12.13.96

FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSEns CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS VOL. 40, NO. 48

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Friday, December 13, 1996 .

FALL RIVF:R, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly

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513 Per Year

"Faithful and loyal" Catholics receive awards

By Dave Jolivet by was presented as the woman who would crush the head of the Anchor Staff A wl;ekend of wild New Eng- serpent and deprive Satan of his land weather settled down into a victory." The bishop told the gathbeautiful sunny Sunday afternoon . ering that Mary is still extremely as hundreds converged on St. important to us in this day and Mary's Cathedral in Fall River for age. "Today we need Mary to help the 29th annual Marian Medals us to overcome divisions, religious Awards in the Diocese of Fall confusion and indifference. Satan River. Bishop Sean O'Malley, attempts to seduce us by defeatOFM, Cap.; presented the medals ism, discouragement and pessimto 96 individuals as scores of ism. The Church offers us Mary as priests and hundreds of friends a sign of our hope and a cause of our joy." and relatives watched.

In 1968 Bishop James L. Con- Bishop O'Malley expressed his nolly, the fourth bishop of the dio- gratitude to the recipients, the cese, established the tradition of "loyal and faithful Catholics" who recognizing men and women for serve as Eucharistic ministers, lectheir dedicated sl:rvice to the tors, music ministers, members Church. Since that time, more of parish councils, parish and than 2,000 individuals from diocesan CouncilS of Catholic throughout the diocese have had Women, vestment makers, and the Marian Medal awarded to sacristans, conferences of St. Vinthem. It has an image of Our Lady cent de Paul, catechists, RCIA of the Miraculous Medal with the team members, workers at senior Latin inscription, "0 Mary con- citizen groups, volunteer organists, ceived without sin. prayfor us who members of finance councils, prohave recourse to thee." On the life groups, kitchen and bingo reverse side of the medal is the Fall workers, members of the Knights of Columbus, workers for the River Diocesan coat of arms.

The ceremony coincided with Catholic Charities Appeal, annual the feast of the Immaculate Con- picnics, festivals, apostolic moveception. In his homily, Bishop ments, volunteers who help at Turn to Page 13 O'Malley said, "Mary in days gone

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NEMESIO J. Bettencourt (left) of Holy Family parish, East Taunton and Eva Blake of Sacred Heart parish, North Attleboro, were two of96 people in the diocese presented a Marian Medal by Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River last Sunday. (Anchor/ Jolivet photos)

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SSe Peter & Paul School ha~ day of celebration

By Dave Jolivet Anchor staff Faculty and students of SS. Peter & Paul School in Fall Riverre-

KATHLEEN BURT, principal at SS. Peter & Paul School, Fall River, Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., and Father Stephen A.. Fernandes, display the certificate of accreditation the school received from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The faculty and students c~lebrated with a Mass, reception and ice cream sundae party. (Anchor/ Jolivet photo)

cently gathered to celebrate their accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The celebration began in the context of a Mass, concelebrated

by Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM, Cap., and SS. Peter & Paul pastor Father Stephen A. Fernandes, commemorating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The Accreditation Statement reads in part: Saints Peter and Paul School in Fall River. Massachusetts. is accredited by the New England Association ofSchools and Colleges.

Inc.. a non-governmental, nationa/~1' recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate institutions o.ftering post-graduate instruction.

Accreditation 01' an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteriafor the assessment ofinstitutional quality periodically ap-

plied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one which has available the ne('essarl' resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs. is suhstantially doing so. and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do .1'0 in the foreseeahlefuture.

In his statement welcoming the bishop, Father Fernandes said, "While we rejoice in this recognition, the singular accreditation we all must seek is the one offered by the Father of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who calls us to the eternal standards of truth and charity."

In his homily, Bish'op O'Malley congratulated the staff and students of SS. Peter & Paul School.

"I would like to offer a word of congratulations to all of you for the line work that this accreditation represents. We're very proud of SS. Peter & Paul School, and the wonderful Catholic education that is being imparted here."

During the Mass, principal Kathleen Burt displayed the recogTurn to Page 13

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.2 .:r HE AN~HOR -

Diqce!\e of-Fall River.

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Ffi.,·Dec. 13,1996

Catholic Action League bestows O'Reilly award More than 200 people gathered at the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Braintree on Dec. 5 to honor Dr. Joseph R. Stanton, the founding father of the pro-life movement in Massachusetts, as the 1996 recipient of the John Boyle O'Reilly Award. The award, bestowed each year by the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, recognizes a Catholic citizen who through his' public actions exemplifies fidelity to his church and the religious freedom principles of the Action League.

Representing His Eminence, Bernard Cardinal Law, who was called away unexpectedly to Rome, Most Rev. John R. McNamara, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, praised Dr. Stanton as "a man of great courage and loyalty to his faith." Bishop McNamara also

Saint Anne's Hospital gratefully acknowledges contributions to the Remembrance Fund received during November 1996-.

Through the remembrance and honor of these Iiv~ Saint Annes can continue "Caring for our community."

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S A I NT. ANN E . S II?S I' I TAL J{ EM I: M H J{ A N C I: I· LJ N D

Elaint Andmrn Kathltrn Btltda Hrnry Btrnitr Hrnry Btrthiaumt RuSStIl Btrthiaumt Mary P Bottlho Mr. 6< Mrs. Honar{ Bou/{ Antonia G. Britto Olivia CorttS Grrmaint Cropprr Martha Dahlstrom Irrnt DtMota John K. Dtvlin Maria DaPontt Arnold B. Dixon Waltrr 1. Eaton Harold 6< Ctctlia Ethirr Elaint Frrrtira Paul Fillion Antont Franco Manutl Frtitas Michtllt Garcia Paulint Gauthirr Eltanor Glawacki Anntllt Hagrrman Thomas 1. HoldtrntSs. Sr. . WillitHomts Charlrnt LtvtsqUt Tom LtvtSqUt Grntvitvt Marquts Arthur 1. McGough. Jr. Stanlty Naftygitl Janiet Norton Raymond E. Parist Ellrn Rtinhardt .

Anita Robitaillt Jostph C. Saulino Susann Carvalho Smith Gail Squillact Frtdrrick 1. Sullivan. M.D. Aimtt E. Talbot EliZAbtfb Victor

ri.QI SaintAmes • Hospital 795 Middle Street Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 674·5741 -As of Novrmbtr 30, 1996

conveyed the sentiments oJ the cardinal in praising the work of the Catholic Action League. Most Rev. Lawrence' J. Riley, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Boston, gave the invocation, and the 1995 award recipient, Justice Joseph R. Nolan, serving as master of ceremonies, presented the award to Dr. Stanton.

In accepting the award, Dr. Stanton spoke of the "culture of death" which pervades society today, and called upon Catholic religious leaders to be more forceful in advancing the cause'of life. "If the third millennium is to be an era where Evangelium Vitae - the Gospel of Life - is to triumph, the Church must forthwith, at long last, neutralize the [dissenters] who have belabored and betrayed its message so long," he said.

During his reIrlarks, Daniel T. Flatley, president of the Catholic Acti'on League of Massachusetts, praised Dr. Stanton as well as the late John F. Collins, former Mayor of '8oston, who was instrumental in the formation of the Catholic Action League. '"

Prejudice condemned PERTH, Western Australia (CNS) - In the midst of continuing public debate on migration and Aboriginal policy, Australia's bishops issued a pastoral letter condemning racial intolerance and declaring any form of it incompatible with the Catholic faith. In a letter titled '~A Rich and Diverse Australia" issued at the end of the bishops' November meeting in Sydney, the bishops urged all Australians to respect the equal dignity and the rights of all citizens, regardless of cu.lture and ethnic origin. The Australian debate was reignited in early September when a newly elected member to the Australian Pariiament, Queenslander Pauline Hanson, used her initial speech to question whether Australians were in favor of migration' from Asia and a policy accepting multiculturalism for Austrajian society.

New book from pope WASHINGTON (CNS) - Pope John Paul II's latest book, "Gift and' Mystery: On the 50th Anniversary of My Priestly- Ordination," will be sold nationwide starting Dec. II, according to Doubleday in New York, the book's U.S. publisher. Doubleday is a division of the Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, hic. Its suggested retail price is $19.95.

Respect life videos The Greater Fall River chapter of Massachusetts Citizens for Life has arranged with Channel I ~ to , show a series of videos on topics concerning respect for life. The first of these, on physician-assisted suicide, will be broadcast at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 24.

GOD'S ANCHOR HOLDS

CORPUS CHRISTI parish, E. Sandwich, RCIA and RCIC candidates celebrate Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming at Vigil of Advent Mass. From left to right are: Rev. Henry J. Dahl, parochial vicar, Ann G. Co~k, Deborah Lacroix, William Fenton, Ashley Barrett, John Canida, Allyson Jones, Marshall Meyers, Dana Black, Darren Corbett, Kasey Black, and Rev. Marcel Bouchard, pastor. (McDaniel photo)

.Toe-tapping tunes planned for Bishop's Bal_l \ . . One of the finest musical ensembles in southern New England, the Bob St. Amour Orchestra. will be fea!ured at this year's Bishop's Charity Ball, to be held at the Venus de Milo in Swansea on Friday evening.. January 10, 1997.

The popular, well-known band leader will be offering ballgoers a variety of dance music, featuring the "big band" sound suitable for ballroom and swing dancing.

Another musical highlight of the evening will be the rendition of our national anthem by Denise Morency Gannon, one of the most gifted pastoral musicians 'in the Diocese of Fall River. She presently serves as coordinator of all ministries, including pastoral music, at St. Francis Xavier parish in Acushnet.

The Bishop's Charity Ball provides residents of the area with the opportunity to enjoy a memorable soc,ial event. Tickets may be obtained from any of the parishes throughout the diocese or by contacting Diocesan Headqltarters at 344 Highland Ave, Post Office Box 1470, Fall River, MA 02722, or by telephone at 676-8943.

Cape Cad area residents may contact Father Thomas L. Rita at Our Lady of the Assumption'parish in Osterville to obtain tickets or information. In greater Attleboro, Father Bruce. M: Neylon coord iRates the effort from St. Mary's parish in Se·ekonk .. In Taunton, the local area director is Father Manuel P. Ferreira at St. Anthony's

. . COMMITTEE MEMBERS from the New Bedford area plan for the 1997 Bishop's Charity Ball to be held on Jan. 10.

From left are Dorothy.A. Curry, presentee.committee, Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Harrington, diocesan director of the ball, Helen L. Stager, hospitality committee, and Matthew Martin, usher. (Gaudette photo) parish, while in the greater New Bedford area, interested parties are directed to Father John J. Perry at St. John Neumann parish in East Freetown. There is still time for friends who wish to support the charitable goals of the Ball to subscribe to the attractive souvenh program.

Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM, Cap., will be presiding at the festivities, planning to meet mem bers of the "diocesan family".

On Dec. 27, Monsignor Thomas J. Harrington, director of the Ball, will be talk 'show host P,~ter Braley's guest on WBSM, New Bedford, at 8:30 a.m.

Sister M~ Charles Francis Dubuque, RSJ" CORRECTION

Sister M. Charles Francis Dubuque, RSM, 84; of 15 Summer Brown' Road, Cumberland, RI, died Dec. 8.

Born Gertrude Elizabeth, she was..-the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Glavin) Dubuque of PawBishop O'Malley. The students tucket, RJ. were· not only' from St. Sister Dubuque entered the SisMargaret's School in Buzzards ters of Mercy on July I, 1929; and Bay but also from Holy'Trinity made profession in 1932. She School in West Harwich. taught in the Fall River diocese for _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _... . 34 years ~nd serv~.d as principal o.f .:

Last week's story about the World AI DS Day Mass held Dec. 1 included a picture of children presenting the Lord's Prayer in sign language with

Holy Family High School in New Bedford from 1967 to 1973. From' then until her retirement in 1994, she taught at Salve Regina U niversity in Newport, RI. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and was the sister of the late Joseph and Charles Dubuque and Mary Cyr. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered Dec. II at Mount St. Rita Chapel in Cumberland with burial ai.Resurre~t~~n Cemetery.

The First Christmas on Earth Through the damp flicker of oxen breath, Something softer than the flutter of angel wings sounded, Something sweeter than heavenly petals scented, Something lighter and brighter shimmered from lash-lined orbs Than the stardust cherub playmates play with: Your Immaculate Mother, tenderly hovering over, And the broad brown bending arms of your Father's love.

Perhaps then, for the first time, it came into your God-baby mind: "My delight is to be with the children of men!"

Jean Brocklehurst Fall River

Fighting the battle Dear Editor: As a member of the Catholic League, the nation's largest Catholic -civil rights organization, I feel compelled to make, krlOwn how well its president, Dr. William A. Donohue, defends the right of Catholics - lay and -clergy alike - to participate in American life

the anch~ will not be

published the week of Dec. 27. However, the office will be open for business as usual. The next issue will be Jan. 3, 1997. We wish all our readers a blessed Chrjstmas.

without defamation or discriinina" tion; Before I bt:gan receiving the League's joumal, Catalyst, I must confess to being unaware of the extent and the nature of the attacks that are going on.

With the recent issue, I was stunned to find the attacks becoming more and more vitriolic and degrading than ever.

Dr. Donohue has had some luck challenging the offenders and, while he has elicited some apologies, some of the evil ones continue their vicious assaults.

I have written to Dr. Donohue to thank him for keeping watch, but now we must all keep him in our prayers - he needs them.

Irene Wilson Sagamore Beach

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THE CLERGY AND FAlTHFULOF

A n appeal from the missions

OUR LADY

Dear Editor: May I wish you a very happy Christmas and a bright New Year.

You are remembered in my prayers and holy Masses during this beautiful season.

Here comes my mission appealfor the New Year of 1997. Kindly send your spare religious articles such as rosaries, statues, medals, scapulars, used magazines and other useful mission items for the New Year.

God ble~s you.

Father Paul'Cruz S1. George Church Kerala, India

OF THE

ANGELS FALL RIVER

WISH ALL IN OUR DIOCESE A HOLY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPy NEW YEAR. WE PRAY THAT 1997 WILL BE FOR ALL A YEAR OF RESPECT FOR LIFE AND HUMAN DIGNITY

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JUST SOME ofthe nearly 80 sisters who attended the holidCj.y dinner prepared for them at Holy Name School in Fall River. The dinner, hosted by the Holy Name parish, is for sisters who live or minister in the Fall River Deanery.'(Anchorj Jolivet photos)

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the living word

Restoring the Faith There seems to be a wind of renewal blowing through our parochial and other religious, schools. If one co61d pinpoint this happening, it might be summarized in a single word: Catholic. Simply put, we want our church-sponsored schools to reflect our religiou~ beliefs, especially on the college and university level. .

The movement to restore Catholicism to our, schools has become a ground swell, occasioned by the conscience-based reaction of the laity to the way in which our schools were being secularized. So many parents have sacrificed in so many ways to send their children to Catholic schools, only to be heartbroken to find out that Church doctrines and teachings formed b.ut a negligible part of the education offered these children. . Indeed, many young people at Catholic schools are not required to participate in any religious curriculum whatsoever.

In many institutions which wave the Catholic banner, religion. is mere tokenism, while, in their pursuit of academic excellence, some colleges and universities lost their Catholic iden- , tity altogether. Faith, in fact, was often sacrifi~d for monetary gain.

The dwindling of religious communities of men and women in the fallout from Vatican II also served to steer Catholic' ed ucation down the' road toward secularism. The entire Catholic school system went into decline, with parishes closing schools and many small colleges vanishing: It was simply too expensive to run our schools with lay teachers" thus, as if engulfed by a tidal wave, Catholic"education was abandoned, with many who received their education and professional training from Church-supported schools ignoring the whole situation. The' alternative for our children was' the public school system, where God has a minimum welcome.

The problem of the schools has, however, been the subject of much recent discussion, with many rereading statements of the Fathers of Vatican'II with new vision. T~heHoly Fatl)e,r has also focused on the problem. In an apostolic constitution, he reminded Catholic schools that they should npt abandon the路 faith for the sake of social acceptance. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops also discussed the situation at a recent national meeting. 'In a draft document, it stressed the importance of the Catholic identity of Church colleges and universities, stating that they cannot be a solo act.

To strengthen their Catholic identity, the bishops recommended that colleges and universities, while following their o'wn procedures in the hiring and retention of'professionally qualified faculty and staff, should also seek that thes~ persons be committed to the Catholic tradition or, if not Catholic, be ,- aware and respectful of'tfla~ tradition.

What all this ,means in practice is that there must be close and consistent cooperation between university/college and Church authorities. This implies a mutual collaboration to integrate faith with life and develop mutual trust. The bishop and his collaborators in the local church are an integral part of such a d i a l o g u e . ' . ' It should help parents to know that the local church is concerned with the faith life of Catholic schools. Today, people need this, security., All, even the so-called sophisticated, should recall that parents are the prime educators of their children in rriatters of faith, no matter what their educational background may be.

The Editor

the

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly by The C~thOlic Press of the Diocese of Fall River 887 Highland Avenue P.O. BOX 7 Fall River. MA 02.720 Fall路River. MA 02722-0907 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 Send address changes to P.O. Box 7 or call telephone number above

GENERAL MANAGER

EDITOR .

Rev, John F, Moore ~

Rosemary Dussault

LEARY PRESS - FALL AIYER

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A ROCKET DESTINED FOR MARS STREAKS SKYWARD FROM CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION IN FLORIDA LAST WEEK.

"The heavens shall confess your wonders, 0 Lord." Ps 88:6

Mary: 'one of God's richest resources

By Father Kevin J. Harrington she made' many appearances There always seems something through the centuries, reminding missing in Advent when the Feast and encouraging us to pray and do ofthe Immaculate Conception falls peQance ~r face dire consequenon the second Sunday of the sea- ces. It is as if God chooses to interson, as it did this year. The New rupt our day with an important Testament readings forthe Immacu- bulletin: "I have chosen my Son's late Conception focus uniquely on Mother to playa very important the richness of Advent. The immor- and continuing role in my plan of tal words of the Angel Gabriel: salvation. Listen to her!"

One of the most beautiful read:' "Rejoice, 0 highly favored one," remin'd all of us how we are gifted ings of the Advent season occurs by the love and care of God and on the Feast of the Immaculate others in our lives.

Conception. Paul's letter .to the Christ'mas is always a season of Ephesians has a sentence rich with gift giving, but unfortunately it meaning: "God chose us in him can get out of hand. The billions of before.the world began, to be holy dollars spent at the malls contrast and blameless in. his sight, to be with the poverty found in our cit- full of love:. likewise he predesies and towns. Even those who tined us through Christ Jesus to be give precious little thought to God his ildopted sons - such was his or Christ find themselves digging will and pleasure - that all might deep into their pocket~ to buy gifts praise the divine favor he has be-' for their loved ones. As Jesus said stowed on us in his beloved." (Eph. I:4-6) in his Sermon on the Mount, "Even Everything about Mary ,gives pagans love those who do good to the Church hope. Above aU, the Advent them!"

But the simplicity of Mary's yes season should be a season of hope.. to God's will showed the world Paul asks a profound question that there was no shame in being a that hearkens back to the Psalms: memberoftheanawim(the Hebrew "Why would God take the trouble word for the p'oor of Yahweh). In of being 路mindful of us human her poverty, Mary had only herself , beings?" The answer for Paul is to offer. simple: "because it was his will and In Mexico, December 12, the pleasure." There are many adjecfeast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is tives that have been used to dea holy day of obligation that recalls scribe God; however, my favor.ite th<: first appearance of the Bless"ed is "resou~ceful."

Virgin Mary to-Juan r:>iego near Mary IS one of God's resources .'

Mexico City in 153 L Just as Mary that He continues to use to achieve visited her cousin Elizabeth, so has J~~~:,'RU9.U:js~.~. The threefold chal-

lenge that Paul posed to the people of Ephesus is ours today. We must strive to be holy and blameless, loving and always praising God's glory. This is our lot. Humanly speaking, it is a lot!

The Annunciation story ends with the words: "the angel left ,he'r." One wag once said that Gabriel was just like most men, who walk away after they get what they want! But the good news is that although the angel left Mary, God's grace was always with her..

Her discipleship becomes a model for the ages and God's initia.tives become the source of oUf Advent hope. " Mary is a model of what God can do for every human being who says"yes" to the will of God. Her Assumption becomes a sign oJ our own resurrection. God comes 'lo us gently, as Gabriel did when he told Mary that she would givebirl h to the Savior. He comes to us when we seem busiest to remind us that we need to make room for Christ in our lives. So many Christmas traditions clutter our view of this great feast that we need 'to experience Advent through the eyt:s of Mary., Luke tells us that at the Presentation, upon hearing the words of Simeon, Mary "kept with conc:ern all these events, interpreting them in her heart." This is why she kl:eps coming to us when we most' need her imercession; .,....... 1

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on pope's schedule VATICAN CITY (CNS) - For the first time in his pontificate, Pppe John Paul II is not scheduled to celebrate a public Christmas morning Mass, according to the.

Vatican schedule of papal activities.

The centerpiece of the papal Christmas celebration is the midnight Mass seen by millions of television viewers around the world.

The Mass usually ends about I:30 a.m., then the pope spends about half an hour greeting altar servers and others involved in the liturgy, Navarro-Valls said.

At about 2 a.m., the 76-year-old pope returns to his private apartment in the Vatican for a small, typically Polish Christmas ceremony, singing carols with the Polish nuns who care for his household, Navarro-Valls said.

Usually, Pope John Paul would go to bed after 3 a.m., sleep a few hours, then get up for private prayers before the morning Mass, the papal spokesman said.

Navarro-Valls said the morning Mass should have been removed

from the papal schedule long ago to allow the pope to have a decent night's rest before giving his traditional Christmas blessing and speech at midday.

Last Christmas the pope was apparently suffering from the flu and for. the first time had to cancel his participation in the annual Christmas morning Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope; John' Paul's complete Christmas schedule 1 as published by the Vatican Dec. 10, said: - He will meet Dec. 21 with Vatican officials, cardinals living in Rome, members Of the papal household and representatives of the Rome clergy to give his Christ.mas greetings. His speech usually includes a review of the year for the church.

- Pope John Raul will celebrate midnight Mass Dec. 24 in St. Peter's Basilica.

- At noon Christmas Day, the pope will give his traditional blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) and a speech from the balcony of St. Peter's B1lsilica.

THE ANCHOR'-"-- Diocese of Fall River - Fri:, Decl'U, ,1996 111111111111111111111111111111111111 THE ANCHOR (USPS-545-020). Periodical

- The evening of Dec. 31, Pope John Paul will mark the end ofthe year with an evening prayer service and prayers ofthan.ksgivingat the Jesuits' Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola in Rome.

- The pope will celebrate Mass Jan:l, ~he feast of Mary Mother of God and the World Day of Peace, in St. Peter's Basilica.

- As is his custom on the first Saturday of every month, Pope John Paul will lead the recitation of the rosary Jan. 4. The prayer will be broadcast on Vatican Radio from the Paul VI Audience Hall.

- On Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, the pope will celebrate Mass in the basilica and ordain new bishops.

- The pope will mark the Jan. 12 feast of the Baptism ofthe Lord by celebrating Mass in the Sistine Chapel and baptizing a group of infants.

- Pope John Paul's Christmas season activities end Jan. 13 with his annual speech to the 9iplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican.

Postag~ Paid at Fall River,' Mass. Published weekly except for the first two weeks in July and the week after Christmas at 887 Highland ,Avenue, Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Catholic Press of the Diocese of Fall River.

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LEPROSY PA lrIENTS prayed for Mother Teresa in India's eastern city of Calcutta Dec. I.

Ctlristm~s scenes

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I know I am in trouble with Advent when the holiest thing I did all day was lick a Madonna-andChild stamp.

Advent. If there is a season of the church that calls me to task,.it's certainly Advent. More than Lent.

We all know Advent should be a time of calm preparation for the: celebration of the Christ's birth.

Yet, we let it become a time-crunch corridor through which wejet like kids on a water slide -only without the laughs and giggles. And a happy splash at the end is not guaranteed. .

Advent sharpens the contrasts of Christmas. We feel badly for ourselves when we have to stand in the seemingly interminable line for Santa photos. Then we see victims of war in Zaire standing in line for a handful of food.

A with-it dressed teen stands at the mall entrance, arms folded, foot tapping, angry her ride is five minutes late. Then we pass a lone mother with t!:tree children huddled on a bench in the blowing cold waitng for the next bus.

We overhear a middle-aged couple - laden with gift packages - complain bitterly about their cable TV feed, having missed a PBS broadcast of "The Three Tenors." Behind them the Volunteers of America "doorman" rings his bell, smiling at passersby, many of whom try not to see him, perhaps trying not to think of those he hopes to help.

We fret and stew because Christmas dinner will be at our house again. Where will we borrow chairs?

Who's going to sleep over? So much noise and confusion. ,•

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Then we read of the elderly woman who chose to turn off her heat and freeze to death rather than continue life alone and lonely.

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By Dan Morris

Are we prone to letting bank cards and. booze become sources of comfort rather than simplicity and prayer? Do we allow frantic activity to fog our better judgment? Does Madison Avenue sell us Slick Nick over St. Nicholas?

Advent's Christmas contrasts can motivate us, or they can numb us. Advent can be a spiritual. anvil, or a seasonal irritant.

So, if the holiest thing you've done all day is lick a Madonna-and-Child stamp, take heart. Christ is coming, and he forgives you. Even more,just ask-and he will make plenty of room this Christmas season for his message and his healing and his hopes for you.

Your comments are welcome always. Please send them to Uncle Dan, 25218 Meadow Way, Arlington, Wash. 98223• !A'

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At Carmel Terrace, you will enjoy the privacy of your own spacious one- or two-bedroom apartment. When you feel like socializing, there are plenty of friendly neighbors willing to chat, play cards or go for walks.

We also proviae an array of social, educational, cultural, spiritual and recreational ,activities, both within Carmel Terrace and out in the greater community.

• Spacious apartments • Three gourmet meals daily • Weekly housekeeping and linen service • Professionally-staffed health club • Free local transportation • 24-hour staffing and security • Social opportunities • Chapel

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Country Kitchen Club Room Library Greenhouse and gardens Styling Salon Piano and organ lounges Courtyard and walking paths • Country Store

Carmel Terrace is a not-forprofit, nondenominational assisted living residence, owned and operated by the Carmelite Sisters. At Carmel Terrace, there are no entrance fees or endowments - just a 'single monthly rental fee.

If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about our community, please write or call for more information or a personal tour.

CarrneC Terrace ACaring Mission of the Carmelite Sisters

933 Central Street. Framingham, MA 01701-4892' 508-788-8000 On the Campus ofSt. Patrick's Manor

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Students embrace' .s ilenceof hermitage

By Mary Morrell tor, blessed the hermitage last Since Sister Farrell ha!, written NEW BR UNSWICK, NJ(CNS) March in a special ceremony that letters about the hermitage to eve- The si l11p le banner posted on focused on prayer. Reading from the ryone on' her Christma's list, the prayer intention box contains the blackboard reads "God is lonely Liturgy o'fthe Hours, he said Jesus without us." "taught us that prayer is necessary, requests"from all across thl~ United Below it hangs a list of students that it should be humble, vigilant,· States. who have signed up willingly to do persevering, confident in the On their first visit to the hermitsomething most adults would think Father's goodness, single-minded, age; students are urged to memothem'incapable of doing - spend-, and in conformity with God's rize a psalm, write in thf,ir jour.ing three hours in silence, getting nature." .nals, pray for others or use some of to know God and themseives. .

Student hermits are instructed the items that have been placed These students are participants to come to the hermitage dressed there for them, such as <:oloring in a hermitage project, the creative in casual clothes, rather than in books. undertaking of Sister Mary Far- their uniforms, because Sister ~enior Jocelyn Gega calls the rell, a longtime religion and Farrell wants" them to remember hermitage experience a real learnFrench teacher at St. Peter High that "this is a God place, not a ing opportunity. "The first time I . School in New Brunswick. school place." went into hermitage, it was because St. Peter's may well be the only Uponentering, the student is I was curious to see if I could do it school in. New Jersey that has its accompanied byhis.or her prayer without. going crazy, being alone own hermitage on campus, with partne'r, Sister Farrell, and occawith"nothing to occupy my time," students who have leaflled fifst- sionally other hermits. To bring she said. . hand what it means. to be a herlJlit.. the student 'into a m'ood of con"The second time I really wanted In a letter to faculty and par- 'templation: Sister Farrell begins to do it," she added. ".I guess I was ents, Sister Farrell described p~rt with a prayer. And "<;is Moses did" at a different stage of life, with a of th~ philosophy of e~tablishing when ~ecame in,t.o th~ prf;sence of jol;!, arid more responsibilities. It ~uch a p\acein a room once,used as God on Mount Sinai, students.are refreshing, I guess you could a large clos~t.· asked to reIrtoyc' their shoes,', say it cleanses your soul. [t gives "[ n a world of hustle; bustle and In a symbolic gesture. which you an opportunity to' sit lind figoverstimuiation, Qoth, visual and ~ckno~ledges fh,a:~ God's pepp!e~re oJt what to d'o with yourself." aural, a place of silence 'and calm·' come into the world unadorned, ';These kids operate in the mode visual images allows students to st~~ents, also.'.remoV~ ali ,th~~r of MTV" parents ~ho 2,r.e not expe~i'ence the pos~ibility of prayer jeweliy and empty their pockets. p;ese'nt and an aura of not !~nough and thought," she wrote. . , Th~ hermit's prayer partner"then TLC," said Sister' Farrell. "They . The idea of creating a hermitage holds a simple wooden cross over need to understand that quiet and experience surf~cf;d during ~ class the head of the her'mi't arid bffers;asilence are regenerative.'" discussion of hehn'i"ts and hermit- shor.t i>ray~~ fO,r the'm: . " ": AI Mancuso; it sophomore who ages. ,Stl;'den'tS w'orked, to outfit Once alone behind closed.doors, was 'the first student to h.lve the ;th~ smallroom,with a comfortable th,e hermit is encouraged to pray hermitage experi'ence, sail that ,chajr; a table,"it rug and a few othe~ for .feIlow ,students, faculty, staff::each time you go to 'hermit.age ite~s,'mo'si of ~hich were donated orfamily mem.bers or for the prayer you use less of what is there." . ben"efaeto~s, to. ~r.ea.te ,a special intentions which have been left in . ~','The nexqi'me," he said, "it will space ,for prayer and t!.lought. "a. special box' for all those who 'Just. beine, God' and a glass of · Faiherj:os~ph' M. Curry, paso, r~q~ds"tp~l;lyer~.· ,.' .,. water." .",; .' . ' .,'

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.' 'The Church and e'Yolution "-'

-Q. AIew weeks ago we heard that Pope John Paul heresy for claiming that the earth revolyes around : II said there was enough scientific evidence to believe the spri, not vice versa. His theory was said to cori. . in evolution. tradiet Scripture, which speaks rather' of the sun · Is this true? I find that hard to believe after what moving, going up and coming down around the earth. See, for instance Jos. Ib:12-l3.) we have been told all our lives. (Iowa) · A. It is true: Furthermore, it should n6rbe all that surprising or hard to believe for anyone who has : read, and been ·open to what the church has been .Q• • i saying on the subject (or the last 50 years., .

Evolution is the hypothesis that life evolved very slowly over many millions of years. Even our human body came into existence, not by a 'divine potter forming it out of the "clay of the ground" (Gn. 2":7), By· Father but QY developing from pre-existing living beings.

Much opposition to evolution as a s~ientific theJohn J. Dietzen ory has come from religious fundamentalists, Catholics and otherwise, who consider evolution irreconcilable with the "clear" biblical teaching of how God' In that 1992 address, the pope attributed Galileo's · created the wqrld in general and human beings "in condemnation to the fact that the majority of theologians did not recognize the "distinction between particular.

This opposition, however, does not reflect the sacred Scripture and its interpretation,'" whic:h led 'teaching of the Catholic Church. As ·Iong ago as them "unduly to'transpose" doctrine and sci(:ntific 1950, Pope Pius XII, in the encyclical "Humani investigation.

In his most recent address, in relation to evo1'Jtion, · Generis," maintaine'd that the church has no probthe Holy Father repeats this warning against interlem with the study' evolution by scientists and : theologians. pretations of Scripture "that make it say what it does The research, he. said, ~hich "inquires into 'the not intend to say." ' origin of the' human body. as coming from preScripture scholars and iheologians, he says, can, existent and living matter," creates no difficulty for not do their job properly unless they keep info rmed .Catholic belief, as long as we accept that the spiritual about what is happening in the sciences. p~rt of our nature, what we call the soul, is immeSecond, the evolution theory, as any hypothesis, diately created by God (n. 36). needs always to be tested against the facts. As i nformation gathers that fits the theory, its explanation of In his Oct. 22, 1996, 'address to the .Pontifical Academy of Sciences, to which you refer, Pope John how life developed on our planet becomes more and PaulI! makes two points particularly important for more probable. your question.

According to Pope John Paul II, the facts conFirst, we must use extreme caution when we verging from many fields of knowledge (anthropolattempt to find answers to scientific questions in ~.he '. ogy, geology, psychology, and so on), create a proBible. Four years ago he spoke to,the.same group gressively "significant argument in favor of this about the church's condemnation' of Galileo: theory.': · '(All are aware, I hope, that the renowned .I7thObviously, none of this denies creation by God. It century scientist and. astronomer was' charged with says simply that God apparently did his cre,iting quite differently than those people assume who take Genesis as a scientific explanation of how the universe came to be. . , A free brochure an~wering questions Catholics ask about Mary, the mother of Jesus, is available by 'sending a stampe~, self-addressed -envelope to Fa. ther John Dietzen, Holy Trinity Church, 70.. N. Main St., Bloomington, III. 61701.

Questions should be sent to Father Dietzen at the same addr~ss. . ,

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THE ANCHOR - Di~cese of Fail River- F~i:"Dec. 13, 1996

7

award for Mexican mediation

By Steve Stewart DA VENPORT, Iowa (CNS)When Bishop Samuel R uiz Garcia of San Cristobal de Ius Casas in Chiapas, Mexico, received the 1996 Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award in Davenport Dec. I, he said his emotion could not be "expressed by words, only by tears."

The bishop, a mediator in the military conflict between go\ltrnment and rebel forces in Chiapas, asked aloud how he could be happy "when it's at the cost of many people suffering."

I n his remarks at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 72-year-old Bishop Ruiz dedicated the prize to those working for peace in Mexico.

• The work of peace is difficult wherever it is undertaken, he said.

"The path to peace is covered with a lot of prejudice, not only in Mexico. but throughout the world."

The bishop. known for his ministry to the indigenous people of the Mexican highlands. achieved international recognition over the last three years by mediating peace talks between Zapatista peasant rebels and Mexican officials. A petition to nominate: him for the Nobel Peace Prize has been circulated worldwide.

Answering questions through a translator, Bishop R uiz told the Iowa audience that peace talks in Chiapas, a state of 1.2 million people, had reached an impasse but had not collapsed altogether.

Though he hOpl:S talks will

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resume in January, the bishop said that depends on whether Zapatista conditions have been met.

According to Bishop Ruiz, the rebels wanted political prisoners released; a cessation of oppression by government forces in northern Chiapas; details on how reforms would be implemented; formation of a committee to ove'rsee all agreements; and replacement of delegation members unwilling to compromise.

The oversight com,mittee, which Bishop Ruizcalled the most important condition, has been formed, he said, and the other conditions were likely to be fulfilled.

But, he added, Mexicans are beginning to understand that real peace will not comer through the implementation of agreements, but "through the participation of the people in the democratic process."

The bishop credited European and U.S. delegations that have been visiting Chiapas as observers of the peace process with helping keep the process alive. In fact, he said, he intended to talk to Davenport Bishop William E. Franklin about organizing a group from Iowa "to come down to Chiapas to experience solidarity."

He told The Cathqlic Messenger, newspaper of the Davenport Diocese, that "capitali~tic excess" is the main problem in Chiapas. "The system is the same everywhere, and the consequences are the same everywhere." he said, adding that

as long as wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, it is easy to exploit the powerless.

During his visit, Bishop Ruiz celebrated Mass for the, Hispanic community and appeared on local talk shows.

Fluent in several foreign languages and Indian dialects, the bishop is called "Tatiok," or father, by people in the Mexican villages he visits frequently.

He is the founder and president of the Fray Bartolome de las Casas Center for Human Rights in San Cristobal and has helped more than 46,000 Guatemalan refugees find sanctuary. He also served as president of the Christian International Secretariat for Solidarity with Latin America: The Pacem in Terris prize, named for Pope John XXIII's 1963 encyclical, was first awarded in 1964. It is sponsoreq by the Diocese of Davenport, St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Churches United, the Stanll:y Foundation, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SO. and the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.

Past recipients include President John F. Kennedy. posthumously; the Rev. Martin Luther KingJr.; Mother Teresa; Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement; and Eileen Egan, peace activist who worked for Catholic Relief Services for nearly four decades.

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8 THE ANCHOR -

Diocese of Fall River -

Fri., D~c. 13, 1996

B'ombed' Oklahoma Cit.y cathedral is rededicated cn:y

OKLAHOMA (CNS) The sanctuary candle inside St. Joseph Old Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City still burned and the altar remained unscathed after the April 1995 explosion that brought down the ri'earby Alfred .P. Murrah Building and killed 168 people.. , But the red-brick cathedral itself was damaged extensively and had to be closed for repairs.

After months of renovation and remodeling, Archbishop Eusebius J. Be'ltran celebrated a rededication Mass Dec. I to welcome Catholics back to the nearly 100year-old landmark.

In his homily, he told how the cathedral began as a little church in 1889; it is the oldest parish church in Oklahoma City and one of the oldest in the state. He said Ii more impressive church building was dedicated in 1904.

Before proceeding with the rededication, Archbishop Beltran invited the congregation to pause for a moment of "silence and a prayer for the repose of the souls of the' 168 people who died just a few feet away. in the tragic bombing."

"During Advent we preparefor the coming of our Lord, so Christ will be reborn in us and we'll be able to worship Him in our church, ~ said Father Louis Lamb, St. Joseph's pastor.

"We feel very devout in the cathedral. It's ve~y beautiful. My parishioners have patiently waited and really sacrificed. very grateful for the financial and moral support we've. received from the community and various churches of different Christian denomina-. tions."

I'm

During the renovation, Father Lamb celebrated Mass in the basement of the local Catholic Charities building.

KAYAKER BRIAN Merline, here with his parents Agnes and Bernard, set off Aug. ~II on

The bomb blast: which caused a water journey from De Pere, Wis., to New Orleans, La., to raise funds to help the poor in approximately $3 million in damHonduras. He reached New Orleans on Nov. 8: (eNS/Evans photo) , : ages, had lifted the church's roof' several inches and blown out windows, includi/lg seven double-. panel, stained-glass windows deBy Patricia Kasten This time, he might stay "indefHe also weathered crampir:lg and . picting saints. initely," Mrs. Merline said. "He is numbness in his hands from. padGREEN BAY, Wis. (CNS) Repairs included replastering the very devoted to the· country and dling 10 hours a day. "My thumbs ceiling: repairing the steeple and Brian Merline, who set out alone felt' like they were broken," he' tlte people, really the people." beams, and rebuilding a brick wall. by kayak,Aug. 31 from De Pere, All along the route, Merline said. Now he plans to catch 'up on Artisans used broken fragments Wis.,. and paddled three rivers to said ~e found peop~e willing to a journal of his ~rip and write to and pictures to replicate the stained reach New Orleans Nov. 8,raised listen 'and help. .'people he met along' the way.

He also offered condolences to glass windows on one side of the' nearly $6,000 to help set up health "Quite a few times I had a feelthe survivors of the bombing and . church. The other windows were clinics in remote villages of HonThe only time it was hard to . ing of desperation as the sun was the victims' families. Oklahoma rellloved, cleaned a?d refurbished. duras. keep going, Merline told the l~om­ going down, because I didn't know Gov. Frank Keating, a Catho-' , Part of the remodeling included He arrived in New Orleans on pass, was when his grandmother, whereI'd spend the night," he told lic was pr!=sent, who for his brav- , "installing an elevator to better Itis 26th birthday, ~nd was met by the Compass. "Then', out of'the . Mary Merline, died suddenly in ery and support during the crisis. accommodatejjisabled persons. To his parents, Bernard and Agnes blue, I'd run into a family or some act~ber. He thought abou.t re"We come together 'today in . meet safety codes, a sprinkler sys- Merline, who had driven from De group on the shore who invited me turning for her funeral, but his Pere. '",. ' solemn but joyful and grateful tem was also installed. into their homes and things would , parents said she' would want him "It's ,an .amazing f~elin~,. the assembly;" the archbishop said. to go on. , " The office building and rectory turn around, completely." .'

1,727 miles I went,"Merhne, a ~'The completion of the repairs The night she died,; they had were destroyed. A new rectory was Strangers offered him food, hot Catholic, told the. Catholic Comand reilOvations to this old cathe- slated for completion in January. read her a' letter from strangers showers, and real beds indoors. pass, /lewspaper of the Diocese of dral is a positive step in the healing "St. Joseph's Old Cathedral is ' Green Bay, by phone ,from New 'Others were so impressed with his who had put Brian up one night at of the wounds of the bombing.": quest that they offered to drive their campsite, and his grandthe first of the extensively damAfter'the homily the rededica- aged churches in downtown Okla- 6'r1eans. "When I look at a map, I ahead and meet him downstream mother had expressed her pride in see Wisconsin way up north and him. tion rite continued with the Litany with a hot meal. homa City to reopen," said Jack New Orleans way dowp,. south of Saints'and a prayer. The archbi- Nashert, president of Nashert .. Almost everywhere I went Mrs. Merline said her son "r,ilised it's almost a feeling of disbelief." shop anointed the altar with chrism 'along the way, it was like that," he some wonderful awareness, prayConstructors,. the Oklahoma City Merline made the'trip down the while priests assisted in anointing company which receiyed the work said. "When they find you're doing ers, concern and closeness" by his , Fox, Wisconsin ·and. Mississippi theJour walls where crosses hang. something to benefit others, they trip. "He knew God was up there contract. rivers in his handmade kayak to want tei help you." watching him," she said, and never The church was filled to capac"Cer.tain odds and ends won't be r:aise money and awareness for the He credits the prayers of family experienced any dangerous situaity for the Mass. Latecomers could finished until the end of the year, . Honduran Health Exchange in and-friends he left back home view it on c1os.ed-circuit television tions. but it will be a state-of-the-art Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where he and made along the way - with in the parish hall below the church. facility. I feel extremely privileged volunteered for 18 months three In addition to his investment of helping him continue despite freez- time, Merline spent about $800 to All Oklahoma City TV stations to do 'this work. Despite the tragic years ago. and various radio stations covered circumstances, the work itself has The exchange is run by one doc- ing temperatures, dense fog and build his kayak and another S300 the event. been a labor of love." to camp and eat over the two tor and volu/lteers who treat any- heavy storms.

Just north of Greenville, Miss., Plonths. one needing medical help. About Merline was beached for three 95 percent of patients cannot pay, "He's given up everything mateLIGHTHOUSE , and Merline was moping his river . days by storms and winds, he was rial to do this," his mother naid. journey would rai.se the $10,000 it running low on' food and fresh _"It's very inspiring."

CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE water, and hadn't seen anyone for costs to run the excl1ange for a Readers may send donations to Sales And Service two days. , year. "(Finally) I just started paddling the Honduras Health Exchange, After visiting friends in Belize, ... and came upon this ... house- in care of the Merlines, 2070 :Lost • Music the young Ilian now has returned Fall River's Largest .boat," he recalled. "The 'people Dauphin Rd., De Pere, WI 54115. to Honduras; according to his • Rosaries "I Display of TVs mother. She told Catholic News filled my water bottles and invited ,All funds will be wired to Hondu• Gifts .

Service by phone Dec. 5 that he me in for a hot shower and to' ras or brought there by an exTEL. (508) 997·1165 change co-worker. planned to do some research on spend the,night."

RCA ZENITH SYLVANIA Open-Mon.·· sat. 9:30 AM ·-5:00 PM medicinal plants in western Hon1196 BEDFORD STREET 88-A STATE HIGHWAY . duras before returning to Teguci(Rt. 6)· NO..OARTMOUTH 673-9721 galpa and another stint of volunAallSS From ~ H.s. Next Door ra 8lA1rl/TlfOOd I'.iJsIaInIt ADVENT WREATH PRAYER teer serviCe.

Kayaker's journey aids Honduran clinit=

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INCLINE YOUR ear. to our yrayers, we beseech you, 0 Lora,,' -alfa' elf, lighten t h e : . aarkness of our ~ minas by the grace of your vlsltat Ion,.. ~ .who lives a n a • reigns with Goa the.

I. Fatnerllf the unity of the Holy sylrlt, worla without end. Amen.,

Jesuit combines ministry and profession

By Robert Delaney DETROIT (CNS)- Jesuit Father Terrence Curry isn't just a priest who happens to be an architect, or just some architect who became a priest.

The Christian concept that'mankind is created in God's image and likeness has strong implications for architecture, according to the 35-year-old University of Detroit Mercy architecture professor and executive director of the Detroit Collaborative Design Center. ,',

The center brings a'rqhitecture faculty, staff and students together to develop innovative d(1signs for nonprofit clients such as schools and community organizations.

Innovative the center has certainly been, as evidenced by the awards it has received from experts in the field. Earlier this year, the center - along with architect Eric K. Daniels' - won Interiors magazine's'design award in the best school category for the design of St.lgnatius Academy for Boys in the Bronx, NY. .

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CALL 675-7151 or FAX 675-7048

Other awards have been received for a building at the Jesuit-run Nativity Camp in Mercer, Wis.; for the center's design for Nativity Jesuit Middle School in Milwaukee; and for its designs for new housing to be built in two Detroit neighborhoods. ' "We've been in operation for two years and have won five design awards," Father Curry told The Michigan Catholic, newspaper of the Detroit Archdiocese. "For a young architectural firm to have won five design awards is quite an amazing thing."

A major thrust of the center.'s mission is to work with community groups to help them define their communities so that the designers can work with them to develop solutions that meet the groups' needs and desires, "U rban design needs to be about the self-identity of a community.

Our built environment is a physical manifestation - perhaps an incarnate image? - of who we believe ourselves to be. Those who live there need to be a part of the design experience," Father Curry said, , He developed a course to involve students in working ,with design professionals to help community groups with this process of selfdefinition. The center also tackles',

THE ANCHOR -

determined to find a way to see the sisters. She spoke about it to her Aunt Phyllis, who called a friend in' Lynn, not far, frorn the Fall River convent where the sisters now reside. This friend, Cay, invited Ruthanne and Phyllis to her home while they made plans to visit the sisters. .

Then one good blessing after another started falling ·into place, from finances to accommodations to travel arrangements. A manager with USAir even upgraded their plane seats to firs~ class after hearing their story, while Mary, a friend of Claire's in Fall River who is a volunteer at the Dominican convent there, housed Ruthanne and Phyllis and facilitated the long-awaited reunion..

I tell this story as if I were there-because I was. l am Ruthanne (or Rootie-Ann<;" as Sister Gonzales calls me). My fondest memories are of the sisters, now known as Dominicans of Hope, with whom I was finally reunited

Fri., Dec. 13, 1996

9

specific design projects for church- from the Pratt Institute in New affiliated schools and other non- York City before entering the profit organizations.

Society of Jesus.

The work being done by the cen- .

He taught architecture at the tel' has its foundation in theology, University of Detroit Mercy from according to Father Curry.

1988-91, then went to California "W~'re created in the image and to teach architecture at the Unilikeness of God. Now, 'image' , versity of California-Berkeley, means that we have a visual while completing his studies for resemblance; 'likeness' means that the priesthood. we share in the characteristics of Ordained a priest in 1994, he the Creator - we share in the returned to Detroit to teach and work of creation," he explained. start the Detroit Collaborative He wan~s to create buildings Design Center. "Dean Steve Vogel and neighborhoods that enable and I had been in conversation people to feel more human, he about this before I left the first continued. "Pope John Paul II has time. I got back here on Aug. 18 talked about creating an environ- (1994), and by Aug. 25 we had ment that is worthy of the human received 17 requests for assistance," person, and I see that as my chalFather Curry said. ' lenge here."

Even when he insisted that the For Father Curry, it is no wonder requests be made in writing, to that people today seem to behave winnow out the less serious prois if social contact with other peo- jects, 14 written requests came in. ple is something to be avoided.

"From that time, we have just A New York native,Father Curry been overwhelmed," Father Curry earned his degree in architecture said.

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R uthanne has reunion' with Dominicans of Hope' who cared f()r her as tot What a brave, smart woman Gabrielle Bergeron King is! When her life circumstances as a single, parent raising a 5-year-old daughter became overwhelming, she knocked on the convent door of . the Dominican Sisters in her hometown of Plattsburgh, NY, asking for help.

She wanted to enroll little Ruthanne in the Sisters' parochial school, but there was a problem; she had no one to care for the child before or after school hours. No problem at all, said the Sisters; they would take on that n:sponsibility.

Sister Gabriel, the kindergarten teacher, escorted her from the con,vent to school every morning.

Also sharing Ruthanne'!; care were Sisters Gilbert and Gonzales, but all the Sisters reached out to love, support and encourage her. This happy arrangement lasted two years, after which Gabrielle was approved for governmeillt-assisted housing and had to move Ruthanne to a school district on the other side of Plattsburgh.

Many hearts were saddened by Ruthanrie's departure and by the (act that the Sisters lost track of her for many years; but there was a happy reunion this past July, which came about through the prayers of many and the special efforts of Claire Rock.

Claire, a helper of the Dominican Sisters at their <;onvent in Plattsburgh, NY, at the time Ruthanne was there, had also shared in care of the little girl, and through the years had tried to find out her whereabouts, unsuccessfully'until she saw an obituary of Ruthanne's grandmother in her local newspaper.

She contacted a relative listed in the obituary and through that person located an uncle of Ruthanne, who put her in touch with Gabrielle King, then living in Florida. When R uthanne learned of this, she

Diocese of Fall River -

Call the Homeowners Loan Phone 508-6754415 Ask for Connie, Pat or Darlene.

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and of Claire, who used to take me to the park. Sister Gilbert had' me' as a 5 and 6-year-old kitchen helper (how patient of her!). With her I always felt loved and so special.

She let me help make cookies and Jello and even let me crack eggs in those precious days.

To Sister Mary Gonzales, who told me that the OP after her name stood for Old Potatoes, I was her little shadow and her helper in the garden, planting tulips and other flowers. i was also there, loving to be with her, when she did the convent laundry.

My happy reunion with Claire and' Sisters Gonzales (102 years old last August), Gilbert and all the others put many pieces into place within my heart and memory.

My gratitude is overwhelming and I thank God for all these beautiful women and especially for that brave, smart young woman who asked the right people 'for helpmy beautiful mom, Gabrielle Bergeron King!

It's the Best.

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alf the children in their refugee camp in Tanzania

have seen a familymember killed. Yet for each daily Mass, 1,000 adults and children , gather. In the midst of fear and grief, they know Christ is with them: in the Eucharist, in the faith of one another, and in ,the missionaries. \

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ith your prayers and your Christmas gift thr~ugh the Propagation of the Faith, you will help the poorest of the world come to know that in Christ, God is indeed with them, just as He is with us.

CWon't !Jou. u.n.J !JOu.'C, Chilitnuu gift today?

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The Society for THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH Reverend Monsignor John J. Oliveira, V.E. 106 Illinois Street • New Bedford, MA 02745 "Attention: Column."

No. 101 ANCH. 12/13/96

RUTHANNE. Bergeron King enjoys reunion with sister Gonzales 51. Denis, OP, now 102, who cared for her as a kindergartener in ~Iattsburgh, NY. An accomplished guitarist who has her own studio, Ruthanne played for the sisters at their retirement faGility in Fan River. (Gaudette photo)

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-, Family 'c'are ·vs. Day Care . , '

What they forget is that grandparents are always Dear Dr. Kenny: Unfortunately, my husband and there. are personal. related, care about the child in a I are divorcing. We are arguing over custody and deeper way. visitation of our two small children. ' We both work. I have some fartiily nearby who will Too-often, ideal day care is ~ompared to a lessdo all the child care while I'm at work. His plan is to than-average family. The family or relative is porhire a babysitter or put them in day,care. trayed as a "holding tank" while day care is described as caring, enriching and child-focused.

I always thought that relatives were a better choice for child care than hired babysitters or day care. We would both appreciate your opinion. - Chicago.

Family care has many advantages over day care or care for hire. The family is the last small unit in society where personal relatedness is,paramount. , Traditionally, the family has been a unit big enough to matter. yet small enough to still be personaL Most families have fewer than I,D people. No With Dr. James & one person gets lost.

Mary Kenny Family means personal. Family is where people care about you as an individual, a group where you can expect unconditional acceptan«e and love.

Families are built upon relatedness. In a family Day care, like family, does not always meet the

By Cindy Wooden "I don't want to forget abanand describe the there are roles which divide labor 'Whateyer the promotional brochure may say, ideal.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) doned spouses, who with not a few some day care centers have a high adult-c,hild ratio Parents today feel their ability to sacrifices, try to offer their child- bahavior one fa~ily member is entitled to expect and are little more than babysitters. educate their children in faith and ren a truly Christian education 'from another. Unlike job descriptions or preschool rules. these roles ,do not depend on a contract for religious values has been put to the Furthermore, day care employees come and go. If even in difficult situations," the test, Pope John Paul II said. they are sick, they stay' home. It's a job, not a basic pope said. "A special word of hire. but upon. mutually agreed-upon or accepted reciprocity. ' But, in a message to the plenary life obligation. The children in a particular program encouragement goes to them."

Family is a group where basic life tasks are shared. are in arid out, unlike cousins who are related for life. meeting of the Pontifical Council The transmission of Catholicism You may get excellent hired help in day care or for the Family, the pope praised within the family, he said, presup- Nothing fancy. these tasks include eating, sleeping. from a babysitter. But the bottom line remains that families that have succeeded in poses an intense life of faith which kee')JJng warm. caring fonhesick. educating and when the employee's personal or family life interremaining strong communities of is seen in all of the small daily tasks celebrating special events like birthdays and anniversaries. rupts the job. his or her own family life comes first. In faith, especially when one of the of living together. ' Not all nuclear families are large enough to fulfill ',the child's own expanded family, as Robert Frost so parents has abandoned the home.

It requires !'constant contact with' eloquently put it in "The Death of the Hire:d Man:' "The church today finds itself the Christian community," and all these functions. That's why the expanded family.

"Home is the place where, when you have to go there, faced with an ever more secular- espeCially attendance and partici- including uncles and aunts and grandparents and they hav~ to take you in." That's not true of babysitized and complex society no longer pation in the Sunday Mass, he siblings, can be so important. Other singles, including dear friends. clergy. single-parent families can be structured on religious values and, said. ters or day care. ' While "good" day care may be better than a "bad" instead, marked by pronounced Christian families must also find drawn into a larger "family style" of living. '.

Day care and preschool focus on education and family, in general family care has many ad,:antages. indifference, especially in some time at home for "simple moments" countries:' the pope said.

U of prayer, including reading from enrichment. with an eye toward eventual achieveReader questions on family living and child care to "This certainly does not make it , Scripture or the Psalms or reciting 'ment. That's a fine goal. Many parents today ha~e be answered in print are invited. Address questions: high expectations of their children.

They may argue easy to propose the faitp to new the rosary together, he said.

The Kennys, St. Joseph's College, 219 W. Harrison that an enriched day care program is superior to generations and even blocks their Special church efforts must be St., Rensselaer, Ind. 47978. . ability to acquire an authentic sense aimed at preparing engaged cou- grandparents. " of the meaning of life," he said. ples for marriage and at helping Even when bO,th 'parents profess parents' of teenagers find Ways to ' ' ' and live their faith~ he said, their keep channels of communication adolescent children may feel drawn open and co'unteract many, of the' , A friend- recently told me she Was distressed'- , \ Spilns'o'nid "happenings" al1dbroke sacred traditions through their environment, school 'messages they receive from their because she couldn't seem to reach her 15-year-old , -leaving home, taking drugs, having 'sex, rebelling or the media to values and life-' , peers or from the media. he said. ' 'against church and flaunting the wild look in hair d~ughter anymore. The' gid was depressed because styles different from those encour"It is in the period of a.doles-, arid dress. It was a rebellion that tore aw~,y strucher boyfriend walked ouf on her saying, "Y ou don't aged at home.. cence that the transmission offaith tures, foundations and boundaries society bad been give me anything," meaning sex. .

"The family, for its part, finds' is often interrupted:' the pope based upon.

Think how pressured this girl is by the society she itself put to.the' test in its educa- said. "The growing critical con, - and her peers - deal with every day, one that so tional ability," he said. sciousness and personality of the often challenges a family's values!

"Where the family community adolescent, if accompanied by an My friend, a nurse a",d a working mother by undergoes the trauma of separa- authentic witness of faith, will not necessity, also told me she is terrified when her tion and divorce, the very concept lead to a Joss of faith,but to the daughter goes to a party. She tells her not to put her of matrimony and the family loses elaboration of an adequate project soft drink dow'n, for fear somebody will slip a drug its essential human and spiritual for their lives." into it. She has seen this happen to girls who end up connotation of being an indissolin the hospital where she works. uble communion among persons:'

By Antoinette Bosco I could empathize. I learned, a lot about young the pope said. people last year covering a story for a magazine The parents' work obligations .~ when, in a period of five days, eight teenage girls' in often reduce their time with their It didn't leave our current youth much to hang on the quiet town of New Milford, Conn., attempted children to a few evening hours, he to.

The buzz words to describe this today are "loss of suicide. said. "As a consequence, religious family values," but ironically this is another way of I found that the girls had common problems education is often delegated to the say.ing that boundaries have been destroyed. being harassed at school, ridiculed and shunned, parish or to associations."

This 'is what our young people have inherited. detached from their parents, angry, hurting, lost, But the church and Christians we have to say "enough!" We have to hdp them Now into drugs and alcohol, not connected to a church, themselves must not overlook the reconstruct our world - make it healthy, bt:autiful. ' feeling powerless" insecure and hopeless. fact that many families have found Recent decades have been times for a lot of selfThe picture I got was not one to give anybody way~ to "walk united in the faith, ' ishness and self-preservation. We're due for an outhope - until I started.talking to other teens. Then I realizing together an experience of ward movement in which self-centerednes!, moves found that the hopeless kids were not the, majority. growth in their Christian life:' he aside and God's love takes over.

I met teens full of energy, hopeful about the future said.

I'm an optimist, having se.en so many great young and not pessimistic about life or the world. It was no people. If we help them, I believe they can begin the mystery what made the difference. These teens still process of making thi~ world a sacred place. attended church, were involved in some way with helping others, had a good relationship with at least one parent and took school seriously.

When some"'ofthese teens decided to call a meeting for adults, I attended. They talked about the big issues they face every day: decisions about sex, worries about AI DS, violence, especially at school, and drugs, which Jhey said are so plentiful in their high schoolthat you don't even have to buy them. Here YOJl had teens trying to maintain good behavior and asking adults to help. .

So what happened? The adults started telling the teens that they didn't have it any harder than their parents did, that it was the same back then.

That's when the eyes of the young started to glaze over. They know, even if adults don't, that things are not the same. That was then; this is now.'

Our children are being shaped by a society vastly different from any before. And I believe their parents' '60s generation is, in great part, responsible for THE OWNER of an olive wood factory in- Bethlehem this. cleans creche figurines. (CNSrSushman phn.n) . They were of a generation that met in communes,

Pope praises families who remain strong

Hard ti'mes for parents and teens

'1.'11.. Bottom.

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Please pray for our children

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THE ANCHOR-Diocese of Fall River-Fri., Dec. 13, 1996 EI Salvador and now I can see God working in my life," Shannon said.

She was touched by the strong faith of the Salvadoran people and especially by Sisters working with the poor.

ELISA PACH'ECO has a shy smile for Lidia arid Joe Grilliot and their son Marvin, all of Kansas City, KS. She is one of the children the family sponsors in Atitlan, Guatemala, through the Christian Fou~datlonfor Children and Aging.

I

•

Meeting poor of El Salvador changes :"

lives of visiting Americans, "

"With those for whom there is persons around the world. He no room, Christ is present in this wants to give Jose a chance to go world. He is mysteriolJsly present to school and have a better life. in those for whom there'seems to 'And when he grows up, Moore be nothing but the world at its hopes he too will pas~ it on. worst. .. - Thomas Merton What' a wonderful message for' John Moore 'knows what it's this Christmas season! All of us like to be poor. He grew up in have been given so m~ny gifts durWichita, KS, during the ,depress- ing our lives, ,beginning with the ion in a single-parent family of five greatest gift ,of all - Jesus. Then children. He is grateful to the there 'are the gifts of life, faith, generous people who helped him 'family, friends, health, employduring his youth. ment, plentiful 'food, education, "The customers on my paper water, and all of 'our ~atural r~~ route often gave me a dollar for sources. We who live in a land of ev.ery A I got on my ~~port card,;' .. ,,~I~nty.,?ftep ~,o .no~ ~~nsider what Moore said, "and one I:>f our neigh- .lI~e w<;>uld be like ,Without th~se bors used to give us meat when he gifts. Even t~ose not blessed with went hunting. Local businessmen much material wealth still have helped us in various ways." time, energy or sometalent to pass When Moore was older, he asked on to others. one of the businessmen how he It is always i.mpressive for peocould thank him. "Johnny, just pie visiting Third World countries to see how hospitable the poor are pass it on," he said.

And that's what Moore has been 'to strangers. They will often serve doing all his life. "I've always felt their guests food that would feed for those less fortunate," he said. their family for several days and "Since my five childn:n are grown, give them gifts that they have I've been giving 10 percent or more made with much love and care. of my income to help those in They truly know how to open their need, God has blessed me abun- hearts' and to find joy in giving dantly and this is my way of repay- from their meager r~sources. ing him."

One visitor to EI Salvador told Moore recently became the how her encounter with the poor sponsor of Jose Luis Tupul in changed herlife. ShannonJones,a Guatemala through the Christian 24-year-old woman from Memphis, Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA), a Catholic sponsorship organization aiding over 80,000 needy children and elderly

Daily Readings Dec. 16: Nm 24:2-7,1517a; Mt 21:23-27 Dec. 17: Go 49:2,8-10; Mt 1:1-17 Dec. 18: Jer ,23:5-8; Mt 1:18-24 Dec. 19: Jgs 13:2-7,2425a; lk 1:5-25' Dec. 20: Is ~':10-14; Lk 1:26-38 Dec. 21: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18; lk 1:39..45 Dec. 22: 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b12,14a,16; Ps 89:2-5,27,29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

December 14 1970, Rev. Msgr. John J. Hayes, Pastor, Holy Name, New Bedford December 15 1942, Rev. Mortimer Downing, P.astor, S1. Francis Xavier, HyanniS

December 19 1988, Permanent Deacon Eugene L. Orosz December 20 1953, Rev. Manuel S. Travassos, Pastor, Espirito Santo, Fall River December 21 1968, Rev. Henri J. Charest, Pastor. St. Mathieu, Fall River 1989, Rev. Laureano C. dos Reis, Pastor Emeritus, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River December 22 1991, Rev. Armand P. Paradis, S.J., Psychologist, San Francisco, CA

TN, who went on'a CFCA retreat trip last August, said she was not a religious perSOIl and had Iiot gone to chu'r~h in years. "I met Jesus in

"When we visited [Archbishop] Romero's tomb, I prayed that God would direct me to the work he wanted me to do in my life," she said. "I had been looking for a job in international business that would . pay well, but a month after I returned I was offered ajob teaching Spanish at a mostly black rural high school. I took it, even though the pay is low, and I have never been happier," She would like to do volunteer work in Central America some day and sponsor a child there as a way to pass on God's goodness to her.

Father Michael Rieder, pastor of Infant Jesus Church in Port Jefferson, N. Y., who also went on the retreat to El Salvador, was likewise,moved by the experience. He was deeply affected by visits to tlte site where six Jesuits were murdered in 1989 and to the tomb of Archbishop Romero, assassinated in 1980, as well as by the children who sang to the visitors and brought them flowers wherever they went.

11

"Our retreat family was really united when we celebrated Mass in the chapel of Divine Providence Hospital where Oscar Romero was martyred," Father Rieder ,said. !'What a powerful way to put all that we had shared and all that we are called to into perspective."

Now he is passing on the experience to his parishioners, inviting them to become CFCA sponsors.

Christ is present in this world, especially in those who seem to have nothing. He comes to those whose hearts are open and willing to pass on his message of love.

For more information about sponsorship, contact CFCA, One Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103 or call 1-800-875-6564.

.Sc,dJivon).s Est, 1962,

Religious Articles Books • Gifts Church Supplies 428 Main St. • Hyannis, MA 02601 508-775-4180 Mon.-Sat. 9-5

Will You Sponsor a, Poor Child at a'Catholic Mission Site?

Somewhere; one special child is hoping you'll say "Yes!" And Christian Foundation for Children and Aging'(tFCA), an internatio~al Catholic child spo,~~ . sorship program can show you the affordable way.

Through CFCA you sponsor a child for the amo'unt you can afford. Ordinarily it takes $20 a month to provide one poor child with the life-changing benefits of sponsorship. But if this is not possible for you, we invite you to sponsor at a level you can afford.

CFCA will see to it from other donations and the tireless efforts of our missionary partners that your child receives the same benefits as other sponsored children. .

Your sponsorship pledge helps provide a poor child at a Catholic mission site with nourishing food, medical care, the chance to go to school and hope for a brighter future. You can literally change a life!

And you can be assured your pledge has its greatest impact because our programs are directed by dedicated Catholic missionaries with a longstanding commitment to the people they serve.

Little Corina lives in a small mountain town in Honduras. Her mother is blind and her father abandoned them.

Your concern can make a difference in the lives 'of children like Corina.

To help build your relationship, you will receive a picture of your child (updated yearly), information about your child's family and country, letters from your child and the CFCA newsletter. But most important, you'll receive the satisfaction of helping a poor child.

Please don't miss this opportunity to make a difference. Become a sponsor for one poor child today!

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CFCA Catholic Child Sponsorship

Yes, I'll help one child:

Name~,p-::;/e=.s=e:::p,,:::,nt);-----------

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City/State/Zip I can afford a monthly pledge of: 0$10 0$15 0$20 0$25 OOther$ _ Phone ( _ _ ) _~~.,..I'll contribute: o monthly 0 quarterly 0 semi·annually 0 annually Send to: o I'd prefer to bill my first sponsorship payment to my FAR 12/96 Christian Foundation for credit card: Children and Aging (CFCA) One Elmwood Ave. / P.O. Box 3910 o VISA 0 MC Credit Card No, _ _- _ _-_ _- _ _ Kansas City, KS 66103-0910 Exp. Date _ or call toll·free 1-800-875-6564 o I can't sponsor now, but here's my gift of $ _ _ .

o Please send me more information about sponsorship.

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FOUNDED AND DIRECTED BY CATHOLIC LAY PEOPLE

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THE ANCIibR~Diocese

of Fall River..:iFri:;Dec.' 13,1996

Cardinal's hat headed cathedral ceiling\

By Heidi Schlumpf CH ICAGO (CNS) -:... In church folklore. a cardinal's galero ~ the wide-brimmed. ceremonial red hat - falls from the cathedral ceiling when its late owner exits' purga- tory and enters heaven:' , If the ,popular wisdom in Chicago is correct. the galero of the. late Cardinal Joseph 1." Bernardin wili haxe h'ouble' evert getting to the ceiling of Holy Name Cathedral.

A s'olemn ceremony to hang the late cardinal's hat and add it to four other gale~os ha'nging over the s~cristy is to occur during a Dec. 14 Mass at the cathedral. The othersb.elonged to Chicago prelates w'h'o, also Served in this cen" tury: Cardinals George Mundelein.

Samuel Stritch. Albert Mayer and )ohn P, Cody, There were some questions about whether sU'ch a ceremony still is permissible.. But F'inher Thomas .Paprocki;archdiocesan chancellor, . said Second Vatican Council doc-. uments he read do not prohibit the custom of hoisting a cardinal's galero to the cathedral rafters after his death, "A 1969 Vaticandocumentabolished the galero as part of the official vesture of cardinals," Father Paprocki told The New World , archdiocesan newspaper. In order to simplify the ceremonial garb of

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popes and cardinals. he said. Pope Paul VI replaced the galero with a square~cornered red biretta. ' But,the galen) remains a symbol of the office'. he added, An image of the hat tops many prelates' coats of arms, and the phrase "getting his' red hat" still signifies entrance into the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Bernardin did not own a galero until 1993. when Father Paprocki and a group- of priests gave him one as a gift: They ordered it from GammiHelli·s. the official Roman purveyor of papal clothing, It is unclear when the tradition of hanging a cardinal's hat from the rafters of acathednil began. but the action "symbolizes that this is a cathedral presided over by a cardimil archbisho'p,;~ Faiher'Paprocki said, OtherS have su'ggested that the hats were hung and left 'to de'cay as a reminder that cardinals. too; are mere mortals,

"

INDIAN .STREET children hold a portrait of Mother Teresa as they pray fqr her in Calcutta Nov. 28. The 86-year-olc:l'founder o:ftheMissi'onaries of Charity was re'cently hospitalized with hearttrouble. (CNS/ Reuter photo)

H'oly 'Year tradition began'long ago! " By John Thavis' , . VATICAN CITY (CNS) When Pope John Paul II an~ nounced the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, he was extending a church tradition that began seven centuries ago.

But while every medieval scholar knows that Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Holy Year in 1300, the reasons for his unprece, del1ted decision are still much de-

Consecration to the Divin~ Will

ba~1siorians

,

"

'shrines and relics: the heads of Saints Peter and Paul, -the veil of Veronica, pieces of the true cross, the Holy Stairs. There was no Trevi Fountain to throw coins into; instead, pilgrims tossed money onto the altar 'of St. Paul's Outside the Walls, where two priests were stationed with rakes to collect it. , Experts say the profits to Rome in 1300 were incalculable, much of them going to souvenir and relic vendors, innkeepers, traders, craftsmen and artists redecorating churches. St. Peter's Basilica and several other churches got a facelift and new monuments were built.

After that Holy Yea~'s immense popularity, popes didn't want to wait 100 years for the next and Pope Clement VI proclaimed one for 1350, but it was a disaster.

The churches and other buildings restored in 1300 were already falling into ruin as Rome's econ-

omy was ~eakened by political fighting, disease and natural disaster. St. Paul's had collapsed in an earthquake, and St. Pe,ter's was roofless. As for the pope, he chose to remain in Avignon, France, for the duration so there were no papal blessings in Rome.

Still, pilgrims came by thousands, although because of ram'pant lawlessness, they had to travel in large groups.

Pope John Paul II ha; spoken about the value of Holy Years, but has not said much about the events of the 1300s, instead evoking the Old Testament tradition ,:>f a jubilee year as a time of rest, forgiveness and renewal.

Nowadays, you don't e'ven have to leave your home diocese to gain a plenary indulgence duringajubilee, but most observers believe Rome and the Vatican will be the main draw in the year 2000. Authorities are predicting that 46 million people will visit the c:ity.

see a mix of spiritual, political and financial motives in the first Holy Year, reflecting the more worldly role of the pope at to me the doors and make me enter into It to form my life all in that time. And ever since then, You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before jubilees have enthused Romans because they have brought people, Your Light, I, the least of all creatures, put myself into the little group of the sons and daughters of Your Supreme FIAT: Prospower and money to the Eternal trate in' my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that It City.

Perhaps that's one reason why clothe me and eclipse all that does n<;>t pertain to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligence, the Pope John Paul and his jubilee planning team have gone out of 'enrapture!" of my heart and of my whole being. I do not want their way to emphasize prayer over the human will to have life in,this heart any longer. I will cast it profits for the year 2000. away from me and thus form the ':lew Eden of Peace, of happi~ "The spiritual preparation for, ness and of love. With ItJ shall be always happy. I shall have a' the jubilee is the essential thing.

It's not a business opportunity," singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and conducts them to God. Arcl)bishop Sergio Sebastiani, the Vatican's chief Holy Year coordiHere prostrate, I invoke the help ofthe Most Holy Trinity, nator, hascorrtmented: . _ that They permit me to live in the cloister of the Divine Will S h' f HONG KONG (CNS) - For habits often encounter strange orne experts say t e practice 0 ' and thus return in me the first order of creation, just as the holy years, now celebrated every Catholic nuns in China, wearing looks: ' creature was created, 25,years, began after tensQf thou- habits reveals their religious iden~ "Some peQple think WI~ are in 'Heavenly Mother, Sovereign and Queen of the Divine'Fiat, sands of pilgrims flooded ~ome' tity but also opens the way fOT ethnic cO,stumes," said a Sacred take,my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine around C,hristmas, 1299, aft~r a evangelization.' _ ' Heart of Jesus nun in Fushun, WilL You will be my guide, my most tender Motj1er, and will ruinor spread that a pleriary in-, "People in the street are, curious Liaoning. ' , teach me to live in and to maintain myself in the oider and the ,d'ulgence -:- i'e~ission of ternporal .about our habits. We can' then "Occasionally, some pec)ple are punishmentfor sins,-'was'~yaila-, expiain':.to them who we are and unfriendly to us once they know bounds of the Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate"my bl '. h ' 'h· R e to t ose w 0 came 'to orne about the Catholic Church," Sis- we ~re nuns," she added. during t~e.cente~nial.annivers~ry terZhaoJinghuainShenya,ngtold Howev~r: we~ring habits is a whole b~ing to Your Immaculate Heart. Y~)U will te~ch methe ,ofJesusblrJp.. " .' DCA News, an Asian church news good way to tell people of their doctrine of the DiVine Will and I will listen most attentively to ":hen Pope .~omface;,saw the agency based in Thailand;' "fait,h, since the,government proYour lessons. You will cover me with Your mantle so that the crowds, he was amazed,accordThere are 53 nuns and 33 nov- hibits public proselytizing, :;he and infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to, ' ing to a Vatican historical ency- ices in her Sisters of the Sacred Sjster Zhao agreed. entice me and make me fall into the maze of the human ~ill.

Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus, You will give me Your clopedia, and quickly:put together Heart of Mary community. They Sister Zhang Ni, vice superior of , d f d a papal decree, declanng that holy wear traditional veils habits' and the Zhaniiang Convent in Zhaniild th . b h Id ' " , , flames that they may burn me, consume me, an ee me to years wou ereupon e e ' chains with a cross in front - the ang, in the southern province of form in me the Life of the Divine Will.

100 yea s every . r . . nuns in gray and the n'ovices in a Guangdong, said that the :l1uns in Saint Joseph, you will be my protector, tne guardian of my , He said that a I?lenary ~ndul- chalky color. , her community wear habits only heart, and will keep the keys of my will in your hands. You will gence would be game~. by those, They wear habits no matter' on Sundays, feast days and during who prayed at the baslhc~s of St. where they are - in convents, out, church celebrations. keep my heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, , that I may be sure of ,never leaving the Will of God. ~ete: an~ ~t. Paul ~ 15 times for in the streets or when they travel "There is no strict rule: as to My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everyoutsld~ VISitors, 30 tl~es fo~ Ro- from one place to another to teach whether we should wear habits. catechism.

We don't (wear them) when we go mans; ~ust to make thmgs fair.

Contemporaries estimated that " In China, where Catholics ac- to rural areas because it is o<:>t conthing so that my Eden may flourish and be the instrument that 2 million people poured through count for only a fraction of a per- venient," she explained.•'Moredraws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Amen.

Honor fJ/ luisa Plccarreta 18~1947 Child 0/ the Divine Will) Rome's narrow streets that year, cent ofthe population and Catholic over, non-Catholics would lind us ... ', ... lj.~,i!ig. uP.~~~~~!~,~ ~~~~~,h€?~!~'y,~~!t, _,n,~~~,a~,_!'-.I.I,~,~!_2!?ry ,ljlre~.~~i:J~s ~n.,;: :_S~?Jl~~rW~ we~, i!1 habit~.".,; '. ,•. ' Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity of Your Light, that Your eternal goodness may open

Wearing habits openSWtuy for evangelization in Chlna

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,. , THE ANCHOR~Dioceseof Fall River-Fri:, Dec. 13, 1996

13

New contraceptive welcomed by pro-life, church leaders

BISHOP SEAN O'Malley leads the applause for the 1996 recipients of the Marian Medals at a ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River last week. (Anchor/ Jolivl~t photo)

Marian Medals, awarded to 96 diocesan 'residents Continued from Page One schools and CCD programs, people who have cleaned and decorated churches and visited the sick and staffed food pantries. "All of these workers are sustained by

their strong family lives and a faith nurtured by frequent reception of the Eucharist," said Bishop O'Malley.

Following the distribution of the medals, the large gathering

honored the exposed Blessed Sacrament with song and prayer.

Correction: In last week's An-

chor Mr. Robert Peckham and Mr. Eugene Gregoire were both misidentified as Mrs. The Anchor apologizes for the error.

Students urged to 'Mak'e a Difference' NEW YORK (CNS) - The Christophers organization has urged high school studc:nts to submit posters illustrating the theme, "You Can Makea Diffl:rence,"for its seventh annual poster contest.

Eight prizes totaling $2,000 will be awarded to studen\!; in grades 9 through 12. Entries must be received by Jan. 31, and winners will be announced April II!.

By Paulinus Barnes . MANCHESTER, Eng. (CNS) - A contraceptive device based on natural methods of family planning has gone on sale in Britain, with a welcome from pro-life groups and church leaders.

Sold under the brand name "Persona," the handheld device shows a green light on those days in a woman's menstrual cycle when it is safe for her to have sexual relations without conceiving and a red light during fertile times. On approximately eight days each month the device will show a yellow light, indicating the need for a urine test before the machine can decide whether it is a "red" or "green" day.

The system was welcomed by leading Cl!tholics and pro-lifers.

Publicity for the system saip it worked by monitoring a woman's hormone levels, based on an analysis of urine. The manufacturers claim that it is 93 to 95 percent reliable.

Among the advantages claimed for the Persona over other contraceptives is that it is free from side effects and simpler to use than other natural methods.

The device consists of a handheld monitor and disposable urine .test sticks. The initial cost is 49.95 pounds (US$75). The manufactur-

ers said there were plans to launch the device in the United States.

Brendan Gerard, information officer for the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, called the development of the Persona a "positive step."

"Natural family planning systems such as this avoid the problem of other contraceptives in that they are not abortifacient," he said.

"One hopes that this will encourage more respect for the human person and help couples plan their families," Gerard sl,lid.

Norris H. Tripp

Mon. - Sat. 10:00.- 5:30 PM.

"This contest encourages young than 1,700 entries from public, people to think about how one private and parochial high schools person can make a difference, and throughout the country. Winning gives them the opportunity to ex- works included a wide assortment. press their ideas creatively," said of paintings, drawings and colFather Thomas J. McSweeney, lages interpreting the theme.

For complete contest rules, write: director of The Christophers. "It also allows us, as adults, to learn The Christophers, High School about what issues are on their Poster Contest, 12 East 48th St., minds." i ' . New York; N.Y. 10017 or call Last year's contest drew more (212) 759-4050.

and parishioners whp believe in what is happening at the school.

Our goal is to maintain these standards."

Following the Mass, there was a reception in the Father Coady Center. Later, the students were

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SSt Peter & Paul School, FR, celebrates Continued from Page One nition certificate to Bishop O'Malley, the students and parents and friends in attendance, Of the accreditation, Ms. Burt said, "It says that this was a wonderful community effort of students. parents

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treated to a magic show and an ice cream sundae party. One further reward for tht: students was the announcement by Bishop O'Malley of a "free day" to be used at the discretion of Ms. Burt and Father Fernandes.

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STUDENTS FROM SS. Peter & Paul School, Fall River, receive Holy Eucharist from principal Kathleen Burt,Bishop O'Malley and Father Stephen J. Avila (background) at a Mass commemorating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and celebrating the school's recent accred·it-a-tlon. (AIl£hortjplivet.-Ph..~t~)·,"r·, Yl'-',~ ',',' ','s,', ,','i' j~". l','.', •... \~. ~.'''''''' ,'.',. '

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Our Catholic Schools • Our Catholic You Stonehill College The prestigious Kresge Foundation has awarded Stonehill College, North Easton, an $SOO,OOO challenge grant for construction of a new library and Networked Information Center. Ground breaking is scheduled for next May. The award, the largest nonfederal grant received in the col'lege's history, .is larger than most grants awarded by Kresge. Last year, Kresge awarded 157 chal, lenge grants - 31 to institutions of higher education - out of740 applications from around the world . . As a challenge grant, the award is intended to stimulate new private gifts as par~ of an organized , fun~raising effort for various projects, ipcluding new construction iflitiatives. The Michigan-based f<;>undation looked at the college's ovenill academic strength and reputation, fiscal state and past performance in (undraising when evaluating its proposaL To collect the grant, Stonehill must raise a balance of almost $3 million by December 1997 to successfully complete its first capital campaign, which began in 1992.' .'The highest pri'ority ofthe,campaign is construction of the new library and Netw'orked Information Center, scheduled to open, in September, 1995. The college has already raised over $S million THIS POSTER is a -reminder that AIDS cannot be: for the new facility and the Kresge spread by coughs, sneezes or everyday contact with infected grant will augment the final pus'h people, nor is it spread by use of spoons, cups or other objects a for donations. , 'The evolution of Stone hill has patient may have used, although of course they, should be placed tremendous demands on routinely Cleansed as in the case of any other previous ·use. the current Cushing-Martin ,LiAIDS c~n be transmitted by a pregnant womanto /ler baby., brary, built in.l962'when it housed and also through s~xual intercourse and sharing of needles or 110,000 volumes and served only 1,400 students. Today, the library syringes. (CNS photo) . '" houses ISO,OOO volumes and serves 2,000 undergraduate students, ~I­ most 1,000 evening students and FACULTY AND STAFF of Our Lady of Mt. C~rmel m!lre than 4,000 visitors annually Schoo!,.New Bedford, from left, Dolores Vasconcellos, Kathy from surrounding communities, Grandone, Tammy Ourique work on ceramic nativity set., later including Easton, Brockton and displayed at the Mt. Carmel annual bazaar, along with crafts Taunton. The new facility will 'made by every student at the school (top picture); belo\lf, first. .incorporate the latest technologies As part of an outreach program port, in contrast to the ostracism at Coyle-Cassidy High School, then being experienced by victims and provide more space for stacks graders 'enjoy a'visit to firehouse Station 6 in New Bedford, and seating' benefiting the entire where, they climbed on trucks and saw firefighters sliding down Taunton, National Horior Society elsewhere.

Stonehill community a!1d other members will hold a Christmas the station pole.

Hoyle, a teacher at St. John the u,sers. gift shop pf.ogram from 9 to II, ' Honor Students Evangelist School;. Attleboro, ofa.m. tomorrow.

Beta Xi, the Stonehill College, At this time parents may pick up fered hi's ,lecture three times, engifts for their child or children and abljng his messag~ to reach all No. Easton, chapter of the Alpha Santa Claus will have' pictures Coyle-C.assidy students. He em- Sigma Lambda National Honor phasized the striges ma~ejn fight- Society, held its induction ceretaken with them. Those wishing to contribute to the program by way ing AIDS since 'his son's death in mony on Nov. 15 at Alumni Hall. ' 1986. ' The Fall 1996 Beta Xi student ofa game or other toy, money or a inductees are: Muriel Casavant, gift certificat.e, may leave contriDolores Cyr, and Maureen Quirk butions at the school. of Brockton; Elizabeth ,Collins of ~.

During a similar program last Raynham; William' Mulford of year, NHS members distributed Norton; Loretta O'.Brien of East gifts to 595 children, ranging in Bridgewater; Kathy Orr of South age from newborn to over 12.

Bishop Feehan High School, Easton; and Carol Staples of Jay Hoyle Speaks' Attleboro, will be the site of a Rockland.

Also at the Taunton 'school, financial aid information'night for Also inducted were honorary students observed AIDS Awareparents and college-bound students memoers Peter H.Beisheim, Ph.D., ness Day by attendance' at a lecfrom Feehan, Attleboro, North of.Easton and Reverend Robert' ture given by author Jay Hoyle, an Attleboro and Norton high schools W.Bllllock of Sharon.' alumnus of the former Coyle High at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. To be held in This holiday season, Beta, Xi School. Hoyle is the father of the Feehan cafe~eria, the evening will sponsor a food drive to benefit Mark Hoyle, the first child diag- will begin with a presentation by Mainspring House and Edwina nosed with A IOS who was permit- Susan' Beard, associate director of Martin House, human services ted to attend school with unin- student aid at Wheaton College, agencies in Brockton. Non-perishfected students, and the author of Norton. able food items'may be dropped Mark, the story of his son's 16To be explained is the financial off at the Office of Continuing' month losing struggle against the aid process for institutes of higher Education 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. disease.

ASHLEY DA SILVA'right, grade five, and Kyle De For more information, please The book, required reading for education, including discussion of Sormier, grade one, both students at Our Lady of Lou.rdes call the Office a1(508) 565-1470, C-C freshmen taking health classes, the College Scholarship Search School in Taunton proudly display their winning entries in a recounts how Mark, a hemophi- profile required ':>ymany colleges poster,contest sponsored bythe Taunton Area Committee on liac, contracted AIDS through a in order to determine student aid Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. B9thstud.ents tainted blood transfusion, and also and of federal funding programs recalls how residents of Swansea, that may be available to qualified received savings bonds and ribbons and were treated to breakhi, homotown. ,,1Ii'd to ryi' ,up- applicants. fast with their·families and principal Sister Mary 'Margre:tta.

c-c students offer' gifts, hear lecture on AIDS

Bp. Feehan to hold financial aid night

• '. THE

Our RocK loti Role Getting Over Being BI,ue

By Charlie Martin

Blue Blue o so lonesome for you Why did you be blue over me?

Blue o so lonesome for you Why did you be blue over me Tears fill my eyes Until I Clln't see.

Three o'clock In the morning Here am I SItting here so lonely So 10ne!lome I could cry.

Blue o so lonesome for you Why did you be blue over me?

Now that It's over I realize Those three words you whispered Were nothing but lies.

Blue o so lonesome for you Why did you be blue over me Why did you be blue over me?

Written by Bill Mack. Sung by LeAnn Rimes.

Copyright (c) 1996 by Curb Records Inc. IMAGINE this situation.

The song speaks about the You're 13, have an incredible sadness of losing a romance. voice and your first release rises high on the charts. What is your life like?

I suspect many readers of this column might wish for such an opportunity. LeAnn Rimes no longer needs to daydream about this possibility. Her hit song has her living it. She is perhaps the youngest star in today's pop music.

Her approach to music is classic country. Yet she has crossed over quite successfully to the pop charts. '''Blue'' is the title of her hit cassingle and her debut CD.

The woman in the song is "blue" and "so lonesome for you." Her man has left her, and now she realizes that his words of love "were nothing but lies."

She describes being awake in the middle of the night, not exactly a convenient time to talk to others about what one is feeling. Maybe she has made the mistake of hiding her pain from her friends. They might not realize how much she is hurting.

The song reminds me how we need to reach out for others' support. This is es~ecially true among teens. Young people can

ANCHOR~Dioceseof

tion~.

Many times we can't fix what hurts in another's life. Yet, if we listen with care and offer genuine words of encouragement we can provide another person with a real sense of connection.

Don't look away when your friends are blue.

Your co~mentsare always welcome. Please address: Charlie Martin, RR3, Box 182, Rockport, IN 47635.

'15 .

what from the reading is important for you to know.

I once saw a former student of mine about two months into her freshman year in college. She told me she had just taken a biology test that covered two weeks of material: 12 chapters in the text.

Twelve. In two weeks. Do you think the professor "went over" the chapters? Of course not. More than likely, in her lectures she concentrated on certain topics, perhaps those most closely related to her research area, expecting the students to bear the burden of learning the textbook material.

Second rule for success? Don't take the easy way out.

Easy high school classes may boost your G P A, but colleges look at the numbers in relation to the difficulty of the courses.

Refusing to take the easy way out has implications for how you work in whatever classes you take, as well. Don't just read Cliff Notes to "Macbeth." Do something radical: read the play itself. In your history assignment, don't just scan the section titles and hunt and peck out answers to the review questions. Read thoroughly and try to comprehend. And don't copy yol,u chemistry and math homework. Do it yourself.

The third step is to stop making eXcuses for your failures.

In college, if you have a test or assignment due, it is expected to be completed on time. No one cares how late basketball practice went or if you broke up with your boyfriend last night. Get accustomed to indifference to your personal problems and a critical focus on the work you produce.

If you're intent on succeeding in college,just remember: The ability to do so isn't handed to you with your high school diploma. It's something you develop now, long before you send in your first application. Have you started yet?

"~-~?1l Co~ing of Age FOR YOUTH

be there for each other as they face disappointmf:nts that leave them "blue."

However, feelings can be difficult to express. Sometimes teens need to look at their friends' behaviors to realize that another's life is hurting. .For example, does a friend seem . more distant, more withdrawn?

Is someone acting differently, not following through on school or work activities? Have you noticed any use of alcohol or other. drugs? Does the individual seem irritable or argumentative?

While these behaviors are not sure signs of hidden hurt, they are worth checking out. Tell your friend that you've noticed a certain change, Express your concern. Ask if something painful has occurred. If nothing is shared, remind your friend of your ongoing willingness to listen if he or she does need to share in the future.

Teens being there for each other can make a powerfuldifference, especially during "blue" situations. Listening and giving support without judgment help another break through the lonesome feelings the song men-

Fall Ri'ver"-'-Fri.;Dec.: t3; 19%

• ABOUT YOUTH

By Amy Welborn A class of sophomores in high school was asked what they thought of when they heard the word "college."

"Fun," "freedom" and "party" were offered in quick succession.

After the others were done with their jokes, Jennifer slowly raised her hand. She shook her head and murmured, '''Failure' is the word I think of."

The teacher was surprised, Jennifer is an excellent, almost straight-A student. Why would she be afraid of failure in college?

Because she is conscientious, of course, and she knows that college is serious business, conducted at a much higher level than almost any high school class.

Indeed, a large percentage of college freshman do flunk out, and, Jennifer is wise to recognize that success at the university level does not come just because of your undeniable charm and good looks.

So what can Jennifer and every other college-bound student do?

First, become an independent learner.

Too many students believe that the function of a teacher is to learn for you, to explain everything in detail and tell you exactly what you need to know - for the test, of course.

U nfortunately, count~es6 teachers buckle to this pressure and do a considerable amount of spoon feeding. But this isn't education.

Make no mistake. There is little spoon feeding in college, hardly any "review sheets" or telling you

THE IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT . .. A YEAR'S SUBSCRIPTION TO

~the~ ALL YEAR.

IT'S AGIFf THAT KEEPS ON GIVING. FILL our COUPON (ENCLOSE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER) AND MAlL TO:

The ANCHOR • P.O. Box 7 • Fall River, MA 02722

------------------o 1year $14.00 0 Foreign $25.00 PLEASE PRINT PLAINLY Name

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Address City

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GIFf CARD SHOULD READ: _

From Street :

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CULMIN ATING A monthlong Thanksgiving unit, the children of St. Mary School in New'Bedford helped prepare a feast as they reflected on the many blessings in their lives. Many parent volunteers helped to make the day a special one.

Parish to receive credtt

..

"16 'THE ANCHOR----'Di'O'cese Of Fall River~Fii;D·ec.

13:1996"'"

~' 'Catholic' 'act'~visf

to buy toys PUBLICITY CHAIRMEN are asked to submit news items for this column to the The Anchor, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, 02722.

Name of city or town should be included, as well as full dates of all activities. Please send news of future rather than past events. ' Due to limited space'and also because notices of strictly parish affairs normally appear in a parish's own bulletil1, we are forced to'limit items to events of general interest. ,Also, we do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from the The Anchor business office, telephone (508) 675-7151. ' , On Steering Points items, FR in~ dicates Fall River, NB indicates New,Bedford.

ST. ANNE, FR The annual. Christmas pageant will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 in the upper church. All welcome.

P AX CHRISTI, CAPE COD The international campaign to ban land· mines will be the topic of a meeting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the religious education center of Our Lady of Victory Church, Centerville. All welcome.

O.L. CAPE, BREWSTER All welcome at a Christmas can'tata scheduled for" p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 in the church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., off Route 6A. No admission charge. The program will include Christmas hymns from many lands and a Nativity scene presented by children in the parishConfraternity of Christian Doctrine.

CATHEDRAL CAMP, EAST FREETOWN Upcoming activities include a retreat today for Bishop Stang High School students; a confirmation retreat Dt;c. 15 for young people from St. James parish, New Bedford; a Renewal Day for priests Dec. 17; and a UMass'(Dartmouth) Religious Leaders' meeting Dec. 18.

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Chi, nese-born dissident Harry Wu, a Catholic, is asking people in the United States and Western Europe not to buy toys for Christmas and Hanukkah that are labeled "Made in China:" "Christmas,is a season of thinking about other people, thinking about love and kindness," said Wu, a human rights activist who spent 17 yeats in China's forcedlabor camps, known as laogai. He' said the camps make toys for, export. _ "If you find out the toys are 'made by forced labor and if you care about, the human' rights abuses," he said, "I would suggest you don't buy the toys."

In a Dec. 3 interview with Catholie News..Service, Wu said some Teddy bears are mad'e in the camps.

I know there are other. witnesses' who can prove the camps are mal<ing toys," he said.

SACRED HEART, FR CHRIST THE KING, All welcome at a concert to be MASHPEE , 'presented at 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at the . A young adult group is in process church by the Archdiocesan Papal of organization; with a kickoff event Choir of Boston; directed by Father scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 14. Social, Francis V. Strahan. A free-will offerspiritual and educational events are ing will be taken. planned_for the future. Further information: Heather Ward, tel. 548- CATHOLIC ALUMNI CLUB The Catholic Alumni Club, an 2364. international Catholic singles club OFFICES OF ADULT/ will hold a social gathering_Dec. 15 RELIGIOUS EDUCAnON at 6:30 p.m. at Ruby Tuesday ResThe offices w'ill present an evening taurant, Silver City Galleria, Taunof reflection and prayer on "Mary, ton. Meetings are held on the third Mother of,Christ and Mother to us , Sunday of each ,month and dress is All," offered by Lisa Gulino and casual. There are ,also meetings at "The Messiah is Born" by Deacon Darlings Restaurant in S.eekonk on Bruce Bonneau from 10 a.m. to, the first Sunday of each month, For noon Dee. 17 at St.Pius X parish, information, call 996-0901 or (401) South Yarmouth. All welcome. . 944-5117.

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Parents who buy Chinese-made toys "are saying to Chinese authorities, 'We know, it. We deny i\,''' said the activist. He fears "the people of China are fading away, replaced instead by economic boom."

In interviews and lectures in Germany, Ireland, New York and Los Angeles, Wu, 59, has been promoting his second book, "Troublemaker - One Man's Crusade Against China's Cruelty," published by Random Housel Times Books in November.

Currently a research fellow at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, he lives near San Francisco.

Wu regularly compares China's system. of more than 1,000 labor camps, factories, wineries, farms and mines to the gulags, the prison and forced-labor camps of the .former Soviet Union, and to Nazi labor camps in pre-World War n Germany.

N ~w a U ~ S. citizen, he was arrested in China in 1995 when he went there to document prison labor abuses on videotape. He' spent two months in jail, and was released less than two weeks before the start of the U.N.'s Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.

Wu said he was sent to a laogai

China~ in 1957 for being both a Catholic and a dissident. As a university student, he had spoker., out against the 1956 Soviet invasion of Hungary.

For many years, an underground church faithful to the Vatican has co-existed with th~ official, procommunist Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association that has no Vatican link. Today, China also has a government-approved Cltholic bishops' conference, which, according to sources, has man)' members loyal to the pope. The conference and underground Catholics maintain Vatican ties.

Toy industry statistics show that at least 60 percent of toys bought in the United States come from China. In an undercover visit to China in 1994, Wu said it was not difficult to "obtain toys" from a prison farm in the Anhui province.

He predicts 1996 will be the last capitalist holiday season for Hong Kong, .the Asian impDrt-export hub which next summer reverts from British to Chinese rule. Officials in Beijing say Hong Kong will exist under a "one co\;,ntry, two systems" policy. "The problem is all the guarantors are communist, and, we know their word, their promise," said Wu. "Check their record. This is the last Hong Kong Christmas."

Two U .8. 'p~rishes sel1ld gifts to Irish prisoners

By Cian Molloy and Je'nnifer Reed Donagh this summer about prisDUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) ons in the United States and IreChristmas will be a bit brighter for land, and he told them tllat some ,prison inmates in Ireland this year, prisoners are never visited during thanks to two American parishes. the holidays.

On Dec. 4, Archbishop Des"Some of the men ne\!er, ever, tnond Connell of D"ublin was ever have a viSItor from year to among those who received the year, never get. a card," Ryan said. delivery of gifts'- mainly shjrts, The women asked Father Mcbaseball caps, candy, pens and staDonagh what they could do for tionery - sent to Ireland by pa- 'the prisoners, and after discussing rishioners of St. Mary's Church . th~ corporal works of mercy "deand Our Lady Star of the Sea in cided to take up a collection of Stamford, CQnn. Christmas parcels" for thf: prisonThe Christmas gift collection ers, Ryan said. was organized by two sisters; She~ Father McDonagh gave the wolagh Ryan of St. Mary's and Sally men a list of items the prisoners Sweeney, secretary of Our Lady' could have, including c]othing.

Star of the Sea. The gifts were Since Irish prisons have strict uniplaced before the altars of both form regulations, Fathl:r Me,churches on the first Sunday of Donagh thought prisoner:; would November. appreciate receiving "a cap or a They collected 404 pounds of shirt, something of their own they goods, which were delivered to could wear underneath," Sweeney John F. Kennedy International said.

Airport in New York by Sweeney's Ryan and Sweeney approached son, 'Michael, and flown to Ireland their pastors with their idea and free of charge by Aer Lingus, the. received "very enthusiasi:ic" reIrish state airline. sponses from pastors and parishRyan and Sweeney decided, to ioners alike, they said. The'women' organize the Christmas collection placed boxes around each church after:getting to know Father Fer- to hold the items, whichwi:re colgal McDonagh, who visits Stam- lected over two weekends. ford every ,summer. The priest is Father McDonagh said fhe pris, Ireland's'head prison chaplain and on inmates will be deligllted to works as the chaplain of Arbor receive the goods.

Hill prison. . ."Some prisoners never receive a Father McDonagh"J?, first Christmas card, let alone II gift," visited Our Lady Star the Sea he explained. "For these two 'six years ago after writing to the American parishes, .the mesilage of , Diocese of Bridgeport in search of Christmas is about a new way of a place to take'a working vacation. being h\lman and about treating When the pastor had a heart attack, each other with dignity."

Father McDonagh was asked to The presents will be distributed fill in as pastor. Everyyear since he to prisoners at Arbor Hill, Shanhas 'returned to work at the parish "ganagh Castle and Shelton Abbey, during the month of July. as well as to youngsters held in the "It's wonderful to see a young youth detention center at Lusk. priest with an open mind who can minister to the old and the young," Please Sweeney said. patroD.ize our, Ryan said she and her sister advertisers were chatting with Father Mc-

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