04.21.06

VOL. so, NO. 16 • Friday, April 21, 2006

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

Diocese turns out to hail CardinaJ O'Malley !r

Welcoming Mass keys on old friendships

By DEACON JAMES N.

Well-wishers greet cardinal at reception

By THE ANCHOR STAFF

DUNBAR

FALL RIVER - In a welcoming celebration, parishioners, clergy, religious and old friends jammed St. Mary's Cathedral Tuesday afternoon, for many their first Mass with new Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., since his elevation to the College of Cardinals at the March 23-25 consistory in Rome.

Later, as part of approximately 1,000 people, they personally greeted and extended best wishes to their former bishop at an open reception at White's of Westport.

Even with seating limited to four tickets per parish in order to allow a broader representation from across the Fall River diocese, the cathedral, which seats approximately 900, was filled to capacity and standing room was scarce for the 3 p.m., Welcoming Mass of Thanksgiving.

Bishop George W. Coleman and approximately 100 priests, active and retired, who had served former Bishop O'Malley during his decade leading the diocese from 1992 to 2002, concelebrated the Mass.

Dozens of deacons from parishes across the diocese vested and attended the Mass.

Bishop Coleman, who succeeded former Bishop O'Malley as leader of the diocese, expressed his feelings at hosting the cardinal for the homecoming.

"Cardinal Sean, I am greatly privileged to welcome you back to the Diocese of Fall River which you guided for 10 years with the care of a loving shepherd. And I am very happy to welcome

Tum to page nine - Mass

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CARDINAL SEAN P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., reacts to a warm, lengthy ovatic)n from the congregation at a Mass of Thanksgiving Tuesday at 81. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. Nearly 1,000 faithful welcomed the new cardinal on his fitst visit to the diocese since last month's consistory. (AnchorfJolivet photo)

FALL RIVER - He had been there dozens of times for a diversity of events as the Capuchin friar bishop of the Fall River diocese during a 1992 to 2002 stay that enamored him with his parishioners.

But this time at White's of Westport, the shepherd known to most for his brown robe and sandals was in the red garb of a cardinal ofthe Church, and those who personally knew and respected him turned out to wish him well in his newest role in the universal Church and as an advisor to the Holy Father.

For several hundred it was another opportunity to show their gratitude not only for the decade he led the diocese, but to voice support for the challenging task of rebuilding the embattled Archdiocese of Boston where he has been archbishop since July 2003.

For those who were unable to personally witness his elevation to the College of Cardinals in Rome at the March 25 consistory, Tuesday evening's reception following an afternoon Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral was the time to celebrate.

Rita Lafrance, who began the business that is White's 50 years ago, said the homecoming celebration for Cardinal O'Malley proved a most happy time for everyone.

"He is wonderful, a really down-toearth m,m, and very caring of the people."

Many welcomed the opportunity to see their former bishop on home soil again.

"Everyone was in a jovial mood and what a privilege it was to be with a cardi- . nal ... especially one you know and who knows you," said Mrs. Sheila Feitelberg,

Tum to page eight - Reception

Luncheon will honor stalwart supporters of the Pro-Life cause

By MIKE GORDON ANCHOR STAFF

WESTPORT - Former superintendent of diocesan schools James A. McNamee and Bishop Stang High School teacher Susan D. Negri will be honored for their contributions to the Pro-Life cause April 29 at the Pro-Life Awards Luncheon at White's of Westport.

Sponsored by the Diocesan Pro-Life Apostolate, the event is an opportunity to honor the service of others to the Pro-Life mission of the Church and spend time with other Pro-Life supporters. It will feature guest speaker Richard Doerflinger, deputy director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop George W. Coleman will present the awards. ."It's a very special award and these are very special people," said Marian Desrosiers, director of the Pro-Life Apostolate. "The John Cardinal O'Connor Award for the Gospel of Life was established because we felt it was nec-

essary in the diocese to give recognition to those who have shown dedication and devotion to the Gospel of Life."

This is the first time since the award was established in 2002, that co-recipients will be honored and Desrosiers said they were chosen for the contributions in promoting

"When they got involved, the numbers of young people going on the annual pilgrimage with the bishop doubled and they continue to grow thanks to the seeds (hey planted. " the Pro-Life cacse in our schools and with regards to the March For Life pilgrimage in Washington, D.C. "They are being honored for their tireless dedication to the Pro-Life cause," declared Desrosiers. "Both came on board in 2000 through the March for Life and played a major role with regards to the youth aspect," she said.

"When they got involved, the numbers of young people going on the annual pilgrimage with the bishop doubled and they continue to grow thanks to the seeds they planted."

McNamee attended the walk while diocesan superintendent of schools and would later continue to promote the event as principal of Bishop Connolly High School.

Negri, a teacher at Bishop Stang High School, also promoted the event. Each assumed the responsibility of being the contact person for boys and girls respectively. Both stayed involved until 2004.

"They took a lot of responsibility upon their shoulders for the diocese," said Desrosiers. "Both are very dedicated to the Pro-Life cause and went above and beyond the call of duty."

Doerflinger, who has served as the deputy director for 26 years, said the Pro-Life cause is one that has been important to him his whole life.

Tum to page /2 - Pro-Life

Friday, April 21, 2006

Deacon Joseph P. Stanley; was husband, broker, sales manager CENTERVILLE - Deacon JoDeacon Stanley enjoyed boating seph P. Stanley, who served as dea- with his family. He was an IFR rated con at Our Lady of Victory Parish pilot, a memberofthe OstervilleMen's here, died April 13, Holy Thursday, Club, and the Oysterville Yacht Club. at Cape Cod Hospital. He was the As a way of dealing with the loss husband ofEstelle (Whalen) Stanley, of their daughter Susan, Deacon his wife of 45 years.

Stanley and his wife He was ordained a Estelle initiated an anpermanent deacon in nual Mass for bereaved \ November 1982. Beparents who have expe! sides his assignment to rienced the loss of a Our Lady of Victory child. Known as the Parish, he was a co"Christmas Rememfounder of the Resibrance of Our Childents Encounter Christ dren," it is held on the program at the first Sunday of DecemBarnstable House of ber at Our Lady of VicCorrection, and was tory Church. chaplain there for more Besides his wife, he DEACON JOSEPH than 20 years. He was leaves three children, also one ofthe founders Karen Stanley of SyraP. STANLEY of St. Clare's Home for cuse, N.Y., Christine Women in Hyannis, which was an Chandier of Plymouth, and Joseph outgrowth of the REC ministry. He p. Stanley Jr., of Centerville; three was a member of the board ofdirec- brothers, Phillip Stanley of Plytors ofSt. Clare's, Birthright, Friends mouth, John Stanley of Braintree, of Prisoners, REC, and Cape AIDS and Paul Stanley of Walpole; a sisMinistry. He also served in the Echo ter, Catherine Buehner of Ohio; and and Cursillo programs. a grandson, Glenn. He was the faHe was the general sales manager ther of the late Susan E. Stanley. for the Decatur Hopkins Hardware His funeral Mass was celebrated Company for more than 30 years and Tuesday by Bishop George W. was well known in the Lumber and Coleman in Our Lady of Victory Hardware Industry throughout New Church. Diocesan priests were England. He was a real estate bro- concelebrants, and deacons from the ker for Weichert Realtors, Dunhill diocese assisted at the Mass. Burial Group, in Osterville. was in Mosswood Cemetery, Cotuit.

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AT THE ANNUAL Luncheon hosted by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women recently at Rachel's Lakeside in Dartmouth, Bishop George W. Coleman reported on his visits to the diocese's mission in Guaimaca, Honduras, and the consistory of new cardinals in Rome. From left, DCCW President Maureen Papineau; Bishop Coleman; Moderator Sister Eugenia Brady, SJC; and Dolores Ferro, DCCW's first vice president. (Photo courtesy of Madeleine Lavoie)

Christian Churches Together in the USA is officially started WASHINGTON (CNS) Christian Churches Together in the USA - the broadest, most inclusive ecumenical movement in U:S. history - was officially founded during a March 28-31 gathering near Atlanta.

Its founding 34 Christian churches and national organizations represent more than 100 million Americans. Twenty-two additional churches and organizations are participating as observers or are in the process of deciding about joining, and more than 30 others are in conversation with Christian Churches Together.

Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore, who hosted a 2001

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meeting in Baltimore at which plans for the new organization first took shape, will represent the Catholic Church as one of its five co-presidents. He said he was "delighted that the work we began in Baltimore has continued to prosper."

Christian Churches Together is intended as a forum of ecumenical dialogue and witness involving the participation of representatives from all five major Christian families of churches in the United States: Catholic, Orthodox, historic Protestant, evangelical/Pentecostal, and historic racial/ethnic.

Its mission is "to enable churches and Christian organizations to grow closer together in Christ in order to strengthen our Christian witness in the world."

National leaders from all five families participated in the late March meeting, held at the United Methodist Church's Si.mpsonwood Conference Center, a wooded retreat site on the Chattahoochee River outside Atlanta.

The nation's Catholic bishops voted to participate in Christian Churches Together during their November 2004 meeting. A 12member delegation of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, headed by Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., former chairman of the USCCB Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, attended the founding meeting.

In accord with the structure of the new organization, the USCCB delegation chose Cardinal Keeler, Bishop Blaire and Paulist Father Ronald G. Roberson, an associate director of the. USCCB Secretariat for

Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, to serve on the Christian Churches Together steering committee.

Another Catholic, Mercy Sister Ana Maria Pineda of the religious studies department of Santa Clara University in California, was chosen as an at-large member of the steering committee.

Throughout its formational stages Christian Churches Together has given priority to sharing in prayer and worship, building relationships of trust and discerning the challenges of more faithful Christian witness that need to be addressed in society.

During the founding meeting the group focused on poverty in the United States. It engaged in biblical reflection on the issue and conversations with academic experts and people who have experienced poverty.

Bishop Blaire called Catholic participation in Christian Churches Together "an important step forward in the process towards Christian unity that Jesus Christ wills for us."

Father Roberson said he believes the founding meeting will come to be viewed as a watershed in the U.S. history of ecumenism. "At the same time, we did this with a sense of incompleteness," he said. "We really felt the absence of some of our country's churches and we continue to hope they will join us in this new initiative."

The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, which until now was the nation's largest ecumenical body, has encouraged formation of Christian Churches Together since the beginning.

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Friday, April 21, 2006

bia, a young woman from The baptized individual is libCameroon, a young man from erated from his or her isolated Albania and another from Belarus existence and plunged into full also received their first Commun- communion with Christ, he said.

I ion from the pope as he welcomed "We grasp hold of the risen Lord" who will "hold us firmly them into the Catholic Church. chains of suffering and death look Baptism represents .more than even when our hands grow weak," for hope, sometimes even without just receiving people into the faith the pope said. knowing it," he said.

The pope left the Vatican Eas"May the risen Christ grant that or the simple washing away of sin, the strength of his life, peace and the pope said in the vigil homily. ter afternoon to spend a few days freedom be experienced every- Baptism ushers in a ,complete resting at the papal villa in Castel where," he said, after' offering transformation in one; ~Ilife, mak- Gandolfo, south of Rome. At noon Easter greetiqgs in 62 languages, ' ing it "no longer I whp live, but April 17', he recited the "Regina including Esperanto, Maori, Ara- Christ who lives in me," the pope Coeli" prayer with visitors gathered in the villa's courtyard. . said, quoting St. Paul. Ii . bic and Hebrew.

He told English speakers, "May the grace and joy of the c~ AFFORDA~LE l risen Christ be with you all."

Speaking in Dutch, he thanked the Bloemen Bureau of Holland, the International Flower Bulb Start your day with our hearty bfeakfast Centre, Plant Publicity Holland Stroll to rl\e beach, Kennebunkport and 20 Dutch flower' arrangers for Village, 0t: relax in our saltwater pool. A creating a spring garden on the unique, Y1t affordable experience. steps of St. Peter's Basilica.

During the April 15 Easter Pre-season priCing available - must calrbefore 5/1 Vigil, Pope Benedict baptized and confirmed seven men and women from six nations, usin,g a small golden shell to trickle the holy JF nmr hmm (~lt r fi t lft 0 It fi r water over eaf:h catechumen's A little taste of Heaven on Earth head.

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Pope celebrates Easter, urges people, nations to turn away fr~m sin VATICAN CITY (CNS) Celebrating the first Holy Week and Easter of his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI called on individuals and nations to tum away from their sins and accept the love, truth and peace offered by the crucified and risen Christ.

Afte!; presiding April 16 at Easter morning Mass amid thousands of flowers and blossoming trees in St. Peter's Square, Pope B"enedict solemnly offered his blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city of Rome and the world), and prayed for peace and justice in the most troubled areas of the world.

While a couple of people at the. morning Mass held signs wishing the pope a happy 79th birthday, there was no repeat of the sung wishes that had filled S,t. Peter's Basilica at 1 a.m. when the Easter Vigil ended.

During his midday Easter blessing, the pope called for "serious and honest negotiations" to find an "honorable solution" to the standoff between Iran and the international community over

'Iran's nuclear program. He also prayed that "in Iraq may peace finally prevail over the tragic violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims."

The pope called on the international community to come to the rescue of the people of Sudan's Darfur region who continue to be under the threat of genocide and face terror and hunger. . He prayed for peace in the Holy Land and for "patient and persevering dialogue" between Israel and the Palestinian goVernment.

"May the international community, which reaffirms Israel's right to exist in peace, assist the Palestinian people to overcome the precarious conditions in which they live," he said.

With more than 80,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the blessing, Pope Benedict said Christ's resurrection from the dead fulfilled God's promise to save his creatures from the power of sin and death.

"From the risen Christ, all those who are still oppressed by

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Friday. April 21, 2006

T HE LANDINGChoosing Communion with the truth In a March column in The Boston Globe, provocatively entitled "Should Liberals Leave the Catholic Church?," Joan Vennochi candidly vented her frustration that Church teaching, particularly in areas related to human sexuality, was not shifting in a liberal direction.

"Liberals raised as Catholics," she wrote, "think we can be pro-choice, pro-gay maniage, pro-gay adoption, and in favor of manied and female priests and still call ourselves Catholics. We believe our views are the enlightened ones and Rome's represent the Neanderthal; eventually we will get a pope who understands that." She admits, however, that the Church "isn't budging" and states thilt "every pronouncement from Pope Benedict XVI draws another line. between official Church doctrine and liberal ideology. When do liberals choose one side or the other?"

Her c()lumn set off a small explosion on the message board integrated with the online edition of the paper. In the matter of a few days, 2,087 comments were posted, many from those who, in response to Vennochi's interrogatives, answered that it was time for liberals like her to choose "liberal" over "Catholic" and leave the Church; several of them admitted to having already followed' their own advice. Other echoed their frustration over the conflict between Church teaching and their own liberal beliefs, but urged Vennochi and others to remain in the Church to try to change the Church's teachings from within.

In this choice between "liberal" and "Catholic," neither Vennochi nor her online supporters seemed to recognize that they were proposing what Vennochi perhaps unintentionally but befittingly termed "liberal ideology" as the standard by which to judge the teachings of the Church founded by Christ - rather than the other way around. Their ultimate ground of truth, of right and wrong, of good and evil, was not faith in the Church's capacity to pass on the teaching of her founder on faith and morals, but rather modem liberal dogma, or, perhaps more accurately, their own beliefs which coincide with it.

Pope Benedict has described this tendency to try to conform Church teaching to modem mores, rather than to purify and transform modem value systems by Church doctrine, as one ofthe great contemporary ecclesiological errors. But on AprilS, during his continuing weekly catechesis on the Church in "Jesus' original plan" and how we must "commit ourselves to live in it at the beginning of a new Christian millennium," the pontiff described how this error has been present in the Church as a "trial" since the beginning.

The experience of the early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit in truth and love, is a model for the Church today, he taught, in how to understand and deal with conflicts between the "truths of faith" and "lacerations of communion."·What we leam from the early Church is not a naive, Rodney Kingesque mode ofconflict resolution - "Can't we all just get along?" - but a mature recognition that sometimes, sadly, communion cannot be maintained: "Just as a communion of love has existed from the beginning and will exist until the end (cf. 1 John 1: 1ft), so, sadly, from the beginning division has also erupted. We must not be surprised by the fact that it exists also today: 'They went out from us,' says the First Letter ofJohn, 'but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us' (2: 19)."

"Therefore, the danger always exists, in the vicissitudes of the world and also in the weaknesses of the Church, of losing the faith and thus, of also losing love and fraternity. Therefore, it is a specific.duty of those who believe in the Church of love and want to live in her, to recognize this danger also and to accept that communion is not possible with those who do not abide in the doctrine of salvation (cf. 2 John 9-11 )." .

Jesus himself faced this "trial" when he preached about the reality of the Eucharist. St. John candidly described that many of Jesus' disciples responded by saying "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" and then "turned back and no longer went about with him" (In 6:59; 66). Jesus didn't and couldn't change the truth to accommodate their preferences. All he could do was propose it and hope that they would respond in faith.

With regard to parts of Church doctrine, some modem disciples like Vennochi echo, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" But the Church founded by Jesus cannot change the truth about abortion, maniage or holy orders any more than her founder could alter the truth about the Eucharist. . Real communion can only occur through conversion to the truth in love, through mutual abiding "in the doctrine ofsalvation." Let us pray that those who find Church teaching difficult today respond differently than the disciples who walked away from Jesus and. the Apostles in the Capernaum synagogue.

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OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DlOCESEOF FALL RIVER

Published weekly except for two weeks in July and the week after Christmas by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River, 887 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720, Telephone 508-675-7151 - FAX 508-675·7048, E-mail: theanchor@anchomews.org. Subscription price by mail. postpaid $14.00 per year. send address changes to P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA, call or use E-mail address Member: Catltolk Pres; ASSoclalion, New England Press Associallon. Catholic News Service PUBLISHER· Most Reverend George W. Coleman

EXECUTIVE EDITOR EDITOR NEWS EDITOR REPORTER OFFICE MANAGER

Father Roger J. Landry fatherrogerlandry@anchorneWs.org David B. Jolivet davejollvet@anchomews.org Deacon James N. Dunbar jimdunbar@anchorneW$.org Michael Gordon mlkegoldon@anchomews.org MaryChase marychase@anchornews.org

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the living word

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THE ETERNAL GOD IS SYMBOLIZED BY ALPHA AND.OMEGA, THE FIRST AND LAST LEITERS OF THE GREEK ALPHABET. FATHER JOHN

C. OZUG, PASTOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH IN NEW BEDFORD, TRACES

THE LElTERS ON THE PASCAL CANDLE WITH A STYLUS AT HOLY SATURDAY'S VIGiL MASS OF EASTER.

"EVER PRESENT IN YOUR MIDST, I WILL BE YOUR GOD AND YOU WILL BE MY PEOPLE; FOR IT IS I, THE LORD, YOUR GOD, WHO BROUGHT YOU OUT OF THE LAND OF THE EGYPTIANS AND FREED YOU FROM THEIR SLAVERY, BREAKING THE YOKE THEY HAD LAID UPON YOU AND LETTING YOU WALK ERECT" (LEV26:12-13).

'Eye has'not seen During these joyful days of the consist? It consists of a perfect Easter season, a fitting theme that communion of life and love with the Blessed Trinity, where souls we should be contemplating in our prayer is that of glory. During . see the divine essence with an Lent, we focused on the necessary . intuitive vision, an immediate contemplation, as it were, face to process of purification, and the face ("Catechism of the Catholic need to share in the sufferings of Christ. But during Easter, we owe it to Our Lord to spend some good time y--" thinking and praying about glory, the glory of ,.~\. the resurrection and the , " I) glory that awaits those who are faithful to Christ. . :f;" Y" '<11.". . a..· ... ~."." .•,.,~ ~'" Glory is what lay A. Pignato' , before Jesus, as he. endured the suffering of his passion and death. He Church," 1023-24). As much as was asked by his Father to give his life for th.e life of the world, we might try to imagine this.1ife but he knew that the ultimate and state of glory"it is, the Church admits, "beyond all understanding result would be an eternal life of and description" (Catechism, glory. Glory is what lies on the 1027). other side of the cross, and it is Our inability to comprehend glory that God holds out to each fully the glory God offers us is of us who follow Christ.

Usually when people think: something that is frequently expressed by the human authors about the futUre life in heaven, they imagine a place of perfect of sacred Scripture. Thus, St. Paul writes, "Eye has not seen, ear has happiness, with the total absence of suffering and sorrow, "where not heard, nor has it so much as every tear will be wiped away." dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love him" And for those whose life here on (lCor 2:9). In another letter, he earth is an endless sprint of work writes, "For this slight momentary and,heavenis most likely looked affliction is preparing for us an forw!U'd to as a place of rest, with an end to toil and pain. eternal weight of glory beyond all But the eternal reward that comparison, because we look not pod is offering each of us who to the things that are seen but to are faithful to him is even better things that are unseen" (2Cor 4:17-18). than a life of endless happiness and rest. What God is offering us In the novel "Brothers Karamaiov," by Dostoyevski, the is a condition and state of glory.

And of what does this glory character Ivan is told an anecdote

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of a philosopher who refused to believe in an afterlife. Upon his death, when he discovered he had been wrong, he was sentenced to walk a quadrillion miles in the dark before entering heaven. At first, he refused, and simply lay . . down for 1,000 years, before moving on. But "[t]he moment the gates of paradise were opened and he walked in, before he had been there two seconds, he cried out that those two seconds were worth walking not a quadrillion miles but·a quadrillion of quadrillions, raised to the quadrillionth power!"

The point is that any amount of' suffering that we might have to endure in this life is simply insignificant, when we consider the glory that awaits us. Again, it is St. Paul who writes, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us" (Rom 8:18). And St. Peter adds, "[So] rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (lPet 4: 13).

The reward is worth any price, because even a life-long cross is only a blink: of an eye, compared to the glory of eternal life.

This Easter, as we celebrate the glory of the Resurrection, we owe it to our risen Lord to put out into the deep in contemplation of the glory that he offers to us who foll9w him.

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Friday, April 21, 2006

I'm only getting: better I can't count the times that, as a young lad, I envied professional athletes. They got to playa game for a living and what a living they made.

But as I sit here on the cusp of 50 years old, I feel pretty good about being a nobody.

Look at poor (old?)

Brett Favre. He doesn't know if he should retire or not, so he's holding the Green Bay Packers hostage until he makes his decision.

I, on the other hand, don't have to make such decisions. My athletic fetes can continue until I permanently retire.

Am I some kind of superman?

Hardly. It's just that my athletic fetes adjust through the years, as does my body.

In Little League, I was anAllStar second-baseman and captain of the Collies. In high school I cali

past four months, I've managed to defeat, in match play, the likes of Ben Hogan, Arnold Pa$er, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, and Gary Player. It wasn't~, but I did it, ~d in the process, my ~~:~k fingers becamej!lean and

for to years, and despite my smaller stature (I liked to say I was built low, but powerfully to the . ground), I was among the team leader in home runs each year. , By beating such legehds, I In my 30s, I morphed I earned the chance to play Tiger into a Wrllle Ball guru, 'Woods. And played Tigfr Woods I able to toss a curve ball did. Again and again ana again and that could put McDonald's again, and so on. golden arches to shame.

Despite my past athletic glories, A few years later, with II I couldn't even come cl9se to my wife and yet unborn taming the Tiger .:. untill Easter Emilie sitting in the stands, 2006.

II . weekend, I scored a goal in my first On Saturday afternoon, I picked game in an over-30 ice hockey up my joystick, took a few practice ll league. , d summoned :my swmgs, an Now, just barely on the south nemesis for another match. side of 50, comes perhaps my Through nine holes we were all greatest sportS accomplishment. square - my best sho~ng yet.

And, it was a work in progress.

Through 14 holes, I was one up.

Since Christmas, I've locked I started to get that old ~naline horns. on the golf course with some rush again, but it was tiIp.e to go pretty impressive names. In the pick up my wife at worK. I left the PlayStation :.on. I was too close to shut it down now. In fact I left it on all night. i~ wasn't poverty is not to know Christ." Our pope's words are indeed very The Franciscans beautiful and worthy of reflection.

Imma~ulate Conception Province Now that the Lenten season has (OFM) passed and we are blessed with Vocation Director: Easter - a season of joy in the Br. Charles Gingerich, ofm risen Christ - what Email: Charles848@aoI.com emphasis will we place on pleasure and sacrifice in Website: our lives? Will we WWW.FRANCISCANVOC.ORG embrace both or choose one path over the other?

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vividly recall a varsity wrestling match I won on enemy turf. After -my victory, I threw my arms in the air. The crowd booed. I loved it. (It was also the first of only three matches I won against 14 losses -:thus the outburst.)

As a young man in my 20s I secured the shortstop position on our softball team and held on to it

Pleasure and sacrifice. interfere with the path of pleasure.

Pleasure can be defined as desire, inclination; a state of When taking care of the sick or gratification and enjoyment; and a elderly becomes such 'a burden source of delight or joy. because of the time and sacrifice, the feeling of being slowed down Many peoples' lives may be can.interfere too much with the ,oriented toward pleasure, and attaining those things or 'experiences that bring pleasure. There's physical pleasure as in the experience of wonderful food and drink. There's romantic pleasure, the l; :i pleasure of beautiful . surroundings brought about by the att(J.inment of beautiful homes or cars.

There's the pleasure of relaxation path of pleasure such that one or leisure time. stops doing what it takes to care.

There are also the various Sacrifice can be defined as the offering of something precious to degrees of pleasure that may be sought after by achieving status or deity; something offered in oblation; and to accept the loss or prestige, and the perceived notion destruction of for an end, cause or that others admire one's personal acquisitions or importance. ideal.

The "path of sacrifice" is not so It is also interesting to recognize the "cycle of pleasure." If we pay concerned with attaining, but close attention, we will see that speaks of someone who has with almost every kind of pleasure, already attained something it will follow a cycle of high and valuable. It speaks of someone low, of intensity and completion, who can give, who is capable of a of presence and absence, of a greater vision, who can wait for a beginning and an end. An example more optimal outcome. Jysusknew about sacrifice, and many people of this is that of food. No matter how wonderful the food may be, are inspired to model their lives the pleasure of eating it can only after him. last so long. For those who are true There are those who can e~ily "pleasure seekers," there can be embrace the "path of sacrifice," almost a frenzy to keep various those who might even be able to kinds of pleasures coming their say that they have found pleasure way. This is when the "path of in sacrifice. These are those whose pleasure" can become the path of sacrifices are a "source of delight hedonism or addiction. or joy," to whom St. Paul refers Pleasure is not a bad thing in , when he wrote, "God loves a itself, but the "path of pleasure" cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7). can sometimes take over so In Pope Benedict's Lenten successfully that it can eliminate message he said, ''Those who act any evidence of the "path of according to the logic of the sacrifice."

Gospel live the faith as friendship And the path that we choose with God Incarnate and;like him, will influence the choices that we bear the burden of the material and make. spiritual needs of their neighbors.

When pleasure has become so They see it as an inexhaustible much a way oflife and, for 'mystery, worthy of infinite care example, a marriage begins to and attention. They know that he involve so much work that it no who does not give God gives too longer seems pleasurable, it can be little; as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta easily tossed aside so as to not frequently observed, the worst

mentally ready to finish the match.

After a wonderful Easter morning Mass and a couple of family visits, we went home. Our older children, and my mother~in颅 law were coming over fOl: dinner.

But I had a few moments to spare.

Reluctantly, I reached for my clubs. By this time, my ll-year-old Emilie was glued to the TV set with me. She knew what I had been going through with Tiger for the past couple of months.

"You can do it dad," she implored. On the 17th hole, Tiger caught me. All square after 18. All square after three overtime holes.

On the fourth OT hole, Tiger missed a 12-foot birdie putt. I had a to-footer for the win. I lined up the putt, drew the Club back and stroked the ball. KERPLUNK.!

In a scene reminiscent of Oct. 27, 2004, Emilie and I jumped up, whooped and hollered for joy. , Man, if my 50s are going to be this good, I can't wait for 60.

Call it a day Brett. Hang'em up and really get to enjoy life -like me.

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Friday, April 21, 2006

Jesus, I trust in you The second Sunday of Easter was known as low Sunday; the reason being, everyone came to Sunday Mass on Easter Sunday, but the next Sunday the crowds had disappeared, consequently, the name "low Sunday."

In the Jubilee Year 2000 Pope John Paul II gave the second Sunday of Easter a new name. He declared that the Second Sunday of Easter will be called "Divine Mercy Sunday." . The history of this feast began in the 1930s when Sister Maria Faustina Kowalska, a simple, uneducated Polish nun, received from the Lord a message of mercy that she was to spread throughout the world. She was asked to become the apostle and secretary of God's mercy, a model of how to be merciful to others, and an instrument for God's plan of mercy for the world. Convinced of her own unworthiness, and terrified at the thought of trying to write anything, she nonetheless began keeping a diary in 1934

Divine Mercy Sunday." in obedience to the expressed When our Lord appeared to. wishes of her spiritual director, Sister Faustina in a vision, he her superiors, and God Himwas clothed in a white garment self. For four years she with his right hand raised in recorded all the revelations blessing. He told her to paint and mystical experiences she an image according to the was receiving from Jesus and pattern she saw with the Mary. The result is a book of signature: Jesus, I trust in you. some 600 printed pages, which, in simple language, repeats and clarifies the Gospel ,omily of story oJ God's love for Divine Mercy his people, emphasizing above all the need to Sunday trust in his loving ,'.,. action in all the aspects

By Father of our lives. She was Edward A. Murphy . honored by becoming the first saint of this Complete trust in God is the millennium, giving thus great emphasis to' the Divine Mercy essence of the message of mercy. devotion.

In the Gospel today this is During the Mass of canoniconveyed by the Lord Jesus to zation of St. Faustina on April Thomas; who was not present 30,2000, P.ope John Paul II when Jesus appeared to the proclaimed: "It is important apostles after the resurrection. then that we accept the whole message that comes to us from .. The other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But the word of God on this he said to them, "Unless I see Second Sunday of Easter, the mark of the nails in his which from now on throughout hands and put my finger into the Church will be called

the~~~~~'P"~ ~~

the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." A week' later Thomas was present when Jesus appeared again, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst, and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see 'my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus was not impressed with Thomas' lack of trust, but the words that Jesus said to Thomas are very consoling words for you and for me who have never seen the risen Lord as Thomas did. Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

We read in St. Faustina's diary that Jesus revealed to her that: "I am Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches

me with trust, I fill it with such and abundance of grace that it cannot contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls (1074). Come then with trust to draw graces from this fountain ... Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to my mercy" (300, 1485).

The message of mercy is that God loves us -: all of us, no matter how great our sins.

He wants us to recognize that his mercy is greater than our . sins, so that we will call upon him with trust, receive his mercy, and let it flow through us to others.

How are we to'remember the message of Mercy? By the ABC's: Ask for his mercy.

Be merciful. ~ompletely trust in Jesus.

Let us, this day, cry out with St. Thomas: "My Lord and My God" (In 20:28).

Father Murphy is chaplaill at Mortoll Hospital in Taulltoll, alld director ofEllglish Prayer Groups ill the Fall River diocese.

The Gospel truth In recent years we have faced an unrelenting attack on the historical truth ofthe Gospels and the constant" tradition of the Church. .

Many people have seen cable TV shows which present cqmpeting "experts" who raise all kinds of doubts about Scripture and tradition. Readers of the "Da Vinci Code" find it difficult to separate the fact (very little) from the fiction (almost everything). And now people are told that a recently discovered "gospel" makes Judas a hero. Unfortunately many, unaware of the substantial evidence supporting the Church's tradition, are confused and don't know w.hat to believe.

Christianity is not a philosophy or theory; it is the revelation ofGod's

saving power i~ history. For us and of the crucifixion and Resurrection for the early Christians, history mat- - were testified to by an eyewitters. Our salvation was secured by a ness, undoubtedly the beloved dishistorical event - the crucifixion ciple John himself. "He who saw it and resurrection of Jesus the Christ has borne witness - his testimony - an event which really happened at a particular time in history in a particular place. As St. Paul says "IfChrist is not raised, your faith is in yain" (I Cor. 15:19).

How can we kriow that our faith is established on

By Dale O'Leary true historical events, not - - - - - - - - - - - myths and pious inventions? The writers of the Gospels, is true and he knows that he tells the particularly the Gospel of John, truth - that you also may believe" made it clear that the facts of what (John 19:35). happened-particularly the account Almost from the beginning the

Church was confronted with heretics who wanted to distort and destroy the true faith and replace it with myths and false teachings.

The Church rejected these heresies. Faithful teachers "the fathers of the Church" explained in detail why the heretics and their other "gospels" contradicted what the Church had received from Jesus through the Apostles. Today these gnostic gospels and other false teachings are brought forward as though they were on a par with the true Gospels which have always been accepted by the Church and were authenticated by the witness of the Apostles and those who were taught by the Apostles. In fact, these gnostic writings were exposed as frauds in the second and third centuries.

St.lrenaeus was one ofmany "fathers of the Church" who exposed the Heresies of the gnostics. St. Irenaeus was a disciple of St. Polycarp, who had been taught by St. John himself. Thus Irenaeus .could claim that he had a direct link to Jesus.

Why do certain people want to challenge the historical record? In some cases it is because they don't accept the moral teachings of the Scripture. They know that if people doubt the history, then they will not feel bound by the morality. , For example there are numerous "experts" who try to confuse the faithful about the scriptural teaching on sexuality when nothing could be clearer. In Scripture and tradition all sexual intimacy outside maniage between a man and a woman is forbidden. Same-sex sexual intimacy is specifically condemned. Persons so

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'SundalJ, April 23, 2006 Special. LiturqlJ & Devotions at II a. m. lJeneration of St. .Faustina's relic after services IDe invite dnd encourdqe pdrishioners, friends dnd dll who hdve devotion to the Divine ffierclj to loin us for this Divine ffierClj ffidSS. Conducted blj the Conventudl Frdnciscdn Fridrs.

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tempted are not abandoned. In the letter to the.Corinthians, St. Paul lists various sexual sins including those involving persons of the same sex, but then reminds his readers "such were some ofyou, but you have been washed, you are sanctified, and justified" (I Cor. 6: 11).

The Church teachings in these areas will not, cannot, change.

Some try to distort this tradition.

For example, John Boswell, a gay activist who died of MOS, claimed to have found records of "same-sex unions" in pre-modern Europe which acc.ording to Boswell resembled marriages. Real experts looked at his evidence and found that these were brotherhood ceremonies designed to make two unrelated men brothers. There was no hint ofsexual relationship and such a thing would have been universally condemned.

Unfortunately many were deceiyed.

Anyone with even an elementary knowledge ofthe history ofthe early Church knows how foolish the claims made by Dan Brown or John Boswell are. The problem is that many people don't have even an elementary knowledge of the history. . We do have the Scripture and the Catechism and can rely on these.

When we hear of newly discovered "gospels" which preach a different message, we should remember the words of St. Paul to the Galatians, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him. who called you in the grace of Christ and turning to a different gospel - not that there is another gospel, but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the Gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven preached to you a gospel contrmy to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal 1:7-8).

7

Friday, April 21, 2006

The Haggadah for dummies Saturday 25 March 2006Homeport - Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D. C. Arthur Arkanase and parishioner Linda Roy stop by the rectory. Arthur is an observant Jew who lives within the parish. Some parishioners have requested a Seder to better understand the Easter events.

Jesus was a firstcentury Mediterranean Jew. His teachings were based on the Law of Moses (Torah) and the prophets. He was called rabbi. When some accused Jesus of not following Jewish custom, they were complaining that he followed custom, but not in the way they thought he should. It was it difference of interpretation.

Many other rabbis would have agreed with Jesus. Jesus' Last Supper was a Jewish ritual meal, taking place around Passover.

Passover is the oldest festival known to humankind. Calculated by the full moon of spring, as is Easter, its origin may trace back to the lambing season in Paleolithic times.

Arthur says he is willing to

preside at an authentic Jewish Seder for our parishioners.

"Seder" means "Order." There is a strict sequence stipulated in the Talmud. The Seder meal is basically a Passover home ritual, codified after the Roman

destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. The great Rabbi Gamaliel helped formulate the Seder.

Gamaliel was also St. Paul's teacher.

Arthur says a Seder takes time - same as the Christian Passover, the Easter Vigil. He says the ritual is not a reenactment, but a reality experienced here and now - the same "Sacred Time" as the Eucharist.

He says the purpose of the Seder is to remember and celebrate salvation, to joyfully praise and thank God for deliverance from slavery. It's' the same for

Eucharist. Arthur and I hit it off.

"So," smiles Arthur, "you say you speak no Hebrew, but I know you do!" He elaborates.

The word "Alleluia" comes from Hallelu YAH - (Everyone) Praise YHWH (the Name of God). The word "Amen" comes from the Hebrew for "believe," as in Ani ma'amin (I believe).

This word "Amen" has been incorporated into - more world languages than any other.

In traditional Jewish homes, a thorough' spring-cleaning begins weeks before Passover. In the Church, we call it Lent: Arthur brings Seder plates.

There are sections for egg, parsley, the paschal lamb (or other roasted bone-in meat), chopped apples with nuts, and horseradish (or Romaine lettuce for the wimpy). We will need candles, pillows, wine, matzot, saltwater, and an extra cup for the anticipated return of the Prophet Elijah.

Saturday 1 April 2006 Homeport - Passiontide begins at sunset Some 50 parishioners gather

Coffee, tea, and me: Part one Tea is a stranger to me. present, and that meets us in our of us. Why else would grown Coffee is an old friend. Coffee need. As much as I believe we adults who may have strayed tastes like comfort and feels like need inspiring homilies to from the Catholic faith seek out being connected. Coffee smells nourish our minds and the a church and sit in its holy like relaxation and looks like Eucharist to nourish our souls, I emptiness during times of afternoon sunlight. This cozy also believe we need sensual, trouble? They seek and sit relationship is a bit of a problem earthy experiences of Church to because they are looking for for me, however, because for bond us to God and to his bride, something they lost; a presence health reasons I am supposed to the Church. God can'tjusrlive they may not be able to name, learn to embrace a cup of herbal in our heads, we need to love but whose impression lingers on tea more often than one r---~~~--~~-""'--:::;;:;::::--'h in their subconscious of coffee. memory. The Book of I didn't set out to Proverbs comforts love coffee. In fact, it parents with this verse. took me several years, "Train a child up in the several lumps of sugar, way he should go and and a lot of cream to when he is old, he will not depart from it." How warm up to its bitterness. My love for coffee blessed are the children is really a by-product of whose parents have a friendship ritual that brought them to Mass him from our hearts, and feel from the very beginning and started when we moved to.

California, and I was in desperhim with our hands too. I who have, also, brought the faith ate need of a friend to share in believe our hunger and thirst for home .from Mass in order to live adjusting to life on the Left God are satisfied in part through it all week long.

Coast. Almost as soon as we the smells of incense and Easter But, wait a minute. Stop the arrived in Berkeley, God sent lilies, the sounds of bells and tape. What about the herbal tea? me a beautiful, German-born 'pipe organs, and the look of What if faith in Jesus and a real soul named Birgit who made the s.unlight filtered through stained- relationship with his bride were meanest pot of coffee I'd ever glass windows. Rosary beads we not impressed on us during met. We developed a weekly can touch and holy days we can childhood? What if we woke up tradition of getting together in anticipate. All of these are as adults and found we'd fallen the amber-lit hours of the day important to a lived faith into unhealthy behaviors and bad for an afternoon snack; and because we are, after all, relationships? What if we didn't always there was that cup of creatures of this earth. We, know how important it was to coffee. Savored together as our gather understanding'through all take our own kids to Mass each children ran around hunting for of our senses, and especially week? Are we all doomed? Has worms in the community when we are young, nonverbal the die been cast or is change playgrounds, coffee came to experiences leave huge imprespossible? For this and other symbolize camaraderie for me, sions on us. exciting developments in the and I loved it.

Before they can understand a continuing saga of coffee, tea, and A friendship such as I have homily or receive the Eucharist, me, stay tuned until next week described is the type I believe .simply being at Mass introduces when my worm-hunting daughter we need to have with our . our children to Jesus who wants' shows up for snack time.

Church. A real one. One that is to be friend, comforter, and Comments welcome at supported by ritual, tangibly p~rsonal Lord and savior to each homegrownfaith@yahoo.com

in the church hall for the Seder.

The candles are lit with a prayer.

There is a seder of the Seder an order to the Order: The first cup of wine, the hand washing, the vegetable dipped in saltwater as a remembrance of the tears shed by both the Hebrews and the Egyptians, the breaking of the middle matzo, the story of salvation, the second cup of wine and the four questions: - "On all other nights, we eat either leavened bread or matzot. On this night, why do we eat only matzot?"

- "On all other nights, we eat a variety of vegetables. Why on this night only bitter herbs?"

- "On all other nights, we eat vegetabl~s without dipping them. On this night, why do we dip them not once but twice?"

- "On all other nights we sit in ordinary chairs. Why on this night do we use fancy pillows?"

Then comes another hand washing, the blessing of the unleavened bread, again the dipping of bitter herbs, the eating of the herbs with matzot, the entree (we use roAst beef), the third and the fourth cups of wine, and the concluding hymns and psalms. Arthur chants in Hebrew. I repeat in E~glish.

Before Christians separated from the synagogue, we gathered weekly on the day of the Resurrection to celebrate the continuing presence of the risen

Christ. Our ritual meaVsacrifice has always included the scriptural story of salvation (revisit the Exsultet and the nine Easter Vigil readings), the Prayer of Thanksgiving, the blessing cup, the breaking of the unleavened bread, and the singing of hymns and psalms. "The Breaking of the Bread" is what Mass was first called. We recognize the risen Lord in the Breaking of the Bread.

In its earliest form, the Mass offers glory and praise to God for freeing us from slavery to sin and death. It still does. The Jews look for the return of Elijah. Christians look for the return of the Lord Jesus in glory.

"I wonder," muses Arthur, "why Jesus chose the Passover Festival for his last supper."

We believe that at the Last Supper Jesus was passing though death to eternal life.

That's the paschal mystery. He is himself the Paschal Lamb.

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Blessed are those who are called to his supper." Celebrate fully these 50 days of Easter. Amen.

Alleluia!

Father Goldrick is pastor ofSt.

BernardParish, Assonet. Comments are welcome at StBernardAssonet@aoLcorn.

Previous columns are at www.StBernardAssonet.org.

In honor of Sister Lucia dos Santos, seer of Fatima, who died February 13, 2005, age 97.

Lucia pray for us.

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Friday, April 21 ~ 2006

!I

Sister Aida Sansor instills new life to Spanish Apostolate

By MIKE GORDON

very happy."

The Guadalupan Missionaries of the Holy NEW BEDFORD - Maybe you've heard her Spirit were founded in 1930 by French priest Favoice rising above the congregation at St. Mary's ther Felix de Jesus Rougier.

Cathedral or perhaps you've seen her playing her Sister Sansor and members of the committee guitar at events around the diocese. Chances are for the pastoral plan have been traveling each if you've met Guadalupan Sister Aida Sansor, weekend to the seven Spanish-speaking commuyou won't soon forget her. According to Father nities in the diocese to conduct a series of dayRichard D. Wilson, director of the Hispanic long workshops designed to assess the needs of Apostolate she the area. The fi~~~-~~....-.=--------.",..-=~~---:-r;r--------::-CI nal part will be has a contagious ~ .... ~ '.Pt .'-.) ~ • • • .'-. ~,).'f '_:,",/.,' ,.:,_,1., • enthusiasm for.·~:"'~';~;'lzJ',. ", . ...; to develop and implement plans at each tmues to make· j I.•• '.:'::'C: ,. "__ j , . dC_ ,j~,<1 ", ". ,.' '. ~,"._ parish. a? impact in our '~~;i'\ ,,/·0~Z7.:a::Ot:l!ir$9a:-6ftne-Weel;1" "So far we diocese. ~~,~~".",_.i'-?:~~f,.~~~JJ~ ,.~,.,~~,~7~'.' < , . ' ~~ , ' . ,~ . ~CJ are doing really Sister Sansor t£:::t:);~;{d.;: -!';;;<f-c ',:$; " _.•~>?' v ' ; " - ~." . ,-' , well," she reserves as the asported. We're sistant director of completing workthe Spanish shops and we're Apostolate, a posiright on schedule as tion she's held since we enter the second 2001. She has been phase of the the Spanish pastoral project." assistant at the caWhen asked thedral for eight about her interest in years and is workmusic, Sister ing diligently to Sansor recalled that help develop and it was something implement a pastoshe came to appreral plan for the Hisciate at a very panic communities young age. in the diocese.

"I've been play"She's a wondering the guitar since ful person," said FaI was a little girl and ther Wilson.

I really love music. ''There's no way I It was always an could run this important part of apostolate alone. my family." That's She does so much no surprise considwork and has such ering that her father dedication. If not played the tromfor het, we couldn't bone, her mother do many of our the piano, violin projects." and mandolin and The Anchor her aunts were also caught up with Sismusically talented. ter Sansor at the caSister Sansor GUADALUPAN SISTER Aida Sansor sings with thedral where she usually organizes the Cathedral Choir during this year's Chrism was singing in the music for the interchoir for the annual Mass. (Anchor/Gordon photo) parish celebrations Chrism Mass. like the one held in "I love what I do," she declared. "It's a won- honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe or the annual derful feeling to have consecrated my life to God Pentecostal celebration. She also assists with muand to know that I belong to him. It's fantastic." sic at bilingual celebrations at the cathedral.

Sister Sansor added that being a Missionary of "They enjoy celebrating," she declared. She has Our Lady of Guadalupe has been wonderful and even recorded religious music including the story she's been blessed to have the opportunity "to of the Gospel in Mexican music with accompashare the love of Our Lady and the power and niment by a mariachi band. presence of the Holy Spirit with others."

"Former Bishop Sean P. O'Malley used to alWhen she first arrived in the diocese she was ways joke with her that she was his favorite working in Taunton and then was stationed at St. singer," Father Wilson recalled. "She very much Joseph's Parish, Attleboro. The rest of her time enjoys music and is a wonderful guitarist. It's just has been at the cathedral. one way she's helped to hold the Spanish com'''I've enjoyed being part of the lives ofpeople in munity together." the Spanish communities and they are so welcomThe Sisters who once served in Fall River have ing. It's like I have a very big family," she declared. now moved on to places throughout the country The Guadalupan Sisters have had a presence including Nebraska, Florida and California. Sisin the diocese for more than 30 years, but Sister ter Sansor does not know what her future will hold, Sansor is the last one remaining. She stayed on but is ready to go where ever God wills. to complete the pastoral plan, but will leaving in "The Spanish community was grateful my June of 2007. Born in Mexico on the Yucatan general superior decided to let me stay on in New Peninsula, Sister Sansor was impressed by the Bedford," adding that she's been blessed with the good work the Guadalupan Sisters of the Holy experience. So are we.

Spirit 'were doing in' her community and that led The Anchor encourages readers to nominate , her to join them, professing her final vows in others for the Person of the Week - who and 1974. why? Submit nominations at our E-mail ad"I'm grateful that our Lord and Our Lady dress: theanchor@anchornews.org, or write to called me to be a missionary," she declared. "I'm The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.

ANCHOR STAFF

2~:y ~~~ c~~~ :l~2i}~1:~ng~. -St~jte$~~~:?~~ ,J;

CARDINAL O'MALLEY met with the press following a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River on April 18. (Anchor/Jolivet photo)

Reception

Continued from page olle

a Lady ofthe Knights ofMalta. "For call our bishop. 1 was amazed at me and probably others, it was a how beautiful a celebration this most remarkable experience, filled was. And isn't Cardinal Sean so with joy and happiness and many beloved?" memories. The cardinal is a marCantor Richard Walberg, spirivelous speaker ... a lot of humor in tualleaderofTemple Beth El in Fall his homily at the Mass and he River, said ''This is one of the highlights of my life. Cardinal Sean has moved everyone."

Deacon Robert L. Surprenant, been a personal friend of mine, and who serves at Holy Name Parish in he, Father Marc Bergeron and I Fall River, said, 'There was a mar- have done many programs together. velous reaction to what he told us I remember being part of the proat the Mass. Everybody loves Car- cession when he became Archdinal Sean, and you could see it and bishop of Boston. That he recogfeel it today. And you could see how nized me today from the pulpit at Mass was very meaningful." happy the cardinal is too."

For Franciscan Sister of the ImLarson Coffin, faithful navigator of Bishop Tyler Knights of Co- maculate Mary Margaret, there was lumbus Council No. 402 on Cape no surprise when she learned Cod, told The Anchor that being former Bishop O'Malley was with Cardinal O'Malley at Mass named a cardinal. "It was no surand being with him at the reception . prise because he has done a great "made this a fantastic day all job in his service to the Church no around. He was a wonderful bishop matter what he was called to do. He and now a wonderful cardinal, and has done it well so well. It is so nice it so great to have him back in the to be here today celebrating with Fall River diocese to celebrate his hi m. " new rank in the Church with us. He Matt Talbot and Jake Thibault of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in brings_us great joy."

Deacon David Akin of St. Pius Swansea both felt the need to greet X Parish iIi South Yarmouth, calJed the new cardinal. "It was important the day "absolutely. fantastic. Car- for me to be here to extend condinal Sean is animated, joyous and gratulations to Cardinal O'Malley," gave us a tremendous inspiring mes- . said Talbot. "I felt it was necessary to be here because the Cardinal sage."

Mary Gauvin of Holy Trinity needs all the support he can get," Parish in Fall River, mother of Fa- added Thibault.

'The cardinal is such a nice perther Maurice O. Gauvin, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in New son," said Ida Reis of Good ShepBedford, said "it was a wonderful, herd Parish in Fall River. "He was and a very happy occasion. I'm so such a friend to this diocese for 10 thrilled that our Holy Father diose years. It's important for us to be here to elevate our dear friend to cardi- because we have to feed one annal. And this is quite a celebra- other." tion." .

George Fontaine of Holy Trin: For Yvette Tardif, a member of ity Parish in Fall River said, "I'm Notre Dame Parish in Fall River, it so happy for the Church today and was a new experience. "I've never so happy for Cardinal O'Malley. been to something like this before. He's a kind, loving leader and it's It was so exciting being at Mass so wonderful to be here to celebrate with a cardinal and one we used to this time with him."

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you back to our Cathedral Church ... where you presided over celebrations of the Church's liturgy," Bishop Coleman said.

When he said, "The priests, deacons and people of the diocese join me in congratulating you on having been named a cardinal by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI," the assembly erupted in sustained applause that lasted for nearly two minutes.

"At the public consistory at which you received your scarlet biretta," Bishop Coleman continued, "our Holy Father, in addressing the new cardinals, said, 'May the scarlet you now wear always express the love of Christ inspiring you to a passionate love for Christ, his Church and for all humanity. I am counting on you, venerable brothers, to proclaim to the world that Deus Caritas Est, that is, God is love. ", "Cardinal Sean, we love you, and we assure you of our prayers.

We are confident that the love you have had for this local Church of Fall River is but one sign of your passionate love for Christ, his Church and for all humanity.

Thank you for your visit today and welcome."

Again there was prolonged applause.

Visibly moved, Cardinal O'Malley thanked Bishop Coleman and the people "for the warm welcome. It is wonderful to be back in Fall River ... wonderful. .. " he said, his voice trailing off. He began the opening prayers of the Mass.

Later, in his homily, it was a

smiling Cardinal O'Malley,. who said he was "touched and moved to see all of you here in the middle of the week ... when you're all supposed to be at work. This is a diocese that will always have a very special place in my heart. I am overjoyed to celebrate this Eucharist with you."

Noting headlines reporting President Bush is looking for a new administrative team, the cardinal said he too is reading resumes as he looks to hire a new chancellor in the Boston Archdiocese. The readings of Tuesday's Mass made him think· what the resumes of Our Lord's team would have looked like, he said, with a wide smile. His descriptions drew heavy laughter.

"Mary Magdalene liked to be called Mimi. Used to have seven devils. Might have been involved in the sex industry. Limited office skills; cries a lot; and wears too much perfume. Peter, a lousy fisherman - who often fished all night and caught nothing. Had a bad temper. Bombastic. Speaks with a heavy accent. Barely literate."

Cardinal O'Malley said that when people ask him how he ever became a cardinal, "I only have to think of these resumes. I find great comfort in the fact that Jesus calls ordinary people to be his followers, his friends, and entrusts to them his passion; how these ordinary people have been transformed by that friendship. Today they are our saints, our heroes and heroines."

Noting how the Scriptures

BISHOP COLEMAN and Cardinal O'Malley distribute communion during the Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral. (Anchor/Gordon photo) show how after the shepherd is struck the sheep scatter, "as happened on Good Friday. But on Easter, the Good Shepherd returned and he gathers the scattered. He calls each one by name.

The turning point in today's Gospel is when Jesus says 'Mary' to Mary Magdalene. She calls him 'my teacher.' And Mary grabs on to our Savior instinctively; for " "" dear life."

Saying that Magdalene "received a Hollywood makeover in the "Da VinCi Code," Cardinal O'Malley added, "they wanted to make her Mrs. Jesus," drawing much laughter. ''The Pharisees are still bribing the guards," he asserted. "They want to keep people from believing that Jesus has risen from the dead. Magdalene in today's Gospel begins in the darkness of unbelief, moves to partial faith in seeing Jesus and finally exhibits the fullness of faith in declaring to the Apostles: 'I have seen Jesus.'

"Now it's our turn to be the messenger of the Good News and say I have seen the Lord through the eyes of faith," the cardinal stated.

"We have a responsibility to share the treasures of our faith.

The world needs to know that Jesus is alive. Too many are looking for Jesus in the wrong places.

Tears can distort our vision like it did Mary Magdalene's, by looking into the past. But if we are really looking for the Lord he will show himself to us in the community of faith ... in the sacraments ... and also in the disguise of the starving, the homeless, the elderly with Alzheimer's, and the AIDS patient. They are a1s6 sacraments of the risen Lord. Beqause Jesus is alive, we are alive. Happy Easter."

But it was not the last words.

At the close of the Mass, Cardinal O'Malley thanked everyone "for coming out and making this such a beautiful celebration. I assure you of my love and of my prayers."

The Mass was sung by the Cathedral Choir, under the direction of organist Madeleine Grace, with Elizabeth Grace as cantor. The Concordia Brass also accompanied the choir.

I'

PRIESTS SHARE a smile during Cardinal O'Malley's homily. (Anchor/Gordon photo)

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Friday, April 21, 2006

eNS video reviews

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NEW YORK (CNS) - The following are capsule reviews of recent DVD and video releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies on video have a USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The · Wardrobe" (Special1Wo-Disc Collector's Edition) (2005) Captivating live-action fantasy adventure based on C.S. Lewis' beloved children's classic set in World War II-era England about four siblings (Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, WH)iam Moseley and Anna Popplewell), who, having been evacuated from London to the home of an eccentric professor (Jim Broadbent), stumble through a magical wardrobe into the enchanted realm of Narnia, where they help the wise and noble lion AsIan (voiced by Liam Neeson) defeat the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton), who holds the land under an icy spell of eternal winter. Seeded with Christian symbolism and subtext, director Andrew Adamson's faithful adaptation balances spectacle with storytelling while exploring themes of good and evil to capture the childlike wonder that underscores Lewis' tale.

Some battlefield violence, intense scenes of child peril and menace, and several frightening sequences. The anamorphic widescreen DVD features two commentaries: a rollicking reminiscence with Adamson and the four kids, and another informative one with Adamson, the producer and production designer, plus a short blooper reel. If you choose, you can watch the film with on-screen "pop-up facts" about the magic land. The sec'. ond disc includes background documentaries on the director · and the children, a look at how the C.S. Lewis work finally made it to the screen, and further in· formation on Narnia, its charac. ters and creatures. Highly recom· mended family viewing. The . USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AIl - adults and adolescents.

(Walt Disney Home Entertainment) "King Kong" (2-Disc Special Edition) (2005) Visually staggering remake of the 1933 classic about a giant ape smitten by a blonde-h~ired : beauty (Naomi Watts), captured from his lost world island home by a maverick filmmaker (Jack Black) and taken in captivity to New York where, breaking free, .", his rampage climaxes atop the Empire State Building. Though . . the film runs too long, director ·.·Peter Jackson's strong , storytel!ing masterfully blends · stunning action sequences, humor and pathos-tinged emotion, · paying reverent homage to the . ,original while fleshing out the

tragic story and ralslllg the movie-magic bar to dazzling new heights. Intense action violence, some frightening and disturbing images, fleeting burlesque images and a few instances of profanity make it inappropriate for younger adolescents. The comprehensive DVD features the film in anamorphic widescreen on the first disc. The second includes exhaustive, not to mention exhausting, "post-production diaries" with Jackson guiding viewers through all aspects of the 33 weeks prior to the movie's release date, broken down week by week; a mock documentary about Kong's habitat, the fictional Skull Island, and a feature on re-creating Depression-era New York.

The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AIl - adults and adolescents.

(Universal) "Witness to Hope: The Life of John Paul II" (2005) Based on George Weigel's 1999 biography, this beautiful and rewarding documentary provides an intimate and nuanced portrait of Karol Wojtyla, from the tragedies of his childhood in Poland to his historic papacy.

Less a chronology of events than an attempt to understand the man behind the globetrotting religious icon, the film examines how his experiences under Nazi and communist oppression influenced his lifelong commitment to religious freedom and human rights; how the early loss of his mother, older brother and, later, father, impacted his spiritual insights into suffering; how his love of drama and poetry enkindled a deep respect for culture and the power of the written word to express truth; and how interaction with students as a young priest contributed to shaping his views on human sexuality. Resisting categorization, the image of Pope John Paul that emerges is full of humanity, complexity and contradiction: priest, poet, playwright, actor, mystic, philosopher, pastor, intellectual, a revolutionary who championed tradition. Directed by Judith Dwan Hallet and narrated by Rene Auberjonois, the program incorporates archival photos and footage interspersed with re-creations and glossy location footage taken in Rome and Poland. Friends, colleagues and scholars - including Weigel and former U.S. national security adviser Zbignew Brzezinski - provide illuminating commentary. One of the better documeQtaries about John Paul II, the film is essential viewing for anyone interested in this towering figure, who, though acknowledging the 20th century as "the century of fear," challenged us to "be not afraid."

The film contains some images of wartime violence. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is AU- adults and adolescents. (Xenon)

ANIMATEDCHARACTERS Larry the Anaconda, left, Nigel the Koala, Bridget the Giraffe, and Samson the Lion are pictured in a scene from the movie "The Wild." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules below. (CNS photo/Disney)

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"American Dreamz" (Universal) Fairly amusing satire offame and politics as a would-be terrorist (Sam Golzari) enamored of American show tunes winds up on an "American Idol"-like talent show, where his Afghan superiors expect him to kill the U.S. president (Dennis Quaid) who is appearing as a celebrityjudge to boost his image, while the show's host (Hugh Grant) falls for a "white trash" contestantfrom Ohio (Mandy Moore). The performances, including those ofMarcia Gay Harden and Willem Dafoe, are good, and director-writer Paul Weitz carefully avoids most ofthe pitfalls ofsuch a premise with a surprisingly sweet-natured story with no real villains, though the salvos about the today's vapid pop culture, the public's misplaced priorities, the need for understanding of our "enemies," and the obscenity of war could sometimes be more sharply focused. Scattered instances of four-letter words, profanity, and sexual and crass expressions, an implied premarital coupling and a suicide. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is Aill - adults. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is PG13 - parents strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. ''The Benchwanners" (Columbia) Lame comedy about three grown nerds (Rob Schneider, David Spade and Jon Heder) who are recruited by a former geek turned billionaire (Jon Lovitz) into playing against various Little League teams ofbullyingjocks

in a tournament he's sponsoring. By beating them, the trio will win respect for every picked-on kid. Despite a commendable underdog message and some occasional funny moments, director Dennis Dugan's film strikes out, its "Bad News Bears" script straining under forced laughs and sophomoric slapstick.

Recurring crass humor and sight gags, some sex jokes including running gay innuendo and a crude gesture, as well as a smattering ofcrude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-ill - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. ''Phat Girlz" (Fox Searchlight) Romantic comedy about an aspiring plus-size fashion designer (Mo'Nique) riddled with insecurities, who wins a trip to Palm Springs, Calif., where she - accompanied by her skinny cousin (Joyful Drake) and plump best friend (Kendra C. Johnson) - is wooed by an attractive Nigerian doctor (Jimmy jeanLouis), who explains that in his homeland ladies of her size are the ideal ofbeauty. Written and directed

by Nnegest Likke and with a vivacious performance by Mo'Nique, the sporadically entertaining film encourages self-esteem and self-acceptance, but this positive message is somewhat sullied by its freewheeling attitude toward premarital sex and its bawdy tone. Recurring sexual banter and lewd humor, including an erotic dream sequence, several sexual encounters, suggestive costumes, pervasive crass language and a few instances .of profanity. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is PG13 ,- parents strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropri. ate for children under 13. . ''Take the Lead" (New Line) Uplifting movie inspired by reallife dance instructor Pierre Dulaine . (a very. believable Antonio Banderas), who gets permission from ·the principal of an inner-city

high school (Alfre Woodard) to teach ballroom dancing to troubled kids, eventually leading them to participate in a major ballroom competition. Music video director Liz Friedlander makes an assured feature film debut despite the formulaic plot, and has elicited good performances, while imparting admirable messages about trust, dignity and respect.

Some crude language and expressions, implied prostitution, an amorous advance to a minor, a vulgar gesture, violent car vandalism and gunplay preclude viewing by younger adolescents. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classificationisA-IJI-adults. TheMotion Picture Association ofAmerica rating is PG-13 - parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. ''The Wild" (Di~ney) Visually vibrant computer-animated movie about a New York City zoo lion cub (voiced by Greg Cipes) who finds himself on a ship bound for "the wild," forcing his father (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland) and several zoo buddies (voiced by Jim Belushi, Janeane Garofalo, Richard Kind and Eddie Izzard) to break out of captivity and mount a rescue. In exploring its tender father-son theme, director Steve Wi lliams' comedy-adventure balances enough humor and emotion to tame most hearts, despite a lackluster script and a deja-vu premise almost identical to that of "Madagascar." Some moments that may be scary for very young children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I - general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G - general audiences. All ages admitted.

Movies Online Can't remember how a recent film was classified by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops? Want to know whether to let the kids go see it? You can look film reviews up on the Catholic News Service Website.

Visit catholicnews.com and click on "Movies," under the "News Item" menu.

Friday, April 21, 2006

111 -

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Papal preacher. says even committed believers ::struggle to f~llow Jesus VATICAN CITY II(CNS) Even the most active'licommitted Christians must struggle each day to convert and to follow Jesus more closely, said the preacher of the papal household. " , Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, offerif)g a Lenten meditation to Pope B~nedict XVI and top Vatican officials recently, said that while conversion from nonbeliefto belief is primary, converSIOn IS an ongomg. process.

With nonbelievers, he said, "Christ is outside and knocks on the doors of the heart in order to enter. But when it COlnes to successive conversions I from one state of grace to a higher state, from tepidness to fervor - the opposite happens: Christ is inside and knocks on the doors of the 'I' heart in order to get out."

The "heart of stone" that the Bible condemns can describe not only tho~e who refu~e to, believe in God and in the irnmensity of God's love demonstrated i'n the death and resurrection of his Son, Father Cantalamessd said.

"It can happen t~at the Holy Spirit ends up being imprisoned and walled up in the heart of stone" of a believer who sets limits on what he or she allows God to do, the preacher slkid.

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CARDINAL J. FRANCIS Stafford kneels during a Holy Week penance-service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 11. The cardinal gave a homily affirming the power of God to forgive all sins. He al~o helped the faithful examine their conscienGe before they went individually to confess their sins and receive absolution. (CNS photo/Alessia Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo) .

U.8. cardinal at Vatican penance service says forgiveness is possible ,

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By CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC ~EWS SERVICE

murder, that "are so evil they cannot be forgiven."

VATICAN CITY - Leading Others see the contagion of sin the Vatican's Holy Week penance spreading from one victim to anservice, U.S. Cardinal J. Francis other in a way that makes it imStafford said that along with a possible for everyone impacted lack of recognition that sin ex- to pardon the sinner, he said. ists modern people also tend to But "Holy Week by itself rethink that forgiveness is impos- sponds to their objections about 'sible. the possibility of forgiveness," The April II service in St. the cardinal said.

Peter's Basilica was the first Jesus, who became human and communal reconciliation service willingly gave his life for the sins celebrated as part of the Vatican's of all people of all time, reveals Holy Week in modern times. the mystery of the infinite power After listening to Scripture of God's love and forgiveness, he readings, Cardinal Stafford, head said. of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a In leading the examination of Vatican court dealing with mat- conscience, Cardinal Stafford ters of conscience, gave a hom- urged the congregation to look at ily and led an examination of . how well they express gratitude, conscience before people went offer an appropriate witness to , individually to confess their sins their faith, exercise patience 'and and receive absolution. generosity, promote justice and Cardinal Stafford told the peace, practice modesty and selfcrowd that many people think control, and take their political there are human actions, such as ' responsibilities seriously. violence against children or mass H~ also said they should ask,

"Do I pass a disproportionate amount of time reading newspapers and magazines, watching television and using the Internet compared to the time I dedicate to meditation and reading the sacred Scriptures?"

"Penitents," he told them, "leave darkness behind thanks to a sincere confession of their sins."

Sixty priests, most of whom serve as confessors in the major basilicas of Rome, staffed the confessionals in St. Peter's, hear- , ing confessions in the world's major languages plus a dozen others, including Norwegian, Tagalog, Maltese and Latin.

In addition, the priests assisting Cardinal Stafford and bishops and cardinals attending the service were approached by penitents W!lO did not mind sitting alongside a minister or standing a bit apart from the congregation to acknowledge their ~ins and receive absolution.

Pope, in Holy rhursday homily, says Judas was a greedy liar

By CINDY WOODEN

,he could fulfill his mission.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE But during his April 13 homily at the Holy ROME - Judas was a greedy liar who put his Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, Pope desire for money ahead of his relationship with Jesus Benedict said Judas is the clearest example Chrisand his love for God, Pope Benedict XVI said. tians have of someone who refuses God's saving Exactly a week after the National Geographic love.

Society put the sympathetic Gospel of Judas on, For Judas, the pope said, "only power and sucdisplay, Pope Benedict reasserted the traditional cess are real; love does not count."

Christian view that Judas betrayed his friend and' "And he is greedy: money is more important Lord after the Last Supper. than communion with Jesus, more important than The document that went on display in Wash- God and his love. He also becomes a liar, a doubleington April 6 is a third-century Coptic transla- crosser who breaks with the truth," Pope Benedict tion of what had originally been written in Greek said. before 180. The text portrays Judas as Jesus' Purposefully ignoring the truth, he said, J.udas closest disciple and says Jesus asked Judas to "hardens, becoming incapable ofconversion ... and hand him over to the Roman authorities so that throws away his destroyed life."

The Capuchin told the pope and Vatican officials that the love of God inside of them often is like a tree planted along a city street; the struggle to grow cracks the sidewalk.

In the lives of most serious believers, he said, Jesus is not locked up 'in a cell, but is more or less "on parole. He is free to move around, but only within precise limits."

Too often even believers say, "prayer, yes, but not if it encroaches on my sleep, relaxation, reading," he said.

They claim they wil1 be obedient, but not if it limits their freedom, he said. They promise to be chaste, but still will watch questionable television programs or movies, he added.

Only when believers open their hearts completely to God's love can they look at the crucifix and see not pain, but the power of God, he said.

As Italians continue to debate the wisdom of keeping crucifixes in public buildings - including classrooms, courtrooms and hospital rooms - Father Cantalamessa said, "Now more than ever we Christians must place them on the walls ofour hearts, which is the place Jesus prefers to be."

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112 Pro-Life

Friday, April 21, 2006

Continued from page one

"I will be speaking on the strides we are making in the ProLife" movement and where we stand in the great effort to teach our culture about the dignity and sanctity of life," said Doerflinger.

His duties include preparing policy statements and congressional testimony on abortion, human embryo research, euthanasia and other medical and moral issues for the bishops' conference.

He has testified before Congress numerous times regarding issues of life and has been published in law reyiews and ethics journals. .

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to speak in Fall River,': said the New York native.

He opined that the Church and those who are with it on life issues should congratulate themselves because the settled issue of Roe v. Wade, "Is more unsettled

RICHARD DOERFLINGER, deputy director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the guest speaker at the Diocese of Fall River Pro-Life Awards luncheon on April 29. (CNS photo) than ever. Public opinion is changing and we are beginning to tum the tide on abortion on demand."

Doerflinger holds a bachelor's degree and master's in divinity from the University of Chicago.

He is also an adjunct fellow in bioethics and public policy at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia.

When asked about his dedication to the Pro-Life cause, Doerflinger said it's been important to him since he was young.

As a teen-ager, his brother was in a car accident .that left him in a vegetative state. Although doctors wanted to give up on him, his parents did not, bringing.him home.

"He woke up," said Doerflinger.

I play chess with him every week," he declared. "That taught us an important lesson of not giving up on life."

Doerflinger warned that we must "be vigilant" regarding new issues mid questions that arise regarding human cloning, stem-cell research and euthanasia. "These compiex issues demand our attention and we must promote the sanctity of ~uman life. Hopefully if we speak the truth then love will_

prevail along with the culture of life," he said.

Doerflinger and his wife, Lee Ann live in Maryland. They are parents of four children. Their son Thomas was killed while serving in the Army in Iraq in 2004.

McNamee, who retired after 33 years of service to Catholic schools, said he was surprised to hear he was an award winner. "I never expected it," said McNamee. "ButI'm very honored and humbled. I guess we did something good."

According to McNamee, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley really wanted to get the" young people involved in the March for Life when he was bishop of Fall River.

"It was a lot of hard work and we roughed it, sleeping on s~hool floors and getting up very early, but the rewards were plentiful."

McNamee recalled one night when young men from the diocese began a dialogue with priests and chaplains who were speaking on their call to their vocation. "It was wonderful and moving and two of those pilgrims are now seminarians."

Although retired, McNamee keeps v~ry busy. He recently finished teaching a first Communion class at his home parish of St. John Neumann in East Freetown.

He volunteers at prisons and is teaching Latin at the Nativity Preparatory School ·in New Bedford. He's also enjoying taking a course on writing and one on history at UMass-Dartmouth.

Negri was also surprised upon hearing she was named:'a recipient of the award. "I was very surprised when they called me," said Negri. "It's very nice and I was· grateful to be nominated."

Negri teaches biology, chemis-try and health at Bishop Stang High School where s~e has taught for 14 years. When she first arrived at the 'school, it did not have a ProLife group for students and Negri sought to change that. After organizing a group, she and then chaplain Father Craig Pregana, arranged for students to attend the Boston Walk for Mothers and Children in October and then the Walk for Life in the Capitol.

"The (irst year we attended the pilgrimage, we had 35 people," said Negri. "The following year . if doubled. Each year I was involved it grew."

A parishioner of St. Anthony's· in' East Falmouth, Negri comes from a large family and said that life was always regarded as gift to be generously welcomed.

"Each child is a gift and a blessing," declared the mother of six. Negri also volunteers as a lecturer, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and a Religious Education teacher at the parish.

Previous recipients of the award are Father Gerald T. Shovelton, Kay Poirier and Madeleine Lavoie.

Tickets are still available for the luncheon. For more information call the Pro-Life Apostolate at 508-997-2290.

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EXTENI)JNG OF THE HANDS AT ('ONFm~\'\110N: Kennclh Arruda, 12-ycnr old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lout. Arruda at SLate Rood, North We.Lport, waa eonflrmed by the Mo,t Rev. James L. Connolly, D.D."BI,llop at Fnll River, 01 hls home. Rev. Maul1c:o Ii. Lamontagne, administrator at Our Lady at Orace Chureh. North Weotport, ID oslitslio[! Blslu)!> Connolly. 'Kenneth suffered severe body bul'l\5 when hb homo bunted L\ tow years ago.

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have always btl'" rtgardt"d a., ,vaunt' of rdiable in'tJrma.. ti<m. Utt ('(lcJwlie pufpil nt'ea,r /hr hrlp 0/ tnt' Catholic freJ.1. Much of olEr cOIH'icticn, and mo.fl 0/ ouf Il!arnill.t d,pe"dl 01' whal we

"iJd,

tU/lleuumd and beIrne.

Tht! Andm ~'iJ1 broaden tht! JIOTit.ott of QtiT inrtrc$1 twtl makl! UJ Xure' Qlfd .rClQllga ill our Fait". 1 am rml~ fMfm it will m{Jke /Ii,,-"dJ quid:(v and k,,~p them throu.,h the '-fa". l'ermfl m~. ht'.1e und- lW~', to thallk tht! StlJ./f. II" and 011 that Jubscribt' to ow IJlW, i"'p'Jrta"t • vt'nfllrt. May G<Jd bln.f my per.ronal f"prescmtatJvI. thil IJiausQ/1 Paper. at it (JmrJ to mtJkt a perl oJ cgfl tm:'" k'uk in yOW" hmnt, May il help Wid h~lrn ttJ allln (Xu jf'Umr)' through lif~.

Ilipporft'!rj

Up

Attd1Or~

wut ak'try!

Diocese Prepares For Holy Week 81 R••• Patrick 1. O'Nem

With tile revision at the Holy Week cerelllllnle:J, U19 mDdem movement to (live tho saered liturgy b:ick to the people hao made great progres.1. It b hopAd tMI this yaJr with a 0101'. widespread undernlandlng at Holy W..k, Catholla poopla .vorywhero will share to a tuller degree In lhe grt1l'es whlell .ccompany the Chureh'. ottlclal w""" '''' " "",,-_... ..."".., - - - - ".- - ship.

For centuries, the", boo been on untortunnto seporaUon between lhe Church'.

We Believe Name of Our Paper Appropriate for Diocese

The l1"mo The Anrlmr r(lf Uto llf'W I>ftle1al newlI:I):;l.pcr of tho Dj~t.t' (If F"nll RI,er "C'~ DO' btlec~<!'d In'·Btd.dcnt or by chanco: St, WZhi ('hcr.;un wi~h o.n Mm. 'ft.e Anellor !j the til rnWl of lhl'" meoltr.:ital vlr+.u:l.l of Ua...".···n

Father Higgins Appointed Pastor Of New Vineyard Haven Parish F.~,!ubl1f!hmellt

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lower Echelon Officials Mold Government Policy

a Tnf'mV;"l' of Congn:'\;,J: mu'o

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L

THE FIRST Anchor newspaper arrived in mailboxes on April 11 ,1957. (Anchor files)

The Anchor begins 50th year as Cathqlic media outlet

By DAVE JOLIVET,

EDITOR

FALL RIVER - On April 12, 2006, The Anchor began its 50th year of providing the faithful of the Diocese of Fall River and beyond, news, information and teachings regarding the Catholic Church here, across the nation and the world.

The very first Anchor, shown above, arrived in area mailboxes on April 11., 1957. In a Bishop's Statement on page one, then Bishop James L. Connolly said, "I am sure The Anchor will find an honored place, like the crucifix, in every home throughout the diocese." .

"The Anchor will broaden the horizon of our interest and make us surer and stronger in our. faith," the publisher wrote. "1 am confident it will make friends quickly and keep them through the . years."

Keeping friends through the years has been a hallmark of The Anchor. Several friends that placed congratulatory ads in the inaugural edition are still faithful advertisers with the paper to this day. They

include White's Restaurant of Westport, La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, .the Holy Cross Fathers of North Easton, the Feitelberg Family, and Gold Medal Bakery.

The Anchor has asked Father Barry W, Wall, diocesan archivist and author of the popular history of the Fall River diocese, "Bearing Fruit by Stream of Water," to compile a list of the 10 most important stories that appeared)n the paper in the last 50 years. Each month The Anchor will feature one of the top 10 stories, discussing its relevance and impact when it was first published.

For nearly five decades, The Anchor has touched lives across Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands. But its boundries don't end there. The weekly publication is also mailed to priests, religious and lay people across New England, the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Rome and places in between.

Today the paper, under the direction of Executive Editor Father Roger J. Landry, serves more than 26,000 households.

Friday, April 21, 2006

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AITLEBORO - Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is held at St. Joseph's路Church, 208 South Main Street. Adorers are needed to cover open hours. For more information call 508-226-1115.

nual Mass of Anointing will be celebrated by Father Mark Hession Sunday at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Parish. The sacrament of the sick will be administered. Ught refreshments and musical entertainment will follow. For more information or transportation call Ralph Babusci at 508-778-0193.

Biblical Social Justice will be held Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at St. Patrick's Parish church hall at 82 High Street. Itwill include presentations by Sacred Hearts Father David Reid and Blessed Trinity Sister Catherine Lamb. For more information call508-295-2411.

i

RETREATS

EAST FREETOWN - ''The Unfolding of Contemplative Consciousness," a retreat by Father Robert J. Powell, will be held April 29 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at CaEAST SANDWICH - The . thedral Camp. Silent contemplafeast of Divine Mercy will be celLECTURE! tive prayer called the "Prayer of ebrated Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at PRESENTATIONS the Heart" will be the main feaCorpus Christi Parish, 3~4 ,ture of this retreat.

For more inQuaker Meeting House Road.

ATTLEBORO - La Salette formation call 508-695-6161.

Father Donald Paradis will lead NEW BEDFORD - The feast afour-week study group, "The Da SOCIAL EVENTS of Divine Mercy will be celebrated . Vinci Code," on Monday evenings Sunday at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of beginning April 24. It will convene ATTLEBORO - The third Fatima Church. It will include reci- at 7 p.m. in the church's reconannual benefit concert for the tation of the Chaplet of Divine ciliation chapel. Pre-registration is Honduran Mission in Guaimaca Mercy and Benediction of the required. For more' information will be held April 28 at 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament. Refresh- call 508-222-541 O. St. Stephen'S Church, 683 South ments will follow. For more inforMain Street.

It will feature the St. mation call508-995-~351.

BREWSTER - The Lazarus Stephen's Music Ministry, recordMinistry Group of Our Lady of the ing artist Tom Kendzia and guest HEALING MASSES Cape Parish will conduct the beperformers. Afree-will offering will reavement program "Come Walk HEALING SERVICE ~ A With Me," for six weeks beginning be taken. For more information healing service will be held April .April 28. Sessions will be held call.508-222-0641 .

27 at 6:30 p.m. 'and April 30 at 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Parish ATTLEBORO - St. John's p.m. at the Na,tional Shrine of Our Center. For more information call Council No. 404 of the Knights of ' Lady of La Salette. For more in- Happy Whitman at' 508-385Columbus will hold its annual Dinformation call 508-222-541 O. 3252. . ner for Priests and Religious of CENTERVILLE - The anWAREHAM-A workshop on the Attleboro Deanery April 25 at 7 p.m. at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. A speaking program will follow. For more information call Brother Robert L. Nichols at 508-236-9019.

In Your Pray路ers Please pray for the following . priests during the coming weeks

April 25 1940, Rev. John 1. Wade, Assistant, Sacred Heart, Fall River 1955, Rev. Raymond J. Lynch, Chaplain, Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River April 26 1982, Rev. Ubalde Deneault, Retired Pastor, St. Joseph, Attleboro 2002, Rev. James F. Gree,ne, Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima, New , \ Bedford \ \ \'127 /' /",-\ ~/ A\pn 1925, Rev. Francis 1. Bra~ley, \I?.:D~; Retired Rector, St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River .,' .' ..... ' ..../ \ \ 1949, Rev. ROniioD:Archamb~iilt, St. Anne, New Be~ford .

1973 Rev. Edward F. O'Keefe,SJ., Retired, St. FranCIS XaVIer, Boston' \\\

MARSTONS MILLS-Aconcert to benefit the underprivileged will be held April 30 at 2:30 p.m. in the Marstons Mills East Elementary School auditorium. It will feature Grace O'Connor and is sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Osterville. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Dottie Monroe at 508-428-3040.

NEW BEDFORD-An organ recital on the recently repaired

Daily Readings

April 28\ \ .

1959, Rev. Stanislaus 1. Goyette, ~~tor, St. Louis de France, Swansea \\

April 22

April 29 '.~, 1987, Rev. James Leo Maguire, Pastor, Diocese of Monterey, California 1989, Rev. Adolph Szelagowksi, OFM Conv., Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Bedford .

1999, Rev. Peter P. Mullen, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner 2005, Rev. John M. Breen, M.M., Maryknoll Missioner

April 23

April 30 1900, Rev. John A. Hurley, Pastor, St. Mary, North Attleboro 193'0, Rev. David F. Sheedy, Pastor,.St. John Evangelist, Attleboro i 993, Rev. John Moda, Pastor, St., Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ford City, Pa.

May! .

1882, Rev. Francis 1. Quinn, Founder, Immaculate Conception, North Easton; Founder, Sacred Heart, Fall River 1996, Rev. Joseph F. D' Amico, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Oak Bluffs 1997, Rev. Walter A. Sullivan, Pastor, St. Mary, South Dartmouth

Casavant organ will be held Sunday at 4 p.m. at St. I'Joseph-St. Therese' Church, 51 Duncan Street. It will include.works featured in the inaugural recital 'of 1960 along with new pieces of music. Barry Turley will be the featured musician.

I

April 24 April 25 April 26 April 27 April 28

Acts 4:13-21 ; Ps 118:1,1415,16ab-21 ; Mk 16:9-15 Acts 4:32-35; Ps 11"8:2-4,1315,22-24; 1In 5:1-6; In 20:1931 Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-9; In 3:1-8 1. Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3,6-7,16-17; Mk 16:15-20 Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; In 3:1621 Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2,9,17-20; In 3:31-36 Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27:1,4,13-14; In 6:1-15

NORTH EASTON - The fifth annual Festival of I Praise for young adults will be ~eld April 29 at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Chapel, 500 Washington Street. It will fea-

ture musicians and vocalists from numerous parishes. For more information call Holy Cross Family Ministries at 508-238-4095.

SUPPORT GROUPS NORTH DARTMOUTH The Diocesan Divorced-Sepa~ rated Support Group will meet April 24 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 500 Slocum Road. For more information call Bob Menard at 508-673-2997.

r-----~--------------~

!ARE you MOVING? !

I The Post Office charges The Anchor 70 cents for . I I notification of a subscriber's change of address. I I Please help us reduce these expenses by.notify- I ing us immediately when you plan to move. ' I Please Print Your Ne.~.!tddress Below '1

NAME:

-_.........._------------

STREET ADDRESS: I!

-----------

CITY, STATE, ZIP: I NEW PARISH; _ _---,..

MOVING DATE: I

_ _

-------:--------

Please attach your Anchor address label below so we can update your record immediately. .

I I:

Please cut and adhere address " label in this space

I

CLIP THIS ENTIRE FORM AND MAIL TO:

tht ancho.(S) P.O." Bbx 7 - FALL RIVER, MA 02722 il

THANK YOU

i,

.

~--------------------~ Montie Plumbing & Heatin'g Co. Over 35 Years of Satisfied Services Reg. Master Plumber 7023 JOSEPH RAROSA, JR. 432 JEFFERSON STREET FALL RIVER 508-675-7496 PRACTICE liHE DEVOTION OF THE FIRST SATURDAYS, AS REpUESTED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On December I~ 0, 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 satuhlay of five consecutive months shall: 1. Go to confession; 2. Receive Holy Communion; 3. Recite the Rosary (5 decadh); and 4. Keep me company for 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries ofthe Rosary, with the intention of , ,making reparatjon to me."

In a spirit of reparation, the above conditions are each to be preceded by the ~ords: "In repar~tion for the offen~,es 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 ateither the morning or evening Mass on the first Saturday.

114

Friday, April 21, 2006

Pro-Life Essay Contest Winner First p'lace, High School ROE v. WADE v. THE CULTURE OF LIFE Freedom. Society tells us that freedom is a lack of commitment. From an early age, we learn that personal freed.om is the ability to do as we please, when we please, however we please. Simply put, to be free in the eyes of society is to be without boundaries, be they moral, mental, physical, or spiritual ones.

The Ctiurch's view of freedom is quite different. Freedom, it argues, is found in unity with God. Only through Christ and his teachings can one come fully into their own self and into union with God. The 1900s were a period of dramatic change. People in general became much more concerned about their personal rights and responsibilities. American society developed into an "I-ME-MINE" society, determined to'promote the individual at all costs. "Hedonistic" was replaced by a newer, nicer synEIGHTH-GRADE students from Holy Name School, Fall River, participate in a recent mock onym in t~e word "liberated." trail at the District Court in that city. The school placed third out of 16 participating schools.

People simply did not want to be tied down by their decisions. Birth control methods such as condoms and the pill became widely and readily available. The divorce rate skyrocketed. Marriage, once a unity of endless devotion, became an ephemeral bond as men and women strove to avoid personable boundaries at all costs. Society itKENDRA DEMoURA self adopted the chant of "carpe. diem" as each of its members strove to seize their own days, conquering the hours and leaving them behind. Whatremained was a mindless ruin: the result of unplanned, meaningless actions designed to achieve the greatest temporary happiness possible.

Roe v. Wade finds an appropriate home in this century of self-center!3d persons. A decision to deny the humanity.of a living person is perfectly sensible within the context of this time period. Given the hedonistic attitude of its time, Roe v. Wade was a logical application of the new morality (or lack thereof). Now, the murder of a child was acceptable for the sake of protecting the parent.

Mother's life and dreams were more important than those of her defensele'ss unborn child. The right to abort an unborn child is now widely. taken advantage of. It has become another way to avoid the consequences of one's actions; an easy way to avoid the messy responsibilities EIGHTH-GRADERS in Jay Vaillancourt's class at Espirito Santo School, Fall River are vying incurred by unplanned children. with 1,000 other students in Massachusetts in a 10-week course playing the stock market game Because the Church believes in the sanctity of all hu- . online courtesy of The Boston Globe. Students are given "$100,000" to invest in companies of man life during each stage, it is very important that the their choice. The top three teams in the state are invited to an aw~rds breakfast.

Church take a strong stance on issues like Roe v. Wade.

A court decision that makes the murder of unborn children legally legitimate, Roe v. Wade goes against the very principles of the Church itself. The infamous de9ision says nothing of respecting life because it is derived from God. This decision fails to mentio'n the child who is never allow'ed a life outside its mother's womb. In fact, the decision fails to regard the unborn child as deserv- . ing of any rights whatsoever. Because of this purpo'seful oversight, it is necessary that Pro- Life organizations and the Church argue v'ehemently for the lives and rights of unborn children everywhere. In a society where p.ersonal freedom is the ultimate goal, someone needs to make sure that the personal rights of the weak and defenseless are not being trampled. With Roe v. Wade, the rights of unborn children are being completely neglected. Itis up to those who understand the sacredness of human life to correct this tragic moral blunder of a court decision. For only when we are in union with Christ, doing his good will, are we truly. liberated.

Kendra DeMoura, Grade 12 Coyle & Cassidy High School, Taunton .

St. Mary's Parish, Taunton

MIDDLE SCHOOL students from Holy Trinity School of West Harwich display Easter baskets they made for local shut-ins. The project is a way for the school to make connections between its students and seniors in the community. From left to right Sarah Hassett, Kevin Couto, Joe Fonts, T.J. Pagliaro, Ryan Donahue and Christina Yannatos.

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FfidaY,iAprll21 J 2006

New Bedford parish to host sacred concert, Mass Sunday NEW BEDFORD - Schola Cantorum of Falmouth will perform an unusual 17th-century Portuguese Mass at a sacred music concert at Our Lady of M( Carmel Church, 230 Bonney Street, on Sunday, April 23, at 3 p.m. Peter Lea-Cox, visiting musician from England, will be the choir's guest conductor and organist in a program of choral and organ music by Portuguese, Spanish and Flemish composers.

There is no set admission charge, but a collection will be received at each concert. The first half of the program will focus on the "Missa Philippina," dedicated to King Philip IV, who was ruler of Spain and Portugal when Portuguese . composer Manuel Cardoso visited Madrid in 1613. The composer's third book of Masses is a tribute to Philip IV. In the "Missa Philippina, " Cardoso has one of the vocal parts repeat again and again, "Philippus quartus," the king's name in路 Latin, throughout each of the six sections of the Mass. Cardoso was strongly influenced by Palestrina in his composing.

Lea-C<:)x will play two organ works by Manuel Rodrigues Coelho, a Portuguese composer who became organist at Lisbon cathedral and a 'member of the

royal chapel in 1603. The choir will sing "Regina Coeli" (Queen of Heaven) by Pedro de Cristo, a prolific 16th-century Portuguese composer who spent most of his life in the Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra.

The choir will also sing works

by Flemish composers Josquiri des Prez and Roland de Lassus.

Spanish composers to be featured in the concert include Garcia de Salazar and Tomas de Santa Maria.

Lea-Cox, from Pottlelake, Devon, England, is an organist, choir director and composer who is making his 10th musical tour to the U.S. For many years he taught harmony, sight singing and choral conducting at the Royal Academy of Music in London and has performed all 220 of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred and secular cantatas mostly at the Lutheran Church of St. Anne and St. Agnes in the City of London.

He conducts the London-based Camden Chamber Choir and the Lecosaldi Ensemble.

Schola Cantorum of Falmouth was founded in 2002 to sing sacred, unaccompanied music primarily from the Renaissance period. For more information phone 508-566-4045 or go to www.scholafalmouth.com.

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FATHER MICHAEL Nagle, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish on Martha's Vineyard, performs an Easter sunrise service as a ferry slips beneath the rising sun. More than 120. parishior~ attended the service. (Photo by Karl G. Buder)

St. Anne's Prayer "Good St. Anne, Mother of Mary, ,and Grandmother of Jesus, Intercede for me and my petitions. Amen."

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A CARVED wooden angel stands watch over the Chrism oils at St. Mary's Cathedral on April 18. At the Mass, Bishop George W. Coleman blessed the oils that will be used across the diocese during the coming year. (Anchor/Gordon photo) II

1 Year $14.00

Foreign $25.00

Name:

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Address:

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GIFT CARD SHOULD READ:

From:

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Street:

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Parish to receive credit:

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Enclose check or money order and mail to: . The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722 This Message Sponsored by the Following Business Concern in the Diocese of Fall River

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GILBERT

C. OLIVEIRA

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INSURANCE AGENCY

AS PART of the festivities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the building of the current St. Anne's Church in Fall River, the Bristol County Interfaith Choir will present a concert at the church on April 30 at 3 p.m. The St. Anne's Choir, under the direction of Normand Gingras, will join as well. Selections will include compositions from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Gounod, Franck and Faure. For information, call 508-674-5651 or 401-253-8106.

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Friday, April 21, 2006

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Keeping close to home though far away

By CHARLIE MARTIN -

THE WORLD Youth Day cross is passed from German to Australian youths during a ceremony after Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Chris Helgren, Reuters)

Send-off ofpilgrim cross opens countdown to WYD 2008 VATICAN CITY (CNS) - With the unveiling of a logo, the handover of a pilgrim cross and the cheers of young Australians, the "road to Sydney" and World Youth Day 2008 were officially opened at the Vatican. Pope Benedict XVI sent the World Youth Day cross on a two-year trip across Africa and Oceania after a Palm Sunday liturgy.

Accepting it were young Australians, eager for the spiritual spotlight that will soon begin to swing across their country. With Australian flags unfurled, the young people indulged in some lively celebration after the liturgy in St. Peter's Square. "That was the spirit of Sydney on display," Morris lemma, premier of the Australian state New South Wales, remarked at a press conference afterward. He predicted that young people would find Sydney "the friendliest city and the most welcoming city" in the world.

Pope Benedict XVI gave the organizers a morale boost when he told pilgrims, "See you in Sydney, God willing."

When Australia was announced last year as the venue for the next international gathering, there was doubt about whether the pope would make the trip.

WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME? I spent 20 years trying to get out of this place I was looking for something I couldn't replace I was running away from the only thing I've ever known And like a blind dog without a bone I was a gypsy lost in the twilight zone I hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot ofgold I've been there, done that..I ain't lookin' back The seeds I've sown, saving dimes, Spending too much time on the telephone Who says you can't go home?

Refrain: Who says you can't go home?

There s only one place that calls me one oftheir own.

Just a hometown boy, born a rolling stone.

Who says you can't go home? Who says you can't go back?

Been all around the world, and that s a fact.

There s only one place left I want to go.

Who says you can't go home?

It s all right, it s all right, it s all right, It s all right, it s all right. I went as far as I could, I tried to find a new face There isn't one ofthese lines that I would erase I left a million miles ofmemories on the road And every step I take I know that I'm not alone You take the home from the boy But not the boy from his home These are my streets The only life I've ever known Who says you can't go home?

(Repeat refrain) I've been there, done that. lain 't lookin' back Its been a long, long road. Feels like I've never left, That s how the story goes It doesn't matter where you are, Doesn't matter where you go. Its a million miles away Or just a mile up the road Take it in, take it with you when you go.

Who says you can't go home?

(Repeat refrain twice) Sung by Jon Bon Jovi Copyright 2005 by Island Records "Who Says You Can't Go Home?" is Bon Jovi latest CD single off his recent "Have a Nice Day" disc. If you have followed this column over the years, you know that I am a huge

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Bon Jovi fan. This time Bon Jovi adds the country talent of Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles to the song's musical appeal.

The character in the song describes feelings about his home.

He appears to have left home years ago, having "hijacked a rainbow and crashed into a pot of gold." He's "been all around the world," and "there's only one place left I want to go." He asks, "Who says you can't go home?"

He has enjoyed all his success and the experiences that accompanied them. He also remembers what his years at home meant to him.

Most of us leave home in the young-adult years. We seek new opportunities to discover just who we are. This is a necessary stage of development. It is a time for developing our abilities, taking on new challenges and clarifying what God's purpose is for us.

As teens leave home for college or other paths, consider these suggestions on how to n;Wflin connected to those you love at home: ~ Find the right balance between distance and contact. This may take some experimenting for each family, but I have found that a good conversation keeps emotional ties strong. Too frequent contact can restrict a teen's exploration of independence.

Too little contact limits the chance for old relationships to add to a teen's life. If possible, talk about this "balance" before leaving home. Don't be afraid to adjust the frequency of contact as different needs surface.

- Make your return visits joyful reunions. Focus on the present, not on unresolved issues from the past. Sure, every family encounters emotional ups and downs in their relationships.

But when you come together after being apart, focus on new lessons, surprises and humorous parts of your current lives.

- Make time for spiritual sharing. For example, go to Mass together or join in family prayer if that occurs in your home.

Catholicism's cherished rituals keep families close. Look to those practices that acknowledge God's presence in your family.

- Make a big deal out of birthdays, even if distance prevents getting together. Remember that it was God's love that invited you into life. Your birthday is an occasion to recognize this spiritual history and how you are learning and growing.

- Bear in mind that periodic gaps in communication are part of life's natural rhythms. But when gaps occur, keep your emotional connections strong by recalling positive memories ofhome. . Comments are welcome at: chmartin@swindiana.netor at 7125W 200S, Rockport, IN 47635.

Living a miracle It's a miracle. Many people must have been saying that when they heard that Jesus had risen from the dead. During his life, Christ performed many other "signs" that amazed the people of that time. Many of us aren't amazed by miracles anymore. We try to explain away such "phenomenon" by applying our limited human thought processes.

When we leam of someone in need, we say, ''I'll pray for you."

Those of us that believe in the power of prayer, believe that calling on the intercession of Blessed Mother or one of the saints does bring a sense of peace to those that are ill or in need. We especially hope for a miracle when that person is someone dear to us. Often, we resign ourselves to "fate" and maybe we'll pray for their recovery; however, we might be thinking - "Lord, your will be done." Deep inside though, we might be saying ... Please God, please, just grant me this one wish.

I recently lived a miracle. It's hard to believe and I need to share it with you today... I need to shout God's praises and give

thanks to those that interceded our two months after the diagnosis. I was excited because he was still behalf. with us. It is hard to be thankful In November 2005, my for two months over two weeks, compare (godfather in Italian), wasn't feeling well. He went to but it was good to have him still the doctor and the family received alive. He had made peace with his the shock of a lifetime.

This healthy, young 75 year old was diagnosed r ... \ with an aggressive form of leukemia. From 1 apparent good health to a death sentence in about a week. A bone marrow test showed white blood cells , ; By Fran~ Luc~a growing out of control. ~.

He was given only several weeks to live. fate and I know he fully expected You can imagine the family's shock when the news sunk in. to die very soon.

As I prepared to visit him, I How could it be? Why? As the thought about what I could weeks progressed, he got sicker and sicker. Despite the encourage- possibly say to him and my godmother. I almost dreaded the ment of all to keep fighting and visit, because I didn't know eating, he became weaker. whether to be upbeat or serious.

Deciding that he wanted to die What words could Tsay? What at home, he left the hospital and . could I do to help? returned home. After ~ach doctor's visit, the physicians said As I was leaving my house, I had found rosary beads packed in a it was only a matter of time and that there was nothing more that plastic package. According to the card in the packet, these rosary could be done. beads had been placed on the I finally got to visit him about

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gravestone of Father Patrick Peyton. Father Peyton was a priest who was very devoted to the Blessed Mother and the rosary. A lady at our parish had given me several rosaries about a year or two ago. I had also learned that the Holy Cross Fathers were working on his cause for sainthood.

We spent time together that day and Tthought that it would be the last time T saw him. I was concerned for my godmother because even though family had rallied around him and her, I knew that ultimately the crowds would leave and she wouid be alone. Her two children would surely support her, but I knew it would be difficult for them too.

As I was preparing to leave, I remembered the beads, placed them in hi's hands, and told him about Father Peyton. I told him that perhaps we shouldn't pray to the saints we all knew since they were already saints. I told him that Father Peyton might have more of an "incentive" to help out since he was on the road to sainthood. I

also told him that it wouldn't be a bad idea if we prayed to Pope John Paul II also.

From that day on, I prayed, as we all did, to Father Peyton and Pope John Paul II for him. Things didn't improve. Perhaps] had raised his hopes with this intercessory prayer suggestion. However, he always carried the beads with him and wouldn't go anywhere, even bed, without them.

During the last month, he started to improve. He had good days and he didn't seem to need the weekly blood transfusions as often.

Last week, he went to the doctors, and they said that the leukemia was gone. How could this be? He never had chemo, he wasn't receiving any other medicine; yet, the leukemia disappeared. On Friday, we got the news from the Mayo Clinic that his bone marrow was clear of leukemia. The doctors have no explanation for any of this, but they want to "study" him. This Easter was truly a blessed time for all of us. I'm no expert, but this just might be a miracle. Thank you Lord.

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