Bayou Catholic | May 2015 Issue

Bayou

Catholic

Month of Mary HOUMA, LA ~ MAY 2015 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

2 0 1 5 Together in the Work of the Lord

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Contents

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22

FEATURES

32 Living the Rosary Virgy Estay’s devotion to Mary

44 Our Churches Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux

48 St. Lucy renovates sanctuary St. Lucy Church, Houma

COLUMNS

8

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

30

14 Pope Speaks

36

By Pope Francis I

15 Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle

16 Readings Between The Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

26 Seeing Clairely

By Claire Joller

62 Overtime

4

By Ed Daniels

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 Editor’s Corner 18 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 54 Diocesan Events

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Bayou

Catholic

GUEST COLUMNS

20 Seven deadly sins: Part V

By Father Michael Bergeron

27 Book Reviews BayoByuRaymond Saadi 40 Cathedral Renovations

By Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue

63 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

2015 Graduation

ANNOUNCEMENTS

34 Marianites honor jubilarians 50 Day of Prayer and Fasting June 5

On Our Cover May holds the day we honor all mothers, and since Mary is the spiritual mother of all Christians, it is appropriate that we honor Mary in a special way this month.

This stained glass window is entitled “Madonna of the Rosary.”

Cover Photo by Catholictradition.org

Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux, as well as the ten elementary schools throughout the diocese. 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. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Catholic Vol. 35, No. 11 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 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.

Louis G. Aguirre

Index to Advertisers Acadian Total Security ...........................41 Acme Mausoleum St. Charles Borromeo ........................58 Advanced Eye Institute ..........................50 Barker Honda .........................................66 Bella Cosa Fine Gifts ..............................57 Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal ..................2 Bueche’s Jewelry ...................................33 Cannata’s ...............................................92 Cardinal Place ........................................49 Catholic Communication Campaign ......21 Cenac Marine Services, LLC .................75 Central Catholic High School ................71 Century 21-Melanie Pitre .......................60 Channel 10 .............................................23 Charles A. Page & Sons ........................77 Chauvin Funeral Home ..........................74 Coastal Commerce Bank .......................87 Courtesy Automotive .............................70 CRS-Rice Bowl-Thank You .....................49 Daigle Himel Daigle ...............................68 Diocesan Outreach Line ........................43 Diocesan Website ..................................65 E.D. White Catholic High School ...........67 Falgout Funeral Homes, LLC .................84 Felger’s Footwear ..................................72 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..............39

God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..............89 Haydel Memorial Hospice .....................54 Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness ..............29 Headache & Pain Center .......................31 Houma Digestive Health Specialists ......60 Houma Orthopedic Clinic ......................56 HTeNews ................................................81 Lafourche Motors ...................................69 Landry’s Funeral Home .........................83 LeBlanc & Associates, LLC ....................47 Lewis & Company ..................................58 Marie’s Wrecker Service ........................88 Re-Bath ..................................................17 Rod’s Superstore ...................................35 Samart Funeral Home & Crematorium ..86 Seminarian Education Burses ...............25 Spotlight .................................................59 St. Joseph Manor ...................................83 Synergy Bank .........................................78 Terminix ..................................................59 Terrebonne General Medical Center .......3 Terrebonne General Medical CenterMary Bird Perkins ...............................61 Thibodaux Funeral Home ......................89 Vandebilt Catholic High School .............73 Vision Communications .........................51 Youth Ministry .........................................91

editor and general manager

Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor

Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager

Peggy Adams

advertising manager

Anna C. Givens

advertising accounts executive

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 2013-2014 General Excellence www.bayoucatholic.com

5

Welcome

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

Mothers

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May is the month when we pay special tribute to our mothers which, of course, also includes our heavenly mother, Mary.

Our mothers not only bring us into this world but also nurture, love and encourage us along the way. My own mother, who died last May at the wonderful age of 101, never stopped loving me and my brother. No matter the fact we are in our mid to late 60s, she never stopped encouraging us, pointing us in the right direction and giving us all the warmth and comfort that only a mother can bestow on her children. To this day I always feel her presence, her warmth, her love.

In a similar and significant way, our mother Mary watches over us and intercedes on our behalf from heaven. Pope Francis recently shared his personal and intimate devotion to Mary. He said his devotion to the Mother of God is profound, it is simple in many ways: Mary is a mother to every believer; Jesus would not leave his followers orphans.

Pope Francis said that while his connection to Mary clearly is a matter of heart and mind, it is also physical. Whenever the pope passes a statue or icon of Mary, he kisses it or allows his hand to rest tenderly upon it.

In March of this year, while visiting Naples, Pope Francis told priests, nuns and seminarians that one way to make sure Jesus is the center of our lives is to ask “his mother to take you to him. A priest, a brother, a nun who does not love Mary, does not pray to her – I would even say one who does not recite the rosary – well, if you don’t love the mother, the mother will not give you the Son.” In the same talk, the pope spoke again about how he recently read The Glories of Mary, a hefty book written in 1750 by St. Alphonsus Liguori. “In this book, I like reading the stories about how Mary always leads us to Jesus.”

Here in our Bayou Country, devotion to Mary is strong. Statues of Mary seem to be Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

everywhere, as they dot the landscape, gracing the front of homes. Mary has been, is now, and continues to be a major figure in the minds and hearts of our myriad cultures. Among the Cajuns, Europeans, Native People, Hispanics, African Americans and the Vietnamese, Mary is revered and loved.

In his official proclamation of the 2015-2016 Year of Mercy, Pope Francis wrote, “Mary attests that the mercy of the son of God knows no bounds and extends to everyone, without exception. Let us address her in the words of the ‘Salve Regina’ (Hail Holy Queen) a prayer ever ancient and new, so that she may never tire of turning her merciful eyes towards us, and make us worthy to contemplate the face of mercy, her son Jesus.”

This May let us take time to appreciate, honor and express gratitude to our mothers, both those who are still with us and the ones who are already in heaven. Let us also take time to especially thank and pray to Mary.

Bayou Spirit

Grand Caillou Blessing 7

The annual blessing of the fleet was held in Grand Caillou where Bishop Shelton J. Fabre traveled down Bayou Grand Caillou on the shrimp boat “My Dad Whitney.” “I heard a lot about the blessing of the fleet since my arrival here in the diocese in 2013. However this was the first chance that I had to experience a blessing of the fleet for myself. It was a very rich experience on many levels,” says the bishop.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Comfort For My People

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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

One definition of a pilgrimage is “to travel to some holy place to receive spiritual benefit.”

During my first year here in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, at some point Jeremy Becker, our diocesan director of Stewardship and Development, proposed that I lead a diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Having just arrived in the diocese, I was far more interested in becoming familiar with the diocese and trying to learn all that I needed to learn in order to responsibly shepherd the faithful of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

However, in addition to this, I must also admit that visiting the Holy Land was not very high on my “bucket list.”

However, Jeremy respectfully persisted in his recommendation, and in the end I agreed to lead a pilgrimage. I am glad that I did. It would be a pilgrimage that would lead me to a deeper understanding of the Sacred Scripture, a deeper respect for the faith of the apostles and the early church, and deeper gratitude for all that Jesus Christ did to set us free from sin and death. In the end, this pilgrimage would provide me with great spiritual benefit.

With 27 others from our diocese, the pilgrimage began on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, with a long day’s travel that would bring us to the airport in Tel Aviv. There we attempted to rest and to allow our bodies to adjust to having just been transported half way around the world. The next day we traveled

to Galilee, and our hotel was situated along the Sea of Galilee.

Having heard so much in Sacred Scripture about the Sea of Galilee, it was a profound experience to be there.

At this point very early in the pilgrimage, based on my reaction to being at the Sea of Galilee, I knew that over the next few days I was in for a spiritual experience of great grace as I anticipated all of the other holy sites that I would visit in the coming days. I took it as a confirmation the next morning when from my balcony I took a picture of the sunlight shining through clouds and falling on the Sea of Galilee in a manner that led me to believe that perhaps this pilgrimage would further ‘spiritually enlighten’ me as well.

As we made our way around with our knowledgeable guide, it was as if the Sacred Scripture and the life of Jesus Christ in an even more powerful way unfolded before us. We traveled to Cana, where the married couples renewed their vows, and then to the Church of the Annunciation where we celebrated Mass. To be where the angel Gabriel hailed Mary as full of grace and favored was really a moving experience for me. We traveled to St. Peter’s house in Capernaum, celebrated Mass at the Mount of the Beatitudes, and visited where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes.

We spent time where Jesus appeared to his disciples on the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection. We celebrated Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, saw the Mount of Temptation, visited Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus; and spent time at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. There were some in our group who even accepted the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea! (I was not counted among them.) We walked the Via Dolorosa praying the Stations of the Cross, visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is built on top of the site of the Golgotha and

the place where Jesus was buried.

We celebrated a very early morning Mass in the tomb of Jesus, and got to place our hands in the hole where the cross of Jesus Christ stood, both very powerful and moving experiences for me and for those on our pilgrimage.

We celebrated Mass in the Church of the Nativity and Bethlehem and saw the fields where the angels appeared to the shepherds to proclaim the birth of the Messiah.

We visited the site of the Upper Room where the Last Supper took place, visited where St. Peter denied knowing the Lord, and celebrated a eucharistic Holy Hour at night in the Garden at Gethsemane.

Days before Palm Sunday, we walked the Palm Sunday route in Jerusalem, and visited the place of the betrayal by Judas. We visited the site believed to be the place of the Ascension, as well as the place where Jesus taught his disciples the Our Father.

Our pilgrimage to the Holy Land was an overwhelming spiritual experience, and I know that the others who made the pilgrimage would agree. There were many spiritual benefits for me from this pilgrimage, but here I would indicate three: 1) It gave me even deeper insights into Sacred Scripture and in this way strengthened my faith; 2) It gave me a deeper appreciation for the work of the Franciscans who care for the sites in the Holy Land, and showed me how desperately they need and deserve my prayers and financial support; 3) It highlighted for me how important it is that we support the Christians in the Holy Land and continue to call out for peaceful solutions to the political conflicts that are present there.

At each place, I prayed for the people of our diocese. I am confident that this pilgrimage will continue to bear spiritual fruit for me and for others.

As we mark Mothers’ Day this month, I wish to all Mothers God’s blessings and peace!

Our pilgrimage to the Holy Land: An overwhelming spiritual experience Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

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JEREMY BECKER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

www.bayoucatholic.com

Comentario

Nuestro peregrinaje a Tierra Santa: Una experiencia espiritual rumadora

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Una definición de la palabra peregrinaje es «viajar a un lugar santo para recibir beneficios espirituales.» En mi primer año aquí en la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux, el director diocesano de Liderazgo y Desarrollo de nuestra diócesis, Jeremy Becker, me sugirió que llevara a cabo un peregrinaje a Tierra Santa.

Recién llegado a la diócesis, mi interés estaba enfocado más en la diócesis y en aprender todas las cosas que se necesitan para pastorear a los fieles de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux.

Sin embargo, debo también reconocer que visitar la Tierra Santa no imperaba en mi lista de «proyectos de vida» personal.

No obstante, Jeremy persistió respetuosamente con su propuesta y finalmente acepté llevar a cabo un peregrinaje.

Me alegro haberlo hecho. Es un peregrinaje que me permitió una comprensión más concreta de las Sagradas Escrituras, un aprecio mayor por la fe de los apóstoles y la Iglesia Primitiva y una gratitud mayor por todas las cosas que Jesucristo hizo para libertarnos del pecado y la muerte. El resultado final de este peregrinaje es que me brindó muchos beneficios espirituales.

Junto a otros veintisiete peregrinos de nuestra diócesis, el peregrinaje comenzó el 19 de marzo, el día de la Solemnidad de San José, con una jornada larga de viaje que nos llevaría al Aeropuerto de Tel Aviv. Ahí, tomamos reposo y tratamos que nuestros cuerpos descansaran después de haber viajado al otro lado del mundo. El siguiente día visitamos Galilea y nos quedamos en un hotel en las orillas del Mar de Galilea. Después de haber leído tanto sobre el Mar de Galilea en las Sagradas Escrituras, la experiencia de estar ahí fue profunda.

Desde muy temprano en nuestro peregrinaje, basándome en mi sensación al presenciar el Mar de Galilea, anticipaba que los próximos días de visitas a lugares

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

santos fueran días de profunda experiencia espiritual y de gracia.

Confirmé este presentimiento cuando la próxima mañana desde el balcón de mi recámara tomé la fotografía de los rayos del sol alumbrando a través de las nubes y bañando el Mar de Galilea de una manera que me hizo concluir que tal vez este peregrinaje «iluminaría mi espiritualidad.»

En nuestro peregrinaje con un guía experto, parecía que las Sagradas Escrituras sobre la vida de Jesucristo se revelaban de una manera más potente ante nosotros. Viajamos a Caná, donde matrimonios renovaban sus votos y luego fuimos a la Iglesia de la Anunciación donde celebramos misa. Estar en el lugar que el Ángel Gabriel favorece y le pronuncia a María «Dios te salve María llena de gracia» ha sido una experiencia conmovedora para mí. Visitamos la casa de San Pedro en Cafarnaún, celebramos misa en el Monte de las Bienaventuranzas y visitamos el lugar donde Jesús llevó a cabo el Milagro de la Multiplicación del Pan y los Peces. Estuvimos en el lugar donde Jesús se les apareció a sus discípulos en el Mar de Galilea después de su resurrección. Celebramos la misa de la Iglesia de Transfiguración en el Monte Tabor, vimos el Monte de la Tentación, visitamos Betania, el hogar de María, Marta y Lázaro; y pasamos por el Qumrán donde se encontraron los Manuscritos del Mar Muerto. ¡Algunos miembros de nuestro grupo se atrevieron aceptar la oportunidad de flotar en el Mar Muerto! (Yo no me incluí en este grupo.) Caminamos las estaciones de la Vía Dolorosa rogando en cada una de ellas, visitamos la Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro que está construido sobre el Gólgota y el lugar donde Jesús fue sepultado.

Celebramos una misa temprano en la mañana en la tumba de Jesús y colocamos nuestras manos en el orificio donde se erigió la Cruz de Jesucristo, experiencias muy poderosas y conmovedoras para mí y los feligreses en nuestro peregrinaje. Celebramos misa en

la Iglesia de la Natividad y Belén y divisamos los campos donde los ángeles se les aparecieron a los pastores para proclamar el nacimiento del Mesías.

Visitamos el sitio de los Cuartos Superiores donde la Ultima Cena se llevó a cabo, visitamos el lugar donde San Pedro negó conocer al Señor y celebramos la Hora Santa Eucarística de noche en el Jardín de Getsemaní.

Días antes del Domingo de Ramos, caminamos la ruta del Domingo de Ramos en Jerusalén y visitamos el lugar de la traición de Judas. Visitamos el sitio donde se cree que es el lugar de la Ascensión como también el lugar donde Jesús les enseñó a sus discípulos el Padre Nuestro.

Nuestro peregrinaje a Tierra Santa fue una experiencia abrumadora y sé que los otros que hicieron este peregrinaje conmigo estarían de acuerdo conmigo. Hubo múltiples beneficios espirituales para mí provenientes de este peregrinaje y quiero recalcar tres: 1) Me ha proveído conocimientos más profundos sobre las Sagradas Escrituras y asimismo ha fortalecido mi fe; 2) Me ha entregado un aprecio mayor por la labor de los franciscanos que cuidan estos sitios en Tierra Santa y me ha demostrado cuánta ayuda financiera urgente necesitan y cuánto merecen nuestras oraciones.

3) Ha subrayado para mí la gran importancia de apoyar a los cristianos en Tierra Santa y la urgencia de continuar nuestro llamado por encontrar soluciones pacíficas a los conflictos políticos que existen actualmente.

En cada uno de estos lugares, he orado por el pueblo de nuestra diócesis. Confío que este peregrinaje nos continuará dando fruto espiritual a mí y a los demás.

Ahora que celebramos el Día de la Madre este mes, ¡les deseo a todas las Madres la bendición y la paz de Dios!

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Annunziata en Houma.

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JEREMY BECKER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Cuộc hành hương của chúng tôi đến Đất Thánh: Một cảm nghiệm tâm linh sâu đậm

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Định nghĩa của cuộc hành hương là “đi đến một số nơi thánh để nhận được ích lợi thiêng liêng.” Trong năm đầu tiên của tôi ở giáo phận Houma-Thibodaux, có lần ông Jeremy Becker, giám đốc văn phòng Phát triển và Quản lý của giáo phận, đề xướng rằng tôi nên hướng dẫn một cuộc hành hương giáo phận đến Đất Thánh. Vừa mới đến giáo phận, tôi thực sự muốn quan tâm nhiều hơn trong việc làm quen với giáo phận và cố gắng tìm hiểu tất cả những gì tôi cần phải tìm hiểu để có trách nhiệm trông nom các tín hữu của Giáo phận Houma-Thibodaux. Dù sao đi nữa, tôi cũng phải thừa nhận rằng việc viếng thăm Đất Thánh không đặt ở một chỗ quá cao trong “danh sách dự định” của tôi.

Tuy nhiên, ông Jeremy một cách nào đó cứ vẫn nhấn mạnh tới đề nghị của mình một cách kính cẩn, và cuối cùng tôi đã đồng ý hướng dẫn một cuộc hành hương. Tôi rất mừng vì tôi đã làm điều đó. Nó sẽ là một cuộc hành hương dẫn tôi đến sự hiểu biết sâu rộng hơn về Kinh Thánh, sự tôn kính sâu thẳm đối với đức tin của các Tông đồ và Giáo hội thời sơ khai, và lòng biết ơn sâu đậm đối với tất cả những gì Chúa Giêsu Kitô đã làm để cứu thoát chúng ta khỏi tội lỗi và sự chết. Cuối cùng, cuộc hành hương này đã đem lại cho tôi ích lợi thiêng liêng rất khả quan.

Cùng với 27 người khác trong giáo phận, cuộc hành trình đã bắt đầu vào ngày 19 tháng ba, Lễ Trọng kính thánh Giuse, với cuộc hành trình dài đưa chúng tôi đến sân bay Tel Aviv.

Tại đó chúng tôi đã cố gắng nghỉ ngơi và phục hồi lại thân xác sau khi di chuyển đi cả nửa vòng trái đất.

Ngày hôm sau, chúng tôi đến Ga-lilê, và khách sạn của chúng tôi tọa lạc dọc theo Biển hồ Ga-li-lê. Sau khi đã được nghe rất nhiều trong Kinh Thánh về Biển hồ Ga-li-lê, quả thật đây là một cảm nghiệm sâu sắc để hiện diện nơi đó.

Vào thời điểm rất sớm trong cuộc hành hương, dựa vào phản xạ của tôi ở Biển hồ Ga-li-lê, tôi biết rằng trong vài ngày tiếp theo, tôi đã ở

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

trong một cảm nghiệm tâm linh của ân sủng tuyệt vời như tôi dự đoán tất cả các nơi thánh địa khác mà tôi sẽ viếng thăm trong những ngày sắp tới. Tôi đã coi đó như là một sự xác tín là vào sáng hôm sau khi từ ban-công của tôi, tôi đã chụp hình ánh nắng mặt trời chiếu xuyên qua những đám mây và dọi xuống trên Biển hồ Ga-li-lê, khiến tôi tin rằng chắc hẳn cuộc hành hương này sẽ tiếp tục “khai sáng tâm linh” cho tôi nhiều hơn nữa.

Khi chúng tôi đi khắp đó đây cùng với vị hướng dẫn đầy kiến thức, cứ tưởng chừng như thể là Kinh Thánh và cuộc đời của Chúa Giêsu Kitô thúc đẩy mạnh mẽ hơn và hiện ra trước mắt chúng tôi. Chúng tôi đến Ca-na, nơi các cặp vợ chồng lặp lại lời thề hôn nhân của họ, và sau đó đến nhà thờ Truyền tin, ở đó chúng tôi cử hành Thánh Lễ.

Hiện diện nơi thiên thần Ga-bri-en ca ngợi Đức Ma-ri-a là Đấng đầy ân sủng thực sự là một cảm nghiệm gây xúc động đối với tôi. Chúng tôi đến nhà thánh Phêrô ở Ca-phát-na-um, dâng Thánh Lễ tại núi Bát Phúc, và viếng thăm nơi Chúa Giêsu đã làm phép lạ hóa bánh và cá ra nhiều.

Chúng tôi đã lưu lại nơi Chúa Giêsu hiện ra với các môn đệ trên biển hồ Galilê sau khi sống lại. Chúng tôi cử hành Thánh lễ tại Nhà thờ Biến hình trên núi Tabo, nhìn thấy núi Cám dỗ, thăm làng Bê-tha-ni, nhà của Mari-a, Mát-ta và La-gia-rô; và lưu lại ở Qumran, nơi các cuộn sách Biển Chết được tìm thấy. Một số người trong nhóm chúng tôi, đã lợi dụng cơ hội này để được trôi nổi trên Biển Chết!

(Tôi thì không được tính vào trong số họ). Chúng tôi rảo bộ đến đường Sầu Bi (Via Dolorosa), cầu nguyện với các chặng Đàng Thánh Giá, viếng thăm Nhà thờ Mộ Thánh, được xây dựng trên đỉnh đồi Gôn-gô-tha ​​và nơi Chúa Giêsu đã được chôn cất.

Buổi sáng rất sớm hôm sau, chúng tôi được cử hành Thánh lễ trong ngôi mộ của Chúa Giêsu, và đã đến đặt bàn tay của chúng tôi vào trong các lỗ, nơi thập giá của Chúa Giêsu Kitô đã được dựng lên, cả hai sự việc trên đem đến cảm xúc động mạnh mẽ cho tôi và cho những người trong nhóm hành hương

của chúng tôi. Chúng tôi cử hành Thánh Lễ tại Nhà thờ Chúa Giáng Sinh tại Bê-lem và nhìn thấy những cánh đồng nơi mà các thiên thần hiện ra với các mục đồng loan tin sự giáng trần của Đấng Cứu Thế.

Chúng tôi đến thăm địa điểm phòng Tiệc Ly nơi mà Bữa Tiệc Ly đã được diễn ra, rồi đến viếng nơi thánh Phêrô chối Chúa, và cử hành giờ Chầu Thánh Thể vào ban đêm trong vườn Giệt-si-ma-ni. Những ngày trước Chúa Nhật Lễ Lá, chúng tôi đi bộ dọc theo con đường Lễ Lá ở Giê-ru-sa-lem, và viếng nơi Chúa Giêsu bị Giu-đa phản bội. Chúng tôi đến viếng một nơi được cho là nơi Chúa lên trời, cũng như đến nơi Chúa Giêsu dạy các môn đệ kinh Lạy Cha. Cuộc hành hương của chúng tôi đến Đất Thánh là một cảm nghiệm tâm linh sâu đậm, và tôi biết rằng những người khác tham dự các cuộc hành hương cũng đồng ý như vậy. Có rất nhiều ích lợi thiêng liêng cho tôi từ chuyến hành hương này, nhưng ở đây tôi muốn đưa ra ba điểm: 1) Nó đã thực sự giúp cho tôi hiểu biết sâu rộng hơn vào Kinh Thánh và vì thế nó củng cố đức tin của tôi.

2) Nó đã giúp cho tôi cảm tạ và tri ân về các công việc của các tu sĩ dòng Phanxicô trông coi các nơi linh thiêng tại Đất Thánh, và cho tôi thấy rằng họ thiếu thốn trầm trọng như thế nào, và họ rất cần những lời cầu nguyện và hỗ trợ về tài chính của tôi.

3) Nó nhấn mạnh cho tôi tầm quan trọng là làm thế nào để chúng ta hỗ trợ các Kitô hữu tại Đất Thánh và tiếp tục kêu gọi các giải pháp hòa bình cho các cuộc xung đột chính trị hiện nay đang xảy ra. Ở mỗi nơi, tôi đều cầu nguyện cho mọi người trong giáo phận. Tôi tin tưởng rằng cuộc hành hương này sẽ vẫn tiếp tục sinh nhiều hoa quả thiêng liêng cho tôi và cho những người khác.

Nhân dịp mừng Ngày Hiền Mẫu trong tháng này, tôi cầu chúc cho tất cả những người Mẹ lãnh nhận muôn phúc lành và bình an của Thiên Chúa!

Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa.

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

V 14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Following a vocation to the priesthood or religious life is to live an experience of “exodus” -- to joyfully leave behind all that enslaves and journey to a Promised Land of love, service and mission, Pope Francis said.

“Responding to God’s call, then, means allowing him to help us leave ourselves and our false security behind, and to strike out on the path which leads to Jesus Christ, the origin and destiny of our life and our happiness,” the pope said in his message for the 2015 World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The day will be celebrated April 26 at the Vatican and in many dioceses around the world.

The message, released at the Vatican April 14, was dedicated to the theme: “Exodus: A fundamental experience of vocation.”

Every Christian vocation is rooted in this sense of movement, of journeying and going forward since “belief means transcending ourselves, leaving behind our comfort and the inflexibility of our ego in order to center our life in Jesus Christ,” the pope wrote.

Just like Abraham, Moses and the people of Israel, all children of God are called to leave behind the land they know and trust completely in God to show them the way to a whole new world.

The journey is not about running away in “contempt” from

CNS photo/Mass Imiliano Migliorato, Catholic Press Photo

Pope Francis greets nuns and priests during a meeting with participants in an international congress organized by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Paul VI hall at the Vatican April 11.

life and reality, but of finding it anew, in abundance and brought to its fulfillment, he wrote.

“The Christian vocation is first and foremost a call to love, a love which attracts us and draws us out of ourselves, ‘decentering’ us and triggering ‘an ongoing exodus out of the closed inward-looking self toward its liberation through selfgiving, and thus toward authentic self-discovery and indeed the discovery of God,’” he wrote, quoting retired Pope Benedict XVI. A vocation, just like Christian life in general, demands constant renewal and “an attitude of conversion and transformation, an incessant moving forward, a passage from death to life like that celebrated in every liturgy, an experience of Passover,” he said.

The journey is God’s work as “he leads us beyond our initial situation, frees us from every enslavement, breaks down our habits and our indifference, and brings us to the joy of communion with him and with our brothers and sisters,” Pope Francis wrote.

A vocation to priesthood or religious life doesn’t just transform the individual, he wrote, it also has an impact on all of society as the individual feels compelled to serve God’s kingdom on earth and inspired “to solidarity in bringing liberation to our brothers and sisters, especially the poorest.”

The pope’s message called on young people to recognize that “this exodus toward God and others fills our lives with joy and meaning.”

Uncertainty, fear or problems can too often “risk paralyzing their youthful enthusiasm and shattering their dreams, to the point where they can think that it is not worth the effort to get involved, that the God of the Christian faith is somehow a limit on their freedom,” he wrote.

“Dear young friends, never be afraid to go out from yourselves and begin the journey,” the pope wrote. “The Gospel is the message which brings freedom to our lives; it transforms them and makes them all the more beautiful.”

Pope: Vocations are calls to embark on exodus to the Promised Land Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Smoking and morality

Q

Q. During the 1970s, at least in our part of the country, there were many priests who smoked cigarettes or cigars. Yet some of them were effective in their ministry and obviously loved God greatly. When they die, as some of them already have, can they still go to heaven? Does Jesus’ admonition, “Nothing that goes into a man can harm him, but only that which comes out of him -- avarice, greed, etc.” apply here? (Bridgewater, New Jersey)

is making inroads on the ethical judgments of the Catholic Church -- as seen in a 2004 article in the scholarly Jesuit review La Civilta Cattolica which, while stopping short of branding smoking as per se sinful, declared that smokers cannot damage their health and that of others “without moral responsibility.” (Significant here is that articles in La Civilta Cattolica are prescreened for doctrinal orthodoxy by the Vatican Secretariat of State.)

As for the quote you mention from Matthew 15:11 (the New American Bible has it as, “It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one”), that passage does not exculpate smokers. Its context was a comment by Jesus on Jewish dietary laws, and it has nothing to do with ingesting products that are medically harmful.

A

A. I’m confident that the priests of the 1970s who smoked tobacco products are probably in heaven -- certainly, those of them who, as you say, “were effective in their ministry and loved God greatly.”

At that time, evidence of the long-term health hazards of smoking was only starting to be assembled. As recently as 1997, the Catechism of the Catholic Church said in No. 2290 that the virtue of temperance cautions against excess and therefore forbids “the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco or medicine” -- the clear implication being that smoking was not an intrinsic moral evil.

Today, though, there might well be a stricter moral calculus as information grows about the risks of tobacco use. The World Health Organization says, for example, that every 6.5 seconds someone dies from tobaccorelated causes.

Such scientific documentation

Confession and anonymity

Q

Q. Why can’t penitents have the option of confessing their sins either face to face or in a traditional confessional? Since some find it uncomfortable to sit directly in front of the priest

and be identified, why do some churches force that method?

(City of origin withheld)

A

A. Catholic penitents do, in fact, have the right to anonymity in confession if they so desire.

The Code of Canon Law says (in No. 964.2): “The conference of bishops is to establish norms regarding the confessional; it is to take care, however, that there are always confessionals with a fixed grate between the penitent and the confessor in an open place so that the faithful who wish to can use them freely.”

Many people do feel comfortable sitting in front of a priest and confessing face to face.

When I hear confessions each Saturday afternoon, probably 85 percent of penitents choose the face-to-face option, while the others kneel or sit behind an opaque screen -- and the choice seems to bear no relationship to the age of the penitent. (One elderly gentleman said recently, “I prefer you to know who I am; I wouldn’t go to a doctor unless he knew my medical history.”)

Still, care must be taken to 15 accommodate those who prefer the traditional manner of confessing; and so confessional rooms are typically constructed to allow either option, and at a penance service, when there are several individual confessors, at least one of the priests should be seated behind a screen or grate to allow for the choice of anonymity.

2015 Catholic News Service

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

16

Father Glenn LeCompte

We can disagree, but without hostility!

I

In its infancy the Christian movement faced challenges from within as well as from without.

For example, Paul confronts factions in Corinth which centered themselves around either Paul himself, Apollos, Cephas (Peter), or Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-31).

Perhaps not as well known, but no less significant, is the schism which appears to have happened in the community to whom the Gospel and Letters of John

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

were addressed. Critical to the understanding of the First Letter of John, sections of which are read on Sundays of the Easter season in the current liturgical cycle, are the causes of the schism.

As Biblical scholar Father Raymond Brown (The Community of the Beloved Disciple, p. 45), et. al., observe the Gospel of John has a “higher” or more exalted Christology (theology of the person of Jesus Christ) than do the Synoptic Gospels, or for that matter any other New Testament work.

In other words, John’s assertions about Jesus’ divinity are stated with greater depth and specificity than those of the other canonical evangelists. For example whereas the only time Mark’s Jesus applies the divine name, “I AM” to himself is in the midst of his interrogation by the Jewish authorities (14:62), John’s Jesus uses the epithet explicitly of himself in 8:28, 58 and again in 18:5, 6, 8). Additionally, sprinkled throughout John’s Gospel are instances when Jesus uses the divine name to declare his salvific role in relation to the world: “I am the light of the world” (9:5), “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25), etc.

Brown hypothesizes that this higher Christology was introduced into the Johannine community by

“Jews of an anti-Temple bias” who made Samaritan converts. As in the Synoptic Gospels some in the Johannine community saw Jesus as the Messiah descended from David. Samaritans identified more with Moses than with David, and they viewed Moses as one who had seen God and then brought the Law down to the people. There developed an expectation among Samaritans that Moses would return. Similar to the way the Synoptics present John the Baptist as fulfilling the expected return of Elijah, Jesus may have been viewed as the one who fulfilled the coming of Moses.

Like Moses Jesus has seen God and come down to bring God’s word to earth, yet he surpasses Moses as one who in the beginning was not only “with” God, but “was” God (Brown, The Community, p. 44; see John 1:1).

The disparate group of disciples that converged to form the Johannine Community embraced this very exalted image of Jesus, and as of the writing of the Gospel (ca. 90 A.D.) the opposition they faced because of their Christology was from traditional Jews in their region (Ephesus?). Opponents of the Johannine Christology may have been offended by the perception that Johannine Christians made a man (Jesus) equal to

a

God (John 5:18). In fact, in Johannine Christology Jesus shares such a deep spiritual intimacy with God that the former’s words and works are perfectly consonant with those of the Father (e.g. John 14:10-11).

The high Christology that united the Johannine Community later led to a split within the community.

Brown (The Community, p. 167) claims that the polemic against “the Jews” prompted a group within the Johannine Community to push the Christology even farther. Jesus was so divine that he was held by some in the Johannine Community not to be human and did not come in the flesh (2 John 1:7, cf. 1 John 4:2). Therefore, “Neither (Jesus’) life on earth nor that of the believer are of salvific import” (Brown, The Community, IBID.).

The Johannine Community was split over these “high” and “even higher” Christologies. In the midst of the controversy it would have been hard to establish which of these two positions was true. Was Jesus truly God’s preexistent, divine Word and agent of creation who did indeed come in the flesh and performed a ministry which challenged people to find salvation by believing in him and loving one another? Or, was Jesus simply a divine being who may have appeared to be human, but was in fact purely spiritual? As a consequence of the second position just mentioned, salvation involved simply knowing and believing that God had sent the divine Word into the world. According to the second position nothing Jesus appeared to have done is important for salvation. And it follows that acts of love on our part have no bearing upon our union with Christ or our

SINCE FAST

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identity as his followers (cf. John 13:35).

The author of 1 John, who is most likely not the same as that of John’s Gospel, but one within the Johannine “circle,” espouses the theology that while Jesus was the preexistent Word and Son of the Father, he did indeed come in the flesh. His ministry is, thus, effective, and those who respond positively to his word by believing in him and embracing the command to love find salvation. The author of 1 John presents his position as the orthodox one and he considers those who take the opposite view to have embraced an erroneous theology.

The opponents have “separated” themselves from those who embrace the author’s position. It is unclear as to whether this schism is physical or simply theological and emotional. Nevertheless, the author accuses his opponents of violating the Lord’s commandment to love (1 John 4:20). The opponents maintain that they love God, but their failure to love their brothers and sisters makes them liars.

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Where did this schism end up?

We can only speculate. Father Brown theorizes that while we cannot directly connect the opponents’ position in 1 John to that of full-blown gnosticism in the mid-second century A.D., the opponents may have planted some seedlings of what later became a system of Christian thought the wider church rejected.

The “secessionists” (as Brown calls them) were not simply agitators, but members of an early church community which was trying to work out its understanding of Jesus’ identity.

The most serious issue is that the polemics led to hostility, which violated Jesus’ commandment that his disciple love one another.

We live in a society that becomes strongly polarized over issues of politics, theology, economics, etc., and we sometimes seek to justify hostility toward those who hold different positions. The author of 1 John would tell us that there is no room for hostility, even in the midst of disagreement!

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Scripture Readings

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

1 May

Saturday

Sunday

2

3

Memorial of Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church Acts 13:44-52 John 14:7-14

Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 9:26-31 1 John 3:18-24 John 15:1-8

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Easter Weekday Acts 14:5-18 John 14:21-26

Easter Weekday Acts 14:19-28 John 14:27-31a

Easter Weekday Acts 15:1-6 John 15:1-8

Easter Weekday Acts 15:7-21 John 15:9-11

Easter Weekday Acts 15:22-31 John 15:12-17

Easter Weekday Acts 16:1-10 John 15:18-21

Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:25-26, 3435, 44-48 1 John 4:7-10 John 15:9-17

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Easter Weekday Easter Weekday Acts 16:22-34 Acts 16:11-15 John 15:26—16:4a John 16:5-11

Easter Weekday Acts 17:15, 22— 18:1 John 16:12-15

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Mark 16:15-20

Easter Weekday Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23

Easter Weekday Acts 18:23-28 John 16:23b-28

Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26 1 John 4:11-16 John 17:11b-19

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Easter Weekday Acts 19:1-8 John 16:29-33

Easter Weekday Acts 20:17-27 John 17:1-11a

Easter Weekday Acts 20:28-38 John 17:11b-19

Acts 22:30, 23:6-11 Easter Weekday John 17:20-26 Acts 25:13b-21 John 21:15-19

Easter Weekday Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 John 21:20-25

Solemnity of Pentecost Acts 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Weekday Sirach 17:20-24 Mark 10:17-27

Memorial of Philip Neri, priest Sirach 35:1-12 Mark 10:28-31

Weekday Sirach 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17 Mark 10:32-45

Weekday Sirach 42:15-25 Mark 10:46-52

Weekday Sirach 44:1, 9-13 Mark 11:11-26

Weekday Sirach 51:12cd-20 Mark 11:27-33

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Deuteronomy 4:3234, 39-40 Romans 8:14-17 Matthew 28:16-20

1

June

2

3

4

5

6

7

Memorial of Justin, martyr Tobit 1:3, 2:1b-8 Mark 12:1-12

Weekday Tobit 2:9-14 Mark 12:13-17

Memorial of Charles Lwanga, martyr, and his companions, martyrs Tobit 3:1-11a, 1617a Mark 12:18-27

Weekday Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1bcde, 9-17; 8:4-9a Mark 12:28-34

Memorial of Boniface, bishop and martyr Tobit 11:5-17 Mark 12:35-37

May

Saints

Holy Father’s prayer intentions Universal

Pancras

died circa 304 feast - May 12

CNS file photo

According to an early legend, the Roman martyr Pancras was a native of Syria or Phrygia (now Turkey) brought to Rome by an uncle after he was orphaned. They converted to Christianity there and were martyred during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Pancras reportedly was only 14, the likely reason for his being a patron saint of children. A strong cult of Pancras developed in Rome and in England from the time of St. Augustine of Canterbury, who dedicated a church to him around 600. Pancras is also mentioned in St. Bede’s martyrology and in most medieval English calendars, and the famous north London train station takes its name from an ancient church there dedicated to St. Pancras.

Saints

Matthias first century feast - May 14

Image © The Crosiers

Care for the suffering. That, rejecting the culture of indifference, we may care for our neighbors who suffer, especially the sick and the poor.

Matthias was the replacement for Judas Iscariot in the Twelve Apostles. Two men, Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas, met the condition set down by Peter in the Acts of the Apostles (1:21-22): That he “accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us.” After praying first, the apostles chose Matthias by drawing lots. Later traditions had Matthias evangelizing in Judea, Cappadocia (now Turkey) or Ethiopia, before being martyred.

Perhaps more reliable is the early writing of Clement of Alexandria, who said Matthias insisted on the importance of mortification and was among the 72 disciples sent out by Jesus in the Gospels.

Saints

Madeleine Sophie Barat Image © Public Domain

Evangelization Openness to mission. That Mary’s intercession may help Christians in secularized cultures be ready to proclaim Jesus.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.net

1779 - 1865 feast - May 25

Born to a cooper and winemaker in Burgundy, France, Madeleine was educated by her older brother, Louis, who was studying for the priesthood. He strove to repress her emotions and instruct her as if she were a seminarian. Her extensive formation, unusual for the time, paid off, as Madeleine was prepared for the rebirth of French Catholicism after its persecution during the French Revolution. In 1800, she and three companions began the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Madeleine was appointed superior at 23, and over the next 63 years she oversaw the establishment of more than 100 houses and schools in 12 countries. Her order was approved by Rome in 1826, and she was canonized in 1925.

Saints

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

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Special

Seven deadly sins Guest Columnist

A 20

Father Michael Bergeron

Anger, sometimes called wrath, is manifested by fits of rage due to intolerance of others. It can include inordinate or uncontrolled feelings of hatred. Anger can lead to self-destructiveness, violence and feuds between people and nations that can last for centuries.

A person’s wrath may persist long after the object of the anger is dead. Anger can also manifest in other ways including impatience, punishment or revenge. Anger can even lead to self-destructive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse and even suicide.

Anger is sinful when it exceeds its limits of control or conduct.

But anger is not always sinful.

Anger can be righteous when it arises on behalf of others (Mark 3:5). We must remember to attack the problem, not the person. Jesus says in Matthew 5:22, “Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment.” When anger is selfish, out of control, impulsive or destructive of other people, anger can do more harm than good. But anger itself is not a sin – it is a normal human emotion. What we do with the anger is where sin occurs – the way anger finds its expression.

We are all familiar with the story of the cleansing of the temple when Jesus, in righteous anger, drove out the vendors and money changers (Mark 11:1519). But there is another story less well-known. It occurred the day before. Jesus entered the temple and saw everything. He

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Part Five:

Anger

was angry then, but it was late, so they went back to Bethany (Mark 11:11). The next morning, Jesus was reflecting on what he saw the day before. As they proceeded back to Jerusalem, Jesus was hungry and probably feeling that righteous anger from his visit to the temple the day before. He saw a fig tree but it was not fig season. He cursed the fig tree for having no figs (Mark 11:12-14).

Anger is a normal human emotion; some people try to stuff it inside and it grows and grows. The solution is to creatively release it as Jesus (who was fully human) did.

He did not direct it at an individual as we often do; he directed it at a fig tree. So what should we do when anger builds up in us? Go in the bedroom and punch a pillow, break some sticks in the back yard or throw some rocks at a tree. Release the anger, but never, ever direct it at another person. When we do, it is a deadly sin because that person is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

The reason we offer each other the sign of peace at Mass is because Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Martin Luther King wrote, “The supreme task is to organize and unite people so that their anger becomes a transforming force.”

Mark Twain described anger as an “acid.” We know that acid is a powerful and dangerous chemical that must be treated with respect and care. Without acid, many transformations would never happen. Acids can cleanse, shape, preserve, energize, bond, purify and balance. We can use righteous anger to transform the world, but it should never be used to destroy an individual.

We can combat anger with love and forgiveness.

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Heavenly Recipes

k c a B y b Ba s b i R

n’s r e h t r o N

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe is one that requires time and patience but the effort is worth the reward.

Northern McKinley, a parishioner 22 of St. Lucy Church in Houma, is sharing his recipe for slow cook pork baby back ribs. Northern usually prepares ribs for the Bread From Heaven ministry at St. Lucy where parishioners prepare meals for the shut-ins of the community.

Northern, a native of Houma, joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. Upon returning from serving his country he lived in New Orleans for a year then came back to Houma for a year before getting married and moving to California, where he lived for 36 years.

Northern’s wife passed away and in 2007 he moved back to Houma. It was then that he reconnected with his childhood friend Aver. While he was visiting Aver’s mother during her last days in the hospital, he met Father Mark Toups, then pastor of St. Lucy’s. “Father Mark was very welcoming toward me. I was Baptist then. Father Mark was very instrumental in me becoming Catholic. He is a wonderful priest.

We try to stay in touch as much as possible.”

Aver was a widow at the time she and Northern began dating and now they have been married for the past year and a half. “We do Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

everything together. We are very much in love. We make a great couple,” says Northern.

Aver is currently studying to be a nurse. “She wants to be a nurse.

At 67, she is the oldest in the class.

Her grades are great. I am very proud of her. She loves taking care of the elderly. Some day she would like to open a day care for the elderly.”

They are both involved at St. Lucy. He is the grand knight of the Knights of Peter Claver, an usher and a lector at church. “I love proclaiming the Word at Mass. I prepare for the readings.

Northern’s Baby Back Ribs 2 pork rib sides Worcestershire sauce Liquid Smoke Lay out the rib sides and sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke on both sides. Wrap the ribs in foil and place in the refrigerator overnight.

In a charcoal barbecue pit, spread out the charcoals evenly in the bottom of the pit being careful not to place coals on top of each other. Sprinkle with charcoal lighter and light coals. When the coals are ashed over (white), place

It is something that I take very seriously. Kids come to me after Mass and tell me that someday they would like to read at Mass the way I do. That’s very encouraging for me.”

The couple bought a new home after they were married and enjoy taking care of it. Northern has a lawn service where he stays busy mostly in the mornings. When he’s not working on lawns he can be found at the golf course. “I love playing golf. I try to play two or three times a week. I have a buddy who likes to play as much as I do and we play as often as we can.” the ribs on the top rack of the grill.

After 10 minutes, flip the ribs to the other side. Try to maintain a pit termperature of 250 degrees.

Afterwards, flip the ribs every five minutes for at least one and a half hours until the ribs are tender.

Only then do you apply barbecue sauce flipping the ribs a few more times making sure not to let the sauce burn.

Northern’s tip: Cut the ribs between each bone. Place in a pan, cover with foil and put it back on the pit for a few more minutes for extra tender ribs.

e n Tu To...

In

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* AT&T U-Verse *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

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

6:30 9:00 9:30 8:30

SUNDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Comfort For My People

MONDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight

TUESDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live with Passion Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

A.M. A.M. A.M. P.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 Comfort For My People

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight Spotlight

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Comfort For My People

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

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

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Young Voices The most important gift I possess that can help bring others to Jesus is my gift of service. As a young Catholic, I strive to be like Christ in all aspects of my life and hope to inspire others to do the same. My part includes my involvement in my diocese and volunteering in my community, which both provide a venue for my gifts of service.

Through examples of service, I am able to reach many of my peers.

Brady Levron, 16 years old Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish, Larose South Lafourche High School

I believe that God puts everyone on his creation we call “Earth” for a reason. With this reason comes a unique gift in which he individualizes for our purpose to serve him and others. God has granted me the distinct gift of compassion. I lead others to Jesus Christ through teaching them that Jesus will always be the one that they can rely on to pick them back up when they fall. With these words of truth, we often forget: Jesus loves you for who you are, not for what society says you are.

Logan Collins, 16 years old Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish, Larose South Lafourche High School

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The Catholic Church desires young people to use their gifts.

What gifts do you have that can help bring others closer to Jesus?

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

I go through each day constantly trying to be thankful for whatever comes that day. I try to find little joys throughout each day, and many of my friends tell me that my bright outlook helps them to see the positive side of things. My faith is exemplified in my joy and love of life.

Julie McMahon, 16 years old Cathedral of St. Frances de Sales parish Vandebilt Catholic High School

I believe that as a youth in the church it’s important to use our gifts to lead others toward Christ. In my opinion, I’ve been given the gift of counsel. Through my faith-filled upbringing, I’ve developed the ability to make correct and faithful judgements in difficult situations. I believe that others see the happiness that results from these decisions, and that leads them to seek out what (or who) gives me the strength to make these decisions.

Miranda Plaisance, 17 years old St. Ann Church parish South Terrebonne High School

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, deacon, 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 - Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu - Harry Booker - Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* - Mr. Eledier Broussard - Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet - Rev. James Louis Caillouet - Bishop L. Abel Caillouet - Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet - Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet - Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais - Harold & Gloria Callais Family - Paul A. Callais - Peter W. Callais - Vincent & Fannie Cannata - Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie - Maude & Edith Daspit - Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* - Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- C. Remie Duplantis - Marie Elise Duplantis - Warren J. Harang, Jr. - Msgr. Raphael C. Labit - Msgr. Francis J. Legendre - Rev. Charles Menard - Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (3) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

March 2015 Burse Contributions Rev. Guy Zeringue .......................................... $1,000.00 Ronnie Haydel ................................................... $200.00 Elie & Dot Klingman ......................................... $160.00 Mr. Eldier Broussard ......................................... $150.00 Bernice Harang .................................................. $100.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso .......................................... $50.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 3/31/15 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ............................ $13,000.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,960.00 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 .............................. $8,680.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $8,200.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $6,165.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $5,200.00 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 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,251.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $4,200.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $4,150.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Catholic Daughters ................................ $4,080.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $3,075.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Anawin Community ............................... $2,700.00 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Alfrances P. Martin ................................. $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 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .................... $1,500.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................... $1,100.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ...................... $1,050.00 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 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................ $1,000.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $900.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Ruby Pierce .............................................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $685.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ........................ $625.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............. $600.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ................................... $280.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Bernice Harang ......................................... $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Joseph Waitz, Sr. ...................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,478,203.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Entertainment

Seeing Clairely

I 26

Claire Joller

It’s not precious in the worldly meaning of the word.

I first remember noticing it during my late childhood when I saw my father carefully removing it from his and Mama’s top dresser drawer. He cradled the rose gold pocket watch in his palm almost caressingly, letting the long chain and plain fob fall between his fingers.

As I witnessed it over the years, he followed the same ritual each time I saw him lift the watch from the drawer. He would first rub his thumb over the glass face, as though to see it more clearly. Next he’d lift it to his ear and listen carefully. Apparently disappointed, he’d tinker a bit with the knob, and listen again.

He would then gingerly replace the watch in its resting place.

I knew, even then, that our life circumstances at the time did not allow for any “extra” to be used for anything so unnecessary as fixing a beloved watch.

When Daddy told me the significance of the watch when I was a teenager, I felt privileged to know its story. His uncle, Theophile Fanguy, bought the timepiece when he returned from World War I. Nonc Theophile still suffered the effects of exposure to mustard gas in the trenches, and went to Alexandria regularly for treatment at the veterans’ hospital there. He saw the watch on one such trip, and treated himself to it.

In his old age, Theophile, my grandmother Domangue’s brother, gave the watch to my father because he knew how careful Armand was with things he and his family considered important.

Theophile’s name rang a bell for me. On the wall near

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Nonc Theophile’s watch LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Grandma’s dining room table had hung, as long as I could remember, a large tinted photograph of the Allied Generals of World War I. The generals were framed in ovals, and behind them marched ranks upon ranks of soldiers in uniforms of allied countries. Uncle Theophile had brought it home for his sister, and she proudly displayed it.

My own college years, working and marriage pushed aside all memory of that watch until many years later. As I recall it, Dad showed to my husband, who didn’t know about it, the watch that had gone silent decades before.

I later told Emil its story, and since Father’s Day was on the distant horizon, we decided to sneak it away with my mom’s help to get it fixed. Fine. But not so fine was the fact that none of the shops we went to could fix the unfamiliar mechanism. However, one of them knew a hobbyist who worked on older timepieces, and gave us his name.

Astounded, I read the name of L.O. Waguespack, who had been

the vice principal of my high school. How little we know about the people we see every day for years, was my first thought. Mr. Waguespack took on the challenge, and the unassuming amateur watch smith got the piece running again after dormant decades.

When we gave the restored watch to Dad on Father’s Day, he was so touched I thought he would cry when he held it up to his ear. Such a small thing for us to have done to cause such happiness for him. He wore it to church and to dances for years before his final illness. Before he died, he insisted that we have it.

The again silent watch sits under a protective dome in a spot in our living room. The perpetual time it displays is close to the evening hour that Daddy breathed his last. It is a quiet reminder of Dad and Mom and poor injured Uncle Theophile and Mr. Waguespack and Grandma, and oh so many associations with them. To me it is also a testament to the hidden value of seemingly unimportant things.

Book Reviews

Guest Columnist Raymond Saadi

Walking with Jesus

Walking With Jesus

By Pope Francis Loyola Press $22.95 As Pope John XXIII opened the windows of the church at Vatican II, Pope Francis I now opens the doors as well inviting all to enter, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

In this collection of his homilies, talks and essays during the past year the pope “invokes the example of Jesus walking all over Palestine as a model for a church that moves beyond its walls to meet the world. n In the book he calls on “Every Christian to go out to meet others, to dialogue with those who do not think as we do, with those of another faith or no faith at all.” n In his chapter, “The Eternal

Newness of the Gospel,” he writes, “A renewal of preaching can offer believers, as well as the lukewarm and the non-practicing, new joy in the faith and fruitfulness in the work of evangelization.” n In his homily for the Creation of New Cardinals, he said, “I will tell you what the church needs: she needs you, your cooperation and even more your communion, with me and among yourselves.” n On another occasion, he says, “Let me say this once more. God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” n On the Beatitudes he said, “The Beatitudes of Jesus are new and revolutionary: they present a model of happiness contrary to what is usually communicated by

the media and prevailing wisdom. n Of the sacraments Pope Francis says they “communicate an inerrant memory, linked to the times and places of our lives, linked to all our senses … n Baptism, he calls “the sacrament on which our faith is founded … it is not a formality! n The Eucharist “is much more than a simple banquet; it is exactly the memorial of Jesus’ paschal sacrifice, the mystery at the center of salvation.” n The book ends with these plain speaking words … “It is incumbent upon the living church to astound.

A church that is unable to astound is a church that is weak, sick, dying and that needs admission to the intensive care unit as soon as possible.

All the Light We Cannot See

in alternating chapters, her story is interweaved with that of young Werner who lives with his sister in a small German orphanage. There he discovers an amazing talent for building and restoring radios from scrap parts, an ability rewarded by forced recruitment in a cruel Hitler Youth Camp from which he’s later assigned to track the resistance.

When his duties eventually take him to Saint-Malo, it’s inevitable that Werner and Marie-Laure’s paths will intersect. Beautifully written, it’s infused w i t h kindness, poignancy, and love, e v e n against the background of WWII and it is, by far, my favorite novel of the year.

(Raymond Saadi is a native and lifelong resident of Houma, former broadcast owner of KHOM/KTIB and currently book editor of Acadiana Lifestyle magazine, LafayetteNew Iberia.)

All the Light We Cannot See

By Anthony Doerr Scribner $27 Marie-Laure, blind since age six maneuvers her Paris neighborhood by memorizing a scale model built by her father, keeper of locks at the City’s History Museum.

They live happily together in the city but when she’s 12 the Nazis invade Paris and the two escape to her grand uncle’s house in SaintMalo taking with them one of four identical museum jewels, only one of which is real. Told

www.bayoucatholic.com

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Msgr. Francis J. Amedee

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre sprinkles the casket of Msgr. Francis J. Amedee with Holy Water during a Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Bishop Fabre was the principal celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and priests of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Bishop Solis delivered the homily during the Mass.

Msgr. Francis Amedee dies at 90

Msgr. Francis J. Amedee

Msgr. Francis J. Amedee, a retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died April 9, at the age of 90. He was born June 1, 1924, in Lutcher, LA. He attended St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict, LA, and Notre Dame Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood May 22, 1948, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

Msgr.

Amedee served as assistant pastor in church parishes in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Theriot and Gretna. He was the founding pastor of St. Gregory Barbarigo Church parish in Houma in 1963. While there, he was instrumental in establishing St. Gregory Elementary School. He also served as pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux for 29 years and as pastor of St. Luke Church parish in Thibodaux for two years. In 1977, he was given

a Prelate of Honor with the title of monsignor.

In addition to his parish work, he was instrumental in establishing the Bayou Catholic newspaper in 1980 and has also worked as diocesan consultor, spiritual director/moderator for the Holy Name Society in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, director of Family Life in the Terrebonne Deanery, comptroller at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, chaplain of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Anna Maria No. 993, administrator of Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, and was a member of the Clergy Council and the Archdiocesan School Board.

He is survived by two sisters, Shirley Crocker and Evelyn Zeringue, and one brother Gerald Amedee.

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State

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frank j. methe/clarion herald

Newly-ordained Bishop Fernand Cheri leads the recessional.

1,000 attend Bishop Fernand Cheri’s ordination

By Peter Finney Jr. Clarion Herald

Let the record show that never before in the nearly 300-year history of St. Louis Cathedral have Catholics seen a dancing bishop.

But when Bishop Fernand (Ferd) Cheri III, O.F.M., made his first remarks to the nearly 1,000 people gathered for his episcopal ordination March 23, the hometown boy in him couldn’t resist breaking into several spirituals and even moving a few body parts.

Very reverently.

Bishop Cheri, 63, spoke briefly after giving Communion to his 87-year-old mother Gladys, seated in the front pew just six weeks following a fall that left her with a Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

broken right hip.

But his mom’s medical condition hardly fazed her as she jumped to her feet and began twirling a second-line umbrella as Bishop Cheri broke out into song during his remarks before the final blessing.

All the Cheri ladies – the bishop’s four sisters and his mother – were dressed in red, the episcopal color.

“I feel like King David felt when the ark of God was being brought into Jerusalem,” Bishop Cheri said, smiling broadly after being ordained the 11th auxiliary bishop of New Orleans by Archbishop Gregory Aymond.

Like David, I’m so overjoyed by God’s blessings and God’s grace and God’s mercy. I feel like I have

to give a testimony,” he said.

That drew murmurs from the knowing crowd, many of whom had heard Bishop Cheri speak before in their churches or at Gospel-based revivals.

An organist began playing a few notes, indicating a joyful noise was about to erupt.

It did.

In his remarks, Bishop Cheri used the lyrics of some of his favorite spirituals to express what he was feeling inside – his 36 years as a priest and a journey that took him from ministry as a diocesan priest before transferring to the Franciscans, with whom he has served since 1992.

“Lift every voice and sing, to

a

give all praise, all glory and honor to God,” Bishop Cheri said, reciting one song. “For I’ve come – we’ve come – this far by faith ... treading a path through the blood of the slaughter.

“I feel like singing my song, I feel like singing my song. Yes, I’ve been through a lot, and I’m going with Jesus all the way.”

From another spiritual, Bishop Cheri said he wanted to give thanks to the many people who had lifted him up during the tough moments of his priestly life.

“I want to give thanks to so many who have taught me and ‘brought me along a mighty long way,’” he said.

A Catholic revival spirit After Bishop Cheri returned to his chair to extended applause, Archbishop Aymond told the congregation: “I think this afternoon we have been to church.”

Earlier, in his homily before the rite of ordination, Archbishop Aymond looked at his fellow Notre Dame Seminary alumnus and said: “Ferd, welcome home!”

From one hometown priest to another, it was a touching, fraternal moment.

Archbishop Aymond thanked Gladys Cheri and her late husband Fernand Jr. for rearing seven children and helping see to it that all “were brought up in the faith.”

All seven Cheri children attended Catholic elementary and high schools, and all seven earned college degrees while Fernand Jr. made ends meet for his family on a postal carrier’s salary.

“Ferd, we also thank you for your faith and your priestly ministry over the years and for faithfully answering God’s call to serve the church as a servant leader,” Archbishop Aymond said.

Archbishop Aymond also noted that Bishop Cheri followed in the footsteps of former New Orleans Auxiliary Bishop Harold Perry, who was appointed the first African-American bishop in the United States in the 20th century.

“You bring the richness of the African-American tradition to our church,” Archbishop Aymond said.

“Bishop Perry led a prophetic life.

Ferd, you have the privilege to walk in his footsteps.”

Archbishop Aymond reminded

Bishop Cheri of the bishop’s threefold role: to preach, sanctify and govern.

“You are to preach the Gospel faithfully and hand on faithfully all the teachings of the church,” he said, citing the second reading (2 Tim 1:6-14) in which St. Paul reminds Timothy to “stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.”

“God has sent you to serve and not to be served,” Archbishop Aymond said, reminding the bishop of the words of St. Peter that God’s flock must be given “a shepherd’s care.”

A humble shepherd “Be an example to the flock,” Archbishop Aymond said. “Be humble to those assigned to you.”

He also reminded Bishop Cheri that living as an example to others will not be an easy task. St. Gregory the Great, in the sixth century, was “well aware of his weaknesses and his sins” and knew that he “did not always live according to his preaching.”

Archbishop Aymond explained three of the outward signs of the bishop’s office: the ring as a symbol of “unconditional fidelity to Christ and his church”; the miter, a bishop’s headpiece, as a sign of a bishop’s “call to holiness”; and the crozier, or pastoral staff, representing “Christ the Good Shepherd in whose name he will lead.”

“Ferd, sometimes you will find yourself leaning on the pastoral staff acknowledging your dependence on Jesus, especially when you bear the burdens of God’s people,” Archbishop Aymond said.

“When you lean on the crozier, be reminded of your motto, ‘God is My Strength.’”

Since so much is expected of a bishop, it may seem like an impossible burden.

“Can you do all of this?” the archbishop asked. “Yes, if you stay close to Jesus the Good Shepherd.

As you follow him, you will be able to lead others.”

“Ferd, we are here today to pray with you and support you. We also promise to be there tomorrow as you fulfill your important ministry as bishop of the church.”

(Peter Finney Jr. can be reached at pfinney@clarionherald.org.)

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Church Life

St. Mary’s Nativity parishioner Virgy Estay grows Job’s Tears, which is also called the rosary plant. After the plants have grown he uses the seeds they produce to make rosaries.

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Raceland’s Virgy Estay

Living the Rosary The Catholic Church recognizes the month of May “Because I have such a heavy voice, I asked the as a time to pay special homage to the Blessed Virgin ladies who were leading the rosary if I could take Mary. “During this month, Christians both in church their place. My voice carries throughout the whole and in the privacy of their homes, offer up to Mary church no matter where I sit. The women were happy from their hearts an especially fervent and loving to let me do it,” says Estay. “I have been so blessed all homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, my life. I went through open heart surgery and I have the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from a pace maker. Prayer really helped me through that. her throne in greater abundance” (Pope Paul VI: When I started leading the rosary, I really fell in love Encyclical on the Month of May, No. 1). with it and with Mary.”

May Crownings and other special events in honor Now he also leads the rosary for funerals and school of Mary, such as public praying of the rosary, are Masses. He also cooks for the faculty and is always common throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. ready to help the school in any way he can.

Virgy Estay, an 80 year old native of Raceland and About the same time he began leading the rosary longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Nativity Church for the parish, he taught himself to pray the rosary parish, has a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother in French. “Somebody gave me a copy of the rosary in that began about five years ago. He explains that French. I didn’t understand some of the “real” French he and his wife Mary, who have been married for in it, so I asked if I could change some of the words 60 years, have always participated in the praying of to the way we speak over here. They said to ‘go right the rosary, especially during the months of May and ahead’; so I did,” says Estay. He remembers when October, in church before he started school, he didn’t Mass. He told his wife he know any English; and when Story by Janet Marcel couldn’t hear the ladies who he started second grade, he Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier were leading the rosary as was not allowed to speak well as he used to be able to.

French in class at all.

a

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Virgy Estay leads a group of students at St. Mary’s Nativity School in the praying of the rosary in French.

Estay has been working with the students at St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary School for about four years teaching them about different aspects of their religion. At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, he began teaching the second grade students how to say the Hail Mary in French. After that they asked to learn the Our Father and then they asked to go further, so he taught them the Glory Be. Then he says that Marissa Bagala, principal of the school, asked him if he could teach the whole student body at least the Hail Mary in French so they could pray the rosary for the St. Joseph’s Altar, and he says he was so happy to do it.

“When I walk into a classroom, the kids are focused only on me; you can hear a pin drop,” Estay says with a smile. “It makes me feel so good that I can come into this school and the kids appreciate me so much. I really love the kids and they love me. And I think it’s important to teach them to pray in French because it’s a way to bring our heritage back.”

Not only does Estay pray the rosary daily and teach it to the school students, he also makes rosaries. He grows Job’s Tears, which is also called the rosary plant, and uses the seeds to make his rosaries. Last year and this year, he had enough seeds to make 14 dozen rosaries for the St. Joseph Altar at St. Mary’s Nativity. He also made eight dozen more rosaries with string for the altar. “I love making the rosaries,” he says. “It’s very peaceful. And as I make the rosaries, I pray the rosary in French. The rosary is a part of my life now. I have been so blessed all my life by God, Mary and St. Joseph.”

Estay and his wife have three children, seven grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He worked for St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish as the maintenance man from 1987 until 1999, when he retired the first time. He came back part time in 2001 and re-retired in 2005. He also worked in the sugar cane and shipyard industries.

Estay has asked the school’s principal for just one thing to repay him for all he has done for the students and the school. When he dies, he wants the whole student body to come to the church and pray the rosary for him.

Bagala has promised him that they will be there.

“So I’m living with that thought in my mind,” he says. “I really don’t think I could be any more blessed.”

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Church Life

Marianites honor jubilarians

Six have served in the diocese

The Marianites of Holy Cross announce their 2015 Jubilarians.

Twenty-four Marianite Sisters will celebrate across the globe.

Ten sisters will be honored in Opelousas, LA. Others will receive special acknowledgement in New Orleans, Burkina Faso, Africa; New Jersey, and nine sisters will give God praise in Le Mans, France, birthplace of our Congregation.

Celebration dates begin on May 2 and will continue through Sept.

27. These women have generously served God’s people through their consecrated vowed life. In 2016, the Marianites, founded by Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau in Le Mans, France, will commemorate the 175th year of the founding of their religious community.

Those who have served in the 34 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux include: Sister Mary Kay Viellion, M.S.C. (a.k.a. Sister Dominic Savio) was born in New Orleans’ French Quarter and entered the Marianites of Holy Cross after graduating from Holy Angels Academy. She is celebrating 60 years of consecrated life this year.

She taught elementary, high school, and college classes in Opelousas, New Orleans, Houma, Morgan City, Lake Charles and Plaquemine, LA. In 1973, she earned her doctorate at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and joined the faculty of Our Lady of Holy Cross College.

Sister Mary Kay has also served in the Diocese of Alexandria as archivist and on the Marianite Provincial Administrations in both North America and France.

For the past several years she has been a resident of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas and serves as author of the Marianite Memoriams.

Sister JoAnn DeLoach, M.S.C., celebrates 60 years of consecrated life this year. She was born in Beaumont, TX, and moved when she was in fifth grade to Lake Charles, LA, where she met Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Sister Rita Marie Chauvin

Sister JoAnn DeLoach

Sister Audrey Fontenot

Sister Madeleine Sophie Hebert

Sister Andre’ Mouton

Sister Mary Kay Viellion

the Marianites while attending St. Charles Academy. After graduating from the Academy in 1955, JoAnn entered the Marianite novitiate. The following year she received the Marianite habit and the name Sister Mary Paula. After Vatican II she chose to return to her baptismal name. Sister JoAnn made perpetual profession in 1960, and was assigned to teach in elementary schools in Algiers, Ocean Springs, MS; and Plaquemine.

Having received a master’s degree in teaching mathematics from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., in 1974, she taught math in high schools in Morgan City, Opelousas, Gretna, and at the Academy of Holy Angels in New Orleans; eight years of parish ministry in Franklin and at St. Mary of the Angels in New Orleans followed.

Coordinator of assisted living for our elderly sisters in residence at St. Joseph Convent and Our Lady of Holy Cross engaged Sister JoAnn for several years. Since 2003 she has been pastoral associate at Our Lady of Prompt Succor parish in Alexandria, LA, where she ministers primarily with the elders of the parish.

Sister Audrey Fontenot, M.S.C., was born July 13, 1928, in Grand Prairie, LA, attended Grand Prairie Elementary School, and moved to New Orleans where she attended St. Mary’s Dominican

High School. She graduated in 1945 and entered the Marianites of Holy Cross. She is celebrating 70 years of consecrated life this year. After teaching in elementary schools for almost 20 years, she earned a master’s degree in special education from Cardinal Stritch College. She opened and structured several special education classes in a number of schools, St. Francis de Sales in Houma being the first.

Later she served as assistant director of Special Education for the Diocese of Lafayette. Sister Audrey has served in a number of positions at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Facility in Opelousas including the pastoral care team and coordinator of activities. She is presently a resident of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Facility.

Sister Rita Marie Chauvin, M.S.C., a native of Houma, LA, is celebrating 75 years of consecrated life as a Marianite of Holy Cross.

Entering the community in September 1940, at the age of 16, she began her education ministry in 1943, and dedicated the rest of her life to education. She served as a teacher in Opelousas, New Orleans, Plaquemine, Morgan City and Ville Platte.

Many schools profited from her leadership abilities as principal from 1968 to 1998. She served as principal at St. Cecilia, Sts. Peter and Paul, and was founding principal of Our Lady of

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Divine Providence in Metairie, LA, where she served from 1980 to 1986. For several years prior to her official retirement in 2005, Sister Rita Marie ministered to the needs of the community at Our Lady of Holy Cross. She presently resides at Our Lady of Wisdom, where she is an active member of the “Wisdom Choir.”

Celebrating 80 years as a Marianite of Holy Cross, Sister André Mouton, a native of New Orleans, entered the community on Sept. 13, 1935, at the age of 16.

Active and energetic, Sister André began her ministry the year of her entrance into the community as a primary education teacher at St. Cecilia in New Orleans. After receiving her degree Sister André taught at elementary, middle and high schools in New Orleans, Lake Charles, Franklin, Opelousas, Morgan City, Eunice, Ville Platte, Houma and Plaquemine. In 1955, she was assigned to teaching high school in Houma, Eunice, Opelousas and Morgan City. During this span of time Sister André was also in charge of the boarders in Franklin, LA.

After being a classroom teacher for more than 30 years, she received her certification in library science and was librarian in Morgan City for many years. Subsequently, she served on the staff of Our Lady of Holy Cross College as assistant professor and librarian from 1982 until her retirement in 2000.

A woman blessed with a generous spirit and a compassionate heart, Sister André made room in her weekend schedule several times a month for many years to do prison ministry at Angola State Prison. To this day, Sister André lets one know that the spirit of our resurrected Lord is alive in you through her special smile.

Celebrating a remarkable 85 years as a Marianite of Holy Cross, Sister Madeleine Sophie Hebert, a native of Morgan City, LA, entered the community Sept.

8, 1930. As most young women entering a religious community at this time, she began teaching in elementary schools in New Orleans, Morgan City and Franklin, LA. In 1955, Sister Madeleine began her studies for hospital administration. She served as the

first administrator of the newly built Opelousas General Hospital in St. Landry Parish from 1957 to 1964.

In 1964, she was elected as the Congregational Leader of the Marianites of Holy Cross, whose members were ministering in countries around the world. She served for 14 years in this capacity.

Untiring in her zeal for ministry and administrative leadership, Sister Madeleine was elected to the Provincial team and served as president of Our Lady of Holy Cross College for several years. With the onset of the church’s permanent deacons, her talents were called upon to coordinate the newly formed Diaconate Training Program for the then Diocese of Alexandria– Shreveport. Bookstore manager, supervisor of maintenance, community historian and archivist in the USA and in France occupied the remainder of her active years of service. At the age of 102 and a half, she now resides at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Facility and retains her sense of humor and inquisitiveness.

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Church Alive

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h t u o Y y l l a R Over 800 youth and adults from across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux attended the annual diocesan youth rally on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. Keynote speakers for the event were Mary Bielski and Father Josh Johnson. Father Andre’ Melancon was the master of ceremonies and led the group during adoration.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre blesses the palms before the Palm Sunday celebration held at the annual youth rally. The bishop was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese.

Music was provided by Ike Noolo and Abundant Praise for the rally. Over 80 youth involved in Hispanic Ministry took part in the youth rally this year.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Life

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Cathedral packed for Chrism Mass Bishop Shelton J. Fabre addressed the congregation during the Chrism Mass. The sacred oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and the oil of chrism were consecrated during the Mass. In photo at right the bishop hands the oils to a parish minister.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Admission to candidacy Five men from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were admitted to the candidacy in preparation of becoming permanent deacons during a Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bayou Black recently.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant. Along with Bishop Fabre from left are Jeff Pitre, Joseph Bourgeois, Lee Crochet, Daniel Blake and Joey Lirette.

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Just in time for Holy Week, Easter

Cathedral renovations Photos by Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Guest Columnist

J

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Just as Lent is a time of spiritual change and renewal in our lives, it has also been a time of change and renovation at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales. Recent restorations and renovations have been made primarily to the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

sanctuary, which have added to the celebration of an Easter newness of life.

Tabernacle The cathedral’s tabernacle, which had been placed on the side altar dedicated to St. Joseph has been moved to the center of the sanctuary beneath the crucifix where the bishop’s cathedra had been located.

The marble, free-standing altar used after the liturgical changes of Vatican II, when the priest began celebrating Mass facing the people, was moved to the mausoleum in St. Francis Cemetery No. 2 when the current marble altar in use was removed from the sanctuary wall.

This same free-standing altar has been returned to the cathedral

upon which the tabernacle is now placed.

The church’s liturgical documents and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1183 state that the tabernacle should be placed “in churches in a most worthy place with the greatest honor.”

Being built in the 1930’s, the architectural design of St. Francis de Sales envisioned one’s eyes drawn to the sanctuary as the focal point of the church and thus the most prominent location being the center of the sanctuary. This is the focus at the altar of sacrifice used for the celebration of the Eucharist and afterward the attention given to the reserved Eucharist in the tabernacle behind the altar

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of sacrifice. This keeps both the celebration and reservation of the eucharistic sacrifice as being, as the Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) would emphasize, “the source and summit of the Christian life” (11).

The tabernacle being located directly beneath the crucifix allows for the visual connection between Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and the eucharistic re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary and its effects for our salvation. Placing the tabernacle on the marble, table-like altar also reminds us that the Eucharist is a sacrificial meal given to us at the Lord’s Last Supper so that we may receive his body and blood as nourishment for our journey in this life.

The adoration chapel in the former baptistery continues to be used as an intimate location for prayer and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass by the faithful.

Cathedra The bishop’s cathedra has been moved from the center, along with the deacon’s benches, to the convent side of the sanctuary.

A platform constructed from leftover marble from the previous sanctuary renovation was used for the cathedra. In the future a backdrop or reredos of oak will be designed and constructed to be placed behind the cathedra to allow it to stand out more to balance the sanctuary furnishings. While traditionally the bishop’s chair has been located in churches on the opposite side of its new location, the current location of the microphone jacks prohibited placing the ambo on the other side. Work may be done in the future to remedy this.

Ambo A new ambo has been purchased for the cathedral. An antique Gothic ambo beautifully hand carved in English oak was removed from a church in Nottingham, England. The ambo is well over 100 years old and was completed by very accomplished master carvers using the finest old growth English oak. The four evangelists and St. Paul are carved onto it. Also carved around the top is a grape and vine motif which can be found also on the side and tabernacle altars, the reredos border around the crucifix, and the stenciling on the ceiling of the sanctuary. The

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Special

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Renovations previous marble ambo is to be refashioned into the lectern after some cleaning and repair work and placed on the bottom step of the sanctuary on the convent side.

Having the altar, ambo and chair brought forward in the sanctuary and in line with one another allows for the three focal points during the liturgy to demonstrate equal importance to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the Word, and the minister gathered together with the people of God, where we also find the presence of Christ.

Presbyterium In the rear of the sanctuary on either side of the tabernacle a presbyterium, a section of benches or stalls for the priests to sit during liturgies, has been erected from extra pews from the cathedral. As a cathedral parish, diocesan liturgical events are often celebrated where a number of priests concelebrate with the bishop. This may call for extra chairs to be set out for visiting clergy. This permanent arrangement allows for seating in the sanctuary for approximately 24 priests and opens more seating for the laity in the nave of the cathedral.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

In the rear of the sanctuary on either side of the tabernacle, a presbyterium, which is a section of benches or stalls for the priests to sit during liturgies, has been erected from extra pews from the cathedral. As a cathedral parish, diocesan liturgical events are often celebrated where a number of priests concelebrate with the bishop. An antique Gothic ambo beautifully hand carved in English oak was removed from a church in Nottingham, England. The ambo is well over 100 years old and was completed by very accomplished master carvers using the finest old growth English oak. The four evangelists and St. Paul are carved onto it.

“All priests, in union with bishops, so share in one and the same priesthood and ministry of Christ that the very unity of their consecration and mission requires their hierarchical communion with the order of bishops. At times in an excellent manner they manifest this communion in liturgical concelebration as joined with the bishop when they celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice” (Presbyterorum Ordinis, 7). The presence of the priests with the bishop in the sanctuary allows for a visible representation of the union between these two orders during the entire celebration of the Mass and not just during the liturgy of the Eucharist.

Statuary With the repositioning of the tabernacle, the statue of St. Joseph, formerly located in the niche next to the Blessed Mother’s statue, has been restored over the side altar bearing his initials.

In the niche previously occupied

by St. Joseph’s statue, the statue of St. Francis de Sales is now positioned appropriately above the corner stone of the cathedral in whose honor the church has been dedicated.

Eventually the statues of St. Jude and St. Anthony of Padua, which were originally located in front of the main columns in the sanctuary and are currently placed on either side of the main doors in the vestibule, will be relocated on their current pedestals alongside these other statues beside the bishops’ burial spots where the devotional candles are located.

The Lamb of God which had been over the tabernacle on the side altar is relocated to the wall behind the baptismal font whereby in the Book of Revelation it is written that “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (7:14).

With these restorations in place, hopefully a renewal in devotion to the Eucharist as the source and summit of our daily lives along with an increase in the importance of the Word of God being a foundation for prayer will come forth and also facilitate a greater ease in celebrating the liturgy both as a cathedral parish and diocese.

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 Houma-Thibodaux.

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.

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Our Churches

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Christ the Redeemer Strong emphasis on adult education Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux was established by (the late) Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux Sept. 15, 1983, with Father Patrick O’Brien as its founding pastor. The parish received its name from the Holy Year of Redemption declared by St. John Paul II that year.

The parish was carved out of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux and St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever. The first Mass in the new parish was celebrated Oct. 29, 1983, by Father O’Brien, assisted by Deacon Charles Giroir, in the old Celetex building.

Peter Aron donated five acres of land on the corner of Talbot and Jefferson Avenue where four years later on Dec. 5, 1987, a new church was dedicated. The modern building features only 10 rows of pews situated in a semicircle around the altar, so that no one sits more than 50 feet away.

The parish plant also includes a family center, a prayer garden featuring a St. Jude grotto and outdoor Stations of the Cross, a chapel of the saints and a perpetual adoration chapel.

There are currently 1,112 active/registered families in the parish. The average age of the parishioners is 57 and about half of the families have children in the household. The parish has 117 students in first through eighth grade CCD and 60 high school students in confirmation.

Christ the Redeemer parish is one of the four diocesan centers where Hispanics come to worship. A Spanish Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 6 p.m. In addition to Sunday worship in Spanish, there is also the celebration of baptism, confirmation, marriage, RCIA and the annual celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December.

The parish offers several organizations/ministries including RCIA, Knights of Columbus, Ladies Altar Society, Come! Lord Jesus, Children’s Liturgy, Mary’s Moms – a group of mothers and grandmothers who meet weekly for fellowship and Bible study; a Magis adoration hour in church on Wednesdays, a weekly English class for Hispanics, Al-Anon and AA support groups, TOPS – Take Pounds Off Safely, a group of women working together to lose weight who meet weekly for fellowship and support; and a Ministry to the Needy that helps pay utility bills for those who

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Our Churches

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Christ the Redeemer qualify for assistance.

According to Father Mark Toups, pastor since July 1, 2014, the real focus of the parish right now is its strong emphasis on adult education.

“We have several different Bible study groups that meet at various times during the week – some in the morning; some at night – in multiple settings.

We’ve just come to realize that more and more of our ‘target audience’ are couples who are still raising children. Since the majority of them can’t make it to a weeknight class, during Lent I experimented with teaching the content of the class during my homilies at Mass. We reformatted the bulletin to include all the notes from my homily and I’ll go through the notes just like I would in class. The congregation has homework and questions to answer to get ready for the next week.”

His goal, says the pastor, is to teach people how to pray.

Father Toups notes that this year’s Mass attendance during Lent was 200 people higher than Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

last year and he believes a lot of it is because people are hungry to learn. The pastor also conducts live webinars on his blog where he’ll teach for half an hour and then people can email him questions and he answers them live. Generally the webinars begin around 9 p.m. to give parents time to have dinner, help their children with homework and get them ready for bed.

According to Father Toups there are three things that characterize Christ the Redeemer parish right now.

First, there is an intentional effort to feed people spiritually. “Everything we offer is intended to help people grow spiritually.”

Second, there is an intentional approach to help people connect with God in a personal way. In addition to the perpetual adoration chapel, Father Toups offers the sacrament of reconciliation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday. He says there is an average of about 50 people every week who take advantage of this opportunity. There are also a

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Staff

PHOTO BY JAMIE ORILLION

Christ the Redeemer parish staff are from left, Cindy Ordoyne, administration; Derrick Toups, creative projects; Heather Aulich, receptionist; Father Mark Toups, Cathy Smith, assistant to the pastor; Vera Robertson, bookkeeper; Margie Thibodaux, facilities, Bible study; and Deacon Charles Giroir.

number of people who just come to sit in the church and pray on Fridays.

Thirdly, “people look around in the pews and they see a lot of other people who are hungry (for spiritual nourishment) and who are searching, also. Whether you are a traditional parishioner or whether you are brand new to the parish, there is this unspoken yet recognizable feeling that everyone is hungry,” says Father Toups.

There is an excitement among the parishioners right now about what God is doing in other people’s lives and what God is doing in their life. “Back in August,” says Father Toups, “we kind of mapped out a plan for ‘how can this be the best year in your spiritual life.’ We’re using that language a lot. We ask, ‘If this is going to be the best year in my spiritual life, then, How can this be the best Advent … the best Christmas … the best Lent … the best Holy Week … the best Easter’? And I think what most people are sensing is that this has been the best year their spiritual life.”

The people of Christ the Redeemer parish have a lot of options to grow spiritually and Father Toups says, “God is doing some great things in people’s lives.” www.bayoucatholic.com

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Church Alive

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St. Lucy renovates sanctuary Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier The sanctuary at St. Lucy Church in Houma recently underwent an extensive renovation that according to Father Mitch Semar, pastor since July 1, 2014, came about because of a desire from parishioners to bring the church back to what it originally looked like before the parish closed in 1968.

St. Lucy Church parish was established in 1947 by the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephite Fathers) of Baltimore, MD. According to the parish’s history, it “remained opened as a parish of the Archdiocese of New Orleans until 1968 when it was closed in order to further the cause of racial inclusion in the church.”

After the creation of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, as stated in the parish’s history, (the late) Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux was approached by a group of black Catholics seeking the re-establishment of St. Lucy Church parish to serve the AfricanAmerican community. After conducting a study of the African-American Catholics in the Houma area, Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Bishop Boudreaux decided that the spiritual needs of the African-American Catholics there could be better met by reopening St. Lucy parish.

The current church, a rectangular T-shaped old style mission church, was built in 1947 and renovated in 2004. Father Semar explains that in the previous renovation, the sanctuary had been extended. The first change to be made was to remove this extended sanctuary and bring it back to its original space.

Other changes included moving the choir, which was located directly behind the altar, to the front side of the altar. The tabernacle was brought back to the center of the sanctuary under the crucifix and two existing statues were moved to either side of the crucifix.

The green carpet was removed and replaced with white marble porcelain tile that was donated by Black and Indian Mission.

After the church reopened in 1986, the parish was given an altar and tabernacle stand that was later

a

damaged when the church flooded. That altar, which had been put in storage, was restored and put back in the sanctuary. A new speaker system was put in the church and the lighting in the sanctuary was also improved.

“A beautiful oil painting of the Black Madonna was donated and placed in the sanctuary and a statue of St. Lucy that was donated to the parish has been ordered,” adds Father Semar.

The renovations, which were funded entirely by benefactors included many parishioners as well as Black and Indian Mission Office, began in December 2014 and were completed in February of this year.

The parishioners did most of the work themselves with the exception of the electrical, which was done

by Anthony’s Electrical Services in Gray and the floor, which was laid by Morrison Terrebonne Lumber Center.

“Having their church begin to look like what they remembered it to look like before the parish closed down and bringing some of its history back to life has really boosted the excitement of the parishioners,” says Father Mitch Semar. “The beauty of the sanctuary now just captures your heart right when you walk in the church. It definitely adds to the African American Catholic worship experience.”

Bishop Fabre will be the main celebrant at a rededication of the altar at St. Lucy Church Sunday, May 10, at 8:15 a.m. In addition, Father Wayne Paysse, executive director of the Black and Indian Mission Office, will take part in the celebration.

49

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News/Events

Bishop Friend dies at 83 Retired Bishop William B. Friend of Shreveport died April 2, at his residence in Coral Springs, FL. He was 83. Bishop Friend was named bishop of AlexandriaShreveport in 1982 and became the first bishop of Shreveport when it was split off from Alexandria to form a separate diocese in 1986. His Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 14, at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport.

Day of Prayer and Fasting is June 5 The annual diocesan day of prayer and fasting for the protection of the diocese during hurricane season will be Friday, June 5, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, from 9 until 11:30 a.m.

The day will include Divine Mercy chaplet, Benediction, Adoration and meditation. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate Mass at 12:05 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Catholic Daughters Court Cardinal Gibbons No. 177. Those attending are asked to bring canned goods as a donation to the local food banks.

Father Francis Bui celebrates 25th The Domus Dei Clerical Society of Apostolic Life and the Family, invites everyone to a Mass of thanksgiving celebrating the silver anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Francis Quyet Bui, S.D.D., Saturday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux. A reception will follow at the St. Joseph Life Center.

50

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51

www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

A day in the life of a ...

Pastor with

schools “As pastor in a parish with Catholic schools I pray for the schools, the students and their parents as a priest in divine office and at Mass. It is important for me to be visible but not to interrupt the educational process,” says Father Clyde Mahler, pastor of Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City. The parish in which Father Mahler serves has two Catholic schools, Holy Cross Elementary School and 52 Central Catholic High School.

Father Mahler feels that it is important for him to be visible in the schools. “Visibility is important. I want to be available for questions, concerns, situations and circumstances in the life of the students, their parents and grandparents. I’m not only here for the kids but their extended family, many who make a sacrifice to send their kids to Catholic school.”

He tries to visit the schools daily and talk to the students, teachers and staff. “From time to time the teachers will call me into

a

Father Mahler’s day usually includes a visit with Central Catholic’s principal Deacon Vic Bonnaffee III, a chat with students at the school, and taking time to address the students in class.

Story and Photos

by Lawrence Chatagnier

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Father Mahler uses a crucifix to emphasize Jesus’ suffering during his homily at a school Mass for the students at Holy Cross Elementary School in Morgan City. Father Mahler and the school’s principal Amanda Talbot are all smiles.

‘I am happy to be part of the teaching experience’

53

the classroom to teach a lesson.

The lesson might be concerning the sacraments or the teachings of the church. I am happy to be a part of the teaching experience. It is also good to be working with two principals who are outstanding and who share the same philosophy.”

Father Mahler tries to make school a fun experience for the students and show them that religion is a part of everyday life no matter where you go or what you do. “For me it’s amazing the trust the kids give you. They run to greet me and give high fives. It is a trust I never take for granted. The younger kids relate to me as Jesus.

I have a dog named Luke because

I love the Gospel of Luke. The kids see me as God in their drawings; God walking his dog. For kids, I am the closest thing to them that represent God.” Father Mahler says that it’s a balancing act to be there for the public school CCD students who attend Holy Cross Church. “I try to give them the same things I give the Catholic school students.

I try to show them all the mission of Jesus by making him known to them, what his hopes, dreams and desires are for us personally, and how their actions can make a difference in the world now and in the future,” says the pastor.

When visiting the schools Father

Mahler says it’s important to foster the vocations to the priesthood and religious life among the students.

“I show the students how I love being a priest. When I was growing up church was fun. It was a happy place to be. The priests I remember growing up were people just like us. They had families, friends and hobbies. Serving the church as a priest is a wonderful gift as well as a sacrifice,” he says.

“The things I do here at the school are natural for any priest. It is just that it is applied in a school setting.

What I do is what every priest does. It is just that it is focused on a certain setting which in this case is Catholic schools.” www.bayoucatholic.com

EVENTS

DIOCESAN

MAY

n Easter Season Day of Prayer for all priests, Tuesday, May 5, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 12, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Carlos Talavera. n Diaconate ordination, Saturday, May 23, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral,

JUNE

n Diocesan Leadership Awards, Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 p.m., St. Genevieve Church, Thibodaux. n Adore, Wednesday, June 3, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m. n Young Adult Gathering, consisting of Mass, adoration and a social, Friday, June 5, St. Lucy

Thibodaux, 10 a.m. n Adult Confirmation Mass, Sunday, May 24, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 3 p.m. n Priesthood ordination of Alex Gaudet and Jacob Lipari, Saturday, May 30, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m.

JULY Church, Houma, 6:30 p.m. n Steubenville on the Bayou, June 26-28, HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center, Houma, 6 p.m. Registration now open. Visit www.SteubenvilleOnTheBayou.com for more information.

n Saint Kateri Mass, Friday, July 10, 6:30 p.m., Holy Family, Grand Caillou. n Christian Leadership Institute, July 15-19, Lumen Christi Retreat Center’s Souby Building.

54

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“Completing the Gift of Life”

55

Volunteers honored Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Foster Grandparents from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were honored at a luncheon recently at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever. In the top photo, Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet presents a proclamation in honor of Mayors National Service Recognition Day to the Foster Grandparents from Terrebonne Parish. In the bottom photo three foster grandparents received special recognition because they have provided over 15,000 hours of volunteer service. From left are Deacon Jim Swiler, diocesan coordinator of Social Ministries; Robert Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux; Foster Grandparents Rosa Stewart, Doretha Miller and Almetra Martin, Rachel Perez, community liason for U.S. Senator David Vitter; Van Johnson, Foster Grandparent program director; and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. www.bayoucatholic.com

Nation

Iowa teen suffering from cancer meets pope

By Renee Webb

Catholic News Service

56

LE MARS, Iowa (CNS) -- A young parishioner in the Diocese of Sioux City recently had the chance to meet Pope Francis.

The circumstances of that meeting make it all the more powerful and unique.

Kylie Hayworth, a parishioner at All Saints Parish in Le Mars, chose to visit the pope as her wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The 19-year-old has terminal brain cancer.

“When the pope first walked up to us, I blanked out and forgot his name for a second,” Kylie said. “It was exciting.”

Pope Francis March 4 placed his hands on her head and prayed over her. He also blessed her rosaries.

Kylie’s mother, Linda Hayworth,

said Pope Francis was like anyone else you would meet on the street -- very kind and loving.

“He wanted us to pray for him after I asked him to pray for our family as we were having a hard time dealing with the news of Kylie’s time left on earth quoted by the doctors,” Linda told The Catholic Globe, newspaper of the Sioux City Diocese. “I asked him to wave to my other daughter, Haley and my husband, Kyle, up near the podium where the pope gave his speech. He did!”

She mentioned Pope Francis asked them several times to keep him in their prayers.

After meeting the pope, Kylie told the family how nice he was.

Make-A-Wish had lined up a tour guide to take the Hayworths to the Vatican.

a

CNS photo/LÃŒOsserv atore Romano

Pope Francis blesses Kylie Hayworth of Le Mars, Iowa, March 4 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. The 19-yearold parishioner of All Saints Parish has terminal brain cancer. The trip was arranged through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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“I can say that St. Peter’s Square, meeting the pope, the zoo and the Vatican were the highlights of the trip,” said Linda. They had planned to go to a museum but it was a three-hour wait, so they skipped it and took a walk. “We found our way to the zoo -- had so much fun there.”

This trip would not have been possible without Make-A-Wish, stressed Linda. The organization put the trip together within three months.

“We also had the help of Father Kevin Richter (pastor at All Saints Parish) and Father Shane Deman to make this trip a success,” she noted.

The Hayworths credited Father Richter with making several phone calls to help line things up. He had made the contact with Father Deman, a Sioux City diocesan priest, who is studying in Rome.

“I am very happy for Kylie and her family to have had this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity,” Father Richter said.

Father Deman explained he met the family upon their arrival in Rome and got them settled into their hotel, but it was the Make-AWish Foundation that handled the request for papal audience tickets.

He also met up with them later in the week for lunch and a bit of touring in the city.

“I’m thrilled that Kylie got a chance to meet the Holy Father,” the priest said. “It is certainly a great sign of her faith that she wanted to use her one wish to meet the successor of Peter and receive a blessing from him. Kylie seemed to thoroughly enjoy her week in Rome and absorbed everything she could.

I was blessed to be able to share in her enthusiasm and am impressed by her courage and strong faith.”

Two years ago this March, an MRI confirmed Kylie had medulloblastoma, cancer at the base of the brain. Complications followed surgery to remove the tumor and Kylie developed posterior fossa syndrome, which can result in problems with speech and language,

“Tis the Season”

motor skills, and mood changes.

Since that time, she has had five more surgeries.

Since her diagnosis, Kylie’s mantra has been Philippians 4:13 -- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Kylie goes to physical, occupational and speech therapy every week for the side effects of her brain surgeries. She has paralysis on the left side of her face and had to have her left eyelid partially sewn shut as she can’t blink.

“She still, to this day, has a good attitude and tries her hardest without complaining,” Linda said.

She noted they are going to try one “last resort” chemo, but added the first round was extremely difficult for Kylie.

“We are hoping for a miracle or cure to come.” Linda added, “We all will have trials and challenges, just know that God is with you even if you don’t feel it. We have had a lot of support from people all over -thoughts, prayers, donations, and so on. We thank everyone for that.”

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World

Pope to visit Sarajevo in June will meet with youth and religious leaders

By Carol Glatz

Catholic News Service

58

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- After a quick flight over Italy and the Adriatic Sea, Pope Francis will make an 11-hour visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina June 6, taking time to meet with the nation’s leaders and bishops, and also spending time with young people.

According to the schedule releasd by the Vatican April 14, Pope Francis also will hold an afternoon meeting with priests, religious and seminarians as well as take part in an ecumenical and interreligious gathering at a Franciscan student center.

The Balkan nation, which is struggling to rebuild itself after a devastating war marked by ethnic cleansing, is still largely divided along ethnic lines. Bosnians make up 48 percent of the country’s nearly 4 million people, while Serbs make up 37 percent and Croats 14 percent. About 40 percent of all citizens are Muslim, 31 percent Orthodox and 15 percent Catholic.

The pope had said in February that he hoped the oneday trip to Sarajevo, the capital, would help “be an encouragement for the Catholic faithful, give rise to the

development of the good and contribute to strengthening fraternity, peace, interreligious dialogue and friendship.”

It will be Pope Francis’ eighth trip abroad and the 11th country he has visited outside of Italy since his election in 2013.

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Fabre J. n Shelto end Rever Most Excellency, centuries to come. ucted so that it will be standing for The new mausoleum will be constr rced concrete and select reinfo steel ials, mater finest the The structure will be built with will be accomplished continued care will be assured. This granite. Furthermore, regular and the maintenance of the memorial. for solely fund trust ed endow by our establishing a large to maintain this l trust fund will be more than ample The interest and earnings of this specia lasting memorial. were the builders 100 years of memorial experience and Acme Mausoleum LLC has more than credentials and orthy trustw same the us to ng again offeri of our existing facilities. They are satisfactory service. to answer questions in this area for the next several weeks families.

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Holy Year of Mercy

Time to heal, to help, to forgive

Pope Francis walks down the central aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica prior to first vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday at the Vatican April 11. Before celebrating vespers, the pope released a 9,300-word document officially proclaiming the 20152016 extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy.

By Cindy Wooden

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Mercy is what makes God perfect and all-powerful, Pope Francis said in his document officially proclaiming the 2015-2016 extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy.

“If God limited himself to only justice, he would cease to be God, and would instead be like human beings who ask merely that the law be respected,” the pope wrote in “Misericordiae Vultus,”

a

Diocesan Programs This Month

CNS PHOTO/ANDREAS SOLARIS, REUTERS POOL

59

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World

Year of Mercy 2015-2016

(“The Face of Mercy”), which is the “bull of indiction” calling a Holy Year to begin Dec. 8.

Standing in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica April 11, Pope Francis handed copies of the document to the archpriests of the major basilicas of Rome and to Vatican officials representing Catholics around the world.

Portions of the 9,300-word proclamation were read aloud before Pope Francis and his aides processed into St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the first vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday.

In his homily at vespers, the pope said he proclaimed the Year of Mercy because “it is the favorable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.”

The boundless nature of God’s mercy -- his willingness always to forgive anything -- has been a constant subject of Pope Francis’ preaching and is explained in detail in the document, which outlines some of the spe60 cific projects the pope has in mind for the year.

The Old Testament stories of how God repeatedly offered mercy to his unfaithful people and the New Testament stories of Jesus’ compassion, healing and mercy demonstrate, the pope said, that “the mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality through which he reveals his love,” just like mothers and fathers love their children.

“How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God,” he wrote. “May the balm of mercy reach everyone, both believers and those far away, as a sign that the kingdom of God is already present in our midst.”

Nothing in the church’s preaching or witness, he said, can be lacking in mercy.

Pope Francis asked that all dioceses around the world

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designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral or another special church or shrine, and that every diocese implement the “24 Hours for the Lord” initiative on the Friday and Saturday before the fourth week of Lent. In Rome the last two years, the pope has opened the celebration with a penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica and churches around the city were open for the next 24 hours for confessions and eucharistic adoration.

The pope said he will designate and send out “Missionaries of Mercy” to preach about mercy; they will be given special authority, he said, “to pardon even those sins reserved to the Holy See.” Under church law, those sins involve: a man who directly participated in an abortion and later wants to enter the priesthood; priests who have broken the seal of confession; priests who have offered sacramental absolution to their own sexual partners; desecrating the Eucharist; and making an attempt on the life of the pope. Usually, the Apostolic Penitentiary, a Vatican court, handles those cases.

And he urged all Catholics to spend more time practicing what traditionally have been called the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The corporal works are: feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, giving drink to the thirsty and burying the dead. The spiritual works are: converting sinners, instructing the ignorant, advising the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries and praying for the living and dead.

The date the pope chose to open the year --

a

Dec. 8 -- is the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. Both dates, he wrote, are related to the Year of Mercy.

Mercy, he said, is “the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to a hope of being loved forever despite our sins.” That bridge was made concrete when God chose Mary to be the mother of his son.

The Year of Mercy, Pope Francis wrote, is also a way to keep the Second Vatican Council alive. “The walls which too long had made the church a kind of fortress were torn down and the time had come to proclaim the Gospel in a new way,” he said. The council recognized “a responsibility to be a living sign of the Father’s love in the world.”

The life and action of the church, he said, “is authentic and credible only when she becomes a convincing herald of mercy,” a mercy that “knows no bounds and extends to everyone without exception.”

While some people try to argue that mercy, even God’s mercy, is limited by the demands of justice, Pope Francis said mercy and justice are “two dimensions of a single reality that unfolds progressively until it culminates in the fullness of love.”

Preaching mercy, he said, is not the same as ignoring sin or withholding correction. Instead, mercy invites repentance and conversion and ensures the sinner that once God forgives a sin, he forgets it.

The pope addressed direct appeals in the document to members of the mafia and other criminal organizations as well as to officials and others involved in corruption.

“For their own good, I beg them to change their lives,” he wrote. “I ask them this in the name of the Son of God who, though rejecting sin, never rejected the sinner.”

“Violence inflicted for the sake of amassing riches soaked in blood makes one neither powerful nor immortal,” he continued. “Everyone, sooner or later, will be subject to God’s judgment, from which no one can escape.”

At the same time, Pope Francis wrote, many of those who insist first on God’s justice are like the Pharisees who thought they could save themselves by following the letter of the law, but ended up simply placing “burdens on the shoulders of others and undermined the Father’s mercy.”

“God’s justice is his mercy,” the pope said. “Mercy is not opposed to justice, but rather expresses God’s way of reaching out to the sinner, offering him a new chance to look at himself, convert and believe.”

Recognizing that they have been treated with mercy

by God, he said, Christians are obliged to treat others with mercy. In fact, the Gospel says that Christians will be judged by the mercy they show others.

“At times how hard it seems to forgive,” he said. “And yet pardon is the instrument placed into our fragile hands to attain serenity of heart. To let go of anger, wrath, violence and revenge are necessary conditions to living joyfully.”

Pope Francis also noted that God’s mercy is an important theme in Judaism and Islam, and he urged efforts during the Year of Mercy to increase interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding with followers of both faiths.

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61

Sports

Overtime

I 62

Ed Daniels

In many places, a 17 win college basketball season wouldn’t be cause for celebration.

But, for Nicholls State women’s basketball, those 17 wins matched last year’s total, and was two wins shy of the school record of 19 set by the 2012-2013 team.

“This is a place with a lot of opportunity and challenges,” said head coach DoBee Plaisance.

“But we also have few resources.”

Few individuals in south Louisiana have done more, with less.

Plaisance was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association women’s basketball coach of the year. She was also named Southland Conference women’s co-head coach of the year.

The Colonels won a program best 13 games in conference play.

Nicholls State also reached the Southland Conference tournament for the fourth consecutive season, a first in program history.

Plaisance appears to be winning at Nicholls with two things: better players and sheer force of will.

It seems that she has almost as many axioms as the late football coach Vince Lombardi.

A favorite: don’t let your circumstances define you.

So, she left an accomplished NAIA program that she built at Loyola to be a Division One basketball coach at a school with zero pedigree in women’s hoops.

She had won a pair of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference titles at Loyola, and could have won more.

Her departure uptown stunned her employer. It was even more

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2015

Nicholls women’s basketball: working harder and smarter

Coach DoBee Plaisance

stunning when she told them where she was going.

So, most days she leaves her home on the West Bank and makes the one hour five minute drive to Thibodaux.

There, in tiny Stopher Gymnasium, she shares the facility with men’s basketball and women’s volleyball.

When the gymnasium isn’t available, her team looks for alternative sites.

Like H.L. Bourgeois High School.

“I have a strong, strong faith,” said Plaisance. “I believe that the Lord puts us where we need to be at the right moment.”

Being in the right place did not come without a price.

She never saw her daughter Theresa play one game in the SEC tournament.

She guesses that she saw Theresa play at LSU about 15 times, mostly on Sunday afternoon.

She did see her daughter play in NCAA tournament games, when her season at Nicholls State was over.

Plaisance said in recruiting, she and her coaches have to “work harder, and smarter.”

“We have to get the right kids,” said Plaisance.

Like guard Jenny Nash.

Nash was named the Southland Conference women’s basketball student athlete of the year.

Nash carried a 3.92 grade point average.

She also led the league in minutes played at 37 a game.

“We believe a conference championship can be won here at Nicholls State,” said Plaisance.

The Colonels won 13 league games despite losing starting forward LiAnn McCarthy of Ursuline Academy for the entire season with a knee injury.

Guard Emani White of Archbishop Chapelle battled the effects of lupus all season.

As the reporter and the coach talked, the reporter asked about how much adversity Plaisance and her team had overcome?

The coach laughed.

“How long is this article?”