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St FAll RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS 'm:~D & ~·>ui I ;

THE

VOL. 44, NO. 48 • Friday, December 15, 2000

FALL RIVER, MASS.

Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly • $14 Per Year

It's no illusion: area priest earns international respect

By DAVE JOLIVET ANCHOR STAFF

NEW BEDFORD - When you walk into the basement at Father Stephen Fernandes' dad's house in New Bedford, there's magic in the air... and on the walls, on shelves, in cupboards and drawers, and in display cases.

Father Fernandes, the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Hyannis, and the director of the Diocese of Fall River ProLife Apostolate, uses his father John's home to house the objects collected in his 40-year hobby - magic.

Since the age of 10, Father Fernandes has collected magic publications, has performed, written and lectured on all things magic.

Not only is the New Bedford native a serious collector, but his recently published book, "Magic Magazines of the Second Millennium," has already received glowing reviews from his peer!!.

"It's good to have a hobby," said Father Fernandes in an interview with The Anchor, "even if you are a priest."

"Through my association with magic, I've met so many interesting people, and I've established some long-term friendships. The beauty of being a collector is

that you interact with people from all walks of life. There are other priests like myself, and there are doctors, lawyers, janitors and of course, performers."

One of the most notable friendships Father Fernandes established as a teen-ager was with someone who would become one of the world's most foremost magicians, Doug Henning.

Henning, the long-haired, tie-dyed shirtwearing magical genius passed away in February of this year of cancer, but throughout his life, he and Father Fernandes were friends - a friendship that started by corresponding about magic as teens.

To walk down the stairs into where Father Fernandes' collection is maintained is like walking into a museum rather than a private collection ... it is that extensive.

The entire basement is consumed with magic in one way or another. Included are 35,000 magazines (with the earliest dating back to 1895), 1,000 books, 500 catalogues and 250 lithographs and posters, not to mention countless photographs and autographs that adorn the walls and shelves throughout.

"I can remember the first shelves Tum to page eight - Magic

FATHER STEPHEN Fernandes stands in front ·of just a fraction of the collection of magic magazines he's collected over the last 40 years. (Anchod Jolivet photo)

La Salette father shares 'a taste of a simpler Christmas

By DAVI! JOUVIT ANcHoR STAFF

was the smell of my mother Jeanette's French meat pies cooking ATILEBORO - Growing up as a young lad in the '40s and in the oven. It was the smell of pine coming from the tree my ,50s at his home on Chicago Street in the Maplewood section of father Armand just bought. It was going to midnight Mass on Fall River, Andre Patenaude's Christmas seasons revolved around Christmas Eve at St. Jean Baptiste Church (now Holy Trinity Parish) and singing carols, family and church. then coming home and hoping Today, five decades later, to be up late enough to catch a as a Catholic priest and an inglimpse of Santa Claus." temationaJly known musiThe holiday ritual included singer and cian, composer, purchasing a fresh evergreen recording artist, "Father Pat" from one of the many tree lots works to keep those values located throughout the city. alive for the thousands who "But we never got the tree too visit La Salette Shrine in soon," said Patenaude. "My Attleboro during the Advent dad's business was lost in a and Christmas seasons. fire before I was born, so he Father Pat has been a Miswas always afraid of the tree sionary of La Salette Father drying up and becoming a fire for over 30 years, having left hazard. We bought our tree home at the tender age of 13 never more than five days beto enter the seminary, but his fore Christmas, but we held on memories of Christmas as a to it for as long as we could young boy remain as fresh as after the holidays. ever.

"It was such a joy to put "Christmas was family FATHER ANDRE Patenaude, M.S., stands in front of . getting together and singing Tum to page nine - Simpler around the piano," he said. "It the new La Salette Shrine Church. (AnchodJolivet photo)

2

THE ANCHOR - Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15, 2000

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Clinton stays execution; activists seek moratorium WASHINGTON (CNS) _ Op- Department needs more time to anaponents ofthe death penalty say they lyze information about racial and plan to keep pressing President geographic disparities in the federal , Clinton to commute death sentences death penalty system. or declare a moratorium in the wake He asked the Justice Department of his decision to delay for six to report to the next president by months what was 1:0 have been the April with an analysis of racial and first federal • geographic disparities 'execution in 37 years.

He (Clinton) asked the Justice De- in how the J u a n partment to report to the next president fed era I RauIGarza, by April with an analysis of racial and death pen44, was to geographic disparities in how the fed- al~y is aphave been eral death penalty is applied. plied.

Garza's executed at , pen din g the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind., on execution had led religious leaders Tuesday, the feast of Our Lady of including Pope John Paul II, the Guadalupe, but Clinton announced president of the U.S. bishops' conit would be delayed. ference, the bishops of Indiana and Churches, the federal prison and several interfaith coalitions to plead activists in the area had been pre- with the president to commute paring everything from prayer vig- Garza's sentence to life in prison ils to shuttle bus service in anticipa- without possibility of parole. tion of crowds both opposing and Garza, a marijuana smuggler, was supporting the execution. convicted under federal anti-drug Karen Burkhart, an Indiana kingpin statutes of killing one perCatholic who organizes events pro- son in Texas and ordering the murtesting capital punishment, said, "It's ders of two others. good that he granted a stay for Juan Since the federal government reGarza, but he needs to do more for sum~'capital sentencing underlaws the rest of them." passed in the 1980s and 1990s, 31 Clinton said although he believes :.men have received the death penthe death penalty is appropriate for alty, including seven for crimes comsome crimes, he thi~s the Justice mitted while in the military.

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Father James W. Clark FAIRHAVEN -Father James W. Clark, 71, former pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Orleans, and retired since April 15, 1996, died Dec. 7 at Our Lady's Haven here. .'

Born July 21, 1939 in New Bedford; the son of the lateJames W. Clark Sr., and the late Catherine (McHugh) Clark, he graduated from St. Mary's School and Holy Family High School in New Bedford.

After graduating from St. Charles College in Catonsville, Md., he studied theology at St. John's Seminary in Brighton. He was ordained a priest on Feb. 2, 1956 by Bishop James L. Connolly in St. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. In 1972 he received a master's degree in counseling. ,

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McCarrick of Newark, N.J., who for the U.S. 'Senate from New York.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. will be installed as archbishop of Born in Orange, N.J., he gradu- Bishop James T. McHugh, who Washington Jan. 4, said Bishop ated from local Catholic schools had headed the Diocese ofRockville McHugh's death "is a loss for the and Seton Hall University, then Centre since early January, died Church of Rockville Centre and, studied for the priesthood at ImSunday of cancer. He was 68. indeed, for the Catholic Church in maculate Conception Seminary in A leader in the U.S. bishops' our country, since he truly was a Darlington, N.J. He was ordained Pro-Life efforts, Bishop McHugh courageous and articulate leader in a priest for the Archdiocese ofNew:uso ha~ representt:<! the Vatican at so many ways,an~ especially in the ark in 1957.

IOternational meetings and at the ~fense of-unborn human life." .

He was named director of the United Nations on population and . ' . ,Bishop Mcijugh was m'ost re- Division for Family Life in 1967 Pro-~ife matters: .' 'cently in'tJte na'tiorlal news during and director of the bishops' SecreDiagnosed With cancer 10 Au- the 2000 political campaign when tariat for Pro-Life Activities ,in gust 1999, he died peacefully at his he ordered that'no public officials 1972. residence, "surrounded by friends or candidates who support keeping He was named an auxiliary and family," said Joanne C. abortion legal be permitted to ap- bishop of Newark in 1987, and Novarro, director of public infor- pear at Catholic parishes. bishop of Camden two years later. mation for the Rockville Centre The directive led to the cancel- He was installed as coadjutor diocese. . lation of 19 candidate forums in the bishop in Rockville Center in FebArchbishop Theodore E. di~se, the first of which was to ruary 1999 and became head of the have featured first lady Hillary diocese when Bishop John R. Rodham Clinton and her opponent McGann retired Jan. 4.

RICHARD MACHNOWSKI Owner & Director

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Dec 19

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As pastor, he served at Sacred Heart Parish in Oak Bluffs, St. John, the Evangelist in Pocasset, and St. Joan of Arc in Orleans.

Other appointments included serving as president of the Taunton Clergy Association, as chaplain to the Bourne Council, Knights of Columbus; and as the first chairman of the Taunton Municipal Drug Commission.

He is survived by three brothers, John Clark of New York, Paul Clark of South Dartmouth and Robert Clark of New Bedford.

Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., was the principal celebrant at Father Clark's funeral Mass on Tuesday in St. John the Evangelist Church, New Bedford.

Interment was in St. Mary Cem.etery, New Bedford.

Bishop McHugh, Pro-Life leader, dies of cancer at 68

efet'e';~ ~H U'iUt/u

PRO-UFER HELPER

from Boston College.

Father Clark served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick's in Wareham, St. Joseph's in Fall River and St. Mary's in Taunton.

5g 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3,11-12,2021; Lk 1:39-45 1 5m 1:24-28; (Ps) 1 5m 2:1,4-· 7,8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Mal 3:1-4,23-24; Ps 25:4bc-5ab,810,14; Lk 1:57-

66 Dec 24

Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3,15-16,1819; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

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THE ANCHOR (USPS-54S-mQ) Periodical ' Postage Paid at Fall River. Mass. Publishfd weekly except for the first two weeks in July ani the week after Christmas at 887 HighIan1 Avame. Fall River, Mass. 02720 by the Cadxllic Press of the Diocese of Fall River. Subscription price by mail, postpaid $14.00 per year.

POSTMASTERS send address changes lD The An:hor, P.O. Box 7. Fall River, MA 02722.

In Y OU~ Prayers Please pray for the following priests during the coming week

n

. \ \Dec.19 1988, Pennanent Deacon Eugene L. Orosz

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1953, Rev. Manuel S. Travassd~, 'Pastor, Espirito Sant~,fall River 1996, Rev. John A. Janson, OFM, Missionary in B~

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1968, Rev. Henri 1. ChareSt:Pastor, SIt. Mathieu, Fall River 1985,Rev.Manli~M:Resendes '. \ 1989, Rev. Laureano C. dos Reis, PastOr Emeritus, St. Anthony of Padua, Fall River . , \

Dec.22 , \ \ 1991, Rev. Annand P. Paradis, SJ., Psy'chologist, San Francisco, Calif.

\\

'

Dec.23 \ \ 1901, Rev. Owen 1. Kiernan, Pastor, Imm~ate Conception, Fall River 1947, Rev. Charles P. Trainor, SS, St;;Edward Seminary, Seattle, Wash.

1970, Rev. Msgr. John A. Silvia, Pastor EmeritUs, St John the Baptist, New Boofuro \\ 1986, Rev. WIlliam E. Collard, Cochaplain, catholic Memorial Home, Fall River \J Dec. 24 1886, Rev. James K. Beaven, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Taunton 1914, Rev. Timothy 1. Duff, Assistant, St. Joseph, Woods Hole

Kitchen Angels performing their magical giving again ~

As Christmas nears, plea is made for children blankets.

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brimming with toys. The scene was repeated as the workers hauled their laden carts from video stores and other toy stores.

PROVINCETOWN - With Gonsalves and husband Mo Christmas in sight, the famous yearly brave the day-afterKitchen Angels of St. Peter the Thanksgiving salesorama to find Apostle Parish here are busy the best buys for the money on working on their Christmas Toys the busiest shopping day of the and Necessities Fund. year.

For the past nine years, the To fund their venture, the Angels - this year with the help Kirchen Angles held dinners at of Cherubs - have been raising Valentine's Day and Halloween; thousands of dollars via benefits conducted numerous raffles with and charitable donations to make prizes donated by area businesses; sure that families and children and served food for the Knights of many others who are needy have Columbus on their bay cruises; food, clothing and toys to make and operated a special raffle and the Christmas holiday ajoyous one. yard sale sponsored by the local This year, the Angels are dis- A&P market. tributing presents to 64 children And they went begging. from 37 families in Provincetown Thanks to hearty donations from and Truro, and also providing The Atlantic House and the Lithose families with holiday meals. ons Club, the Angels could afford The plan has the group giving to go the extra mile in gift-givpresents to the parents who can ing for those who might have rethen give them to their own chil- ceived nothing. Because of the dren. Each family can receive up generosity of Lanas End Marine to three presents, as well as a Supply, Conwell Lumber and Christmas tree and a complete Bayberry Gardens, came donated holiday meal for all of them. yule trees to brighten many .

While pajamas, winter coats homes. and boots are always on the Each year, just as the Christwanted lists, video games, Legos mas season begins to roll, the and dolls are among the toys most Kitchen Angels and helpers'take wanted. a "break" to furnish ThanksgivIt amounts to a major, year- ing dinners to Meals-on-Wheels round effort for only four Angels clients as well as shut-ins in - Yvonne Cabral Edwards, Pat Provincetown. And for the past Sullivan, Kathy Gonsalves, and nine years they have been doing Irene Joseph; and the two help- the same thing at Easter. ing Cherubs - Desiree CabralWith an eye for the pet popuDuda and Francis Cocoa. lation, the Angels in November Sullivan and Cabral-Edwards and December have been collectwere recently seen coming out of ing blankets for animals at the one store with six shopping carts Brewster Animal Rescue League.

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Kristallnacht service airs; copies available FALL RIVER - A video of the Kristallnacht memorial service celebrated by Catholics and Jews in November at St. Stanislaus Church in Fall River, is airing on public access channels in the Fall River diocese.

The schedule follows: - Barnstable, Chatham, Dennis, Harwich and Yarmouth, C3TV, cable channel 17, Dec. 26, Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 4:30 p.m.; and Dec. 29 at 9:30 a.m.;

- Fall River, cable channel 98, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.; - New Bedford, cable channel 98, Dec. 18 and Jan. 1, at 10 p.m.; and Dec. 15, 22, 29 and Jan. 5 at noon; - Marion, Mattapoisett and Wareham, cable channel 9, Dec. 17 at noon; - Mashpee, cable channel 17, Dec. 21, 28 and Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.; North Attleboro and Taunton, cable channel 15, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 20 at

But when the call recently came in that children in the area were also in need of blankets, the busy Angels took up that challenge too, and the call is out, reported Cabral-Edwards.

"Thus far we haven't had the kind of response we need but the emergency really exists and so we're making a last-minute effort to get blankets to keep many youngsters warm," she added.

The blankets, whether knitted, crocheted or hand-sewn, will go to Independence House, which has a representative that handles the poor and needy in Provincetown and Truro.

Anyone wishing to donate blankets can contact the Angels: Yvonne at 487-9483; Pat at 487-0173; Kathy at 4871614; or Irene at 487-9111.

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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Kate Timberlake of Fall River was among 20 members of the Class of 2000 and one from the Class of 2001 of St. Mary Academy-Bay View, who have been recognized as Advanced Placement Scholars.

Timberlake, the daughter of Linda Timberlake, was named a "Scholar with Honor" by achieving a grade of 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and grades of three or higher on four or more of the exams in such areas as

language and composition, literary analysis, calculus, biology, chemistry, U.S. history, psychology, French and Spanish.

The AP program at Bay View provides students with collegelevel work which is evaluated according to standards set by the College Board. More than 80 percent of Bay View students who take the tests are considered for college credit by earning a score of three or more. The national average is 45 percent.

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1HEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15,2000

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9 p.m.; - Somerset and Swansea, cable channel 9, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 and 22 at 4 p.m.; - Westport, cable channel 17, Dec. 16 and 30 at 7 a.m., noon and 7 p.m.

In prayer, song and reflection, the nearly hour-long service commemorated the evening of NoV'. 9, 1938 when the German government initiated a Nazi pogrom against the Jews of Germany, burning down synagogues and smashing the glass fronts of Jewish shops in Berlin. The term Kristallnacht means "Night of Broken Glass" and the moving'service includes that very sound following a period of silent reflection.

Copies of the Kristallnacht service video may be obtained from the Diocesan Office of Communications. The cost is $15, which includes shipping and handling. Please contact that office at (508) 675-0211.

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THE ANCHOR - Diocese ofFall River - Fri., December 15, 2000

themoorin~

the living word

The Gospel does not discriminate Few Americans are genuinely aware that the country is now experiencing one of its historic periods of mass immigration. The demand for trained workers has forced many industries to reach out to people beyond our national borders in order to fill job vacancies.

With our rather posh economy, many poor from other lands see the ever-present hope of a better life in America. The continual flow of illegal immigrants has become a major concern for our southern border states. The smuggling of people from Asia into the United States is really a big business. Central and South American& are flooding the lower ladder in our changing cities. Refugees from wartorn Central Africa are turning to this country as a peaceful alternative. All in all, millions are coming to this land: many legally and many more illegally.

The new population does not blend well into an Anglo-Saxon society. They look-different, they speak a different language and they eat different food. Until post-World War IT days, the vast majority of immigrants came predominately from Europe. Today, most arrive from Latin America. Asia. the Caribbean and tlJe Middle East.

The American melting pot is taking on a new look and there are some in the country who are not too happy about it. In some circles there is truly a blatant anti-immigrant culture. This is especially true of many who have reaped the benefits of their own immigrant forebears. Some of the ugly heads of the past have been seen in new forms of racism, nationalism and religious bias. They might have a new external look but they are the same old snakes in the grass.

Some things never quite go away. Even SOIlle in our Congress have been infested by a negative approach to this happening. Others have had undocumented immigrants in their employment. This later. group faces the constant threat of arrest and deportation. There have been some changes in the law to remedy this difficulty, but much . more needs to be accomplished in this regard.

For the Church community it is impo~~ that many new immigiants, legal and otherwise, are Catholics. ~ you travel from place to place you will find Filipino, Korean and Eastern Rite Catholic Churches popping up in many cities. They bring with them all their cultural trappings enhancing liturgical celebrations and ritual life.

In light of this reality it is so very important that the Church reach out to those "new people" with a warm welcome. Recently the American bishops during their November meeting issued a statement on "Welcoming the Stranger Among Us." The document is a sincere and honest attempt to form a Catholic mind-set for the many faces in God's House. Catholics are called on to be a welcoming catalyst in this process. Based on the concept that we are one human family, the bishops quote the words of Pope John Paul IT: "In the Church the immigrant is welcomed as a brother and sister, and all humanity forms a united family which knows how to appreciate with discernment the different cultures which cQmpose it."

A call for conversion goes out to all who have forgotten their own heritage; to those and to those who fear competition for resources; to those who thrive on cultural fears. The process demands that we come to understand others embracing the rich cultural pluralism of our immigrant nation. This must extend to the parish level where social concerns organizations should be developed to implement a welcoming atmosphere. We must always keep in mind that the Gospel does not discriminate. Unfortunately, we do..

As we journey into our celebration of Christmas, let us remember how the Holy Family journeyed before and after Bethlehem.

On their way there was no room for them as strangers. Then after the Herodian massacre of the Innocents, they became refugees, fleeing to a foreign land. With this in mind, how can we as a faith community even tum our backs on the stranger and the refugee?

The Editor

theanch~

OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Published weekly by The Catholic Press of the Dio~ese of Fall River .887 Highland Avenue.

P.O. BOX 7 Fall River. MA 02722-0007 Fall River. MA 02720 Telephone 508-675-7151 FAX (508) 675-7048 Send address cha~ges to P.O, Box 7 or call telephone number above

EDITOR 'GENERAL MANAGER Rev. Msgr. John F. Moore Rosemary Dussault PRODUCTION MANAGER Dave Jolivet

NEWS EDITOR James N. Dunbar

GRETA KNUTSON ENJOYS A CANDY CANE GIVEN TO HER

BY ST. NICHOLAS, PLAYED

BY LARRY SCHMITZ, DURING AN ADVENT FAIR AT ST. ANTHONY ABBOT CHURCH IN CUMBERLAND, Wis. THE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND , SCHMITZ, A MEMBER OF THE PARISH, WAS RECOVERING FROM ANKLE SURGERY. (CNS PHOTO BY SAM LUCERO,

CATHOUC HERALD)

"THE GLORY OF YOUNG MEN IS THEIR STRENGTH, AND THE HONOR OF OLD MEN IS THEIR GRAY HAIR" (PROVERBS

20:29-30).

The necessary hope of Chri"stmas

By FATHER EUGENE HEMRICK CATHOUC NEWS SERVICE

As we move into the uncertainties of the year 2001, I believe all of us could use a big dose of hope. My Christmas wish is that you receive just the right amount of hope to move you into the year ahead with a renewed spirit.

"Only hope," Dominican Father Bernard Olivier tells us, "can give us the assurance that the mystery of suffering will be solved, that it will all lead somewhere, that all problems will find adequate solution in a new earth Therein dwells justice Truly hope is the main- . stay of the Christian life on earth."

It goes without saying that the present U.S. political scene promises more worry than hope for the future. Our representatives in government have always sparred with each other, but in recent months they have moved beyond sparring to all-out battle.

When we look at the split in the U.S. Senate and recall the past behavior of members in the House of Representatives, the outlook for unity between Republicans and Democrats isn't promising.

And having enjoyed a booming economy, we now hear predictions that we'll soon see a plunge in the stock market, causing many who are near retirement "to worry about their life savings.

An oil crisis has led to high prices at the gas pump. There is serious concern in the scientific world that global warming could produce droughts, floods .and even greater shortages of food in Third World countries. Statistios confirm that the gap between the ,poor and rich is widening. And it is clear that diseases such as AIDS are still rampant, decimating poor nations. .

Even priests who thought they could look forward to retirement no longer hold out much hope of this due to the drastic short-

age of priests in many areas.

On the"family level, more and more couples no longer can find the love that once sustained their marriages and are resorting to divorce or separation as their only hope for a sane existence.

In the face of fears, what can we do? Clearly, we cannot live by fear. My prayer is that we never lose faith in the power of hope that was instilled in us at baptism.

It is my Christmas wish that God will give us the grace to look forward to the future by enabling us to see all the good that surrounds us in the present and that is capable of lifting our spirits.

It is my wish also that God will fill us with the energy - the zest - needed to discover new ways of generating the spirit of hope.

For fear must never cause us to lose confidence in our ability to regroup, reorder, rethink, and thus re-energize ourselves.

As long as we believe in our recuperative powers, we have hope.

Catechesis useless 'without

prayer, cardinal asserts

By CINDY WOODEN

the repetition of phrases which seem more accessible and pleasVATICAN CITY - Catechists ing to the people." must use every appropriate But as the growing popularity method and media to lead people of Asian forms of meditation to Christ, but they must rememshow, "in our world today we have ber nothing will work if it is not need of silence, of the mystery supported by prayer and the witwhich lies above individuals and ness of a Christian life, said of beauty," Cardinal Ratzinger Because everyone needs said.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

"The words of proclama-saivation in Christ,' "we are While several speakers at the . jubilee conference encouraged tion must be bathed in an in- . tense life of prayer," said the obliged to seek new ways of catechists to use new technology to proclaim the Gospel, cardinal, prefect of the Con- bringing the Gospel to all," Cargregation for the Doctrine of dinal Ratzinger said. none of their comments on the the Faith. , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . topic were as strong as the adCardinal Ratzinger spoke monition ofTimothy O'Malley, Sunday at the Vatican to partici-· as it is a question of leading a vice president of ffiM. pants in the Jubilee for Catechists people to a relationship with "Technology is not a magic and Religion Teachers.

Jesus, he said, and that relation- bullet. It will never replace perBecause everyone needs salva- ship only can be established sQnal witness," he said.

O'Malley told the religious tion in Christ, "we are obliged to through prayer.

Along with personal prayer, educators he is working on a seek new ways of bringing the Gospel to all," he said.

Catholics are called to express project expected to produce more Cardinal Ratzinger cautioned, their relationship with God to- than $3 billion in revenue for ffiM however, against the "temptations gether through their participation annually and which will employ of impatience," of wanting a huge in the Mass, the cardinal said. several thousand people. "It's a success or of wanting people to While the liturgy is a form of lot of responsibility," he said. But, listen to Catholic catechists so the teaching, "our way of celebrat- "it's nothing compared to the reChurch would become bigger and ing the liturgy is often too ratio- sponsibility my wife and I have more influential. nalistic," he said. By trying too as parents" of four children.

"An old proverb says, 'Success hard to make everything under"Today's new computer and is not another name for God,''' he stood, "the consequence often is communications technologies will said. "Great things always begin the trivializing of the mystery, the change the world even more radifrom a small seed and mass move- prevalence of our own words and cally" than television did, CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE ROME - Swindlers posing as·ltalian and Vatican officials bilked construction companies for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments meant to secure jubilee contracts, Italian police said.

The scheme was uncovered when the construction companies complained that despite making the payoffs, no building projects had materialized, the Italian news agency ANSA reported last week.

Police said four men and a woman posed as representatives of the Italian state and the Vatican. They downloaded Italian and Vatican jubilee logos from the Internet, and presented forged blueprints and contracts to representatives of several Italian construction firms.

They made appointments with the construction managers in front of a main Italian government

building - on Saturday afternoons, when the building was closed for official business - then took their victims to an adjacent apartment to seal the deals.

The construction firms agreed to make bribe payments of about four percent of the purported total cost of the fake projects, which included the $12 million restoration of a historic monastery in Florence.

Police said the construction firms claimed to have made at least $800,000 in payoffs before becoming suspicious about the lack of follow-up on the contracts. Arrest warrants were reportedly issued for the five swindlers.

Bribe payments for public works contracts is not uncommon in Italy. Italy spent more than $2 billion in public improvement projects for the jubilee year.

Papal midnight Mass to move outside to accommodate crowds . VATICAN CITY - To accommodate tens of thousands of Holy Year pilgrims, Pope John Paul II will depart from tradition and celebrate Christmas midnight Mass outdoors in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican said.

The Mass, which is broadcast around the world, is normally celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica, which can hold about 8,000 people.

But with up to 10 times that number expected to converge on the Vatican on Christmas Eve, the pope decided to risk inclement

O'Malley said. "All of us who are Catholic - especially catechists have the duty to understand, to

5

master and to use these new tools to give glory to God and to bring God's message to his people."

ments are always fleeting. Man cannot do or not do whatever he wants. He will be judged. He must given an accounting. This certainty is as valid for the powerful as for the simple," he said.

Catechesis is not so much a matter of transmitting knowledge

Italian police uncover jubilee construction swindle

By JOHN THAVIS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

lHEANCHOR- DioceseofFall River- Fri., December 15, 2000

weather and hold the liturgy outside.

Last year, the pope celebrated midnight Mass inside the basilica after opening the Holy Door, while more than 60,000 people braved the cold in the square and followed the events on giant TV screens.

The outdoor Christmas liturgy has a precedent: Pope Paul VI once celebrated midnight Mass in the square, as part of closing ceremonies for the Holy Year of 1975.

The Vatican had not yet released the pope's complete Christmas schedule, but it was

expected to include other changes. Because he will close the Holy Year with a "Te Deum" prayer service Jan. 6, a similar service traditionally held Dec. 31 has been dropped.

Vatican sources said the pope was likely .to greet pilgrims and well-wishers from his apartment window as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. Unlike last year, however, there were no plans for a pop concert in St. Peter's Square and fireworks above the Vatican. Instead, organizers said thousands of faithful would gather in the square for prayer.

Away In A Manger We join you and your family in joyful celebration of the Nativity.

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6

THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall ~ver- Fri., December 路15,2000

Iteering pOintl Publicity Chairmen are asked to submit news items for this column to 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. DEADLINE IS NOON ON FRIDAYS. Events published must be of interest and open to our general readership. We do not normally carry notices of fundraising activities, which may be advertised at our regular rates, obtainable from our business office at (508) 675-7151.

ATTLEBORO - The La Saleue Shrine for Christian Living, 947 Park Street, will present a Silent R~treat on the weekend of Dec. 22-24. Daily Mass will be offered to complement personal prayer and silence. For registration information call 222-8530.

ATTLEBORO - The Bristol County Sheriff's Office Choir, composed entirely of inmates from the Bristol County House of Correction, will perform tonight at 5: 15 p.m. near the manger of the La Salette Shrine. For more information call 995-1311.

Christmas Jubilee concert Sunday at 7 p.m., in the church.

FALL RIVER - Saint Anne's Hospital is seeking adult volunteers to help for 2-3 hours a week in several departments. Some duties include providing refreshments to patients, bed-making, re-stocking supplies and linen, and assisting patients with meal trays. For more information call674-56qO~ ext. 2080.

NEW BEDFORD - Holy Family-Holy Name School will celebrate the birth ofOur Lord in song and tableau on Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Lawrence Martyr Church, Ito SummerStreet. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good for the needy. For more information call 993-3547.

ORLEANS -A Separated-Divorced Catholics Support Qroup will meet Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the parish center of St. Joan of Arc Church. It will include a Yankee Swap. For more information call Father Richard Roy at 255-0170.

SEEKONK -: Singer-musician'John Polce will join the St. Mary's Prayer Group for an Advent evening of prayer and praise on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the parish center, 385 Central Avenue.

EAST TAUNTON - Holy Family Parish will hold its annual Christmas concert on Sunday at 5' p.m. It will feature the adult and youth choirs of the parish along with trumpet, guitar, flute and soloists. Refreshments will follow.

For more information call 8245707.

SOUTH YARMOUTH "Communal Prayer in the Peaceful Spirit ofChristmas," will be the theme of the next Pax-Christi-Cape Cod meeting on Dec. 18 from 7:309:15 p.m. at St. Pius X Parish. For more information call 771-6737.

FALL RIVER - Accompanied by a brass band and organ, the Liturgical Choir of Santo Christo Church, under the direction of Osvaldo Pacheco, will present a

TAUNTON - The St. Jacques Choir will present ''An Evening of Christmas Music" on Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Jacques Church, 249 Whittenton Street. For more information call 824-7794.

The Bible and the Virgin birth First, the Hebrew text, written about 600 Q. Our family discussion of Christmas turned to the subject of the virgin birth, or years before our Lord, does not say "virgin" virginal conception, of Jesus. Our high- but "almah," a young girl. When it was transschooler said that in her class they discussed lated into Greek much later, the Greek word this subject and the Church's teachings "parthenos" was chosen, which usually does mean virgin. about it.

It was this Greek According to their ..... ~---translation, for ininstructor apparently, while it is tOns stance, which was quoted in the Gospel of Church teaching, Matthew in the story there is no support in of the infancy of Jesus the Bible' for the be(Mt 1:23). lief that Jesus was

By Father Because the prophet conceived without a John J. Dietzen did not actually use the hum'an father. word "virgin," most We were taught ....- - - - - - - - - modern translations, when I was young that the passage from Isaiah (7:14) refers to working from the original texts, use the word Christ .and Mary when it says, "The virgin "maigen," or "young woman," in this passage.

The (Catholic) New American Bible, for exshall be with child 'and bear a son." Can we or can't we use that to prove that Jesus was ample, which you quote, does say "virgin," but a footnote explains the confusion over the exconceived by Mary as a virgin? (Florida) A. First, let's be clear that the long-stand- act meaning of the sentence.

Furthermore, there remains much uncering Christian belief in the virginal conception of Jesus is not totally dependent on support tainty whether Isaiah himself intended this pasfrom Bible passages. . sage as a prophetic reference to the coming In fact, however, many elements in the New Messiah.

Quite possibly he meant them to refer to speTestament are detected by Scripture scholars -as pointing to a very early Christian belief in cific living people with whom he was having the virg!nal conception of our Lord. It's not . huge spiritual difficulties at that time of his \. possible to engage the subject more fully here, life.

At any rate, it appears that no one, in Isaiah's but today many experts would questio~ the claim that there is no support in the Bi~le for time or later, understood this text as referring to the coming Messiah until it appears in the that doctrine.

The book of Isaiah (actually at least three Gospel according to Matthew.

A free brochure answering questions different books composed at different times) gives us rich insights into the significance of Catholics ask about Mary, the mother of the coming of Christ. It is also true that Catho- Jesus, is available by sending a stamped, lic tradition often uses those words in connec- self-addressed envelope to Father John Dietzen, Box 324, Peoria, Ill., 61651. tion with Mary's virginity.

Questions for this column may be sent to Several facts, however, prevent the passage from being a "proof' of the virginal concep- Father Dietzen at the same address, or Email iidietzen@aol.com. tion of Jesus.

Q ues t路 and Answers

A poet of what is best and most beautiful -Years ago I read an essay by Percy Bysshe Madison Avenue, doing well, happily married to Shelley that spoke of poetry in a way -that fasci- his lovely wife Joan and a very devoted father to nated me. I nev.er wanted to forget his words: "Po_ his son and two daughters. But then suddenly his etry makes immortal all that is best and most beau- daughter Sara. in perfect health, died the morning tiful in the world." of July 14, 1994, from a brain aneurysm. He litI copied some of Shelley's insights about this erally was racked with grief. art form so I would In time, surprisingly, Bennett found himself never forget them. ....---------"Poetry turns all writing poetry, somethings to loveliness; it thing he had never done exalts the beauty of that before the death of Sara.

And his poems became which is most beautiful, and it adds beauty to that a book, "New Fields and Other StQnes: On a which is most deformed;

By Antoinette Bosco Child's Death" (Arit marries exultation and horror, grief and cher). Their soul--_...............- wrenching honesty, prepleasure, eternity and change; it subdues to union, under its light yoke, sented with astounding imagery, catapulted Bennett into the ranks of nationally award-winall irreconcilable things," Shelley wrote. .

I remembered Shelley's vision of the power ning authors.

With "Harpo Marx at Prayer," Bennett tells a and importance of poetry when I read a new book of poems by Saul Bennett with the tantalizing title true life story as only a poet can. The drama of of "Harpo Marx at Prayer" (Archer Books). The each event he relates discloses how his life has setting for the title poem is a synagogue where, as been a faith journey. His search has been rooted in a young child, Bennett went with his family for the only place one can really find faith - in the services. He remembers seeing a man there who daily, unexpected experiences of life, from the was mute but clearly high-spirited and qappy, re- early innocent age to the shattering days.

He is a truly gifted poet, able to strip away the minding young Bennett of Harpo Marx in the movies. coverings we place over familiar events, so that It was in a sense a beginning for Bennett. He we can confront the wonder, the spirit, the meanwould from then on feel how individuals, places ing that we, with ordinary eyes, couldn't see.

Saul Bennett, a soft-spoken, modest man, takes and events would touch him, in good times and bad, fueling a "religious surge" that kept his spirit little credit for his writing. Instead, he credits Sara.

He sees his poetry as a gift Sara "gave me in her nourished. .

That Bennett has become an acclaimed poet is death."

If so - and who could argue differently something of a surprise - or perhaps a miracle - to him. He never wrote a poem in his life be- Sara's gift is generous without measure, shared . fore 1994. He had been a career executive on by all wh? read her father's works.

The Bottom Line

A RARE 16th-century painting of Jesus Christ by Italian artist Jacopo de Barbari was recently recovered by U.S. Customs and returned to representatives of a Germ.an museum in New York. The painting, presumably stolen by U.S. soldiers in Germany at the end of World War II, was. missing for 57 years. It is valued at $5.million. (CNS photo from Reuters)

Who is the beggar you choose to help at Christmas?

A string ofevents recently overEasier - much easier - said whelmed a single-parent friend. than done.

And this eventually led to my takA friend of hers at her office ing a much more personal evalua- knew of her struggle. He asked her tion of the question: Just what do we put into the holiday "share boxes" common this time of year?

Never a recipient of public or private charity, our friend was for the first time in her life "there" By Dan Morris at the receiving end.

I go too fast. Background first.

Raising three children, one with to become a recipient of holiday special needs, this young mother assistance from his church. She hurt herself on the job. Not think- reluctantly - and tearfully ing the injury to her back was too agreed. It was a lesson in humility serious - and knowing she is the and dignity she shares when asked. core source of her family's income Her children were embarrassed - she toughed it out. For too long. even though hardly anyone could The injury's effects spread. tell they were receiving "charity" The young woman eventually food. But they leamed, she notes, found herself unable to do her job. much. .

She barely could use her left arm.

They learned that the core inPain became nearly constant. She gredient to helping others in need was forced to take time off. Sick is dignity. leave and vacation were quickly Our friend found herself in an eaten away as she struggled with odd situation. She was gratefulgovernment agencies and her very grateful - for the unsolicHMO for decent medical care and ited extension of concern. Yet she her legitimate right to help from struggled with what she hoped was the state while she healed. false pride, but feared were touches

The offbeat world of Uncle Dan

of indignation. Some ofthe "gifts" of food and clothing were clearly throwaways. Outdated canned goods. Moldy or threadbare shirts and pants. Broken toys.

Back on her feet and working nearly full time again now, she says she has thought a lot about what she and her children will place in the "bounty bins" in the future. She was so edified by "the little gifts that clearly showed someone reaching out to us in such a caring, thoughtful way even though they did not know us personally" - donations that went beyond staples, for example "luxury" foods (black olives and a tiny smoked ham and special olive oil).

"For every can of green beans - which I love - that I donate in the future," she laughs, "I am going to attach a little gift certificate to a fast-food joint or for a pizza."

"The question really isn't 'Should beggars be choosers?" she says. "It's really, ',Who is this beggar I am choosing to help?'"

Comments are welcome.

Write Uncle Dan at 441 Church St., San Francisco, CA 94114; or E-mail: cnsuncle@yahoo.com.

Phoenix deacon recovers from bullet wound suffered in Bethlehem SCOITSDALE, Ariz. (CNS)- esan high school in Phoenix, said When Deacon John Meyer heard dis- they felt no trepidation surrounding tant gunfire from his room at the their trip to Tantur. It is adjacent to Tantur Ecumenical Institute outside . property that serves as an Israeli Bethlehem, his curiosity led him checkpoint for people going into and down a hallway. out of Bethlehem.

Within seconds, Deacon Meyer The couple was among a group fell to the ground. He had been shot of 34 people representing eight in the head with a bullet later identi- Christian denominations from 11 fied as having been fired from an countries. The deacon said he chose M-I6 rifle. the program because it is well reThe bullet, which authorities said spected by people involved in was shot from about a half-mile ecumenism. away, was slowed as it came through They were able to complete twoa window at the compound before thirds of the program, and participiercing his forehead and lodging pated in most of the trips to the holy in his skull. sites before flying back to th~ United Deacon Meyer, director of States about a week following his catechetical ministry for the Phoe- surgery.

As a result of their ordeal and nix diocese and a deacon at St. Bernadette Church in Scottsdale, is the increased violence in the region, at home still recuperating from the some participants in the program shooting, which occurred Oct. 4. also returned home.

Tensions between Palestinians After the shooting, he underwent two hours of surgery and spent a and Israelis began to flare up prior to the group's arrival at the holy site night in an Israeli hospital.

He is expected to return to work of Rachel's Tomb, where clashes between Israelis and Palestinians after the first of the year.

In an interview with The Catho- occur.

Located about a half-mile from lic Sun, Phoenix's diocesan newspaper, the deacon said he sensed Tantur, and near the entrance to the God's grace in his survival of a po- city of Bethlehem, the tomb is one of Judaism's most sacred shrines. It tentially fatal shooting. ''I could see God's divine provi- is also revered by Muslims and . dence," he said, "but I'm still dis- Christians. ''Life can change in a blink of an cerning what this all means." .

The shooting interrupted what eye; maybe some good can happen was to have been a three-month study in a blink oflmeye;' he said. "In a and spiritual renewal sabbatical in mysterious way, maybe there can be Tantur, which is on the border be- some healing, but peace cannotcome without justice in the land." tween Israel and Palestine.

Deacon Meyer and his wife have Deacon Meyer and his wife, Mary Ann, a theology teacher at 'remained guided by faith and conXavier College Preparatory, a dioc- soled by humor in the wake of his

bullet wound and another family accident that also could have been a tragedy.

Just weeks before the shooting, their only daughter suffered a nearfatal head injury in a hiking accident in Mexico.

"Both events could have been so awful, but the right people were at the right places;' Mary Ann Meyer said. "God was watching over our family, although people have told us maybe we should start wearing helmets."

7

THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15, 200>

~~" IIneh"r will not·

t

be printed on Dec. Z9.

- but should return to your door on Jan. 5. 2001.

Th, "neh"r starr would like to wish all our readers and advertisers a blessed and holy Christmas season.

~~

,=t .1"

:§

~

'--~~~::-~ .....~_-S.~~';.v

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8

THEANCHOR - Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15, 2000

Magic

Continuedfrom page one

Stephen used for his collection we they eagerly gave me their blessgot by saving S & H Green ings. As a matter of fact, one of Stamps," said the elder them wrote the forward in my efFernandes. "Now, if he 'needs fort."

The book is just under 500 more room, we'll have to take out pages, with a magnificent cover the couch and the chairs."

Also displayed are some props, designed by one of Father but "I don't deal with props as a Fernandes' former parishioners at rule," said Father Fernandes. "It's St. Peter & Paul Parish in Fall the magazines, books and litho- River, Chuck Medeiros.

It's not the type of book one graphs that are my main focus."

Some of the magazinecollec- can pick up and read, but to magic tions are missing certain editions, collectors, it's almost of Biblical for which he is alway~' on the proportion. In the Dec. 2 issue of Brian lookout. But there is one publi- "Abaracadabra," cation of which Father Fernandes McCullagh of Sydney, Australia writes in his review of Father has the complete collection "Abracadabra," from England, Fernandes' book, "I make no the world's only weekly magic apology for the, exuberant tone of magazine. The magazine surfaced this review. The work is a truly in 1946, and Father Fernandes has significant contribution tQ the every single issue, over 2,800, on field of magic literature and, with ..&. NEARLY EVERY nook and cranny in the basement of Father Stephen Fernandes' his shelves, with the Dec. 2 issue Alfredson/Daily Bibliography, house is claimed by the younger Fernandes' magic collection. dad's containing a glowing review of will become an indispensable part of any serious magician's library. his recently published book. ~ A HIGHLY acclaimed magic reference book by Father Fernandes was published in Not only is the collection of It is unreservedly recommended."

November of this year. The nearly SOO-page guide has been in the works since he began it He began hjs project in 1991, massive proportions, it is all very neatly packaged and arranged, as completing it this summer, and in 1991. (Anchon'Jolivet photos) the book was released last month. if by, well, magic!

Father Fernandes said' his inEverything is arranged, sorted, stored and easily accessible, by terest in magic was sparked by color codes, card files and com- seeing magicians on the old "Ed Sullivan Show," on television in puter databases.

The book Father Fernandes the late '50s and early '60s. After published deals with what he being bitten by the magic bug, knows best - magic magazines. young Fernandes bought some "Magic Magazines of the Second magazines and leamed that there Millennium," is a bibliography of was a.plethora of magic publicamagic magazines since 1983. tions by kids for kids. "I also went ''There was a premier magic bib- to the New Bedford Public Liliography published in 1987 that brary and took out books 00:, listed all the known magic maga- magic," he said. "I've since ptir~· . zines from 1791 to 1983,'.' he said. chased copies of those books for ' "During that period, there were my collection." ." only 1,400 publications to list.

As a lad, he frequented a jok~ But with the advent of desktop , shop in New Bedford, and evenpublishing in the early '90s, there tually convinced his dad to take was a boom in new magazines. him to one of the premier magic_ From' 83 to 2000 there were over shops in the region, Holden's in Boston. "It was there that I first 400 new publications created.

"I saw a need to update the pre- ~aw real magic in person," he revious bibliography, so I contacted counted. :' .' the authors and asked if I could As his interest grew, so did lUi> , pick up where they left off, and participation. As a teen, he wrote

, columns fora numper of magic 'associates worldwide. lar,. because I used my own ", magazines, "mostly biographies Occasionally, Father money to purchase things, ~,' of magicians and also reviews of' Fernandes' admits, someone asks whether it was my allowance as ".,some magic tricks.': ' him why a Catholic priest would a lad, or from my paper route as a . . While .a student at Bishop .~dabble with the devil," with teen-ager. I learned self-confic' 'St~ng 'High' School' iq North magic. He says, "some people dence and how to behave and proDartmouth,.Fernandes performed don't understand that magic is mote myself. I gained valuable . , a t kid:s birthday parties. When theater. It is performing in a the-' experience writing for various ,·.•asked if he still performs, Father ater, as an actor, providing enter- publications, and I've made many IF YOU HAVE ORDERED DIRECTORIES TO BE , Fernandes- i-esponded;"Not at tainment. The purpose of a true wonderful friendships with PICKED UP AT THE ANCHOR OFFICE, PLEASE kid's parties any more, but occa- magician is not to deal with the "people from India, l:Iolland, GerCOLLECT THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, OR sionally at women's Chlb fune- _occult, but to be an actor playing many, England.. canada and of tions and the like. Mostly 'mind th.e role' of a m~gician. course~the U.S:"'. " ORDER YOUR DIRECTORIES Now Father Fernandes' dad fondly , reading' with playing cards ~d , .: !'A bad magic'i~ldools,people, ' ... :....:... ;;:<}\ good magici~ P.i'9vi~~flD-.~t. recalls his son's earl~ ,day~. such." . .

He did adnut that the mostdIf.o:·,: ';mosphere of aw~ ~d' wortde!}o.. "Stephen had a knack for It," SaId PLEASE ENCLOSE A PAYMENT OF ficult audience to perfo~ (Pt'ls ,~ the audience." ~. -::.: .:.' ':;', John Fernandes. "He had a stage $5 PLUS $2 SHIPPING TO THE children. "They don't ~isten to~' He went'on to say that other: :presence.. People listened to him. you," he said. ''They watch." You priests and even bishops 'are fans .' He still amazes me today.

ANCHOR, P.O. Box 7, "And it's nice to have him can read between the lines there. of magic throughoutthe'world:< " FALL RIVER, MA 02722 While collecting is his focal "SomeOne orice said tpai 'col- "come back home. When he's point, Father Fernandes has writ- lectors aren't made, they're born,''' here, 'he spends a lot of time ten some and was once asked to said Father Fernandes. "I believe downstairs. He does something he Name: lecture at The Magic Circle, in I was born a magic collector. I was loves doing. And he's good at it."

London, one of the world's pre- . convinced of that when I realized "Keep in mind that's a father Address mier magic organizations. "It was I couldn't escape it. boasting about his son," said the City _ quite an honor to be asked," said "Looking back, this hobby has younger Fernandes. But there's Father Fernandes.

"After that, I provided me with many wonder- no trickery there. One look State _ Zip _ became an Associate with Silver ful memories and benefits. As a around his "museum" will tell Star," one of less than 200 such youth I learned the value of a dol- you that.

----------

---------

Simpler

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFall River-Fri., December 15,2000

9

Continued from page one

up the tree and decorate it along with my parents and sisters Rita, Florence and Doris. 1 hated ... hated taking the tree down, yet as much as'! hated taking it down, it was.a treat to take it outside and break off the branches to discard it. There was just something about the smell of pine that affected me.

Even today, when 1 smell it, it brings me back to those days."

Occasionally, the Patenaude Christmas feast would include a turkey that was raised in the backyard of the Chicago Street home. While the dinner menu may have varied and the size and shape of the tree may have changed every year, there was one constant to Christmas at the Patenaude home and that was an understanding of what the season was all about "My parents were very devout and faithful Catholics and my sisters and I were taught that the real meaning ofChristmas was the birth of Our Savior,Jesus Christ," he said. ''Mass was always an important part of Christmas, from the choir singing to the large manger scene in the front ofthe church. But! did believe in Santa Claus for a long time, and I couldn't wait to get up in the morning to see the presents under.the tree, like any other kid."

But young Andre wasn'tlikeevery other kid. At the age of seven, the young Patenaude felt a tUgging at his heartstrings for the priesthood.

"I loved going to Mass every day and being an altar boy," he said. "I attended St. Jean Baptiste School, and the Sisters pf Saint Joseph helped kindle the spark within me for the priesthood."

The. closeness of the family at Christmas time was only an extension of every day life in the Paten~ude household. "My father owned a business with his brother, and he was always nearby, whether he was in the garage welding bulldozers or out in the back yard chopping wood," said Father Pat. "He didn't really spend a lot oftime with me, but he was always there when I . needed him.

"I can recall helpmg my father out on Saturdays, riding on his truck shouting out 'wood, wood' to those who needed logs to heat their apartments."

Father Patenaude's mother was a secretary in the family business, and she too was always close by for her children. "And my sisters and 1 had a typical brother-sister relationship. We had our share offights, but

we really loved each other."

On Sundays the family usually went for a long drive together, "singing and harmonizing all the popular songs of the time."

Besides the annual holiday feasts, one of the family highlights was when his father called for a "lobster feed." ''We didn't do it every Sunday, but occasionally my father would drive over to New Bedford and buy the largest lobster he could find," said Father Pat. ''I can recall having to hack at some ofthose lobsters to fit them into the pot. In fact we got one so large, that we saved the two huge claws and hung them in the garage."

As he grew, so did young Andre's desire to become a priest, encouraged by the nuns and his pastor, Msgr. Leonidas Lariviere. After he graduated from St Jean Baptiste, Patenaude entered the La Salette seminary in Enfield, N.H. "I had never been so far away from home and for so long," he said. "At 13, it was a bit frightening, but eventually 1 settled in."

The young seminarian came home for Christmas and during the summer. "I had to work to help pay my tuition, and for a few summers, I worked at the old Carnival drivein restaurant across from White's on the South Watuppa Pond."

He completed his high school education in New' Hampshire, and attended college at the University of Ottawa It was during that period in his life that he taught himself to play the guitar and eventually began singing and composing music for worship. ''I put together a group up in Canada and we sang at Masses and special occasions," he said. ''We even played at Expo '67 in Montreal." . He was ordained a La Salette Father in 1969 and was assigned to the Shrine in Attleboro, where he's

been ever since.

Through the years, the Attleboro Shrine developed the annual festival of Lights that continues today.

Thousands of people of all faiths descend upon the Shrine from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day each year to witness the massive display of Christmas lights, enjoy ethnic foods, attend Christmas concerts

by Father Pat and others, attend Mass and receive the sacraments.

"For years people have been coming to the Shrine at Christmas because there is a peace here," said Father Pat. "Some may think it has a carnival atmosphere because it's so big, but the Shrine keeps the religious aspects of the season.

"Some ofthe children who came here to see the lights with their parents, now bring there parents here in wheelchairs and from nursing homes. For some, Christmas isn't Christmas without a trip to La Salette."

Family is very important to Father Pat and his fellow priests and brothers at the Shrine, and one of their missions is to emphasize that importance.

'The world has become so materialistic, so technical," said Father .Pat ''Whatwe try to do here, through music, and religious displays and lights is to teach people to realize that God is alive and present and he isn't an angry God." FatherAndre Patenaude grew up in a loving, close-knit family. He left

that environment as a very young boy, but entered one with the same values and ideals. Today, he shareswith others what he knows bestthe importance of family - individual families and the family of mankind.

"Forthose that come to the Shrine

this Christmas season. 1 truly hope they can become rmre free to express their faith, to know it and live it" He grew up in a much simpler time, but Father Pat and his La Salette family can offer a taste of that simplicity by spending a few hours with them during the Christmas season.

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Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15, 2(0)

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(:Blf)§Ulle§ NEW YORK (CNS) - Following are recent capsule reviews issued by the U.S. Catholic Conference Office for Film and Broadcasting.

"The Day Silence Died" (First Run) . Bittersweet satire set:.in the late 1950s in which the guileless townsfolk of a rustic Bolivian village are corrupted by a rascally radio operator (Dario Grandinetti) who installs a radio station that becomes an instrument for airing the residents' dirty laundry and secret desires. Pleasingly photographed with well-drawn characters, director Paolo Agazzi's tale fascinates with its keen observations of human foibles until it comes to its inevitable, ugly conclusion. Subtitles.

Brief violence, some. sexual encounters, fleeting nudity and a few instances of rough language and profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.

"Dungeons & Dragons" (New Line) Dull fantasy thriller in which the young empress (Thora Birch) of a mystical land recruits a band of adventurers to find a magical artifact that will foil the scheme of an evil wizard (Jeremy Irons) to dethrone her. Based on a role-playing game, director Courtney Solomon's action film plods predictably along with onenote characters and ordinary

special effects. Intermittent violence. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is Aill - adults: The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 - parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

"Proof of Life" (Warner Bros.)

Passable 'drama about an American engineer (David Morse) kidnapped by Latin American rebels and whose wife (Meg Ryan) hires a freelance hostage negotiator (Russell Crowe) to secure his release. Spectacular scenery and some suspenseful moments initially draw the viewer in, but overall director Taylor Hackford's unexceptional narrative and shallow characterizations fail to excite. Intermittent violence, brief drug use and recurring rough language with fleeting profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R - restricted.

"Vertical Limit" (Columbia) Action-packed tale in which a former mountain climber (Chris O'Donnell) leads a rescue team up K2, the world's second-highest peak, where his sister (Robin Tunney) and two others are trapped inside a deep crevasse with only hours to live.

While director Martin Campbell's script is sometimes ludicrous, its hair-raising series of life-and-death situations proves consistently suspenseful.

Much intense peril, fleeting implied drug abuse, brief sex references and minimal rough language and profanity. The U.S. Catholic Conference classification is A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 parents are strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

CCC Christmas special sent to NBC affiliates

By CATliOUC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - f\"BC is making available to its affiliates the Catholic Communication Campaign's "Once Upon a Christmas" special.

The hour-long special is hosted by TV and film actress Margaret Colin, who is currently in a recurring role on the ABC sitcom "Madigan Men." The holiday show features two clayanimation Christmas stori.es: - "Martin the Cobbler," written by Leo Tolstoy, about a shoemaker who is lonely and without hope as Christmas nears, but is visited by several people with problems whom he helps in various ways; - "The First Christmas," . narrated by actor· Christopher Plummer, which uses the Gos-

pel accounts from Luke and Matthew in telling the story of Jesus' birth. The familiar story includes new characters such as an awestruck shepherd boy and the Bethlehem innkeeper's petulant daughter.

NBC was to send a satellite feed of "Once Upon a Christmas" this week to its affiliates.

Check local listings for air dates and times, or consult www.nccbuscc.org/ccc for a listing of station air dates and times.

The CCC program was distributed to NBC through ~e Interfaith Broadcasting Commission, whose members include the U.S. Catholic Conference, the Southern Baptist Convention, the National Council of Churches and the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

THORA BIRCH stars in the fantasy-adventure movie "Dungeons & Dragons." For a brief review of this film, see CNS Movie Capsules on this page. (CNS photo from New Line)

New York radio priest puts so·ul talk into new book'

By NANcy HARTNAGEL CATliOUC NEWS SERVICE

greesin psychology, just expe- he focuses on a single topic, rience as a priest and life expe- like what people dream of in WASHINGTON - Father rience," he said with an easy life.

Paul Keenan has a radio voice laugh. "What little sanity I have The nine-year-old show, usu- clear and sonorous. is attributable to God, I think." ally airing locally on Saturday He had the voice even as a Father Keenan was ordained night at 9, has an audience of kid growing up in Kansas City, a priest of the Missouri prov- about 35,000. He started it, he Mo., he said, when radio was ince of the Society of Jesus in said, "because I wanted people the center of his world.

1977. After serving in a sev- to take away each week one Now, the 54-year-old priest ·.eral parishes around the bor- positive lesson about their souls is director of radio ministry forough of Manhattan, he left the or their spirit that they could the Archdiocese of New put into practice during York, where he hosts ......- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , the week."

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Keenan says it is fash"Religion on the Line" - Th(\Il1'1~ ~I"(\r<' ionable to talk about the ,,,,h.., "fl:J"·,,j"'" ,,,,I,,,,,, 0",;",,/ '''I soul. During the '90s, at WABC radio.

One voice led to anpeople responded to other, though, as the inT~GE shows like his and to terviewer of authors o f · "the soul literature" be.spiritual books became cause of "a hunger for one of them, writing something deeper," he "Good News for Bad said.

Days" in 1998 and . Even when people "Stages of the Soul: name it something else, The Path of the Soulful The Path (~f the SOIlUitl L(f(" he added, that deeper Life" in 2000. thing is God. Speaking by phone A life-threatening illrecently with Catholic ness in 1988 was a turning point in his life, FaNews Service, Father Keenan said his latest ther Keenan said. "My book, 'des~ribing a thyroid gland doesn't seven-stage journey in work and my whole syswhich lost souls can betem just went right out come re-enchanted with of control. The doctors life, is not just for lost didn't think I was going souls. to live."

"It's for anybody But the illness who is trying to grow in pointed him in a new the spiritual life, in their direction, he recalled. inner life," he said. "I During his recovery, his started with and emphasized Jesuits to become an pastor suggested he take a unithe lost soul thing so much be- archdiocesan priest in 1993. versity radio course, which led cause Ithink all of us have been Now a confirmed New first to one radio gig, then the there."

Yorker, he resides at Our Lady other. Similarly, his literary The priest, who attended of Peace Parish on the upper career was launched when an Catholic schools in Kansas City, East Side with his cats, Teddy author he interviewed on radio earned a classical undergradu- and Midnight. He celebrates introduced him to her literary ate degree at Rockhurst College Mass there and at another agent. there. He also has master's de- neighborhood parish almost "As I mentioned in the acgrees in moral and pastoral the- daily. knowledgments for this book," ology and in' philosophy from On "As You Think," Father he told CNS, "I'm grateful to St. Louis and Fordham univer- Keenan takes listeners' calls and God for a second chance at life, sities, respectively. often discusses spirituality and and an opportunity to do some"I don't have any formal de- values with writers. Sometimes thing with it."

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Senior issues At this season you may feel Small changes can make a differstressed. A little stress is good. It ence. Simplify your life; motivates you. Too much can - do not commit yourself to damage your health. There are things that you can not or do not things you can do to resolve stress. want to do; "Stress is personal," said Deborah Banda, AARP Massachusetts state director. "Everyone reacts differently.

The effects that stress has on your health will depend on how you react to it. Your reaction depends on your outlook on life and your view of the stressful situation," added Banda.

- set limits. First, set priori"Manage Stress Keep Your ties. Decide what is most imporCool at 50 Plus," is a AARP pub- tant for you and your family. Set lication which offers ways to help times for those activities. manage stress. Typical Stressors According to Walt Sanders, include: retirement worries, bad AARP Massachusetts state presibusiness year, personal illness, dent, "The overstimulation and death in the family, dependent overscheduling that are so. much parents, empty nest, becoming a of American life today leave grandparent and investment many people hungry for time losses. alone. Finding time alone can be Once you recognize that you a challenge." The restorative . have stress in your life, try the power of time alone can improve following: creativity, clarify your thoughts - list the top five things that and enhance understanding of cause you stress. Note the big and your relationships. small stressors; The AARP booklet suggests - think about how the things that you relax for 15 minutes or on your list affect you. You might more a day, using such techniques not be able to control everything as resting, visualization, knitting on the list. But you can gain con- and meditation. Also, try finding trol over your to them; 'humor in a situation. Humor is a - take control of what you powerful antidote to stress. It can start. There should be some stres- be a great way to relieve tension sors on your list that you can and may be as easy as renting a change. You decide where to start. funny. video and watching it at

home.

You will never be able to eliminate all the stresses in your life, but you can work to improve your reaction to them. To get a free copy of "Manage Stress: Keep Your Cool at 50 Plus," call 617 -7205600.

Nancy Boland Johnson

.,

lHEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15, 2(XX)

***

To help elders stay warm this winter and prepare for an expected hike in home heating prices, Lillian Glickman, secretary of elder affairs, has released an action plan to help spread the word about common-sense preventative measures that should be "taken very seriously."

"The goal of this campaign is to remind people that when the mercury in the thermostat goes down, the home heating bills go up," Glickman said. "The best defense is to familiarize oneself with programs that are offered in your community and follow the home heating tips that Elder Affairs recommends. Try the following tips for all fuels: - every year tune-up and clean the heating system. Change furnace filters monthly; - insulate your hot water tank and any hot water pipes and ducts in unheated basements; - weatherstrip doors and windows; - lower ttte thermostat when you are at work or sleeping. Lowering the thermostat for eight )

hours a day can save 10 percent on your bill; - keep drapes and curtains open during the day and closed at night.

Other suggestions include: - show for fixed-price contracts or budget payment plans; - check for local oil cooperatives; - do not let the tank drop less than one-fourth full.

Legislation has been signed that will provide $12 million in assistance to eligible, lowincome residents who need help paying their heating bills.

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WASHINGTON -At least 130 U.S. dioceses have .said they will encourage their parishes to take part in a pledge campaign to hold the media accountable for images they produce and the messages they offer.

The campaign kicked off last weekend, coinciding with the Jubilee for Entertainers observance at the Vatican.

In future years of what is a five-year campaign, the pledge is expected be taken in conjunction with World Communications Day in late spring. . Part of the pledge calls for Catholics to "eliminate that which diminishes our appreciation of God's image in creation." Those who make the pledge say they will "reject media that produce immoral content and demean the dignity of the human person."

In the Diocese of Des Moines, Iowa, Bishop Joseph L. Charron consulted with, among others, his priests' council on the pledge campaign. ''They were all very much in favor of going forward with that," said diocesan spokesman Tom Chapman.

The diocesan communications advisory committee was also scheduled to consider the pledge campaign in early December, with a eye toward how to promote it in future years, Chapman added.

In the Diocese of Burlington, Vt., the campaign is being deferred a month until the weekend of Jan. 2021, according to Gloria Gibson, diocesan director of communications. "Rather than dilute the effort, we're moving it to January," she said.

Bulletin inserts and pulpit announcements will be made available for all weekends leading up to the weekend, she said. On that weekend, parishioners will be given the pledge to take home, with a request to commit to acting on at least one of the 10 points listed.

The Burlington diocese will also unveil a separate

Nancy Boland Johnson is a parishioner of Our Lady of VICtory Church, Centerville.

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website containing tJte pledge that people can sign and forward to the U.S. Catholic Conference, Gibson said.

Those who make the pledge will have a lO-point plan to guide them in how to promote responsible, moral and ethical media. The points include promises to: - "Trade one hour a week using media for an hour in prayer"; - "Seek out and use media that explore faith and spiritual issues"; - ''Talk with my family about our use of media to make sure it is responsible"; - "Explain why the next time I tell my children not to watch or read something"; - "Skip a few movies or rental videos and use the money saved to help someone in need"; . - "Contact a media outlet to approve or disapprove ofa particular program, recording, video, movie, publication or website"; - "Monitor the amount of time my family spends on the Internet and pay particular attention to the websites that my children may explore."

Other points call on signers of the pledge to use media together as a family and discuss its meaning and implications; discuss with neighbors and friends what media they do and don't let their children use; and using reliable sources for evaluating what movies and TV shows to watch.

Those who take the pledge say they will encourage media to show "whatever upholds moral values, strengthens families and promotes a just and peaceful society."

Individuals who want to take the pledge electronically can log on to www.renewingmedia.org, established by the USCC. The site gives background behind the pledge as well as the full text of the U.S. bishops' 1998 statement "Renewing the Mind of the Media."

spokesperson for Elder Affairs, "A new toll-free hotline, 1-866-ENERGY-7, all be available in early 2001. Enrollees will contribute monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments on a graduated scale based on annual household income. The maximum monthly premium will be $82. For more information call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800243-4636); or 1-800-872-0166 for people with hearing disabilities.

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Dioceses sign up' for lDedia pledge campaign

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11

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THEANCHOR- Diocese ofFall River-Fri., December 15, 200>

Vatican Christmas tree brings political, religions discord VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The Vatican's Christmas tree is being trimmed with poli~cal and interreligious discord this year because the .

Austrian official delivering it once praised Hitler and is viewed as a dangerous extremist by Jewish and . other groups.

In an annual tradition, Pope John Paul II was expected to meet tomorrow with the donors of the 33-meter (l09-foot) tree after it has been erected and decorated in St. Peter's Square.

The tree comes from Austria's Carinthia province, where the governor is Jorg Haider, a right-wing politician whose anti-immigrant positions have alarmed some European neighbors. In. remarks he has since partially disavowed, Haider once praised Hitler's employment policies and the role of the Nazi SS. Last year he stepped down as . leader of the Austrian Freedom Party, but he is still considered a guiding force in the national politi- . cal movement.

The. tree has placed the Vatican in a difficult and unplanned situation. The gift was arranged in 1997, well before Haider became governorin 1999. Cancellation of the ceremony now would risk offending

Austrian Catholics, Vatican sources said.

But Israeli officials and Jewish groups have warned that a papal meeting with Haider could have seriousconsequences. .

In late November, Israeli ambassador Yosef Neville Lamdan met with Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran and made it clear that Israelis oppose a papal meeting with Haider, an informed source in Rome said.

The source said that in the Israeli view, such an encounter "certainly will not make things easier and reestablish a mood of mutual trust" following recent Catholic-Jewish controversies over the beatification of Pope Pius IX and the publication of a Vatican document on Christ as the unique savior..

In Jerusalem, a Foreign Ministry statement said the visit would be viewed by Israel with "considerable disappointment and displeasure."

Last week, agroup ofltalian protesters demonstrated at the Vatican's nunciature in Rome and raised a banner which said: 'The church cannot welcome a racist like Haider."

Pope John Paul initiated the Christmas tree tradition in 1982, and trees have been donated in recent years by a number of European countries.

'g"'A§ ~m ~me . wilt Ae doze on lJU4IA, fU N ;j

9TMU'en" Consecration to the DiVine Will In

Oh adorable and Divine Will, behold me here before the immensity ofYour Light, thatYoureternal goodness may open to m~ the doors and make me enter into It to form my life all in You, Divine Will. Therefore, oh adorable Will, prostrate before Your Light, I, the least ofall creatures, put myself into the little group of the sons and daughters of Your Supreme FIAT. Prostrate in my nothingness, I invoke Your Light and beg that it clothe me and eclipse all that does not pertain to You, Divine Will. It will be my Life, the center of my intelligence, the enrapturer of my heart and ofmy whole being. I do not want the human will to have life in this heart any longer. I will cast it away from me and thUs form the new Eden of Peace, of happiness and of love. With It I shall be always nappy. I shall have a singular strength and a holiness that sanctifies all things and conducts them to God. Here prostrate, I invoke the help of the Most Holy Trinity that They permit me to live in the cloister of the Divine Will and thus return in me the first order of creation, just as the creature was

created.

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.

Heavenly Mother, Sovereign and Queen ofthe Divine Fiat, take my hand and introduce me into the Light of the Divine Will. You will be my guide, my most tender Mother, and will teach me to live in and to maintain myselfin the order and the bounds ofthe Divine Will. Heavenly Mother, I consecrate my whole being toYour Immaculate Heart You will teach me the doctrine ofthe Divrne Will . and lwilllisten most attentive'y toYour lessons. You will cover me withYour mantle so that the infernal serpent dare not penetrate into this sacred Eden to entice me and make me fall into the maze ofthe human will.

Heart of my greatest Good, Jesus,You will give meYour flames that they may bum me, consume me, and feed me to form in me the Life of the Divine Will.

SaintJoseph, you will be my protector, the guardian ofmy heart, and will keep the keys of my will in your hands. You will keep my . heart jealously and shall never give it to me again, that I may be sure of never leaving the Will ofGod. My guardian Angel, guard me; defend me; help me in everything so that my Eden may flourish and be the instrument that draws all men into the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Amen.

.

( In Honor ofLuisa Piccarreta 1865-1947 Child ofthe Divine Will)

'O.ngoing miracle' continues to draw hundreds of thousands

By MONTE MACE CATMOUC NEWS SERVICE MEDJUGORJE, BosniaHerzegovina - Hundreds of thousands of Catholics from around the worldcontinue to flock to this small village in former Yugoslavia 19 years after six children said the Virgin Mary appeared to them - even though the Catholic Church has not officially confirmed the apparitions.

The Medjugorje apparitions differ from those in Lourdes, France; Fatima, Portugal; and in other countries because the apparitions here are said to have continued for nearly 20 years. Three ofthe visionaries, now adults, say Mary still appears to them daily wherever they are.

Some 15 million people, Catholic and non-Catholic, have made the journey to this small farm village of 6,000 people 100 miles south of Sarajevo since the first apparition on June 24, 1981, said Father Svetozar KraIjevic, a Franciscan priest assigned to St. James Parish in Medjugorje. . Many visitors report they experience miracles ranging from rosaries turning to gold to being healed of arthritis and other ailments.

VICKA IVANKOVIC, who claims daily apparitions of the The Vatican has been investigating the reported apparitions but has Blessed Virgin Mary, prays over a pilgrim outside her home .never made a definitive judgment . in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Ivankovic holds talks each day relating the messages she receives from Mary. about their validity.

While the Vatican has never said (eNS photo by Monte Mace) that Catholics may not go to Medjugorje, it has told bishops that, So many people packed a recent the· original crucifix.

Wayne Weible, a former their parishes and dioceses may not \~ Croatian-language Mass on a Saturorganize official pilgrimages to the ~ day evening that there barely was Lutheran from South Carolina, consite. However, priests are not for- . room for those standing in the back verted to Catholicism and sold his lucrative newspaper publishing busibidden to accompany lay-organized and sides of the church. tour groups.

"Last year, 1,300,000 came for ness after hearing Mary's call to Despite the unusual physical oc- Holy Communion here," said Fa- spread her message. currences at Medjugorje, many 00- ther Branimir Musa, also a He may be responsible for atlievers say the real miracle of the Franciscan priest lit St. James who tracting more people to Medjugorje phenomenon is the change of heart said he dido't believe in the appari- than anyone else in the world, inthat takes place among visitors. tions until the faith of the visitors cluding the estimated 10,000 Ameri"It is the ongoing miracle of our ov€<rwhelmed him. cans who visit annually. He gives day," said Father Kraljevic. "Why . "In the past, I have spent seven talks throughout the world and has did Our Lady appear here? To make hours hearing confessions in one written four books on the appariour world better. We have to day," he added. "The grace that tions, including the largest selling book on the phenomenon, change." comes - that is M~jugorje."

The depth of faith among visiVisitors climb Podbrdo Hill to "Medjugorje: The Message."

"This is real," Weible said. tors is evident. Catholics from many visit the site of the first apparitions, nations stand in line for daily 5 p.m. marked by an aluminum cross, and "Some will see miracles here. confessions in the wooden confes- also Mount Krizevac, where in 1933 Some won't. But it doesn't matsional booths outside the twin spires on the anniversary ofChrist's cruci- ter. Sometime in the visit, the Virof St. James Church in the center of fixion villagers erected a 36-foot gin Mary is going to fill your heart the village. cement cross containing a relic of in a special way."

Italian·Franciscans honor Sister Prejean for her death row work PADUA, Italy (eNS) - The Conventual Franciscans who publish the "Messenger of St. An-. thony in Padua" honored St. Joseph Sister Helen Prejean for her ministry to death row inmates and her work to abolish the death penalty.

In.giving Sister Prejean the St. Anthony's International Award last week, the Franciscans described her book, "Dead Man Walking," as an "eloquent cry of the heart against the death penalty."

The friars said that "for more than 15 years Sister Helen has brought help and comfort to 'men without a future' and has become a symbol· of the struggle against the death penalty around the world."

In an interview with Vatican Radio, Sister Prejean said her encounters with people condemned to death

have been "a rediscovery of the dignity of every person, which is the message of the Gospel."

Supporters of the death penalty believe it is the only appropriate punishment for someone found guilty of murder, she said.

But instead of working as a deterrent, Sister Prejean said, the death penalty harms society as a whole because it shows "the only thing we know how to do is to respond to violence with violence."

Sister Prejean will join representatives of the Rome-based Sant'Egidio Community and Amnesty International at the United Nations Dec. 18 when they give Kofi Annan, the U.N. secretary-general, a petition with three million signatures asking for a worldwide moratorium on the death penalty.

Arrival of RU-486 in U.S. brings danger warnings ~

Hospitalization and frequent surgery are common to its use.

By CAlliOUC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON - As the abortion pill RU-486 began arriving at U.S. abortion clinics around the country, Pro-Life advocates renewed their warnings about the dangers involved in using the pill.

"RU-486 has the potential to be this generation's thalidomide or DES," said Laura Echevarria, spokeswoman for the National Right to Life Committee. "American women need to know just how dangerous this drug can be."

The sleep-inducing drug thalidomide caused birth defects when taken by pregnant women in the 1950s and '60s, and DES exposure in pregnancy has been linked to higher frequencies of cancer and infertility among the children born of those pregnancies.

RU-486, known generically as mifepristone and used in connection with a second drug, misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions, was approved by the Food and Drug Administra-

tion Sept. 28 but was not available in abortion clinics until late November.

Echevarria expressed particular concern about reports in the Los Angeles Times that the drug being produced for the U.S. market was made in China by a company that "has been cited by federal regulators for bringing mislabeled and impure drugs into the United States."

Even if the drug is pure, RU486 "takes the life of an u'nborn child and has the potential to threaten the lives and health of women," the NRLC spokeswoman added, citing the fact that one in 100 U.S. women who participated in clinical trials for the drug had to be hospitalized and two percent hemorrhaged so severely as to require surgery.

Judie Brown, president of the American Life League, said that as the drug is distributed aro!Jnd the country, Planned Parenthood "is attempting to redefine a mortally dangerous drug as 'medicine'" and to remove its identification as RU-486.

In a press statemen~, Gloria Feldt, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of

America, said, "We are very proud that Planned Parenthood will take a leadership role by offering American women this early medical abortion option.

"Unfortunately, the truth is, regardless of Planned Parenthood's deceptive propaganda, the RU-486 regimen always costs the life of at least the baby, and in some cases it can claim the life of the mother," Feldt added. ' Cathy Brown, director of Why Life?, an affiliate of the American Life League, said use of the drug over several days wHl lead to "devastating" psychological consequences for the women using RU-486, since most women will expel the remains of the child at home.

"Mothers will come face to face with the reality that they have participated in the killing of their baby," said Cathy Brown.

The Pro-Life leaders also noted that Searle, manufacturer of the misoprostol drug Cytotec, which is used with RU-486 to complete an abortion, has warned against such use, saying it could kill the child and cause various health difficulties to the mother.

Catholic officials criticize AMA

Puerto Rican layman slated for beatification in April SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CNS) - Archbishop Roberto O. Gonzalez of San Juan has announced that a Puerto Rican layman involved in liturgical education will be beatified by Pope John Paul II next April 29.

The beatification of Carlos Manuel Rodriguez is scheduled to take place at the Vatican in St. Peter's Square, the archbishop said during a recent news conference.

Rodriguez, known as "Charlie," was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, in 1918 and died in 1963 of colon cancer.

He was a clerical worker at an agricultural extension station of the University of Puerto Rico.

He also lectured informally on liturgical issues and Christian culture at the university's Catholic Center, and translated articles on those topics into Spanish from

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ing it as another form of contraception."

In a recent statement, Cleaver said, "Making this product available over the counter like aspirin will make abortifacients available to underage girls, without parental notice or consent iii states which require parental involvement in abortion decisions."

ganization had acted irresponsibly, "particularly when studies have shown that (the drug) ORLANDO, Fla. A spokeswoman for the U.S. bishis only 75 percent effective." ops called it "tragic" that the She was referring to a U.S. American Medical Association Catholic Conference position "would consider recommending paper quoting a 1997 study conover-the-counter sale of the soducted for the FDA. called morning-after pill."

In a report submitted to conCathy Cleaver, director of vention delegates, the AMA planning and information for the committee noted that the FDA bishops' Secretariat for found the drug to be safe Pro-Life Activities, said and effective. the drug "deprives new report also said that "Making this product available 18 The embryos of their ability to states were experimentimplant in the uterine wall over the counter like aspirin will ing with alternative ways and thereby brings about make abortifacients available to to provide the drug by altheir death." collaborative prac~ underage girls, without parental lowing Delegates at an AMA tice arrangements between convention in Orlando last notice or consent in states which physicians and pharmaweek approved without require parental involvement in cists. Such arrangements would allow pharmacists discussion a resolution to abortion decisions." to provide emergency conincrease education on and traceptives to consumers accessibility of the mornwhhout a prescription. ing-after pill, and called Earlier this year the Vatican Sometimes called "emeron the Federal Drug AdminisL'Osservatore tration to consider making it gency contraception," the morn- newspaper available without a prescription. ing-after "pill" is actually two Romano criticized the growing Currently, two morning-after sets of two pills. The first set popularity of the morning-after drugs - Preven manufactured must be taken within 72 hours pill to combat teen-age pregby Gynetics of Somerville, N.J., of unprotected intercourse. The nancy in Europe.

The morning-after pill, which and Plan B, made by Women's second set is taken 12 hours later.

Capital Corp. of Bellevue, Depending at what stage a "provokes the destruction of the Wash., - are available in the woman is in her menstrual cycle, already fertilized egg" is "simthe pills can prevent the ply abortifacient," wrote United States by prescription.

Father Gino Deborah Stafford Shearer, embryo's implantation in the Franciscan director of the Respect Life Of- uterus or prevent the egg from Concetti, a moral theologian who frequently writes for the fice in the Diocese of Orlando, being fertilized.

Following the AMA vote, paper. also called the AMA action "irHe said hedonistic egoism responsible" and "misleading." Stafford Shearer told The The drug is an "abortifacient," Florida Catholic, newspaper of and poor science led to the drug's she said, but "the AMA is view- the Orlando Diocese, that the or- increased use.

English and French.

On Dec. 20, 1999, the pope paved the way for the beatification by signing a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to Rodriguez' intercession. It involved a woman who was found to be cured of cancer after praying to Rodriguez.

Archbishop Gonzalez said the archdiocese was organizing a pilgrimage of 2,000 people to attend the beatification ceremony.

Beatification is the step prior to being declared a saint. To be declared a saint another miracle is needed, this one occurring after the beatification ceremony.

OUR LADY'S RELIGIOUS STORE

action on 'morning-after' pill

By JUUE GREENE CAlliOUC NEWS SERVICE

13

1HEANCHOR- DioceseofFall River- Fri., December 15, 2<XXl

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Diocese ofFall River- Fri., December 15, 200>

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SENIORS MELISSA Traversi and Kristen Chierus of Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, sign letters of intent to colleges. Traversi will play Division One basketball at the University of Maine at Orono and Chierus will play volleyball at Central Connecticut State University in~ew Britain, Conn.

\

THE FRESHMAN class of 2004 at Bishop Connolly High School, Fall River, recently held election of class officers. Those named were: Vanessa Coelho, president; Amy Viveiros, vice president; Matthew Oliveira, secretary; and Gradeigh Mack, treasurer.

BISHOP CONNOLLY sophomore Jessica Frank, center, is the 2000 recipient of the $1 ,000 Thomas Keyes Memorial Scholarship. Pictured with her is Edward Keyes, Jr., Tommy Keyes and Mary Jane Keyes. The award is given each year in remembrance of Thomas Keyes, a member of the Fall River school's 1984 class who was killed in an automobile accident.

Correction In a recent photo of senior class officers at Bishop Stang High School, North Dartmouth, the vice-president, Meaghan Fortier, was erroneously identified as Meaghan Fournier.

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STUDENTS IN Carol Astley's second-grade class at SS. Joseph-Therese School, New Bedford, made pilgrim hats following a recent trip to Plimoth Plantation. They learned about customs, clothing and early life of the settlers and Native Americans.

CHILDREN FROM Our Lady of Mount Carmel School of Religious Education, New Bedford, gave their annual.presentation of things they are thankful for recently and gathered food for the poor. Grades one through eight participated.

FIRST- AND SECOND-GRADERS from Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, New Bedford, show off books they checked out of the local library. They make trips every other week to pick up new books and listen to stories being read aloud.

Christmas can be discussed in public schools, says educator

By CHUCK MooDY

not to make any activity devotional or worshipful. "But that doesn't mean that it has to be sterile," he added in a telephone interview.

His organization has prepared a series for public schoolteachers on how to talk about Christ-

themes can be included in lessons as long as the lessons "are PITTSBURGH - Many prudent and objective." public schoolteachers think they "That means that a teacher can cannot legally teach their stuteach all about it. can actually dents anything about Christmas. have kids read from the Bible.

But one expert says think That's literature. It deals with the again. contemporary' or historical oc"There's a big currences," he said. misperception out there What is not allowed is about that." said Eric if the teacher were to say• . The key ruling, according to Buehrer. founder and "I hope all of you make president of Gateways to Beuhrer, is where it says that music, Christ your Savior" or art, literature and drama which have something like that. exBetter Education.

"Many educators and religious themes can be included in plained Buehrer. "They administrators think they , lessons as long as the lessons "are can't extend some kind can't do anything to ac- prudent and objective." of invitation. They can't knowledge the holiday. say that 'this is something And the courts are pretty all the students believe... • clear that they can." he told He said he advises the Pittsburgh Catholic. news- mas. It includes documentation teachers to say things such as. paper of the Pittsburgh diocese. such as a federal appeals court "This is what Christians believe" Gateways to Better Educa- ruling in the Florey vs. Sioux or "This is why this is such an tion. based in Lake Forest, Ca- Falls (N.D.) School District important holiday to Christians" lif., is a national ministry aimed where the court ruled that stu- when talking about Christmas. at helping Christian parents with dents may sing religious Christ"Kind of make it a third perchildren in public schools pro- mas carols. son. That's one technique that a vide their children with spiritual The key in the ruling. accord- teacher can use to objectify it," and moral lessons. ing to Buehr~r. is where it says he said.

Buehrer said the key to deal- that music. art. literature and Teachers need to be educaing with Christmas in schools is drama' which have religious tors, not politicians, when it CATliOLlC

News SERVICE

THEANCHOR-DioceseofFalIRiver-Fri.,DecemberI5,2000 comes to such subject matter.

Buehrer said.

"When it comes to the holiday ... just educate them about the holiday," he said. "Teach them the truth. And you can do that with a lot of fun things. including music. and art, and drama and reading.

CATliOUC

News SERVICE

Your parents aren't supposed to get a di vorce. Other kids' parents. sure, that might happen.

But not yours.

When their parents are arguing angrily or just silently flashing hate looks and rolling their eyes at each other across the dinner table. kids worry that there might be a divorce someday, but they almost always convince themselves it won't happen.

If the tension builds, the kids may start wishing for a divorce just to let the tension out of the air. But almost as soon as they even have the wish. they take it back. Your parents aren't supposed to get a divorce, and you certainly aren't supposed to wish they would.

Still. it happens. Before they tum 18. more than half the kids in America will live through the heart-wrenching experience of their parents' breakup. These days the divorce rate for Catholics is about the same as for everybody else.

When mom goes one way and dad the other way, people worry about the kids - at least about the little kids. They imagine that somehow the teens will be OK. that they will manage this transition. "They're old enough to understand."

It isn't so. Divorce is plenty painful for teen-agers. Maintaining good relationships with both your parents after a divorce can feel like a real balancing act.

Your parents are probably still angry at each other. and they may be for years. No matter how mad your parents are. divorce also makes them feel very sad and guilty about how things

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worked out. Remember, they got married believing that their love would last forever.

Over the long rim you probably will be happiest if you can avoid taking sides and keep the communication going with both parents.

The first task is to avoid getting drawn into taking sides.

Over the years, you ~ill probably be happiest if you can comfortably spend time with each of your parents. Even though they are not with each other. they can still both be part of your life.

Sometimes your parents will want reassurance. "Your fatherl mother is the bad guy, and you agree with me. right?" The parent is feeling hurt or angry and wants you to say that you feel the same way. You may hear a lot of nasty details about the inner workings of their marriage - stuff you'd rather not ever know about. You're being asked

to sign on to one team with an implied pledge to hate the other side forever.

Your best response is. "I really don't want to take sides. I love you both." Ifthe details keep flowing, you may need to add. "I really don't want to hear that that's between the two of you."

Sometimes after a divorce parents drift away from their kids. Like a divorce, that shouldn't ever happen - but it does. Sometimes parents feel so . hurt and unhappy about the breakup of their family that they tum inward and let connections with their children slide.

When that happens to you. it is terribly painful. Teens can feel abandoned and tossed aside.

Two things may help' you through those difficult times.

First. remember that your sometimes distant parent is reacting to his or her own pain and loss. It really isn't about you.

Second, you can help to maintain the contact. When your sometimes distant parent does reach out toward you. reach back. When a relationship is under strain. both of you need the willingness to make things better.

Dr. Carstens is writing a book for parents about kids and television. He is doing phone interviews with parents who have chosen to limit their children's TV viewing. If you would like to be part of this project. contact him clo Catholic News Service. 3211 Fourth St. N .E.• Washington, D.C. 20017.

"It doesn't have to be dry.

Being objective doesn't mean it has to be boring. just be educators. It's a matter of teaching about religion. not trying to promote the religion. It's reasonable for American schools to teach American students about American culture."

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What teens do when parents divorce.

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THE ANCHOR - Diocese of Fall River - Fri., December 15, 2000

Bishop Feehan High School launches $2.5M fund drive

By CHRISTOPHER SERVANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, BISHOP FEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL

the Attleboro area, Feehan is a college preparatory school that currently sends 100 percent ofits ·students on to higher education.

The campaign theme, "Enduring Traditions, Ensuring Lasting Values," underscores the school's philosophy to of-

fer all students first-class facilities topnotch academics, rigorous discipline, a family atmosphere and a Roman

ATTLEBORO - Bishop Feehan High School has offi. cially kicked off a $2.5 million capital campaign with a Mass of Thanksgiving and the presentation of an anchor gift of $700,000.

Alumnus Rick Beach (of the Class of 1979) and Sharon Beach, from California, made the presentation at the Thanksgiving Day Mass celebrated by Bishop Sean P. O'Malley. OFM, Cap. Feehan, a co-educational pa~ rochial high school of 1,000 students, is conducting its first capital campaign with funds earmarked for three areas: financial aid, faculty enhancement and technology.

The school, located on Holcott Drive, has experienced an explosion in enrollment ap_.,:~._. >5 _ ~-\1,plications over the past few (1- '. years.

"- ...... . . ('1.1.:---'-:"' ,.1 , •. 1 T _ ~!'Cy ..-~.."We want to be able to pro-)0 -vide resources for all qualified .j I;; , .f ' ._ :z:L_ students who gain admission rePRESENTING-CHECK for Bishop Feehan High School's capital campaign drive to Bishop gardless of economic status," Principal George A. Milot said. Sean P; O'Malley, OFMCap.; are from left, Campaign Chairmen Mark Cuddy ('75) and Built in 1961 to serve the David Doran ('70); as Augustinian Father William T. Garland, director of education for the children of Catholic.families in Fall River diocese, looks on.

---'''--~;..;;.,l..J:l...l....:ii

Catholic traditio'n at affordable prices.

For many years the Sisters of Mercy staffed the school, and while the availability of the Sisters has diminished, the school has continued to sustain the Mercy legacy of a value-based education framed in hospitality and discipline.

Re'cent campaign improvemeni~ include a sparkling, lighted, track/soccer/football complex; new practice fields; a magnificent new Visual Arts Center; cutting edge technology and Internet opportunities; new classrooms, expanded curriculum offerings; a clothing store for the needy and many other internal improvements.

Milot said the campaign, slated to run for three years, "will provide Feehan with the necessary resources to continue its sustained mission well into the 21st century."

Those wishing to contribute to the campaign or participate in naming opportunities should contact Christopher Servant, Director of Development, at (508) 226-7411 or stop at the development office on the first floor of the Mercy convent on the school's campus.

",':";'

AN ECUMENICAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING THE NATIVITY OF THE U1Im> PRESENTED BY THE· VILLAGE CHURCHES 9F ASS9NET, MASS;, 51;. Bernard Catholic Church and the United Church of ~

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'Q At tho Un!t&f Church of NJecm$ - -rheMechanlcsl Chrtetmae VlI,- -a miniature fantaey In tho old-worfd tradition. Aleo. tho -r1"l':Oe of ChrfetmsedJepJay foaturfng tho thomatlc tr=e of civic and church groupe.. .

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The Creche LatJy'e Chrfetmae ~hoppo~ foaturfng ~nlClue fo!andt;~ Nativity EICOnee from around the: woiid. Helping thl~dwortd ~untrlee to.helpthemeelvee....

Dec. 16.1:00-4:00 p.m. - CHRJ5TMAS'APPRAI5AL FAIR·for antiClue Chrfetmae ornamente and cOllectiblee. Brfng In your lteme for appraleal by the experte at no charge.

Dec. 17.2:00 p.m. - The acclaimed art;let Maxwel!·Maye pondere hle.moot famoue painting: "The Longeet Day" - EICOnee from the life of Chrfet hidden In an 18th .century New England village. 51gnlnge by the art;let..

, At the United Church . Q ; Q

Chrietmae Country Store foaturfngeea90nal. collectibleS. tapee. c.d.'e and more.

Dec. 17.1:00-4:00 p.m. - CHRJ5TMA5APPRAI5AL FAIR forantiClue toye and dolle. Bring your lteme for appraleal by the experte at no charge.

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5llLW~1fmc.1W AlfU':tOIO' IPM - 'lea Santona de NoeVthe-Llttie Sainte of ChrJatm.%" - a 19t1u ~~~IP~ ~~ht 5troIL Repeated Dec. 23. No Charge. Program t7~I~ ~ ~ 11Jl~1 (Qlr~ ~ HillilmwJ h 2l4l-1tW ~ 9. Take Rt. 79N one half mile Into the village. Both church65 are mn ~ ~ ~ \\nil. ~1m;,&i~