03.19.04

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VOL. 48, NO. 11 • Friday, March 19, 2004

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Diocese turns 100 By

DAVE JOLIVET EDITOR

FALL RIVER - It was most appropriate that the Eucharistic table was the heart of the celebration of the 100'h anniversary of the Diocese of Fall River last Sunday

at the Cathedral of S1. Mary of the Assumption here. S1. Pope Pius X, commonly known as the "Pope of the Eucharist" founded the diocese, which today is comprised of nearly 350,000 Catholics, on March 12, 1904.

Bishop George W. Coleman, the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Fall River, was the principal celebrant and homilist at the celebratory Mass attended by 17 brother bishops, scores of diocTum to page eight - Diocese

BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman, right, stands in front of a bus recently delivered to the diocesan mission in Guaimaca, Honduras. Bishop Coleman and Father Richard Wilson, diocesan director of the Spanish Apostolate, made the trip to visit the mission. With the bishop, from left: Sister Maria Ceballos, Father Joseph Blyskosz, Sister Lucia Gomez, Father Wilson, and Father Paul Canuel.

Diocesan· mission seeks help to pay for needed bus By

FATHER PAUL CANUEL

GUAIMACA, Honduras The bus named ''The Evangelizer" arrived in Guaimaca in February. The concept of getting a bus shipped from Massachusetts to Guaimaca began in October of 2003 when a friend of Bishop Maurus Muldoon's, Bill Duffy, called to tell us of a great deal he could get on a 1995 small school bus, just .perfect for our use.

We want to use it to transport our "Delegates of the

Word" to spiritual conferences on spiritual formation, retreats, missions to the outlying villages, etc. It will also be used

by Sister Maria to bring Medical Mobile Clinics to the villages and will be very helpful in transporting our volunteers and visitors from and to the airport, 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from Guaimaca.

It will also be great to fit all our altar servers when they challenge each other on the socTum to page 13 - Guaimaca

BISHOPS· AND priests line the sanctuary during a Mass celebrating the centennial of the Diocese of Fall River last Sunday at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. (Anchorphoto by Bruce McDaniel)

Catechumens invited to sign Book of the Elect FALL RIVER - Bishop George W. Coleman celebrated the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on February 29, the first Sunday in Lent, at S1. Mary's Cathedral. Thirtyfour catechumens from 19 diocesan parishes signed the Book of the Elect in preparation for the

celebration of the Easter Vigil, at which time they will be baptized, confirmed and receive holy Eucharist.

Forty-three candidates from 18 diocesan parishes will be welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.

The following is Bishop

Coleman's address to the catechumens on February 29: "It is my privilege to welcome all of you to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. For some of you, this may be the frrst time that you have visited this cathedral. Some of you may have Tum to page 13 - RC1A

Worcester Bishop Reilly retires; R.I Aux. Bishop McManus is successor ~

New bishop also named Gabriel Montalvo, the pope: - accepted the retirement of for Springfield.

By

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON Pope John Paul II has accepted the retirement of one U.S. bishop, moved two auxiliary bishops to new dioceses and promoted two priests to bishop.

In appointments announced in Washington on March 9, by the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop

Bishop Daniel P. Reilly of Worcester; - named Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. McManus of Providence, R.I., as Bishop Reilly's successor; - named Auxiliary Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell of New York to head the Diocese of Springfield; - named Msgr. Robert J. Tum to page three - Worcester

BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman, welcomed 34 catechumens from 19 diocesan parishes to sign the Book of the Elect at St. Mary's Cathedral recently, in preparat~on for the celeb!ation of the Easter Vigil, when they will be baptized, confirmed and receive holy Euchanst.

(Anchor photo by Bruce McDaniel)

Friday, March 19, 2004

Pope names first women members of International Theological Commission VATICAN CITY (CNS) - For the first time, Pope John Paul II has named women to the Vatican's International Theological Commission.

One of the two women appoin.tees is Sister Sara Butler, 65, amember ofthe Missionary Servants ofthe Most Blessed Trinity who teaches dogmatic theology at the New York Archdiocese's St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers.

The other is a German lay woman, Barbara Hallensleben, who teaches dogmatic theology at the University ofFribourg, Switzerland.

She has written on religion and culture in Eastern Europe. The appointments were announced at the Vatican.

Both women have been involved in ecumenism. Sister Butler has been a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission,

and Hallensleben has worked on Catholic-Orthodox issues.

Sister Butler, who was an early proponent of the ordination of women, said she changed her position in the late 1970s due to an "intellectual conversion" while researching the topic. ' Swiss Cardinal Georges Cottier, retired secretary-general of the commission and the official papal theologian, said the naming of women to the commission was an important development.

The International Theological Commission was established in 1969 to study important doctrinal issues as an aid to the pope and to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It has produced documents in recent years on such topics as deacons, Christian failings ofpast centuries and interreligious dialogue.

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POPE JOHN Paull! has named Mary Ann Glendon, a professor of law at Harvard University, to be president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The appointment marks the first time a woman has been named president of one of the 10 pontifical academies. (eNS photo by Justin Ide, Harvard University)

Pope nantes Glendon to be first WOntan to head Vatican acadenty

By CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE V ATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II has named Mary Ann Glendon, a professor of law at Harvard University, to be president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

The Vatican press office said the appointment marks the first time a woman has been named president of one of the 10 pontifical academies, all of which in-

465 County ·Streer, New Bedford

Daily Readings

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Mar 22

Honoring all faiths, customs and nationalities Mar 23 Mar 24

Mar 25

Mar 26

Mar 27

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Mar 28 e

THE>UGHT

FUNERAL PLANNING

Is65:17-21;Ps 30:2,4-6,1112a,13b; In 4:43-54 Ez 47:1-9,12; Ps 46:2-3,5-6,8-9; In 5:1-16 Is 49:8-15; Ps 145:8-9,13c14,17-18; In 5:17-30 Is 7:10-14; 8:10; Ps 40:7-11; Heb 10:4-10; Lk 1:26-38 Wis 2:1a,12-22; Ps 34:17-21,23; In 7:1-2,10,2530 Jer 11: 18-20; Ps 7:2-3,9b-12; In 7:40-53 Is 43: 16-21; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 3:8-12; In 8:111

9dafc§ it easierfor tftose you Cow 1111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-Q20) Periodical Postage Paid at Fall River, Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after ChrisbnaS at 887 Highland Avenue. Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press ofthe Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASTERS send address changes to The Anchor. P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

volve groups of scholars who conduct and encourage research on topics of concern to the Catholic Church.

Glendon, 65, has been a member of the social sciences academy since its founding in 1994. .The academy focuses on issues related to the social sciences, economics, politics and law. Although autonomous, the academy works in consultation with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

Glendon also was the first woman named to head a Vatican delegation to a major U.N. conference; in 1995, Pope John Paul

named her head of the Vatican delegation to the U.N. Conference on Women in Beijing.

Glendon's research has focused on bioethics, human rights, the theory of law and comparative constitutional law.

Since 2001, she also has served on The President's Council on Bioethics,which advises the U.S. president.

In addition to teaching at Harvard, she has been a visiting professor at Jesuit-run Gregorian University and the Legionaries of Christ's Regina Apostolorum Athenaeum, both in Rome.

In· Your Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming weeks March 22 1940, Rev. Joseph A. Martins, Assistant, St. John the Baptist, New Bedford 2003, Rev. James T. Keefe, SS.Cc., Chaplain, U.S. Army -4

March 23 2002, Rev. James F. KeIle~, 'Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska

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M3rch-~,---1991, Rev. John J. Brennah,.SS,Cc. r-'~ \\ v-, \ March 27 1918, Rev. James W. Conlin, Pa~tbr, St. Patrick, Somerset 1964, Rt. Rev. Antonio P. Vieira~Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford \ \ March 28\ \ 1960, Rev. Alfred J. Levesque, Pasto\, 8t. Jacques, Taunton 1972, Rev. Bernard A. Lavoie, Catholic\Memorial Home, Fall River v 1983, Rev. Dieudonne Masse, OFM, Retired, Montreal, Canada 1985, Rev. Howard A. Waldron, Pastor, Emeritus, St. Thomas More, Somerset

.Bishop Raymond 1. Boland, 72.

Bishop-designate Finn is a priest of the St. Louis Archdiocese and was editor of the archdiocesan newspaper, the St. Louis Review, at the time of his appointment. He was born in St. Louis on April 2, 1953, and ordained a priest for the archdiocese in 1979. He held several parish assignments, taught in several high schools and was director of the continuing formation of priests program. He was named newspaper editor in 1999.

His episcopal ordination has been scheduled for May 3 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.

The Ogdensburg diocese has been without a bishop since last July, when Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito was appointed to the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla. Bishop-designate Cunningham, 60, was ordained a priest for the Buffalo diocese in 1969 and has POPE JOHN Paull! has named Auxiliary Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, left, of New York held several administrative posts. as head of the Diocese of Springfield, and Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. McManus, right, of He was elected diocesan administrator of Buffalo.last October when Providence, R.I., as head the Diocese of Worcester. (eNS photos)

Worcester

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St. Patrick's Parish in Wareham, MA; has an opening for a Director of Religious Education starting July 1, 2004. The program has 500 children from grades 1 to 9.

ORE also oversees the RCIC and RCIA programs.

ORE Search Committee Send resume to: PO Box 271 Wareham, MA 02571

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Sister Gratiana comforts a dying man in her native Zambia. She prays with him. Just I seeing her is a t . reminder to him of the presence and the love of Jesus.

Sisters throughout the Missions help the poor, the sick, the lonely, the suffering come to know and live in the fact that God, in Christ, has saved us and is w.ith us, day by day.

This Lent, would you be one of/hose loving missionaries who share in the Cross ofour missionfamity, helping them come to know the hope that comes only jimn the Lord Himselj?

Please PRAYfor our brothers and sisters in the Missions and the missionaries who serve among them,

New Bedford Deanery hosts Mission day when it will be presented within the context of Mass celebrated in the Maronite Rite.

The sacrament of reconciliation will be available before the Mass from 11:00 - 11 :45 a.m. each day except Monday, and in the evening from 6:00 6:45 p.m., except Monday evening.

The priests and the themes of the talks are as follows: Monday: "It All Starts With Forgiveness," Father Stephen A. Fernandes, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, New Bedford.

GRANDPA WITH A WIT

ORE WANTED

Continued from page one

Cunningham of Buffalo, N.Y., to previous experience dealing with years of serving God's people head the Diocese of Ogdensburg, a situation that had been marred here as a priest and bishop," he N.Y.; by child sex abuse allegations. He said at a news conference.

In a statement, Bishop Reilly - named Msgr. Robert W. was part of the transition team Finn of St. Louis to be coadjutor temporarily running Covenant . called Bishop McManus "a very bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, House, a center for runaway mi- talented and dedicated bishop nors in New York, after its direc- who has been blessed with good Mo. Bishop McDonnell goes to the tor and founder, Franciscan Fa- pastoral experience and tested by Springfield diocese during a time ther Bruce Ritter, resigned in challenging administrative asof turmoil. His predecessor, 1990 following accusations of signments."

Bishop McManus was born in Bishop Thomas L. Dupre, retired sexual misconduct with minors in early February for health rea- and of financial mismanagement. Providence on July 5, 1951, and An April 1 installation cer- was ordained a diocesan priest in sons just before allegations were made public that he had abused emony is planned for Bishop 1978. He was 47 When named minors sexually. At the time of McDonnell at St. Michael's Ca- auxiliary bishop at the end of 1998.

Bishop McDonnell's appoint- thedral'in Springfield.

Bishop Reilly, 75, was born Bishop McDonnell was named ment, a grand jury was being convoked to investigate the sexual an auxiliary bishop in New York May 12, 1928, also in Providence abuse accusations against Bishop on Oct. 30, 2001. He was born in and was ordained a priest for the Dupre for possible criminal New York Dec. 23, 1937, and or- Providence diocese in 1953. He dained for the New York Arch- was appointed bishop of Norcharges.

Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley diocese in 1963. He held various wich, Conn., in 1975 and named of Boston praised the rapid action posts in the archdiocese includ- bishop of Worcester in 1994.

Bishop-designate Finn, who

by Pope John Paul II in naming a ing vice chancellor, vicar general new bishop for Springfield "in and chief operating officer of will turn 51. on April 2, said in a statement that he was "somewhat light of the turmoil that the dio- Catholic Charities.

Bishop McManus, 52, is overwhelmed but very grateful" cese has been undergoing in the scheduled to be installed as the for his appointment as coadjutor past few weeks."

The archbishop said that "it new head of the Worcester dio- bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

As a coadjutor, Bishop-desigspeaks well of the care that he (the cese May 14, in St. Paul's Cathenate Finn would automatically pope) has for all of the Church of dral in Worcester.

"It is not easy to leave the Dio- become head of the diocese upon Christ."

Bishop McDonnell, 66, has cese of Providence after almost 26 the resignation or death of current

NEW BEDFORD - The New Bedford Deanery will once again host a city-wide Lenten Mission March 29, 30, 31 and April I at St. Mary's Church, Tarklin Hill Road. The theme of this year's mission is "Restoring All Things in Christ."

Four different priests will present topics in conjuction with the theme. The mission talk will be repeated twice daily - at the 12:05 p.m. daily Lenten Mass and in the evening at 7 p.m. within the context of Benediction except on Thurs-

it became vacant.

Bishop-designate Cunningham was born in Buffalo June 18, 1943.

Tuesday: "A Plan For Holiness," Father David A. Pignato, secretary to the bishop and chaplain, Bishop Stang High School.

Wednesday: " God's Word in Our Life of Prayer," Father Timothy P..

Driscoll, parochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Bedford.

Thursday: "Communion With Our God and With :One Another," Father John J. Oliveira, pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, New Bedford. "

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Friday, March 19, 2004

the moorin9-The struggle for

pe81~e

As the United States continues to do battle with Iraq, it would be to his benefit if President Bush takes note of the Spanish election results.

At the outset of Middle East troubles, 90 percent of the Spanish population was against going to war in Iraq. In spite of this reality, the defeated government of Prime Minister Aznar went ahead and . pledged Spanish troops for the war. The horrendous train attack by terrorists in Madrid Solidified the vote for the newly-elected government of Jose Zapatero. There exists a widely-held belief in Spain that the Bush administration is the cause of a widening rift between Spain and its European neighbors, especially France and Germany. In general, the image of the unjust war in Iraq is ever growing in Europe, and the Bush camp is contributing to this trend by its lack of peripheral vision. As Tony Blair reflected last week, terrorism is not going to diminish. Everyone agrees we must tackle this issue on a global scale. However, war policies, be they supported in Washington or Jerusalem, which divide and separate peoples, are bound to be inflammatory, leading to vengeful acts of terror. As the European Union prepares to welcome 10 new nations into its alliance, it should be obvious that this country cannot go it alone in this global social order. Our Wild West gun-slinging approach to very difficult international problems is ·certainly not encouraging the effort in ensuring world peace.

Working to achieve this' goal should be the prime effort of all nations. We must encourage and support those who are truly seeking peace on our planet. War must never be our priority. In fact, all citizens and governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war. Injustice, excessive economic or social inequalities, distrust and blind national pride constantly threaten peace and cause war.

Everything done to overcome such disorders contributes to building up peace and avoiding war.

One of the overlooked causes for international tension today is the escalation of the arms race. More and more nations are developing very sophisticated weapons of destruction. We must be aware that the arms race does not ensure peace. Far from eliminating the causes of war, as the "Catechism of the Catholic Church;' reflects, overarming multiplies reasons for conflict, and, as we see today, increases the danger of escalation. Warfare and terrorism go handin-hand. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth mind-set, will never ensure peace. Peace is not the mere absence of war and it is npt limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. It also teaches that peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among people and respect for the dignity of persons and people. Peace, as St. Augustine taught, is "the equality of order."

Today, the need for peace indeed cries to heaven. Peace fundamentally is one of the deepest yearnings of the human heart. Personal peace is the struggle that each of us undertakes eacJ:1 and every day. If not, then violence rules us and in turn our ~ocial order. Everyone wants peace and freedom from doubt and anxiety, violence and terror. We search our minds and hearts foiharmony, serenity and wholeness; the hunger and longing for peace exists somewhere in every human being. As we continue to face the daily pictures of war and terror, let each of us try to be what St. Francis calls an "instrument of peace." Perhaps in this way we can make our own contribution to a collective world peace.

The Executive Editor

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NEWS EDITOR James N. Dunbar

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HIS HEAD IN PRAYER AT THE VATICAN. THE POPE JOINED CITIZENS OF EUROPE IN A THREE-MINUTE SILENCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF BOMB AITACKS IN MADRID MARCH

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0 MY GOD, i PRAY, LET YOUR EYES BE OPEN AND YOUR EARS ATTENTIVE TO THE PRAYER OFFERED IN THIS PLACE" (2 CHRONICLES

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Same-sex unio'ns and marriage: The issues Editor's note: The following is the last in a three-part series on this most topical issue by Sulpician Father Gerald Coleman, who addressed the subject in a single address January 28 at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif. The entire article appeared in the February 12 issue of Origins, the Catholic News Service's documentary service.

A Catholic Perspective In "Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity, "O'Collins and Farrugia point ouUhat there are certain "distinctive and persistent" moral convictions in Catholic. moral teaching, one of which is that "men and women were both created in the image and likeness of God and find through marriage their human and religious fulfillment." As -the whole biblical testimony avows, God created man and woman to overcome their singular loneliness by becoming "one flesh" and thus one spirit. Marriage is a promise to foster genuine conju-

gal love and to cooperate with God in the transmission of new life. This beliefgrounds the teachings of two important doeuments relating to same-sex unions: "Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons" from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and "Between Man and Woman: Questions and Answers About Marriage and Same-Sex Unions" from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Vatican document points out that "marriage is not just any relationship between human beings, but a "fonn of life" created and missioned by God to enable a man and woman to leave their parental home, cling to their spouse and, by sexual complementarity and fruitfulness, contribute to the work of cr:eation by begetting children. This is God's plan for marriage, and no other type of union is "even remotely analogous" Same-sex unions are unable intrinsically,

i.e., biologically and anthropo-. logically, to create a "marriage" as they are unable to foster authentic sexual complementarity and the fostering of new life.

The U.S. bishops' statement likewise upholds the singular nature of marriage and demonstrates that only a male and female can fully complement one another, create "true conjugal union" and bring children into the world (Nos. 2-5). Marriage is the basic unit of society and the family, and constitutes what the "Second Vatican Council called a 'domestic Church'" (No.8). Marriage and . the family are unique in their "irreplaceable contribution to the common good of society, especially through the procreation and education of children" (Conclusion). Any attempt to equate same-sex unions with marriage devalues marriage itself as a union of complementarity and procreativity. These teachings lead to clear and unequivocal conclusions: Tum to page i3 -issues

Friday, March 19, 2004

the andhdlS)

The (Ty) law of the land After watching and listening to the antics of some pretty famous athletes, I've come to realize that I have greatly underestimated their impor. tance on not only the sports world, but on American society itself.

Just give New England Patriot cornerback Ty Law the opportunity for a sound bite, and you'll hear just how shabbily his team is treating him.

And get a load of San Francisco 4ger, turned Baltimore Raven, and Philadelphia Eagle wannabe Terrell Owens, who has poopooed a trade to the Ravens, saying he wants to go to Philadelphia instead. Or switch over to baseball and lend an ear to Pedro Martinez who says all he wants is respect.

At first, I thought these players and many more like them had lost perspective about sports and life itself. But now, I'm beginning to realize that these men are indeed bigger than their respective sports. Not only that, they're bigger than life itself. Why? Because in addition to making more money than anyone should, they've actually changed the definition of a plethora of words currently found in Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. And in fairness to all concerned, the team owners have lent a hand in the changes as well.

Let's take a look, shall we?

Respect - at one time this meant high or special regard.

Now, and particularly in the

cases of Law and Martinez, it means being paid more than anyone else at their particular position - the more the salary, the greater the respect.

Contract - formerly defined as a covenant between

My View From the Stands

By Dave Jolivet

two parties. Now, a contract is an imaginary symbol representing a temporary deal. Now meant to be restructured, reworked, and for all intents and purposes disregarded, contracts are as binding as a politician's promise.

Salary - for years this was the compensation one received for the job they did. Today, a salary is an unfathomable amount of money given to greedy, selfish, pride-filled crybabies who will never appreciate that they receive this sinful compensation for playing a game. Salary and respect are quickly becoming synonyms.

Humility - once defined as not proud, haughty, arrogant or assertive. Now humility is . when athletes choose not to speak to the press.

Fans - was once a term used for those who followed sports - fanatics. Today, fan is more aptly defined as a sucker. One who pays well beyond his or her means to

Letter to the Editor pro-Amendment side. The most Editor: The Constitutional Convention disappointing aspect is the politic of February 12 began as a lesson cians who say they are voting of government in action and their conscience. It takes no courended as abject betrayal. It is sad age to represent yourself. Every enough that some politicians .scoundrel in history has done so. don't want their constituents to The courage comes in representvote; but when they won't let each ing people who elected you, who other vote, it is disgraceful. I re- do not have the privilege of votfer to the filibuster by Democrats ing their conscience.

If the mayor of San Francisco in Washington to stop federal judgeships votes and currently in can ignore the law by issuing gay Massachusetts to stop marriage marriage licenses, then the govamendment votes. This is typical ernor of Massachusetts should of the desperate acts I witnessed ignore the courts and deny them.

It appears that Senator at the Massachusetts State House Travaglini is preparing us for the on February 11.

There were out-of-state stu- stalling tactics again. This may be dents chanting and trying to in- the wake-up call that all the tratimidate older people, and worse, ditionalists will need to become tactics more appropriate in 1938 activists.

Charles W. Howard Germany than 2004 MassachuNorth Falmouth setts. I saw hate, but not from the

bring a family to a sporting event to watch individuals flaunt their God-given abilities in an attempt to gain respect.

(See salary.) Fans were once the most important part of sports. Today television and team apparel revenues have replaced the fan.

Loyalty - ~n the old days, this meant remaining true to your team, fans, owners and contract.

Today, loyalty is the bond between an athlete and his agent.

Agent - formerly thought of as a representative or emissary. Today, an agent is the driving force in sports. The more respect their client receives, the more respect they receive.

Players' union - conceived as an entity to protect athletes from the occasional gouging owner. Today, the players' union provides athletes with excuses for bad behavior and removes all liabilities for their actions. In essence, the players' union allows athletes to get away with all the things they were taught not to do as children.

So thanks to men like Ty Law, Terrell Owens and Pedro Martinez, we'll all be able to curl up with a good book the next time Webster publishes its unabridged dictionary. It will be like reading a new John Grisham novel, or more accurately, a Stephen King horror story.

Dave Jolivet, editor of The

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Comments are welcome at davejolivet@anchornews.orf路

"IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIFE."

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Congratulations Diocese, of Fall River SSe Peter & Paul Parish at Holy <;#dss Church Fall River, Massachusetts

The Saints & Singers Chorus "

JESUS SHALL REJ6N EasterPerl'ormance Schedule Fri March 26 Our Lady of Lourdes

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Carver

Sat March 27 N. Falmouth Congregational

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Sun March 28 St. Margaret's

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Buzzards Bay

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First Baptist of Pocasset

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Swift Memorial Church

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Friday, March 19, 2004

Fourth season of RENEW

features new program

By BElTINA

A.

BRIGGS

'''The 'Healing Body of Christ' Joseph's Parish, North Dighton refaith sharing topic provides a valu- ports that their pastor and 30 parishFALL RIVER - Approxi- able experience for our faithful to ioners are participating and they are mately half of the parishes process the events of our Church hoping the experience will spark .throughout the diocese who are in such as scandal and yet to recog- further interest to draw in more folks. their fourth cycle of the RENEW nize and understand more com- Participants are sharing the program process have chosen to'devote this pletely the theology of the Church's booklets throughout the parish and Lenten season to a specially de- life and mission," observes Lisa the program may be repeated should veloped program that reaches into Gulino, whose office implements interest warrant it. the heart of the sadness of our the program.

St. Mary's Church in New Thomas Castle of Our Lady of Bedford is one of the parishes that times. "Healing the Body of Christ," has become the focus of Mount Carmel Parish, Seekonk, has chosen to keep the RENEW reports that their eight faith shar- calendar's fourth season topic of their prayers.

Father Thomas C. Lopes, direc- ing communities are immersed in ecumenism. The pastor, Msgr. John tor of RENEW, explained that the the third week of the six-week pro- J. Oliveira, reports that approxiprogram was formed as a response cess and there has been a "very mately 60 persons are enrolled and to the outpouring of calls to holi- positive response." Recognizing the program is "proving to be a ness throughout the Church, in par- that the program could be embraced good influence in our parish famticular from the time of the June by other parishes in future seasons, ily and an opportunity for people meeting of the Bishops in Dallas ' he strongly recommends it, calling to grown in faith." where the pain of scandal became it ''timely and good, and a refreshThe RENEW International deing change." so acutely concentrated. velopers of "Healing the Body of Janice Lord of St. James Parish, Christ," have drawn inspiration Scores ofparishes within the Fall River diocese have embraced the New Bedford, said "People in the from and cite the words of Pope RENEW program, instituted in program are happy to have a chance John PauL II in his address to the January 2002 to foster the formation to air their views and also move on," cardinals of the United States in of small groups of eight to 12 per- as the participants are drawn to April of 2002 to express the ursons who commit themselves as a embrace the healing sacraments gency of heeding the call to holicommunity to meet and read and and prayer. '''The timing has been ness. He stated "We must be confireflect upon the Scriptures, pray, providential for us as St. James is dent that this time of trial will bring share each other's lives and respond involved in a merger." Lord noted purification of the entire Catholic in action. At the beginning of this that the program is designed to coinmunity, a purification that is year, the Diocesan Office of RE- stand alone so that it can be under- urgently needed if the Church is to NEW notified all the parishes to the taken at any time by other parishes. preach more effectively the Gospel availability of an alternative to the Unlike other RENEW programs, its of Jesus Christ in all its liberating program of ecumenism which oth- themes are not specifically woven force. Now you must ensure that erwise would comprise the fourth to the readings of the liturgical sea- where sin increased, grace will all season. Any parish can pause to un- son. Day 0' Shea of St. Paul's the more, abound'. So much pain, dertake路 "Healing the Body of Church in Taunton echoed the so much sorrow must lead to a hoChrist:' at any time, and then resume theme of providential timeliness. lier priesthood, a holier episcopate , the RENEW cycle in due course.

Ralph H. Charlwood of St. and a holier Church."

SPECIAL TO THE ANCHOR

SALVADORAN YOUTHS carry an image in honor of Archbishop Oscar Romero during a memorial in, San Salvador recently. Archbishop Romero, an outsf>oken advocate for the poor and strong opponent of violence in EI Salvador, was assassinated on March 24, 1980, as he celebrated Mass. (eNS photo from Reuters)

Bishop Coleman reports on audit at Woods Hole parish FALL RIVER - The following is a March 12 letter to parishioners of St. Joseph's Parish in Woods Hole by Bishop George W. Coleman. ' It reads: "I write to provide you with an update on the information that has been gathered by the auditors in ' their review of the finances of St. Joseph Parish., I am aware of how difficult these past months have been for you. Like yourselves, I have experienced mixed feelings of pain, bewilderment, shock, and embarrassment as events involving Father Bernard R. Kelly and the parish have unfolded since last fall.

My primary concern-is for you as I realize that the loss of trust in one's parish priest is far more devastating than the loss of parish funds, and much harder to regain. Please know that you and Father Joseph Mauritzen, your pastor, have been in my prayers during this time.

The audit of finances of St. Joseph Parish during Father Kelly's administration has not yet been completed. Yet, initial findings indicate that the amount of missing funds will far exceed the $50,000 amount first brought to the attention of the Fall River dio-

cese by Father Kelly's attorney.

On the advice or our counsel, the diocese has taken the necessary steps to increa~ethe lien on property owned by Father Kelly from $100,000 to $800,000 to ensure that the diocese and St. Joseph's Parish will be adequately protected from this loss.

Since each expenditure is being reviewed to determine if it is a legitimate parish expense, the final figure in all likelihood may be less than the lien amount. As I pledged to you before, we will take whatever steps are necessary for the restitution of these funds to St. Joseph Parish.

The audit is being conducted by an independent auditing firm. Once it is complete, a report of its findings will be provided to all of you.

Throughout this process, the auditors have cooperated with the District Attomey's Office and information has been provided to that office to assist in their investigation.

I will continue to keep you apprised of developments as they occur.

Please know that you will continue t9 be in my prayers in the days and months ahead.

I have the pleasure to remain sincerely yours in the Lord."

The letter was signed by Bishop Coleman.

ATTLEBORO Bishop Feehan High School recently announced its Million Can March is ongoing. The school is collecting cans of food for the needy and hopes to collect one million items for local food pantries. Last year they took in 56,000. For more information call 508-226-6223.

DIGHTON ~ The 'Fall River Diocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual retreat March 26-28 at the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation's Mother House. Retreat director Dorothy Levesque will speak on the theme "Bringing Us to a Journey." For more information call Claudette Armstrong at 508-672-1658.

EAST FREETOWN - An Emmaus Retreat for young adults between the ages of 20~35 will be held April 23-25 at Cathedral Camp. This coeducational weekend provides an opportunity for young . adults to experience God's love and share in a Christian community. For more information call Barbara Hayden at 508-336-9158.

FALL RIVER - A holy 1l0ur

of the Southern New' England School of Law, 333 Faunce Comer Road from 5-6 p,m. and will address same sex marriage. The second on the science and ethics of stem cell research and cloning will be prese'nted by Father Tadeusz . Pacholczyk April 22 in the same location. For more information call is held every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. Cynthia Aimo at 508-495-1953. at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover Street. A prayer meeting TAUNTON - A new chapter 'will follow. Each Wednesday at 3 of the Secular Franciscans Order is' p.m. the Chaplet of Divine Mercy being organized in Taunton and will be recited. Stations of the Cross seeks new members. They meet will follow during Lent. For more every second Sunday of the month information call 508-679-6732. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish Center, 80 Bay Street at I MASHPEE - The Third Order p.m'-For more information call 508of Carmelites will meet Sunday at 822-9079.

5:30 p.m. 'in St. Jude's Chapel at Christ the King Church for prayer, TAUNTON - A prayer service rosary and study. For more infor- with exposition of the Blessed Sacmation call Dottie Cawley at 508- rament will be held on Tuesday 477-2798. evening from 7-9 p.m. over the next four weeks'at Our Lady of the Holy MISCELLANEOUS - An Rosary Church. Rosary and prayers educational semjnar, sponsored by will be offered in atonement for the the Fall River Diocesan Council of recent sex abuse scandals and for Catholic Women, will be held vocations.

March 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at White's ofWestport. Several speakTAUNTON - A centennial celers will address the topic "Treat- ' ebration themed "Forever We Will ment of HIV in 2004." For more Sing the Goodness of the'Lord," will information call Betty Novacek at be held March 28 at 10:30 a.m. at 508-678-2373.

St. Jacques Church, 249 Whittenton Street. It will begin with the celebraSOUTH DARTMOUTH - , tion ofa French Mass and music will The St. Thomas More Society will be provided by the St. Jacques present several lectures during Lent. Church choir. A brunch will follow.

The first, by Professor Dwight For more information call 508-824Duncan will be held in Room 231 7794.

Friday, March 19, 2004

The feast of the Annunciation is still important today Q. I'm puzzled by the rela- Christian people. tive lack of importance attached In addition, it was widely bethe feast of the Annunciation lieved in the early centuries of (March 25) by.the Church. Dec. Christianity that March 25 was 8, the feast of Our Lady's con· the day of Christ's death. St. Auception, is a day of obligation, gustine (died 430) echoed a long butthe feast of Our Lord's con· tradition when he declared that ception is not.

Jesus was put to death March 25, The Church teaches that life begins at con· 0-. ception, and the An· nunciation marks the event when the Word became flesh. It would seem that promoting

By Father this feast would both John J. Dietzen honor our Lord and emphasize our commit· ....- - - - - - - - - - ment to the Church's teaching about the origin of the same day of the year on which he was conceived ("De Trinitate," life.

Our Catholic paper not long Book 4).

By that time, a church had ago had an article about a Catholic English martyr, Mar- been built in Nazareth to comgaret Clitherow. Her feast, they memorate the Annunciation, said, is on the feast of the An- which would seem to indicate nunciation. Can another saint some liturgical celebration of that be commemorated on that day? feast already.

Probably the feast of the An(Pennsylvania) A. Your question is a good nunciation would have developed and interesting one, particularly into a more solemn celebration since the Annunciation is appar- except for one fact. For centuries, ently the first event in Mary's in both Eastern and Western parts life to be honored liturgically by of Christianity, the widely ac-

r--O-u-e-s-t-t· n-s-....-! and Answers

cepted practice was that no eucharistic liturgy could be celebrated during Lent except on Sunday. In fact, no feast at all was to be observed during what then was called the "great fast."

Since March 25 usually occurs during Lent, often on the days of the Sunday "scrutinies" for catechumens, and even during the solemn celebrations of Holy Week, this would bar the celebration of any feast in March, even the Annunciation.

To avoid the problem, some Christian churches tried to move the feast to the week before Christmas, December 18, or during January, but these alternatives never became popular. Eventually, about the year 700, despite Lent, the feast finally was established on March 25.

Even today, of course; March 25 often falls in the final days of Lent or during Holy Week, in which case the feast may be observed later, during

the Easter season.

The Pro-Life implications of this feast are not overlooked. Increasingly today, parishes and dioceses give special attention, liturgically and in other ways, to the fact that since we honor the presence of the Word in the womb of his mother from the beginning of her pregnancy, so we should respect the sacredness of other human beings from the moment of their conception.

Finally, as with March 25, feasts of several saints are observed every day of the year, though most of them are not on the calendar for celebration by the universal Church. Even December 25 has at least half a dozen saints whose feast day occurs along with the birth of Christ.

A free brochure in English or

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Spanish answering questions Catholics ask about baptism practices and sponsors is available by sending a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 325, Peoria, IL 61651.

Questions may be sent to Father Dietzen at the same address, or E-mail: jjdietzen@aol.com.

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LHe EMILE COLLARD displays a plaque he received upon being named Employee of the Quarter for the Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River. The custodial assistant also received a cash award, award pin and reserved parking space. From left: Thomas F. Healy, administrator; Collard; Paul Chasse, housekeeping coordinator; Erin Kanuse, assistant administrator.

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Local Knights of Columbus council receives international recognition Employee Benefits

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ing the local council said, "Please accept my sincere congratulations upon attaining this famous award.

May it be a reminder and an inspiration to the members of your council to continue to promote the ideals of the Knights for the good of the Church and your community."

In accepting the award, Grand Knight Thomas W. Travers said, "Receiving this award is quite and honor. We are pleased with this wonderful act of recognition."

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal service organization. For more information about the organization contact your local parish.

,

WEST HARWICH - The Knights of Columbus Council #7312 of Holy Trinity Church, was recently named a Founder's Award winner by the Knights of Columbus international head~ quarters in New Haven, Conn.

The prestigious award is presented for outstanding promotion of the organization's fraternal insurance program over the past year. Regional Knights of Columbus field agent Father Thomas Keogh, Jr., presented the award, an engraved plaque to the council.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson, president of the international organization in recogniz-

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Fall River • W. Bridgewater • Somerset Plymouth • Dartmouth • Hingham

8

Friday, March 19, 2004 in the 1870s to the continuing service of religious women, the Brothers of Christian Instruction, and members of the Holy Cross Congregation on the college level.

To these are joined a large body of dedicated lay teachers."

Bishop Coleman also remembered the diocese's first bishop, William Stang, who he called "a scholar and a shepherd."

"His concern for the flock extended from the training of students for the priesthood at the American College at Louvain, to the preaching of missions to Catholics and non-Catholics in Providence to providing aid for textile mill operatives suffering the devastating effects of a strike in Fall River."

In his remarks as the Metropolitan archbishop, Archbishop O'Malley said, "the altar has always been the magnet that gathers us like chips of iron, as we come together, one body, for the breaking of the bread."

"From the fishermen at the Sea ofGalilee, to the fishermen of New Bedford and Cape Cod, Christ calls simple people to be vessels of clay."

Bishop Coleman and Archbishops Cronin and O'Malley offered

prayers at the crypts of their predecessors at the conclusion of the Mass.

At the banquet, Auxiliary Bishop McManus extended greetings from the Providence diocese, saying the Diocese of Providence "would like Cape Cod back."

Lectors at the Mass were Meghan Couet and Holy Union Sister Virginia a 'Hare. General intercessions, read in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish and French, were delivered by Dominican Sister Lorraine Beauchesne, Antonia Ortiz, Jose Soares, Gregory Tapis, and Christopher Haponik. The gifts were presented by three generations of Fall River families, Philip T. Silvia Sr.; Katherine L. Holleran; Dr. Philip T. Silvia Jr.; Geraldine (Holleran) Silvia; Thomas C. Librera; Katherine Silvia Librera; Philip T. Silvia III; and Elizabeth M. Silvia.

Masters of ceremony were Father David A. Pignato, secretary to the bishop; Msgr. Stephen J. Avila; and Fathers Richard D. Wilson and Maurice O. Gauvin.

Seminarians of the dioceses were servers.

The Diocesan Choir, under the direction of Madeleine P. Grace, provided music.

NEWLY APPOINTED bishop of Worcester Robert J. McManus addresses the gathering at White's.

THIS ICE sculpture greeted guests arriving at White's of Westport following the Mass celebrating the diocese's centenniallast Sunday. (Anchorphotos by Bruce McDaniel)

Diocese

.Continued from page one

esan priests, and invited local religious leaders, dignitaries, and diocesan employees and friends.

A banquet at White's Restaurant in Westport followed the Mass.

Former Fall River bishops Archbishop Emeritus Daniel A. Cronin of Hartford, and Boston Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., attended, as did Bishop Robert E. Mulvee ofProvidence, R.I., and Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. McManus, from Providence, the newly assigned bishop of Worcester.

In his homily, Bishop Coleman referenced John's Gospel reading of the Samaritan women at the well, from whom Christ requested a drink of water. "Here in the century-old Diocese of Fall River, the Lord has given us his gift, living water, in abundance.

"His grace and the gifts of his Spirit readily can be seen in the lives of the members of this local Church. The gifts are evident in the lives and accomplishments of our bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity. The richness of our ethnic traditions and the endeavors of so many people have affected our Church and given strong evidence that the Spirit does indeed give life."

Bishop Coleman cited several examples of individuals who, through the past 100 years had become "living stones built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices."

He mentioned John and Alice Keveney and their family who lived in Barnstable Village in 1870. The nearest church to their home was in Sandwich t and the

family would awaken and dress for Sunday Mass at 4 a.m. every weekend to set off oil the long carriage ride. "In 1911, Alice Keveney assumed the role of sacristan at Sacred Heart Chapel in Yarmouthport, and for 44 years she gave of her time and energy to the work."

Also mentioned was Francis M. Rogers, born in New Bedford, the grandson of immigrants from the Azores, who went on to become department chairman of Romance Languages at Harvard University in 1947 and Dean of Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in FATHER MICHAEL K. McManus, chancellor of the Fall River diocese, right, greets old 1961. Bishop Coleman praised Rogers for "never losing sight of friend Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM. Cap. his Portuguese roots."

The bishop relayed the story of a young couple, Mr. & Mrs. John F. Madeiros, who in 1910 began caring for St. Elizabeth's Church in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. Fifty years later, a testimonial was held in their honor, for a . half-century of service to the parish.

Anna Sabatie, who later would become Dominican Sister of Charity of the Presentation Pierre Mqrie, was acknowledged for her works of charity during the Nazi occupation in France, and later for her work as administrator of Saint Anne's Hospital in Fall River.

"During the 22 years she spent in this position, she saw the growth of the hospital from 92 beds to 204 beds," the bishop noted.

Bishop Coleman also recognized the diocesan apostolate of Catholic education, "from the BISHOP GIEORGIE W. Coleman sits with Archbishop Emeritus Daniel A. Cronin, right, of coming ofthe Sisters of Mercy and Hartford, and Father Barry W. Wall, left, diocesan archivist. the Religious of Jesus and Mary

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Friday, March 19, 2004

Scouts and leaders honored at Religious Emblem Ceremony Bv MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

FALL RNER - A Religious Emblem Ceremony, sponsored by the Catholic Committee on Scouting, was held March 7 at St. Mary's Cathedral for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the diocese.

Bishop George W. Coleman was principal celebrant at the Mass and presented the awards following the closing hymn. Father Stephen B. Salvador, Diocesan Scouting chaplain and episcopal Region I chaplain, assisted in the ceremony, reading a description of each award prior to its presentation.

The frrst and second readings were by Ashley Ramey and Kimberly Connon. The Boy Scout Oath . was recited by Adam Souza. Lesley Anderson and Jessica Polgar led the Girl Scout Law and Promise.

Girl Scouts ages nine-II eamed the "I Live My Faith" Emblem which focuses on developing selfawareness and potential within the troop, their family, their parish and country. Girls Scouts ages 12-14 eam the Marian Emblem. The program encourages young Catholics to strengthen their faith and use the Blessed Virgin Mary as a role model.

Boy Scouts in grades seven-12

earn the Ad Altare Dei Emblem.

The program mirrors the seven sacraments and helps Scouts develop a fuller Christian lifestyle. Boy Scouts in ninth grade and higher earn the Pope Pius XII Emblem.

The year-long program focuses on Church-related ministries and vocations avenues by which baptized people can commit themselves to serve others.

Girl Scout Emblems "I Live My Faith" Taunton Area Troop 479: Rachel Bellanger, Immaculate Conception Parish, Taunton; Krista DeMello, St. Anthony's Parish, Taunton; AsWey Medeiros, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton. Troop 912: Chantille Deslauriers, St. Mary's Parish, Seekonk.

Fall River Area Troop 1089: Virginia Larrivee, St. Joseph's Parish, Fall River and Anna Rose Stankiewicz, SS. Peter and Paul Parish at Holy Cross Church, Fall River.

New Bedford Area Troop 140: Sky Cousineau, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New Bedford; Bethany Ann C. Pimental, St. John the Baptist Parish, New Bedford; and Molly Turner, Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Parish, New Bedford.

"Marian Emblem" Taunton Area Troop 494: Catherine Polgar, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; Katelyn Ramey, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton; Amanda Bonanca, Immaculate Conception Parish, Taunton; Michelle Andrade and Kimberly Connon, St. Jacques Parish, Taunton.

Fall River Area Troop 1114: Katelyn Larrivee, St. Joseph's Parish, Fall River.

Troop 1243: Meagan Parsons, St. Joseph's Parish, Fall River.

"Spirit Alive" Fall River Area Troop 82: Katie Dlugosinski, St. Joseph's Parish, Fairhaven. Troop 494 Jessica Polgar, Annunciation of the Lord Parish, Taunton; Lesley Anderson, Lutheran Church of Brockton; Ashley Ramey, Holy Family Parish, East Taunton.

Boy Scout Emblems "Ad Altare Dei" Narragansett Council Troop 5: Aaron and Jeremy Goldblatt, Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, New Bedford. Troop 11: Brandon and Kyle Brasseur, James Cafferty and Trevor Perry, St. Francis Xavier

9 Parish, Acushnet; Andrew Lackie, St. John Neumann Parish, East Freetown; Lionel LeFleur, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, New Bedford; Michael Teixeira, St. Mary's Parish, Fairhaven. Troop 24: Jonathan Bairos, St. Mary's New Bedford; Mark Gent and

Brandon Koster, St. Joseph-SL Theresa Parish, New Bedford.

"Pope Pius XII" Cape Cod Council Troop' 83: Chris Stewart and Mike Realbuto, St. Joan ofArc Parish, Orleans and Nick Morris and Turn to page J2 - Awards

BISHOP GEORGE W. Coleman and Father Stephen B. Salvador share a moment with Boy Scouts and Giri Scouts and Scouting leaders who were honored at the annual Religious Emblem Ceremony. It was held at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River.

At right, Father Salvador presents the bishop with a national Scouting award for the diocese.

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"It is the Spirit that gives life."

May the Spirit remain with us always!

Congratulations Diocese of Fall River on your lOOth â&#x20AC;˘ anniversary St. Paul Parish Taunton, Massachusetts

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Friday, March 19, 2004

eNS video reviews NEW YORK (CNS) - The 'following are video capsule reviews (featuring religious themes) from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conferenc;e of Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies on video have a USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating.

Suggested here is a selection of videos to rent that may inspire us to live better Christian lives and come closer to Christ as we experience this Lenten season.

I don't know why grown-ups oct all Ctozy all the tj~e.

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classification is A-III - adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted. (Sony Classics)

Yeah - don't the)' know that's why <.iod ~ode to~orrows?

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"Dead Man Walking" (1995)

Powerful fact-based dramatization about a Louisiana nun (Susan Sarandon) offering spiritual comfort to a hard-bitten prisoner (Sean Penn) condemned to death for the rape and murder of two teenagers, while at the same time attempting to share in the painful loss of the victims' grieving parents. Directed by Tim Robbins, the picture is balanced between the nun's respect for the dignity "Awakenings" (1990) Refusing to give up on his of every individual, even the deschronically catatonic patients, a picable killer, and the parents' caring doctor (Robin Williams) quest for justice in the state's exexperiments with a new drug ecution of their children's murwhich brings a man (Robert De derer, leaving viewers at the end Niro) out of a trancelike state af- to ponder what moral or social ter 30 years. Director Penny purpose is served by capital punMarshall's sensitive, fact-based ishment. Flashbacks to savage drama brings the viewer on a crimes, the depiction of an execumoving, emotional odyssey made tion, racial slurs and several inall the more poignant by superior stances of rough language. The performances all around. Minimal . USCCB Office for Film & Broadrough language. The USCCB casting classification is A-m Office for Film & Broadcasting adults. The Motion Picture Assoclassification is A-II - adults and ciation of America rating is R adolescents. The Motion Picture restricted. (Republic Pictures Association of America rating is Home Video) "Gandhi" (1982) PG-13 - parents are strongly Superb portrait ofIndia' s great cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under political and spiritual leader.

13. (Columbia) comes to life in Ben Kingsley's authoritative, yet sensitive perfor''Babette's Feast" (1988) Screen version of a story by mance. Director Richard Isak Dinesen, set in a rugged Dan- Attenborough's epic-scale proish fishing village in 1871, shows duction re-creates Gandhi's life the impact of a French house- and times, especially his use of keeper (Stephane Audran) on two nonviolence and hunger strikes to pious sisters who carry on their bring togetherthe diverse peoples late father's work as pastor of a of India and unify them as a nadwindling religious flock. The tion. Though its scenes of vioconclusion follows the prepara- lence are not for children, the tion and consumption of an ex- movie's vision of justice and quisite French meal, with focus peace is for everyone else, espeon its sensual and religious im- cially young people. The USCCB plications and its healing effect on Office for Film & Broadcasting the austere sect and the classification is A-II - adults and Frenchwoman who prepares it. adolescents. The Motion Picture Danish director Gabriel Axel's Association of America rating is low-key and understated work is PG - parental guidance sugrich with detail and fine, con- gested. (Columbia) "The Mission" (1986) trolled performances. Subtitles.

In the 1750s, the large and Cerebral treatment. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting prosperous Jesuit Indian missions classification is A-II - adults and of South America were divided adolescents. The Motion Picture between Spain and Portugal. In Association of America rating is retelling these events, Robert G - general audiences. (Facets) Bolt's screenplay focuses not on "Central Station" (1998) the religious but on the Stark Brazilian drama in which sociopolitical dimension of the a cynical spinster (Fernanda colonial era and its injustices. The Montenegro) reluctantly agrees to epic production is visually splenescort a nine-year-old boy did, but Roland Joffe's direction (Vincius De Oliveira) whose is erratic and bogs down in conmother was killed at the Rio bus trasting a nonviolent priest (Jerstation to the disreputable father emy Irons) and one (Robert De he's never met in the remote Niro) who leads the Indians reaches of the country. Director against a colonial army. Although Walter Salles' poignant road flawed, the work recalls a past movie becomes a humanist voy- that provides a contextfor current age of discovery as the woman's Latin American struggles. Viotender emotions are rekindled by lence and ethnographic nudity. sacrificing for the child. Subtitles. The USCCB Office for Film & Fleeting vioJence, petty thievery, . Broadcasting classification is Aminor profanity and crude expres- m - adults. The Motion Picture sions as well as a few instances Association of America rating is . of rough language. The USCCB PG - parental guidance sugOffice for Film & Broadcasting gested. (Warner H:ome Video)

So~eti~es I wonder about life.

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"KIM AND JASON" is a comic strip produced by Madison, Wis., artist Jason Kotecki and his wife, Kim, Kotecki, a kindergarten teacher. The strip, available free, runs in the monthly parenting section of The Catholic Herald newspaper in Madison. It features two young characters caught in the whimsy of childhood. (eNS)

Couple's cartoon strip tries to bring out the child in everyone By

CANDY CZERNICKI

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

MADISON, Wis. - "You know what's weird about God?" the little girl says to her friend. "He never got married. I think there should be a Mr. and Mrs. God." "It's probably hard to find someone who doesn't just want to be with him because he's famous," the boy replies.

Welcome to the world of Kim and Jason. It's a world full of lemonade stands that charge $25 for items because the two kids couldn't agree on the proper symbol for "cents"; where the only adul~ ''Boompa,'' a grandfatherly carpenter, models a childlike spirit; and where you're invited tojoumey back to the universe known as childhood.

Madison comic strip artist Jason Kotecki, 27, initially had loftier ambitions. While he drew it comic strip on sports in college at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, he had intended to pursue fine art.

"I went to school for illustration," Jason Kotecki said.

"I thought cartooning was below me. But then I realized how challenging it is. A lot more artistic things go into a comic strip than people think."

The "Kim" of Kim and Jason is Kotecki's wife, 25,

Maryknoll announces essay contest winners MARYKNOLL, N.Y. (CNS) - An eighth-grader and a high school sophomore were the top winners in Maryknoll's annual essay contest.

"Love Your Enemies?" was the theme.

Marita Brinkmann of Spring Valley School in Farmington won the Bishop Francis X. Ford Award for first place in her age category, grades six-eight. Nicholas Courtney of Holden High School in Holden won the Bishop Patrick 1. Byme Award for grades nine-12.

Second-place winners in the contest were David Douds, an eighth-grader at Queen of Angels Catholic School in Roswell, Ga., and Amanda Long, a senior at Monroe City R-l High School in Monroe City, Mo. Third place went to Michael Brannick, an eighthgrader at Holy Family Junior High School in Elmira, N.Y., and Elizabeth Ellison, a junior at St. Mary Academy-Bay View in RiverSide, R.I. The first-place essays will be reprinted in the May/ June issue of Maryknoll magazine and can be found on Maryknoll's Website, www.maryknoll.org.

a public school kindergarten teacher. While the two went to the same university, they actually met in high school, through the Teens Encounter Christ retreat program. ''TEC, for me, really started everything," he told,the Catholic Herald, newspaper of the Milwaukee Archdiocese. ''We'd always been Catholic, but it wasn't really part of my daily life."

The Koteckis are parishioners of Christ the King Parish in McFarland, in the neighboring Diocese of Madison.

"I think it's neat the God piece was' there from the start," Kim Kotecki said. ''My mom always told my sister and me to pray for your husband, that he'll be ready for you. I believe that had a lot to do with how we met - God had a lot to do with it."

Two of the other people who work for the couple's company, JBird Ink Ltd., are college friends whom the couple met through the Newman Center at Northern Illinois University.

He initially submitted the strip to his college paper, but it was rejected "because they said no one on a college campus could relate." The strip first appeared online in April 2000 at the Website www.kimandjason.com.

Jesus' admonition to have the faith of a little child resonates with both Koteckis.

Jason Kotecki said the strip's "overall mission is sort of covert. I take Christ's statement of becoming more like children and try to infuse that into everyday culture." ''My ultimate goal is to reach millions of people," he said. "I want to bring happiness and joy to as many people as I can. There are so many negative entertainment things out there, (such as) reality television; I want to create positive entertainment, something really funny and good quality with good values."

The strip isn't for kids, he noted. 'The main mission is to escape adulthood," he explained. "People who sign up for the daily strip (via E-mail) are 25 to 50 years old.

It's a break from the stresses and the grind."

The Koteckis donate three percent of their sales per month to groups that help children. They've begun a line of greeting cards designed to be used as fund-raisers. Each Set of cards has a fruit-themed name, such as "perfect pear" for cards of love and friendship, and comes with a small pack of Jelly Belly jelly beans.

"It saddens me to see kids with illnesses, abuse, homelessness," Jason Kotecki said. "I had a good childhood and I wanted to do something with my company to influence the lives of kids."

Speakers say cloning poses threat of 'ge~etic strip Inining,' slavery Fall River diocese's Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk is one of the presenters.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (CNS) Cloning poses the threat of "genetic strip mining" and "a new form of human slavery," rather than representing the best hope for curing disease, keynote speakers told Rockville Centre diocesan respect life leaders.

Richard Doerflinger, deputy director of the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, and Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a bioethicist and neuroscientist, issued those warnings about cloning and embryonic stem-eell research at the recent, annual convocation.

They also noted the passage of a pro-cloning law in New Jersey, the New York State Assembly's approval of a similar bill and unsuccessful efforts to pass an anti-eloning bill in Congress.

"Human life is vulnerable and fragile and in need of advocates," said Father Pacholczyk, a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Mass.

Human cloning represents the newest threat to the right to life since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v.

Wade ruling, which struck down laws restricting abortion, according to Father Pacholczyk and Doerflinger.

The push for human cloning arose from efforts to harvest embryonic stem cells, which many scientists think have great potential to heal a wide range of human diseases and injuries, including leukemia, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and diabetes.

To develop adequate supplies o( embryonic stem cells, Father Pacholczyk said, some scientists 'turned toward human cloning, which so far is largely in the theoretical stage.

Through cloning, a scientist takes a single animal cell, extracts its genetic contents and injects them into a female's ovum, or egg cell, which has been purged of its genetic material. The ovum is then implanted in a female for normal gestation. The expected result is a virtual genetic duplicate or "identical twin" of .the animal from which it is cloned.

Advocates of human cloning make a distinction between "reproductive cloning," used to create a human baby, and "therapeutic cloning," used to produce embryonic stem cells for treating disease by destroying the cloned embryo.

'They are emphasizing an irrelevant distinction," Father Pacholczyk said, because cloning is inherently reproductive. In cloning a human, he said, ''you are making an identical twin" to the person· whose genetic material is used though in the earliest stages.

By extracting the cells from that early human embryo, he said, "they are killing the little identical twin.

They are creating the twin simply to kill; to strip mine its genetic material."

The New Jersey bill passed and signed into law in January would allow implantation of a cloned embryo and even gestation as long as the fetus does not survive to birth, he said. Such a law would actually require abortion, he noted.

Father Pacholczyk noted that some researchers have advocated . using adult stem cells. Sources for these include such prenatal and perinatal tissue as umbilical cords, placentas or amniotic fluid; adult organ tissue from bone marrow; fat tissue obtained from liposuction; and tissue from cadavers.

"No one human has been cured because of embryonic stem cells," he noted, ''while literally thousands if not tens of thousands have been helped using adult stem cells."

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Preparing our students for academic and social success through...

Upcoming Public Events Opportunities for your lenten reflection

Stations of the Cross

FAITIl COMMITMENT

A Guided Tour by Brother Joseph Espana, CSC Processional - Prayerful - Instructional Sunday, March 21, 2004, 2:00 p.m. . St. Joseph's Chapel, 500 Washington Street, N. Easton

• Christian values in and out of the classroom • Warm, family atmosphere of caring and respect

ACADEMIC COMMITMENT Eucharistic Adoration Feast of the Annunciation - Thursday, March 25, 2004 Adoration: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Exposition and Rosary - 9:00 a.m.

Mass - Noon Benediction - 4:00 p.m.

Holy Week Retreat ·Preached by Fr. John P. Phalen, CSC, President Conference: 11:00 a.m., Mass: Noon Monday, April 5 - Passion of Jesus Tuesday, April 6 - Death of Jesus Wednesday, April 7 - Resurrection of Jesus

• Student-Teacher ratio 14:1 • Challenging curriculum in an academically competitive environment • Extensive curriculum including foreign languages, computer technology, the arts, choral and instrumental music, physical education, and more.

SOCIAL COMMITMENT • Three-season competitive. sport program • Community service programs • Myriad clubs and activities

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Friday, March 19,2004

StorIn rages in legislat~res and • courts over same-sex marrIage

, A FIREFIGHTER pauses in silence at the site of multiple explosions outside Madrid's Atocha train station March 11.

A message from the Vatican called the attacks "unjustifiable." (eNS photo from Reuters). .

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morgue at Madrid's convention MADRID, Spain (CNS) Witnesses who entered the wreck- center, said Maria Gamazo Lopez, age of Madrid's terrorist train ex- archdiocesan spokeswoman.' plosions on March 11, spoke of the The convention center "was esunceasing sound of cellular tele- pecially tense, as families had to go phones ringing as victims' families there to identify bodies," she said. tried to contact them.

A makeshift chapel was set up Grim images dominated local outside a provisional morgue at television, with body parts and Madrid's convention center; priests blood splattered on twisted metal, there organized a Mass and adoraas priests administered last rites to tion of the Blessed Sacrament to victims. .coincide with a national demonstraAt a noon Mass in a Madrid tion March 12.

At the convention center the day church the day of the bombings, a priest asked, "How can there be of the bombings, priests found such evil in this world?" themselves praying and handing At least 201 people died and out crucifixes to anyone who more than 1,500 were injured as 10 wanted them, said Father Jose bombs exploded on commuter Anon of St. Albert the Great Partrains in the Spanish capital March ish, near the El Pozo station where 11. Three remaining bombs were some of the attacks occurred. exploded by government forces.

Among those at the convention The majority of the victims were center was Bishop Jesus Catala workers or students cornmuting Ibanez ofAlcala de Henares, whose into the capital. diocese accounted for at least 40 of Spanish Interior Minister Angel the victims, Father Anon said.

Acebes initially said there was "no Immediately after the explodoubt" that the Basque separatist sions, Cardinal Antonio Rouco movement ETA was responsible Varela ofMadrid called for Masses for the bombings. But Spanish au- to be held throughout the archdiothorities said there were also links cese. to al-Qaida.

On Monday, the Pope John Paul· The scheduled general elections· n celebrated Mass in memory of in Spain went on as planned on the victims of the attack and joined Sunday. However, Spain's opposi- in a Europewide moment of silence tion Socialists swept to an aston- and prayer at noon, the Vatican ishing upset victory, removing the said. center-right party of Prime MinisThe pope said, "This horrenter Jose Maria Aznar in a dous crime has shaken world pubgroundswell of voter anger and lic opinion. In the face ofsuch .bargrief over his handling of the ter- barism, one remains deeply disrorist attacks in Madrid last week. turbed and asks oneself how the It was thought the voters acted . human soul could reach the point to punish Aznar for supporting of conceiving such abominable American President Bush's admin- deeds." istration for the war in ~, which He added, "it is by building on Spaniards overwhelmingly have the harmonious contribution of all opposed. the healthy forces of the continent Among those who responded to that one can look ahead with trust the scene were Madrid's priests, and hope in a better future." who were instructed by Cardinal The government asked all SpanAntonio Rouco Varela to make iards to participate in national dem-: helping the victims their priority. onstrations under the slogan, "With Priests were sent to hospitals, the victims, with the constitution, morgues and the provisional for the defeat of terrorism."

WASHINGTON (CNS) - A nents of traditional marriage have calling'marriage between a man and long-bubbling controversy over sought. a woman "the most fundamental same-sex marriages quickly boiled Massachusetts has been in the institution of civilization." over into a rash of court and legisla- national spotlight on same-sex marAlso in California, Assemblytive battles around the country in riage since last November, when its man Mark Leno of San Francisco March.

Supreme Judicial Court ruled that has introduced a bill into the state Among the battlegrounds were the state must begin granting mar- Legislature that seeks to legalize California, Michigan, Massachu- riage licenses to same-sex couples same-sex marriages by substituting setts, Maryland, Wisconsin, Kansas, beginnihg May 17. Since an amend- gender-neutral terms "person" and New York, New Jersey, Oregon, . ment to the Massachusetts constitu- "persons" for the man-woman and Washington and West Virginia. tion needs approval from two suc- male-female language in the state's California's Supreme .-......,.........,...

---, current legal definition of Court ordered an irnmedimarriage. ate halt to same-sex wedcoach transportation The bill, sharply opdings in San Francisco to Boston on March 29 posed by the California March 11, the same day Catholic Conference and the Massachusetts LegisFALL RIVER - Motor coach transportation will other advocates of tradilature was meeting jointly be available for people who want to go to the State tional marriage, seeks to to hash out a possible state .House in Boston on March 29 for the reconvening marginalize Proposition constitutional amendment of the Constitutional Convention to consider the 22, approved by Califoron the topic.

Marriage Affirmation Protection Amendment. nia voters in 2000.

Boston Archbishop Departure and return times to be announced.

Elsewhere around the Sean P. O'Malley, OFM - Fall River, leaving from Immaculate Concep- country: Cap., issued an urgent plea tion Church. Call Beatrice Martins at 508-678-3351.

- Cardinal Adam J. March 10 for Catholics _ New Bedford, leaving ftom Holy Name Maida of Detroit ex"to pray and to work to- Church and the Taunton Park & Ride. Call Diane pressed disappointment gether on behalf of the Bolton at 508-994-8421.

March 10 after the Michiproposed constitutional Reservations are $5. gan House of Representaamendment defining martives the previous day fell riage as the uIDon of one eight votes short of the man and one woman." cessive legislatures prior to place- two-thirds majority needed to place He strongly opposed plans to add ment on the ballot, the earliest it a proposal on the ballot that would "civil unions language" to the pro- could reach a voter referendum enshrine male-female marriage in posal. would be November 2006. the state constitution.

The Legislature recessed shortly In California, the other major fo- The Judiciary Committee of before midnight March 11 ,just short cal point of same-sex controversy, the Maryland House of Delegates of a final vote on a single amend- the state Supreme Court ruled unani- in March rejected two proposed bills ment proposal that would ban same- mously March 11 to order a halt to that would have upheld marriage as sex marriage but at the same time same-sex marriages in San Fran- a union between a man and a grant the legal benefits o£marriage cisco, a month after Mayor Gavin .woman. . to same-sex civil unions. It was to Newsom started the practice in de- The Wisconsin Legislature reconvene March 29. fiance of state law. took the first step toward a state Three votes cast before the reThree weeks earlier San .Fran- constitutional amendment barring cess indicated a divided Legisla- cisco Archbishop WilliamJ. Levada legal status comparable to heteroture that was unlikely to issue two wrote to President Bush urging a sexual marriage for any other reladistinct amendments for voter federal constitutional amendmentto .tionship. It could go to Wisconsin consideration, one on' the defini- protect the traditional definition of voters for final approval as early as tion of marriage and a separate marriage.

April 2005. The state Catholic conone 'on same-sex civil unions, as Five days later Bush called for ference testified in favor of the Church officials and other propo- such a constitutional amendment, amendment.

'Motor

Awards

Continued from page nine

John Ferro, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Wellfleet. .

"The Scouts' involvement in this program and staying close to the Eucharist is very important," said Father Salvador. "We hope they will continue their work in the Religious Emblem Programs and more Scouts will get involved.

We're very proud of these young men and women."

Scout leaders were also honored with adult religious embleins. The St.George Emblem, a national award given by the Church to volunteers serving Catholic youth in the Boy Scout Program, was awarded to Albert Langlais and Stephen Soares.

Langlais has been involved in Scouting for 30 years and a great promoter of the Scouting program under Catholic auspices according to Father Salvador. He is a member. of St. Brendan's Parish, Riverside, R.I. Soares has been active in the Scouting program for 15 years

and is a member of Notre Dame highest award presented to an indiParish, Fall River. Both have served vidual working in Girl Scouts," as committee members and in a va- said Father Salvador. "Susan is an riety of roles in. Scouting. active member ofthe Catholic Com"It is with a great sense of pride mittee on Scouting and has been that we honor these men and involved in the planning program women," declared Father Salvador for diocesan retreats. She also during the ceremony. "We thank teaches the Family of God Program all those involved in Scouting, those to Brownies and the I Live My who prepared our Scouts and mem- Faith Program to Girl Scouts and bers of the joint diocesan Catholic we're pleased to honor her today."

Committee on Scouting. They are The Saint J;:lizabeth Ann Seaton truly 'a gift to our diocese."

Emblem was presented to Donna The Bronze Pelican Emblem was Morrel of St. Joseph's Parish, Fall awarded to three individuals: Paul River.

Dupont, Troop 24, St. Joseph's It was also a special day because Parish, Fairhaven; Michelle Carr, Father Salvador announced that the Troop One, Holy Name of the Sa- . National. Catholic Committee on cred Heart Parish, New Bedford; Scouting has recognized the Dioand Richard Partridge, Troop 303, cese of Fall River as a Quality DioSt. Louis de France Parish, cese. A certificate and patch were Swansea. presented to Fall River having Susan Rogers was honored with achieved 11 of the 14 objectives set the St. Anne Emblem ll]1d Father by the NCOS and the National Salvador praised her work ill Scout- Conference of Catholic Bishops. ing.

Only eight of 14 are needed to re''The St. Anne Emblem is the ceive the award.

theanch!

Friday, March 19, 2004

RCIA

Issues

Continued from page one

seen the exterior of the cathedral, you constantly recall this fact. but have never experienced being You did not choose him, rather he here inside. Being present here, chose you. Imagine, the Lord in the Cathedral Church of the calls you by name, which he has diocese, puts us in touch with the known from all eternity. You are many generations of faithful who not a number, a statistic. You are were called by God and in this someone whose name God utters cathedral received new life as he invites you to share deeply through baptism, were confinned of his life through the sacraments in the Spirit, and given the great- of the Church. est gift the Father can grant, the Your election by the Lord and gift of his Son in the Eucharist. a deepening of your life in him is We are reminded how God's not based on any merits of your mercy and love extends from one own. The call, the election, is a generation to another and how he gift, which, like all gifts, is freely has called and will call people to given by God. St. Paul, in his letthe fullness of life through the ter to the Galatians, tells how he persecuted the members of the Church.

Some of you who have gath- Church. And yet, God called him! ered he(e are the elect, those cho- As St. Paul wrote, 'In his good sen by God to receive new life pleasure, God... who had called through baptism. Others, already me through his grace, chose to baptized, are petitioning for full reveal his Son in and through me' communion with the Catholic (Gal. 1). And that is why your Church through the sacraments of names are inscribed in the Book confirmation and Eucharist. I of the Elect. Of all the people who would like to concentrate on your live on this planet, God has chocall to new life in Christ, a call sen you! What an overwhelming that will culminate in your bap- thought! What a great privilege! tism at the Easter vigil or a call You must respond to that call and that will lead you to a deeper par- you must do so now - clearly ticipation in that life through the and in the presence of the whole sacraments of confirmation and Church.

The response you give today Eucharist.

My dear friends, have a deep is but a foretaste of your lived reand abiding consciousness of sponse every day for the rest of having been chosen by God. In a your lives. This is a serious unbeautiful passage in the Gospel of dertaking and one that affects John, Jesus tells his disciples, your life and all life's decisions.

'You are my friends, if you do We, the members of the Church, what I command you. No longer assure you that you have our lovdo I call you servants, for a ser- ing support. Most of all, you have vant does not know what his mas- the support of the one who called ter is about. I have called you you in the first place - God, for friends because I have disclosed He is always faithful to those he to you everything that I heard calls. He will protect you and be from my Father. You did not present to you through every circhoose me: I chose you. I ap- cumstance of life, every trial, and pointed you to go on and to bear every tribulation.

Today's reading from the book fruit, fruit that will last; so that the Father may give you whatever of Deuteronomy relates how God you ask in my name' (In. 15). was present to his people and led Having received this call from them throughout their history. We God, the Elect seek new life in heard~ 'When the Egyptians malbaptism; those requesting full treated and oppressed us, imposcommunion in the Church seek a ing hard labor upon us, we cried deepening of that life through to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and confinnation and the Eucharist.

Jesus told his disciples, 'I saw our affliction, our toil, our chose you.' It is important that oppression. He brought us out of

Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders.'

God's people, in their journey through history, experienced in their own lives his power to rescue and to save. The journey which you have undertaken, as one of God's elect, includes these same elements - his presence, his desire to save, his power to rescue. This journey to full communion in the Catholic Church includes the contemplation of the face of Christ and the turning of your hearts and minds to him.

For months now as catechumens and candidates for full communion you have gathered in your parishes to break open the Word of God and through it you have _encountered Jesus Christ. St. Athanasius, the great father of the Church, reminds us, 'It is only because the Son of God truly became man that human beings, in him" and through him, can truly become children of God.' Jesus who took our sin and weakness upon himself went to the cross so that we would be conscious of his presence among us.

I am deeply grateful to those who have supported you, particularly your parish priests, catechists, and sponsors. I know that their prayers and mine and indeed those of the whole Church of Fall River accompany you during this Lenten season as you prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation. All of us remember that the conferral of these sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist are not an end in themselves, but a means of deepening our lives in Christ and of becoming more committed in following Him. " I rejoice with you in this step that you are about to take. I accompany that step with my prayer and warmest congratulations and my hope that, through your preparation for the sacraments at Easter and through the witness of authentic Christian living, Christ's saving presence may continue to guide and strengthen you."

Continued from page four

First, the theological anthropology of Genesis I and II roots the existence of human sexuality in its male and femaleness, and is an essential part of humanity's being created in the image and likeness of God. The relationship between male and female is neither casual nor accidental, but rather sacred and grounded in the very depth of created being; - Second, complementarity is at the very heart of the sexual image. In the garden, the man and the woman were made for each other and as complementary to each other.

The physical, moral and spiritual "difference" and "complementarity" are oriented tow~d the good ofmarriage and the flourishing of family life. In raising the marriage of the baptized to a sacrament, Christ transforms sexual difference and complementarity, making married couples participatory in the redemptive mystery of Christ and his relationship to the Church; - Third, marriage exists for the mutual love and support of the spouses, and for the procreation and education of children. Marriage is equally unitive and procreative, rooted and in sexual difference complementarity. In marriage, couples thus acquire a special relationship to one another and to society; - Fourth, a man and woman relate as masculine and feminine and display different kinds of qualities and attributes. This dynamic affects the development of gender identity in their children. Men and women are not one-half of a human being and in need of the other half to be whole. On the contrary, each man and woman is a whole person who discovers deeper life within the community ofthe two sexes. As a result, the interaction of the two whole beings leads to a more fertile result, and

their bonding in marriage adds up to more than two, thus developing true complementarity, which enriches themselves, their children and society. No other form of sexual union can provide this total union.

Marriage is, then, the basic unit of society whereby a man and a woman make a total commitment to each other, give of themselves completely, nourish intimacy and gift the world with children. The "one flesh" of Genesis 2:24 can only be achieved in the unity ofone man and one woman committed to a covenant of faithful marriage, open to the promise of new life; - Fifth, sexual intercourse between married men and women exemplifies the purpose of human sexuality: Two distinctpersons unite their entire persons into a dynamic sexual community and move beyond themselves to assure future generations. No other form ofsexual activity can provide this total union.

Only heterosexual intercourse in marriage embodies the substantive premises of consummation, difference, complementarity and covenant. Heterosexual marriage is thus the most basic institution of society.

Father Coleman is president andrectorofSt. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif.

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Guailllaca cer field. The first match, three weeks ago, resulted in the Orica Parish altar servers, whipping the daylights out of the Guaimaca parish altar servers.

We had to transport them in the back of the pick-up and the way they squeeze themselves in makes for a dangerous journey sometimes up and down that winding, steep mountain road between the two parishes.

Duffy said we couldn't pass this deal up ... $8,5001 I said that was great but we didn't have the money. He said' how much can you come up with? I quickly calculated how much I could borrow from family and friends and came up with

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508-675-7426 • 508-674-0709

Continued from page one

$5,000. He said he would loan the remaining $3,500.

Another volunteer from the Fall River diocese lent us the $2,300.00 needed for shipping and the bus left Massachusetts for a four-month, journey through shipping strikes, delays in getting space on the ship, customs regulations, etc.

Msgr. John J. Oliveira sent a check in February for $4,295 representing donations from soine parishes.

We had hoped to collect about $20,000 if each of the parishes had only given $200 each.

This would have easily paid for the bus, shipping charges, customs fees, and insurance for the

first year plus gas for many trips to the villages.

I was able to repay Bill Duffy leaving me with $695 to repay the loan of $2,300 and the loan from family and friends for $5,000.

If anyone would like to help defray the expenses for the bus, donations can be sent to the diocesan Propagation of the Faith Office at St. Mary's Rectory, 106 Illinois Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, Attn: Msgr. John J. Oliveira. Telephone: 508-995-6168.

Please clearly label the donation "Guaimaca Bus."

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 oftheir souls, all those who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the .

Rosary (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 Immaculate 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.

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SCHOOL LIBRARIAN Mary Harrington of SS. Peter and Paul School, Fall River, helps celebrate the 1OOth birthday of Dr. Seuss with pre-school and kindergarten students. Harrington dressed up as The Cat in the Hat to mark the special day and did readings of Seuss' works.

friday, March 19, 2004

SENIORS SARAH Rogers and Jena Lacoste of Bishop Stang High School, top photo, recently attended National Women in Sports Day in Boston. The U.S. Congress chartered the day in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness. Rogers is captain of the swimming and diving teams. Lacoste plays on the field hockey, softball and track teams. Below, Freshman Alexandra Bukuras of North Falmouth representee;! the North Dartmouth school at this year's Massachu?etts Southeast Junior District Music Festival. She auditioned for and was selected as a member of the Honors Chorus. The festival was held recently at Bourne Hi~h School.

STUDENTS FROM Cathy Charpentier's second-grade class at St. Francis Xavier School, Acushnet, display items they collected for the homeless. As part of the 100th day of school celebration, students decided to do something to help others by collecting blankets and toiletries. They were donated to a local shelter.

NICOLE PATRICIO, Rebecca Ybarra, Andrea Xavier and Felicity Furtado of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, practice reading for a recent school Mass. Students were involved in all aspects of the celebration including the petitions, offertory procession and singing in the choir. At right, seventh-grade~ Brittney Ferreira reads to first-grader Sydney Morin on Book Buddy Day as Jessica Luiz looks on~

Friday, March 19, 2004

Let go or begin again?

By CHARLIE MARTIN· CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE ''Thank You" for the chorus of his he should ask her how she· plans

SECOND-GRADER Cy Bariteau pours his contribution into the pot at St. Margaret's Regional School, Buzzards Bay. He and other students made stone soup featuring 100 ingredients to celebrate the 100th day of school.

Buzzards Bay students enjoy making stone soup BUZZARDS BAY - Secondgrade students from Karen Petri's class at St. Margaret's Regional School recently celebrated the 100th day of school by making stone soup with 100 ingredients.

They also read three versions of the story incorporating math, science, writing and social studies

into the unit. Students worked cooperatively and brought in vegetables from home learning about teamwork.

"It was a great lesson and the students get a lot out of working as a team," said Teacher Assistant Pamela Caradimos. "The soup was excellent too."

WHITE FLAG I know you think that I shouldn't still love you I'll tell you that But if I didn't say it Well, I'd still have felt it Where's the sense in that?

I promise I'm not trying to make your life harder Or return to where we were.

Refrain: I will go down with this ship And I won't put my hands up and surrender There will be no white flag above my door I'm in love and always will be.

I know I left too much mess And destruction to come back again And I caused nothing but trouble I understand if you can't talk to me again And if you live by the rules. of "it's over" Then I'm sure that makes sense.

(Repeat refrain.)

And when we meet As I'm sure we will All that was then Will be there still I'll let it pass And hold my tongue And you will think That I've moved on.

(Repeat refrain twice.)

Sung by Dido Copyright (c) 2003 by Arista British rock/pop star Dido Armstrong was a little-known singer in her brother Rollo's band Faithless until her career took a surprise turn. She had released her first album ''No Angel" with modest success. Then rapper Eminem asked permission to use part of her song

to treat him differently. Does she plan to overcome the behaviors that harmed him before? It makes little sense for him to risk his heart again unless the girl has a clear plan for change.

He should also examine his own reactions. If it is true that the girl made a destructive "mess" of his emotional life, how did he handle that? Did he tolerate disrespect and unfairness? If so, why? ,... ~ Relations~ips.mirror to both ... .,..~ people their attitudes and expectations. He needs to recognize how he needs to grow.

Each of them needs to evaluate where their individual lives are headed. What are their goals? Does resuming the relationship match up with how each one wants to develop? For example, certain courses of study are very demanding and time consuming. If career preparation is a focus, there may not be sufficient emotional energy avail. able to rebuild a relationship. If this is so, both need to recognize it. too much mess and destruction to What are the spiritual foundacome back again." She also under- tions of their lives? Few people can stands that her former boyfriend overcome a destructive mess withmight want to "live by the rules of out God's help. If they become 'it's over,'" but, as for herself, she serious about re-creating their reis not ready to give up on their re- lationship, they will need a clear lationship. She sings, ''There will approach for nurturing their spiribe no white flag above my door; tuality, both as individuals and as I'm in love and always will be." part of their relationship.

Is she being foolishly stubborn?

These are just beginning talkOr could her faith in their relation- ing points. Such conversations can ship be the basis of a new begin- help them see whether they are ning? If her former boyfriend were being led by foolish stubbornness open to starting over, what needs or empowering faith.

Your comments are always to happen next?

The following suggestions welcome. Please write to me at: could be helpful as they consider. chmartin@swindiana.net or at the above questions: 7125W 2005, Rockport, IN If the guy is open to her wish, 47635.

new release "Stan." Eminem's song turned out to be a mega-hit, and Dido's career took off.

Dido's second album, "Life For Rent," has been a huge seller since it came out a few months ago. Off this new CD is her current hit "White Flag."

• The song is about whether or not to let go of a relationship. The girl in the song realizes that "I left

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After the Oscars

By KAREN DIETLEIN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE I love watching the Oscars.

This year, my favorite flicks were up for adulation, with the stellar "Lord of the Rings" and the fish-out-of-water tale "Lost in Translation." And I love the glamour of it all: the tailored suits, designer dresses, flashy jewelry and perfect hairstyles.

It's lovely. It's magical. It's "Hollywood's prom night," as people put it.

At my own junior prom, I wore a black, sequined dress and spent hours in the salon getting my hair twisted into a pretty knot. I pored over magazines, looking for promnight makeup tips. And when the big day came, my friends

and I trod the red carpet at the walk-in as people clapped and flashbulbs popped in our faces.

It was a great time. Somewhere, I have a few funny pictures in which my friends and I are grinning ear-to-ear ill our fabulous fmery, dancing the night away in a fairy wonderland. I remember thirIking between one song and the next that I wanted the experience to last forever.

But the glitter ended, and I found myself back at my house as the sun was risillg. And there, on the desk, was my math homework; posted on my corkboard was a note that I'd have to go back to my cashier job that week; on my bed, a script - a reminder that play

practice was that Monday night.

I had to get back to the normal busilless of being human: lunch period; pop quizzes; soccer practice; science

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Age labs.

Boy, did I want to go back to the prom!

Although we maywant them to last forever, red-carpet, thankthe-academy moments always make way for the day-to-day concerns that fill our ordinary

lives. But it's easy to get caught up in happy memories, wanting only to go back to a "prom moment" when the world seemed to be perfect.

On Oscar night, after the fetes were finished and the parties pooped, I bet that bestactress award-winner Charlize Theron wished she were back at the Oscar theater, living in those few blissful moments she had thanking everyone from the podium.

But she, like the rest of us, would have to get back to the day-to-day busilless that is her life: goillg to the studio, learning lines, making movies - all with Oscar gleaming on the bookshelf ill her livillg room.

After they're gone, happy

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memories are like silver boxes or photo albums. They exist on the bookshelves of our memories, and we can visit them whenever we'd like. But by no means will we ever be able to teleport back to those shining minutes or make any of it happen again.

We can only store the memories away and use what we've learned from them to work toward the next great day: graduation, senior ball and college.

That's true for everyone.

Because, in the end, that's where Oscar belongs: ill our memories, hopes and dreams as we go out ill the world, working toward a better world and our next shining moment.

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Friday, March 19, 20M

r 16

Rome opens inquiry into life and holiness of

Lenten Reflection - The Scourging at the Pillar

former Opus Dei leader VATICAN CITY - Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicarofRome, fonnally opened the Rome diocesan inquiry into the life and holiness of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, head of Opus Dei from 1975 to 1994.

Opening the cause last week, Cardinal Ruini said he had spoken ' to Bishop del Portillo on manyoccasions and was convinced he was "an exemplary pastor."

'The firmness of his adhesion to the doctrine ofthe Church, his union with the pope, his pastoral charity, his humility andhis balance revealed an extraordinary interior richness," Cardinal Ruini said.

In January, the Congregation for Saints' Causes authorized the opening of the diocesan inquiry as well as a parallel inquiry to begin by Opus Dei. , Both will conduct research on Bishop del Portillo's writings and homilies and will interview people who knew him.

The collected infonnation will fonn the basis of the documentation required by the Vatican before a declaration is made recognizing that an individual lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way. Later a miracle is required for beatification, and another is needed for canonization.

Cardinal Ruini told about 400 people gathered for the opening ceremony that BishopJavier Echevarria Rodriguez, the current head ofOpus Dei, "infonned me of the fact that many cardinals, bishops, priests, re-

ligious and laity from every continent have written of their hopes that the cause for the canonization of the servant of God would begin."

The request, along with reports of ''thousands'' of spiritual and material favors - including physical heatings - attributed to Bishop del Portillo's interCession demonstrate there is the necessary "private devotion to the servantof God" which Church rules require prior to opening a canonization cause.

• The new sainthood candidate was born in Madrid in 1911. His first university degree was in civil engineering. While working as an engineer, he later completed doctoral degrees in philosophy and in canon law.

In 1935 he joined Opus Dei, the lay movement started by St. JosemariaEscrivade Balaguer, who personally tookcharge ofBishop del Portillo's spiritual formation.

After he was ordained to the priesthood in 1944, Father del Portillo was chosen by the Opus Dei head to be his personal confessor.

Three months after St. Escriva died in 1975, Father del Portillo was elected to succeed him. When Pope John Paul IT made Opus Dei a personal prelature - a structure similar to a diocese but without geo~ graphical boundaries - Father del Portillo was named its first prelate.

Pope John Paul ordained him a bishop in 1991.

Bishop del Portillo died in Rome in 1994.

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By

HOLY CROSS FATHER THOMAS FEELEY

upon Christ. Sin cannot touch God in his diEvil is the voluntary privation of good. It is vinity but it tore into the God-man with all its the willful absence of what should by right be viciousness and fury. The soldiers' whips, present. Evil is like a cancer that eats away the weighted with small leaden balls and sharp bits very life of its victim. Evil injects disorder into of sheep bone, rained down upon his body and our lives so that instead of being kind and gen- tore into his flesh. Christ was silent though he erous and patient we become.unkind, greedy, writhed in pain. His silence infuriated the soland impatient. When others do evil we'natu- diers and inflamed their determination to make rally tend to abandon compassion and embrace him cry out for mercy. They cursed his comvengeance. We ignore the factthat sin can only posure. They redoubled their efforts to break touch us if we allow it to poison' our hearts.. his spirit before they had inflicted on him the We sin only when we deliberately turn away 39 lashes allowed by law. But Christ though Jrom our moral and spiritual ideals. We sin torn and bleeding in his body withstood the , when our pride and defiance usurP' the place assault. His heart was still filled with compasof God in our hearts and we enthrone ourselves. sion for those who were beating him. He was We claim the right to return evil for evil done filled with compassion for all of us whose sins to us. Then we become self-centered, selfish of cruelty, hatred, sexual indulgence and exand hard-hearted. We become indifferent to the ploitation had rained down their savage blows cry of the poor, calupon him. The lous to the injustice prophecy of Isaiah around us. We bewas fulfilled, "He come bitter in our was pierced for our own suffering and offenses, crushed insensitive to the for our sins. Upon sufferings of others. him was the chas\, . We forget St. Paul's tisement that makes message,"Donotbe I us whole. By his overcome by evil stripes we were but overcome evil healed. We had all by good." gone astray like With the excepsheep, each followtion of Mary the ing his own way, but selfishness of sin the Lord laid upon has infected, the him the guilt of us whole human race. all. Like a lamb led We find it hard to be to slaughter or a good even though sheep before the our happiness here shearers. He was siand in eternity delent and opened 'not pends upon our suchis mouth." cess in the struggle.

It was Christ's We succumb to evil task to undo sin, to without putting up a conquer selfishness with selfless love, struggle. We get rid of temptations by revenge with comgiving into them. In passion, distrust our weakened state we can be holy only by with trust, and darkness with light. In him good God's grace. Evil couldbe conquered only if had to triumph over evil. He had to win the we could confront evil in all its force and hor- victory by his own love for his heavenly Faror and withstand it. But who of us could con- ther, by the strength of his love for us who are front the cruel, the vicious, the avaricious, the deformed and disfigured by selfishness, and hateful and not let the evil they have un- by his absolute trust that his Father would never leashed penetrate our own hearts? Who of us desert him in this struggle. Christ had to prove in a word could confront our enemies and the that love conquers hatred, that holiness can enemies of those we love and be not vengeful conquer sin. Christ had to meet head on the but compassionate toward them? This is the full force of evil, strengthened by the divine , victory that Christ had to win for us. He had love that burned within him, and not be touched to fa<;e the horror of human viciousness, cru- by it. Christ died as he had lived, loving his elty arid selfishness and not let his own heart heavenly Father and all of us sinners, trusting recoil in disgust for the sinner and close up in that God would never desert him and would hatred. He had to love all of us sinners who raise him up along with all who he live as he like the Jews of old clamored for his death. lived and love as he loves.

And ,he had to face all this horror and fear Father Feeley is the vice postulator of the and suffering in obedience to his Heavenly Causefor Canonization ofServant ofGod FaFather who left him to fight this battle alone ther Patrick Peyton, CSc. without human support. For God wanted us Holy Cross Family Ministries, which carto be saved by one like us in all things but ries on the works of Father Peyton, is headsin. Our friendship with God which we had quartered in North Easton, and serves Jesus forfeited by sin was to be restored to us by a Christ and his Church by promoting and supman, one of us, Christ the Son of Man and porting the spiritual well-being of the family the Son of God. in 15 countries worldwide. For more inforIn the scourging at the pillar we see the vi- mation call 800-299-PRAY or log on to ciousness of the assault our sins unleashed www.hcfm.org: