St. Augustine Catholic (Nov/Dec 2015)

POPE FRANCIS Jubilee Year of Mercy

CATHOLIC FOUNDATION A Legacy of Giving

PROCLAIMING & SERVING Bishop Ordains 12 Deacons

SAN AGUSTIN CATÓLICO Ministerio de Trabajadores Agrícolas Páginas 34-35

catholic St. Augustine

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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Most Reverend Felipe J. Estévez Bishop of St. Augustine Photo Credit: St. Augustine Catholic, Zach Thomas

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CatholiC

Continuum

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VOLUME XXIV ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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contents

features

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CAUSE OPENS FOR FLORIDA MARTYRS

It was a beautiful autumn evening for the opening ceremony of the cause for canonization of the Florida Martyrs. Learn why so many people have come together to tell their story.

BY PEGGY DEKEYSER

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14 COVER STORY

NEW SHRINE DEDICATED TO BLESSED MOTHER

Bishop Felipe Estévez dedicates a new Shrine to Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios. It was a day of celebration and great joy for all who participated.

SCOTT SMITH

“THE MARTYRDOM OF ANTONIO INIJA,” BY JACLYN W. MOSING

St. Augustine

BY KATHLEEN BAGG

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A LEGACY OF GIVING

Founded nearly 30 years ago by Bishop John Snyder, the Catholic Foundation has become a way for Catholics to support their faith long after they are gone.

BY MICHAEL CURET

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THE ROLE OF THE DEACON

BY KATHLEEN BAGG

SCOTT SMITH

JEFFREY BRUNO-ALETEIA

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On December 5, Bishop Estévez ordained 12 men to the permanent diaconate. Discover the many ways in which deacons serve and proclaim the Word of God.

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THE YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE

what else is inside 4 EDITOR'S NOTES l PROTECTING CHILDREN BY KATHLEEN BAGG

5 SAINT l ST. MARIA GORETTI

BY LILLA ROSS

6 BISHOP’S MESSAGE l BLESSINGS FOR CHRISTMAS BY BISHOP FELIPE J. ESTÉVEZ

8 WHY DO CATHOLICS? l GET ANSWERS

BY FATHER TERRY MORGAN

10 FAITH MATTERS

l INSPIRED BY MICHELANGELO BY MICHAEL CURET

As part of the Year of Consecrated Life, read the profiles of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family and the Trinitarian Handmaids of the Divine Word who serve in the diocese.

BY TRACY JONES

22 APPETITE FOR FAITH l HOLIDAY

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MUFFINS BY KELLI BREW

31 AROUND THE DIOCESE l COMMUNITY 33 CALENDAR l WHAT’S HAPPENING 34 SAN AGUSTÍN CATÓLICO

THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY

Seeing a great need for mercy and healing in the world, Pope Francis has called for a special year to help people grow spiritually, strengthen their faith and encourage works of service.

BY PEGGY DEKEYSER

9 BIBLE QUIZ l SCRIPTURE IQ

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COMPILED BY LILLA ROSS

Cover Image: The new Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine. Photo by Scott Smith.

THE SOLEMN PROCLAMATION OPENING THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY

BY BISHOP FELIPE ESTÉVEZ

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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catholic St. Augustine

The St. Augustine Catholic is the official magazine of the Diocese of St. Augustine, which embraces 17 counties spanning Northeast and North Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The diocese covers 11,032 square miles and serves more than 157,000 registered Catholics.

Most Rev. Felipe J. Estévez

editor’s notes l Rebuilding Trust CREATING SAFE ENVIRONMENTS

Protecting God’s Children

PUBLISHER

Kathleen Bagg EDITOR

Lorena Espinoza

SPANISH NEWS EDITOR/WRITER

Patrick McKinney ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kelli Brew Michael Curet Peggy DeKeyser Joe DeSalvo Tracy Jones Father Terrence Morgan Lilla Ross CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brandon Duncan Woody Huband Larry Ossi Scott Smith Zach Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Curet

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR

Cindy Barrier

PRINTING REPRESENTATIVE

Read us online at

WWW.DOSAFL.COM

St. Augustine Catholic (USPS 024-733) is a membership publication of the Diocese of St. Augustine, 11625 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258-2060. Published six times a year; every other month. Periodicals postage paid at Jacksonville, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Augustine Catholic, c/o Office of Communications, 11625 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258-2060. PARISHIONERS: If you have a change of address, please call (904) 262-3200, ext. 144 or email: jstark@dosafl.com. ©St. Augustine Catholic, Diocese of St. Augustine. No portion of the St. Augustine Catholic may be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise reproduced or distributed in whole or in part without prior written authority of the Diocese of St. Augustine. For reprint information or other questions regarding use of copyright material, contact the St. Augustine Catholic editorial offices.

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Help Spread the Faith!

Give the gift of the St. Augustine Catholic Magazine

$15 annual subscription Order online at www.dosafl.com/staugcatholic/ subscribe (904) 262-3200, ext. 123

4

The Catholic Church in the United States has made great strides in protecting children from sexual abuse but until sexual abuse is no longer a part of society, the church will continue its efforts to prevent it.

In 2002, the U.S. Bishops pledged to do a better job at creating safe environments and protecting young people. They developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter is a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that outline how the church provides outreach to victims, reports abuse to civil authorities and the public, as well as trains clergy and personnel to create safe environments.

Also mandated by the Charter is demonstrating accountability. The USCCB Child and Youth Protection Office oversee the annual audits of dioceses and religious institutes to determine their compliance with the Charter. The audits are conducted with the help of the independent firm, StoneBridge Business Partners.

The Diocese of St. Augustine passed its 2014-2015 on-site audit that occurred the week of Sept. 28. The diocese has been found compliant every year since the audits began in 2003.

“The Church has learned a painful lesson and seeks forgiveness for its failure to protect children in the past,” said Bishop Felipe J. Estévez. “The sexual abuse of children and young people by some deacons, priests and bishops, and the

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

ways in which these crimes and sins were handled, have caused enormous pain, anger and confusion,” he said.

“As bishops, we have acknowledged our mistakes and our roles in that suffering, and we apologize and take responsibility again for too often failing victims and the Catholic people in the past. From the depths of our hearts, we bishops express great sorrow and profound regret for what the Catholic people have endured.”

– Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Did You Know…?

• More than 45,000 adults in the diocese have been trained in the Protecting God’s Children program.

• Since 2002, the diocese has screened and conducted national and international criminal background checks on more than 31,600 clergy, employees and volunteers with renewal checks every five years.

• The diocese spends on average more than $220,000 each year for its child protection efforts.

• Children attending Catholic schools and parish religious education programs are taught to recognized a predator’s grooming process, to say “No,” and to tell their parents and other trusted adults about such behavior.

• Procedures are in place to respond promptly with compassion to all reports of misconduct – treating all victims/survivors with dignity, respect, privacy and confidentiality.

• Bishops are meeting with victims to assist in their recovery.

• There is a Zero Tolerance for sexual abusers.

To learn more about preventing child sexual abuse and what the diocese is doing to combat it, call Deacon Pat Goin at (904) 262-3200, ext. 125 or visit our online resources at www.dosafl.com/policiesresources.

saint of the month l Saint Maria Goretti is the church’s youngest saint and one of the models for the Year of Mercy, beginning Dec. 8.

You may have seen St. Maria’s body in October at the Basilica of Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville. The relic is on a national tour to inspire Catholics to find ways to incorporate mercy into their lives in the coming year.

St. Maria’s example of forgiving her brutal attacker poses a question to us: Could you forgive an attacker? Hopefully none of us will fall victim to such a brutal crime, but we endure little attacks every day in the form of rudeness, thoughtlessness and angry words and actions from loved ones, coworkers and strangers. Sometimes we are the attacker.

So the next time you feel under attack or want to go on the attack, think of the example of St. Maria, a child saint.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

SAINT MARIA GORETTI

Patroness of Mercy

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AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIED JULY 6, of multiple stab wounds after fighting off a neighbor who was trying to rape her, police said. Alessandro Serenelli, 20, was arrested and charged with murder. The victim, Maria Goretti, was stabbed 14 times.

Sounds like a story you have heard on the news. But you didn’t. Not unless you were alive in 1902 in Italy.

If it happened today, the story would go viral because of its brutality. And justice was done. Serenelli was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

But what makes this story important is on a whole other level. Maria forgave her killer. Serenelli said Maria’s forgiveness saved him. And that is why Maria Goretti

For information contact us at 904-824-6680

DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE

SAINT MARIA GORETTI Feast Day: July 6 Born: Oct. 16, 1890 in Corinaldo, Italy Died: July 6, 1902 Canonized: 1950 by Pope Pius XII

San Lorenzo Cemetery St. Augustine St. Mary Cemetery Korona

Patron: Forgiveness, chastity, rape victims, purity, young women and youth

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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bishop’s message l Merry Christmas

Renewing Our Baptismal Promises at Christmas

BY BISHOP FELIPE J. ESTÉVEZ

The Infant of Bethlehem communicates to us none other than the utterly reckless love of God for mankind. Radical in its depths, limitless in its outpouring, His love reveals a beauty that is the splendor of truth: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (Jn 1:14) The inexhaustible truth and beauty of the Nativity of Our Lord has inspired Christians over the centuries to put into words, music, and art something of the mystery and reality of Christmas. In fact, our beloved Augustine himself, the great theologian and philosopher whose writings so heavily influenced the development of Western Christianity, chose most often to quote Psalm 84 at Christmastime: “Truth is sprung out of the earth, and justice has looked down from heaven.” As comprehensive as this psalm may be in its perfection as an expression of God’s love, Augustine goes beyond, trying time and again to wrap his mind around this truly incredible event: “He is the One through Whom all things have been made and, on Christmas, Who has been made in the midst of all things...

Creator of the heavens and the earth, He is born on earth under the heavens. Unspeakably wise, He is wisely speechless. Filling the universe, He lies in a manger. Ruler of the stars, He nurses at His mother’s bosom. He is both great in the nature of God and small in the form of a servant, but His greatness is not diminished

by His smallness, nor His smallness overwhelmed by His greatness.” (Sermo 191) This should continue to amaze us, as Pope Benedict XVI said at Midnight Mass three years ago, “that God makes himself a child so that we may love him, so that we may dare to love him, and as a child trustingly lets himself be taken into our arms. It is as if God were saying: “I know that my glory frightens you, and that you are trying to assert yourself in the face of my grandeur. So now I am coming to you as a child, so that you can accept me and love me.” In like manner, our diocese is exceptionally blessed to have as patroness, Our Lady of La Leche y Buen Parto. When we

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

gaze upon Our Lady, the ever-nurturing virgin Mother of God, and the Divine Child she cradles in her arms, it is Christmas in our hearts! The Word of God is made flesh in all simplicity, and we cannot help but be amazed!

Since our God is love, (1Jn 4:8) and joy is a fruit of love, let us recall then in joy this season the many occasions in which God has become present in our lives and shown himself benevolent in his blessings. In a particular way, our diocese brings to a close the 450th anniversary of the founding of the city and of the faith community of St. Augustine. It was a shared love of Christ that served to inspire this year of commemorative celebrations, and our collective joy in fellowship is precisely that of the Gospel which our Holy Father, Francis, so often speaks of, a joy which fills us to overflowing and enlivens us to a more active participation in Jesus’ mission of evangelization. Indeed, we inherit this call to share the Good News with all in need (using words, if necessary) by virtue of our one baptism in Christ.

He who has revealed the Father to us also reveals the “face of the Father’s mercy,” which Pope Francis calls us to contemplate in the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. With “sentiments of gratitude for everything the Church has received, and with a sense of responsibility for the task that lies ahead,” we remember with the Holy Father that “mercy will always be greater than any sin,” and we seek God’s forgiveness in our lives in order that a “fresh undertaking for all Christians” will encourage us to “bear witness to [our] faith with greater enthusiasm and conviction.”

(Misericordiae Vultus) My Christmas wish for you, in the words of Augustine, is that he who did not despise our lowly beginnings perfects his work in us, and that he who wished on account of us to become the Son of Man make us the sons and daughters of God. Let us offer the renewal of our baptismal promises as a gift to Him this Christmas, and may we ever say with Mary, “Be it done unto me according to Your word.” (Lk 1:38)

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why do Catholics ...? l Get Answers The challenge for us 21st century Bible-readers is that the “magi” who visited the Newborn King in Matthew 2:1-12 were more akin to astrologers than modern-day astronomers. In fact, many Bible translations call these three visitors “astrologers” instead of “wise men” or “kings.” A star for them meant so much more than what it means to a sixth-grade science student (or to a sophisticated Hubble telescope-viewer) today, since folks of yore had no concept of the distance, size and makeup of what we in our era call stars.

So what did these three sky-gazers see that enchanted them and led them to the little insignificant town in Judah? The early Church fathers, including St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom, were already beginning to make the astrology/ astronomy distinction and surmised that this “non-star” star was not part of the heavenly system, but was rather quite possibly a guiding angel under the form of a star. This is perfectly consistent with the biblical picture of angels: they are brilliant (see Acts 6:15 and 2 Corinthians 11:14), they descend to Earth (see Daniel 8:10; Mark 13:25; and Revelation 1:20, 9:12, and 12-3-4), and (everywhere in the Bible!) they reveal things to people.

If you absolutely have to preclude divine intervention into the affairs of humans, then… the star is a nice romantic touch.

Maybe the Wise Men are too. But even sixth-grade sciencestudents aren’t so naïve as to think that the ultimate explanation of the world is the last page of their science book.

Q. At Holy Communion in my parish, people do all sorts of things. Some people bow before they receive the host.

Most people bow before receiving the host and the cup.

Some people genuflect. Some kneel down to receive. Are there any rules? What are we supposed to do?

A. I receive this question so often I am almost embarrassed.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOUR FAITH

What was the star the Wise Men followed?

BY FATHER TERRY MORGAN

Q. What was the “star” that guided the Wise Men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem?

A. Any sixth-grade science student knows that a real star would be far too

large to “move” and thus guide someone from Point A to Point B on Earth.

And even if it was small enough, for its movement to be noted, it would have to be so close to the Earth that its immense heat would vaporize the entire planet.

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

My first answer is, with all due respect, stop looking around and simply receive Our Lord reverently. My second answer may seem a little contradictory: remember that receiving the Eucharist at Mass is not simply a “me-and-Jesus” act of individual piety, but rather the pinnacle act of unity, literally communion of the Body of Christ, the Church. It is something the members do as a body, together. Thus, this part of the Mass is designated the Communion Procession.

Like the Entrance Procession, the procession with the gifts, and the recessional Procession, it is a sign of the pilgrim Church, on its way to the heavenly Jerusalem.

While joining into the Communion Procession does not require Marine Corps-like regimentation, it is a sign first and foremost of the unity of the Body. So some uniformity is required for it to be a good sign. Our U.S. Catholic bishops have asked that in our country, as in most countries, communicants come forward in procession, bow slightly (only) before receiving the Eucharist, and receive the Eucharist standing as a continuation of participation in the Communion Procession.

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1. What did God give Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden?

2. What did Jacob give to his son Joseph?

3. What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus?

4. What gifts did the father give to his prodigal son?

5. What did Paul say are the gifts of ministry?

6. Name the gifts of the Spirit.

6. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. (I Cor. 12) 5. Prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and mercy. (Rom. 12:6-8) 4. A cloak, shoes, a ring, a feast and forgiveness.

(Lk 15:11-32) 3. Gold, incense, myrrh. (Matt. 2:11) 2. A cloak of many colors. (Gen. 37) 1. “Every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed for food.”

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faith matters l Gift of Talent

JOE PUSKAS

Local Artist Inspired by Sistine Chapel

BY MICHAEL CURET

BRANDON DUNCAN

At the suggestion of his pastor, Father Andy Blaszkowski, Joe Puskas happily shared his time and talents by painting the cupola of his parish church, St. Luke. He said he was inspired by the great Michelangelo!

“I’ve always wanted to give back to God because I’ve had a lot of blessings in my life. That’s why I decided to do it.”

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

When local artist Joe Puskas began painting murals for the Firehouse Subs franchise a few years ago, it inspired him to visit The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and view the work of Michelangelo. He never envisioned that a couple of years later he would be painting his own masterpiece on the ceiling of St. Luke Catholic Church in Middleburg.

It all started a little more than a year ago after becoming a member of St. Luke Parish. Puskas asked his pastor, Father Andy Blaszkowski to bless his home. “He came over for dinner,” said Puskas, “and I showed him what I did for a living. That’s when he brought up the fact that he wanted to do something with the cupola in the church. He asked me to come to a meeting where we exchanged some ideas and that’s how it got started. I couldn’t pass the opportunity up.”

The mural, a seven-week project, is Puskas’ signature work.

With an illusion of looking into the open air, filled with blue sky, Puskas incorporated the Holy Spirit, stained glass from the church and sculptured angels to create a perception of depth as if one is looking outside the church into the heavens.

“The impact and response has been unbelievable,” said Puskas. “Father Andy even climbed up there with me and couldn’t believe it.”

Puskas had great support from everyone involved – including his wife, Father Andy, the parish and his employers at Firehouse Subs.

Even Firehouse owners, Robin and Chris Sorenson, took time to see the work of art too, and agreed it was Joe’s signature piece.

With four days of scaffolding to set up, and seven weeks under the dome at 65 feet in the air, for Puskas this project is his Michelangelo. “I wish I had years and years to do something like he did. I just had to see what he did in the Sistine Chapel a couple of years ago. It was truly amazing and inspiring.”

When he began the project, at age 53 with a bad shoulder and a bad back, he knew it would be a challenge, but also one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Everything is about his faith, according to Puskas. “The inspiration is faith-based. The ability to do this and taking on the challenge is faith-based. I’m not in the most fantastic shape and I was about to climb up six stories for seven weeks but nothing bothered me while I was doing this. Normally,

BRANDON DUNCAN

NOW AUDITIONING GRADES 1-6 we’re swamped at work at this time of the year. We had a nice lull, where I didn’t have to be at my other job 24-7. It was amazing the way it all worked out. I’ve always wanted to give back to God because I’ve had a lot of blessings in my life. That’s why I decided to do it.”

Puskas joked that he even bought a safety harness to wear since there were a couple of difficult spots he had to paint.

Puskas was also invited to speak at Mass on three occasions about his contribution of time and talents to the church. He revealed that he never had a formal art lesson, despite having a father who went to art school.

“He gave me drawing books as a kid about how to draw shapes and animals because he saw I had a passion for art,” said Puskas, whose talent runs in the family, as his son also has talent as an artist. I learned a lot from my father and he supported his family by being a truck driver for Pepsi. That’s how we ended up in Florida.”

During the project, Puskas got great support from his wife, who would bring him dinner nightly. His schedule started at Firehouse at 5 a.m. until noon, and then he would work on the mural at St. Luke’s sometimes from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. until the project was done. In the end, with a wedding approaching, Puskas brought in another artist, Anthony Rooney, to help him finish the project.

Often bowing his head to reflect on his many blessings, now Puskas may also find himself looking up at Mass.

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11

CAUSE OPENS FOR

FLORIDA MARTYRS

BY PEGGY DEKEYSER

They proclaimed their faith ‘at all cost’

“THE MARTYRDOM OF ANTONIO INIJA,” BY JACLYN W. MOSING

A slight breeze stirred the Spanish moss of the ancient live oaks as the late October afternoon sun slanted across the wide lawn of the deserted mansion.

It was easy to imagine going back more than 300 years to the dawn of the 18th century, hearing the sounds of an Apalachee village, and seeing the peaceful native people with their families. It was difficult to imagine the violence that would enter their world as they were brutally murdered by a British military force at war with their Spanish missionary friends.

The outdoor Mass and opening of the sainthood cause for 86 Florida martyrs – known as Antonio Cuipa and Companions – was celebrated Oct. 12, just east of Tallahassee, the site of what will become the Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Martyrs.

It’s just a short distance from U.S. Hwy. 90, known during the Spanish exploration and settlement of north Florida as El Camino Real, the king’s highway. The road once strung together the missions of Spanish Florida like a “string of pearls” bringing the Catholic faith to the indigenous people. Also along this road, atrocities were committed by the forces of a Protestant English king against these same people, in the name of conquest and colonization.

Bishop Gregory L. Parkes of PensacolaTallahassee was the main celebrant of the Mass.

Bishop Felipe Estévez of St. Augustine, retired Bishop J. Kevin Boland of Savannah, and retired Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of HoumaThibodaux concelebrated the Mass, along with priests from across Florida and Georgia.

In his homily, Bishop Parkes thanked all who came from far and wide to participate, saying that it was a “special, historic and important day for the church in Florida, as

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

WOODY HUBAND

the first shrine to Mary in the United States – would conclude where the story ended along El Camino Real with the deaths of the martyrs.

Following Mass the first formal session of the martyrs’ sainthood cause began with a procession of Bishop Parkes, Bishop Estévez, the members of the tribunal for the cause, and the vice postulators of the cause.

The history of the cause was recounted, as were the stories of the many martyrs who have been identified. The letters exchanged between Bishop Parkes and Cardinal Angelo Amato of the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes were read aloud, establishing that Bishop Parkes, with consent from the other Catholic bishops of Florida, is the competent authority to investigate the cause.

Tribunal members are Father Joseph Fowler, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, episcopal delegate; Father Timothy Lindenfelser, Diocese of St. Augustine, promoter of justice; and Father Joseph Waters, Diocese of St. Petersburg, notary.

Dr. Waldery Hilgeman of misio pastoralis in Rome is the postulator for the cause. The vice postulators are Mary Soha, Xaverian Brother Reginald Cruz, Lynn Mangan, Father Leonard Plazewski and Father Wayne Paysse, a New Orleans priest who is former executive director of the Black and Indian Mission Office in Washington, D.C. Interrogation of witnesses for the cause – to be conducted by Father Fowler – will begin immediately primarily in Tallahassee at the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop Estévez was the first to testify on Nov. 4.

In his address at a dinner following Mass, Bishop Estévez posed the questions:

Pensacol-Tallahassee Bishop, Gregory Parkes was the main celebrant at the Mass opening the cause of canonization for the Florida Martyrs at the Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Martyrs outside of Tallahassee on Oct. 12.

Mary Soha, M.D. of the Diocese of St. Augustine, with Bishop Felipe Estévez at the opening ceremony for the cause of canonization for the Florida Martyrs. Dr. Soha has been appointed by Rome to serve as a vice postulator for the cause.

“Because we care about the communion of saints, we care about the Florida martyrs, for, if we do not, who will? If we don’t care now, when will we?

“We want to promote the martyrs of Florida because we want to know their stories accurately, establish the historical facts, and when approved by Holy Mother Church, we want to seek their intercession. As they were victims for their religious freedom – today we need their courage to stand firm in the current waves of secularism and subtle persecution.”

Recounting the earliest beginning of the cause, when Pope Clement XI established a commission in 1704 to document the martyrdom of the Apalachee Christians, Bishop Estévez traced the history of the initiative to the present day.

“It is significant that the passage of time has allowed us to discover that it was not only foreign missionaries who laid down their lives for Christ in La Florida. Rather, we now know the incredible stories of so many Native Americans who chose martyrdom rather than renounce the faith they had accepted. It is a meaningful sign that the faith was not simply imposed upon them, but rather they freely accepted the Catholic faith to the point that they understood that it was worth dying for.”

Bishop Estévez continued, “The one faith is expressed in different ways. There can be no question of adulterating the Word of God or of emptying the cross of its power, but rather of Christ animating the very center of all culture.

Not only is Christianity relevant to these Indian people, but Christ, in the members of his body, is himself ‘Indian.’”

More information about the “Martyrs of La Florida” and the canonization cause can be found at www. martyrsoflafloridamissions.org.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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WOODY HUBAND

the 80 or more martyrs remembered lived and died in what are now the dioceses of Pensacola-Tallahassee, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Palm Beach and Venice.

“From Father Luis de Cancer near Tampa Bay in 1549 to Antonio Cuipa and his companions at Ayubale in 1704, they gave their lives in witness to the faith,” Bishop Parkes said. “We pray that through their intercession, we may be empowered to imitate their example. We pray that they might inspire us to live more holy lives, always for the glory of God.” Cuipa was an Apalachee Indian from San Luis Mission, in present-day Tallahassee, who was converted by Franciscan missionaries.

His martyred companions included other Native Americans and Franciscan friars as well as Dominican and Jesuit missionaries.

Father Cancer was the first Dominican martyr in the country.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Dr. Mary Soha of Ponte Vedra Beach presented Lynn Mangan of Tallahassee with a framed rendering of the vision of Cuipa. While hanging from the cross with fire at his feet, he said Mary appeared to him. He said to those who were being tortured with him, “Our Lady is near. Be strong; be strong. Our Lady is here with us.”

Cuipa was a leader among the Apalachee people, a carpenter and a catechist for the Franciscan friars. He was slain in 1704 at the mission of La Concepcion de Ayubale by the English and Creek forces of English Col. James Moore.

Soha commented as she presented the art that it was fitting that the story which began with the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine –

THE SHRINE OF

SCOTT SMITH

MARY WILL LEAD MANY TO THE KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST

14 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

will provide liturgical services, conduct retreats and pilgrimages, and provide a pastoral identity for ongoing evangelization.

There are new confessionals, a new sacristy and narthex (entrance area), a new sound system, flooring and seating for 200 to 300 people. Total cost of construction was $1.5 million.

“This shrine has monumental importance because of its historical and theological significance,” said Bishop Estévez. “The devotion to Our Lady of La Leche dates back to 1565 – when evangelization was firmly planted in this country and it is the oldest devotion to Mary as the nursing Mother in the United States,” he said.

Since the 17th century, the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche has been kept alive by countless people of faith who travel from all over the world to the shrine seeking our Blessed Mother’s intercession for a safe pregnancy and delivery of their child, for the gift of fertility, for families, for strengthening their faith, for healing from breast cancer and countless other reasons.

In 2012, the Vatican approved Bishop Estévez’ request to celebrate Oct. 11 as an annual diocesan feast-day to honor Our Lady of La Leche, further elevating the shrine’s status.

In his homily Oct. 11, Bishop Estévez said, “Mission Nombre de Dios is the place where the rustic altar evokes the First Mass of the first city and the Cross stands out as our glory and victory. The historic shrine and the new shrine lead us to complete the story of salvation, the child Jesus being nursed by

Mary – a magnificent mystery of beautiful tenderness: indeed God is Love!”

To learn more about the beautification of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, visit www.ourladyoflalecheshrine.org or call Stanton Cadow at (904) 262-3200 or email scadow@dosafl.com.

SCOTT SMITH

T

The celebration of the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine and the founding of our faith in “La Florida” didn’t end in September – Bishop Felipe J. Estévez dedicated the new Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios on the feast day in her honor – Oct. 11.

The new shrine was filled to capacity with lay Catholics, clergy and religious who came to worship at Mass and see the renovations up close. In February, work began on the Prince of Peace Votive Church, which was originally built and blessed by Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley on April 17, 1966 to commemorate the 400th anniversary. It served as a place dedicated to prayers that God would spare the world from atomic warfare.

An additional 2,500 square feet has been added to the church, which now serves as the new Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. A chapel was also added to the shrine and dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima.

A new altar configuration features a large statue of Our Lady of La Leche and smaller statues depicting St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order whose missionaries evangelized the Native Americans in Florida for two centuries; St. Katherine Drexel, founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to serve Native Americans and African Americans, and a major benefactor of St. Benedict the Moor School in St. Augustine; and St. Kateri Tekawitha, the first Native American saint in the United States and Canada.

Structural improvements include two offices for priests assigned to the shrine who

SCHEDULE Mass Monday – Friday: 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: 11:30 a.m. (Historic Chapel) Confession Daily at 5 p.m. or by appointment Vespers: 5 p.m. and Rosary 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

WOODY HUBAND

Adoration Monday: 7:30 p.m.

Thursday: 5 p.m.

Bishop Felipe Estévez incenses the altar at the Mass of dedication for the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, Oct. 11.

To schedule a retreat or pilgrimage or to learn more, call Father Ivan Carrillo-Paris, ICC (rector) or Father Carlos Sosa, ICC at (904) 207-7117 or email ivancarrilloparis@ gmail.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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The Catholic Foundation A WAY CATHOLICS CAN SUPPORT THEIR FAITH FOR A LIFETIME

SCOTT SMITH

BY MICHAEL CURET

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

W

hen the Catholic Foundation in the Diocese of St. Augustine was created nearly 30 years ago, there was one certainty from the outset for lifetime Catholic Robert Shircliff. He wanted to be involved.

Having lived through the Great Depression as a youth growing up in Indiana, Shircliff learned the reward of giving at an early age, and he has never wavered in his generosity and philanthropic nature. From a teenager at 14, he worked sweeping floors and sorting bottles in his father’s Pepsi-Cola bottling plant and he eventually became the president before selling it in the late 1960s. But watching how others who were less fortunate endure is what resonated most in him.

“I was lucky to grow up in a generation that looked after others,” said Shircliff. “Even when times were tough, mother and father put the church first. My parents not only fed people who came to the doors looking for food but provided clothing for kids and families. In our family, we always sensed that my parents were the first to stand up when somebody needed something and I wanted to be the same way.”

The depression provided Shircliff a close-up view of what it felt like to give. “I’ve talked to

BRANDON DUNCAN

Robert Shircliff

a lot of givers and I’ve never seen an unhappy giver,” he said. “In my case, that’s true!

“Our faith tells us to care for others and look after the least of God’s people. That’s what pleases Jesus the most. What we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for him.

That’s a pretty nice thought to follow. Once you give a little, you realize how important it is and how much it means to you. We are happy that we have been able to do what we’ve been able to do. It’s not always easy to keep your giving at a certain level, but it’s always rewarding.”

Shircliff, now 87, still works daily at his office at the Shircliff Group, which he founded in Jacksonville. Today, he reminds us that the two specific needs that were defined for the foundation in those first meetings back in 1982 haven’t changed. “We concluded that Catholics needed to learn how to support their faith,” he said. “We needed a stewardship program that had worked well in other dioceses and we wanted a foundation where people could leave bequests and contributions to preserve them for a long time as planned giving.”

The 19-person committee worked on the idea for more than four years before the Catholic Foundation was formed in 1987 with the Bishop as President, the Vicar General and Chancellor as ex-officio members, and 15 lay members.

The expectation was for the foundation to receive gifts from wills, larger gifts from generous benefactors, gifts through insurance plans and assigned memorials, which would be invested and administered in a prudent manner.

“What a beautiful thought that you can leave a gift to the foundation and it will never be reduced,” said Shirciff. “It will always earn money and support the church in the future.

The important thing about planned giving and how it differs from stewardship is that every one of us has an estate whether we recognize it or not. Where it goes will either be directed by state law or by a will. We strongly recommend that everybody have a will and direct where their estate goes. Obviously, you want it to go to your family and to those places that have meant a lot to you during your lifetime.”

Shircliff called the Catholic Foundation a perfect reservoir for funds. “It is a way to provide the diocese with funds down the road that can take care of unexpected needs.

When people give to the foundation, their money will never be spent. It will be invested in perpetuity. So a gift to the foundation is a gift

that will last forever and serve the diocese long into the future.”

“These gifts have served the diocese extremely well,” continued Shircliff. “We feel that since the diocese and church has cared for us and been interested in us from the time we were baptized… Isn’t it reasonable that we should leave the church a little something at the time of our death?”

To learn more about The Catholic Foundation and Planned Giving, call Cliff Evans, OFS, at (904) 262-3200, ext. 139 or email cevans@dosafl.com.

1. What is the purpose of the Catholic Foundation?

As an independent not-for-profit 501c3 corporation, the foundation provides assistance to parishes, schools and ministries by creating perpetually endowed funding. There are more than 120 endowment funds currently under the stewardship of the Foundation. These funds have grown to more than $25 million in assets. Nearly every parish and school has created a permanent endowment fund to which their parishioners and student families can contribute lasting gifts of support.

2. What is planned giving and how does it work?

Planned giving is essentially a donation that is provided for in one’s estate plan.

In essence – it is making plans to keep supporting something we care deeply about once we are no longer here. A donation to the Church of this type becomes a “charitable contribution” and may not only be tax-exempt but can lower tax liabilities for one’s family.

3. Why is estate planning so important for our family and church?

Estate planning is something everyone needs to do. This is not something reserved for the very wealthy. When we pass away, all of us will have financial and tangible assets. Do you want to decide who receives your possessions and assets or do you want the courts to decide? We all need to make provisions for unanticipated disasters to care for those whom we provide care. At the same time, consider a legacy gift to your church.

4. How can I learn more about providing a legacy of faith?

We will begin offering regional estate planning seminars in 2016. To learn more, call (904) 262-3200, ext. 139 or email cevans@dosafl.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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Bishop Felipe J. Estévez ordains 12 men to the permanent diaconate

Bishop Felipe Estévez with Deacon David Williams standing next to him, lays hands on Michael Elison during the deacon ordination Dec. 5 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

THE PERMANENT

SCOTT SMITH

DIACONATE 18 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

The most recent class of deacons represents the fifth class of men to be ordained deacons in the diocese since the Permanent Deacon Formation Program was established in the diocese in 2005.

“The diocese will be enriched in a very special way by these 12 men who have been called to diaconal ministry,” said Father John Tetlow, the vicar for deacons and diocesan director of the Permanent Diaconate. “They are truly filled with the spirit and humble in their love for God,” he said.

Deacons (diakonos – Greek for servant) played a great role in the early history of the church, but gradually it disappeared in the Middle Ages as the diaconate became more of a transitional step to priestly ordination.

The Second Vatican Council reinstated the diaconate in the Western Church as a “distinct and permanent rank of the hierarchy” willed

by Jesus and the apostles.

The diaconate program was revived in the United States in the late 1960s and it really took off in the 1980s said Father Tetlow.

Many people have asked what the difference is between the roles of priests and deacons.

Father Tetlow explains there are three main distinctions: Deacons cannot celebrate the Mass or consecrate the Eucharist; they can’t hear confession or administer the sacrament of anointing. The permanent diaconate is primarily a ministry of service.

Preparing for the Diaconate Before beginning the three-year Permanent Deacon Formation Program in the Diocese of St. Augustine, men must complete a threeyear Ministry Formation Program (MFP) first.

They must also be accepted by the Deacon Vocations Board, a nine-member board that includes the wife of a deacon. And men must be at least 32 years of age and no older than 60 when they are ordained.

In the first year, the prospective deacons are called aspirants. Among other things, there studies include liturgical practices, Continued on page 20.

BRANDON DUNCAN

On Dec. 5, Bishop Felipe J. Estévez ordained 12 men to the permanent diaconate to serve in parishes and ministries of the Diocese of St. Augustine. They join 70 men who are already serving as permanent deacons in the diocese.

The newly ordained Deacons and their assignments, effective Dec. 5: Front row, from left: Deacons Mark Sciullo – Our Lady of Good Counsel, Milton Vega – Most Holy Redeemer, Michael Federico – Prince of Peace, Santiago Rosado-Rodriguez – San Sebastian, Angel Sanchez – San Jose and Campus Ministry at UNF, Deacon Patrick Goin. Back row, from left: Father John Tetlow, Brian Hughes – Blessed Trinity and Campus Ministry at JU, Paul Testa – Mary, Queen of Heaven, George Barletta – Christ the King, Edward Prisby – St. Paul, Jacksonville Beach; Robert Gardner – St. Joseph and David Belanger – St. Patrick, Jacksonville.

WHO IS INVITED TO BE A DEACON? • A devoted Roman Catholic man • Can be married but wife must support decision or if single a vow of celibacy is required • Age – mature, between the ages of 32 and 60. Must be 35 to be ordained.

• Either employed or retired. Must be self-supporting. The church does not pay deacons, although a parish or ministry may hire and pay a deacon. Most do not earn a salary from diaconal ministry.

• Have gifts of a spiritual leader.

• Be stable in marriage and career.

• Be academically capable. Minimum of two years of college is preferred.

• Feel that God is calling them to ordained ministry.

WHAT STEPS LEAD TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE? • Acceptance in and completion of the Ministry Formation Program (MFP). Must have leadership role in parish life to be considered for acceptance.

• An evaluation and screening is required – possibly in the third year of MFP – before acceptance into the Permanent Deacon Formation Program.

• The Aspirancy Year – the first year after completion of the MFP – is a year of focused discernment on the responsibilities of Holy Orders and instruction on the diaconate class members are instituted* in the Ministry of Reader toward the end of this year.

• The Candidacy Year – the sixth and final year of the program. It’s when the decision to continue toward ordination is finalized. Class members will be instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte and be admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders.

• Once ordained, the deacon will be assigned by the bishop to a parish or diocesan ministry.

DUTIES OF A DEACON • Care and administration of the Eucharist (though he does not preside at Mass or consecrate the elements of bread and wine). A deacon by virtue of his ordination is an “ordinary” Minister of the Eucharist.

• Minister of baptism, witness’s marriages and presides at funerals when no Mass is celebrated.

• Teacher, administrator, comforter of the sick and dying – and most importantly, one who has special concern for the poor.

• Restricted only by his particular talents, the imagination of his supervisors and the sacramental limits of his ordination.

• Always brings the graces of the sacrament of Holy Orders and a clergy presence and representation to any ministry assignment. *Instituted means to be permanently admitted to the ministries of reader/lector and acolyte. Eucharistic minister and lectors who serve in parishes are installed or commissioned by their pastor for a certain period of time.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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Deacons story continue from page 19. homiletics, canon law and theology of holy orders and the diaconate.

In the second year, they are called candidates and their studies focus on Scripture as well as advanced studies in homiletics, canon law and liturgical practices. A third year was added to the formation program to include additional courses and more intense training in homiletics said Father Tetlow. “We did a lot of practicing with 8-to-10-minute homilies,” he added.

Dr. David Heekin believes a person’s Part of the training for the diaconate is to mobility is the key to happiness, meet monthly with a spiritual advisor and to so he envisioned a world-class pray daily the morning and evening prayers orthopedic practice for the people of Jacksonville. of The Liturgy of the Hours.

Deacon Patrick Goin, director of the The new Heekin Clinic focuses on Permanent Deacon Formation Program, restoring mobility to the hips and knees of the over-40 crowd. Expect says the wives of the perspective deacons are the highest level of care and a more invited and encouraged to participate in all personalized physician-patient the classes and activities with their husbands. relationship from Florida’s most experienced orthopedic surgeon.

“A wife’s participation in the program allows her to grow spiritually with her husband and That’s his mission.

So,believes let’s get a person’s Dr. David Heekin to more fully understand the family’s call to moving Jacksonville! mobility is the key to happiness, service through the diaconate,” he said. so he envisioned a world-class orthopedic practice for the people of Aspirants are often married and most of them have children. Some are retired but Jacksonville. most have full-time careers and come to the The new Heekin Clinic focuses on diaconate with diverse backgrounds. restoring mobility to the hips and Once ordained, how can you tell if a man is knees of the over-40 crowd. Expecta deacon? the highest level of care and a more On the altar, it’s relatively easy. According personalized physician-patient to “Liturgical Guidelines for Deacons,” the relationship from Florida’s most deacon ordinarily wears an alb, the same long experienced orthopedic surgeon. gown worn by a priest, and a stole, a long That’s his mission. So, let’s get narrow scarf draped from the left shoulder to moving Jacksonville! the right hip.

Outside of church, it’s not so easy. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Standing Committee on the Permanent Diaconate states that it “endorses the hope that [permanent] deacons will resemble laypeople 2 Shircliff Way, 605 DePaul Building callSte 904.328.5979 or visit HeekinClinic.com in matters of dress and address.” However, in Shircliff Way, Suite 605 DePaul Building | Jacksonville, FL 32204 St. Vincent’s 2Medical CenterRiverside some ministries, such as in a prison, hospital Jacksonville, FL 32204 or when working in nursing homes – deacons may wear clerical attire with a Roman collar for example, and a small “deacon cross.” This is a cross with a deacon’s stole.

In an address to deacons, Pope John Paul II said, “To think of oneself an act in practice as a ‘part-time’ deacon would make no sense.

The deacon is not a part-time employee or ecclesiastical official, but a minister of the Church. His is not a profession, but a mission!”

For more information about the Permanent Deacon Formation Program, call Deacon call 904.328.5979 or visit HeekinClinic.com Patrick Goin at (904) 262-3200 or email 2 Shircliff Way, Suite 605 DePaul Building | Jacksonville, FL 32204 pgoin@dosafl.com.

MAN ON A

MISSION

MAN ON A

MISSION

Find Dr. Heekin at his new location!

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Advent istoa time renew your heart as we

await the coming of the LORD. DECEMBER 1-

DECEMBER 22

Parishes in North Florida will offer the sacrament of reconciliation and penance services. Contact your parish or visit dosafl.com/Advent for information and tips for how to make a good confession.

December 1

7:00 p.m.

Holy Faith Parish 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville

December 16

7:00 p.m.

Santa Maria del Mar Parish 915 N. Central Avenue, Flagler Beach

December 4

5:30 p.m.

Holy Family Parish Alternate 27 Highway, Williston

December 16

7:00 p.m.

Epiphany Catholic Church 254 SW Malone Street, Lake City

December 9

7:00 p.m.

Mary Queen of Heaven Parish 9401 Staples Mill Drive, Jacksonville

December 16

5:30 p.m.

St. Anastasia Catholic Church 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine

December 9

5:30 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

December 16

7:00 p.m.

St. Luke Parish 1606 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg

December 9

7:00 p.m.

St. William Parish 210 SW Peach Street, Keystone Heights

December 16

7:00 p.m.

St. Patrick Parish 500 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville

December 10

6:30 p.m.

Resurrection Catholic Church 3383 University Blvd., N., Jacksonville

December 16

7:00 p.m.

San Sebastian Catholic Church 1112 State Road 16, St. Augustine

December 10

6:30 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Parish 4050 NW Highway 27 Alt., Chiefland

December 17

7:00 p.m.

Holy Family Catholic Church 9800 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville

December 10

4:00 p.m.

St. Patrick Parish 601 Airport Center Drive E., Jacksonville

December 17

7:00 p.m.

Holy Spirit Parish 11665 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville

December 10

7:00 p.m.

St. Paul Parish 2609 Park Street, Jacksonville

December 17

7:00 p.m.

Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 8523 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville

December 10

7:00 p.m.

San Juan del Rio Parish 1718 State Road 13, St. Johns

December 17

7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish 5950 State Road 16, Mill Creek

December 13

4:00 p.m.

St. Ambrose Parish 6070 Church Road, Elkton

December 17

7:00 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 928 E. Howard Street, Live Oak

December 14

7:00 p.m.

St. Catherine of Siena 1649 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park

December 17

7:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church 11730 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville

December 14

7:00 p.m.

St. Monica Parish 114 S. 4th Street, Palatka

December 17

7:00 p.m.

San Jose Catholic Church 3619 Toledo Road, Jacksonville

December 15

7:00 p.m.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish 545 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach

December 18

7:00 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Parish 928 E. Howard Street, Live Oak

December 15

7:00 p.m.

Queen of Peace Parish 10900 SW 24rth Avenue, Gainesville

December 18

6:30 p.m.

Crucifixion, Holy Rosary and St. Pius V 4731 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville

December 15

7:30 p.m.

St. Augustine Catholic Church 1738 W. University Avenue, Gainesville

December 20

6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Parish 5752 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville

December 15

7:00 p.m.

St. Madeleine Catholic Church 17155 NW US Highway 441, High Springs

December 21

7:00 p.m.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine 35 Treasury Street, St. Augustine

December 15

7:00 p.m.

St. Michael Catholic Church 505 Broome Street, Fernandina Beach

December 22

6:30 p.m.

Assumption Catholic Church 2430 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville

December 22

6:00 p.m.

St. Mary Parish 89 St. Mary’s Place, Bunnell

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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appetite for faith l Holiday Muffins A LESSON IN PERSEVERANCE

Celebrate with the Florida “Hanging Pumpkin”

BY KELLI BREW PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMITH

THE FIRST FLORIDA THANKSGIVING predated the pilgrims by almost 50 years. Records show that the feast consisted of ship stores of beans, olive oil, bread, pork and wine, and that the native people contributed oysters and clams. But it is easy to imagine the feast featuring the native pumpkin as well, one of the few cultivated crops that are harvested in late summer and early fall.

Early Florida settlers have described what appeared to be pumpkin trees growing in the wild. As it turned out, these were the hardy vines of native Seminole pumpkins, planted by the native people, and so entangled in the branches of the trees that the trees themselves seemed to be sprouting the large fruit.

In fact, the Creek Indian word for pumpkin is chassahowtska, or “hanging pumpkin.”

EARLY FLORIDA SETTLERS HAVE DESCRIBED WHAT APPEARED TO BE PUMPKIN TREES GROWING IN THE WILD.

Savvy, modern-day Florida gardeners save the seeds of these pumpkins from year to year and plant them at the end of spring – when most things have been harvested and few things can be anticipated to grow in the coming summer heat. Seminole pumpkin vines will grow many feet long – up and over landscape plants, if not right up a tree. They are wonderfully resistant to the pests and diseases that plague other squash plants, especially during the heat. And they yield highly nutritious and unusually sweet flesh.

You can find Seminole pumpkins at your local farmers market. The pulp can substitute for any pumpkin (even canned) in pumpkin pie, bread or 22

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

muffins. It is also delicious layered in place of tomato sauce in lasagnas or on pizza – and it makes a fabulous puréed soup.

To make the purée, wait for a cool day when you don’t mind heating up your kitchen. Cut the pumpkin(s) in half, remove the seeds and fibrous material, and bake – cut-side down – at 325 degrees for an hour to an hour and a half. Let cool, then scrape out the pulp and either mash or purée in a food processor. You will get about 3/4 cup of puree for each pound of pumpkin. Freeze any excess for future use.

Here is a recipe for a nice, savory pumpkin muffin – a relatively healthy bread for breakfast, and a great addition to your own Florida holiday meal.

Kelli Brew has been active in farm and food issues for two decades.

She is a retreat leader and the current Farm to School Coordinator for Alachua County schools.

You can find more of her recipes in her blog: www.ourlocallife.com.

SAVORY PUMPKIN MUFFINS Ingredients 2-cups white flour (or mix of white and whole wheat) 1-½ teaspoons baking powder 1-½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2-tablespoons fresh, chopped rosemary or sage ½-cup olive oil 2 eggs 1-½ cup pumpkin purée ¼ cup milk (or enough to make a lumpy batter that can be spooned into a muffin tin)

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan – or line with paper muffin cups.

Mix together flour, baking powder, salt and herbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, pumpkin, eggs and milk.

Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry, stirring only until just mixed. Spoon about ¼ cup into each muffin cup. Bake for 2025 minutes. Enjoy!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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consecrated life l wake up the world Wake up the World is the theme for the yearlong focus on consecrated life called on by Pope Francis. The year, which began on Nov. 30, 2014 – the first Sunday of Advent and closes on the World Day of Consecrated Life on Feb. 2, 2016 – asks the church’s religious sisters, brothers and priests to “wake up the world” with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope.

The Year of Consecrated Life will provide great opportunities for families and adults to look at the many ways men and women serve Christ and the church while answering the call to live in consecrated life.

During the yearlong celebration, the St. Augustine Catholic magazine will feature profiles of religious orders, congregations and societies for men and women serving in the Diocese of St. Augustine.

Individual profiles of several consecrated women and men serving in the diocese will be posted throughout the year to the diocesan website, www.dosafl.com.

BRANDON DUNCAN

BY TR ACY JONES

The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family from left, Maria Iwona Serafin, Immaculee Nyirasuku, Kazimiera Noskoau and Danuta Kujalowicz.

Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family arrived in Jacksonville, Fla. in 2011 to serve in the Diocese of St. Augustine. Their congregation, however, can be traced back to Poland when the country was in crisis and under Russian rule.

The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family were founded by the Blessed Boleslawa Lament. Sister Boleslawa, a devout Catholic, experienced discrimination in her home country of Poland by the Russian government for her religion and Polish ancestry.

She worked at different convents around Russia and Poland teaching at several schools, oftentimes in secret.

She was distraught that the Polish people were not free to practice their faith under Russian Rule.

In 1905, she started her own congregation to unite Orthodox Christians with the Catholic Church and give other women access to religious life. The order became known as the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family.

“The chrism of the order is unity among Christians,” said Sister Immaculee Nyirasuku, one of 24

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Trinitarian Handmaids of the Divine Word In a country ravished by poverty, one woman formed an order to improve the lives of residents, particularly orphaned and poor children while also spreading Christian values through missionary work.

In the Philippines, about half its citizens live in rural areas, where the majority is poor and living in poverty. Many rely on the tempestuous farming or fishing industries to survive. According

to Catholic Relief Services, 25 percent of the country’s population lives on $1.25 a day, and 40 percent survive on $2 a day or less.

Recognizing the country’s growing number of poor, especially children who increasingly became orphaned or destitute, Mother Elena O. Suicio started the Trinitarian Handmaids of the Divine World hoping to uplift marginalized families in the Philippines.

“Our work is not complicated,” said Sister Patricia Tapales, a Trinitarian Handmaid who lives in Sister Patricia Tapales, THDW Jacksonville. “We talk to families and pray together with them – we call our community more prayer than work.”

As the need in the Philippines increased, more sisters joined the order, many just out of high school.

As the order grew, Mother Elena wanted to create a facility that could better serve children in need. In 1993, the Trinitarian Handmaids established The Holy Trinity Home for Children in Quezon City, Philippines – beginning with just five children.

That number has since grown, and the sisters have aided numerous children since its inception.

In 2001, the order embarked on a new endeavor – its first foreign mission. After a failed attempt at establishing a congregation in Canada, Bishop John J. Snyder invited the sisters to the Diocese of St. Augustine. Five sisters came from the Philippines, including Sister Patricia.

Over the years, three of the sisters were reassigned, but two – Sister Patricia and Sister Maria Gracela Omamalin remains in their Jacksonville home just blocks away from the beach. They’ve worked in various capacities, including in an extended day care program at a school and working with Navy families on base.

“We were easily accepted here,” said Sister Patricia.

The Jacksonville sisters’ work is often in counseling and healing, and much of their day is spent in prayer – just like their sisters in the Philippines. But the sisters here have a slightly different approach to ministry than their sisters overseas.

The two sisters begin their morning prayer at 4:30 a.m.

Morning prayer is followed by meditation, then Mass. The two sisters sing in the choir each day, with Sister Patricia playing the guitar.

“We use [music] in our ministry,” said Sister Patricia.

Each Thursday, the sisters host a prayer group, which are among many gatherings based in their home. After the groups leave, their prayers begin again from 10 p.m. and can extend to as late as 3 a.m., oftentimes the sisters sleep for only an hour or two a night.

“We pray for those people who have no time to pray,” said Sister Patricia.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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BRANDON DUNCAN

the sisters in the congregation serving in the diocese.

Sister Boleslawa was especially interested in educating and protecting youth. The first group of Missionary Sisters continued to work underground in the teaching and healthcare fields.

During World War II, many sisters died or were relocated, and a few were even placed in concentration camps. After the war, when Communism took over Poland, more congregations and schools closed and many of the Missionary Sisters were fired from their nursing posts. But as conditions improved, the sisters were able to travel to the United States, as well as Zambia and other parts of Africa for missionary work.

The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family first came to the U.S. at the invitation of friends and family living here and Bishop Felipe Estévez. He blessed their convent on Jan. 3, 2013.

There are four Missionary Sisters living in Middleburg near St. Luke Parish: Sister Danuta Kujalowicz, Sister Kazimiera Noskoau, Sister Immaculee Nyirasuku and Sister Iwona Maria Serafin.

A few began working as nurses at local hospitals, teaching in schools and supporting missions. But now, three of them are semi-retired and Sister Immaculee works as a nurse on the heart ward at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Clay County.

The sisters adhere to their mission to unite the faithful, inspire children and help the sick. Working with children is especially important because, “through educating children, you reach families,” said Sister Immaculee.

“We do the best we can with education and healthcare,” said Sister Immaculee. “We evangelize to [non-Catholics through nursing] – we are working for the same God.” “You try to unite and show you love them,” said Sister Danuta.

The sisters start their day with Morning Prayer at 6:15 except for Sister Immaculee, who works in the evenings. They attend an 8:30 a.m. Mass, complete chores and eat meals together.

Inside the home, there is a chapel with three stained-glass windows blessed by Bishop Estévez. The rest of the home resembles any other, with hardwood floors, a guest room and a kitchen. Their bedrooms are cloistered in privacy, but the rest of the home is open for guests and visitors. It beckons back to the order’s charism of unity.

“The parish is outstanding,” said Sister Danuta. “The people here are amazing and have been open and welcome.”

JEFFREY BRUNO-ALETEIA

of Mercy to begin Dec. 8 (the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) for the Universal Church and in local churches around the world on the Third Sunday of Advent (Dec. 13). The conclusion of the Year of Mercy will be Nov. 20, 2016 on the Solemnity of Christ the King.

“I am convinced that the whole Church will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and making fruitful the mercy of God, with which we are all called to give consolation to every man and every woman of our time,” Pope Francis said, and entrusted the Holy Year to Mary, Mother of Mercy.

Father John Phillips, pastor of Holy Faith Parish in Gainesville and a member of the diocesan planning committee for the jubilee, explained further. “The Holy Father gives his reasons in a Papal document announcing the Jubilee of Mercy: The Face of Mercy (Misericordiae Vultus). The Pope says the Church is called to be a witness of God’s incredible mercy shown to us in Christ Jesus.

Therefore he wants everyone in the Church to reflect upon this mercy and to show it to others so that our witness to mercy might be stronger and more effective.”

A MOMENT OF GRACE TO FEEL GOD’S GREAT LOVE

BY PEGGY DEKEYSER

ON DEC. 8, POPE FRANCIS pushed open the Holy Door to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a symbol of God’s justice, which he said will always be exercised “in the light of his mercy.” The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy has officially begun.

The rite of opening the Holy Door was preceded by a Mass with 70,000 pilgrims packed in St. Peter’s Square. During his homily Pope Francis emphasized the “simple, yet highly symbolic” act of opening the Holy Door, which “highlights the primacy of grace;” the same grace that made Mary “worthy of becoming the mother of Christ.”

“The fullness of grace can transform the human heart and enable it to do something so great as to change the course of human history,” he said.

Seeing the great need for mercy and healing in the world, Pope Francis called for a Year

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Pope Francis has asked individuals in the Church “to be a witness of mercy” by reflecting on and practicing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Here’s is a list compiled by Catholic News Service: The spiritual works of mercy: counsel the doubtful; instruct the ignorant; convert the sinner; comfort the sorrowful; forgive offenses willingly; bear wrongs patiently; and pray for the living and the dead.

The corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; clothe the naked; visit the imprisoned; shelter the homeless; visit the sick; and bury the dead.

What does this extraordinary jubilee mean to the ordinary Catholic?

“The Jubilee can be a time that Catholics learn more about the biblical and Church’s teachings on mercy. It also can be a time for Catholics to reflect deeply about how they have experienced divine and human mercy in their lives,” Father Phillips said. “Finally, it can be a time when parishes and individuals explore ways to show the mercy of God more generously in their particular circumstances.

Then we can ‘give thanks to the Lord for he is good: his mercy endures forever!’” (Psalm 118:1) Bishop Felipe Estévez, in his proclamation opening the Jubilee Year of Mercy, has invited the laity and the clergy of the diocese “to fully contemplate and embrace the message of biblical mercy.”

He also invites those who have been hurt and suffered pain by the Church and its ministers to consider meeting with him.

“It is my sincere hope and prayer that all such conversations I may have with you, the faithful of the Diocese of St. Augustine, will be a step to sow the seeds of healing and reconciliation so that the peace of Christ will come to your heart,” Bishop Estévez said.

The Year of Mercy, the pope stressed, is a gift of grace that allows Christians to experience the joy of encountering the transforming power of grace and rediscovering God’s infinite mercy toward sinners.

“How much wrong we do to God and his grace when we speak of sins being punished by his judgment before we speak of their being forgiven by his mercy,” he said.

This story contains information from Catholic News Service.

Seven Churches and Shrines Designated as Jubilee Churches Bishop Felipe Estévez has designated seven churches and shrines in the Diocese of St. Augustine as Jubilee Churches. A plenary indulgence for the Jubilee Year of Mercy may be obtained, under the usual conditions, for those who participate in liturgies at these churches. For more information on obtaining indulgences, Year of Mercy events planned in the diocese, and resources for individuals, families and parishes, visit the Year of Mercy website: www.dosayom.com.

Cathedral Basilica 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine (904) 824-2806 Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche Mission Nombre 34 Ocean Ave., St. Augustine (904) 207-7117

St. Mary, Mother of Mercy Catholic Church 1143 W. Macclenny Ave., Macclenny (904) 259-2959 Basilica of Immaculate Conception 121 E. Duval Street, Jacksonville (904) 359-0331 St. Augustine Church & Catholic Student Center 1738 W. University Ave., Gainesville (352) 372-3533 Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church 17155 NW U.S. Highway 441, High Springs (386) 454-2358 St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery Chapel 141 Carmelite Drive, Bunnell (386) 437-2910

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1/17/14 4:01 PM

THE SOLEMN PROCLAMATION OPENING THE

Q

EXTRAORDINARY

Jubilee Year of Mercy D I O C E S E O F S T. AU G U S T I N E By the Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae Vultus (“The Face of Mercy”), promulgated on 11 April 2015 before the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter at the Vatican, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, declared that an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy be observed in the Universal Church. The year will commence for the Church on Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (8 December 2015) and in the local churches around the world on the Third Sunday of Advent (13 December 2015). The conclusion of the Year of Mercy will be on the Solemnity of Christ our Lord, King of the Universe (20 November 2015).

Pope Francis has placed this initiative under the guidance of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. At the beginning of the Bull of Indiction, our Holy Father clearly stated that “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy…. Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmination in him.”1 This is the Good News that all peoples of the world need to hear and experience! This is the Good News of the New Evangelization!

We have been invited in this Jubilee Year to live in the light of Jesus’ words, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”2 Therefore, during the course of the Year of Mercy, I invite the faithful – the clergy and the laity – of the Diocese of St. Augustine to fully contemplate and embrace the message of biblical mercy. The Hebrew word from which we get the English word “mercy” is hesed. This mercy has to do with showing loving kindness. In other words, there is an action that must occur when mercy is practiced and manifested. This, of course, is best known by the manner in which God has dealt mercifully with sinners, most especially in the Paschal Mystery of His Son’s death and resurrection. We are invited to reveal this mercy, too, by our practice of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Rediscovering these works is a “burning desire”3 of Pope Francis who reminded us: “Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy.”4

Pope Francis, Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae Vultus, 11 April 2015, no. 1. (Hereafter MV.) Cf. Luke 6:36.

3 MV, no. 15.

4 MV, no. 10.

1 2

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Through the years, so many have been hurt and alienated by the Church and her ministers. During the Great Jubilee of 2000, Pope Saint John Paul II presided at a solemn liturgy in which he begged forgiveness of God for the sins committed by the members of the Church, most especially those committed in the name of the Church. During this Year of Mercy, locally I want to take this one step closer to those who have experienced such pain by inviting you to have a conversation with me. Pope Francis has encouraged the faithful to encuentro, that is, have a meaningful encounter in which we seek and find the Lord. It is my sincere hope and prayer that all such conversations I may have with you, the faithful of the Diocese of St. Augustine, will be a step to sow the seeds of healing and reconciliation so that the peace of Christ will come to your heart.5 The observance of a Jubilee Year is marked by the solemn opening of a Jubilee Door, most especially in the cathedrals of the world. Pope Francis, desiring to extend the graces of the Year of Mercy to as many as possible, has provided for the Diocesan Bishop to designate other churches and shrines to serve as Jubilee Churches and have a “Door of Mercy.” From the Judeo-Christian tradition, doors are symbolic of conversion: a gesture of leaving the past behind, the crossing of a threshold from sin to grace. Even the Psalmist proclaims: “This is the Lord’s own door; here the just shall enter through it!”6 And so, in addition to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the following have been declared Jubilee Churches for the faithful of the diocese and all who visit them: • The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios (St. Augustine) • The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Jacksonville) • St. Augustine Church and Catholic Student Center (Gainesville) • St. Mary, Mother of Mercy Church (Macclenny) • St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery Chapel (Bunnell) • Santa Fe Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche (High Springs) Another significant aspect of a Jubilee Year is that of pilgrimage, a symbol of the ongoing journey of faith which we embark on each day. The grace of continuing conversion is enhanced when we commit to a pilgrimage. And so, I urge the faithful and their pastors to plan, during the course of the Year of Mercy, a pilgrimage to one or more of the Jubilee Churches and their “Doors of Mercy.” Also, I want to encourage those who are able to join one of the following pilgrimages that are being planned by the diocese as part of the Year of Mercy: Rome and Italy (February 22-March 1); the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. (April 18-20), World Youth Days in Krakow, Poland (July 24-August 3); and the Holy Land (October 17-28).

We know that “the favors of the Lord are not exhausted”7 and that “the mercy of the Lord endures forever.”8 Thus, Pope Francis reminds us in the Bull of Indiction of the Church’s practice of granting indulgences. “Reconciliation with God is made possible through the Paschal Mystery and the mediation of the Church,”9 he writes. “Thus God is always ready to forgive, and he never tires of forgiving in ways that are continually new and surprising.”10 God’s favor, through the ministry of his Church, to grant indulgences is the path by which the Lord “reaches the pardoned sinner and frees him from every residue left by the consequences of sin, enabling him to act in charity, to grow in love….”11 Therefore, I invite every person to do whatever he or she can do to take advantage of these indulgences – the favors that come from the Lord through his Church so that the Lord may “send out his spirit and renew the face of the earth.”12

To set up an appointment with Bishop Estévez, contact your local pastor or the Bishop’s Office at 904-262-3200.

Psalm 118:20.

7 Lamentations 3:22.

8 Psalm 136:1.

9 MV, no. 22.

10 Ibid.

11 Ibid.

12 Psalm 104:30.

5 6

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One way in which to do this is by coming to the sacrament of penance which is the sacrament of mercy. Here, in the confession of our sins and the sacramental absolution given by the priest-confessor, the mercy of God is revealed over and over again. The Parable of the Prodigal Son13 is a constant reminder to us of how generous our heavenly Father is in granting the humble sinner forgiveness, peace and mercy. God, who always welcomes the contrite of heart through his Church, so desires that we place our complete trust in him so that his grace will be at work in us. As St. Paul so wonderfully writes, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”14 Therefore, I want to encourage those who have been away from this sacrament to seek its grace once more, especially in this Jubilee of Mercy.

My dear people, we see and experience so many problems and crises facing the human family in our time. Mercy is a powerful grace from the Most High God to not only temper the pains that afflict us, but also to bring real healing and true life. This grace is Jesus. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) reminded us that we must allow this grace to work through us.

“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”15 In the Mystery of the Incarnation, Christ shares fully in our humanity. This mystery came about through the fiat of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In our own local Church, we turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Nuestra Señora de La Leche y Buen Parto (Our Lady of La Leche and a Happy Delivery).

Her image shows us the immediacy of a mother’s love as she nurses her new-born child, Jesus the Christ.

She stands as a constant reminder of the sacredness of life in all its forms – for just as she holds her infant son at his birth, it anticipates that day when she will hold his lifeless body again after he is taken down from the cross. And so we must show mercy in all the circumstances of life – from womb to tomb – to the poorest and neediest among us, the unborn and the elderly, the sick and the dying, indeed, all who are in need of God’s tender mercy.

Pope Francis has placed the Year of Mercy before our Lord and God through the intercession of Mary under her title of “Mother of Mercy.” Just as Mary gave birth to Jesus, the visible manifestation of the mercy of the invisible God, she is then the spiritual mother of the faithful who seek heavenly mercy. I echo the sentiments of the Holy Father when he wrote: “Mary attests that the mercy of the Son of God knows no bounds and extends to everyone, without exception.”16 Through Mary, may we not only encounter Jesus; may we also help others to encounter Divine Mercy itself.

Most Rev. Felipe J. Estévez, S.T.D. Bishop of St. Augustine

See Luke 15: 11-30.

2 Corinthians 5:20b.

15 Poem attributed to St. Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) 16 MV, no. 24.

13 14

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ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

around the diocese l community YOUTH LEARN ABOUT RELIGIOUS LIFE AT FIAT FESTIVAL

The men religious and youth played a tough game of basketball at Fiat Festival.

EVENT RAISES $10,000

Barbecue with Bishop

Fiat. The word resonated through the halls of Bishop Kenny High School on Nov. 21 as more than 500 people attended the Fiat Festival.

The theme for the day was inspired by Mary’s “yes” (fiat) to God in Luke 1:38 “Let it be done unto me according to thy word.” It was held to honor men and women religious for the Year of Consecrated Life.

The festival was coordinated by the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother in Jacksonville and included Mass, breakout talks, Eucharistic adoration, reconciliation and a popular “Boys vs.

Religious” basketball game.

Christina Roldan, a sophomore at Jacksonville University, attended the day with her friends and said “Just getting to know the brothers and sisters” was her favorite part of the event. “This is a one-time experience. It was awesome,” she added.

Religious communities came from all over the country to serve as witnesses to high school and college students. Dominican Father Charles Johnson said, “It was uplifting and powerful to see so many young people come here, not only to talk about religious life, but to participate in the Eucharist and to adore Jesus.”

“A Barbecue with Bishop Snyder’’ had the perfect recipe for success as $10,125 was raised at a sold-out dinner and auction, on Sept. 18 at San Jose Parish Hall, for the Bishop John J. Snyder Community Center at nearby San Jose Apartments.

More than 180 guests enjoyed a catered dinner from 4 Rivers Smokehouse and desserts from San Jose Apartments residents. The dinner also served as an early birthday celebration for Bishop Snyder, who turned 90 on Oct. 25.

The dinner was sponsored by the board of San Jose Apartments and Family Housing Management Company staff. The event received generous support from sponsors: Key Buick GMC Hyundai, Tom and Ruby Peters, The Hartley Press and Kelley Kronenberg Attorneys at Law. The Diocese of St. Augustine formed Family Housing Management Company in 1986 to manage and maintain low-income, HUD-subsidized facilities for the elderly and handicapped. Facilities for the elderly include Hurley and San Jose Apartments in Jacksonville and Barry Apartments in Palatka.

The Snyder Center does not receive any HUD assistance and is a self-sustaining facility. Many of the activities and services for the residents are held at the center, located at 3622 Galicia Road.

FOUR SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH CELEBRATE JUBILEES

LARRY OSSI

Honoring Milestones Bishop Snyder enjoys taking a moment to help the 4 Rivers Smokehouse staff serve dinner to guests at the San Jose Parish Hall on Sept. 18.

Father Jeff Johnson, left, joined Bishop Felipe Estévez in honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph celebrating their Jubilees. From left, Sister Suzan Foster, Sister Mary Immaculate Moraglia, Sister Marilyn Dingman and Sister Jane Stoecker, the general superior of the congregation

Four Sisters of St. Joseph were honored at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Felipe J. Estévez at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Oct. 17. The sisters celebrated a combined 230 years of faithful service to “their dear neighbor.”

Celebrating jubilees in 2015 are: Sisters Christopher Maria Burleson, Marilyn Dingman and Mary Immaculate Moraglia (60 years). Celebrating her Golden Jubilee (50 years) is Sister Suzan Foster.

In 2016, the Sisters of St. Joseph will celebrate 150 years of apostolic ministry in the state of Florida. They have served continuously here since 1866. The St. Augustine Catholic will feature a cover story on their 150th anniversary in the September/October edition.

LARRY OSSI

RENEE UNSWORTH

TONIA BORSELLINO

Consecrated Life Honored

Bishop Emeritus John J. Snyder is presented a birthday cupcake by dinner committee member Jan Bebeau.

Bishop Snyder turned 90 on Oct. 25

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December 2014_Layout 1 12/3/14 10:10 AM Page 1

A T T E N T I O N The Diocese of St. Augustine treats all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and deals with the allegations in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner.

To Report Abuse Call: Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator 1-800-775-4659, ext.129 or Department of Children and Families 1-800-96Abuse 1-800-962-2873

POU DENONSE ABI SEXYEL

ASSUMPTION Catholic School Celebrating 90 years of providing children with a challenging academic education where faith, children and learning come first.

2431 Atlantic Boulevard ✟ Jacksonville, Florida 32207 ✟ 904-398-1774 ✟ www.assumptionjax.org

A Legacy of Catholic Education Since 1952 For more than six decades, Bishop Kenny High School has been privileged to help young people explore their gifts, expand their understanding, and grow in God’s love.

"Preparing young people for college and for life" www.bishopkenny.org

Diocèz St. Augustine lan trete tout plent kont inkondwit sexyel seriezman e li agi nan yon fason konfidensyel e rapid pou li rezoud move rapò sa yo.

Pou pote plent pou abi sa yo: rele “Diocesan Victim” Assistan Kòdinatè a nan (904) 262-3200 eKstansyon 129 ou byen Depatman Timoun ak Fanmi nan (800) 962-2873.

A T E N C I Ó N La Diócesis de San Agustín le da seria consideración a toda acusación de mala conducta sexual y dispone de todos dichos casos de manera pronta, completa y confidencial.

Para reportar tal abuso, llame a: Coordinador Diocesano de Auxilio a Victimas (904) 262-3200, ext. 129 o Departamento de Niños y Familias del Estado de la Florida 1-800-96Abuse 1-800-962-2873

LƯU Ý Địa phận Thánh Augustine xử tất cả những tố cáo về sự lạm dụng tình dục một cách nghiêm trộng; và sẽ điều tra - xét xử những điều tố cáo một cách nhanh chóng, nghiêm mật, và cặn kẽ. Để tố cáo, xin gọi: Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator 1-800-775-4659, ext. 129.

Hay số: Contact the office of Admissions for information or a campus tour: 904-398-7545 1055 Kingman Avenue • Jacksonville, FL 32207 • 904-398-7545 • www.bishopkenny.org 32

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Department of Children and Families 1-800-96Abuse (800) 962-2873.

calendar l what’s happening DECEMBER 2015

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December 12 Catholic Outdoor Adventure Day An annual Scout retreat for the whole family.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Echockotee, Orange Park. Call (904) 483-6113 or email linda.byer07@gmail.com

December 18 28th Annual Living Nativity

By Jacksonville’s L’Arche Community 6 to 8 p.m., Riverside Park United Methodist Church For details, email hello@larchejacksonville.org

December 12 Through Mary’s Eyes Retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth

by Anne Coyle 2 to 4 p.m., Basilica of Immaculate Conception, Jacksonville Call (904) 359-0331

JANUARY 2016

December 12 Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him! – Bethlehem Live 6 to 9 p.m., Holy Spirit Church, Jacksonville. A Holy Spirit Christmas tradition for whole family.

Call (904) 641-7244 for details December 13 Feast Day Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe 12:30 p.m., San José Catholic Church, Jacksonville Celebrant: Bishop Felipe Estévez Call (904) 353-3243 for details December 13 Mass for Opening of Jubilee Year of Mercy 5 p.m., Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine Main Celebrant: Bishop Felipe Estévez Call (904) 824-2806 for details December 15 Opening Mass for Simbang Gabi A long-treasured Filipino tradition preparing for Christmas. 7 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, Jacksonville Main Celebrant: Bishop Felipe Estévez Call (904) 353-3243 for details December 18-20 Mini-Camp I Am Special A spiritual retreat for persons with disabilities.

Camp St. John, St. Johns.

Cost: $190 for campers and $10 for Buddies to apply.

For details, email Rebecca Aleman at raleman@ccbjax.org

Queen of Angels Catholic Book Store Remember us for all Sacramental gifts.

Shop in store or online!

Visit our website at www.queenofangelsjax.com 11018 Old St. Augustine Rd. • Suite 125 Jacksonville, FL 32257

January 10 Interfaith Prayer Service Bishop Estévez along with other faith leaders will participate.

2:30 p.m. Edward Waters College Choir 3:00 p.m. Prayer Service, Holy Rosary Church, Jacksonville Email Ernie Favors at favorse@aol.com for information January 16 Faith Formation Day West 10 a.m., Queen of Peace, Gainesville For details, email Erin at emcgeever@dosafl.com

288-0062

SAVE THE DATE JAN 30-31

Bishop’s Annual Stewardship Appeal “One Faith. One Family” All parishes of the diocese.

To learn more, visit dosafl.com/ bishopsappeal

January 16 10th Annual March for Life 9 a.m. Mass at Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche 10 a.m. March from Mission Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine Guest Speaker: Leah Darrow.

For details, visit www.marchforlifestaugustine.com

MARCH 11-12

January 17 Dedication of Mary, Queen of Heaven Church 9 a.m., 9401 Staples Mill Drive, Jacksonville Main Celebrant: Bishop Felipe Estévez For details, call (904) 777-3168

Eucharistic Congress Theme: “Renew Your Heart” Friday Keynote: Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta Saturday Keynote: Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, Honduras Prime Osborn Convention Center, Jacksonville For details, visit FloridaEucharist.org

January 24 Confirmation for Adults Celebrant: Bishop Felipe Estévez 10:30 a.m., Epiphany Catholic Church, Lake City Call Erin at (904) 262-3200 for details

FOR MORE DIOCESAN, PARISH AND ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS, visit www.dosafl.com/events

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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católico San Agustín

Noviembre/Diciembre 2015

dosafl.com

Ministerio de Trabajadores Agrícolas Una Oportunidad para Servir POR LORENA ESPINOZA

WOODY HUBAND

Olga Lara-Moser Directora de Farm Workers Ministry

34

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

“Y el Rey les dirá: ‘En verdad les digo que cuanto hicieron a uno de estos hermanos míos más pequeños, a mí me lo hicieron” (Mt. 25, 40) Como todos los años, el Ministerio de Trabajadores Agrícolas de la Diócesis de San Agustín (Farm Workers Ministry) trabajan arduamente en sus dos programas, “Canastas de Comida para Acción de Gracias y “Toy for Joy” para la Navidad.

“Estos programas consisten en dar a las familias y niños de Crescent City y sus alrededores, canastas con productos alimenticios que podrán ser utilizados para preparar su cena de Acción de Gracias y regalos de Navidad para los más pequeños.

Para ello, pedimos la colaboración de iglesias hermanas, colegios u otras organizaciones”, nos explica Olga Lara, Directora del Farm Workers Ministy.

mensaje del obispo l Feliz Navidad

Renovación de las promesas bautismales en Navidad

WOODY HUBAND

POR EL OBISPO MONS. FELIPE J. ESTÉVEZ

Sofia Chávez Martínez y su hija Elizabeth Borja

Se prepara una lista con los productos que las entidades y personas pueden donar. Asimismo, se confecciona más de 600 ángeles para el árbol de navidad. Cada angelito contiene el nombre de la familia, el nombre del niño, género y edad. De esta manera, las personas sabrán quién recibirá sus regalos.

“Quiero dar las gracias por la canasta de comida y los regalos de Navidad que mi familia y yo recibimos el año pasado. Es una verdadera bendición todo lo que este ministerio hace por nosotros. No tengo palabras para describir su generosidad.”, comenta Sofía Chávez Martínez, de origen mexicano, quien ayuda como voluntaria y vive con su familia de cinco en Crescent City.

El año pasado se repartieron cerca de 200 canastas el Día de Acción de Gracias y entregaron regalos a más de 500 niños en Navidad.

Este año, la entrega de juguetes se realizará el 20 de diciembre en la Iglesia St. Juan Bautista de Crescent City.

Pero el Ministerio de Trabajadores Agrícolas no sólo se dedica a estos dos programas. Su trabajo por los demás es más complejo y durante todo el año.

Ellos se encargan de ayudar a las familias de bajos recursos del sector, con el pago de los servicios básicos como la luz, agua, alcantarillado, gas, y renta. Además, distribuyen comida todos los días lunes, y pañales y comida para bebés.

Asimismo, cuenta con programas especiales como el dental, visión, referencias médicas, asistencia migratoria, referidos de ayuda legal y servicio de transportación en casos de emergencia.

“Me llena de satisfacción ver como los hijos de estas familias han asistido a escuela y han salido adelante. Ya tenemos un asistente de dentista, un asistente de

El Niño de Belén nos comunica nada menos que el amor totalmente impensable de Dios hacia el hombre. Radical en sus profundidades, sin límites en su despliegue, su amor revela una belleza que es el esplendor de la verdad: La Palabra se hizo carne y habitó entre nosotros, y vimos su gloria, gloria como del unigénito del Padre, lleno de gracia y de verdad (Jn 1,14). La verdad inagotable y belleza de la Navidad de Nuestro Señor ha inspirado a los cristianos a través de los siglos a poner en palabras, música y arte algo del misterio y la realidad de la Navidad. De hecho, nuestro querido Agustín, el gran teólogo y filósofo, cuyos escritos tan fuertemente han influido en el desarrollo del cristianismo occidental, eligió el Salmo 84 para citarlo en Navidad: La verdad ha brotado de la tierra, y la justicia ha mirado desde los cielos. Tan completo como este salmo puede ser en su perfección como una expresión del amor de Dios, Agustín va más allá, intentando una y otra vez fijar su mente alrededor de este evento verdaeramente increíble: “Él es el Uno por quien han sido hechas todas las cosas y, en Navidad, ¿Quién se ha hecho en medio de todas las cosas?... Creador de los cielos y la tierra, nacido en la tierra debajo de los cielos. Indeciblemente sabio, Él es sabiamente sin palabras. El que lleno el universo, Él ahora yace en un pesebre. Gobernante de las estrellas, Él se amamanta en el seno de su madre. Él es grande en la naturaleza de Dios y pequeño en la forma de un siervo, pero su grandeza no se ve disminuida por su pequeñez, ni Su pequeñez abrumado por su grandeza”. (Sermón 191).

Esto debería continuar sorprendiéndonos, como dijo el Papa Benedicto XVI en la Misa de Gallo hace tres años, “que Dios se hace un niño para que lo amemos, para que nos atrevamos a amarlo, y como un niño permite confiadamente tenerlo en nuestros brazos. Es como si Dios estuviera diciendo: Yo sé que mi gloria te asusta, así que ahora voy a ti como un niño, de modo que me puedas aceptar y amar”. De la misma manera, nuestra Diócesis es excepcionalmente bendecida por tener como patrona a la Virgen de la Leche

y del Buen Parto. Cuando miramos a la Virgen, la siempre Madre virginal de Dios, y el Divino Niño que ella acuna en sus brazos, es Navidad en nuestros corazones. La Palabra de Dios se hizo carne en toda sencillez, y no podemos dejar de estar maravillados.

Dado que nuestro Dios es amor (1 Jn 4, 8), y la alegría es un fruto del amor, recordemos entonces con alegría esta temporada en la que Dios se ha hecho presente en nuestras vidas y Él mismo se muestra benevolente en sus bendiciones. De manera particular, nuestra Diócesis pone fin a los 450 años de la fundación de la ciudad y de la comunidad de fe de San Agustín. Fue el amor compartido de Cristo que sirvió de inspiración a este año de celebraciones conmemorativas, y nuestra alegría colectiva en comunión es precisamente la del Evangelio que nuestro Santo Padre, Francisco, habla a menudo, una alegría que llena, nos desborda y da vida por una participación más activa en la misión evangelizadora de Jesús.

De hecho, heredamos este llamado a compartir la Buena Nueva con todos los necesitados en virtud de nuestro único bautismo en Cristo.

Aquel quien nos ha revelado al Padre, nos revela también el “rostro de la misericordia del Padre”, que el Papa Francisco nos invita a contemplar en el próximo Jubileo extraordinario de la Misericordia. Con “sentimientos de gratitud por todo lo que la Iglesia ha recibido, y con un sentido de responsabilidad por las tareas futuras”, nos recuerda el Santo Padre que “la misericordia siempre será mayor que cualquier pecado”, y buscamos el perdón de Dios en nuestras vidas con el fin de que esta “nueva iniciativa para todos los cristianos” nos animará a “dar testimonio de nuestra fe con mayor entusiasmo y convicción”.

(Misericordia Vultus).

Mi deseo de Navidad para todos ustedes, en palabras de Agustín, es que Él que no desprecio nuestros pobres inicios, perfeccione su obra en nosotros, y Él que deseaba a causa de nosotros convertirse en el Hijo del hombre, nos convierta en los hijos e hijas de Dios. Ofrezcamos la renovación de las promesas bautismales como un regalo a Él en esta Navidad, y podamos siempre decir con María, hágase en mí según tu palabra (Lc 1,38).

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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Nuestra Señora

enfermería y un maestro. Nos sentidos tan bien que hemos podido ayudar a esas familias”, detalla Olga Lara.

Otros de los servicios que ofrecen son: las tutorías para los niños, clases de inglés como segunda lengua, traducciones, servicio de notaria, las canastas en Pascua y la repartición de mochilas con útiles escolares.

“Este año se repartieron más de 200 mochilas. Hay niños que realmente las necesitan y se emocionan mucho al recibirlas. Soy feliz de servir a esta comunidad a la cual considero como mi familia.”, comparte Rosa Gómez, quien lleva trabajando para este ministerio por ocho años, seis como voluntaria y dos como empleada medio tiempo.

Además de las generosas donaciones, este ministerio se ayuda con la venta de mercadería en su tiendita. Los fondos van destinados para solventar todos sus programas.

Este ministerio es una organización sin fines de lucro que fue establecido en 1992 por Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de San Agustín.

La misión principal es proveer asistencia, soporte y guía a los trabajadores agrícolas y migrantes que trabajan en las zonas rurales de la diócesis.

CAPILLA SANTUARIO EN HONOR A

n la Misión de Nombre de Dios, el pasado 11 de octubre, el Obispo Felipe Estévez de la Diócesis de San Agustín, dedicó una capilla Santuario a Nuestra Señora de la Leche.

“Este santuario tiene un valor invaluable debido a su importancia histórica y teológica”, afirmó el Obispo Estévez.

Los trabajos de renovación en la Iglesia Príncipe de Paz se iniciaron en febrero de este año. Príncipe de Paz fue originalmente construida y bendecida por el Arzobispo Joseph P. Hurley, el 17 de abril de 1966.

El principal cambio fue la extensión de unos 2.500 pies cuadrados a la Iglesia, y que ahora son parte de la Capilla Santuario de Nuestra Señora de La Leche.

Su altar cuenta con una nueva configuración: una gran estatua de Nuestra Señora de La Leche y estatuas más pequeñas que representan a San José, custodio de Jesucristo; San Francisco de Asís, fundador de la orden franciscana cuyos misioneros evangelizaron los nativos americanos en la Florida durante dos siglos; St. Katherine Drexel, fundadora de las Hermanas del Santísimo Sacramento para servir a los 36

nativos americanos y los afro-americanos, y Santa Kateri Tekawitha, el primer santo nativo americano en los Estados Unidos y Canadá.

A su vez, las mejoras estructurales incluyen también dos oficinas para los sacerdotes asignados a la ermita que proporcionará los servicios litúrgicos, peregrinaciones y una identidad pastoral de evangelización en curso. Hay nuevos confesionarios, una nueva sacristía y pórtico de entrada, un nuevo sistema de sonido, pisos y capacidad para 200 a 300 personas.

Desde el siglo 17, la devoción a la Virgen de la Leche se ha mantenido viva por un sinnúmero de personas de fe que viajan de todas partes del mundo al santuario, buscando la intercesión de nuestra Madre Santísima para un embarazo y nacimiento de su hijo seguros; para las familias, el fortalecimiento de su fe, y la curación del cáncer de mama y otras enfermedades.

En 2012, el Vaticano aprobó la solicitud del Obispo Estévez para celebrar 11 de octubre como día festivo diocesana anual en honor a la Virgen de la Leche, elevando aún más el estado del santuario.

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Rosa Gómez, trabaja en el Ministerio de Trabajadores Agrícolas por 8 años

Si usted quiere ser parte de este ministerio, puede comunicarse con Olga Lara.

2725 B Highway 17 South, Crescent City, FL 32043 Teléfono: (386) 698 4234 email: olgafwm@aol.com Horario de atención: lunes, miércoles y jueves

WOODY HUBAND

E

SCOTT SMITH

de laLeche

el santo del mes l San Juan Diego SAN JUAN DIEGO

El confidente de la dulce Señora del Tepeyac

San Juan Diego nació en 1474 en Cuauhtitlán, México. Cuando nació recibió el nombre de Cuauhtlatoatzin, que quiere decir “el que habla como águila”.

Juan Diego perteneció a la más numerosa y baja clase del Imperio Azteca, sin llegar a ser esclavo. Se dedicó a trabajar la tierra y fabricar matas, las que luego vendía.

Atraído por la doctrina de los Padres Franciscanos llegados a México en 1524, recibió el bautismo junto con su esposa María Lucía. Una vez celebrado el matrimonio cristiano, vivió castamente hasta la muerte de su esposa, fallecida en 1529.

Hombre de fe, fue coherente con sus obligaciones bautismales, nutriendo regularmente su unión con Dios mediante la eucaristía y el estudio del catecismo.

En el momento en que Juan Diego se queda viudo, se va a vivir con su tío Juan Bernardino en Tolpetlac, a sólo 14 kilómetros de la iglesia de Tlatilolco, Tenochtitlán.

Durante una de sus caminatas camino a Tenochtitlán, que solían durar tres horas a través de montañas y poblados, ocurre la primera aparición de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, en el lugar ahora conocido como “Capilla del Cerrito”, donde la Virgen María le habló en su idioma, el náhuatl.

Luego del milagro de Guadalupe, Juan

Diego fue a vivir a un pequeño cuarto pegado a la capilla que alojaba la santa imagen, tras dejar todas sus pertenencias a su tío Juan Bernardino.

Pasó el resto de su vida dedicado a la difusión del relato de las apariciones entre la gente de su pueblo.

Murió en 1548, a la edad de 74 años. Juan Diego fue beatificado en abril de 1990 y canonizado el 31 de julio de 2002 por el Papa Juan Pablo II, quien viajó a Ciudad de México para presidir la ceremonia.

En espíritu de pobreza y de vida humilde Juan Diego recorrió el camino de la santidad, dedicando mucho de su tiempo a la oración, a la contemplación y a la penitencia. Dócil a la autoridad eclesiástica, tres veces por semana recibía la Santísima Eucaristía.

Festividad: 9 de diciembre Fecha de nacimiento: En 1474 en Cuauhtitlán, México Fecha de defunción: En 1548

ENTENDIENDO

EL AÑO SANTO DE LA MISERICORDIA

¿Cuando tendrá lugar el año santo?

Se inició este año con la apertura de la Puerta Santa en el Vaticano durante la solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción, el 8 de diciembre de 2015 y concluirá del próximo El 20 de noviembre de 2016, domingo de nuestro Señor Jesucristo Rey del universo y rostro vivo de la misericordia del Padre. ¿Cómo propone el Papa Francisco vivir este año santo?

El lema de este año santo es Misericordiosos como el Padre.

“Es mi vivo deseo, dice el Papa, que el pueblo de Dios reflexione durante el Jubileo sobre obras de misericordia corporales y espirituales”. Redescubrir las obras de misericordia corporales: dar de comer al que pasa hambre, acoger al forastero, asistir a los enfermos y visitar a los presos. Y

obras de misericordia espirituales: dar consejo a quien lo necesite, consolar al afligido, corregir al que se equivoca, perdonar ofensas, rezar por los vivos y los difuntos ... ¿Qué dice la bula papal sobre el sacramento del perdón?

Se pone otra vez el sacramento de la confesión en el centro de la vida cristiana. Acudir a la confesión será fuente de verdadera paz interior. Se prevée que la iniciativa “24 horas con el Señor” se incremente cada diócesis el próximo año. ¿El año santo habla de oración?

Para ser capaces de misericordia, en primer lugar debemos colocarnos a la escucha de la Palabra de Dios.

De este modo es posible contemplar la misericordia de Dios y asumirla como propio estilo de vida. ¿Quién llega a cruzar la Puerta Santa de la misericordia?

La peregrinación es un signo peculiar en el año santo, porque es imagen del camino que cada persona realiza en su existencia. También para llegar a la Puerta Santa en Roma y en cualquier otro lugar, cada uno deberá realizar, de acuerdo con las propias fuerzas, una peregrinación.

WOODY HUBAND

¿Por qué el Papa Francisco ha convocado un Jubileo de la Misericordia?

El Papa responde: “he anunciado un Jubileo Extraordinario de la Misericordia como tiempo propicio para la Iglesia, para que haga más fuerte y eficaz el testimonio de los creyentes”.

Ordenados por el Obispo Estévez el pasado 5 de diciembre, desde la izqda. Diáconos Santiago Rosado-Rodríguez, Milton Vega y Ángel Sánchez.

Tres Nuevos Diáconos Hispanos al Servicio de la Diócesis El pasado 5 de diciembre, tres candidatos de origen hispano fueron ordenados Diáconos por el Obispo de San Agustín, Felipe Estévez.

Ellos son el Dr. Santiago Rosado, de la Iglesia de San Sebastián; Milton Vega, quien trabaja en el Apostolado del Mar de la Diócesis y Parroquia Blessed Trinity y Ángel Sánchez, de la Parroquia Blessed Trinity.

La Misa de Ordenación se realizó en la Parroquia St. Joseph.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

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EL VERDADERO SENTIDO DEL

calendario

Adviento POR P. WILLIAM VILLA

E

El Adviento es el comienzo del Año Litúrgico, se inicia el primer domingo de diciembre y culmina el 24 de diciembre.

La palabra latina “adventus” significa “venida”. En el lenguaje cristiano se refiere a la venida de Jesucristo.

La Liturgia de la Iglesia da el nombre de adviento a las cuatro semanas que preceden a la Navidad, y son una oportunidad para prepararnos en la esperanza y la disposición que debemos tener en este tiempo de espera a la llegada del Señor.

El color utilizado en la liturgia de la Iglesia durante esta época es el morado, el cual significa penitencia. El tiempo de adviento es un periodo privilegiado para los cristianos, ya que nos invita a recordar el pasado, nos impulsa a vivir el presente y preparar el futuro.

Es un período de preparación, esperanza y arrepentimiento de nuestros pecados 38

16 al 23 de diciembre Novena al Divino Niño en la Parroquia Queen of Peace, Salón # 4, Walsh Hall.

Hora: 7:30 p.m.

15-23 de diciembre Posadas de Navidad Cada noche visitando diferentes hogares Desde las 7:30-9:30 p.m. Más información, contactar a Tingo Maldonado al (904) 699 9188

para la llegada del Señor. En el adviento nos preparamos para la Navidad y la segunda venida de Cristo al mundo, cuando volverá como Rey de todo el universo.

Es un tiempo en el que podemos hacer un plan de vida para mejorar como seres humanos.

Esta es una época del año vamos a estar ‘bombardeados’ por la publicidad para comprar todo tipo de regalos y vamos a estar invitados a muchas fiestas. Todo esto puede llegar a hacer que nos olvidemos del verdadero sentido del Adviento.

Esforcémonos por vivir este tiempo litúrgico con profundidad y sentido cristiano. De esta manera, viviremos el verdadero sentido de la Navidad, que es Jesús. ¡Que tengan un Feliz Navidad!

Sacerdote en las comunidades de Cross City, Chiefland y Mayo.

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

15 al 25 de diciembre Posadas de Navidad en la Comunidad de Mayo Con oraciones, villancicos, y comida Más información comunicarse con la Hermana Lili al (386) 294 2126 24 de diciembre Misa de Navidad en español en la Iglesia San José a las 7:30 p.m.

17 de enero Celebración Nuestra Señora de Altagracia Iglesia San José a las 12:30 p.m.

Presidida por el Obispo Felipe Estévez 11-14 de febrero Cursillo de Hombres 18-21 de febrero Cursillo de Mujeres 11-12 de marzo Congreso Eucarístico de la Florida “Renueve su corazón” Prime F. Osborn Convention Center Más información al floridaeucharistic.org

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC

39

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