse of Eve.” Another citation is from the Book of Revelation where it speaks of “the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”

According to Scripture scholars, this could apply to Mary and/or the church. Applied to Mary, it is a vision of her status in eternity with God. As the various Fathers of the Church and theologians over the centuries reflected on this mystery, they saw it as the consequence of Mary’s Immaculate Conception. If Mary was free from original sin and its consequences, then her body was not subject to corruption. Like Jesus, though he died, because he was sinless by nature, he too did not suffer the corruption of his body. Instead, he was raised and his body glorified with resurrected glory. In the same way, Mary was raised to new life after her human death and taken up into heaven where her body shares now in the

resurrected glory reserved for the sons and daughters of God at the end of time.

In addressing the Assumption of Our Lady, the Church Fathers used the terms “the dormition of Mary,” “the passing of Mary” “the sleeping of Mary” or “the departure of Mary.”

The earliest non-biblical citation occurs around 300 A.D.: “If therefore it might come to pass by the power of your grace, it has appeared right to us your servants that, as you, having overcome death, do reign in glory, so you should raise up the body of your Mother and take her with you, rejoicing, into heaven.

Then said the Savior [Jesus]: ‘Be it done according to your will’” (The Passing of the Virgin 16:2-17 [Peudo-Melito, A.D. 300]).

There have been many citations.

I will only cite two more.

“It was fitting ... that the most holy-body of Mary, God-bearing body, receptacle of God, divinized, incorruptible, illuminated by divine grace and full glory ... should be entrusted to the earth for a little while and raised up to heaven in glory, with her soul pleasing to God” (Theoteknos pf :Livias. Homily on the Assumption [ca. A.D. 600]).

“It was fitting that the she, who had kept her virginity intact in childbirth, should keep her own body free from all corruption even after death. It was fitting that she, who had carried the Creator as a child at her breast, should dwell in the divine tabernacles. It was fitting that the spouse, whom the Father had taken to himself, should live in the divine mansions.

It was fitting that she, who had seen her Son upon the cross and who had thereby received into her heart the sword of sorrow which she had escaped when giving birth to him, should look upon him as he sits with the Father. It was fitting that God’s Mother should possess what belongs to her Son, and that she should be honored by every creature as the Mother and as the handmaid of God (St. John Damascene, Dormition of Mary [A.D. 697]).

A further distinction needs to be made between Jesus and Mary.

Jesus ascended into heaven on his own power. Mary was taken,

assumed or transported into heaven by the power of God. This is the same event that will take place at the end hopefully for all who die in the Lord, as revealed in the Scriptures. “Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:28-29).

Another question has risen over the centuries whether Mary’s assumption was like Elijah being taken up into heaven or whether she died like Jesus and then was assumed. That question has not been defined by the church, which leaves for the time both possibilities open.

I favor the death and subsequent assumption. My reasoning for this is based on Jesus’ experience. Jesus’ death was not the consequence of any personal sin of his, but the sacrifice of his life in love for the Father and in love for us for our redemption. Through his death he conquered the fear of death 11 and the consequence of dying in alienation from God, which is the second or eternal death. Mary’s life is intimately connected with the life of Jesus, the God Man in his humanity. If Mary died and then was taken into glory body and soul intact, it was a transitional moment in which she united herself to her son even in this human experience.

In any event this question does not take away the faith reality of Mary’s assumption into heaven or departure from this life, where she reigns with her Son in his glory. What she has been graced to experience immediately at the end of her earthly life, we have been promised by God to experience at the end of time. Then Jesus will return in glory and our bodies, though corrupted, will be resurrected and reunited with our glorified spirit so as to be eternally sharing in the glory of God body and soul. Jesus’ resurrection and Mary’s assumption are foreshadows of what each of us is called to experience in glory. We say in the Creed: “I believe in … the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.” www.bayoucatholic.com

Comentario

¿Qué es la Asunción de María?

P 12

«Pronunciamos, declaramos y definimos ser dogma divinamente revelado, que la Inmaculada Madre de Dios, Siempre Virgen María, terminado el curso de su vida terrena fue asunta en cuerpo y alma a la gloria celestial» (Papa Pio XII 1950).

En nuestra continua reflexión sobre el papel que desenvuelve María en la historia de salvación dentro del plan de Dios, nos damos cuenta que existe una progresión de gracia, cada una única, que Dios le otorga a ella. La gracia más fundamental es el llamado que recibe de ser Madre de Dios, la Madre de nuestro Salvador y Señor, Jesucristo. Todas las otras gracias nacen de este misterio central: su Inmaculada Concepción, su libertad de todo pecado, su virginidad perpetua, y el misterio de la redención y su asunción en cuerpo y alma al cielo después de su muerte.

El Papa Pío XII declaró que la Asunción de María es una realidad infalible en eldepósito de fe: « Dios ha querido que la Beatísima Virgen María no esté sujeta a la corrupción de su cuerpo después de la muerte.

Ella, por privilegio del todo singular, venció al pecado con su Concepción Inmaculada; por eso no estuvo sujeta a la ley de permanecer en la corrupción del sepulcro ni tuvo que esperar la redención de su cuerpo hasta el fin del mundo.»

En otra sección del mismo decreto el papa declaró: « La augusta Madre de Dios, arcanamente unida a Jesucristo desde toda la eternidad con un mismo decreto de predestinación, inmaculada en su concepción, Virgen sin mancha en su divina maternidad, generosa Socia del divino Redentor, que obtuvo un pleno triunfo sobre el pecado y sobre sus consecuencias, al fin, como supremo coronamiento de sus privilegios, fue preservada de la corrupción del sepulcro y vencida la muerte, como antes por su Hijo, fue elevada en alma y cuerpo a la gloria del cielo, donde resplandece como Reina a

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

la diestra de su Hijo, Rey inmortal de los siglos.» ¿Podemos discernir el razonamiento de este dogma de fe? Primero, debido a los acontecimientos sociopolíticos de los tiempos, el Santo Padre sintió

la necesidad de promulgar a los fieles la verdad fundamental de nuestra fe— que estaba siendo amenazada. El comunismo y su filosofía materialista se habían regado por todo el mundo como también la devastación del

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nazismo causando muerte y violencia durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. El materialismo surgió del pensamiento que no hay nada más allá de lo que se pueda ver o medir, y por tanto, no hay vida después de la muerte y el cuerpo no es santo. La cremación en esos días era visto como una conclusión razonable.

La enseñanza sagrada de la Iglesia sobre la santidad de la persona, la santidad de la vida, la santidad del cuerpo humano, hecho a imagen y semejanza de Dios, la redención de Jesús que nos permite vivir eternamente con Dios después de la muerte, la futura resurrección del cuerpo y su reunión con nuestra alma para toda la eternidad — todas estas cosas fueron amenazadas por el pensamiento de la época. El papa vio la necesidad de tocar estos temas y para hacerlo usó como punto de referencia la Asunción de María que está arraigada en la vida de la Iglesia.

A pesar que no hay referencia directa en la biblia que exprese la Asunción de María, existen referencias indirectas que están vinculadas con este evento. El Papa Pío XII cita lo siguiente: «Similarmente, los Padres de la Iglesia le han dado atención especial a estas palabras en el Nuevo Testamento: ‘Dios te salve, María, llena eres de gracia, El Señor es contigo, bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres,’ porque veían en el misterio de la Asunción un complemento de la plenitud de gracia concedida a la bienaventurada Virgen y una bendición singular, en oposición a la maldición de Eva.» Otra cita proviene del Libro de Apocalipsis que habla de «aquella señora vestida de sol con la luna bajo sus pies y una corona de doce estrellas sobre su cabeza.» Según los doctores escolásticos, esto podría aplicarse a María y/o la Iglesia. Cuando se aplica a María, se convierte en una visión de su poder en la eternidad con Dios.

Los Padres de la Iglesia y los teólogos han reflexionado sobre este misterio por siglos y han concluido que este es el resultado de la Inmaculada Concepción de María. Si María estaba libre del pecado original y todas sus consecuencias, entonces su cuerpo no estaba sujeto a la corrupción de la muerte. Como Jesús, a pesar de su muerte, por naturaleza Él era

libre de pecado y por eso tampoco sufrió la corrupción de su cuerpo.

Al contrario, fue resucitado y su cuerpo fue glorificado en su gloria resurrecta. De la misma manera, María fue resurrecta en su nueva vida después de la muerte humana y subió al cielo donde vive su gloria resurrecta que es reservada solamente para los hijos e hijas de Dios hasta el fin de los tiempos.

Los Padres de la Iglesia usaron los términos « Virgen en dormición,» « El tránsito de María,» «La dormición de María,» o, «el traslado al cielo de María.»

La cita no-bíblica más antigua cerca del año 300d.c. dice: « Si, por tanto, si sucede por el poder de tu gracia, nos parece justo a nosotros tus siervos que, tú que has vencido la muerte, y que reinas en la gloria, que levantesde entre los muertos el cuerpo de tu madre y con regocijo la lleves contigo al cielo.

Entonces, dijo el Salvador (Jesús): ‘Qué se haga según Tu voluntad’» (El Tránsito de la Virgen 16:2-17 [Pseudo-Melitón, 300d.c.]).

Ha habido muchas citas. Citaré dos más: «Es justo… que el Santísimo cuerpo de María, maternidad divina, Madre de Dios, hecha divina, incorruptible, iluminada por gracia divina y llena de gloria… deba permanecer en la tierra por poco tiempo y asunta al cielo en la gloria con su alma para el agrado de Dios» (Teoteknos de Livias.

Homilía de la Asunción [600 d.c.]).

«Es justo… que ella, que mantuvo su virginidad intacta desde su nacimiento, mantenga su cuerpo libre de toda corrupción aún después de la muerte. Es justo que ella, que llevó al Creador cuando era niño en su pecho, deba permanecer en el altar divino. Es justo que la esposa, que el Padre tomó para sí mismo, viva en el palacio divino.Es justo, que ella, que viendo a su Hijo pendiendo en la Cruz y sufriendo la espada de dolor atravesando su corazón, que ella evitó al dar a luz a Él, deba verlo sentado a la derecha del Padre. Es justo que la Madre de Dios posea lo que le pertenece a su Hijo y que ella sea glorificada por todas las criaturas por ser la Madre y doncella de Dios (San Juan Damasceno, El Tránsito de María [697 d.c.]).

Otra distinción debe hacerse entre Jesús y María. Jesús ascendió al cielo con su poder propio. María fue llevada, asunta o transportada

al cielo por el poder de Dios. Esto es el mismo evento que vivirán, con esperanza, todos aquéllos que mueren en el Señor, como lo dicen las Escrituras. «Sepan que llega la hora en que todos los que están en los sepulcros oirán mi voz. Los que hicieron el bien saldrán y resucitarán para la vida; pero los que obraron el mal resucitarán para la condenación» (Juan 5:2829).

Otra cuestión ha surgido durante los siglos: si la Asunción de María fue como cuando Elías fue llevado al cielo, o si ella murió como Jesús primero y luego fue llevada al cielo.

Esta cuestión no ha sido definida por la Iglesia todavía y nos deja por el momento ambas posibilidades.

Yo prefiero la posibilidad de la muerte y la asunción subsecuente.

Mi razonamiento se basa en la experiencia de Jesús. La muerte de Jesús no fue consecuencia de sus pecados, fue el sacrificio de su muerte por su amor por el Padre y su amor por nosotros para que podamos redimirnos.Por medio de su muerte,Jesús conquistó el miedo de la muerte y la consecuencia de morir alejado de Dios, que es la segunda muerte o la muerte eterna. 13 La vida de María está enlazada íntimamente con la vida de Jesús, el Dios Hombre en forma humana.

Si María murió y luego fue llevada a la gloria intacta en cuerpo y alma, entonces fue un momento de transición en el que se unió con su hijo aun en esta experiencia humana.

En todo caso esta cuestión no elimina la realidad de fe de la Asunción al cielo de María o su transición de esta vida a la otra, donde reina con su Hijo en su gloria.

La gracia que ella ha recibido de vivir inmediatamente al final de su vida en la tierra es lo que Dios nos ha prometido vivir al fin de los tiempos. Entonces, Jesús regresará en la gloria y en nuestros cuerpos, aunque corrompidos, resucitarán y se reunirán con nuestro espíritu glorificado para compartir en la eternidad y en la gloria del cuerpo y alma de Dios. La resurrección de Jesús y la Asunción de María son el presagio de lo que cada uno de nosotros somos llamados a vivir en la gloria. Nosotros decimos en el Credo: «Creo en… la resurrección de los muertos y la vida eterna.»

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Católica Annunziata, Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Ñöùc Meï Hoàn Xaùc Leân Trôøi Nghóa Laø Gì?

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“Ñoù chính laø moät tín ñieàu do Thieân Chuùa maëc khaûi raèng Meï Thieân Chuùa, Ñaáng Ñoàng Trinh Voâ Nhieãm Nguyeân Toäi sau khi keát thuùc haønh trình traàn theá ñöôïc Chuùa ñöa veà trôøi caû hoàn laãn xaùc” (Pius XII 1950). Ñeå tieáp tuïc suy tö veà keá hoaïch cuûa Thieân Chuùa noùi veà vai troø cuûa Ñöùc Maria trong lòch söû cöùu ñoä, chuùng ta caàn nhaän ra raèng moät aân suûng ñaëc bieät maø Thieân Chuùa ñaõ ban cho Ñöùc Meï. Trọng taâm cuûa aân suûng ñoù laø Meï ñöôïc choïn laøm Meï Thieân Chuùa, Meï cuûa Ñaáng Cöùu Ñoä, Chuùa Gieâsu Kytoâ. Coøn nhöõng aân suûng khaùc thì phaùt nguoàn töø aân suûng noøng coát naøy nhö: ôn Voâ Nhieãm Nguyeân Toäi, hoaøn toaøn khoâng vöôùng toäi caù nhaân, ñoàng trinh veïn toaøn, tham gia vaøo maàu nhieäm cöùu roãi vaø hoàn xaùc leân trôøi sau khi keát thuùc haønh trình döông theá. Ñöùc Thaùnh Cha Pioâ 12 ñaõ tuyeân boá raèng Ñöùc Meï Hoàn Xaùc Leân Trôøi laø moät tín ñieàu baát khaû ngoä (khoâng sai laàm) döïa treân ñöùc tin: “Baây giôø Thieân Chuùa muoán Meï Ñoàng Trinh khoâng caàn phaûi theo luaät leä chung (nghóa laø thaân xaùc trôû veà tro buïi sau khi cheát). Meï, vì ñöôïc ôn ñaëc bieät neân Ngaøi hoaøn toaøn traùnh khoûi moïi toäi caù nhaân do bôûi ôn thuï thai khoâng maéc toäi nguyeân, vaø vì theá ñaõ ñöôïc giaûi thoaùt khoûi luaät töï nhieân laø thaân xaùc khoâng trôû veà tro buïi sau khi keát thuùc söï soáng döông theá vaø Meï khoâng caàn phaûi ñôïi ñeán ngaøy phaùn xeùt chung thì thaân xaùc môùi ñöôïc vinh quang.”

Trong cuøng moät tín ñieàu Ñöùc Thaùnh Cha ñaõ tuyeân boá raèng: “Meï ñaùng kính cuûa Thieân Chuùa, ñaõ ñöôïc keát hieäp vôùi Chuùa Gieâsu töø ñôøi ñôøi trong cuøng moät soá phaän ñaõ ñöôïc tieàn ñònh, voâ nhieãm nguyeân toäi ngay töø luùc thuï thai, ñoàng trinh ñôøi ñôøi sau khi laøm meï Ñaáng Cöùu Theá, keát hieäp hoaøn toaøn vôùi Chuùa Gieâsu, Ngöôøi ñaõ chieán thaéng toäi loãi vaø haäu quûa cuûa noù, chieám ñöôïc haøo quang raïng ngôøi vì nhöõng aân hueä ñaõ nhaän ñöôïc – vì theá khoâng bò trôû veà caùt buïi, vaø cuõng nhö Con Ngaøi, khi söï cheát ñaõ bò kìm keïp, ñöôïc

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

thaêng thieân caû hoàn laãn xaùc ñeå ñöôïc vinh hieån treân thieân ñaøng, soáng trong söï raïng ngôøi beân phaûi Chuùa Con, laø Vua ñôøi ñôøi.”

Chuùng ta neân tìm hieåu Tín Ñieàu

Ñöùc Meï Hoàn Xaùc leân trôøi coù hôïp lyù khoâng? Thöù nhaát, bôûi vì nhöõng yeáu toá chính trò vaø xaõ hoäi luùc baáy giôø, Ñöùc Thaùnh Cha caûm nhaän thaáy raèng raát caàn thieát vaïch cho moïi ngöôøi thaáy

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söï thaät caên baûn cuûa ñöùc tin, maø chuùng ñang bò laâm nguy. Theá giôùi ñang bò laâm nguy vì chuû nghóa coäng saûn ñang baønh tröôùng vaø trieát lyù duy vaät cuûa noù, cuõng nhö söï taøn phaù do Ñöùc Quoác Xaõ gaây ra do bôûi dieät chuûng vaø baïo ñoäng trong Ñeä Nhò Theá Chieán. Chuû nghóa duy vaät taïo ra nhöõng suy tö cho raèng khoâng gì toàn taïi ngoaïi tröø nhöõng gì coù theå thaáy ñöôïc vaø ño löôøng ñöôïc, vì theá, cheát laø heát vaø thaân xaùc khoâng coù gì linh thieâng. Hoaû taùng luùc baáy giôø ñöôïc coi nhö vieäc laøm raát hôïp lyù sau khi cheát.

Nhöng Giaùo lyù cuûa Giaùo Hoäi noùi veà baûn chaát linh thieâng cuûa con ngöôøi, linh thieâng cuûa ñôøi soáng, linh thieâng cuûa thaân xaùc, con ngöôøi ñöôïc taïo döïng gioáng hình aûnh vaø taâm linh ngaøi, söï cöùu roãi cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu ñöa chuùng ta ñeán söï soáng vónh cöûu vôùi Thieân Chuùa, söï soáng laïi cuûa thaân xaùc trong ngaøy sau heát vaø söï taùi hôïp giöõa thaân xaùc vaø linh hoàn maõi maõi – taát caû ñeàu bò thaùch thöùc do bôûi loái suy nghó luùc baáy giôø. Ñöùc Thaùnh Cha nghó raèng raát caàn thieát phaûi laøm saùng toû nhöõng vaán ñeà naøy vaø ngaøi ñaõ duøng moät tín ñieàu coù nguoàn goác trong Giaùo Hoäi noùi veà Ñöùc Meï Hoàn Xaùc Leân Trôøi laø khöù ñieåm ñeå moå xeû. Maëc daàu khoâng coù caâu Kinh Thaùnh tröïc tieáp naøo noùi veà Meï veà trôøi, nhöng coù vaøi caâu giaùn tieáp moâ taû veà bieán coá naøy. Ñöùc Thaùnh Cha Pioâ 12 trích nhö sau: “Cuõng theá caùc ngaøi (Caùc Giaùo Phuï cuûa Giaùo Hoäi) ñaõ chuù taâm ñaëc bieät vaøo lôøi noùi trong Taân Öôùc: ‘Laïy Baø, Baø ñaày ôn phöôùc, Thieân Chuùa ôû cuøng Baø, Baø coù phuùc hôn moïi ngöôøi nöõ,’ khi caùc ngaøi nhaän ra trong maàu nhieäm Meï leân trôøi, laø hoa quaû tuyeät ñoái do ôn thaùnh maø Meï ñaõ laõnh nhaän vaø ôn ñaëc bieät ñeå phaûn laïi söï döõ do Evaø gaây ra.” Moät caâu trích khaùc ñeán töø saùch Khaûi Huyeàn noùi raèng “Ngöôøi Ñaøn Baø maëc aùo maët trôøi, vôùi maët traêng döôùi chaân Baø, vaø vöông mieän cuûa Baø coù 12 ngoâi sao.”

Theo caùc nhaø chuùa giaûi Kinh Thaùnh thì caâu noùi ñoù noùi veà Meï hay Giaùo Hoäi. AÙp duïng cho Ñöùc Meï thì hình aûnh ñoù noùi veà Meï ôû treân thieân ñaøng vôùi Chuùa muoân ñôøi.

Cuõng nhö moät soá Giaùo Phuï vaø caùc nhaø thaàn hoïc trong Giaùo Hoäi qua nhieàu theá kyû ñaõ suy tö veà maàu nhieäm naøy, caùc ngaøi ñaõ nhaän ra ñoù chính laø hoa traùi noùi veà Ñöùc Meï Voâ Nhieãm Nguyeân Toäi. Neáu Ñöùc Meï khoâng vöôùng toäi toå toâng truyeàn vaø haäu quaû cuûa noù, thì thaân xaùc Meï khoâng bò hö naùt. Cuõng nhö Chuùa Gieâsu, maëc daàu Ngaøi ñaõ cheát, nhöng vì Ngaøi

khoâng heà phaïm toäi, neân thaân xaùc Ngaøi cuõng khoâng bò hö naùt. Thay vaøo ñoù, Thieân Chuùa cho Meï soáng laïi vaø thaân xaùc Meï ñöôïc vinh quang. Cuøng luùc ñoù, Ñöùc Meï ñaõ ñöôïc ban cho söï soáng môùi sau khi cheát vaø ñöôïc ñöa veà trôøi nôi maø thaân xaùc Meï cuøng chia seû vinh quang ñaõ daønh cho con caùi Chuùa trong ngaøy sau heát. Khi tuyeân boá tín ñieàu veà Meï Leân Trôøi, caùc Giaùo Phuï ñaõ duøng nhöõng ngoân töø nhö “Meï nguû,” “Meï qua ñi” “Meï ñang nguû” hay “Meï töø giaõ.”

Caâu trích ngoaøi Kinh Thaùnh laâu ñôøi nhaát xaûy ra vaøo naêm 300 sau Coâng Nguyeân nhö sau: “Bôûi theá neáu chuyeän gì seõ xaûy ñeán do söùc maïnh cuûa ôn thaùnh thì noù seõ bieåu loä ñuùng ñaén cho chuùng ta thaáy raèng, nhö Chuùa ñaõ chieán thaéng söï cheát vaø cai trò trong vinh quang, thì Chuùa seõ cho Meï Ngaøi soáng laïi vaø cuøng taän höôûng vôùi Mình, trong vinh quang treân thieân ñaøng.

Roài Chuùa Chuùa Cöùu Theá ñaùp laïi: ‘Xin cho yù caùc con xin ñöôïc toaïi nguyeän’” (Trích trong cuoán Meï ra ñi 16:2-17 [Peudo-Melito, A.D.300]).

Coøn raát nhieàu nhöõng caâu trích khaùc, nhöng toâi chæ bieân theâm hai caâu thoâi. “Thaät laø hôïp lyù…nhaän ra raèng thaân xaùc trong saïch tuyeät ñoái cuûa Meï, ñaõ cöu mang Con Thieân Chuùa, ñaõ laõnh nhaän Chuùa, ñöôïc caát nhaéc leân haøng thaàn thaùnh, khoâng hö naùt, raïng ngôøi do aân suûng Chuùa…chæ caàn taïm göûi gaám cho traùi ñaát trong thôøi gian ngaén vaø sau ñoù ñöôïc veà trôøi trong vinh quang, vôùi linh hoàn Meï laøm ñeïp loøng Chuùa” (Theoteknos pf: Livias. Baøi Giaûng Ngaøy Meï Leân Trôøi [ca. A.D.600]).

Thaät laø hôïp lyù nhaän ra raèng vì Meï ñaõ giöõ gìn ñoàng trinh sau khi sinh Chuùa Con neân thaân xaùc Meï khoâng theå bò hö naùt sau khi cheát. Thaät laø hôïp lyù nhaân ra raèng vì Meï ñaõ cöu mang Ñaáng Cöùu Ñoä vaø nuoâi naáng Con Meï neân caàn phaûi soáng trong toaø thaùnh.

Thaät laø hôïp lyù nhaän ra raèng moät hieàn theâ maø Thieân Chuùa cöôùi cho Mình thì caàn phaûi soáng trong bieät thöï thaùnh.

Thaät laø hôïp lyù nhaän ra raèng vì Meï ñaõ nhìn taän maét Con Mình treân thaäp töï vaø cuõng tieáp nhaän trong traùi tim Meï löôõi ñoøng ñau khoå maø ngaøi ñaõ traùnh khoûi khi sanh ra Con Meï, neân chieâm ngaém Chuùa khi Ngaøi ngoài beân höõu Chuùa Cha. Thaät laø hôïp lyù nhaän ra raèng Meï neân coù nhöõng gì thuoäc veà Con Meï, nghóa laø moïi loaøi thuï taïo neân toân vinh Meï laø Meï vaø laø Phaän Nöõ Tyø cuûa Chuùa. (St. John Damascene, Mormition of Mary [A.D. 697]).

Cuõng neân hieåu roõ söï khaùc bieät giöõa Chuùa Gieâsu vaø Ñöùc Meï. Chuùa Gieâsu leân thieân ñaøng do quyeàn naêng cuûa Ngaøi. Coøn Meï ñöôïc leân trôøi laø do quyeàn naêng cuûa Ñaáng Toái Cao. Ñaây chính laø hy voïng mong seõ xaûy ra cho nhöõng ai ñaõ cheát trong ôn nghóa Chuùa, nhö ñaõ ñöôïc maëc khaûi trong Kinh Thaùnh. “Khoâng caàn phaûi ngaïc nhieân veà ñieàu ñoù, bôûi khi ngaøy ñoù tôùi thì nhöõng ngöôøi ñang trong moà seõ nghe ñöôïc tieáng Ngaøi vaø seõ ñöùng daäy vaø ra khoûi ñoù, ai laøm vieäc thieän thì seõ ñaït ñöôïc söï soáng phuïc sinh, coøn ai ñaõ laøm söï döõ thì seõ soáng trong söï tröøng phaït” (John 5:28-29).

Moät caâu hoûi khaùc ñaõ ñöôïc mang ra tìm hieåu qua nhieàu theá kyû laø Meï leân trôøi nhö tieân tri Elijah, nghóa laø khoâng phaûi cheát hay laø gioáng nhö Chuùa Gieâsu, nghóa laø cheát roài leân thieân ñaøng. Giaùo Hoäi ñaõ khoâng traû lôøi caâu hoûi ñoù, maø chæ ñeå caâu traû lôøi môû cöûa hai ngoõ. Rieâng toâi thì chieàu theo caâu traû lôøi laø Meï ñaõ qua ñôøi roài leân trôøi. Lyù do cuûa toâi döïa treân caùi cheát cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu. Caùi cheát cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu khoâng phaûi laø keát quaû cuûa toäi loãi cuûa Ngaøi, nhöng laø hy leã maø Ngaøi daâng cho Chuùa Cha vaø ban cho toäi nhaân trong tình yeâu. Qua caùi cheát 15 Chuùa ñaõ chieán thaéng söï sôõ haõi cuûa cheát choùc vaø haäu quaû söï cheát xa lìa Chuùa, nghóa laø caùi cheát trong söï tröøng phaït vónh vieãn. Ñôøi soáng cuûa Ñöùc Meï ñaõ gaén lieàn vôùi Chuùa Gieâsu, vöøa laø Thieân Chuùa vaø Con Ngöôøi. Neáu Meï ñaõ cheát vaø hoàn vaø xaùc ñöôïc caát nhaéc leân, ñaây chính laø moät söï bieån ñoåi maø Meï ñaõ keát hieäp vôùi con Meï hoaøn toaøn ñôøi baèng ñôøi soáng döông theá. Baèng baát cöù thaéc maéc naøo noù khoâng laøm giaûm ñi ñöùc tin veà tín ñieàu Ñöùc Meï Hoàn Xaùc Leân Trôøi, hay rôûi khoûi theá gian naøy, nôi maø Meï cuøng thoáng trò vôùi Con Meï. Nhöõng gì maø Meï ñaõ traûi qua sau khi cheát thì ñoù chính ôn maø chuùng ta seõ nhaän ñöôïc trong ngaøy sau heát. Khi ñoù Chuùa Gieâsu seõ trôû laïi trong vinh quang vaø thaân xaùc chuùng ta, maëc daàu bò hö naùt seõ soáng laïi vaø keát hieäp laïi vôùi linh hoàn ñeå taän höôûng ñôøi ñôøi trong vinh quang cuøng vôùi Chuùa Gieâsu caû hoàn laãn xaùc. Söï soáng laïi cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu vaø Meï leân trôøi laø daáu chæ maø moãi ngöôøi trong chuùng ta seõ soáng trong vinh quang. Chuùng ta tuyeân xöng trong Kinh Tin Kính: “Toâi tin…söï soáng laïi cuûa thaân xaùc, vaø söï soáng vónh cöûu.”

Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle. www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis signed a decree clearing the way for the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and has decided also to ask the world’s cardinals to vote on the canonization of Blessed John XXIII, even in the absence of a miracle.

After Pope Francis met July 5 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, the Vatican published a list of decrees the pope approved related to Blessed John Paul’s canonization and 11 other sainthood causes.

Publishing the decrees, the Vatican also said, “The supreme pontiff approved the favorable votes of the ordinary session of the cardinal- and bishop-fathers regarding the canonization of Blessed John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli) and has decided to convoke a consistory that will also involve the canonization of Blessed John Paul II.” Normally, after a pope signs a decree recognizing the miracle needed for a canonization, the pope consults with cardinals around the world and calls a consistory -- a gathering attended by any cardinal who wants and is able to attend -- where those present voice their support for the pope’s decision to proclaim a new saint.

A date for a canonization ceremony is announced formally only during or immediately after the consistory.

Pope John Paul II

Pope John XXIII

The cardinals and archbishops who are members of the saints’ congregation met at the Vatican July 2 and voted in favor of the pope recognizing as a miracle the healing of Floribeth Mora Diaz, a Costa Rican who was suffering from a brain aneurysm and recovered after prayers through the intercession of Blessed John Paul.

The congregation members, according to news reports, also looked at the cause of Blessed John and voted to ask Pope Francis to canonize him without requiring a miracle. According to church rules -- established by the pope and subject to changes by him -- a miracle is needed after beatification to make a candidate eligible for canonization.

Jesuit Father Paolo Molinari, the longtime head of the College of Postulators -- or promoters of sainthood causes -- has explained that in the sainthood process, miracles are “the confirmation by God of a judgment made by human beings” that the candidate really is in heaven.

But, Father Molinari also has said that for decades theologians have explored the possibility that such a confirmation could come by means other than someone experiencing a physical healing. For in-

stance, Blessed John Paul beatified Victoire Rasoamanarivo in Madagascar in 1989 after accepting as a miracle the case of a wind-swept brush fire stopping at the edge of a village whose inhabitants invoked her intercession.

No date for a canonization ceremony was announced, but it is likely that the two popes will be canonized together, possibly by the end of the year.

The other decrees approved by Pope Francis July 5 recognized: -- The miracle needed for beatification of Spanish Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, who in 1975 succeeded St. Jose Maria Escriva as head of Opus Dei. Bishop del Portillo died in 1994.

-- The miracle needed for the beatification of Maria Josefa Alhama Valera, also known as Mother Esperanza, the Spanish founder of the Handmaids of Merciful Love and the Sons of Merciful Love. She died in Italy in 1983.

-- The martyrdom of four groups of priests and nuns killed during the Spanish Civil War in 19361939.

-- The heroic virtues of three founders of religious orders; an Italian priest; and an Italian layman.

Pope clears way for canonizations of John Paul II and John XXIII Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Should we fear the Lord?

Q A

Q. I often hear references, both in worship and in religious teaching, to “fear of the Lord.”

I struggle with this because I think of God as so forgiving and passionate in his love for the people he has created. Do we really mean “fear,” or just the highest respect? (Farmington Hills, Mich.)

A. The word “fear,” in many people’s minds, has a negative connotation. But closer study shows there are really two kinds of fear -- servile and filial. “Servile” comes from the Latin word for slave, and that sort of fear is self-centered, worried about being punished for a misdeed. “Filial” is from the Latin for son or daughter, and filial fear is inspired by love.

It is the desire never to disappoint a parent or to betray a trust; filial fear is based on wonder and awe, reverence and respect.

Your question tells me that you understand this distinction.

It is the second sort, filial fear, that is meant in the Book of Proverbs 9:10, when it says fear of the Lord is “the beginning of wisdom”; this is also the type of fear referred to when the Acts of the Apostles 9:31 says of the early Christians: “The church throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria was at peace. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the

consolation of the Holy Spirit it grew in numbers.”

Without forgetting that there are consistent reminders in the Scriptures about divine retribution for sinfulness, a Christian should primarily be motivated not by fright but by fidelity, by a desire to return God’s lavish love.

I sometimes ask people to tell me the first image they think of when I say the word “God.” To some extent, this is a function of personality type and, perhaps even more, of a person’s early religious education.

For me -- and, I suspect, for many -- that first image used to be of some giant scorekeeper in the sky, writing pluses and minuses on a large blackboard.

But no more; now I think, instead, of the father of the prodigal son, running down the road to throw his arms around his oncewayward boy and saying, “It’s OK. Don’t worry about it. You’re home. Let’s have a party.”

That is the image Jesus projects of his heavenly Father, someone much more ready to embrace us than to punish.

Gays and seminary admission

Q A

Q. Regarding vocations to the priesthood, what is the church’s stance on whether to let a homosexual person enroll in the seminary? (North Plainfield, N.J.) A. Bishops and religious superiors exercise a fair amount of discretion in admitting candidates to the priesthood. In 2005, the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education issued an “instruction.” It said, in part, that the church “cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-

called ‘gay culture.’”

Far from settling the matter, this document engendered considerable discussion and a range of opinions.

All church authorities would agree that no one living an active homosexual lifestyle may be admitted -- in the same way as someone who was active heterosexually would be disqualified. All would demand a suitable period of celibacy -three years, perhaps -- before considering either a heterosexual or a homosexual candidate. All would require that a candidate be pledged not to “campaign” against church teaching.

The difference in interpretation revolves principally around the Vatican’s prohibition against admitting those who “present deepseated homosexual tendencies.”

Some bishops have seen the Vatican’s statement as virtually ruling out candidates with a homosexual orientation; they argue that the all-male environment of a seminary simply presents too much of a risk.

Other bishops continue to admit such candidates to the seminary, so long as they are firmly committed 17 to a life of chaste and faithful celibacy; they argue that there have always been priests with a homosexual orientation who have lived chaste, faithful and pastorally effective lives.

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208

www.bayoucatholic.com

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Luke’s Jesus: Persistence in prayer a necessary activity

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While we place a lot of emphasis upon learning through verbal communication, our first experiences at learning come by means of observation. Babies learn to walk and develop certain mannerisms by observing the behavior of other human beings.

While we may note that much of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels is done verbally, it may be less obvious to us that Jesus also instructs his disciples through behavior that he models for them.

In Luke’s Gospel, much of the disciples’ learning about prayer is done by their observation of Jesus’ behavior. Luke depicts Jesus at prayer far more often than any other evangelist does, consequently, the frequency of Jesus’ prayerful activity would inspire the disciples to imitate it.

To distinguish Luke’s emphasis on Jesus’ teaching his disciples to pray by example, we need only consider the parallel scenes in Luke’s and Matthew’s Gospels in which Jesus teaches what we call the “Our Father.” In Matthew 6:515, Jesus delivers (in the context of the Sermon on the Mount [5:17:29]) an instruction on prayer which includes the “Our Father.”

This teaching on prayer appears in the more immediate context of a warning about piety that draws attention to oneself (6:1), a warning which also includes the practice of almsgiving (6:2-4).

Jesus’ teaching his disciples the “Our Father” in Luke 11:2-4, however, is prompted by a request

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

spiritual life, that is, the gift of the Holy Spirit (11:13).

Prayer is essential to the life of a disciple. Those who claim to be disciples of Jesus but do not pray cannot be who they assert they are, for prayer expresses dependence upon the heavenly Father and is a source of communion with the Son. Such communion with the Father through prayer is modeled by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, for his prayer is often a source of divine revelation to him. Jesus is in prayer when at his baptism the Holy Spirit descends upon him and he is declared “God’s beloved Son” (3:21). Although all three of the Synoptic evangelists report an episode wherein Peter, speaking for the other disciples, identifies Jesus as the Messiah in answer to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” only Luke (9:18-20) depicts Jesus at prayer before he asks the question. Peter articulates a divine revelation about the person of Jesus. Immediately after this, Jesus speaks of the necessity of his suffering and death, which constitutes an announcement of God’s plan of salvation (9:22).

Likewise, those who would follow him must take up their own crosses and follow him (9:23), a statement which constitutes a divine revelation about discipleship.

I invite you to join me in embarking upon a deeper reflection upon your own prayer life as a disciple of Jesus in a retreat I will direct at Lumen Christi Retreat Center, August 16-18, 2013. The retreat title is, “Pray Always and Don’t Lose Heart: Learning to Pray with Luke’s Jesus.” To register, call Lumen Christi Retreat Center at (985)868-1523. I hope to see you there!

of the disciples, who ask Jesus to teach them to pray even as John (the Baptist) taught his disciples (11:1b). The disciples’ request, in turn, is motivated by their observation of Jesus “praying in a certain place” (11:1a). Therefore, while the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel are depicted as receiving a teaching on prayer in the context of a large discourse, the disciples in Luke desire to imitate their master’s behavior of praying.

The Lucan Jesus’ teaching on prayer, however, is not limited to modeled behavior on his part. He also strongly exhorts the disciples to pray through verbal instruction.

For example, Jesus teaches that prayer is a necessary activity for disciples, lest they be subjected to despondency (18:1).

The parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge and its applications (18:2-8) teaches persistence in prayer. If even a judge unwilling to render justice will heed the request of a widow seeking it because of her persistence, how much more can God, who is inclined to answer prayers, be expected to do so.

Therefore, persistence in prayer will lead to blessing. The widow in the parable is a model of persistent prayer and not losing heart that her request will be heard, even though at first the judge does not want to help her.

The disciples must come to believe that prayer is effective. In Luke 11:913, Jesus encourages the disciples to ask that they might receive, seek that they might find and have the door opened to them if they knock.

Jesus here is not encouraging the disciples to ask for just anything.

He is presuming that they will ask for the gift that will give them true

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Saints

Peter Julian Eymard 1811-1868 August 2

Crosiers

The patron saint of eucharistic devotion, Peter Julian began adult life, like his father, as a cutler. But he became a priest of the French Alpine Diocese of Grenoble in 1834. In 1839, he left diocesan service to become a Marist priest and eventually became provincial of his congregation at Lyons. But, after making a pilgrimage in 1851, he understood that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, to whom he was utterly devoted, had no specific religious institute. Subsequently, he founded the Congregation of the Priests of the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, an order of sisters, both devoted to perpetual adoration. He was canonized in 1962.

Saints

Blessed Franz Jagerstatter 1907-1943 August 9

CNS

19

This Austrian farmer and parish sexton had done his basic training in Hitler’s army in 1940-41, but refused to serve active duty in 1943. A military court in Berlin sentenced him to death as “an enemy of the state,” and he was beheaded Aug. 9, 1943. In prison awaiting his fate, he wrote about a dream he’d had in 1938. In it, many people were boarding a new train, but he heard the announcer say, “This train is bound for hell.” For him, the train symbolized the evils of Nazism, and he had become a conscientious objector. His wife and three daughters were still living when he was beatified in Austria in 2007.

Saints

“Today, I’m cancer free.”

– DALE BOURGEOIS Prostate Cancer Survivor

Jeanne Jugan 1792-1879 August 30

My family doctor recommended Mary Bird Perkins Little Sisters of the Poor

Born in Brittany, in France, Jeanne was four when her fisherman father died. Her mother supported six children as a farm laborer.

Jeanne became a kitchen maid at 16, and her mistress took her on visits to the sick and poor. She joined a third order at 25, working in a hospital for six years, then returned to domestic service. Soon, however, she began devoting herself entirely to care of the poor, especially widows, living in community with two other women.

Though she established the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1842, she was not recognized as the order’s founder until 1893. Canonized in 2009, she is considered a patron of the elderly.

Saints

Cancer Center at TGMC. He said that’s where he would go if he had cancer. They treated me the way you want to be treated. And today, I’m cancer free.

marybird.org/TGMC 8166 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 • HOUMA, LA 70360

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Life

Rev. Warren Chassaniol

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Father Warren Chassaniol dies at 73 Rev. Warren Chassaniol, a retired priest of the diocese, died July 9, following a lengthy illness.

He was 73 years old.

Father Chassaniol was born in New Orleans in 1939. He was ordained a priest on Dec. 18, 1965. Father Chassaniol served in church parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, as well as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose, St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia and Our Lady of the Isle Church parish in Grand Isle. He retired from active ministry June 29, 2005.

Bishop Sam G. Jacobs celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, July 11 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux with interment at the Priests’ Tomb at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux.

Please consider contributing to the seminarian education burse in Father Chassaniol’s name.

Bayou Catholic Photos by Maria Havis Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

Bishop Sam G. Jacobs blesses the casket of Father Warren Chassaniol during the Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Father Chassaniol’s wish was that the song “Amazing Grace” be played by bagpipes at his funeral Mass.

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

What is a seminarian burse fund?

A seminarian burse fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund?

Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete?

A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000.

If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund?

To contribute or establish a burse, send funds to Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or call Jeremy Becker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 985-850-3155 for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous

- Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu

- C. Remie Duplantis

- Harry Booker

- Marie Elise Duplantis

- Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)*

- Warren J. Harang, Jr.

- Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet

- Msgr. Raphael C. Labit

- Rev. James Louis Caillouet

- Msgr. Francis J. Legendre

- Bishop L. Abel Caillouet

- Rev. Charles Menard

- Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet

- Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)*

- Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet

- Harvey Peltier (30)*

- Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais

- Richard Peltier

- Harold & Gloria Callais Family

- The Peltier Foundation (2)

- Paul A. Callais

- Orleans & Louella Pitre

- Peter W. Callais

- Msgr. Joseph Wester

- Vincent & Fannie Cannata

- Robert R. Wright, Jr.

- Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

- Rev. Kermit Trahan

- Maude & Edith Daspit

- Diocesan K of C

- Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)*

- Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

June 2013 Burse Contributions Elie & Dot Klingman ...................................... $2,500.00 St. Bernadette Men’s Club .............................. $1,900.00 Donald Peltier #4 ............................................ $1,000.00 Catholic Daughters ............................................ $350.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $100.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 6/30/13 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $12,900.00 St. Bernadette Men’s Club ................... $12,000.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,840.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,020.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,386.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,161.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $4,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 .............................. $4,000.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,680.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,490.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,395.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Anawin Community ............................... $2,300.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $2,075.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,000.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $1,200.00

Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,100.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $950.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $850.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $235.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,401,583.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

21

Heavenly Recipes

Tammy’s

t n a l p g g l e o r e E a ss C Story and Photo

by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Tammy Folse, the housekeeper and cook at Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma. Her eggplant casserole is one of Father Clyde Mahler’s favorite dishes. Father Mahler says that it is a great side dish when grilling.

Folse has been cooking at Maria Immacolata for the past year and a half. Her mother was the cook there until she had to have knee surgery. “I took over for my 22 mother while she was recuperating from surgery. When she could not return I took her place permanently,” says the cook.

“I cook mostly casseroles. I watch the cooking channel and scan the internet for different casserole recipes. I try the recipes at home on my family, if they like them I’ll try them here for Father Clyde,” she says.

She loves working at Maria Immacolata. “It is very quiet and peaceful working here. Father Clyde is a wonderful person to work for. I enjoy taking care of the household duties here,” says Folse.

Folse has been married for 35 years to her husband Kevin. They have five children, four girls and one boy, and five grandchildren. Early in life Folse found out that she could not have children. “My husband and I talked about not being able to have children and decided that we wanted to be foster parents. All of our children are adopted. They were once foster children living with us. The children are from 18 to 37 years of age. The oldest three children were teenagers when they were adopted. Our son was 11 months old when we received him into our home and five years old when he was adopted. Our youngest was one year old when she was adopted,” says Folse.

All of the girls in the family are natural relatives. “We adopted our first two children who are natural sisters.

We then adopted their older sister. Our youngest daughter is also related to the other girls; she is their cousin.”

Folse says having the children has been a joy in her and her husband’s life. “Our lives are full because of the children. They filled up our lives, our hearts and completed us. When they are all together at home and I cook a meal for the children and grandchildren, I say to myself, ‘My God, we did this.’ It still amazes me that Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

we have such a wonderful family. I see that I made an impression on my children when I see my daughters interacting with their children the way I did with them,” she says.

Folse has advice for those who for whatever reason cannot have children. “For people who cannot have children and are looking for options they should look into adoption or foster parenting. It can be heartbreaking at times but the joys outweigh the heartbreaks. You make a difference in their lives. Even if they are with you for a short time you can make a difference in their lives.

“My son recently thanked me for raising him the way we did and told me we made a difference in his life. He said he didn’t realize it when he was a teenager but now at 21 he knows it was life-changing for him.”

Tammy’s Eggplant Casserole 1 large or 2 small eggplant 1/4 cup ricotta cheese 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 1/4 cup half and half 1 egg 1 jar marinara sauce Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Non-stick cooking spray Peel the eggplant and cut into 1/2 inch slices.

(Eggplant can be coated with Italian bread crumbs if desired). Place on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until slightly golden. In a dish combine the ricotta cheese, half and half, parmesan cheese, egg, salt and pepper. Mix and set aside. Spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray and layer the eggplant with the sauce and marinara sauce until it is completely covered. Sprinkle parmesan cheese to cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes until golden brown.

ScriptureReadings Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1 August

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Friday

2

Saturday

3

Sunday

4

Weekday Eighteenth Sunday Leviticus 25:1, 8-17 in Ordinary Time Matthew 14:1-12 Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23 Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11 Luke 12:13-21

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Weekday Numbers 11:4b-15 Matthew 14:13-21

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 2 Peter 1:16-19 Luke 9:28b-36

Weekday Numbers 13:1-2, 25—14:1, 26-29a, 34-35 Matthew 15:21-28

Memorial of Dominic, priest Numbers 20:1-13 Matthew 16:13-23

Weekday Deuteronomy 4:3240 Matthew 16:24-28

Feast of Lawrence, deacon and martyr 2 Corinthians 9:610 John 12:24-26

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 18:6-9 Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 Luke 12:32-48

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Weekday Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27

Weekday Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Memorial of Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr Deuteronomy 34:112 Matthew 18:15-20

Weekday Solemnity of the Assumption Joshua 24:1-13 of the Blessed Virgin Matthew 19:3-12 Mary Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Luke 1:39-56

Weekday Joshua 24:14-29 Matthew 19:13-15

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10 Hebrews 12:1-4 Luke 12:49-53

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Weekday Judges 2:11-19 Matthew 19:16-22

Memorial of Bernard, abbot and doctor of the church Judges 6:11-24a Matthew 19:23-30

Memorial of Pius X, pope Judges 9:6-15 Matthew 20:1-16

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Judges 11:29-39a Matthew 22:1-14

Weekday Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b16, 22 Matthew 22:34-40

Feast of Bartholomew, apostle Revelation 21:9b-14 John 1:45-51

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 66:18-21 Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 Luke 13:22-30

26

27

28

29

30

31

1 September

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10 Matthew 23:13-22

Memorial of Monica 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 23:23-26

Memorial of Augustine, bishop and doctor of the church 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:27-32

Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Mark 6:17-29

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Matthew 25:1-13

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 Matthew 25:14-30

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a Luke 14:1, 7-14

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Luke 4:16-30

Memorial of Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the church 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 Luke 4:31-37

Weekday Colossians 1:1-8 Luke 4:38-44

Weekday Colossians 1:9-14 Luke 5:1-11

Weekday Colossians 1:15-20 Luke 5:33-39

Special

‘Lumen Fidei’: Francis’ first encyclical VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis’ first encyclical, “Lumen Fidei” (“The Light of Faith”), is a celebration of Christian faith as the guiding light of a “successful and fruitful life,” inspiring social action as well as devotion to God, and illuminating “every aspect of human existence,” including philosophy and the natural sciences.

The document, released July 5, completes a papal trilogy on the three “theological virtues,” following Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclicals “Deus Caritas Est” (2005) on charity and “Spe Salvi” (2007) on hope. Publication of the encyclical was one of the most awaited events of the Year of Faith which began in October 2012.

Pope Benedict “had almost completed a first draft of an encyclical on 24 faith” before his retirement in February 2013, Pope Francis writes, adding that “I have taken up his fine work and added a few contributions of my own.”

Commentators will likely differ in attributing specific passages, but the document clearly recalls the writings of Pope Benedict in its extensive treatment of the dialogue between faith and reason and its many citations of St. Augustine, not to mention references to Friedrich Nietzsche and Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

On other hand, warnings of the dangers of idolatry, Gnosticism and Pharisaism, a closing prayer to Mary as the “perfect icon of faith,” and an entire section on the relevance of faith to earthly justice and peace echo themes that Pope Francis has already made signatures of his young pontificate.

“Lumen Fidei” begins with a brief survey of the biblical history of faith, starting with God’s call to Abraham to leave his land -“the beginning of an exodus which Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

points him to an uncertain future” -- and God’s promise that Abraham will be “father of a great nation.”

The Bible also illustrates how men and women break faith with God by worshipping substitutes for him.

“Idols exist, we begin to see, as a pretext for setting ourselves at the center of reality and worshipping

God’s gift.”

Faith finds its fulfillment in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the pope writes. By virtue of his humanity, Jesus is both the object of faith and the ultimate model and mediator for all believers.

“Christ is not simply the one in whom we believe, the supreme

the work of our own hands,” the pope writes. “Once man has lost the fundamental orientation which unifies his existence, he breaks down into the multiplicity of his desires ... Idolatry, then, is always polytheism, an aimless passing from one lord to another.”

Pope Francis sees another way of turning from God in the Pharisees’ belief that salvation is possible through good works alone.

“Those who live this way, who want to be the source of their own righteousness, find that the latter is soon depleted and that they are unable even to keep the law,” the pope writes. “Salvation by faith means recognizing the primacy of

manifestation of God’s love,” Pope Francis writes. “He is also the one with whom we are united precisely in order to believe. Faith does not merely gaze at Jesus, but sees things as Jesus himself sees them, with his own eyes: it is a participation in his way of seeing.”

This participation means that faith inevitably makes a Christian part of Christ’s mystical body, the church.

“It is impossible to believe on our own,” the pope writes. “By its very nature, faith is open to the ‘we’ of the church; it always takes place within her communion.”

The church transmits the faith across time “through an

a

unbroken chain of witnesses,” allowing us to “see the face of Jesus,” Pope Francis writes. “As a service to the unity of faith and its integral transmission, the Lord gave his church the gift of apostolic succession. Through this means, the continuity of the church’s memory is ensured and certain access can be had to the wellspring from which faith flows.”

Accordingly, members of the hierarchy stand as the authoritative teachers of the contents of Christian faith.

The “magisterium of the pope and the bishops in communion with him,” the pope writes, “ensures our contact with the primordial source and thus provides the certainty of attaining to the word of Christ in all its integrity.”

Yet faith in its fullness is more than doctrine, Pope Francis writes; it is “the new light born of an encounter with the true God, a light which touches us at the core of our being and engages our minds, wills and emotions, opening us to relationships lived in communion.”

Thus the primary means of

transmitting faith is not a book or a homily, but the sacraments, especially baptism and the Eucharist, which “communicate an incarnate memory, linked to the times and places of our lives, linked to all our senses; in them the whole person is engaged as a member of a living subject and part of a network of communitarian relationships.”

The belief that the “Son of God took on our flesh” and “entered our human history” also leads Christians “to live our lives in this world with ever greater commitment and intensity,” the pope writes, arguing that faith inspires both the use of human reason and pursuit of the common good.

For faith, Pope Francis writes, truth is not attainable through autonomous reason alone but requires love, a “relational way of viewing the world, which then becomes a form of shared knowledge, vision through the eyes of another and a shared vision of all that exists.”

By affirming the “inherent order” and harmony of the material world, and “by stimulating wonder before

the profound mystery of creation,” Christian faith encourages scientific research, while dispelling the philosophical relativism that has produced a “crisis of truth in our age.”

Faith also inspires respect for the natural environment, by allowing believers to “discern in it a grammar written by the hand of God and a dwelling place entrusted to our protection and care.”

According to Pope Francis, faith has proven itself essential to the promotion of “justice, law and peace,” by contrast with failed modern ideologies that also claimed those goals.

“Modernity sought to build a universal brotherhood based on equality,” he writes, “yet we gradually came to realize that this brotherhood, lacking a common reference to a common father as its ultimate foundation, cannot endure.

“We need to return to the true basis of brotherhood,” the pope writes.

“Faith teaches us to see that every man and woman represents a blessing for me, that the light of God’s face shines on me through the faces of my brothers and sisters.”

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25

Special Events

Guest Columnist

S

Dr. Faith Ann Spinella

Since the election of Pope Francis, many issues facing our church today have been brought to the forefront. In his early writings Pope Francis noted that “God presents himself as a teacher.” He said that “a believer is obliged to raise his children” and “educate them in their own religious values.” Parents, as we know, are the first teachers of their children. The issue facing us according to Pope Francis is that people today “do not choose life, they do not accept the Gospel of Life.” Should we not ask ourselves whether the “Gospel of Life” is known by the majority of our Catholics, or have we lost the true teachings of the church?

The Bishops of the United States have also called the church

26

Adult Faith Formation classes announced for 2013-14 to a “renewed commitment to adult faith formation, positioning it at the heart of our catechetical vision and practice.” In order to respond to the leaders of our church and to the God who leads all Catholics to new life we wish to make our faith known to all adult Catholics.

One way that we can achieve this call is to educate ourselves in the faith. It is not sufficient that we attended Catholic school as a small child, or that we attended religious education in our church parish when we were young, rather we must grow with our faith and continue learning as an adult, not just as a child or teenager.

The Diocese of HoumaThibodaux’s Office of Religious Education will again provide an opportunity for all people to

increase their knowledge of various aspects of our faith. The Adult Faith Formation Program which is divided into two sections Faith Enrichment Level (see the chart for course titles, dates and presenters) and the Proclaiming and Living Our Faith Level offers a wealth of information. The program for basic formation will begin Thursday, Sept. 12 with a special opportunity for all catechists to begin the year by providing a free session entitled “Components of Effective Teaching.” Our own diocesan director of Youth Ministry, Mike DiSalvo, will teach the session for teachers of grades 7-11 concerning their work with older students. On the following Thursday, Sept. 19, Julie Brunet and Renee McAlister, from the Diocese of Lafayette,

a

The following sessions and presenters on the given dates provide outstanding teachings with inspiring information from which all will receive great benefit. The Faith Enrichment Level (below) offers a comprehensive introduction to the Catholic faith, as well as effective catechesis.

Date

Sept. 12

Sept. 19

Sept. 26

Oct. 24

Nov. 7

Nov. 14

Nov. 21

Jan. 9, 2014

Jan. 16

Jan. 23

Feb. 13

Feb. 20

Feb. 27

March 20

April 3

April 10

Speaker

Topic

Mike DiSalvo Julie Brunet Renee McAlister Father Mark Toups Katie Austin Father Mike Bergeron Deacon John Pippenger Deacon John Pippenger Father Jules Brunet Very Rev. Robert Rogers Very Rev. Robert Rogers Very Rev. Robert Rogers Father Jules Brunet Father Wilmer Todd Father Mike Bergeron Father Mike Bergeron

Components of Effective Teaching - For High School Teachers Components of Effective Teaching – For Elementary Teachers

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

The Call to Holiness God and the Human Person Revelation, Tradition and Magisterium The Old Testament Jesus in the Gospels The Trinity Baptism and Confirmation Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick Matrimony and Holy Orders The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church Freedom, Law, and the Beatitudes The Commandments 1-3 The Commandments 4-10 Distribution of Certificates and Prayer Service

will present a session for teachers of children in grades K-6 entitled “Teaching Children to Pray.”

We believe that this diocesan Adult Faith Formation program meets the needs of the laity to grow in knowledge and in faith. Over the years this program has proven to provide something for everyone.

The total Faith Enrichment Level comprises 15 sessions of special topics that will be addressed.

Participation in the Faith Enrichment Level is only $50 per year for the 15 sessions and the cost of books. The upper-level costs $20 for a five or six session course and $10 for a three-session course, and the cost of books.

All levels will be offered at the diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall from 6-8:15 p.m. Besides providing effective formation for all Catholics, the Faith Enrichment Level is the entry level certification program for directors of religious education (DREs), coordinators of religious education (CREs), catechists, lay ministers, Catholic school teachers, church office workers and individuals who wish to grow in their faith and those who are beginning the faith journey. Certification is available for catechists, but everyone is encouraged to attend whether they wish to receive catechist certification or not.

Those who completed the Faith Enrichment Level in previous years are encouraged to join us for the upper level of the Adult Faith

Formation program, Proclaiming and Living Our Faith. This level allows participants an opportunity to dive deeper into the mysteries and truths of our rich Catholic faith.

The first course in the Proclaiming and Living Our Faith Level is Scripture I – Old Testament.

This course will be taught by Deacon John Pippenger from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. St. Jerome once stated that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

This course provides students with a deeper understanding of the living Word of God. The second course for the fall 2013, Christology, will be taught

by Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L, rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales. Christology seeks to answer the question who is Jesus Christ? This course delves into the mysteries of Christ’s life: the incarnation, his birth and infancy, his baptism and temptation, his words and deeds, his suffering and death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming.

The next course which will begin the New Year is Ecclesiology taught

by Very Rev. Robert Rogers, pastor of Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport. This course offers a study of the origin and destiny of the church. In this course students will gain a deeper appreciation of the mystery of the church through study of her titles, marks, organization, icons and reform.

The last course in the spring will

be a three session course on Canon Law offered by Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, judicial vicar of the diocese and pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church parish in Bayou Black. In this course Father DeLa Cruz will offer a basic overview of the seven books of the Code of Canon Law: General Norma, The People of God, The Teaching Office of the Church, the Sanctifying Office of the Church, the Temporal Goods of the Church, Sanctions in the Church, and Processes.

All are welcome to attend these Adult Faith Formation classes during 2013-2014. The courses need not be taken in any particular order; however, if a person is seeking catechist certification the first level entitled Faith Enrichment should be completed first. Registrations are being accepted now for all courses and all registrations should be received by us at least a week prior to the beginning of a course.

Registration forms can be obtained by calling the diocesan office of Religious Education at (985) 8503144 and speaking to Margaret Vargas, administrative assistant; or Dr. Faith Ann Spinella, diocesan 27 director of Religious Education, by contacting your church parish director of religious education, or by going to the diocesan website at www.htdiocese.org, clicking on Formation Ministries, then Religious Education and following the links for Adult Faith Formation.

We look forward to seeing many of you in this year’s courses.

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Local News

Food for the Journey to feature Father Semar Charlene Richard

‘Little Cajun Saint’ Altar, Masses Aug. 11 In commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the death of Charlene Richard, referred to by many as the “Little Cajun Saint,” Father Roch Naquin will celebrate Masses in French at St. John the Evangelist Church parish in 28 Thibodaux, Sunday, Aug. 11 at 8 and 11 a.m. The homily will be in English by Father Michael Bergeron, pastor.

There will be a Charlene Richard Altar in the parish hall from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Everything on the altar will be Cajun with certain foods available for tasting. A miniature Cajun village will also be featured along with Cajun music and dancing.

Charlene Richard died in 1959 of leukemia at the age of 12, but despite her own suffering in the brief two weeks before her death, exhibited a maturity of faith and love for others that has led tens of thousands to believe she is a saint.

“Somehow this simple girl from southwest Louisiana touched the hearts of thousands of people and helped them understand better the meaning of love,” said (the late) Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell, fifth bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette.

Every year more than 10,000 people visit Charlene’s grave, seeking her intercession.

(Charlene, The Little Cajun Saint, written by Barbara D. Gutierrez, former editor of Acadiana Catholic).

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School.

The speaker for Sept. 3 is Vinton, LA, native Father Mitchel P. Semar.

Father Semar currently serves as associate pastor of St. Lucy Church parish in Houma and St. Luke the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux. He also serves as diocesan coordinator of Young Adult Ministry (YAM).

Father Semar was ordained to the priesthood May 26, 2012.

Those who plan to attend the Sept.

3rd event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Aug. 29. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178.

Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch

Rev. Mitchel Semar

begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m.

Cost is $13 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted.

All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

Sister Marguerite Champagne dies

Sister Marguerite Anne Champagne, S.F.C.C., a native of Lockport, died Monday, July 8 at the age of 88. She took final vows on July 3, 1949.

During her 64 years as a religious sister, she has served as principal at Holy Savior School in Lockport and St. Philomena School in Labadieville. She taught at Holy Savior School, St. Hilary School in Mathews, at a Sisters of Mercy School and at schools in Church Point, White Castle, Labadieville and New Orleans. She also taught CCD at St. Hilary Church parish in Mathews for 17 years.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Hilary Church in Mathews with interment at Holy Savior Cemetery in Lockport.

Sister Marguerite Champagne S.F.C.C.

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Peter Finney Jr., executive editor of Clarion Herald in New Orleans, is the recipient of the 2013 St. Francis de Sales Award from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada. The association’s highest honor is given for “outstanding contribution to Catholic journalism.” Finney guided the newspaper in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and he and his staff worked tirelessly in providing a diocesan newspaper for the people of New Orleans during those difficult days.

Wedding Anniversary Celebration set

Anniversary couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60 and beyond years of marriage this year will be honored Sunday, Oct. 20. There will be a prayer service and reception in the courtyard in honor of all anniversary couples. This event begins at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales. Couples wishing to participate in this program should contact their church parish before Aug. 30 to register. All registered anniversary couples will receive an inscribed diocesan certificate in their own church parish during a scheduled parish celebration.

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29

Church Alive

Leadership

Diocese recognizes

The Diocesan Leadership Awards, sponsored 30 annually by the Office of Youth Ministry for over 26 years, recognizes youth who have demonstrated exceptional character, leadership skills, service and Catholic identity in their church parish or school. It is the highest honor and achievement that a high school junior, senior or college freshman can receive.

The youth for this award are selected at the church parish and school level. “A letter is sent to the pastor of each church parish, the DRE or CRE, and parish youth minister, as well as the principals and campus ministers at the three Catholic high schools,” says Rachel LeBouef, assistant director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry and coordinator of the program.

LeBouef explains that the qualifications for selection of each of the candidates are as follows: n must be a witness to others through their involvement with their church parish, school and family by sharing of their gifts of time, talent and treasure; n must share their leadership skills, dedication, responsibility and faith with others in their church parish, school and family; n should be involved in diocesan ministry such as Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), Christian Leadership Institute (CLI), aNEW, Youth Rally, Steubenville on

Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

the Bayou, etc.

Each young person receives an Eagle of the Cross medal comprised of a white and red banner, image of an eagle, a cross and the diocesan crest, which is symbolic of the award. The white in the banner represents one’s baptism; the red signifies the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ. The image of the eagle signifies the many qualities of a leader such as courage, strength, loyalty, self-confidence, passion and perseverance. The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of Catholic Christian faith. And, the diocesan crest represents the place where the recipients of the award were nurtured to become the outstanding young people they are today.

Recipients of this year’s Diocesan Leadership Awards were honored at an appreciation banquet and Mass at Christ the Redeemer Church in Thibodaux.

They are: Ruby Lapeyrouse, Nicholas LeCompte, Annunziata, Houma; Grant Arnold, Harley Benoit, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Bryson Barbier, Shelby Lancon, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Austin Boudreaux, Monique Hebert, Holy Savior, Lockport; Morgan Curole, Jake Thibodaux, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose; Emma Kennedy, Cade White, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma; Andrea Bergeron, Mary Risener, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Deanna-Kay Lasseigne, Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle; Peyton Chiasson, Michelle Folse, Kalin Larousse, Our Lady of Pompt Succor, Chackbay; Rene Chiasson, Aaron Mobley, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Bethany Rogers, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Blaze Belanger, Kade Trosclair, Sacred Heart, Montegut; Peyton Benandi, Jada Pennison, St.

a

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

Awards

outstanding youth

Andrew, Amelia; Courtney Boquet, Alec Hebert, St. Ann, Bourg; Coleen Plaisance, Whitney Plaisance, St. Anthony, Gheens; Kelsey Jones, Haley LeBlance, Dalton Olivier, St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black; John Hargroder, Jessica Theriot, St. Bernadette, Houma; Danielle Eschete, Kaitlyn Ray, St. Bridget, Schriever; Charles Lyles, Brook Navarre, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community; Farah Pitre, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes; Kathryn Marcel, St. Eloi, Theriot; Connor Lecompte, Mary McMahon, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Trey Clark, Natalie Richard, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; James Cenac, Melinda Sevier, St. Gregory, Houma; Andrew Badeaux, Allie Boudreaux, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews; Kristin Ledet, Kelli Westerman, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Alyssa Cruse, Serdave Duncan, St. Joseph CoCathedral, Thibodaux; Brennon Dardar, Rae Lynn Ledet, St. Joseph, Galliano; Evan Lapeyrouse, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Brooke Clement, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer; Jeanette Besson, St. Lawrence, Chacahoula; Dustin Guidroz, Justin Guidroz, Brittany Naquin, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Kalia Hampton, Teri Johnson, St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Blaine Foret, Tasha Soares, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Devin Candies, Gabrielle Naquin, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; Zachary Aucoin, Justin Arceneaux, Central Catholic High School, Morgan City; Bennett Peltier, Emily Vice, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; Chase Doiron, Emily Laris, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma; Nick LeCompte, Tyler Neil, diocesan Vocations Office.

31

Diocesan Programs This Month “Revival”

Host: Bishop Sam G. Jacobs Co-Host: Regina Thibodeaux Wednesday 8:30 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m.

HTV/VISION COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER COMM. & COMCAST CHANNEL 10 ALLEN’S TV CABLE MORGAN CITY CHANNEL 71 (Digital Channel 30.1-UHF & Channel 7.1-VHF) Mondays - 9:30 a.m.

Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 p.m.

Saturdays - 9:30 p.m.

“Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Dr. Faith Ann Spinella,

Director, Office of Religious Education

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L. Rector, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales

If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Churches

St. John the Evangelist A truly prayerful community

S

St. John the Evangelist Church parish, located along Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux, was officially established in 1919 with Father Jules Berthault as its first pastor. However, it traces its beginning as far back as 1876 when Pere Charles Menard, the legendary “Apostle of Bayou Lafourche,” who was pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Thibodaux at the time, thought the property across the bridge on Highway 1 was the perfect spot for a little chapel and school.

He established “Ecole St. Jean,” or St. John School, which was run by the Sisters of Mount Carmel. Mass was celebrated once a month in the little chapel.

In 1922, the congregation of St. John was granted permission to establish a public bridge over Bayou Lafourche across from the church. Parishioners paid for the construction of the bridge and operated it for a fee until 1926 when it was leased to the Police Jury who eventually took over its operation.

The Early American style church built in 1930 is the same structure that serves parishioners today.

The exterior is white vinyl siding while the interior features a wood vaulted ceiling and square columns.

Father Michael Bergeron, pastor since June 2012, says in 1955 the church building was actually cut down the middle, moved apart and two sections were added to the center of the church leaving the front of the church and the sanctuary intact. The original windows were replaced with stained glass windows in 1984.

Father Bergeron also notes that the chandeliers in the church came from (the Cathedral of) St. Francis de Sales Church in Houma in 1955.

There are currently about 540 families in the parish, says the pastor, with mostly older couples and some younger families with children. In this rural parish there are generations of families who still live here. Everyone is so friendly; they all know each other and greet each other by name when they come to Mass.

“We have been getting some new younger families moving into the parish because of the new subdivisions being built off of Highway 308 across from the church,” adds the pastor.

The church parish has a very busy Men’s Club with about 60 active members. Father Bergeron says they rarely have to hire anyone to fix things or build things because the members of the Men’s Club keep everything fixed and running well. The club has a yearly fundraiser dinner where 1,500 tickets are sold.

“That is the most dinners they can make and they usually have a waiting list two weeks prior to the event. They even ask me not to announce it at Mass.

It’s amazing; I’ve never seen an operation like that before.”

The Ladies Altar Society has a little over 100 members with more than half of them attending every meeting. There are a large number of altar servers that is continuously growing. The Children’s Liturgy averages approximately 20 children each week.

The balcony of the church was enclosed in glass and converted to a large cry room which has been wellreceived by the congregation, says Father Bergeron.

Parishioners volunteered to give the walls a fresh coat of paint and then members of the E.D. White Catholic

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Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

St. John, Thibodaux, Staff High School art club brought the walls to life by painting different biblical themes throughout the room.

The people of St. John are very prayerful. The parishioners pray for each other and ask to be prayed for.

There have been at least half a dozen instances where the entire congregation has prayed over someone, and there have been some miracles as a result, says Father Bergeron. “Once the whole congregation laid hands on and prayed over someone who had inoperable brain cancer; three weeks later the tumor had shrunk enough for surgery … today the man is cancer-free. And he credits his recovery to the prayers of the parishioners.”

Father Bergeron explains that the parish recently spent a lot of money to save the oak tree in front of the church which he says Abbot Justin Brown had put on the National Historic Register.

34 “All of the cement and the gazebo that used to be there were burdening the tree and it was dying, so I had someone come in and cut all that cement out and remove the gazebo. Now we are going to dig holes and insert fertilizer to feed the tree. I believe it is the responsible thing to do.”

Father Bergeron says there are a huge number of volunteers who work on landscaping the grounds. “The grounds here are gorgeous; this is a really well kept parish. Parishioners really take ownership of the parish; the people here really can do just about anything and someone always steps forward when something needs to be done.”

SINCE FAST

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St. John the Evangelist parish personnel are from left Dennis Eschete, maintenance; Susie Richard, DRE; Sheryle Chauvin, secretary; Ruby Moreaux, housekeeper; and Father Michael Bergeron, pastor.

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Entertainment

Seeing Clairely

T 36

Claire Joller

There it was in a parish publication from the 1890s. My paternal great-grandfather’s name in a listing of tradesmen by category. J. Domangue, carpenter, at Ashland Plantation.

I can’t explain how reading his name in an official journal affected me. I already knew that my father’s Grandpa Joida had been a wheelwright at Ashland, that carpentry was part of my grandfather’s life as well.

I didn’t know very much more about Joida, and still don’t, really. But reading that historical document sort of solidified Joida’s place in the world for me. Joida.

Wheelwright. Ashland.

The point is, for people who are not important-in-the-eyes-of-theworld, little is documented about our lives except what we document ourselves. Merely knowing halfremembered stories about greataunts and uncles, great-great grandparents and others whose DNA we carry doesn’t cement for us what recording it in writing can do.

When both my maternal grandparents were still with us, I was too young to ask the questions I’d like answered now.

How did you meet each other?

Where exactly did you first live as a married couple? Besides this house I know so well now, what other homes did you have, and where?

Before Grandpa Lec (short for Alexandre) opened his grocery store, what were his occupations that fed 10 children? How did you survive the hurricanes that devastated the Louisiana coast when you were newlyweds and beyond? For that matter, how did Grandma survive 10 childbirths?

Were any of them assisted by a doctor? Were you afraid, Grandma?

My grandfather Domangue died when I was an infant, but

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

the one photo of him that remains in my memory was taken when he was already wrinkled and whitehaired. His piercing blue eyes and serious expression always made me want to ask, “Grandpa, what worldly burdens were there that made you look so sober? Or was it just that you didn’t like your picture taken?”

What made them happy? Did they ever feel secure? Discouraged?

Satisfied with their own places in the world?

As I look over my questions, I realize my forebears probably would

online to find out about us, wouldn’t it be responsible of us to collect somewhere for later reading at least bare bones facts about ourselves?

Where we were educated. Where we lived as children and before marriage. Give addresses and specific locations.

Our parents’ names and occupations, as well as any personal talents or interests they had. Same thing for any grands and greats we know about. Any personal characteristics or dominant physical traits descendants might want to know.

A place in the world have been hard pressed to answer some of them. My grandmother Duplantis lived into her 90s, long enough for me to ask many questions. She was a good-natured and matter-of-fact woman, but not a frivolous one. The concrete facts she could give. The abstractions were more difficult, and often unanswerable.

I suppose when your whole life is occupied with the duties of your position in the family—and maintaining that family—you don’t think much about satisfaction or seriousness or happiness or discouragement. You just get on with doing what living requires.

Yet every generation eventually wants to know more about our ancestors. Instead of forcing our own great-grandchildren to go

What you did together as a family.

What churches you attended. How your birthdays were celebrated.

How your birth order affected who you are.

Automobiles your family owned.

Trips or excursions you took together.

Memorable weather events, personal events, world events.

Writing it actually serves two purposes. We crystallize for ourselves personal memories and viewpoints. And we preserve for our younger loved ones both the ordinary and the extraordinary in our lives. Someone will be happy we did.

(For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by email at clairely1@ comcast.net).

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Pilgrimage to Rome The diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development along with Father Jay Baker as the spiritual guide, would like to invite all for a trip to Rome January 20-27, 2014.

Highlights of the tour will include:

• Attending the Papal Audience given by Pope Francis • Daily Mass in some of Rome’s most beautiful churches • Scavi Tour - A tour of the excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica • One day trip to Florence • Superior Four Star Hotel Accommodations a block from St. Peter’s Basilica • Airfare, daily breakfast, three dinners and much more Price for the trip is $2,700 based on a double occupancy not including all airport taxes and fuel surcharges.

Reservations must be made by August 30, 2013; space is limited.

Please contact Jeremy Becker Director of Stewardship and Development 985-850-3155 jtbecker@htdiocese.org

News Briefs

Nation Gov. Perry signs bill that puts new restrictions on abortion in Texas

A U S T I N , Texas (CNS) -- The drama in Texas over abortion that drew national and international attention came to an end for the moment after the state House of Representatives then the state Senate voted to adopt tougher abortion regulations.

Gov. Rick Perry signed the measure into law during a ceremony July 17. The new law prohibits abortions in the 20th week of pregnancy, requires abortion clinics to be certified as surgical centers and increases regulations on doctors and abortion-inducing drugs. Jeff Patterson, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference, said the law protects life by requiring no termination of pregnancies after the first 20 weeks and it improves standards for abortion facilities. The conference is the statewide association of the Catholic dioceses in Texas and the public policy arm of the conference’s board 38 of directors -- the bishops -- that represents Catholic positions on issues before the Texas Legislature, the Texas delegation in Congress and state agencies.

Archbishop encourages Catholics to seek wisdom, witness to their faith

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The need for the nation’s Catholics to seek wisdom and witness to their faith is all the more urgent at a time of increasing threats to the dignity of life, marriage and religious freedom, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said July 8. The way to gain that wisdom is by knowing and loving Christ, he said, and by following the teachings of the Catholic Church. Archbishop Chaput delivered a Year of Faith lecture sponsored by the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. “Nothing is more compelling than a good man, or a good woman, in an evil time. Wisdom is the pursuit of the true, the right and the lasting. In the record of Scripture and the witness of the church, all these things find their source in God, and nowhere else but God,” he said in his talk in the basilica’s Crypt Church. He said those three elements in the pursuit of wisdom -- seeking the true, the right and the lasting -- are the “pillars of the world” and “the tripod that supports a meaningful life.” And those elements come together in Christ, he said. “We can love and be loved

by Jesus Christ. We can meet and be met by God’s Son. The true, the right and the lasting meet in a Man. Our task is to follow him, no matter what the cost, and to lead others to do the same,” Archbishop Chaput said.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

World needs message of love in new evangelization, says Maronite leader

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- Those attending the annual convention of the National Apostolate of Maronites in Tampa, Fla., in early July had no idea that a newly named bishop was in their midst. Father Abdallah Zaidan was in his hotel room July 5 preparing for Mass when he received a call from the apostolic nunciature in Washington that Pope Francis was naming him the next eparch, or bishop, of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon. The eparchy, which relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to St. Louis about 12 years ago, serves approximately 34,000 Maronite Catholics in 34 states. Msgr. Jean-Francois Lantheaume, the nunciature’s charge d’affaires announced July 10 that Bishop-designate Zaidan, rector of Our Lady of Mount Lebanon-St. Peter Maronite Cathedral in Los Angeles, will succeed retiring Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, 76, who has served as a priest and bishop in St. Louis since 1967. Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai, the Maronite patriarch, is expected to preside at Bishop-designate Zaidan’s episcopal ordination, set for Sept. 28 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, Lebanon.

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World Pope who can’t be pigeonholed bound to disappoint some, says cardinal

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Many Catholics who identify themselves as either conservatives or progressives will be disappointed in Pope Francis, whose program of spiritual renewal, doctrinal continuity and emphasis on the poor fits none of the traditional molds, a top German cardinal said. Cardinal Walter Kasper, a theologian and retired president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said Pope Francis will also face resistance within the curia, which needs both organizational revamping and a change of mentality. Attempts at reform will bring resistance and difficulties “just like with every big institution,” he said in a July 16 interview with the Italian newspaper Il Foglio. “However, this pope is very determined: He knows what he wants,” he said.

The 80-year-old cardinal, who was eligible by just five days to be part of the conclave that elected the new pope, is highly esteemed by Pope Francis, who called the cardinal a “superb theologian.” During his first public Angelus address, the pope referred to one of the cardinal’s recently published works as a book that “has done me so much good.”

Inquiry suggests British-run hospitals stop using end-of-life protocol

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- A British official indicated the government will abandon a controversial end-of-life protocol following an anti-euthanasia campaign spearheaded by concerned Catholic physicians. An independent inquiry into the Liverpool Care Pathway has recommended that the protocol be abolished and replaced by “individualized care plans” after evidence of abuse and suffering was discovered.

“This is not civilized. It is a national disgrace,” Norman Lamb, Britain’s care services minister, said in July 15 comments reported by the London-based Daily Mail newspaper. The pathway was designed to make the final hours of dying patients as peaceful and dignified as possible. But the report, “More Care, Less Pathway,” said the protocol’s “tick-box” approach to end-of-life care allowed medical professionals to base clinical judgments not on patient needs but on whether the criteria set out by the framework had been met. The foreword to the report, signed by all eight members of the review team, said many people reported positive experiences with use of the pathway.

Small acts of faith vital, say Christian families in Israeli village

MUQEIBLEH, Israel (CNS) -Every evening, Suhad Shunnara, 32, reads the Bible to her three sons and kneels with them to say the rosary. On Friday, she and her husband, Fuad, 40, send the children to religion class, and on Saturday, after Mass, they all watch a Christian TV channel together. In this small village of 4,000, where the Christian community totals 135 people, these small acts of their faith are not only a statement of their own beliefs but also an important way to instill in their children a love and understanding of the importance of their religious traditions to their own identities.

“There are a lot of things which we do differently than our Muslim neighbors,” Fuad said, noting that most of his friends are Muslim. “But the atmosphere here is very good; there is a lot of Muslim-Christian respect as well as Christian-Christian respect.” The village’s Christian community includes 14 Greek Orthodox and 25 Melkite Catholics, all of whom are served by the Latin-rite Church of the Transfiguration, the only church in the village. All of the Christians belong to three large extended families: the Shunnara, Saed, and Sahouri clans.

39

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News Briefs

People Artists’ work puts human faces on the complexities of the border

TUCSON, Ariz. (CNS) -St. Thomas More Newman Center’s walls, halls and even the water fountain in the lobby were decked out in a wide variety of artwork and found items, displayed artistically. But it was the rows of unmatched shoes that told the simplest story.

Bedraggled sneakers, boots with their soles hanging by threads, sandals with broken straps, one apparently unsuccessful attempt at making footwear out of a piece of carpet and a bit of string were carefully lined along the main aisle, one shoe next to each pew. The shoes were a vivid part of an exhibit of work by painter Pamela Hoffmeister and mixed media artist Deborah McCullough during the Social Action Summer Institute, a five-day program for Catholic social ministers in June. McCullough’s collection of shoes gave silent, and sometimes still stinky, testimony about how hard it is to cross the 40 desert on foot. During her regular walks in the Sonoran Desert outside Tucson with volunteers who look for migrants in need of assistance, McCullough collects the shoes, as well as empty tuna cans, books, notes, toothbrushes and other personal items and turns them into works of art. Many take the form of small shrines, built around a theme: A battered baby doll is surrounded by other children’s items; a weathered Bible is backed by an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and set in a well-worn shoe.

Missionary journey takes doctrine secretary back to the classroom

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Deep down, Capuchin Franciscan Father Thomas G. Weinandy always

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2013

wanted to be a missionary, traveling the world to spread the good news of the Gospel. In the end, he got the chance to travel -- a bit -- but he became a teacher and evangelizer, sharing his zeal for Catholic and Christian doctrine in classrooms in the United States and at England’s famed Oxford University. Father Weinandy, 67, executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Doctrine, will take his missionary spirit on the road again when he leaves his position Aug. 2 after more than eight years. First there will be a yearlong sabbatical that will find him visiting Germany, Italy, the Holy Land and England.

In fall 2014, he will return to the classroom, this time at The Catholic University of America. In spring 2015 he plans to teach at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome. “One of the things that was great working in this office, the truths of the faith, the mysteries of the faith are beautiful things and they’re true, they’re marvelous,” the native of Delphos, Ohio, told Catholic News Service. “We live within the truth of what the Trinity is or the Incarnation and the sacraments. To promote them and think about them and develop them and to help the bishops promote them and defend them and teach them has been a great honor and a beautiful thing to be a part of. What we’re talking about is so beautiful and so true and ultimately of eternal significance.”

Author Mary Higgins Clark funds new creative writing chair at Fordham NEW YORK (CNS) -- Mary Higgins Clark, whose 42 books have sold 100 million copies in the United States alone, has pledged $2 million to Fordham University to create the Mary Higgins Clark chair in creative writing. With her gift Jesuit-run Fordham will hire a professor of creative writing within the English department. The university’s announced the chair will be filled by a visiting appointment for a limited term, offered to a distinguished writer drawn from a variety of genres, to lead writing workshops and teach seminars and master classes to upper-level undergraduates or graduate students. The first holder of the chair will be announced in the spring of 2015. Higgins Clark is a Fordham alumna.