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DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER

FRIDAY, FEBRl'ARY

16, 2007

Diocesan school children ready to embark on their Lenten journey to Easter

By DAVE JOLIVET,

EDITOR

ACUSHNET - While some may view the Lenten season as a somber period of fast, abstinence and sacrifice, hundreds of Catholic school students across the Diocese of Fall River plan to use the time to grow as Christians, focusing on their own spiritual needs and the needs and well-being of others. And from that growth will sprout the joy and peace of Walking in Christ's footsteps.

Many diocesan Catholic schools have unique and meaningful activities planned to help their students, faculties and staffs walk the Lenten journey much like our Lord did during his earthly ministry.

The following is a sampling of programs and events: St. Francis Xavier School in Acushnet will take the faithful back in time more than 2,000 years with its School Agape Meal, a ritual meal at which hymns are sung, Scripture is read and testimonies and stories of the Christian faith are shared. The event, which will take place in the school gym on March 18 at 6:30 p.m., will take diners back in time to events of the very first Holy Week. Characters, portrayed by students, faculty and parents, dressed in period costumes will move about the hall as the meal is served and eaten. The actors will read from a prepared script about a particular event being portrayed. Through the efforts of nearly 20 actors and countless others behind the scenes, diners are rewarded with a fine meal and a positive Lenten experience.

The idea was a brainchild of Barbara Bonville, a language arts and religion teacher at St. Francis Xavier. "We had performed similar events on the parish level at St. Francis," Bonville told Tum to page 14 Students

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PRAYERS 'FOR THE SICK -

Father Richard L. Chretien, pastdr of Immaculate Conception and Notre Dame parishes in Fall River, anoints a woman at a Mass at Notre DamEl Church on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Father James F. Lyons and Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington are also ~een in the picture. (Story on page seven) I:

The 40 days of Lent; a period of fasting, almsgiving and conversion

By DEACON JAMES N.

FALL RIVER - Joining millions across the globe, Catholics in the Fall River Diocese will come forward on February 21 -Ash Wednesday -

to have ashes

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form of a cross as they begin the 40day penitential season of Lent in preparation for On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." Luke 24:1-5

Image and Scripture passage from the announcement of a School Agape Meal at St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet.

DUNBAR

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Unlike almost all other languages, which use derivations of the Latin "quadragesima" or "forty days," English-speaking people call it Lent from the Anglo-Saxon word for springtime, .

Lencten. It de-

"For we have not a high priest who is unable scribes the gradual to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in evety respect has been tested as we are, yet ter solstice. without sinning" (Heb 4: 15). "By the solemn 40 That Lent bedays of Lent the Church unites herself each year gins with the imto the mystety ofJesus in the desert" (GGC 540). position of ashes

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Easter's Paschal Mystery.

Lent is closely associated with the transition from winter to spring.

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''Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" (Mark 1: IS), or the more traditional solemn reminder "Remember you are Tum to page 18 - Lent

Life and times ofBishop Stang recalled on centennial ofhis death Diocese's first bishop was rememberedin prayerat Bishop Stang High School.

By

DEACON JAMES

N.

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - When Bishop Stang died on Feb. 2, 1907 just short of three years as the Fall River Diocese's first bishop after its 1904 founding, he left a legacy "as a teacher, missionary, writer and a pastor," wrote Father Barry W. Wall in his 2003 history of the diocese "Bearing Fruit By Streams of Water."

The title by the diocesan archivist is topically drawn from Bishop's

Stang's own episcopal motto taken from the Book of Sirach 39: I ~ which is translated "Bear Fruit by Streams of Water."

It was perfect for the city called Fall River, derived from the name the native Indians had long before christened it: Quequechan, which means "falling waters," after the massive wat~rfall in the center of the city whose path became Interstate 1-195. in the 1Q60s.

While a century has passed since his death at the relatively young age of 53, history reflects that Bishop Stang's gifted talents, vibrant spirituTum to page 15 - Bishop Stang

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$ NEWS

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FROM THE VATICAN

$

FEBRUARY

16, 2007

Pope says early Church grew thanks to commitment of married couples

By CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY -From the earliest days of Christianity, the faith was nourished and the church grew thanks to the commitment of believing married couples, Pope BenedictXVI said.

Continuing what he described as a verbal "portrait gallery" of important figures in the early Church, the pope focused his February 7 general audience remarks on Priscilla and Aquila, amarried couple who assisted St. Paul in his ministry in Corinth, Ephesus and Rome.

The couple not only opened their home to St. Paul, but also to all local Christians, hosting the community's gatherings to read the Scriptures and share the Eucharist, the pope said.

'1t is thanks to the faith and apostolic commitment of lay faithful, of families (and) spouses like Priscilla and Aquila that Christianity has reached our generation," the pope said The faith proclaimed by the Apostles, he said, tookroot in the lives of the people thanks to the commitment of couples and families, "and it always will be only in this way that the Church grows."

"This couple demonstrates how important is the action of Christian couples. When they are supported by the faith and a strong spirituality, their courageous commitment for the church and in the church becomes natural," he said.

Pope Benedict said Christians today should follow the example of Priscilla and Aquila.

"Every home can be transformed into a little church," not only being a

place marked by love and care for others, but particularly being a place where every activity and attitude revolves around a clear recognition that Jesus Christ is lord, he said.

While it is true that the love of a husband and wife mirrors Christ's love for his Church, the pope said, ''we also can maintain that the apostle (paul) models the life of (the) entire Church on that of the family. The Church is, in reality, the family of God." At the end of the audience, the estimated 7,000 people who participated were told - in several languages that they would sing together the Lord's Prayer in Latin and that the words had been printed on the back of their free entrance tickets.

The Prefecture of the Pontifical Household began printing the words on the tickets in mid-2oo6, but the February 7 audience marked the first time it was publicly pointed out to all the visitors.

Before his regular general audience, Pope Benedictmet in St. Peter's Basilicawith more than 2,500 pilgrims from the 10 dioceses ofItaly's Lombardy region who were accompanying their bishops to theVatican fortheir "ad limina" visits, which heads ofdioceses must make every five years.

Just two months before the scheduled publication of his new book on Jesus, the pope told the pilgrims that in order to be effective witnesses of the faith ''we need to know better the figure of Jesus, to have a knowledge that is not just second-hand, but a knowledge from an encounter with him through prayer, the liturgy and love for our neighbors."

FATHERLY BLESSING - Pope Benedict XVI blesses a child as he arrives for a recent weekly general audience at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Chris Helgren, Reuters)

Crucified Christ is reminder to protect human dignity, says pope VATICAN CITY - Contemplating Christ nailed to the cross should stimulate people to protect human dignity and "to fight every form of contempt for life," said Pope Benedict XVI in his 2007 message for Lent. ''May Lent be for every Christian a renewed experience of God's love given to us in Christ, a love that each day we, in turn, must 'regive' to our neighbor, especially to the one who suffers most and is in need,," said the message.

The message, released at theVatican, is themed, 'They shall look on him whom they have pierced." Lent begins Ash Wednesday, which this year is February. 21. Easter is April 8.

Using the Greek words "agape" and "eros,"the papal message said that love has two fundamental forms.

Agape "indicates the self-giving love ofone who looks exclusively for the good of the other:' it said.

Eros "denotes the love of one who desires to possess what he or she lacks and (eros) yeams for union with the beloved:' it said.

While agape better describes God's love for humanity "God's love is also eros," the papal message said.

'The prophet Hosea expresses this divine passion with daring images such as the love of a man for an adulterous

woman," said the papal message.

This and other Bible texts "indicate that eros is part of God's very heart: The Almighty awaits the 'yes' of his creatures as ayoung bridegroom that ofhis bride," it said.

Christ on the cross shows "a love in which eros and agape, far from being opposed,eiilighten each other:' it said. . . "oDe could rightly say that the revelation 'of God's eros toward man is, in reality, the supreme expression of his agape:' it said.

"Only the love that unites the free gift of oneself with the impassioned desire for reciprocity instills ajoy, which eases the heaviest of burdens:' it said.

Lent is a time when Christians should welcome the love of Christ and "spread it around us with every word and deed:' it said.

"Contemplating 'him whom they have pierced' moves us in this way to open our hearts to others, recognizing the wounds inflicted upon the dignity of the human person," it said.

"It moves us in particular, to fight every form of contempt for life and human exploitation and to alleviate the tragedies of loneliness and abandonment of so many people," said the papal message.

Agencies ask rich countries to prove they will increase aid VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Two international Catholic organizations have asked the world's richest counTHE WAVE - Pope Benedict XVI greets nuns as he arrives for a tries to prove they are serious about special Mass for consecrated men and women in St. Peter's Bathe promise to increase development silica at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Daria Pignatelli, Reuters) aid and halve world poverty by 2015.

Caritas Internationalis, the ~ OFFICIAL NEWSPlPEROF THE ·-1 Vatican-based umbrella organization for national Catholic charities, and Member. Catholic Press Association, Catholic News service the International Cooperation for Published weekly except for two weeks in the summer and the week after Development and Solidarity, or Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, CIDSE, an alliance of 15 Catholic Fall Riv~r, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 50&:675-7048, email: development organizations from theanchot@anchomeWS.org. SUbscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

1 send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall Rivet, MA, call c;lrl.lSe $mall address Europe and North America, PUBU$HSR • Most Reverend GeorgeW. launched their campaign February i EXECUTIVE EDITOR FatherRogerJ.Landry fath. omews.org I ! EDITOR DavldB.Jolivet da~jollv i 8 at the Vatican. i NEWS EDITOR Deacon James N. Dunbar jlmdunbar@a homews.org I The campaign, "Make Aid Work: ! REPORTER Mike Gordon mikegort!oll@allchom8Ws.org· The World Can't Wait:' is aimed at I. OFFICE MANAGER Mary Chase marychase@anchornews.org I i Send Letters to the Editor to: futherrogerlandry@anchomews.org I reminding the world's richest nations that they made concrete com: POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, fall RiVer, MA 02...7....2 2._1 l.__ THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020) Periodical Postage Paid at .fall River, Mass.

1 mitments and that the citizens who

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voted for their governments expect them to act, said Duncan MacLaren, secretary general of Caritas.

The campaign consists of sending postcards to ·government leaders before the June G-8 summit meeting of the leaders of the world's eight richest nations and having cardinals and bishops meet government officials before the summit to remind the politicians oftheir commitments.

MacLaren said the Catholic organizations want the G-8 member nations to give reports at the summit on what they have accomplished and on their specific plans to meet the goals.

At the same time, the campaign will remind the governments of the world's poorest countries that they promised to devote the money freed up from debt relief and increased aid

to fund health, education and development projects.

MacLaren said the Millennium Development Goals, adopted by almost 200 U.N. member nations in 2000 to slash global poverty in half by 2015, "are not utopian" but rather outline practical steps to reduce poverty and to improve health and education.

Christiane Overkamp, secretary general of CIDSE, said the year 2000 campaign for debt relief and the campaign to promote adoption of the millennium goals showed that progress comes when millions of people around the world pressure their governments to act.

The Catholic organizations have set up a campaign Website at www.make-aid-work.org.

j

FEBRUARY

16,2007

,

The Anchor

$ own. With him we can do great crated Life describes our globalized 'I things for the Lord. Hpwever, if we society as having "positive and negawere to wait until we thought we tive forces in which 'not only are I' were good enough to do God's work, technology and economy globalized, nothing would ever get done! Let us but also insecurity and fear, and pray to God for the grace and violence, injustices and war.'''

The document then stresses the strength we need to r~spond to his call to be a prophet, for God can do import:apce ofthe prophetic dimension great things through uS, despite our of consecrated life: ''In this situation, consecrated persons are called by the sinfulness and weakness.

Today we also c~mmemorate - Spirit to give new vigor to the proWorld Day for Consec~ted Life. We phetic dimension of their vocation. are mindful of those to whom God They are 'called to place their very gives a special voc!ltion in the existence at the service ofthe cause of Church, a vocation to witness to him the Kingdom of God, leaving everythrough the evangelical counsels, thing behind and'closely imitating the Through the living of tllese counsels form oflife ofJesus Christ. In this way, shines the vocation from God. consecrated persons assume a most Through them the message is given important teaching role for the whole that when God calls, he also gives People of God.''' th~ grace to do what otherwise might On behalf of all in our Diocese be considered impossible. Today we ofFall River, I thank those leading a thank God for those teligious and consecrated life for the witness you consecrated persons iJ;1 our diocese give to all of us. Your lives, transwho faithfully bear this witness in formed by the evangelical counsels, our midst. I want to thank, in par- become a prophetic and silent witticular, those consecrated persons ness and at the same time an eiowho are present at this Mass as we quent protest against an inhuman commemorate World Day for Con- world. May God continue to grant secrated Life. you his love and grace that your witA recent document from the Con- ness may ever be present in this logregation for Institut~s of Conse- cal Church of Fall River. -

crime

THEIR DAY - Scores of religious priests, Sisters and Brothers attended the Mass at S1. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River, celebrated by Bishop George W. Coleman on World Day for Consecrated Life on February 3. (Photo by Eric Rodrigues) -

Religious gather to celebrate vocations Bishop George If. Coleman gathered with religious priests, BrothersaluJSistersforaMasscelebrating World Day for Conse-, crated Life on February 3 at St. Mary's CathedraL Thefollowing is the bishop~ homilyfrom that Mass.

which many may not wish to hear.

Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" And Isaiah's response was a simple and heartfelt acceptimce of God's invitation, "Here I am," he said, "send me." .Today's first reading introduces The Gospel tells us that Simon us to the Prophet Isaiah and'helps us Peter, the fisherman, had a similar understand the role of a prophet.' experience - a glimpse of the aweThat role, pronounced in the Old some majesty ofChrist, who had en, Testament, is fulfilled in Jesus abled him to take a m4'aculous draft Christ, the prophet, who shares with offish. Like Isaiah, Simon was very us his prophetic rote. Those who conscious of his unworthiness in the preach God'~ Word carry a message presence ofthe divine. Falling to his that reaches beyond racial, political knees, he exclaimed, "Depart' from aIld religious boundaries. A genuine me, Lord. I am a sinner:' prophet is always reluctant and Such a sense of unworthiness knows the dangers of the task. In could be paralyzing. Or it could be today's first reading we heard Isaiah liberating - and that was the case exclaim, "Woe is me' I am with both Isaiah and Simon. And it, doomed'" was only when Simon recognized , As Isaiah recognized that he was his personal inadequacy that Jesus a man of unclean lips, a seraph called him to be a fisher of men. Far cleansed them with coals offire. Far from departing from Simon the sinfrom being intimidated and reduced, ner, Jesus has come among us sinto silence by God's majesty, Isaiah ners to raise us above our limitations, was empowered to become his to overcome our sinfulness and enprophet. His glimpse of the Lord's able us to share in God's own life . presence and power became a source and glory. ofhope and strength. God was in the Far from reducing the prophet midst of his people and would pro- and the fisherman to inactivity, these tect them, if only they would turn to. glimpses of God's power and majhim and trust him. esty became a source of strength, Isaiah also understood the diffi- enabling them to work for the Lord. culty of speaking to those to whom Once they had learned to trust, not he has been sent, who also are de- in their own feeble efforts, but in scribed as "a people of unclean lips." God's power"they were able to do He ~ew God's Word to be always ' great things for the Lord. That is also just, ~thful and graCious. But it is the message ofMary's "Magnificat:' not always welcome, because it is in which she proclaimed that the also a sword that'penetrates human Lord had looked on her nothingness hearts and exposes the foundations and done great things for 'her and ' of falsehood and injustice. Sooner - through her. or later the prophet must confront Today's readings are about the his own people with this life-giving vocation of a great prophet and of, and penetrating Word. The first char- the leader of the apostles. But Jesus acteristic ofthe prophet, then, is that calls each one of us to follow him he is chosen by God; it is not a task and to work for him. The task can' that the person himself would seem daunting and impossible - if choose to undertake. we think only of our limitations. But Another characteristic of the when God calls us, he will give us prophet is that he is "sent." In the the strength to do his will. We come case ofIsaiah, heis sent to speak to to realize we are not acting alone. his own people a message from God, . We are told that the apostles left

everything and followed Jesus. They gave up their security and journeyed into a yet unknown future with Jesus.

For us, leaving everything means abandoning our self-sufficiency and our trusting in God's power, not our

"We c~tmot' direct the wind, hut we can adjust the sails."

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$ THE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH .~.

Stats confirm Church growth, especially in Asia, Africa 4

By JOHN

FEBRUARY

16, 2007

THAVIS

cent, over the previous year. . Broken down by continent, the VATICAN. CITY ..:- The latest increase was 3.8 percent in Asia Vatican statistics confirm that the and 3.6 percent in Africa. Europe Church's population and ministe- and the Americas showed a derial workforce are· continuing to crease of about half a percentage sh~ft to developing countries, espoint in the number of priests, pecially those in Africa and Asia. while the number dropped 1. 8 Figures released February 12 percent in Oceania. showed thatthe overall numbero'f The global distribution of Catholics increased to nearly 1.12 . priests continued to swing slowly billion at the end of 2005, an in- toward Africa and Asia, which at the end of 2005 crease of 1.5 per-· CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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. cent from the The distribution numbers· had 20.3 perprevious year. were relatively unchanged cent of the The Catholic for the Americas, which. world's priests; l' n 1985 that gr.owih rate w a s ' has about 30 percent of the number ' was . slightly higher than the rate of total number of priests. about 11 peroverall popula- - - - - - - - - - - - - cent. Europe tion increase, which was 1.2 per- continued to lose priests and was cent. Catholics now represent 17.2 home to 48.8 percent of the world percent of the global population, total; in 1985, Europe had 58 perthe Vatican said. cent of the world's priests.

The statistics were released in The distribution numbers were connection with the presentation . relatively· unchanged .for ,the . ofthe 2007 edition oftheVatican Americas, which has about 30 yearbook, known as the Annuario· percent .of the total number of Pontificio, which catalogs the priests; and for Oceania, which church's presence in each·diocese. has about one percent of the toThe Church's populat.ion grew tal. fastest in Africa, where the num-.

Regarding seminarians, the . ber of Catholics increased 3.1 per- Vatican said that globally thfe cent in 2005, about half a percent- number increased 1.2 percent in age point higher than the overall 2005, from 113,044 to 114,439. population growth rate on the con- Africa led the way with an intinent. crease of 3.46 percent, followed In Asia, the number of Catho- by Asia with 2.9 percent. lics was up 2.7 percent, and in the The Americas had an increase Americas up 1.2 percent. In Eu- in seminarians of 0.6 percent, rope, there was a very slight in- while Oceania remainedvirtlially crease in the number of Catholics, unchanged. In· Europe, the numthe Vatican said. ber of seminarians dropped 1.9 Similar geographical differ- percent. ences were reflected in the numFor every 100 seminarians in ber of priests and seminarians. the world at the end of 2005, 32 The number of Catholic priests were from the Americas, 26 were around the world was 406,411 at Asian, 21 African, 20. European the end of i005. That was an in- andone from Oceania,the Vatican crease of 520, or about Q.l per- said.

YOUNG HELPER - The child of a migrant worker sits in an onion field during harvest near Omerlerkoy, Turkey, last August. The Vatican's repr~sentativeat the U.N. recently said that migrant workers around the globe deserve "equal pay and equal protectiof! under the law." Archbishop Celestino Migliore made his remarks during ameeting at the United Nations. (CNS photo/Umit Bektas, Reuters)

Vatican official: World must balance ~ocial justice, development .By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

said. They need access to decent, safe· and ~g jobs, he said. '''The world is far too rich to let the scandal of extreme poverty continue.due to lack of imagination or politics of neglect," he said.

Archbishop Migliore said that given the drainatic shifts in the'population pyramid in many countries,. governments would be well-advised to encourage older people to remain in the job market, for e2'ample through greater flexibility in pension systems. . Women in the workforce continue to be overlooked or undervalued, he . said, leading to discrimination against them in rich and poor countries.

Working parents may need spe- . cial assistance protected by law so that essential child-raising responsibilities are not neglected, he said.

They also need fair wages, which will eliminate the necessity sometimes forced upon the very poor to require their children to work too, he said. .. .

The archbishop said it is now common to outsource production to poorer countries far from where goods are consumed. The practice, often motivated by pressure for higher profits, has brought work to . many in the developing world, but has inevitably disturbed job sectors in richer countries, he said.

FEBRUARY

16, 2007

'THE CHURCH IN THE

U.S. ,

51

,Iowa Cat~olic Conference opposes removing ban on human cloning I

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maintained and taxpayer money DES MOINES, Ibwa (CNS) ' I should not be used "to fund reThe Iowa CatholicI' Conference search that requires the destruchas urged the Legisl:1iture to reject tion of human life."

Gov. Chet Culver's groposal to lift "Contrary to some media rethe state ban on cloning of human ports, Iowa law does not restrict embryos for medical research and research with embryonic stem providing state funding for such cells," it said in a statement two research. weeks ago.

"It simply bans human In a separate development, the Florida Catholic Conference sup- cloning."

In a footnote, the conference ported a bill introduded in its state 'I asked media to use language acLegislature and ba9,ked by Gov. curately reflecting the current law Charlie Crist that would ban state when they report on the issue. funding for research on any human "There is currently no ban on emembryo lines other than those that bryonic stem-cell research in were federally approved in 2001.

Iowa," it said: "The current ban In a speech at the University of LEGAL MIND - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia d~livers an address on "Interpreting the I' on cloning simply does not allow Constitution" at lona College in New Rochelle, N.Y., recently. Scalia, a Catholic, describep himself as Iowa in January, Culver said he' for new embryos to, be created for an "originalist," someone who sees the Constitution as a democratically adopted legal document that would ask the IOW~,! L~gislature research by cloning." "to repeal the ban on stem-cell redoes not change. (CNS photo/Chris Sheridan) In the statement, the confersearch in this state" and "pass new legislation allowing embryonic ence'said it encour~ges stem-cell research that does not involve the stem-cell research."

He also announceCl that in the destruction of human life, such as budget he would present to the on stem cells derived from adult NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (CNS) "It is that rock to which the repub- to exist now do, because the co~ says Legislature he wa~ including tissue, amniotic fluid and placen- U.S. Supreme Court Justice lic is anchored;" he'said. 'The Consti- so." $12.5 million to develop such re- tal and umbilical-cord blood.

"To date there is not a single Antonin Scalia said that the Constitu- tution says some things and doesn't The danger of allowing the court search by building l\ Center for tion is not a living document and say others. to find such rights, he said, is that it Regenerative Medicine at the uni- clinical use derived from embryonic stem-cell research," it said. should not be rewritten ~h year by versity.

"If the Constitution does not speak stifles debate. the unelected justices of the Supreme to a matter, it's for the democratic pro"Once you read that 'no state can Tom Chapman, Iowa Catholic "However, adult stem-cell reCourt. cess to provide an answer;' he said. prohibit abortion/ there is no use de- Conference e~ecutive director, search has resulted in numerous Scalia delivered an address titled "If you want something, you persuade bating it. Abortion has been driven off said a bill to reverse '. the ban on clinical therapies to treat many "On Interpreting the.Constitution" at your fellow citizens that it's a good the democratic stage, coast to coast;' , human embryonic clo~ing was in- cancers, anemias, blood diseases .Iona C-ollege in New Rochelle,.where , idea and pass a law." he said, preventing individual states ,troduced in the state ~enate Feb- and autoimmune diseases - just he is the Jack Rudin and John G. Scalia said that "over the past 40 from passing laws that reflect the ruary 6. n would bar!i"reproduc- to name a few."

The bill in 'Florida, introduced Driscoll distinguished visiting profes- or 50 years, the philosophy of a liv- wishes of their residents. tive" human cloning! but would , by Rep. Anitere Flores, a Miamisor for the spring semester. The Janu- ing, or evolving, Constitution has beState legislatures do not resist this, permit such cloning {or "theraDade County Republican, would ary 23 lecture was attended by 700 stu- come popular. It is enormously seduc- Scalia said, because "they love ourtak- peutic" purposes, meaning uses provide funding for research only dents, faculty and alumni, as well as tive. You, think everything yO\! care ing the heat off them by coming out that involve destruction of the officials from New Rochelle and about passionately is there in the Con- with a constitutional decision. They cloned embryo for 4edical re- on those already existing cloned Westchester County. stitution. Everything comes out the love our taking the 'big P; off their search or for treatment"of diseases human embryo lines that were ap" Scalia, a Catholic" described him- way you want it to." back." if research uncovers such treat- proved for federal funding in Au'I gust 2001. Crist has said he supself as an "originalist," someone who . As an originalist, Scalia¡ said he ments.

He rejected the idea, saying that the ports that approach. sees the Constitution as a democrati- Constitution "is not an empty bottle looks for what the original intent of Chapman told Catholic News Michael Sheedy, associate dically adopted legal document that does to be filled up by each generation." the Constitution was. "I think that any- , Service that he thinks the confernot change. rector of health at the Florida Scalia said, ''Rights that never used thing that was constitutional in 1799 ence can get the support needed Catholic Conference, said Flores' is constitutional today," he said. to defeat the bill "once 'people unbill "is an imperfect approach, be"Originalism will riot always give you derstand we're talking About cloncause it relies on the previous deing." an answer you like, but you have to " judge based on legitimacy and not The conference, wh'lch worked struction of defenseless human WASHINGTON (CNS) - Pax with the Legislature in f002 to es- embryos. However, we will not While calling for withdrawal of whether you like it."

Christi USA has been gathering sig- U.S. troops, the ad also says, ''This Scalia, who was confirmed by a tablish legislation banning the object to it, since it precludes natures for an advertisement that will nation must take economic responsi- vote of98-0 in the Senate in 1986, said cloning of human erttbryos in funding for future destruction of call for "a complete reversal of U.S. bility for the destruction and chaos that that he doubted that he would be con- Iowa, said the ban should be human embryos." policy" in Iraq, including a withdrawal has been unleashed. Nothing short of firmed if he was nominated today. of U.S. troops.

"What has changed?" he asked. a modem'<!ay Marshall Plan is needed 'The U.S. is not the honest broker to rebuild infrastructure and create .''The American people figured it ou~.

The Franciscans who can craft peace among the Sunnis, jobs." Under the Marshall Plan, mas- When they select someone to be on Immaculate Conception Province Shiites and Kurds. Our continued mili- sive U.S. aid helped Western EW'Ope . the Supreme Court, they're selecting (OFM) tary presence is counterproductive," rebuild from the destruction ofWorld someone to rewrite the Constitution Vocation Director: says the ad, which Pax Christi plans Warn. the way they like it. It's like having a Dr. Charles Gingerich, ofm to run in the March 16 issue ofthe NaThe ad also calls ,on President mini-Constitutional Convention every Email: Charles848@aol.com tional Catholic Reporter. ' George W. Bush and Congress to as~ time you appoint someone to the SuWeb Site: "Four years ,after launching an il- sure funding of ''full benefits, adequate preme Court."

WWW.FRANCISCANVOC,ORG legal and immoral war, it is time to health care and ongoing support for The result is a Constitution whose bring the U.S. occupation of Iraq to all returning U.S. service personnel. meaning is determined by the major1-800-521-5442 (days) an end;' the ad says.

1-888-521-5442 (evenings) It asks the government to "com- ity of the people, "but the Constitu978-863-0042 Pax Christi USA is the U.S. branch mence authentic efforts toresolve the tion is supposed to protect us from the 978-863-0041 (evenings only) of an international Catholic peace Israeli-Palestinian conflict and seek majority;' he concluded.

FAX: 978-863-0172 movement committed to nonviolence a regional ~olution to the ongoing Scalia, 70, graduated as the valeUSA as a means ofconflict resolution. "For plight of refugees in the greater dictorian of both his high school and 459 River Road all who would believe that ~olence Middle East."

Georgetown University in WashingAndover, MA 01810-4213 can serve any productive'purpose, the Johnny Zokovitch, Pax Christi's ton. He graduated magna cum laude CANADA tragic experience in Iraq should be' communications director, said the sig- from Harvard Law School. He and his 2210 Lawrence Ave, East ample evidence to the contrary," the nature campaign began in early Janu- wife, Maureen, have nine grown chilTorontoONT. M1P2P9 ad says. dren. ary. It was to end February 15.

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Scalia: Constitution is not a living ,document for justices to rewrite

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The light is on for you 'On Wednesday, Catholics throughout our diocese will fonn lengthy lines to receive ashes on their foreheads along with an instruction, The instruction can take one of two fonns, each of which helps to orient us about the point of the season of Lent.

The first is "Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return!" This recalls man's creation from the dust of the earth, when "God fonned man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; thus man became a living being" (Gen 2:7), Man is dust, but at the same time more than dust; he also has a soul breathed into him by God. Lent is a privileged occasion for us to ask ourselves and ask God how our soul is doing. Ashes, too, are a stark reminder that each of us will die and our body,will for a time return to the dust from which we , came. Lent is the time we ask if we are ready to die and to meet'the Lord, The second fonn of the instruction teaches us how to get our souls ready for that encounter: "Tum away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." This is a paraphrase of Jesus' first homily, when in Galilee he proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ,and be'tieve in the good news" (Mk 1: 15). Through his ministers, Jesus says the same thing to each of us when we come to receive ashes. He reminds u~ that the time of waiting is over and the doors to his kingdom are wide open; therefore, we need to tufll away from everything that keeps us from thatkingdom and follow him with faith into it.

To tum away from siri, frominfidelity to the Gospel, is the first step, We cannot serve two masters. As we proclaim every time someone is about to cross the threshold Of the kingdom through baptism, entrance requires that we reject sin and all Satan's counterfeit promises and evil works. To remain in the kingdom, we must continue that rejection and live as God's children.

Sometimes, however, we do not. Like the pr<.>digal son in Jesus' famous parable, we can turn our back on our Father, wander far from the kingdom and squander the inheritance of .grace, Lent is the privileged . occasion in which we, like the prodigal son, "come to our senses" (Lk 15:17) and make the journey home- and God, overflowing with mercifullove, runs out to meet us, .

The place of our' dramatic embrace, the new portal of the kingdom, is the sacrament of reconciliation. Through it we, like the prodigal son, are restored to our status as beloved children in our Father's kingdom, Like the son in the parable, we come to confess that we have sinned against God and others. Our Father not only forgives us, but starts a celebration, declaring that heaven rejoices more over our return than over 99 who, like the Blessed Virgin, never left.

If we wish to live a good Lent, the most important means is a good confession, because it is through this sacrament that we come to experience personally the joy and the fruits of Easter. Jesus implied in the parable that absolution is tantamount to resurrection. "This son of mine was . dead," the Father declares, "but has been brought to life again," Jesus made this connection between the sacramental forgiveness of sins and Easter joy obvious by establishing the sacrament on the day he rose from the dead. After passing through the closed'doors of the upper room that 'sunday evening, he wishe,d the Apostles peace and then gave them the power to establish peace between sinners and God, "Just as the Father sent me," he declared, "so I send you." The Father had sent Jesus to save ~s from our sins and make eternal life possible, and Jesus was sending the Apostles with the same mission. Because no one can forgive sins but God alone (Mk 2:7), Jesus breathed on the Apostles and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." Then he established the essential structure of the sacrament: "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (In 20: 1'1-23). Since Jesus did not give them the' ability to read minds and hearts, the only way they would ~ow which sins to forgive and which sins to retain is if penitent men and women confessed their sins to them.

For decades in some segments of the Church, this great gift of God has been underappreciated and underutilized. Thankfully that seems to pe changing. In recent years, several dioceses have begun to call attention to the sacrament with "Reconciliation Weekends," during which confessions are heard all weekend long in every parish. On one such weekend a few years ago in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 1,100 priests heard the confessions of more than 100,000 penitents. This year, the Archbishop and priests of Washington, D.C., have announced a different approach that has likewise garnered a lot of attention and enthusiasm: throughout Lent, in addition to other regularly-scheduled times, confessions will be heard every Wednesday night from 7-8:30 p.m. in every parish of the Archdiocese. They have called this outreach, "The light is on for you."

Like the priests in Philadelphia and the nation's capital, the priests within the Diocese of Fall River will also tum on the light of their confessionals, churches and shrines in extended hours this Lent - in missions, in penance services, and additional nights and days. It is the light of Christ, calling us all to the place where he takes away our sins, envelopes us iri the salvation of the Gospel, breathes new life into our souls, and helps us experience first-hand the joy of the resurrection, The light is on for you.

FE_BR_U_AR_Y_l_6,_2_00_7_I,

the living word

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HOMELESS MAN SITS ON A SNOW-COVERED PARK BENCH NEAR THE U.S. CAPITOL IN

WASHINGTON RECENTLY.

MANY SHELTERS

IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL AND IN MANY AREAS ALONG THE EAST COAST ARE FULL OR NEARING CAPACITY DUE TO TEMPERATURES IN THE TEENS AND SINGLE DIGITS. (CNS PHOTOlBoB ROLLER)

"VINDICATE THE WEAK AND FATHERLESS; Do JUSTICE TO THE AFFLICT~D AND DESHTUTE" (PSALM 82:3). ,

The fairness of hell For many of these young "Fire and brimstone." These words are often used to describe people, this difficulty is overcome the type of homily that some say when they are reminded that God was not uncommon in the past. does not desire or cause the According to some, the topic of damnation of anyone. Instead, hell hell and the possibility of eternal becomes possible only when a soul freely chooses not to accept God's damnation was a frequent one in sennons at Mass. I, myself, have offer of eternal life and love. As never heatd such a homily, not Pope John Paul the Great taught, even once, but perhaps I am too "Eternal damnation is not attribyoung. For sure, such sennons uted to God's initiative, because in seem non-existent today, and , his merciful love he can only would be considered by most to be highly inappropriate, and even objectionable.

And yet, the subject of \th~Oeep eternal punishment was a ~ I \--;-:,(, "~-I C~>~< common one in the By Fat"etcDavicf \,\ preaching of Our Lord. ,. C A. Pignato" (See Mt 5:22,29; 10:28; 13:41-42,50; 18:9; 23:33 25:41-46; Mk 9:43-48; Lk 16:19desire the salvation of the beings 31) Apparently, Jesus did not he created. In reality, it is the consider the existence of hell to be creature who closes himself to [God's] love" (General Audience, an inappropriate topic for his 'July 28, 1999). sennons. Rather, he frequently The possibility of hell is a ' u~ed familiar images, such as the fires of Gehenna, a burning consequence of our freedom, a garbage dump outside of the city, freedom that God respects, even to give some glimpse of the misery when it is used to reject him. .

Because God loves us and wants of existence apart from God. According to Jesus, such eternal us to share his love, he creates us separation from God is a real with freedom. Only free beings can love. We are not puppets or possibility. The real existence of hell is an undeniable part. of the robots created for God's entertainment. If we were, it is true revelation of Christ. there would be no danger or risk The subject of hell is also one of damnation, but there would that frequently interests many young people today. In particular, also be no reason to live. If ever they resist accepting the reality of we are tempted t.o wish that we were not free, in order to avoid hell, because they find it difficult -to understand how the existence of the risk of damnation, we should remind ourselves that the alternahell can be reconciled with their tive of an existence without certain belief in God's unconditionallove. "How," they ask, "can ' freedom would be unbearable and there be a hell, if God loves us?" pointless.

Putting,lnto

Love, then, or the free rejection of it, is the ultimate cause of hell.

Hell is the final consequence of unrepented sin; sin is possible due to our freedom;' arid freedom is . given tous ,out or'love: Becaiise" .

God loves us, he allows us to sin and to be lost, even while he desires that all men be saved (ITim 2:4).

Even after considering the important role of freedom, some may still wonder if it is loving or fair of God to allow us to choose to be separated from him. To some it seems unfair that God creates us without our consent and then plac~s us at the risk of damnation. But the fairness of hell lies in the fact that the same freedom which can lead to separation from God can also be used to accept his offer of eternal life. As Pope John Paul II taught, "the thought of hell ... must not create anxiety or desp~r, but is a necessary and healthy reminder of freedom," which can be used to choose a life with God (General Audience, July 28, 1999).

When we remember that the existence of hell emphasizes our freedom, which, in tum, emphasizes God's love for us and our ability to live with him forever, it wquld seem that mention of hell in the preaching of the Gospel may not be so inappropriate after all. In fact, when preached properly, it may even help us put into the deep in our faith in Christ.

Father Pignato is chaplain at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth and is secretary to Bishop George lv. Coleman.

FEBRUARY

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Earthly and eternal weddings children, and even baptize their On a rainy Thursday after. noon one of the "Delegados," or children, but waif to celebrate the sacrament of marriage late, if Delegates of the Word of God, they ever do. Santos and her came to the rectory looking for husband, Constantino, were no the priest. The Delegate had different.' After a number of years come from the village called "La together, and five children, they Nava," which is set on th.e had made the decision to ,mountain side about a half hour celebrate the sacrament of from Guaimaca, to ask for the sacraments for a woman in the community who was dying.

Since I was away on a priests' retreat, Sister I' Gloria went to the By: Fattiji CraigA. ~ village with one of the '~~P;egana parishioners in his pick- I r.:~.,< l~~\.. ... _~.J up truck. The ride up to the village was challenging in the darkness and rain. marriage. Together, they had When Sister arrived, she found attended the marriage preparathe woman, Santos Elena, tion session's and set a date for their wedding. Sadly, Santos dressed in a simple white dress became gravely ill and discovlying in bed. She was hoping to ered that it was terminal cancer. have her map'iage blessed, celebrate the Sacrament 'of ' However, her final wish was to Reconciliation, and receive the celebrate the sacrament of marriage.

Eucharist before she died. Sister Gloria explained that I was on On Sunday afternoon followretreat but I would return on the ing the Mass in Orica, Sister weekend to celebrate the sacraGloria and I made the trip to the ments. village of La Nava. When we Sister Gloria led the commuarrived 'at the simple wooden nity in a prayer vigil in prepara"house," we found the commution for the celebration of the nity gathered with Santos, sacraments. With the help of her Constantino, and their family. mother, Santos changed out of Santos was lying in bed in the the white dress so as to keep it simple white dress, prepared for clean for her wedding. her wedding. Santos and In the Honduran culture, Constantino celebrated the many couples do not marry but sacrament of reconciliation live together in "union libre/' or before exchanging their marriage a common law marriage. They vows. Sitting on a stool next to establish their home, have the bed where his wife lay,

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Constantino took his bride's hand and pronounced his vows.

Then in a very soft voice, Santos recited her vows. There was' no exchange of rings or coins called arras, no wedding candle or flowers, but Constantino gave his wife a tender kiss. Then each of their five children "(from five to 14 years old) took a tum kissing th(:ir parents and congratulating them.

The sacrament of the anointing of the sick followed the marriage. ' With her family and friends gathered around her and praying for her, Santos received the sacrament. At the point where the priest is to impose hands on the sick person, I invited Constantino and the children to put a hand on their mother to ask God's blessing for her. After a moment of silent prayer, I was about to continue with the anointing but noticed that all of the children still had their hands on their mother, eyes closed, praying for her. The 1)ealing presence of Christ was tangible.

Following the anointing, Santos and Constantino received the Eucharist fqr the first time ' since being together. You could see the peace and comfort in Santos' eyes as she received the Eucharist.

The community concluded the unique celebration with a song of Thanksgiving to God. They thanked God for his goodness toward the couple, for his

7 continued blessing on the family; and for a "good houf' for Santos.

It was just two days later that Santos' body was brdught from I , 'La Nava to the parisq church in Guaimaca for, her funeral Mass.

Everyone was sad and moved to tears,yet we experienced the profound peace of knowing that ,

I

she was'with God. It is often said that the people' in our diocesan Mission go without the basic necessities of life.

Experiencing the profound faith of the people, however, I have come to see that they are rich in one of life's basic necessities. www.HonduranMission.org

Notre Dame students witness anointing ofsick at special Mass li

By DAVE JOLIVET, "

EDITOR

FALL RIVER - Wanting the students at Notre Dame School not just to learn about the sacrament of the anointing':, of the sick, but to witness it as well, Father Richard L. Chretien 9rganized a special Mass on the (east day of Our Lady of Lourdes., Father Chretien, pastor of Im-' maculate Conception'! and Notre Dame parishes, invite'd parishioners in need of the sacrament to attend the anointing Mass and had the help offive area pri,ests; Msgr.

Thomas J. Harrington, and Fa~ thers George F. Almeida, William P. Blottman, Jose A.F. <los Santos, and James F. Lyons. '; ''The students have,never experienced the anointing!iof the sick in the context of the Mass before," Father Chretien told The Anchor.

"The school staff and "I thought this would be a great opportunity for the children to witness what the teachers and I have been ex1'1aining to them in ':, religion classes" .

• !i Father Chretien said he showed the students the oils used for the sacrament, on the feast of the Bap-

tism of the Lord, and Monday's . Mass experience brought it all t.ogether f~r them.

"We thought it was appropriate for this teaching opportunity to be held on the observance of the feast of our patroness, Our Lady of Lourdes," said Notre Dame ,Principal Chri~ Myron. ''The children could see what they have been taught."· According to the "Catechism of the Catholic Church," "The ,Anointing of the Sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the' point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of. death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived" (CCC 1515).

It further explains, "Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a 'single sick person or' a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord's Passover" (CCe 1517).

Pure-bo-ru!

Yippeeee. It's time to pure-boseason. gans will Manny come up with Our beloved Patriots have lost ru. That,my fellow Red Sox this season? Who will be our lunatics, is Japanese for "play the look of a dynasty; the Celtics closer? Will we need a closer with ball." have fewer wins than the Patriots the offense we have? Will Julio Pitchers and catchers are had; and the Bruins are the Jekyll , Lugo's glove capture the hearts of working out the kinks in sunny and Hydes of hockey - one the Fenway Faithful? Will Coco Florida, and position players are never knows which team will stay crisp for a full season? Will set to arrive any day now. the sushi at Fenway be I've yet to talk to a any good? Will Tek shake L-1 Sox fan who is not off his mediocre 2006 My:Vie"vv,v~·,~. excited about the 2007 season? season. And this isn't the ,'c" So many intriguing usual pre-season opti: questions to be answered, :0 Stahl"Js'i~' mism we have every year, and it's only just begin~ even when we stink, This ning. season has the feeling of As of now, all eyes are something special. Sox on Fort Myers, Fla. So fans are buzzing. None more so show up. put away those Patriots than Msgr. Thomas Harrington The only positive note about sweatshirts and hats and dust off and Father Richard Chretien, both this winter was the relatively mild the Red Sox garb. Take down the of whom I see every weekend at temperatures and low snowfall Valentine's Day flags and unfurl Mass. totals. 'That can only mean~that the one adorned with those two It's a great time of year to ' we're due for a blizzard on the big tomato-colored stockings with arrive at church a few minutes home opener. , the white heels and toes. early and get my five minutes of It's time to pure-bo-ru. It's The days are getting longer, sports talk in with these twofine time to get our fIrst look at ' and the sun is creeping higher in gentlemen. It's tough to keep the Japan's newest millionaire-':: the southern sky. smile off my face as I nestle into billionaire if you convert ino Yen. It's time to pure-bo-ru, and it's the pew, fresh from a healthy dose Will Dice-K be Special-K this time to get to church a few of Sox chatter. year,? How many walk-off homers minutes earlier on Sundays.

Oh, how we need this baseball will Big Papi hit? What shenanidavejolivet@anchornews.org

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SACRAMENTAL LESSON '- Students Nicholas Correira, left, and Mark LePage, from Notre Dame School, Fall River, were ar;nong those who rec~ntly attended a Mass where they witnessed the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. (Photo by Mike Gordon)

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The Anchor

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FEBRUARY

16, 2007

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It is in pardoning that we are pardoned "Love yoUr enemies, do good to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the one who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well." I'm sure we all find our Lord's words challenging and difficult to practice in our own lives, but we must try, because as he reminds in this Sunday's Gospel "the measure with which you me,asure will in turn be measured out to you."

It's not easy to love our enemies or to forgive those who have harmed us, is it?

Yet how often we ask our Father in heaven to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive thos~ who trespass against us." We've all prayed

that prayer countless times, When David comes upon but do we realize what we're Saul sleeping, one of David's asking for? We're asking God men urges him to take ' to forgive us in a particular advantage of the opportunity way, in the same way that we to kill Saul. Yet David forgive - or fail to forgive refuses; instead, he took ' - oth~rs. If we're unwilling to forgive, if we hold onto grudges mily of 路theWee and refuse to let go,of Seventh Sunday. past hurts, then every ~路In-Qrdin~ar:y.!ime time we pray the Lord's Prayer we're asking God nono Timothy P. Driscon forgive us!

The first reading relates an encounter between Saul's water jug and spear David and Saul. Even though and went away without David did nothing wrong, anyone knowing it. When Saul was jealous of him and Saul learned that David had sought to kill him, forcing spared his life, he repented of David to flee for his life. his murderous intentions and

the two were reconciled. This wouldn't have happened had David been unwilling to forgive.

Although our human nature, wounded as it is by original sin, finds it difficult to forgive, God's grace enables ,us to do so. St. Paul was keenly aware of the constant struggle between the flesh and the spirit. At the same time, he realized the great transformation that happens when we receive Christ in baptism. As he told the Church at Corinth, "just as we have' borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also

bear the image of the heavenly one." Paul encourages ~hristians to crucify our "earthly" inclinations and to live according to the image of Jesus our Lord and brother.

If we want to be merciful, the surest way is to experi'ence God's mercy in the sacrament of penance or reconciliation. By going to confession often, we come to appreciate better the depths of God's mercy and we receive the grace, not only to overcome future temptation, but also to extend to others the same mercy we have received.

Father Driscoll is a parochial vicar at Espirito Santo Church in Fall River.

Upcoming Daily Readings: Sat, reb 17, Heb 11:1-7; Ps 145:2-5,10-11; Mk 9:2-13. Sun, Feb 18, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1 Sm 26::2,7-9,12-13,22-23; Ps 103:1-4,8,10,12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49; Lk6:27-38. Mon,Feb 19, Sir 1:1-10; Ps 93:1-2,5; Mk 9:14-29. Tues,Feb 20, Sir 2:1-11; Ps 37:3-4,18-19,27-28,39-40; Mk9:30-37. Wed, Feb 21,Ash Wednesday, n 2:12-18; Ps 51:3-6a,1214,17; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6,16-18. Thurs, Feb 22, The Chair of Peter, Apostle,1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 16:13-19. Fri, Feb 23, Is 58:1-9a; Ps 51:3-6a,18-19; Mt 9:14-15.

The KGB campaign against Pius XII Call me skeptical, b~t I suspect that what my friend , Joseph Bottum christened "The Pius War" will never be resolved. Controversy over Pope P.ius XII's role during the Second World War and the Holocaust is too juicy a topic, involving too many interests (and academic reputations), to ever die down. ,The Pius War may eventually outstrip the Hundred Years' War in duration.

No serious scholar believes that Eugenio Pacelli, elected

pope on Feb. 2, 1939, was an anti-Semite, harshly indifferent路 to the fate of European Jewry.

No serious scholar contests the evidence that Pius XII took direct and indirect measures to save Jews from the Nazi death machine.

Visiting Castel Gandolfo this past September, I walked past the places where thousands of persecuted Jews had been hidden on the papal

of

Our Lady Fatima to Sister Lucia, Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco July 13, 1917 "I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be c9nverted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors 'throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world. In Portugal, the dogma of the Faith will always be preserved, etc." .

Paid advenisement

PRACTICE THE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, 'AS REQUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia (seer of Fatima) and spoke these words: "Announce in my name that I promise to assist at the hour ofdeath with the graces necessary for the salvation ofiheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rostlry (5 decades); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the, intention of making reparation to me;" , In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the words: ''In reparation for the offenses committed against the ~culate Heart of Mary."

Confessions may be made during 8 days before or after the first Saturday, and Holy Communion may be received at either the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

Paid advenisement

summer estate, and I remembered that Jewish children (some named "Eugenia" or "Eugenio"

in honor of their bene~actor) had been born in the pope's bedroom. ,Heeding the advice he was receiving from resistance leaders, and after the Nazi roundup of Jewish-born Dutch Christians which followed a sharp critique of Nazi practice by the Dutch bishops - the roundup that began Edith Stein's journey to Auschwitz, and eventual canonization - Pius XII seems to have concluded that direct public protests from him would endanger both Jews and Catholics.

Even so, his public criticisms of racial persecution, which mirrored the Holy See's antiNazi commentary throughout the 1930s, were understood by both ' the Nazis and, mirabile dietu, the New York Times, to be directed at Berlin. It is also reasonably wellestablished that Hitler wanted to kidnap Pius XII, which rather cuts against the claim that Pacelli was, somehow, pro-Nazi; so does Pius XII's role as middle-man between Britain and Germans exploring an anti-Hitler coup. On his death in 1958, Pius XII was

praised by Golda Meir, then slovakia, Hungary, and elsewhere foreign minister of the State of decided to accelerate the antiIsrael.

Catholic propaganda offensive Reasonable people they had launched toward the end can debate whether of World War II by depicting the . .

Pius's strategic ,Church as a bulwark of Nazism. decision to avoid an , Pius XII was the primary target , explicit, public - because, as the KGB liked to condemnation of say, "Dead men cannot defend Nazism, precisely for themselves." So the KGB the sake of saving concocted a scheme whereby its lives, was the correct Romanian ally would penetrate one. But it takes a the Vatican archives, using agents certain bias, contradicted by , disgUised as priests; certain many facts, to conclude that this , Vatican officials, it seems, took decision was taken on the basis' the bait, assured by Romanian of cowardice. It takes even w.orse operatives that cooperation bias to conclude that it was taken would lead to official Holy Seebecause of anti-Semitism.

Romanian diplomatic relations.

Why, then, the campaign of No documents incriminating Pius defamation, which has reached XII were found, but the plot now the point where one overhears shifted. In 1.963, a senior Soviet tourists in St. Peter's Basilica, intelligence official told his spotting the bronze statue of Pius Romanian colleagues that the XII erected by his cardinals, centerpiece of the anti~Catholic whispering, "That's 'Hitler's offensive would now be a play Pope'''? defaming Pius XII, The Deputy.

Serious scholars have long Its author, Rolf Hochhuth, was a , suspected that the origins of that former Hitler Youth turned campaign lie in the anti-Catholic communist fellow-traveler; the qtachinations of the KGB, the play was produced by 11 lifelong Soviet intelligence service. communist. The results - for Confmnatiori of that thesis now The Deputy was the Pearl Harbor comes from General Ion Mihai ' of the Pius War - vindicated Pacepa, a former Romanian KGB chairman Yuri Andropov's intelligence officer and the conviction that the gullible find highest-ranking Soviet bloc smut easier to believe than spymaster ever to defect, in an holiness. article posted on National Review Don't bet the mortgage money that this new evidence will Online on January 26.

According to General, Pacepa, appear in the New York Times the S~viets, stung by the public anytime soon. relations bludgeoning they had George Weigel is a senior taken because of the persecution fellow ofthe Ethics and Public ' of Catholics in Poland, Czechofolicy Center in Washington, D.C.

FEBRUARY

16, 2007

Knock. Knock. Who's there?

16 February 2007 Homeport ~ Birthday of Charles Taze Russell (1852, Allegany, Penn.)

Someone's knocking at my door. "Sir," he begins, "The world is coming to an end! How does this make you feel?" It's a Jehovah Witness motivated enough to approach the rectory. "Yes," I respond. "The world as we know it will end someday. I feel joyful hope." "But I thought you were Catholic," he puzzles. "I am," I affirm. "We Catholics pray for the coming of the kingdom every time the Lord's Prayer is offered. All Christians do."

JW - "OK. Let's talk about the Trinity." (He switches into Plan B of his memorized script.) "You Catholics believe in three gods."

Me: "Wherever did you get that idea? We believe in one God. It's the first line of our creed. One God in three persons. Christians, Jews and Muslims believe in one God. Even though we may have radically different faiths, on this

we all agree."

My visitor nearly falls off the porch.

JW - "But you won't find the word trinity in the Bible."

Me-"Youare correct. But you will find the Father, Son and Holy Spirit named repeatedly. These are the three divine persons in the One God. It's all there in the Bible.

"Witnesses believe that neither Jesus nor the Holy Spirit is God. Jesus is only a man (or maybe the Archangel Michael incarnate) and the Holy Spirit is a 'force.' Jesus didn't rise from the dead. He returned on Easter as a ghost."

Bring back that loving feeling Maintaining a good marriage takes a great deal of work, but what spouse would settle for an "OK" relationship when a "hey, hey, hey!" relationship was within their grasp? Of course most married couples intellectually recognize that a loving marriage requires regular upkeep, but sometimes we are afraid to do regular and comprehen~ sive inspections of the institution. We are afraid, because, as it is with house repairs, we sometimes find that our marriage is a little more rundown than we'd like to make public. Fortunately, we have three houses in our ' neighborhood that remind me to keep inspecting and repairing my own marriage.

The first house is lovely. It has great "curb appeal" with its new, honey-colored cedar shakes that wrap around the exterior and its white shell driveway. Yellow, fuchsia, and pale pink flowers bloom in seasonal sequence in the tidy front lawn. Custommade, brass lamps light up the driveway and decks.

The second house is a wreck; it is not even clear whether it is being built or tom down. Its three-story frame is architecturally grand, but construction debris fills the interior. Everything is only half-completed, and has been for years. lYvek sheeting flaps in the wind revealing warping exterior walls beneath. Dark red stain colors only some of the graying exterior shingles. Trash accumulates around dirt piles in the yard.

The third house looks the worst of all, or at least it did two years ago. An experienced Eagle Scout would have been hard pressed to find shelter in this

house. Its clapboard siding was buckling. Its antique windows were smashed Or boarded up.

Floorboards were black with rot.

At one point the house was actually cut into separate sections!

Most of us, r 01 sure, would like our marriages to be like the

first house; charmed. Well, allow me to illuminate this tale of three houses further, because appearances can be deceiving.

The first house, despite its lovely exterior, was completely gutted inside and remained that way for years. Although the inside was eventually finished and furnished, the only stirring within it today is the automated "click" that switches the custom lamps on and off. This house reminds me that if we abandon the heart of our marriage it really doesn't matter what it looks like on the outside; it's terribly lonely on the inside. It reminds me that just as vacant houses invite robbery, so vacant marriages invite marriage robbery or infidelity.

The second, half-built house must have owners, but why have they left it in this condition for years now? Everything about this house is subject to the forces ofweather and passing strangers. Nothing is secure or protected. This house reminds me that, like half-built houses, sometimes-worked-on marriages are vulnerable to vandalism in the form of spousal neglect or

even abuse.

Scheduled for demolition, the third house was purchased for a dollar by a man just because he couldn't bear to see it destroyed.

This house attracted all sorts of negative media attention as the owner cut it in half, moved it by barge, brought it ashore, cut into fourths, and finally into sixths in order to move it to his property and begin the laborious process of restoring it to livable condition.

Despite appearances, it is the third house that is my image of a couple in the process of maintaining a solid marriage.

Of the three houses, this is the only one that shows me how to "bring back. that loving feeling."

It is the only house that is . truthfully loved and on its way to being lived in once again.

As with houses, repairing problems within our marriages while they are still small is the ideal maintenance program.

Marriage Encounter is a Christian retreat designed to give couples time to do maintenance with each other and God in a relaxing, but structured environment. Find a weekend in your area by visiting www.wwme.org. Retrouvaille is a Catholic ministry that provides tools for rebuilding "for couples who live in the disappointment and pain of marriage problems."

You can get more information at .[www.retrouvaille.org]. We can all make use of ministries like these to build a little love equity in our own unique marriages, regardless of their condition.

Heidi is an author, photographer, andjull-time mother. .She and her husband raise their five children in Falmouth. homegrownfaith@yahoo.com.

(Ignore all bible passages to the as Lucifer). Five times the start of contrary).

Armageddon has been falsely JW - (He switches to Plan C.) predicted by Jehovah's Witnesses.

"You Catholics say that Mary is the We all make mistakes. After Mother of God. That's impossible."

Armageddon, Witnesses will live Me - "Well, Jesus is our Lord in an earthly paradise for a and God. Mary is the mother of thousand years. A select 144,000 Jesus. Therefore, Mary is the will enter heaven. If you're not a Witness, then too bad for you.

Mother of God. It's logical."

You're just plain dead.

JW - "Jesus is not Lord."

Me - "No? The Bible says I once attended a high-tech over and over that Jesus is Lord.

Nativity pageant in Pennsylvania.

If you don't believe that, you It was sponsored by some other must not be a Christian." group - Mennonites, I think.

JW - "No, I'm a Jehovah Jehovah Witnesses refuse to celebrate Christmas. Anyway, Witness."

This religion was invented in there were the usual live camels and, of course, the man with a the 19th century by Pennsylvania shovel walking discreetly behind haberdasher and occultist Charlie them. When Jesus was born on Russell. He believe that Jesus was stage, a bunch of men in tights a "Witness to God," along with the likes of Abraham, Noah, and began swinging through the air on Abel. These were all expected to cables. Angel choirs? Wrong. reappear in Palestine in 1925. No They whipped out swords and show. In 1929, the movement began killing each other in the built a home in California for the starry sky over Bethlehem. Oh over-due biblical visitors. dear. It was a skirmish of Arma. geddon. I don't remember that California? The residence was being in the Gospels. Even quietly sold in 1948. The house was "like new."

Thomas Kincaid couldn't paint a Witnesses have a fascination Christmas card of that. with the name of God. "Jehovah" Having exhausted all back-up is a word of human construct. plans, my guest compliments me, After 6,000 years of Satan's rule, "You know your Bi~le, sir." It's a tactical error. they say, Jehovah's kingdom will Me - ''Thank you. Why don't be established on earth and all sign up for one of our Bible studies governments and religions here in the Catholic Church?" destroyed (except Jehovah The shoe is on the other foot.

Witness). Jehovah Witnesses will It's time for him to sound retreat. rule the new world.

"I'd like to talk to you longer but Witnesses periodically issue I've got to run," he says as he predictions as to when this kingdom will begin. Nbver mind rushes off. that Jesus says in the Bible, "You Next time I'll not answer the door no matter how hard they know not the day nor tBe hour." knock.

The dates range from 1872 to 1975. All deadlines passed Father Goldrick is pastor of without incident. Back to the St. Bernard Parish, Assonet. drawing boards. Witnesses believe Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aol.com. the kingdom actually did begin in 1914, but invisibly. Never mind Previous columns are available what the Bible says about the at www.StBernardAssonet.org. coming of the kingdom ~eing obvious. There will be, according Montie Plumbing to them, a final battle called & Heating Co. Armageddon between good and Over 35 Years evil. They found "Armageddon" of Satisfied Services mentioned only once, in the Book Reg. Master Plumber 7023 of Revelation. According to them, JOSEPH RAPOSA, JR. one army will be led by Archan432 JEFFERSON STREET gel Michael (AKA Jesus), the FALL RIVER 508-675-7496 other by Satan (formerly known

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The Anchor

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.Musician enjoys sharing talents

By MIKE GORDON, ANCHOR STAFF FALL RIVER - They call him the guitar man at Espirito Santo Parish in Fall River and with good reason. For nearly 30 years, Russell Costa has been sharing his musical talents at weekly liturgies bringing smiles to the faces of old and young parishioners alike. He does so.because he loves music. He does so because he loves God. "I really enjoy playing guitar and singing," said Costa. "It's all about praising God. It's who I am."

Costa, a Fall River native and life-long parishioner at Espirito Santo, heads a four-piece contemporary Christian folk group at the parish. It plays at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on the first three Sundays each month.

Costa is one of three guitarists for the group and all four lend their vocal talents to the endeavor.

The group's others

'.-. .•-.;•-.

without sheet music.

"I mostly learned on my own and would tell people just starting out on an instrument to play with people who are better than you because you will learn just by playing with them."

He was candid about his conversion. "I was away from the Church for 10 years," he said.

"I needed direction and asked God for some guidance. The first thing that happened was I went back to Mass. There I saw a folk group that an old high school buddy of mine was involved in. Soon I joined them.

I've never looked back. God called me to do this."

The folk group plays songs from the parish songbook as well as contemporary artists including La Salette Father Andre "Pat" Patenaude. "We try to put good music to the Mass and music that works . well with the readings,"

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•.

The Church is all about "I'm happier than "J \ ":4!!J!lmiPj!;'\lm~ql'f1If!~Wrrk people and I wouldn't be I've ever been working c-.: doing music for as long as with this great group of I have without the people. people," he said.

Our little group really grew The pastor, Father on the parishioners. That James Ferry, was keeps me going. Music is thankful to have at my core. It's always been Costa's participation a straight line in my life." and said, "Over the They rehearse once a years Russell has been month and Costa said he practices three times a very generous with his time and talent to our week. "I take a lot of pride in playing for people and I parish. He's been dedicated to providing muenjoy doing the best that I sic for nearly 30 years can. I'm always trying to improve, but I still get nerand puts God first in his life. He's a good famvous when I get up there to ily man and a faithplay." filled Christian."

In addition to weekly liCosta also plays turgical celebrations, the solo at the 8 a.m. Mass group also plays at confiron Sundays at Good mation retreats, youth Shepherd Parish and events and has done wedhas been doing that for dings. "It's a lot of work, but I love it," said Costa. a number of years Asked how he be- GUITAR MAN _ Russell Costa of Espirito Santo "It's nice when people tell came interested in mu- Parish, Fall River, has been sharing his musical you 'Hey, you did a great job or I really enjoyed the sic, the 55-year-old talents at liturgies for nearly 30 years.

Costa recalled seeing songs.'"

According to Costa, one of the most enjoyable the first appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show when he was a youngster. That performance and even- performances is playing for teens and seeing them tual performances by the Beatles left "a big impres- get into the music. sion."

"When they get into God, it moves you. You know "Elvis could sing anything and I enjoyed the fact the spirit of God is in the church and when you see that he did Gospel music. That impressed me and I that high level of enthusiasm you can play forever.. think God was planting a seed for what I would do It's our job as musicians to move people and when later." that happens it's great. That's what it's all about."

When it came to the Beatles, Costa enjoyed their He has written about 40 original songs and enintricate harmonies. "That's what our folk group is joys the creative process. He hopes to eventually all about. It's all about the vocals and harmonies and record a CD of originals with the group and said many that's where we really shine. People enjoy hearing parishioners ask when it will be in the works. "I'm harmonies." excited to write more music," he said.

When he's not playing his guitar, Costa works at Costa was thankful for the support he's received Popper and Sons Precision Instruments of Lincoln, through the years from the numerous pastors and R.I., where is a supervisor. He has worked there for grateful for the opportunity to play music in church. nearly 30 years. When he was hired they made glass "This is a gift God has given me and faith gives me thermometers, but now they specialize in making op- strength. I hope it brings people closer to God. I hope erating needles. they feel God through this music."

"It's interesting work and I enjoy the people I work Asked about goals; Costa looks forward to getting with," said Costa. some of the younger musicians from the parish inCosta is a graduate of Durfee High School and volved in his group. "It's a vibrant parish and we're Bristol Community College. He and his wife Lydia up there doing what we do every week, but without have three children, Angela, 25; Greg 21; and Peter, people participating it means nothing. It's all about 20. Lydia works at Quaker Fabric. The two have praising God. People might say they can't sing well, served as team members at marriage encounters. but God doesn't care how good or bad your voice is."

Although he started playing music on bass guitar, When he's not playing music, Costa can be found Costa quickly switched to folk guitar. He took some playing tennis and listening to all types of music. He lessons, but found that his musical strength lay in the also enjoys reading and is a member of the Parish fact that he had a good ear for music and could play Council.

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The divine matchmaker raised "the bar." When I began February is the month for Valentines, love notes, roses and dating the following year, most romance. For married couples it other boys seemed like "mere can be any or all of the above, mortals."

"Does anyone out there want and possibly a time to receive a marriage blessing at, perhaps, a to talk about God?" Sunday Mass. It may also be a A deafening silence. time to reflect upon one's own All through my 20s I considmarriage, the gift that it is, and ered the different vocations of how it came to be that God marriage and family, religious blessed you with this vocation. life, and lay ministry. A graduWhen I was 15, six young ate student in theology, I was in seminarians from a seminary in discernment about what direcSanta Barbara, Calif. came to tion to take in my life, when on spend the summer in the small the eve of the Epiphany I went Central Valley town of to St. Monica's Church in Santa Patterson. They came to share Monica to pray. St. Monica's their gifts and to gain experiChurch was open on Saturday ence by working in our parish, evenings until 9 p.m. for the sacrament of reconciliation or especially in youth ministry. All of them were about 18 years quiet prayer. On this particular old, and they shared their faith evening there were only a few with us with great joy. Our CYO people in the church.

Sitting in the first pew, and Youth Group was truly blessed by these six seminarians . .....

• \c· \ C 1.' nwho partici" V;a \ pated in folk i li(';' Masses, youth J) IJ:'!\ ministry ..

J evenings and a ["'J IJ mini-retreat to ., '"

By Greta MacKoul Santa Cruz. ,.

One of them ~. was named Joe. He had a soft, deep voice, so soft that when he looking up at the beautiful "life spoke it was almost like a size" mural of Jesus painted in prayer, and a laugh that could the dome of the church, I prayed lighten a room. He played guitar to Jesus to "show me what he and sang beautifully. God had wanted me to do with my also made him tall, dark and life ...." handsome.

A few moments later there He had all of these gifts, and was a soft voice, a gentle greeting, coming from someone he loved God first and foremost. who had walked up to the right I was happy just to be in his side of my pew. presence, and although I felt that we had a special bond of friendHe sat down next to me in the ship, he treated me like all of the pew. His name was George. He had with him a book entitled, others; he showed everyone the "The Cloud of Unknowing" by same warmth and kindness.

But at the end of the summer, Brother Lawrence.

We started to talk and when it came time to say goodbye, I realized that I had fallen somewhere deep within, I knew completely in love with him and that my life was changing, my heart was breaking in two. forever.

When the·day came for their Was God really going to departure, as the seminarians make it so easy after all these were loading up the van, a group years? Was the search for my vocation really over? of teen-agers were there to wish It was. them well.

We were engaged soon I stood there not knowing what to say. I think he knew thereafter. He asked me to marry what was in my heart because he him in the same place that we looked at me with such kindness met. We were married in St. Monica's Church with four and then quickly said goodbye priests concelebrating. and leaned forward and kissed My advice to young people me on the cheek.

I stood there motionless, tears hoping to be married some day is, let God be your matchmaker. filling my eyes. "Could he be changing his mind? Maybe he is He will guide you to the person who is right for you. changing his mind... ."

He was not.

Greta is an author and Not even close. I never saw illustrator. She and her hushim again. band George, with their But after that summer, I children are members of Christ . realized that my friend Joe had the King Parish in Mashpee. ~"'-

'd~r Journey of FaitH'"' ()

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& The Anchor • I,

SOOTHING THE SOUL - Local singer/songwriter/musician John Polce's Bethany ~!ghts seri~~ at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro offers faithful a peaceful spiritually uplifting break from the busyness of everyday living.

Musician John Polce raises spirits at Bethany Nights

By MIKE GORDON

of prayer and music. ''That planted the seed for Bethany Nights," said ATILEBORO - Despite sevenPolce. ''We had a meeting and came degree temperatures, more than 40 up with the idea. Bethany is where, people turned out for the monthly Jesus would visit with his friends Bethany Nights program January 26 Martha and Mary and Lazarus." at the National Shrine of Our Lady The current director ofthe Shrine, ofLa Salette and were warmed by its La Salette Brother Bob Russell, message and music. praised the efforts of Polce. ''We've Billed as an evening of prayer, had Bethany Nights program here for music and worship, Bethany Nights quite an number ofyears and it's been is led by singer-guitarist John Poke, very uplifting for people. The music who has been playing spiritual muis very good and it's a great asset for sic for more than 30 years. Poke sings our Shrine. You hear great messages original songs ofpraise and also leads in his music and you can see that the group in familiar contemMary certaiilly has impacted porary Christian songs. Behim. He shares that with people tween songs he reads Scripture Many of those who attended were and we're happy to have John and gives witness. in agreement that such an evening here each month."

"I hope people who come can be calming after a rough week Brother Russell added that to Bethany Nights will feel at work. he hopes more will "discover closer to God and improve the special gift that John brings their relationship with him," to people. We'd like to get atsaid the 58-year-old Poke. ''We want and resides in North Smithfield. He tendance up to 100-150 people." them to be filled with new hope and began playing music at age lion the The Bethany Nights program ofencouraged." accordion, but at age 16 took up the fers people time for reflection and a At the January gathering, attend- guitar. healing prayer team is available if ees stood and sang together, clapped ''I played secular music until thl< . ' anyone wishes to be prayed over inalong or raised their hands in praise. age of 24, but then God stiited tQ· ·dividually.

As Poke sang a song with the lyric, work in my life:' said Polce. ''I was Charles O'Brien has been in''I'm going down to Galilee to find a looking for truth everywhere else." volved on and off at the Shrine since man called Jesus," it was evident that He started to play at Mass and was 1958 and has known Poke for 30 many among those gathered were soon invited to play other places. ''I years. being spiritually uplifted by his mu- felt a calling to do full-time Christian ''I really think he is walking God's sic. music and it just grew and grew and walk," said O'Brien. ''He's got a great Among those gathered was grew. "I've been doing it full time gift and he's an inspiration to others.

Pauline L'Heureux ofGlendale, R.I.. since 1974 and it's been filled with This is a wonderful evening of "I enjoy his Bethany Nights program wonderful experiences since then. charism. His music brings forth a lot. I attend every time there is one When I invited God back into my life grace." and have been doing so since he I was a changed man."

Many ofthose who attended were started it. It's a wonderful prayetful He spent two years in England in agreement that such an evening can evening." playing music at churches and ven- be calming after a rough week at Andrea Bartley from Holy Name ues in New Castle. Prior to his arrival, work. Roberta' Martin of West Parish, Fall River, agreed, "I find the back in the United States he spoke Warwick was one such person and , music really uplifting. His concerts with Father Ernie Carrovoe at the said, "After coming here Ifeel spiriand message is always spiritual."

Shrine who wanted to do an evening tually uplifted and peacef'W." She was ANCHOR STAFF

Families enjoyed the program and among them were David and Lynn LaFontaine who brought their nineyear-old son Brian. The couple have followed Poke's career for many years and both said they enjoy the spirituality of the music. The youngest LaFontaine clapped enthusiastically along with the guitar and exclaimed, "I really like the music."

Lynn pointed out to her son that, "Jesus likes it when you praise him with music."

Polce is a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Slatersville

attending with her boyfriend Kip Smith, who recalled their first date three years previous was a John Polce concert. "It's a very spiritual night;' said Smith. "I've made: new friends here. Poke is a terrific singer."

The theme for the night was putting one's trust in God; taken from pSalm 31.Asked how he keeps it fresh after so many performances, Polce said he takes it in different directions each month by using different Scripture readings and music. He also stated th~t the evenings have affected his own life in a positive way.

"I enjoy these evenings a lot.

When you gather with people that have come together to praise God, you can't help but get encouraged."

He was also thankful to the Shrine and all those who have supported his work through the years. ''Working at the Shrine is fabulous. The people there are great."

He has opened for fellow musicians Dion DiMucci (see,CN~ story on this page), Phil Driscoll and Kathy Troccoli and played to been a staple

to local parishes, evenings of reflection, and continues to record CDs of his songs. He can often be found playing at retreats, missions and local coffee houses also. Poke is currently working on his ninth recording at Galilee Productions in Cumberland, R.I. and said that the recording is progressing well.

"I feel honored to be able to perform and bring the news of God to others," said Poke. "I love to watch God work and it makes me happy to be his instrument. I love what I do."

His hope for Bethany Nights is that more people will come and worship God and work him more into their lives. "People today have a lot of demands on their time, but we really need this type of thing. You experience God in a different way.

Many people tell me they leave Bethany Nights feeling peaceful.

That makes me feel happy."

For more information about upcoming Bethany Nights evenings or John Polce visit the Website: www.Johnpolce.com.

Embracing his Catholic faith changed pop music star's life BOCA RATON, Fla., (CNS) Fame brought drugs and ~e fast life for many pop stars decad,es ago, but for the singer known as Dion it also came with an emptiness and a vo, racio~ hunger for more:, "I was always seeking," said Dion DiMucci, now 67 years old and a member of St. Jude Parish in Boca Raton.

"In the ' 60s, I used to pray, 'God, I want to know the truth. Why am I here? I am open and I am ready,'" he told the Florida Catholic, newspaper of the Palm Beach Diocese. "I had a powetful religious experience:' he said.

"It changed my life and I have never been the same since."

DiMucci believes that experience has given him the secret to peaceful liviIlg and a " good life, and he wants to ~ his insights with men and teen,boys.

So the artist, nominatoo for a Grammy for his latest ilalbum, "Bronx in Blue:' does so at events in the Palm Beach Diocese; such as a Spititual Rally for Men planned for March.

DiMucci tells the story of how he began to reap great rewards along with career success when he slowed down and began to pray and study, the teaching of the, Church and .

Christ. ''To know Christ is very ':freeing and empowering," he said. :~'In my

case, it has kept my family together."

DiMucci is a lifelong Catholic from a big Italian family in the Bronx borough of New York City.

He began his music career in the 1950s with Dion & the Belmonts, racking up hits including "I Wonder Why" and "A Teenager in Love."

DiMucci went solo in the early 1960s rising to the top with hits'such as "Runaround Sue" and ''The Wanderer."

He landed a spot on the album cover of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Dub Band" in 1967.

Once he embraced his Catholicism, his love of the faith led him into Christian music and five gospel albums. He was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and last year cut his blues and country release now up for awards.

DiMucci describes his wife, Susan, as ''very Catholic" and the heart ofthe family. Today, he pursues prison ministry and reaches out to men going through addiction recovery.

"I love working with men," he said. ''They are in search for truth but coming to accept it and living by it is a whole different thing.

"Faith helps you focus, and prayer is the substance of my life.

It is what keeps me on track. It keeps me hopeful and centered, and it . gives me wisdom," he said.

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,. The Anchor $

FEBRUARY

16, 2007

DVD/video reviews

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NEW YORK (CNS) - The "All About My Mother" following are capsule reviews of (1999) new and recent DVD and video A mother (Cecilia Roth) devreleases from the Office for Film astated by the death of her teen& Broadcasting of the U.S. Con- age son searches for his father in ference of Catholic Bishops. Barcelona where she' soon beTheatrical movies on video have comes involved with a transvesa USCCB Office for Film & tite prostitute (Antonia San Broadcasting classification and Juan), a lesbian actress (Marisa Motion Picture Association of Paredes) and a pregnant nun America rating. These classifica- (Penelope Cruz). Almodovar retions refer only to the theatrical flects on the positive qualities of version of the films below, and this sorority of characters do not take into account DVD re- through a series of bizarre plot leases' extra content. twists and ludicrous coincidences "The Passion of the Christ" which add some humor but also (Definitive Edition) the tragic consequences of AIDS. The two-disc "definitive" Subtitles. Some stylized vioDVD contains both the original lence, deviant sexual situations version and the toned-down "The and references, some flashes of Passion: Re-Cut," the latter ex- nudity, coarse language and punging roughly six minutes of sexual expletives. The USCCB the bloodiest footage. Following Office for Film & Broadcasting the basic outline of the Gospel classification is L - limited Passion narratives, director Mel adult audience, films whose Gibson embroiders his interpre- problematic content many adults tive retelling of the final agoniz- " would find troubling. The Motion ing hours of Jesus' earthly life- Picture Association of America from his arrest to his crucifixion rating is R - restricted. Under and resurrection with 17 requires accompanying parent extrabiblical sources as well as or adult guardian. his own imagination, to craft an "The Flower of My Secret" unflinching, at times profoundly (1996) moving, movie which succeeds Bittersweet romance in which in stripping Christ's sacrificial a middle-aged woman (Marisa suffering of its Sunday school Paredes) attempts suicide after sugarcoating, though the graphic learning her husband has left her, brutality plays to diminishing re- then recovers with her mother's turns. Subtitles. Gory scenes of help and begins life anew with torture and crucifixion, a suicide the aid of a would-be beau (Juan and some frightening images. Echove). The story is basically a The DVD contains a comprehen- 1940s tearjerker, though enlivsive making-of documentary, ened by zestful characters and with extensive behind-the-scenes surreal comic moments, Subfootage and interviews with titles. Sexual situations and ocGibson and other production per- . casional rough language. The sonnel, including Jesuit Father USCCB Office for Film & BroadWilliam Fulco, an ancient-lan- casting classification is A-IIIguage expert who translated the adults. The Motion Picture Assoscript into ancient Aramaic and ciation of America rating is R Latin. Father Fulco provides in- restricted. Under 17 requires acteresting observations about the companying parent or adult challenges involved in the under- guardian. taking, and along with two other' "Women on the Verge of a biblical scholars, offers theologi- , Nervous Breakdown" (1988) cal exposition on one of, the After an actress (Carmen Maura) DVD's several commentary is ,deserted by her live-in lover tracks. Other bonus features in- (Fernando Guillen), she attempts to clude: two deleted scenes; a face down the coward before he walkin'g tour of the Stations of leaves town with another woman. the Cross in Jerusalem; and short Almodovar's farce explores withexplorations of religion and art, out exploitation the comic vicissicrucifixion in'the Roman world, tudes of male-female relationships. and an overview of what hap- Subtitles. Some rough language and pened to key figures in the Pas- a benign attitude toward sex and sion narratives. The USCCB Of- pregnancy outside of marriage. The fice for Film & Broadcasting USCCB Office for Film & Broadclassification for both versions is casting classification is L - lime A-III - adults. The Motion Pic- ited adult audience, films whose ture Association of America rat- problematic content many adults in&, for .the uncut version is R would find troubling. The Motion restricted. Under 17 requires ac- Picture Association ofAmerica ratcompanying parent or adult ing is R - restricted. Under 17 reguardian. The alternate "Re-Cut" quires accompanying parent or was not rated by the MPAA. adult guardian.

A CASE OF THE CREEPS - Kristen Stewart stars in a scene from the movie ''The Messengers." For a brief review of this film see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Columbia)

tC~' ~tl()viile lCall()~Ulllle~ NEW'yORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of movies recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. ''Factory Girl" (WeinsteinlMGM) The sad, sordid rise and fall of socialite Edie Sedgwick (Sienna Miller), who shone briefly in the spotlight as part of Andy Warhol's (Guy Pearce) artistic center, the Factory, in the 1960s, appearing in his underground movies until the pop artist tired of her, showing how the over-the-top lifestyle led to her eventual burnout despite a nurturing interlude with a legendary singer (Hayden Christensen). Director George Hickenlooper's film takes an episodic approach in telling the story as Sedgwick, near the end of her short life (which ended at 28 from a drug overdose), relates her experiences to a psychiatrist. The milieu is downbeat and often seamy, but presented with relative restraint, and Miller is immensely appealing in her sensitive portrait of the trusting, vulnerable waif. Nongraphic premarital sexual encounters, upper female and partial nudity, brief sexual banter and innuendo, drug use, some rough and crude language, gay references, references to child abuse and suicide. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

"The Messengers" (Columbia) Supernatural thriller about a husband (Dylan McDermott) and his wife (Penelope Ann Miller) who relocate their family from Chicago to a creepy North Dakota farmhouse haunted by ghosts of its murdered former residents visible only to the couple's toddler son and teen-age daughter (Kristen Stewart), who tries to unravel the property's violent past. Directing brothers Oxide and Danny Pang bring their less-ismore Asian horror sensibilities to the standard haunted house genre, but while adroit at creating eerie visuals, they fail to generate much sustained suspense, mustering only modest chills as they navigate a predictable plot capped by a ludicrous climax. Horror images, violence, sequences of terror and menace with blood, including a disturbing but nongraphic scene of murder, an instance of mild sexual innuendo, as well as some crude language and profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. ''Norbit'' (DreamWorks) Mild-mannered nebbish (a sweet Eddie Murphy), raised in the Golden

Wonton Restaurant Orphanage by an eccentric-but-caringAsian man (also Murphy), is later browbeaten into marrying an abusive and monstrously large battleaxe (Murphy again), but reunites with his childhood sweetheart (Thandie Newton) who comes back to town engaged to an unscrupulous con artist (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Director Brian Robbins - working from a script by co-writteq by Murphy -:- keeps the fitfully amusing gags coming, and Murphy's versatility is undeniably impressive but the script often sags, and vulgarity is rampant. How much compensation one finds in the heart beneath the bawdiness will depend on a willingness to look beyond the flagged ~lements listed below that in less skillful hands would be even more offensive. Much low humor including some brief irreverence, crude language and expressions and some profanity, farcical adultery, brief rear male nudity, suggestive costuming, two "expimp" characters, innuendo, some ethnic stereotyping. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Diocese of Fall River TV Mass on WLNE Channel 6 Sunday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Scheduled celebrant is Father Maurice O. Gauvin, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in New Bedford.

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Our readers respond, A call for prayers In reply tq the~torial'The Drinan effect" in the February 2 issue of The Anclwr, I wish to say that I concur absolutely with that the editorial says.

My acquainta'nce with Father Drinan goes back many years to his ,days with BostonCollege Law School.

My husband, who was a lawyer, and I had conversations about Father Drinan years ago. We Saw his dissent from the teachings ofthe Church and his disregard of vows of obedience to the Jesuit Order come to a climax with his run for political office. .I wish to congratulate the author ofthe editorial for having the courage to speak out and tell the truth about this unfortunate man. As the.editorial says in the last paragraph, ''We pray that the Good Shepherd, who alone sees the heart and therefore alone can judge, be merciful to him."· .

May we, as the faithful, pray for Father Drinan's soul. .

Patricia Devlin Mashpee Defending moral absolutes takes courage I was raising children in the 70s in the Midwest. I knew of Father Drinan's anti-war stance and his association with the far left but it wasn't until I read your February 2 editorial and comments of others who knew him that I reali~d how controversial . his beliefs were.

What a sad obituary for any man but especially one consecrated to God. And what a responsibility for leading astray so·many people for whom he provided cover. Now I understand what I have been trying to discover for the 10 years I've lived in Massachusetts - how so many Catholic Democrats, especially politicians - are Democrats first and Catholics second.

The mantra, ''I'm personally opposed to ... but it's not for me to decide," and the moral relativism involved in that statement is truly Stunning.

I pray that God who is all merciful granted him (Father Drinan) that last moment of repentance and that those who follow blindly wouldcome to the realization that there are moral absolutes to be found in the teachings of the Catholic Church and that it takes courage to defend them.

Doris ToohiU Orleans Editorial support What a great editorial in The Anclwr on the passing ofFather Drinan, SJ. The position ofthe Church is that abortion is the taking of a life, yet Father Drinan was soft on abortion. We are grateful for the occasional articles on abortion by Father. Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., the director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

Thomas S: Loughlin South Yarmouth

Debunking the Drinan mystique We submit our highest level of commendation to the Editcirial Board of The Anclwr Newspaper regardirig the editorial, "The Drinim effect," which was printed in the Feb. 2, 2007, edition.

It was an outstanding example of courageous, concise, 'and factual reporting. I only regiet that it was not printed decades ago. It would have clarified the misunderstanding of 'many who were misled by the. ''Drinan Mystique." He was a ~triment rather than an 'asset to our Catholic Church.

We pray that you will continue to publish such honest and courageous . editorials in the future.

Maureen & Richard Charlton Pocasset

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Keep telling the troth I am writing to express my appreciation for your editotial entitled 'The Drinan effect." FatheI' Robert Drinan was indeed "one of ~ most scandalous figures in the history of U.S. Catholicism." How any priest could be a proponent of abortidp is beyond belief. I applaud your cburage in writ-' ing this editorial. Kee~ the truth commg.

'II Paul J. Canniff, D.M.D. ' , I ' Centerville

ecutive editor explained in excruciating detail. If the editorial reflects the collective opinion and attitude of the publisher (Bishop George W, Coleman) and the leaders of our diocese, I am concerned.

More specifically on the Father Drinan commentary, I question the need for it in the context.of his positive achievements as a congressman and 65-year member of the Jesuit community. Yes~ Father Drinan . pushed the envelope at times. He· walked fine-lines, as most of us do • everyday, on Church'lcivil issues. He did not walk in lock step with Church bureaucrats as he sought to change people's hearts and create an environment in which justice for all would thrive.

I encourage The Anchor to consider an editorial policy more in tune with Bishop Coleman's stated objective to build a stronger Church.

Suggestions of mercy Mike Murphy I was distressed to read your February 2 coiumn dealing with the passAttleboro ingofFather Drinan. It would appear from your depiction of his profesIn defense of Father Drinan sionallife that there wasn't a single As a boyhood friend of Father redeeming feature worth Robert Drinan I am sh~ked and sadmentioning that might, in the slight- dened by your unseemly portrayal of est, initigate his errors of judgment him as one of the most scandalous for not opposing abortion and for dis- figures in theAmerican Church, even obeying his superiors in Church hi- ' as his family and frien~ stood in deep erarehy. grief at his death..Another St. ThoAnd, by his example, many mas More he was not, yet he was Catholic politicians were led astray never censured by the hierarchy, debecause of his support of abortion as nied his priestly faculties or silenced. a congressman and as a priest in pub- In the spirit of Jesus we are called to lic life? Do we really believe that hate the sin, but love the sinner. m.any politicians needed someone as Deacon Ralph F. Cox an example in order to do what·is exHoly Trinity Church pedient and further their electability?

West Harwich I think that is incredible.

Perhaps you should have finished In praise of speaking out the column with"... be merciful to With the death of Father Robert us, and help all of us in the Church to Drinan, it was to be expected that leam from, repair and repent our mis- the Pro-Abortion supporters would takes." heap praise upon his life. But, ifone Peter Conroy follows his career as a congressman, , Onset priest, teacher and author, Father Drinan was clearly an instigator in Thkenaback the promotion of abortion in this Unfortunately, I was· delayed in country and' an encouragement to ' .reading The Anclwr issue of Febru- many Catholics questioning a maary 2, until the following Friday. As jor tenet of their faith and joining soon as I read the editorial; Ifelt com- him in a dreadful and deadly herpelled to register my distress. I do esy. . not believe that the column on page It.was with awe and admiration six deserves a point-by-point rebut- that we read your February 2 tal but rather a comment on the gen- editorial. It was a clear and just aperal tenor of the "diatribe. praisal of Father Drinan's rejection After reflecting on the life of Fa- of his vows. You said what had to be ther Drinim and appreciating the lit- said. Sorp.eone had to speak out, as urgies celebrating his life, I was taken silence often implies agreement. How aback by the viciousness of your ac- . many infants have died because a cusations and what I consider faulty priest - a famous priest! - said presentation ofhis stance on abortion. . abortion was not wron~?

The final p~graph hardly balanced As we offer prayers for God's the ferocity of the preceding lines. merciful welcome to Father Drinan, .

Grace Donovan, SUSC we also offer prayers of gratitude for The Anchor for courageously and A vari~ce of opinions faithfully presenting the teachings of Recent Anchor editorials, but the our Church in obedience to our February 2 commentary on Father . bishop and for rejecting societal presRobert Drinan in particular, cause me sures to be silent. great concern. The editorials appear John and Patricia Stebbins to be the personal dislikes of the exEast Sandwich

Keep up the good work !

John F. St. CYr Orleans

Pro-Life cause damaged I praise you for your excellent editorial on February 2, ''The Drinan effecf," disturbing as it. was to read.

Thank you for exposing this idol of liberalism. Father Dnnan's stance on abortion caused devastating damage to the Pro-Life cause that reverberates to this day. Oh, the good he I might have done! May God have Suffering the consequences mercy on his so~.

How heartening it was to read The Keep up ,the good work. The paAnclwr editorial (The 'brinan Effect, per is much improved.

Feb. 2, '07) on the paSsing of Father Claire 1\vitcheU Robert Drinan. The Ahchor had the" Cotuit integrity, and the cOunlge, to express the truth about the daniage caused to .Actions speak loudly our society by Father Drinan's unwavering support for pro-abortion I am one of many people who legislation. Coverage in the secular found your editorial on the Drinan press ofthis Jesuit's legislative record Effect to be courageous, trut:h(ul and would leact one to believe that this to the point. I follow the Apostles' man had been a champion ofjustice Creed and the teachings of the and human rights, whil~ in reality he Oturch. I am sorry to say that Father advocated the unjust laws· and poli- Drinan did not. cies that deny the basic pght to life of I believe that persons may call all persons from the moment of con- themselves whatever they wish, but ception. Father Drinan's influence on their actipns show'whatthey really are.

Catholic . legislati~>rS was JohnA.Pino indeed profound and we are sufferFalmouth ing its, consequences. :1I Charlotte LeBlanc A mixed legacy West Harwich Thank you for the invigorating editorial on the Drinan effect. HoliA breath of fresh air ness is not one of the adjectives used Afterreading the accolades heaped by authors of the many pieces on his upon the recently depArted Father death in the secular media As a priest II Robert Drinan by the slX:ular press, he took on Christ who proclaimed the your editorial titled ''The Drinan ef- Gospel of Life, not the culture of fect" was like a breath offresh air. In a death. It was not for Father Drinan clear and accurate, fashion, to advocate abortion rights w.hile you courageously'. detailed' maintaining his vocation as a priest, the disgrace ofFather Di-iran's politi- which is now his legacy. cal career in relation to his role as a Jean Desmond Catholic priest. His positions on aborCenterville II ' tion were scandalous and abhorrent to all that our faith teaches. II Letters are wekome but the ediIs it any wonder that so many tor reserves the right to condense or Catholics are at best ambivalent about edit for clarity if deemed necessary. the murder of millions of innocent Letters should be typed, no longer babies by abortion when we continue than 100 words and should include to elect nominal Catholics to represent name, address, and telephone numus on the state and federal levels. ber. Letters do not necessarily reflect . In a time when theIi Catholic the editorial views of The Anchor.

Church is under attack {rom with- Letters shouldbe senJto: TheAnchor, out and within, your strong voice is Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 7, FaU essential as a guiding force for the River, MA 02722-0007, oremai1edto laity. .' fatherrogerlandry@anchomews.org.

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I 14·Students

~ The Anchor Continued from page one

The Anchor_ "And I spoke with pas- . ship through song,· Scripture and tor Father Daniel W Lacroix and witnessing, and is open to the pubwe both ~ought it was a good idea lic. to bring the students into the picAs in past years, Stang students ture. and faculty will choose a charitable "I wrote a new script, iricorpo- cause on which to focl,ls its enerrating children, teachers and parents gies. in various roles revolving around The students, staff and faculty of the last week of Jesus' earthly min- Holy Family-Holy Name School in istry."

New Bedford-encourages everyone The school will also continue its to join them in prayer and sacrifices Lenten tradition of "Burying the through its Lenten Prayer Intentions Alleluia" at a worship service. The Calender found at www.hfhn.qrg. students will resurrect the "AlleThroughout the Lenten journey, luia" with song and praise when· a large wooden cross draped with· a they return from Easter break in cloth, will be available for individuApril. .. als to write their needs and petitions At St. Michael School in Fall on a slip of paper and place it in River, pastor Father Edward E. one of four pockets found on the Correia will meet .with the stu- cloth.

Students in Preschool Three dents to discuss the meaning of Lent and Easter and,their sigriifi-· . through Grade Five will gather each _ clUice in our lives today. Father Monday in the gym to focus on the Correia will also celebrate a spe- symbols of Lent related to the readcial Liturgy with the students and ings of each Sunday. Each class will staff each week during Lent. Stu- be assigned a symbol and by Lent's dents will prepare the music with end they will have created a Lenten panorama, bringing the Gospel teacher Phil Pereira.

Parishioners and students will alive for the children. gather each Monday in the parish Other activities include earning chapel for eucharistic adoration. "Go.lden Pennies for Jesus," There will be a penance service for through acts of kindness and restud~nts on March 7, and middle spect; "Walking Toward Jesus," by school students are preparing the adding a footprint each day of Lent Stations of the Cross for parishio- on a hill leading up towards the ners. Throughout the season, stu- cross; and an Agape celebration . dents will also collect donations for centering on the life of Jesus' as a the Parish Soup Kitchen. little boy, experiencing the kinds of Several programs and activities 'food he ate, as well as prayers and await the students and faculty at St. song.

Pius X School in South Yarmouth.

Students at St: John the EvanAccording to Principal Patricia gelist School in Attleboro are· busy Marmen, plans are in the works for illustrating the Stations of the Cross. a series of Lenten speakers, all of in artistic and meaningful ways. whom will be local leaders in area Grade Four will pray the tradioutreach programs. Middle school tional stations in church; Grade Five students are allowed to select two will illustrate the stations in silhou. speakers who represent areas of in- . ette from the school stage; Grade terest to them. The sixth- through Six will depict the stations from the· eighth-graders will also develop in- perspective of a child witnessing the dividual serVice projects in which events of the stations; Grade Seven they reach out to the local commu- will communicate as eyewitnesses; nity in areas that are in need of as- and Grade'Eight will use Liberation sistance. . Theology themes to depict the staStudents in grades one through tions.

The Lenten the.me at St. five will participate in· "A Baby Center (ABC) Project," which is for Stanislaus School in Fall River is· families living in need on Cape Cod "Got Courage? Got Faith? Follow and the Islands, with children less Me." At the initial Lenten prayer than three years old. service, each student will hammer All students will follow the foot- a nail into a cross. Each nail have a steps of Jesus through daily.L~nten red ribbon with the student's name readings and discussions and Mass attached, symbolizing their sins: On once a week. They will also enact a Easter morning, the red ribbons will Living Stations of the Cross. be replaced with white ribbons Bishop Stang High School in bearing the word "forgiven," on North Dartmouth is encouraging its each. students to fast during the Lenten The school has'designed a .season, not only from food, but Lenten. holy card with the Lenten from all forms of negativity, such theme. Each class will its. their owq as judging others, complaining, prayer on the reverse and will be . prayed daily. Some student volungossiping, etc. .

The school will hold four pen- teers will prep~re a "Witness to ance services, and the Campus Min- Faith" service for the parish comistry is sponsoring a Lenten Faith munity.

Night on March 9 at 7 p.m. in the At. St: Mary's School in New Chapel of the Annunciation. The Bedford, students will attend a event is an hour of praise and wor- paraliturgy on Holy Thursday.

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$ The Anchor news briefS Austrian bishop stirs passion with talks of excommunication Eleven students and one staff mem(Kath.net/CWNews.com) - An Austrian bishop has loosed a firestorm of ber will be chosen to reena~t the debate by announcing the excommunication ofa Catholic entrepreneur who washing of the feet, with pastor owns a shopping mall in which an abortion clinic has opened. Bishop Andreas Msgr: John J. Oliveira.

Laun, an auxiliary of the Salzberg archdiocese, said that Richard Lugner Also during Holy Week, older was guilty of a grave offense, "aiding and abetting the killing of unborn ' students will pair with younger stuchildren:' because he allowed. the abortion clinic to operate in his mall. dent buddies to partake in the StaWhen the German-language Catholic news agency Kath.net questioned tions of the Cross. Plans are also in whether Lugner had brought the penalty of excommunication upon himthe w~rks for each class to reenact self, Bishop Laun replied, "Certainly." a Holy Weekeverit for other students.

Iowa soldier who was killed in Iraq is remembered as 'gentle giant' Upholding its tradition of help~ GUTIENBERG, Iowa - "A gentle giant" is the way friends and neigh. ing the poor, Bishop Feehan.High bors described U.S. Army Reserve Spec. Stephen D. Shannon ofGuttenberg, School in Attleboro is currently fiIraq January 31 from injuries he sustained when his unit came who died in nalizing plans'for the Million Can under hostile fire.

"He had a large physique with a gentleness and compasMarch. The program allows faculty sion to match:' commented high school teacher and soccer coach Bruce and students to pledge to collect Joan Shannon, members of St. Mary Parish, were Bryant.

Parents Dan and canned goods to be distributed to advised a few days earlier that their son had been wounded, but later were . area food pantries. According to notified that he had died. Father Marv.in Bries, pastor of St. Mary, said a Principal Bill Runey, to date the private Mass at the Shannons' home, where the family shared Scripture, school has donated more than prayer and farnilymemories. ''I'm sure this death will impact our commu$300,000 worth offood products to nity for a long time to come:' Father Bries told The Witness, newspaper of area agencies. . . the PubuqueArchdiocese. "Yes, the war in Iraq has come home to us here On March 19, the school will in Guttenberg." As a sophomore at the University of Northern Iowa, Shanhost guest speaker Johnnetti S. non joined the Army Reserve's 397th Engineer Battalion out of Wausau, Benkovic, president of Living His . Wis., and was deployed to Iraq last Septembe!. The military said its mission . Life Abundantly International. was clearing roadside bombs. .

"Benkovic's message is perfect . to put the students and staff in the Australian priest seeks American ship's crest to h()nor wwn battle proper mind-set of reconciliation," SYDNEY, Australia- An Australian parish priest has been looking for the Runey told the Anchor. "Followcrest of an American destroyer to display in a church honoring the friending her presentation, there will be shipbetweenAmericans andAustralians. Father PaulHilder ofRegina Coeli .several priests on hand for the sacMemorial Church in the Sydney suburb of Beverly Hills would like to ~dd rament of reconciliation." the crest ofthe USS Patterson to the church's memorabiliacommemomting The Bishop Feehan Campus the ship, which saved 627 Australians of the HMAS Canberra during a Ministry will present the Living World War II battle. The church's founder and first pastor, Father Wtlliam Stations ofthe Cross for classmates Evans, was one of those saved during the Battle of Savo Island off the on April 5: Solomon Islands in August 1942. However, Father Hilder said he has been . SS. Peter & Paul School in Fall unable to make contact with any crew members of the ship, which was River has several school-wide and d~ommissioned in 1945 and later was sold for scrap. ''I think it would be classroom activities planned for fitting to honor the ship and its crew by having its crest on the wall of the Lent. To put into action almsgiving, . chapel:' Father Hilder said. ''I'm sure Father Evans would like to have seen the students have been asked to doit displayed in his beautiful church." nate jars of peanut butter and jelly to assist a local soup kitchen.

Files show Polish nuns generally withstood secret police pressure Students will lead the Stations WARSAW, Poland - Polish nuns withstood pressure from communist seof the Cross each Friday l;lt the cret police better than male clergy, according to research by the country's . school chapel, and there are plans women religious orders. Nuns who researched Interior Ministry files found for a March Lenten Soup to benefit that no more than 30 people associated with women religious had been the parish St. Vincent de Paul recruited by secret police during the 1980s, when collaborators were most Society's charitable efforts. active, said Mother Jolanta Olech, a member of the Ursuline Sisters of the . Art Club students will create Sacred Heart of the Agonized Jesus and president of Poland's Conference . prayer rocks for all the students. .of Superiors ofFemale Religious Orders. "Even the 30 informers we know Each child will place the rock, tied about could include laypeople who worked in convents, as well as priests in a square of colorful fabric, on his who came as chaplains and are noted as agents:' Mother Jolanta told Cathoor her pillow each morning as a vislic News Service in early February. The communist secret police "tried to ible reminder to pray before bed catch anyone ofin}portance: superiors, catechists, sisters working for Church each night. institutions, even nuns from closed orders who seldom left their convents," In simpler times, Catholic school.

Mother Jolanta told Catholic News Service. "But they didn't succeed. children often observed the season of Lent by giving up chocolate, or Little Sisters of the Poor awaiting $1.4 million from FEMA. their favorite TV show, an~ by perMOBILE, Ala. (CNS) - Almost 18 months after Hurricane Katrina· forming simple sacrifices. devastated New Orleans, the Little Sisters of the Poor still have not reThe world today is much differceived a $1.4 million reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Manent and more complex. There is agement Agency for first responders' emergency use of Mary Joseph great~r awareness of the needs of Residence for the Elderly in New Orleans after the hurricane. FEMA people in our own parishes, neighannounced January 17 that it had allocated the money to reimburse the borhoods, communities, and benuns, but clearance to release the funds had to go through local governyond. With so many needing so ment channels, a tirile-consuming bureaucratic process. The nursing much, the Catholic schools across home's 80 residents had been evacuated before the hurricane hit. Before . the Diocese of Fall River have ralthey could return, New Orleans frrefighters commandeered the facility, lied to answer the call of Jesus which escaped flooding. Sister Paul Wilson, former superior of the sisChrist to ldve our neighbors as our.ters' New Orleans community and now superior <5f the nine sisters who selves. operate the Sacred Heart Residence in Mobile, told Catholic News SerInstead ofjust learning about tl).e vice by telephone February 8 that, after signing five contracts which love of God, our children are livNew Orleans officials required as part of the process, she expected it ing it out during the Lentenseason might still take a couple ofweeks for the nuns to receive the money." and for the rest of their lives.

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$ The Anchor $

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Society to seek donations in re- _the evening and to the gentle tolllief of workers. The:intervention ing of the locomotive bell, the of the governor of Massachusetts . train bearing the body of the brought an end to the strike. bishop came into view and the In the latter part iiof 1906, he first bishop of Fall River returned admits in his journ~l to feeling in death to his See. On the last stroke of the bell a resurgence of unwell. After local medical con. sultation it was decided he should grief silenced the subdued tones undergo surgery at the Mayo of conversation of the Holy Clinic in Minneapol~s, Minn.

Name Society members who In a prophetic, J~. 20, 1907 were at parade rest on North will and testamentl handed to Main Street from the foot of Msgr. Thomas F. qoran, vicar Fren<;h's Hill to President Avenue general of Providence, who ac- ... and along the driveway from companied him to t"finnesota, the Bowenville Depot. SimultaBishop Stang tells o£ his premo- neously an eerie hush pervaded nition that his surged the follow- the adjacently crowded sidewalks ing day would not bei:successful to North Main Street."

"My dear old friend: I'm putAlthough snow was falling, ting down a few noteS expressive Conroy. described it as "a comof my will and intention, should fortable winter evening ... the the operation prove fatal,". Bishop temperature a little below freezStang wrote. "Befor~, the throne ing point." of God I will plead for your temDrummers set a slow beat for the marchers accompanying the poral and eternal welfare."

SNOWY GOODBYE - The February 7,1907 funeral of Bishop William Stang, the first bishop of the "I desire that my f4neral be as hearse. From the station to the caDiocese of Fall River. This scene is looking north on the corners of Spring and Second streets. simple as possible; nO"costly cof- thedral the streets were empty but fin and worldly show ,iof pomp; I peop~e crowded the sidewalk die a poor sinner craving for along the route.

Continued from page one God's mercy. I forgive with a Moved by it all, Conroy ality and deep concern for the ma- the Providence Apostolate he established 11 parishes, two for cheerful heart all who think that added: "And the unique juncture terial and spiritual growth of the founded; and wrote a popular ex- Portuguese, three for French Ca- they have offended ':, me and I of atmospheric peace and huge infant diocese sliced from the Dio- . position on the faith: "Spiritual nadians, one each for Germans humbly ask pardon of all whom flakes of snow carpeting the line cese of Providence, R.I. and estab- Pepper and Salt for Catholics and and Cape Verdians and four more I have grieved without real need." of march would sugge~t to the He thanked and praised his spiritually attuned that Nature, lished by Pope Pius X on March 12, Non-Catholics." It would be fol- territorial parishes. He also set up 1904, bore much fruit in his brief lowed by several more. four mission stations on Cape faith-filled priests, metnber of re- responsive to design, was accordepiscopacy.

In March of 1904 he was Cod and assigned priests to serve ligious communities ~nd parish- ing a preternatural obeisance to ioners too. " the memory of a good Shepherd."

Bqr~ ,Ap,rilAl, 18,54, at named tQ.lf first Bishop of Fall them.

"I intended to preach the' "That night the city was hit by Langenbrucken in, the Grand River from a list of potential can- , He ordained priests, conDuchy of Baden south of Heidel- didates that included Father Jean firmed thousands, visited his par- Catholic truth for manx a year yet a howling blizzard, which preI vented the attendance of Archberg, Germany, he was ordained A. Prevost of Notre Dame de ishes, convened a Diocesan God has' willed it otherwise. i a priest on June 15, 1878. Shortly Lourdes Parish in Fall River as Synod to promulgate legislation trust in the boundless mercy of bishop John J. Williams of Bosthereafter, he came to Provi- well as Father Hugh J. Smyth, for the guidance of clergy and the Jesus; in the blood, Iwhich he ton at the funeral," archivist Fadence, R.I. rector of St. Lawrence Parish in laity; and brought in religious poured out for me on Calvary. ther Wall noted.

Bishop Harkins c~lebrated the As a seminarian he /lad re- New Bedford, and Boston Aux- orders an4 congregations to min- May it wash out all my sins! And thou, sweetest mother Mary,' funeral Mass February 7 in the ister in parishes and schools. sponded to an appeal by iliary Bishop John Brady.

Providence's Bishop Thomas M. Just weeks before his conseBeyond his pastoral activity, whom I hope to see in thy im- cathedral in the presence of sevHendricken for priests to serve cration on May 1, Bishop-elect "he never overlooked his respon- maculate beauty tnHeayen, come eral archbishops and bishops inthere. Father Stang ministered in Stang thanked the parishioners at sibility as chief teacher in the lo- to the rescue of thy" hnworthy cluding two from Canada. Father parishes and as rector of SS. Pe- St. Edward's Parish in Provi- cal "church," Father Wall pointed, child. a holy Joseph! my best James Coyle, who later became father and protector, assist me on a monsignor, and who had ter and Paul Cathedral, while pro- dence for the crosier they had out. viding pastoral care to the dio- given him. His words, offer us a Bishop Stang wrote three my journey to Jesus. My holy pa- preached at Bishop Stang's ordicese, which then included south- glimpse at his sense of history as Lenten pastoral letters, "The trons, William, L~wrence, nation as bishop, eulogized him eastern Massachusetts. well as his humility and his goal Christian Family," "Christian Aloysius and Francis, thy guard- just as eloquently: "Fall River In 1885, he gave a mission in to set an example in faith.

Marriage," and "Christian Bdu- ian angel, all angels and saints of mourns as well she may her miNew Bedford for German-speak"I trust the great Spirit of God cation." Following up on Pope God, intercede for me ~i poor sin- tered prince and dons the sable 'i of personal sorrow. Her heirloom ing immigrants who had found will not only fill me with the Pius X's'. 1905 encyclical ner."

The bishop's premorlition was for many cycles to come, will be work as textile workers and glass strength and light of God, but "Acerbo Nimis" on catechetics, blowers. After he became bishop give me what I need now, joy and Bishop Stang published a pasto- correct. Although Dr. William J. the example ami teaching of him he would regularly visit churches cheerfulness. For I am not only ral "The Teaching of'the Cat- Mayo reported the succbssful re- whose career was all too short, moval of a tumor of thJ sigmoid her first Bishop." in New Bedford to hear the con- going to be a bishop but the echism." intestine, which he believed to be Bishop Stang was buried in fessions of their German parish- bishop of a new diocese.... I shall He also found time to trans"a diverticulitis non-malignant," cathedral's churchyard. In the ioners. carry this crosier after it has been late a life of Martin Luther, write in those days before antibiotics, 1935, his body was transferred to The young priest completed blessed to Massachusetts where a manual of Moral Theology in infection set in. a new crypt in the cathedral. his assignment as fund-raiser for in time many men will take the Latin, and a book contrasting SoBishop Stang died "12 days On February 2, Bishop Stang Providence's new, St. Joseph's crosier ... and look back to the cialism and Christianity. later on Saturday, Feb. 2, 1907 High School in North Dartmouth Hospital, and was allowed to re- first one who used it and the exBishop Stang promoted and in St. Mary's Hospital in Minnememorialized its patron by placturn to his alma mater, the Ameri- ample set by him." protected Catholic interests in sota. ing a portrait of him outside the can College at Louv~in in BelA crowd estimated at 25,000, education, charity, social justice The train bearing liis body chapel on his anniversary day, gium to serve as vice rector, and including clergy, religious and la~ and civil rights. reached Fall River onlMonday where ~ass on the First Friday teach pastoral th,eology - for ity representing Catholic societWhen a July 1905 textile which he wrote a textbook in En- ies streamed into Fall River on strike in Fall River brought cuts evening, February 4, where it was was celebrated and where adoraglish May 8, 1904 to give a royal wel- in wages, 25,000 unemployed met by approximately 1,200 tion of the Blessed Sacrament He was recalled to help ad- come to Bishop Stang as he took and the closing of 71 mills, people. The late Attorney Will- followed.

"We asked everyone to pray to minister the Providence Diocese formal possession of St. Mary's Bishop Stang' sided with the iam M. Conroy, a member of Imin June 1899; became a pastor; Cathedral and celebrated a pon- workers, setting what was con- maculate Conception Parish in Bishop Stang to intercede for our was named chancellor and sec-' tifical Mass. sidered a precedent for the times. -Fall River, in a 1965 letter to the entire school community," reretary to Bishop Matthew The next two years were busy He met with manufacturers and late Bishop James L. Cpnnolly, ported Kathy Ruginis, director of guidance at the Catholic high Harkins; preached missions to ones for Bishop Stang as he un- ,union leaders as a mediator and described the scene.

"A few minutes befor~ eight in school.

Catholics and non-Catholics in dertook building a diocese. He· allowed the St. Vincent de Paul ,

Bishop Stang

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ME AND. MY SHADOW - Fourth-graders Alec Medeiros and Georgianna Silveira from Holy Name School, Fall River, display shadow box projects they recently completed for school book reports.

UP, UP, AND AWAY - Children in the Religious Education program at St. Patrick's Parish in Somerset watch as balloons they released ascend into the sky. It was part of their lesson on reconciliation with the balloons symbolizing the total freedom of being embraced in God's unconditional love.

Children from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in New Bedford qonned traditional Polish garb for a recent celebration of Polish history. Front from lett: Luke Gioiosa, Jeremy Rocha, Charlotte Mendes, Olivia Mendes, Kendra Ferry, Garrett Ferry and Nicholas Glennon. Back from lett: Deanna Lopes, Paige DeMedeiros, Nicholas SZlegier, Stacey Pimental, Justine DeMedeiros, Kyle Ferry and Kelsey Glennon. .

TRADITION! -

SADDLE UP - Chelsea Phelps, a junior at Bishop Feehan High School, was recently named 4-H Ambassador at the Boots and Saddles 4-H Club in Attleboro where she is president. What she enjoys about her involvement is ''teaching younger kids about the importance of service to others." She is pictured with her horse, Bob.

HARD AT WORK - At lett, third- and fourth-graders from St. Anthony of Padua School, New Bedford, work collectively on a school project. At right, student council members share a moment together following a recent meeting. From lett: Samuel Vasconcelos, president; Amber Nunes, vice president; Tyler Oliveira, secretary; and Marissa Medeiros, treasurer. . . . ..r ..

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Starting again

Young adults tell their stories about life as a Catholic today

Bv CHARLIE

WASHINGTON (CNS) - Be- cially when it affected his home parfore participants in a recent ish in Yardley, Fa. Woodstock Forum at Georgetown ''1' m still grappling with some of University in Washington heardfrom that," he said, "but I always feel sociologists about how young adults called back to the Church." see the CatholicChurch and theirrole Carrie Gladstone of Shaker in it, they got to hear from some of Heights, Ohio, who will graduate this the young people themselves. year, said the Catholic Church is ''the Six spoke about the importance community I know I can always go of the Catholic Church in their lives back to for strength and ericourageduring the first of.two panel discus- ment:' sions at the evening forum. The But although being Catholic is group included seniors at "part of who I am," Gladstone said Georgetown and recent graduates of she sometimes finds it difficult to ,the university. articulate why she is Catholic instead "It's difficult to be a Catholic and ,ofbeing a member ofanother Christo be an educated young woman in tian denomination. "Some of the the 21st century," saidAileen Tejeda things I disagree with the Church on ofNew York, who will graduate this are where they differ from other. year. She cited disputes she has with Christian sects," she said. the Church over such issues as the Like Tejeda, she said it was "frusmale-only priesthood and its teach- trnting to belong to somethiiJ.g where ing on homosexuality. my gender is not considered equal." ' "But it's scary to me to think ~at Even though she does not seek the . years from now, I might be surprised priesthood for herself, Gladstone to find someone who is Catholic," saidshe thought it should be open to she added. women.

Chris Paulus of~yracuse, N.Y., a , Pati Notario of Bethesda, Md., a. finance and accounting major who 2006 graduate who now attends will graduate this year, urged his fel- Georgetown Medical School, said low students not to get hung up on she feels as a young adult that she specific Church teachings but tojoin "wasn't educated enough about the intheMassasawee~ycel~rntioo doctrine of the Church, about why and a challenge. things are a certain way:' After experiencing brain cancer Father Raymond B. Kemp, a at age 16, Paulus said, "I always feel Washington archdiocesan priest who blessed to be alive. And I think one moderated the discussion, asked hour a week to be blessed and chal- each panelist what role the Euchalenged is not too much to ask." rist plays in her or her life.

Jeffrey Brown, a 2006 "The Eucharist," said Rob Georgetown graduate who now O'Rourke of Syracuse, N.Y., who is works for a law firm, said he felt a to graduate in 2007, ''is what points lot of "doubts and hostilities" over me to an understanding ofwhatJesus the clergy sex abuse scandal, espe- is all about."

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CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

IT'S NOT OVER the gro4nd and, preferably, is currently I was blown away This love is killin' me married; Also, seek someone who But you're thel'only one values the sacred and sacramental What could I say It's not dver nature of marriage.

It all seemed to make sense Let's start:,pver However, whether with a guide You're takin' away everything , And I can't do without It's not over or not, realize that the only person" This love is killin' me that you can ever effectiv~ly I try.to see the good in life The good things in life are But you're the ''only one change is yourself. Each person in It's not over the relationship needs to' ask, hard to find Sung by Chris Daughtry , "How am I going to change?"

We're blownin ' away, blowin! away Copyright 2006 by RCA Vague answers or answers that Can we make this With "Am~rican Idol" back for just sound nice most likely will something good? not help. Each person needs a its latest version, Coos ' Refrain: specific plan for change based on ' Daughtry's agents m,pst have thought "no time like the present." examining his or her behavior.

We'll try to do it right Each individual needs to ask, , The former "almost ~dol" released this time around hi's debut disc near the end of last "What am I doing or not doing It's not over that either helps or hurts the other Try to do it right this time around year. Daughtry showed lots of person?" Align your actions with energy in his "Idol" perforIt's not over But a part ofme is dead and in mances, and his fans '~ill not be your goal, which in this case is disappointed with what he I the expressed intent to start over the ground in' a way that supports the p'resents on this alburP..

This love is killin' me relationship.

Now out and/getting airplay But you're the only one It's not over off the self-titled CD is ' Furthermore, each person Daughtry's single "It's Not Over." should write down what changes, I've taken all I can take And I cannot wait he or she is going to practice.

The song's character ~learly We're wastin' too much time announces he will not accept that More than a promise to the other, Bein'strong, holdin' on it's time for a relation~hip to end: this written statement becomes a Can't let it bring us down contract with oneself. Review this He expresses his anger by telling . My life with you means his girl that "you're taking away written statement periodically. everything everything, and I can't do Then, share your impressions So I won't give up that easily . without." He says that'life with with the other. Talk about how Blowin' away, blowin' away her "means everything so I won't you are succeeding but where you Can we make this give up that easily." Instead, he also can keep improving. suggests that they should "start ' Most of all, ask God to direct " something good?

'Cause it's all misunderstood over" and "try to ,do it right this the whole process of healing and (Repeat refrain.) time around" because in his mind renewal. Successfully starting "it's not. over."

You can't let this get away I: over requires both patience and Let it out, let it out Suppose they do agj;ee to , ' persistence. Draw upon the kin~ Don't get caught up in yourself attempt to rebuild their" relationof s,trong intent that the song's . Let it out ship. How can they go about it? ,character ~xpresses.

Let's start over Well, if they are matned they Your comments are always We'll try to do it right will need a guide. Alm9st every welcome. Please write to me at: this time around ' comniunity offers counseling. chmartin@swindiana.netorat It's not over Look for some0!1e who':,is licensed 71~5W200S, Rockport, IN But apart ofme is dead and in in marriage and: family therapy 47635.

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Everybody fits - OK, I admit it. I'm ajunkie ...

I'm addicted to Ugly Betty. Yes, I know many of you will wonder why. a guy might like a show about the fashion industry, but I think this show has a deeper meaning than just fashion. I look at Betty as aD ' example of someone leading a Christian Life.

For those of you who have not seen Ugly Betty, it is a over-the-top dramedy that follows Betty Suarez, a young lady from a poor Latino family who, for all the wrong reasons, gets ajob at a fashion magazine. Betty is a genuine, loving, humble, giving person who straddles .an ordinary life ill Queens with the back-stabbing, materialistic, . anything goes life of a high fashion Manhattan magazine.

There is nothing ugly about Betty. While she knows that she is not the most beautiful or smartest. person, she shines in every situation that she is thrust into. She is surrounded by people who make fun of her but she smiles and moves on. ' There are many around her who, although "beautiful" might be considered less than perfect, yet she

never looks down at them either.

Betty is attracted to the lifestyle of the rich ~d famous. She faces temptation. She wants to be accepted. But she doesn't give in.

She refuses to compromise her values. While sh~ dOesn't judge those around her, she surely lets them know that she doesn't agree with them and often attempts to bring about a change in their behavior or their choiCes. At times she is that lonely voice speakingout , ' and she challenges all ./ around h~r to be all that " ,,, they can be.

She's like us in many ways, isn't she? We, as Christians, are called to live in a world that challenges us in many ways every day. We've all dealt with people like the people that Betty deals with. We are tempted. We want to be accepted. And yes, sometimes the world turns its face on us. We may not dress right or look right or perhaps we don't live in the right neighborhood or drive the right car.

We are attracted to that type of

and family, and through the but that's ~use she's hUman. She influence of sIsters and brothers in has a strong seif image and even Christ, I was able to better focus my though not beautiful in the eyes of life and tum it more toward Christ the world, she is beauiifullto God and others. Do I still get tempted and and to those that she loves'II and those, have the desire to live a more ' that love her. exciting life? Sure, but I've leamed I can also feel for Betty. I was that as long as I don't let things stand never a very poPt¥ar kid in school. I had my friends, but between me and my God, then I can still live the life that I want for my would riot be conSidered to family and for me and the life that be part of the "in":,group.

God wants for me.

We were the geeks and the So, just like Betty, we all fit into NY guys. 'Somet$les I God's family. As my pals from the was part of wished that I '--, v ' "Altar Boyz" Broadway show say in that "in" group and their song "Everybody Fits." "Some considered making

By Fran~ Lucca days, you just can't begin, You feel, decisions that peJ:haps \ outside looking in. it's like,you're would make me more popular. ' the odd man out, Let me, help you. that she never gives up. When she's As I got older I made choices that End your doubt. It doesn't matter if you're different and out Of place. placed materialism and preStige rejected, she bounces right back. ahead of family and God. Iidesired It doesn't matter if there's acne upon When she's attacked, she doesn't 'your face. It doesn't matter. Talce my strike back. When she's made fun of, to be successful and did what I she doesn't retaliate. She just pulls - needed to do to get there. I worked ' hand and then you will see.

Everybody fits in God's great herself back up and moves on. If she hard to build successful businesses, family!" hits a roadblock, she turns and tries a to build that big house and to have Lucca is a youth minister at St. different direction. In this way, I see the fancy cars. I now work in the . her as a model on how to live life. entertainment industry so I'm surely Dominu:'s Parish in Swansea and Surely she gets angry at times. ' chair and a director ofthe YES! tempted by the lifestyle that 'I. see Retreat and director ofthe ChrisShe faces difficult decisions at times. every day. But fortunately, ~ough tian Leadership Institute .Be is a She may even make a poor decision, the love and influence of my wife I' husband andfather oftwo girls. lifestyle because the world tells us that is_what we should want or that is how we should act. And yet, we try . not to succumb to those temptations.

We try not to compromise our values. We try.

The thing I love about Betty is

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Lenten missions across diocese

Continued from page one

"It is fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord with a40-day period," Attleboro Deanery says James Akin in his ''All About ' At St. Mary's Parish in Lent." He adds, "Christ used a 40Mansfield, Father Craig R. day period of prayer and fasting to ,Pregana of the diocese's mission prepare for his ministry, which culin Guaimaca, Honduras, will minated in his death and resurrection, speak at all the Masses on' the and thus it is fitting for Christians to weekend of February 24 and 25. imitate him with a 40-day period of He will lead a mission at St. prayer and fasting to prepare for the Mary's on February 26, 27, and celebration of his ministry's climax, 28. Masses will. be celebrated Good Friday and the day of the cruthose mission days at 12:05 p.m., cifixion, and Easter Sunday, the day and a prayer service and homily of his resurrection." will be conducted February 26 Abstinence and fasting took many and 27 at 7 p.m. The mission will forms, often innovative over the cenconclude with a Tp.m., Mass on turies. In his book, Dues noted that February 28, followed by refreshpeniten~s dressed in sackcloth and ments in the Parish Center. All are ashes and were publicly identified in welcome. the congregation and on the steps of Fall River Deanery the church.

A series of four Lenten Mis''Common pen.sions are planned for parishes in ances required Rules for Lent Fall River, to.be preached

by Fa:penitents abstain February 21 is Ash Wednesday. The Church's from meat, alcother Gary Dailey, director of voregulations for the Lenten season follow: cations for the Diocese of Springthe.Easter Vigil of hoI, bathing, hairthe Lord's resur- abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays dur- cuts, shaves, marfield. The theme will be "In the. ing Lent and Good Friday for those age 14 and older; Desert With Jesus, A Call to Conrection. During riagerelations, and those first centu- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as. business transacversion." They will be held: days of fasting for those age 18 to 59.

March 26 at Holy. Name Parish, ries, preparation tions. Depending for baptism could Fasting is defined as eating only one full meal and two light on the diocese, March 27 at Holy Trinity Parish, meals during the day. Eating between meals is not permitted; March 28 at Good Shepherd Parlast several years. some penances ish, and March 29 at St. Anthony.

Adults were in- L..however, liquids are permitted.....:..._ _- , --J lastedforyearsand of the Desert Parish. Each mission structed and supeven a lifetime." will begin with Mass ~t 7 p.m. ported in ·withdrawing from pagan Holy Week. This determined when The historian Socrates, telling of At St. Anthony ofthe Desert Parpractices and loyalties. Only then the First Sunday of Lent would be. 'the practice in the fifth century, wrote: ish, the sacrament of reconciliation were they admitted to candidacy for Today, Lent is observed from Ash "Some abstain ti:omevery sort of will be offered at 6 p.m., followed baptism, usually on the vigil itself.

Wednesday to the beginning of the creature that has life, while others of by Mass in the Maronite Rite of the The "Caeremoniale episcoponun"Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy all the living creatures eat offish only.

Catholic Church at? p.m. used by bishops in their sacramental Thursday, the opening of the Others eat birds as well as fish, beL __ liturgies, reflects that the Lenten sea- Triduum, or three days, "as the days cause according to the Mosaic ac- . son has a double character centering on which the bridegroom (Christ) was count of creation, they too sprang on our baptism: ''Namely to prepare taken away." from the water; others abstain from positively is the practice of family both catechumen and faithful to celAs today, Sundays were not in- fruit covered by a hard shell and from recitation of the rosary.

Church history details how even ebrate the paschal mystery. The cat- cluded iri the Lenten fasting obser- eggs. Some eat dry bread only, oththe hours offasting changed over the echumens, both with the Rite ofElec- vances because they are celebrations ers not even that." tion and scrutinizes, and by of the Lord's resurrection.

Fasting and abstinence are often dtx:ades. Some fasted only in daylight catechesis, are prepared for the celIn Rome in the fifth century, while linked together but are two different . hours, while others fasted only durebration. of the sacraments of Chris- it was called quadragesima, Lent disciplines. Fasting has to do with the ing the night. Some fasted for 24 tian initiation; the faithful, ever more lasted six weeks, but there were only quantity of food eaten on particular hours at a time, while others subsisted attent~ve to, the word of God and three weeks ·of fasting, not always days. Abstinence refers to the kind on only one or two meals a week prayer, prepare themselves by pen- continuous. of food denied oneself, for example, during Lent. Usually, only one meal ance for the renewal of their baptisWhy was 40 days decided upon? meat. Fasting has always been a was eaten daily, and it was in the . mal promises." .Forty days is a traditional number of popular religious practice. Denying evening. Bread, salt and vegetables In the fourth century, preparation discipline, devotion and preparation. oneself a basic human need such as were common.

Pretzels, a popular snack, had their for baptism was joined by fasting and throughout the Bible. Moses stayed food for a period oftime may be done origin in early Christian Lenten pracother penitential practices before Eas- on the Mountain of God for 40 days for different reasons. It prepares for ter in preparation for absolution from (Exodus 24: 18 and 34:28), the spies a feast. It promotes self-discipline. It tices. Because fat, eggs and milk were public sms and crimes. In his book" were in the land for 40 days (Num- supports one's prayers. It cleanses forbidden during Lent, special bread "Catholic Customs and Traditions," bers 13:25), Elijah traveled 40 days oneself of previous abuses and sins. waS made with dough consisting only Greg Dues also points out that dur- before he reached the cave of his vi- All these have been motives for the of flour, salt and water. These little breads were shaped in the form of ing the Middle Ages, the more som- sion (1 Kings 19:8), Ninevah was Lenten tradition offasting. ber theme of Lent gave rise to the li- given 40 day~ to repent (Jonah 3:4), Another motive that has always arms crossed in prayer and were 'turgical penitential color purple and and Christ lay 40 hours in the tomb. been part of Lent is almsgiving, giv- called bracellae, in Latin, "little to the dropping of the joyful acclaBut most important, Jesus spent ing to the needy from what is saved arms." Among the German~ the word 40 days in the wilderness praying and through the discipline of fasting and became bretzel.

Hot Cross Buns also became a fasting prior to beginning his public abstinence, or from one's surplus. ministry (Matthew 4:2).

Other forms of penances not ob- popular Lenten food. The custom beligated by Church laws have always gan in ,England to take buns, place Sales And Service been popular through the centuries. icing on them in the form of a cross, Commercial & Industrial Gas/Oil Burners Most of thes~ occurred in the privacy and eating them on Good Friday.

Fall River's Largest Unlike yesteryear, today's Cathoof families and some remain popular Display of TVs today, such as giving up desserts,_ lics age 14 and older during Lent curLEMIEUX HEATING, INC., candy, soft drinks, alcohol, and junk rently abstain from eating meat on all ZENITH • SONY Complete BoilerlBurner Service the Fridays of Lent and on Ash food eaten between meals.

Wednesday and Good Friday - ' So too, do oth~r forms ofcontem1196 BEDFORD ST. 2283 Acushnet Ave. fALL RIVER porary Lenten practices, such as 14n- which are also fast days - on which New Bedford, Mass. 02745-2827 508-673-9721 508-995-1631 Fax 508-995-1630 iting family television viewing. More one main meal and two smaller meals dust, and to dust you will return" (Genesis 3: 19), reflects what is about to happen.

The message throughout; Lent, says Mark Searle in "The Spirit of Lent," is a call to a life of Gospel conversion. 'The pericopes ( Scripture readings at daily Mass) speak of beginning anew, of fasting, prayer and almsgiving; ofconversion; of mutual forgiveness; of hardness of heart; of love of enemies; of absolute claims ofjustice and love over ritual ~d cult; of the call to holiness ....."

The annual Lenten season is" the fitting time to climb the holy mountain ofEaster," according to the 2007 liturgical guide "Order of Prayers in . the Liturgy ofthe Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist."

Lent evolved around the theme of baptism, which, from at least the third century 'has been linked with Wednesday,

mations of Alleluia and the Gloria during Mass.

That atmosphere was supported by other Church disciplines such as the prohibition of weddings during Lent's six weeks. To this day weddings are still discouraged beCause of the penitential tone.

Early in Christianity the discipline of fasting became associated with Quadragesima or 40 days. It imitated the Greek name for Lent, tessarakoste (fortieth), a word formed on the analogy of Pentecost (pentekoste) which last was in use for the old Jewish festival before New Testament times.

The 40 days offa"ting were originally counted. back from the begin- ' ning of the Easter Triduum or three days that began on Holy Thursday in

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Eastern Television

Penance services at which the sacrament of reconciliation will be offered in Portugues~ and in English will be held in the following Portuguese parishes in Fall River: March 27 at St. Michael's at 7 p.m.; March 28 at St. Anthony of Padua at 7 p.m.; March 29 at Espirito Santo at 8 p.m.; and April 2 at Santo Christo Parish at 11 a.m., and 7 p.m.

New Bedford Deanery A Lenten mission will be held March 26-29 at St. Mary's Church, 61 Tarkiln Hill Road; New Bedford. Mass will be celebrated ~ twice daily; at noon and at 7 p.m. I Father Michael J. Najim, assistant I director ofthe Vocations Office for I the Diocese of Providence, R.I., I will be the celebrant and homilist. I The sacrament of reconciliation I will be available and confessions I will be heard beginning an hour before the Masses.

Taunton Deanery A Lenten Mission, therned "Reason To Hope" will be conducted March 4 through 7 nightly at 7 o'clock at St. Anthony's Parish by La Salette Father Andre "Pat" Patenaude. On March 5 the mission will include a healing service, and on March 6 there will be a penance service with an opportunity for the sacrament of recc onciliation. The mission will conclude with Mass on March 7. ~------~

may be eaten by those 18 to 59.

The two smallerm~s or "snacks" should not add up to the main meal.

No food may be taken between meals, but liquids are allowed at any time.

Children are not required to fast, but their parents must ensure they are properly educated in the spiritual practice of fasting. Those with medical conditions requiring a greater or more regular food intake can easily be dispensed fr01TI the requirement of fasting by their pastor. ' While the emphasis today is on voluntary Lenten practices, direction still comes from the historical evolution ofLent with its emphasis on baptism, personal 'conversion, penance, and the suffering and death of Jesus - especially the Stations ofthe Cross.

During the time of the Crusades (1095-1270), it became popular for pilgrims to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Jesus to Calvary.

In the next two centuries, when Moslems recaptured the Holy Land, pilgrimages became too dangerous.

A substitute pilgrimage, the Stations of the Cross, became popular out~ doors throughout Europe.

In the mid-18th century, Stations were allowed inside churches. Eventually fixed at 14, by the 1960s it became popular to add a 15th Station representing the end of the journey - the Resurrection.

FEBRUARY

& The Anchor &

16, 2007

Family with strong diocesan roots

Around the Diocese ~

------路--rEucharistic Adoration

loses home, retreat center in fire

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ATTLEBORO - A Divine Mercy holy hour is held each Wednesday following the 6:30 p.m. celebration of Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed during the holy hour. For more information call 508222-5410.

FALL RIVER - Sacred Heart Church, 160 Seabury Street, will host exposition and adoration ofthe Blessed Sacrament every Monday following the 8 a.m. Mass until 2:30 p.m.

WEST HARWICH - Perpetual eucharistic adoration is held at Our Lady of Life Chapel at Holy Trinity Church.

For more information call 508-4324000.

~~ll;g-~~seslSet\lices . ~ ATTLEBORO - A Portuguese healing service will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the National ShrineofOnr Lady of La Salette. La Salette Father Manuel Pereira will lead it. For more information call 508-222-5410.

FALL RIVER - Mass will be celebrated February 22 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anne's Church. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m: Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and a healing service will follow~

Polce will bring his monthly Bethany Nights Program to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette February 23 at 7:30 p.m. It includes music, prayer and healing. For more information call 508-222-5410 or visit the Website: www.johnpolce.com.

TAUNTON - St. Michael's College Chorale will perform two concerts in the Fall River Diocese. They will be at Coyle and Cassidy High School on February 24 at 3:30 p.m. and at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro on February 24 at 7:30 p.m. They are directed by Nathaniel G. Lew and pianist Annemieke Spoelstra will accompany the group. For more information call 802-654-2536.

fPro-Life Activities I .

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ATTLEBORO ~ Pro-Life advocates picket and offer prayers on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30-9 a.m. at "4 Women's Clinic," at the comer ofPark and Emory streets, where abortions take place on those days. Participants are needed to pray and picket to help save the lives of unborn children.

HYANNIS - The Cape Cod Pr<,>Life Group welcomes volunteers to pray the rosary on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in front of the abortion clinic located at 68 Camp Street.

~ectureslPresentations

NORTH DARTMOUTH- The annual Pro-Life essay contest is ongoCENTERVILLE - The Stations of ing for students in the Fall River Diothe Cross will be prayed each Friday cese in grades six-eight and nine-12. evening during Lent at Our Lady of This year's topic is, "A Person's A Vi<;tory. RlJ,r.i.sh.. 2~.!t ~Q!HJ;J.Ml,lin _ Person No Matter How Small." For Street. All are invited to join as mem- niore'inf~rinationcontact yoUr schooi bers of its various faith community or the Pro-LifeApostolate at 508-997groups lead this evening of prayer. For 2290. more information call Patricia Clock at 508-775-5744. . :.._: :..

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[Miscellaneous ATTLEBORO - A Pax Christi meeting will be held February 20 at 7: 15 p.m. in the reconciliation chapel at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. It will include prayer and study of peace and justice. For more information call 508-222-5410.

FALL RIVER - The Catholic television program "Good News For Life," sponsored by the Communications Department of the diocese, will present the next part in its Christian's Ask Series, "We Sing Because God Loves Us," February 21 at 9:30 p.m. on the Portuguese Channel.

MASHPEE - The Third Order of Carmelites of St. John of the Cross will meet Sunday路 following the 10 a.m. Mass at Christ the King Parish.

It includes study and prayer. For more information call Dottie Cawley at 508-477-2798.

NEW BEDFORD - The Daughter's of Isabella will meet February 20 at 7 p.m.' at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. For more information call 508-990-7595.

NEW BEDFORD - Confessions are heard every Friday night from 5:45-6:30 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue. It is preceded by eucharistic adoration at 4: 15 p.m. and the celebration of Mass at 5:15. For more information call 508-993-1691.

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:MusiclPraise i _~_.

ATTLEBORO -

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Musician John

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FALL RIVER - A dinner daIice will be held March 3 at Sacred Heart Church, 160 Seabury Street. For more information call Linda Ravenscroft at 508-679-2116.

MANSFIELD - Magician, juggler and comedian Scott Jameson will perform February 20 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's School. For more information call Lori Lousararian at 508-3396655.

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I!~pport G r o u p s . J NEW BEDFORD - Courage, a support group for people dealing with same-sex attraction while striving to lead chaste lives, will meet February 24 at 7 p.m. in the rectory of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church, 233 County Street. At the same time, the Encourage group will also meet. For more information call Father.Richard Wilson at 508-9929408.

NORTH DARTMOUTH - Project Rachel, a ministry of healing and reconciliation for post-abortion women and men is available in the diocese. If you are hurting from an abortion experience and want help call 508-9973300. All calls are confidential.

Fund set up to help Bumaine Family

By DAVE JOUVET, EDITOR, WI11i REPORTS FROM THE BRATTLEBORO

David is a former director of the Youth Group at St. Mary's Parish in REFORMER Mansfield and has served on retreats JACKSONVILLE, Vt. - A fam- throughout the Diocese ofFall River, ily with close roots to the Fall River . including Emmaus, the National Diocese lost its home and possessions Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in in a fire last week. David and Terrie Attleboro, and numerous parishes Dumaine and their four children were and missions. He was also the chairunharmed in the early morning fire person for Region One Catholic on February 7, but their home and the Youth Ministers and was the conferattached Catholic retreat house, ence director of the Adult Gathering Mellos Retreat Center, were com- in 2004. pletely destroyed.

Terrie was a volunteer youth minThe Dumaines have more than 20 ister in the diocese and is currently is years experience in working on and an advisor with the Diocese of running Catholic retreats and moved Burlington Vermont Youth Council., to New Hampshire to continue their and is a chairperson for Region One calling of serving Catholics in a re- New England Catholic Youth Ministreat environment. ters. She too has much experience as

Pope says lay nwvements can help bishops care for their own souls

a retreat director and worker and workshop coordinator.

The Dumaines are also active members Of Whitingham-Halifax Lions Club. Club members held a meeting at the retreat center the night before the fire.

The fire did not appear to be suspicious and early evidence indicates the fire broke out near an electrical panel where a woodstove was located.

The Lions Gub has set up a fund with the Chittenden Bank to accept donations to help the Dumaines. To make a contribution, send it to The Dumaine Fund, c/o the WhitinghamHalifax Lions Club, p.o. Box 367, Jacksonville, Vt. 05342.

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VATICAN CITY - A bishop can turn to Catholic lay movements not only when he needs an organized group to ,You have seen the movie, now read what implement his pastoral plans, but also when he needs to Jesus says about the meaning of His Passion care for his own soul, Pope Benedict XVI said. as dictated to stigmatist, Catalina Rivas.

When a movement gathers its "bishop-friends" together, This 48 page book has the "Imprimatur" and is it helps them experience "a more intense communion of recommended for meditation. Mrs. Rivas was hearts, a stronger mutual support and a greater shared comfeatured in the recent FOX-TV special, "Signs mitment to showing that the Church is a place ofprayer and from God", that was broadcast worldwide. charity, a house of mercy and peace;' the pope said.

To receive this book, sendyour name and address The pope said that from his days as a professor in Gerwith $2 for shipping & handling to: many he has been convinced that "really, the movements Love & Mercy Publications are a gift ofthe Holy Spirit to the Church." The fact that the movements have reached out to bishops who draw strength P.O. Box 1160 from their spirituality and activities proves that ''the diverHampstead, NC 28443 sity and unity of gifts and ministries are inseparable in the life of the SERVICE... By caringfamily and service:family professionals Church," he said.

TRUST. . .In the people you know Pope Benedict said the variety of CHOICE... Custom-designed, personalized tributes lay movements responds to the variAFFORDABILIT\':... Dignijied services within a budget ety of needs and blessings found For over 135 years, families have turned to the Waring-Sullivan service family of among the world's peoples. compassionate professionalS'lo guide them through life's most challenging times.

"Communion between bishops 508-676-1933 ~ and the movements" could be the spark 508-999-5100 ~ needed for "a renewed commitment by the Church to proclaiming and witnessing the Gospel of hope and love Homes of Memorial Tribute www.wDrlng-sullh..n.com A Service Family Affiliate of AffS &. Service O\rporution lntcrnutional. 491 Rock Street. f-all River, MA 02720 508-67(..2454 in every corner ofthe world," he said.

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In Your Prayers.

Please pray for these priests during the coming weeks February 20 Rev. James H. Fogarty, Pastor, St. Louis, Fall River, 1922 Rev. Raymond M. Giguere, O.P., Assistant, St. Anne, Fall River, 1986 February 21 Rev. Msgr. Luiz G. Mendonca, PA, Retired Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Cannel, New Bedford, 1997

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Febroary 22 Rt. Rev. Msgr. Jovite Chagnon, Founder, St. Joseph, New Bedford, 1954

NORTH DARTMOUTH- The Diocesan Divorced-Separated Support Group will meet February 28 from 78:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. It will include a presentation of the video, "Understanding and Managing Anger." Refreshments will be available. For more information call Bob Menard at 508965-2919.

February 24 Rev. Edward F. McIsaac, Retired Chaplain, Rose Hawthorn Lathrop Home, 2002 February 2S Rev. Leo J. Ferreira, V.G., Pastor, St. Mary, Brownsville, Texas, 1988 Rev. William T. Babbitt, Assistant, St. Mary, North Attleboro, 1998

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~ The Anchor ~ Nun is anti-hunger lobby's liaison to orders of men, women religious

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fu1 collective voice to work in concert."

Buttressing the numbers of vowed religious are lay associates, she added. ''We have a lot of associates. In the women's (religious orders) 44,000 associates are connected to these 69,000 religious women. That brings the number up quite substantially;' said Sister Margaret Mary, aNewYork City . native who was formerly general minister of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY Sister Margaret Mary ~bedher work: ''When I go to visit the Jesuits, I ask to visit the person who's in charge ofparish ministry or colleges, because we still have a special bond there."

In late January, she added, she traveled to St. Louis. ''I visited with 12 religious orders, thejustice-and-peace MAN OF THE BEATITUDES - Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati's remains are interred in this altar in the and integrity-of-creation folks;' she Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. A special placard was set up for the 2006 Winter noted. "What we're trying to do is Olympics to highlight his life, faith and love of sports. Chris Wohar, a graduate of Vanderbilt University strengthen our collective voice."

Law School in Nashville, Tenn., was named to lead FrassatiUSA, an organization charged with the In the short term, according to Sis- mission of promoting the spirituality of Blessed Pier Giorgio in the United States. (CNS file photo) ter Margaret Mary, the objective is "getting in touch with, getting in connection with indi'1dual religious congregations:' The long-term goal, she added, is "getting to network them."

She pointed to Bread for the

By FRAN RAJOTTE and 30s at the parish. night in the Frassati family's sumWorld's June 9-12 gathering in WashCATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE Father Baker named it the mer home in Pollone," Wohar said. ington, called "Sowing Seeds: GrowNASHVILLE, Tenn.

When Frassati Society, and the group folIn August and September last ing a Movement," as a tool for bringChris Wohar moved lowed the example to Nashville in of its patron and year, Wohar t;raveled to Thrin, staying in representatives of men's and his efforts 1995 as a law student, little did she on living the beatitudes ing in the family villa, and retraced women's religious orders to network know that her life would take a new through worship, study, service and the steps of Blessed Pier Giorgio, with each other and with the larger including praying in the same room social activities. tum.

It was here she discovered the anti-hunger movement across the , According to Father Baker, the in which he prayed, attending Mass of Blessed Pier Giorgio spirituality United States: Bread for the World is inviting de- Frassati and now wants to lead oth- name Frassati Society sounded like at the same churches and hiking in a great fit for a young adult group, his beloved mountains. claredcandidates for their party's 2008 ers to do the same. presidential nomination to address Wohar knew that the Frassati After a three-month trip last year since Pier Giorgio was a young, hunger and poverty issues. "We're to Italy, where she met with family active and intense Catholic in the organization needed help, since hoping to have the presidential candi- members of Blessed Pier Giorgio midst of his ordinary life.

Gawronska was serving as a redates come, and interview them for an at the Pier Giorgio Frassati AssoCreating the Frassati Society source for all the Frassati societies hour;' Sister Margaret Mary said. ciation in Rome, Wohar has been was one of the highlights of his throughout the world. When the 'That's a part of what the gathering's named to lead FrassatiUSA, an or- priesthood, Father Baker said. The family asked her to head up about." ganization charged with the mission young adults who helped start the FrassatiUSA, she accepted.

Wohar then spent a month with of promoting the spirituality of Frassati Society have become more Open JH!oMse -lFeUJro.ary 241 Blessed Pier Giorgio in the United and more involved in the life of the Gawronska in Rome, working 1() (JJ.W!. to 2 p.m.

States.

Church and in their family and pro- closely with her on the details for the organization.

"It's an ideal opportunity and I fessionallives.

She also met Gawronska's 104am thrilled and ecstatic," Wohar In 2002, six years after helping told the Tennessee Register, news- to found the St. Henry group, year-old mother, Luciana, Blessed paper of the Nashville Diocese. "It Wohar, who holds a master's degree Pier Giorgio's only sister, who has will be extremely challenging, but in business administration from the written extensively about her University of Pittsburgh, moved to brother's life. 1\vo of her books are exciting."

Blessed Pier Giorgio died at the Aquinas College in Nashville to be currently available in the U.S.: "My age of 24 in 1925. Besides being director of the school's business Brother Pier Giorgio: His Last an excellent and active athlete, he. administration program. She started Days" and "A Man of the Beati~ts r?UClli' h:u boo! bmutifulJy r=c.-aI, and ~=-~i':::::o= was dedicated to serving the poor. a Frassati Society group there to tudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati." ~ Itoml:s. Rero->.,nizOO by The ~1=1cb.u:::l::tlS.His=il;aJ Ca=~=o d 6: ~ FrassatiUSA will become a clearHe was known as the "man of the heighten the Catholic identity li1:I:I s.rna,. Wh.>Ier. PI=: is con\""icmly Ioc=I in the ~ ~=====Jd~ ~'imI. and is d= to nm:l shoppinll and dJe ~ &IlOrd ~ l':::::::i:r:c=. <G:=6lt. inghouse of information and matebeatitudes" because he demon- among students. cd ~ tht C2Jdi-ee lifi:sty!e, and all tht mndrrn nD-<oin: f=r=:s =l!=ze::::,,; ~ It was then that her interest in and rials on Blessed Pier Giorgio as well strated that holiness is for everyone R= bas to nffzr. and that charity is the foundation devotion to Blessed Pier Giorgio as a national resource for networkgrew. "Frassati became a running ing and domestic events. Though of Christian life. ...

He was beatified in May 1990. thread (in my life) throughout the based in Nashville, Wohar will travel .,::- -.r:L::.4T,..::::;:::tLt ·l.,L<;L~':": -~':'".-::':'~~; rw3~1 --_~-:;,2;:~~:X:':::::;'] • E........ iL:l: .. :~--:·:-: .....~ Many young adult Catholics years," said Wohar. 'The Lord writes for public speaking opportunities .. - -_~~~Je-:...~= ~~ :,,_,!:;."~!I':::::;-:"\ and to lead pilgrimages to Italy. throughout the world have formed straight with crooked lines." .. "<:.:...;..-.:t-.-.:::::J.-::r z;:....w~ • B:.'l.i:~r.L :::-:n On a trip to Italy with her sister, "It's been an incredible experisocieties to emulate his life and • " . .:....:::.s.).C:~:.; • f\- ;) (,:~~.:,:-;J.l~ • -::.:.-:t.~":':J • l:'H·:i;y!,-~.... work.

Wohar tried unsuccessfully to con- ence to be immersed in the life of • :.! ~-=--:::"~J C;'J::I1 • 110!! t... rr.:.....' ..::.. '::~ Wohar first learned of Blessed tact the Frassati Association in Pier Giorgio and to come to know • ~.==.:)::"'::.:::r • Ihy(:~r:r:~';j.m;..-.:.· Pier Giorgio from Father John Sims Rome. When she returried to Rome so many members of his family," r':~ ,:~.l;R",hfr.l1 ('tI'...1 ':\~:!-:b! ..' ';';,\ICCl Baker, who at that time served as in 2005, she got a response from she said. "My time in Italy was truly associate pastor of St. Henry the organization and had lunch with filled with blessings. Now I am Church. Wohar, then a law student Wanda Gawronska, Blessed Pier ready to help spread the message of Pier Giorgio, and share what I've at Vanderbilt University, was a pa- Giorgio's niece. rishioner of St. Henry and was "That meeting turned into an experienced with others." asked by Father Baker to head up a invitation for myself and three More information is available group for young adults in their 20s travel companions to spend Easter online at: www.FrassatiUSAorg.

WASHINGlDN (CNS) - Globally, about one of every six persons is Catholic. In the United States, the figure is a little less than one of every four people. Among U.S. Christians, the number is closer to one of every three people.

Bread for the World, the Christian citizens' anti-hunger lobby, beats those percentages: One out of every two members is Catholic in the 56,000member group. ''It's one way of their expressing some sort of solidarity in reaching out to those who are poor and hungry," theorized Franciscan Sister Margaret Mary Kimmins. "They do it in a lot of ways as you well know, but it (Bread for the World) was one of the first organizations that was out there to do that."

Another connection for Catholics, she said, might be the association that now-retiredAuxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton of Detroit had with Bread for the World. For the group's first 10years-it was founded in 1974 - he was the vice president and then president of its board of directors.

Sister Margaret Mary, who for six years was director of socialjustice for the Diocese ofScranton, Pa, was hired

by Bread for the World late last year under a fellowship it created to reach out specifically to Catholic women's and men's religious orders.

Despite the shrinking numbers of religious, she said they still wield collective clout.

"We're decreasing in number.

We've gone in the last 40 years from 180,000 to 69,000 and that has increased our (average) age, if you get my drift," said Sister Margaret Mary, referring to women religious. "What I'm tIYing to do is get involved with the congregations who have a power-

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Tennessee woman spreads message of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

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