The Catholic Telegraph March 2022

MAGAZINE

191st year | issue 3

bringing faith into the home

march 2022 | the saints | 1

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editor’s note

Who Are Your Intercessors?

As a Protestant, my knowledge of saints was limited to the ones associated with holidays: St. Nicholas, St. Valentine, St. Patrick – and those were relegated to the realm of Santa Claus.

It wasn’t until I discovered true Catholicism that I understood the saints as real people who faced adversities that were both similar to and well beyond our own. And even more amazing?

We ask them to pray with and for us to help us on our path to holiness. Once I began to understand and pray through the intercession of the Communion of Saints, certain saints appeared in my life, whether or not they were sought out.

During my conversion, I was with Catholic coworkers at an event when someone said to me, “You look like St. Bernadette.

Have you read her book, Bernadette Speaks? You need to!”

I looked up the book then and there to see my apparent doppelganger, and discovered that it was published on my birthday. That book remains one of my favorites — and St. Bernadette was my saintly intercessor when I was confirmed in the Catholic Church.

The morning I learned we were unexpectedly expecting again, we had a three-year-old and 11-month-old already at home, thus I was terrified. While dropping off my daughter at her Catholic pre-school, I stayed for their morning assembly, and so, heard the principal announce that it was the Feast of St. Monica. All students, teachers and parents prayed together for mothers, especially those in distress. St. Monica became my patroness during that pregnancy, especially after we learned we were expecting twins!

At a very young age, my oldest daughter, fixated on St. Genevieve, memorizing her life story and sharing it with all of us, on repeat. She was thrilled to finally dress as her favorite saint for school when All Saints Day arrived. Her young admiration for this saint remained through the years, and I laugh now, because my daughter is obsessed with bread – an item often depicted with St. Genevieve.

In 2018, I received the great honor to help share the story of five priests who died while caring for people during Shreveport, Louisiana’s 1873 Yellow Fever epidemic. My friends, Father Peter Mangum and Dr. Cheryl White, and I published their story as a graphic novel series in Shreveport’s Catholic magazine. The series was picked up by The Catholic Journalist, a national newspaper, and my quest for extra copies of that publication ultimately led me to this editor job in Cincinnati. Now, imagine my surprise when Father Earl Fernandes’ article for this very issue of The Catholic Telegraph featured those same five Shreveport martyrs of charity who are now recognized as Servants of God. These are only a few examples of how saints (and hopefully soon-to-be-saints) appeared in my life. I hope you find saintly inspiration within this issue’s pages. Even if you don’t, be on the lookout, because a certain saint might just find you.

cteditorial@catholicaoc.org

THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 191st Year No. 3 • March 2022 513-263-6635 • thecatholictelegraph.com

PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jessica Rinaudo

MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway

GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani

PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret Swensen

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT Dominick Albano

NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman

SOCIAL MEDIA Katherine Geiger

100 East Eighth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 ctadvertising@catholicaoc.org The Catholic Telegraph (xUSPS 094-520) ISSN. 10736689 is published monthly by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati 100 E 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Periodicals postage paid at Cincinnati and at additional mailing office.

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St. Peregrine relic at Maria Stein Shrine page 16

march the saints

columns

16 A PATRON SAINT FOR CANCER

7 QUESTION OF FAITH

SUSIE BERGMAN

Making saints?

St. Peregrine Cancer Care Ministry at Maria Stein Shrine gives hope and comfort to the suffering 20 BLESSED SOLANUS CASEY

news 8 BEACONS OF LIGHT Foundational principles: Evangelization

FATHER ROBERT J. HATER, PHD

11 PRIEST ASSIGNMENTS 14 LENT 2022 Message of the Holy Father

Hope for the future, supported by the CMA 33 FISH FRYS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

The ceiling of Holy Family Church in Cincinnati depicts the Communion of Saints surrounding Christ.

4 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

22 SHREVEPORT MARTYRS

36 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

FATHER EARL FERNANDES

DR. ANDREW SODERGREN

The surest path to heaven

Original Nakedness: Seeing as God Sees 37 DID YOU KNOW? GAIL FINKE & EMMA CASSANI

St. Benignus, Greenfield 38 MAKING CATHOLIC MEMORIES WAYNE & MARIANNE TOPP

SAMUEL VASQUEZ

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity

42 THE FINAL WORD

40 OUT & ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

DR. CAMILLE BROWN PRIVETTE

African saints: Our history and inspiration

ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: FRANTISEK ZVARDON

27 KIDS’ CORNER St. Patrick

25 POPE BENEDICT XVI, THE SAINTS AND THE UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS

EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

26 BOOK REVIEW

Your inner circle of saints

Sainthood here and now

30 PRISON MINISTRY

Holiness as the perfection of charity

The Word on Fire Bible: Acts, Letters & Revelation

NICHOLAS HARDESTY

KARY ELLEN BERGER

DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT

DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT

24 SEIZE THE MOMENT

28 VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY REVITALIZES YOUTH PROGRAM

18 A CLOSER LOOK

A man for our time

DOMINICK ALBANO

10 DEALING EMOTIONALLY WITH PARISH CHANGES

FATHER DAVID ENDRES

MATT HESS

21 SHINE ON

SEAN ATER

contents

MAGAZINE

191st year | issue 3

bringing faith into the home

POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH For a Christian Response to Bioethical Challenges march 2022 | the saints | 1

We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.

Seek the Lord ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

March brings us to Lent, that solemn season of the Church year in which we are called to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

It is also a time to reevaluate our lives, reflecting on how we can more perfectly radiate Christ as joyful witnesses. Given our fallen human nature, this is no easy task. Fortunately, we do not have to do it alone. God gave us the Church and the saints to help.

Apart from Mary, the saints were sinners just like us.

That is why they are not only intercessors, but also role models: Their lives encourage us in our own journey toward sainthood because they faced and overcame the same sorrows and temptations that challenge us. In the hopeful words of the playwright Oscar Wilde, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”

Although we worship only God, Christians have venerated saints as role models and intercessors since the earliest days of the Church. Images of these holy women and men in stained-glass windows, paintings and statues are like portraits of our family of faith. First-class relics evoke a special reverence, reminding us that saints were real people made of flesh and bone like us. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is built over the bones of St. Peter, the first pope, where pilgrims can still view them today.

Many of us have favorite saints to whom we look for help and guidance. For some it may be St. Patrick, whose feast we celebrate on March 17, or St. Joseph, whom we venerate on March 19. My mother had a great devotion to St. Anthony of Padua, the 13th Century Franciscan friar and Doctor of the Church popularly known as the patron saint of lost things. Like her, I frequently turn to St. Anthony and try to follow his holy example.

One of the most moving parts of the Easter Vigil is the singing of the Litany of the Saints, which begins with: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. St. Michael, pray for us. Holy Angels of God, pray for us. St. John the Baptist, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us.” Although we can ask anyone to pray for us, we do so with special confidence when we appeal to the saints because we know that they are with God, as we hope to be someday.

The Blessed Mother is first among the saints, in the litany and in our devotion. She was Christ’s first disciple, conceived without sin by special grace. Last year I reconsecrated the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to her care and protection at the culmination of the archdiocese-wide Marian Pilgrimage celebrating the bicentennial of our local Church. For several years we have made our archdiocesan prayer for vocations “through the intercession of Mary our Mother,” and this has born great fruit in priestly and diaconal ordinations.

Not all the saints are so remote from us in time. During the lifetimes of most of us, we have been inspired by the witnesses of St. Teresa of Kolkata and Popes St. John XXIII, St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II, the last of whom I was blessed to know personally.

One of the hallmarks of saints is their concern for others reflected in acts of charity. As part of your Lenten almsgiving, I urge you to pledge what you can to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), our annual archdiocesan campaign to support six ministries that teach, feed and heal. In this way we together can help meet the material and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters, as Christians have done since apostolic times. I am very grateful to all who have made the CMA successful in recent years.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints accompany us on our Lenten journey toward Easter!

S E E K T H E L O R D / M A RC H 2022 | 5

Busca al Senor ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Marzo nos trae la Cuaresma, ese tiempo solemne del año de la Iglesia en el que estamos llamados a la oración, al ayuno y a dar limosna. Es también un tiempo para reevaluar nuestra vida, reflexionando sobre cómo podemos irradiar más perfectamente a Cristo como testigos gozosos. Dada nuestra naturaleza humana caída, esta no es una tarea fácil.

Afortunadamente, no tenemos que hacerlo solos. Dios nos ha dado la Iglesia y los santos para ayudarnos.

Excepto María, los santos fueron pecadores, así como nosotros. Por eso no son sólo intercesores, sino también modelos a seguir: sus vidas nos alientan en nuestro propio camino hacia la santidad porque ellos también enfrentaron y vencieron los mismos dolores y tentaciones que nos desafían. En las esperanzadoras palabras del dramaturgo Oscar Wilde, “Todo santo tiene un pasado y todo pecador tiene un futuro”.

Aunque adoramos a Dios, solamente, los cristianos han venerado a los santos, como modelos a seguir e intercesores, desde los primeros días de la Iglesia. Las imágenes de estas mujeres y hombres santos en vidrieras, pinturas y estatuas son como retratos de nuestra familia de fe. Las reliquias de primera clase evocan una reverencia especial, recordándonos que los santos eran personas verdaderas hechas de carne y hueso como nosotros. La Basílica de San Pedro en Roma está construida sobre los huesos de San Pedro, el primer Papa, donde los peregrinos aún pueden verlos hoy.

Muchos de nosotros tenemos santos favoritos de quienes buscamos ayuda y guía. Para algunos puede ser san Patricio, cuya fiesta celebramos el 17 de marzo, o san José, a quien veneramos el 19 de marzo. Mi madre tenía una gran devoción a san Antonio de Padua, fraile franciscano del siglo XIII y Doctor de la Iglesia conocido popularmente como el patrono de las cosas perdidas. Como ella, con frecuencia me dirijo a san Antonio y trato de seguir su santo ejemplo.

Una de las partes más conmovedoras de la Vigilia Pascual es el canto de las Letanías de los Santos, que comienza con: “Santa María, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros.

San Miguel, ruega por nosotros. Santos Ángeles de Dios, rueguen por nosotros. San Juan Bautista, ruega por nosotros. San José, ruega por nosotros”. Aunque podemos pedir a cualquiera que ore por nosotros, lo hacemos con confianza especial cuando apelamos a los santos porque sabemos que ellos están con Dios, como esperamos poder estar nosotros algún día.

La Santísima Madre es la primera entre los santos, en la letanía y en nuestra devoción. Ella fue la primera discípula de Cristo, concebida sin pecado original por una gracia especial. El año pasado volví a consagrar la Arquidiócesis de Cincinnati a su cuidado y protección, en la culminación de la Peregrinación Mariana por toda la arquidiócesis, al celebrar el bicentenario de nuestra Iglesia local. Desde hace varios años hemos hecho nuestra oración arquidiocesana por las vocaciones “por intercesión de María nuestra Madre”, y esto ha dado grandes frutos en las ordenaciones sacerdotales y diaconales.

6 | THE C ATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

No todos los santos están tan alejados a nuestro tiempo.

Durante la vida de la mayoría de nosotros, hemos sido inspirados por los testimonios de santa Teresa de Calcuta y los Papas san Juan XXIII, san Pablo VI y san Juan Pablo II, el último de los cuales tuve la bendición de conocer personalmente.

Una de las características de los santos, es su preocupación por los demás reflejada en actos de caridad. Como parte de su limosna de Cuaresma, les urjo que se comprometan, lo que puedan, con la Campaña de Ministerios Católicos, nuestra colecta arquidiocesana anual para apoyar seis ministerios que enseñan, alimentan y sanan. De esta manera, juntos podemos ayudar a satisfacer las necesidades materiales y espirituales de nuestros hermanos y hermanas, como lo han hecho los cristianos desde los tiempos apostólicos. Estoy muy agradecido a todos los que han hecho que la Campaña de Ministerios Católicos sea un éxito en los últimos años. ¡Que la Santísima Virgen María y todos los santos nos acompañen en nuestro camino de Cuaresma hacia la Pascua!

Making Saints?

How does the Church decide whether someone is a saint?

Sometimes it is said that the Catholic Church “makes” someone a saint, but whether a person is a saint or not is decided by God, not the Church. At the same time, there is a lengthy Church process for declaring whether someone is to be numbered among the saints.

WHO ARE THE SAINTS?

The definition of a saint is simple: anyone who is with the Lord in heaven. Now in the presence of God, saints have a special relationship to us: “They contemplate God, praise Him and constantly care for those whom they have left on earth… We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, §2683).

The Church recognizes that most saints will never be known by the Church, but the process for declaring someone a saint is beneficial to the faithful. It includes an often-long inquiry that explores the person’s life, memories of them and the fruits of their prayers, and involves theologians and historians who determine whether there is evidence of heroic virtue and miraculous intercession.

THE INVESTIGATION

The inquiry into sainthood (their “cause”) is divided into three stages. Beginning at the local level, the diocese in which the potential saint died collects primary evidence on the person’s life and virtue because it is necessary to prove that the individual exercised virtue to a heroic degree and possesses a reputation for virtue and intercessory power. This stage begins no earlier than five years after death (unless waived) and, ideally, no more than 30 years after death, so that those who knew the person can give testimony.

They investigate the facts of the person’s life, review all of the person’s writings and create a list of witnesses, which includes those who knew the person and can offer favorable or unfavorable evidence. If the investigation affirms heroic

sanctity, the diocesan phase concludes with the local bishop’s decree naming the person a “Servant of God.” The evidence is sent to Rome where the Congregation for the Causes of Saints evaluates it.

MIRACLES

Since only those who died and are in heaven can intercede for those on earth, evidence of miracles (usually healings) testifies to the person’s saintliness. A miracle is proved when there is no natural explanation and the Servant of God’s intercession was specifically and directly invoked.

When a panel of experts affirms a single miraculous intercession, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints considers it, and when viewed as legitimate, the potential saint is “beatified.” For those who are not martyrs, a second miracle, occurring after beatification, must be approved, and the final judgment rests with the Holy Father.

CANONIZATION

When, in the Church’s judgment, there is sufficient evidence, the sainthood inquiry concludes with a canonization decree in which the Church solemnly proclaims that the individual evidenced heroic virtue and lived in fidelity to God’s grace.

The new saint can then be celebrated publicly and liturgically.

The decree is read at a special Mass of canonization celebrating the saint as worthy of imitation and intercession.

The investigation and canonization of saints is intended to foster devotion among the faithful. Saints are sure intercessors in heaven and models of the Christian life. The lengthy and careful process of discovering who is among the communion of saints helps us recognize that holiness is present in every place and age, inspiring us to greater fidelity to God. FATHER DAVID ENDRES is associate professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

Q U E S T IO N O F F A IT H / M ARC H 2022 | 7

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES #2: EVANGELIZATION

BY SEAN ATER

activity every day of the week; a one stop location for all spiritual and communal needs. However, an evangelizing parish is much more than that.

This article is the second in a series covering each of the six foundational principles of Beacons of Light, the pastoral planning process of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

“Let us be witnesses. Let us radiate Christ.” With these words, Archbishop Schnurr challenged the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Catholic faithful to embrace the call to make Christ present in the world.

This alternative definition is a better consideration: “A source from which something originates.” Viewed through this lens, the Church, primarily in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, is the origin of missionary activity that radiates To truly radiate Christ to the outward to all the world. Pope Benedict In his apostolic exhortation The Joy of the XVI uses nuclear fission to illustrate the world, Families of Parishes Gospel, Pope Francis proposes a vision of connection between the Eucharist and missionary must first have the local parish as a “center of constant mission, in that each time we receive the missionary outreach.” The Beacons of Body and Blood of our Lord, He sets initiative toward each Light pastoral planning process gives off a transformation in us that cannot person in their parish each parish an opportunity to embrace be contained, but radiates outward. It boundaries. this vision. transforms the world around us as we become more empowered to be witnesses WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A PARISH TO BE A for the Gospel and heroically love our neighbors.

“

CENTER FOR MISSIONARY OUTREACH?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “center” with multiple meanings. One is “a facility providing a place for a particular activity or service.” We might visualize a healthy parish this way, imagining a church campus bustling with 8 |

To truly radiate Christ to the world, Families of Parishes must first have missionary initiative toward each person in their parish boundaries. In his Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis expresses great hope in the parish institution because of its potential to be flexible, adaptive and creative with

CELEBRATING

40

YEARS!

Join us for our gala evangelizing efforts. It must choose “a ‘missionary option,’ that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation” (Joy of the Gospel, 27).

Beacons of Light affords precisely this opportunity for each Family of Parishes to “transform everything” by striving for these six goals:

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1. MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP:

The Family of Parishes will implement a simple and clear evangelization process that ultimately equips and commissions missionary disciples, in every stage of their lives, for personal apostolates and vocations.

2. GROUNDED IN DISCERNMENT:

The pastor, staff and lay leaders prioritize prayer, formation and discernment, both for themselves and the faithful, so that they allow the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide their evangelization efforts.

3. FAMILY PARTNERSHIP:

Because the family is the primary place of evangelization for young people and parents are the primary educators of their children, families are well-supported by the parish.

4. PRIORITIZE ADULT FORMATION:

Priority for forming the faithful in evangelization and catechesis is directed toward adults, who can share that knowledge with others and use it in forming their children’s faith at home.

5. EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS:

As an essential parish ministry, the parish school fulfills its purpose to be an “effective vehicle of total Christian formation” for young people and their parents.

6. A CULTURE OF VOCATION:

Families of Parishes will prepare individuals to discern and embrace their vocations by helping them recognize and respond to God’s unique call for their lives.

By embracing these six goals, Families of Parishes will become vibrant centers for missionary outreach and true beacons of light.

B E A CO N S O F L IG H T / M ARC H 2022 | 9

D E A L I N G E M O T I O N A L LY W I T H

Parish Changes

BY FATHER ROBERT J. HATER, PHD

How do parishioners cope with major changes occurring in their parishes? This question is especially significant when a member of the faithful is involved in parish affairs or has a long history with the parish.

We all experience life changes. Some are rewarding, like marriages, births and job promotions. Others, such as a spouse’s death or serious illness, lead to anger, fear and disappointment. Whether positive or negative, change brings emotional upheavals.

Similarly, uncertainty arises when parishes change, close or restructure, which is happening now throughout the country. With our own parish restructuring around the corner, we are naturally concerned about our own parish’s future.

I offer the following reflections as parishes shift focus to a Family of Parishes.

Something similar happens when our lives are turned upside down. It’s easy to recognize God in changes for the better, but those that first bring fear and disappointment are difficult to fathom. They often leave us feeling far removed from what we experience as God’s presence.

The latter is how the faithful feel who have great concern over new plans for their parish changes. Some feel left out of the decision-making process and are angry and frustrated. It’s hard for them to see the blessings, especially if they believe the process was handled poorly.

Regardless, God is present in these happenings and eventually we’ll see His good from what may now seem tragic. The same God moves among us who transformed the early disciples’ fear and dread into hope. What’s happening in our parishes is bigger than any of us.

1. Be open to the inevitability of parish change.

Life is a process made possible by change. Our bodies transform as we grow, as do our social relationships. God never abandons us when we face the inevitable. When we recognize that God’s designs are greater than we can imagine, we can open our minds and hearts to the changes coming in our parish.

3. Be open to listen, as Church leaders and parishioners address parish changes.

The local bishop oversees the overall process that influences a parish’s future, assisted by priests, religious men and women and the laity. He is responsible for addressing the clerical shortage and other issues to support the faithful. To do so effectively, many factors are considered, including the number of priests available to minister in parishes and to celebrate the sacraments.

2. Be open to see God’s presence in what’s happening in parishes.

The disciples scattered after Jesus’ death, hiding and cowering in fear of the Romans. Their lives seemed shattered and their future uncertain. Then the Resurrection happened, and they experienced joy beyond their wildest dreams. Eventually, they realized God’s way was not their way.

Today, both clergy and laity realize something needs to be done. Many loyal parishioners have valuable knowledge and skills that are useful for this decision-making. The starting point, however, requires Church leaders and parishioners to listen to one another: Listening to the bishop’s words, the archdiocese’s proposals, and the pastors and parishioners’ advice. Processes are most successful when everyone involved respects one another.

1 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

FAMILIES OF PARISHES

4. Be honest with one’s thoughts and feelings about what’s happening in parishes.

Effective communication creates opportunities for sharing both thoughts and feelings through a climate that welcomes everyone’s genuine input.

This is not easy! Some fear sharing their true thoughts because they believe leaders will not listen or that decisions are already made. Still others are naturally shy.

However, it is paramount with important issues that leaders create a climate of trust to encourage everyone to express their perspectives – otherwise, unarticulated thoughts and feelings, especially negative ones, may surface later and be harder to address.

THE SAM E GOD MOVES AM ONG US WHO

transformed THE

EARLY

DISCIPLES’ FEAR AND DREAD I NTO

hope.

When engaged in emotion-laden conversations, encourage participants to think through how to express themselves before speaking. This better enables a person’s true feelings to emerge.

5. Remember that the parish is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Although parishes have shifted and modified many times over the centuries, they remain the most successful means for maintaining community and proclaiming the Good News.

From the time I first celebrated Mass until today, I have witnessed numerous parish configurations. Each in its own way brought to the minds and hearts of the faithful God’s love and the mystery of the Church as the Body of Christ.

As I watched parishes change over the years, the Holy Spirit gently guided both pastors and parishioners into the future. As with anything else, mistakes were made and feelings hurt, but God’s designs ultimately prevailed.

Let us pray that as we each enter into our new Family of Parishes, we continue to become more effective servants of Jesus’ mission to proclaim His Gospel to the world.

Priest Assignments Effective July 1, 2022 PV = PAROCHIAL VICAR PV: Fr. James G. Reutter PV: Fr. Matthew S. Feist PV: Projected

NORTHWEST NW-1 • St. Anthony, St. Anthony • Holy Trinity, Coldwater • St. Peter, St. Peter • St. Mary, Philothea • St. Joseph, St. Joseph • Mary Help of Christians, Ft. Recovery • St. Paul, Sharpsburg

NW-6 • St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus, Covington • St. Mary, Piqua • St. Boniface, Piqua • St. Patrick, Troy • Transfiguration, West Milton

PASTOR: Fr. Alexander T. Witt PV: Fr. Michael A. Kapolka PV: Projected PV: Projected NW-2 • St. Teresa, Rockford • Immaculate Conception, Celina • Holy Rosary, St. Mary’s • St. Patrick, Glynwood • Our Lady of Guadalupe, Montezuma PASTOR: Fr. John W. Tonkin, Jr. PV: Fr. Robert K. Muhlenkamp PV: Projected NW-3 • St. Wendelin, St. Wendelin • St. Henry, St. Henry • St. Aloysius, Carthagena • St. Francis, Cranberry Prairie • St. Bernard, Burkettsville PASTOR: Fr. Andrew J. Hess PV: Fr. Louis P. Jacquemin NW-4 • St. Joseph, Wapakoneta • St. John, Fryburg • St. Lawrence, Rhine • Immaculate Conception, Botkins

PASTOR: Fr. Ned J. Brown

NW-7 • St. Michael, Ft. Loramie • Sts. Peter & Paul, Newport • Holy Angels, Sidney • Sacred Heart of Jesus, McCartyville PASTOR: Fr. Jarred L. Kohn PV: Fr. Aaron C. Hess PV: Fr. Stephen J. Mondiek PV: Fr. Andrew M. Reckers NW-8 • St. Sebastian, St. Sebastian • Precious Blood, Chickasaw • St. John the Baptist, Maria Stein • St. Joseph, Egypt • St. Augustine, Minster • Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cassella • St. Rose, St. Rose • Holy Redeemer, New Bremen PASTOR: Fr. Kenneth Schnipke, C.PP.S. PV: Fr. Mark Hoying, C.PP.S. PV: Projected PV: Projected

NORTHEAST

PASTOR: Fr. Sean M. Wilson PV: Projected NW-5 • St. Louis, North Star • St. Denis, Versailles • Holy Family, Frenchtown • St. Mary, Greenville • St. Nicholas, Osgood • St. Remy, Russia • Immaculate Conception, Bradford

PASTOR: Fr. Eric A. Bowman PV: Fr. Steven L. Shoup PV: Fr. James S. Duell PV: Fr. Matthew K. Lee

NE-1 • St. Mary of the Woods, Russells Point • St. Patrick, Bellefontaine • Immaculate Conception, North Lewisburg • Sacred Heart, St. Paris • St. Mary, Urbana • St. Michael, Mechanicsburg PASTOR: Fr. Shawn R. Landenwitch PV: Projected

B E A CO N S O F L IG H T / M A RC H 2022 | 11

FAMILIES OF PARISHES

Priest Assignments NORTHEAST NE-2 • St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Springfield • St. Bernard, Springfield • St. Raphael, Springfield • St. Joseph, Springfield • St. Charles Borromeo, South Charleston PASTOR: Fr. John D. MacQuarrie PV: Fr. Elijah R. Puthoff NE-3 • Mary Help of Christians, Fairborn • St. Paul, Yellow Springs • St. Luke, Beavercreek • St. Brigid, Xenia • St. Augustine, Jamestown • Sacred Heart, New Carlisle PASTOR: Fr. Jason E. Bedel PV: Fr. John Madanu PV: Fr. Ambrose T. Dobrozsi PV: Fr. Michael J. Holloran CHAPLAIN: Fr. Timothy G. Fahey (Wright State University) NE-4 • Incarnation, Centerville • St. Francis of Assisi, Centerville PASTOR: Fr. Brian W. Phelps PV: Fr. Ignatius Madanu NE-5 • St. Albert the Great, Kettering • St. Charles Borromeo, Kettering • Ascension, Kettering PASTOR: Fr. Edward T. Pratt PV: Fr. Thomas A. Nevels PV: Projected NE-6 • St. Paul, Englewood • Precious Blood, Dayton • St. Rita, Dayton • Emmanuel, Dayton • Holy Trinity, Dayton • St. Joseph, Dayton PASTOR: Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S. (Emmanuel, Holy Trinity & St. Joseph) PASTOR: Fr. Eugene Schnipke, C.PP.S. (Precious Blood, St. Rita & St. Paul) PV: Fr. Anthony Fortman, C.PP.S. PV: Projected NE-7 • St. Helen, Dayton • Immaculate Conception, Dayton • St. Anthony, Dayton • Holy Angels, Dayton • St. Mary, Dayton PASTOR: Fr. Satish A. Joseph PV: Fr. Leonard C. Wenke PV: Projected NE-8 • St. Augustine, Germantown • Queen of Martyrs, Dayton • Our Lady of Grace, Dayton 1 2 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

• St. Benedict the Moor, Dayton PASTOR: Fr. Francis Tandoh, C.S.Sp. PV: Fr. Benoit Mukamba, C.S.Sp. NE-9 • Our Lady of Good Hope, Miamisburg • St. Henry, Dayton • St. Mary of the Assumption, Springboro PASTOR: Fr. Martin E. Fox PV: Fr. David G. Howard PV: Fr. Jerome R. Bishop PV: Fr. James J. Manning NE-10 • St. Peter, Huber Heights • Holy Cross, Dayton • Our Lady of the Rosary, Dayton • St. Christopher, Vandalia • St. John the Baptist, Tipp City PASTOR: Fr. Kyle E. Schnippel PV: Fr. Andrew J. Smith PV: Projected NE-11 • Holy Family, Dayton PASTOR: Fr. George Gabet, F.S.S.P.

CENTRAL C-1 • St. John the Evangelist, New Paris • Visitation, Eaton • St. Mary, Camden • St. Mary, Oxford PASTOR: Fr. David A. Doseck PV: Fr. Thomas L. Bolte CHAPLAIN: Fr. Jacob E. Willig (Miami University) C-2 • Our Lady of Sorrows, Monroe • Holy Family, Middletown • Holy Name of Jesus, Trenton PASTOR: Fr. Paul L. Gebhardt PV: Fr. John R. Civille PV: Fr. Stephen Lattner, O.S.B. C-3 • St. Francis de Sales, Lebanon • St. Philip the Apostle, Morrow PASTOR: Fr. Craig E. Best PV: Fr. Robert J. Farrell C-4 • St. Ann, Hamilton • Sacred Heart, Fairfield PASTOR: Fr. Larry R. Tharp C-5 • St. Susanna, Mason PASTOR: Fr. Barry G. Stechschulte PV: Fr. Elias Mwesigye C-6 • St. Peter in Chains, Hamilton • Queen of Peace, Hamilton • St. Julie Billiart, Hamilton

• St. Joseph, Hamilton • St. Aloysius, Shandon PASTOR: Fr. Richard W. Walling PV: Fr. Edward J. Hoffmann PV: Fr. Jeffrey P. Silver C-7 • St. Maximilian Kolbe, Liberty Township PASTOR: Fr. James J. Riehle

SOUTHWEST SW-1 • Our Lady of Visitation, Cincinnati • St. Jude, Bridgetown • St. Joseph, North Bend PASTOR: Fr. Donald E. Siciliano PV: Fr. Martin E. Bachman PV: Fr. Gerard P. Hiland SW-2 • St. John the Baptist, Harrison PASTOR: Fr. Paul A. Ruwe SW-3 • St. Aloysius on the Ohio, Cincinnati • St. Simon the Apostle, Cincinnati • Our Lady of Victory, Delhi Township • St. Dominic, Delhi • St. Vincent de Paul, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Benedict D. O’Cinnsealaigh PV: Fr. Michael L. Cordier PV: Fr. Christopher Lack SW-4 • Resurrection of Our Lord, Cincinnati • St. Teresa of Avila, Cincinnati • St. Lawrence, Cincinnati • St. William, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Zachary W. Cecil PV: Fr. K. Scott Morgan PV: Fr. Mark T. Watkins PV: Fr. Robert L. Keller SW-5 • St. Bernard, Taylor Creek • St. Ann, Groesbeck • St. Margaret Mary, North College Hill • St. James the Greater, White Oak PASTOR: Fr. James M. Wedig PV: Fr. Bryan T. Reif PV: Fr. Reynaldo S. Taylor PV: Fr. Roberto Becerra Reyes SW-6 • St. John Neumann, Cincinnati • St. John the Baptist, Dry Ridge • Corpus Christi, New Burlington PASTOR: Fr. Peter T. St. George PV: Fr. Donald J. West PV: Fr. Mark J. Burger SW-7 • St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Cincinnati • St. Martin of Tours, Cheviot • St. Catharine of Siena, Cincinnati

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Cincinnati • St. Antoninus, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Matthew J. Robben PV: Fr. James S. Romanello PV: Fr. Anthony M. Dattilo PV: Fr. Terence J. Hamilton SW-8 • St. Ignatius of Loyola, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Earl K. Fernandes PV: Fr. Christian A. Cone-Lombarte

SOUTH S-1 • St. John the Evangelist, West Chester • St. Michael, Sharonville • St. Gabriel, Glendale PASTOR: Fr. Edward M. Burns, Jr. PV: Fr. W. Michael Hay S-2 • Good Shepherd, Cincinnati PASTOR: Bishop Emeritus Joseph R. Binzer PV: Fr. Jack W. Wehman S-3 • St. John Fisher, Newtown • Guardian Angels, Mt. Washington • Immaculate Heart of Mary, Anderson Township PASTOR: Fr. Thomas M. Mannebach PV: Fr. Thomas M. King PV: Fr. Alex Biryomumeisho PV: Fr. Thomas Ebong S-4 • St. Matthias the Apostle, Cincinnati • Our Lady of the Rosary, Greenhills • St. James of the Valley, Wyoming • Our Lady of the Valley, Reading PASTOR: Fr. Alexander C. McCullough PV: Fr. Jeffrey M. Stegbauer PV: Fr. Roberto Becerra Reyes S-5 • Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Jan K. Schmidt PV: Fr. Raymond E. Larger S-6 • Church of the Resurrection, Cincinnati • St. Saviour, Sycamore Township • St. John the Evangelist, Deer Park • Nativity of Our Lord, Pleasant Ridge • Holy Trinity, Norwood PASTOR: Fr. Patrick L. Sloneker PV: Fr. Jerome J. Gardner PV: Fr. David A. Lemkuhl S-7 • St. Bartholomew, Cincinnati • Assumption, Mt. Healthy • St. Vivian, Cincinnati • St. Clare, Cincinnati • Mother of Christ, Cincinnati

• St. Bernard, Spring Grove Village PASTOR: Fr. Andrew J. Umberg PV: Fr. Ronald C. Haft PV: Fr. George P. Jacquemin S-8 • Our Lord Christ the King, Cincinnati • St. Stephen, Cincinnati • St. Rose, Cincinnati • St. Francis de Sales, Cincinnati • Holy Cross-Immaculata, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Adam D. Puntel (Our Lord Christ the King, St. Stephen, St. Rose & Holy Cross-Immaculata) PV: Fr. Eric P. Roush PV: Fr. Barry M. Windholtz PASTOR: Fr. Michael Nartker, S.M. (St. Francis de Sales) S-9 • • • •

St. Margaret-St. John, Cincinnati St. Anthony, Cincinnati St. Cecilia, Cincinnati St. Mary, Hyde Park

PASTOR: Fr. James P. Weber PV: Fr. Anthony J. Marcelli PV: Fr. Kenneth E. Schartz S-10 • St. Monica-St. George, Cincinnati • Annunciation, Cincinnati • Holy Name, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Ethan M. Moore PV: Fr. Christopher M. Komoroski S-11 • All Saints, Cincinnati • St. Vincent Ferrer, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Daniel P. Hunt PV: Fr. J. Thomas Wray S-12 • St. Therese Little Flower, Cincinnati • St. Boniface, Cincinnati • St. Leo the Great, Cincinnati • St. Joseph, Cincinnati • Holy Family, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Rodolfo Coaquira Hilaje, M.CC.J. PV: Projected PV: Projected S-13 • St. Gertrude, Madeira PASTOR: Fr. George Schommer, O.P. PV: Projected PV: Projected S-14 • St. Clement, St. Bernard • St. Francis Seraph, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. E.J. Stein, OFM (St. Clement) PASTOR: Fr. Alan Hirt, OFM (St. Francis Seraph) S-15 • St. Robert Bellarmine, Cincinnati • St. Francis Xavier, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Eric Sundrup, S.J. (Bellarmine)

PASTOR: Fr. Paul Lickteig, S.J. (St. Xavier) PV: Fr. James C. Ackerman, S.J. PV: Fr. Jacob J. Boddicker, S.J. S-16 • Sacred Heart, Cincinnati • Old St. Mary’s, Cincinnati PASTOR: Fr. Jon-Paul Bevak, C.O. PV: Fr. Henry Hoffmann, C.O. PV: Fr. Adrian Hilton, C.O. PV: Fr. Brent Stull, C.O.

SOUTHEAST SE-1 • St. Augustine, Waynesville • St. Columbkille, Wilmington PASTOR: Fr. Bernard J. Weldishofer SE-2 • St. Benignus, Greenfield • St. Mary, Hillsboro • St. Mary Queen of Heaven, Peebles • Holy Trinity, West Union PASTOR: Fr. Michael A. Paraniuk PV: Fr. Mark C. Bredestege SE-3 • St. Angela Merici, Fayetteville • St. Michael, Mount Orab • St. Mary, Arnheim • St. George, Georgetown • St. Michael, Ripley PASTOR: Fr. Francis G. Amberger PV: Fr. Andrew P. Cordonnier SE-4 • St. Margaret of York, Loveland • St. Columban, Loveland PASTOR: Fr. Christopher J. Worland PV: Fr. Maria Pasala PV: Fr. Edward P. Smith PV: Fr. Lawrence R. Tensi SE-5 • St. Philomena, Stonelick • St. Louis, Owensville • Holy Trinity, Batavia • St. Ann, Williamsburg PASTOR: Fr. Thomas H. McCarthy SE-6 • St. Thomas More, Withamsville • St. Bernadette, Amelia • St. Peter, New Richmond • St. Mary, Bethel PASTOR: Fr. Timothy W. Ralston PV: Fr. Thomas E. Dorn PV: Fr. William C. Wagner SE-7 • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Milford • St. Andrew, Milford • St. Veronica, Mt. Carmel PASTOR: Fr. P. Del Staigers PV: Fr. Benson Lokidiriyo PV: Fr. Jeffrey M. Kemper PR IE S T A S S IG N M E N T S / M A RC H 2022 | 13

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS

Lent 2022 “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10) DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

Lent is a favorable time for personal and community renewal, as it leads us to the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For our Lenten journey in 2022, we will do well to reflect on Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians: “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity (kairós), let us do good to all” (Gal. 6:9-10).

1. SOWING AND REAPING

In these words, the Apostle evokes the image of sowing and reaping, so dear to Jesus (Mt. 13). St. Paul speaks to us of a kairós: an opportune time for sowing goodness in view of a future harvest. What is this “opportune time” for us?

Lent is certainly such an opportune time, but so is our entire existence, of which Lent is in some way an image. All too often in our lives, greed, pride and the desire to possess, accumulate and consume have the upper hand, as we see from the story of the foolish man in the Gospel parable, who thought his life was safe and secure because of the abundant grain and goods he had stored in his barns (Lk. 12:16-21). Lent invites us to conversion, to a change in mindset, so that life’s truth and beauty may be found not so much in possessing as in giving, not so much in accumulating as in sowing and sharing goodness.

The first to sow is God himself, who with great generosity “continues to sow abundant seeds of goodness in our human family” (Fratelli Tutti (FT), 54). During Lent we are called to respond to God’s gift by accepting His word, which is “living and active” (Heb. 4:12). Regular listening to the word of God makes us open and docile to his working (Jas. 1:21) and bears fruit in our lives. This brings us great joy, yet even more, it summons us to become God’s co-workers (1 Cor 3:9). By making good use of the present time (Eph. 5:16), we too can sow seeds of goodness. This call to sow goodness should not be seen as a burden but a grace, whereby the Creator wishes us to be actively united with his own bountiful goodness.

1 4 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

What about the harvest? Do we not sow seeds in order to reap a harvest? Of course! Saint Paul points to the close relationship between sowing and reaping when he says: “Anyone who sows sparsely will reap sparsely as well, and anyone who sows generously will reap generously as well” (2 Cor. 9:6). But what kind of harvest are we talking about? A first fruit of the goodness we sow appears in ourselves and our daily lives, even in our little acts of kindness. In God, no act of love, no matter how small, and no “generous effort” will ever be lost (Evangelii Gaudium, 279). Just as we recognize a tree by its fruits (Mt. 7:16, 20), so a life full of good deeds radiates light (Mt. 5:14-16) and carries the fragrance of Christ to the world (2 Cor. 2:15). Serving God in freedom from sin brings forth fruits of sanctification for the salvation of all (Rom. 6:22).

In truth, we see only a small portion of the fruits of what we sow, since, according to the Gospel proverb, “one sows, while another reaps” (Jn. 4:37). When we sow for the benefit of others, we share in God’s own benevolent love: “it is truly noble to place our hope in the hidden power of the seeds of goodness we sow, and thus to initiate processes whose fruits will be reaped by others” (FT, 196). Sowing goodness for the benefit of others frees us from narrow self-interest, infuses our actions with gratuitousness, and makes us part of the magnificent horizon of God’s benevolent plan.

The word of God broadens and elevates our vision: it tells us that the real harvest is eschatological, the harvest of the last, undying day. The mature fruit of our lives and actions is “fruit for eternal life” (Jn. 4:36), our “treasure in heaven” (Lk. 12:33; 18:22). Jesus himself uses the image of the seed that dies in the ground in order to bear fruit as a symbol of the mystery of his death and resurrection (Jn. 12:24); while Saint Paul uses the same image to speak of the resurrection of our bodies: “What is sown is perishable, but what is raised is imperishable; what is sown is contemptible but what is raised is glorious; what is sown is weak, but what is raised is powerful; what is sown is a natural body, and what is raised is a spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:42-44). The hope of resurrection is the great light that the risen Christ brings to the world, for

“if our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are of all people the most pitiable. In fact, however, Christ has been raised from the dead, as the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:19-20). Those who are intimately united to him in love “by dying a death like his” (Rom. 6:5) will also be united to his resurrection for eternal life (Jn. 5:29). “Then the upright will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Mt. 13:43).

2. “LET US NOT GROW TIRED OF DOING GOOD”

Christ’s resurrection enlivens earthly hopes with the “great hope” of eternal life, planting the seed of salvation in our present time (cf. BENEDICT XVI, Spe Salvi, 3; 7). Bitter disappointment at shattered dreams, deep concern for the challenges ahead and discouragement at the poverty of our resources, can make us tempted to seek refuge in selfcentredness and indifference to the suffering of others. Indeed, even our best resources have their limitations: “Youths grow tired and weary, the young stumble and fall” (Is. 40:30).

Yet God “gives strength to the weary, he strengthens the powerless… Those who hope in the Lord will regain their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; though they run they will not grow weary, though they walk they will never tire (Is. 40:29, 31). The Lenten season calls us to place our faith and hope in the Lord (1 Pet. 1:21), since only if we fix our gaze on the risen Christ (Heb. 12:2) will we be able to respond to the Apostle’s appeal, “Let us never grow tired of doing good” (Gal. 6:9).

Let us not grow tired of praying. Jesus taught us to “pray always without becoming weary” (Lk. 18:1). We need to pray because we need God. Thinking that we need nothing other than ourselves is a dangerous illusion. If the pandemic has heightened the awareness of our own personal and social fragility, may this Lent allow us to experience the consolation provided by faith in God, without whom we cannot stand firm (Is. 7:9). No one attains salvation alone, since we are all in the same boat, amid the storms of history; and certainly no one reaches salvation without God, for only the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ triumphs over the dark waters of death. Faith does not spare us life’s burdens and tribulations, but it does allow us to face them in union with God in Christ, with the great hope that does not disappoint, whose pledge is the love that God has poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:1-5).

Let us not grow tired of uprooting evil from our lives. May the corporal fasting to which Lent calls us fortify our spirit for the battle against sin. Let us not grow tired of asking for forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, knowing that God never tires of forgiving. Let us not grow tired of fighting against concupiscence, that weakness which induces to selfishness and all evil, and finds in the course of history a variety of ways to lure men and women into sin

(FT, 166). One of these is addiction to the digital media, which impoverishes human relationships. Lent is a propitious time to resist these temptations and to cultivate instead a more integral form of human communication made up of “authentic encounters,” face-to-face and in person.

Let us not grow tired of doing good in active charity towards our neighbors. During this Lent, may we practice almsgiving by giving joyfully (2 Cor. 9:7). God who “supplies seed to the sower and bread for food” (2 Cor. 9:10) enables each of us not only to have food to eat, but also to be generous in doing good to others. While it is true that we have our entire life to sow goodness, let us take special advantage of this Lenten season to care for those close to us and to reach out to our brothers and sisters who lie wounded along the path of life (Lk. 10:25-37). Lent is a favorable time to seek out – and not to avoid – those in need; to reach out – and not to ignore – those who need a sympathetic ear and a good word; to visit – and not to abandon – those who are lonely. Let us put into practice our call to do good to all, and take time to love the poor and needy, those abandoned and rejected, those discriminated against and marginalized (FT, 193).

3.“IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP, WE SHALL REAP OUR HARVEST IN DUE TIME”

Each year during Lent we are reminded that “goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day.” Let us ask God to give us the patient perseverance of the farmer (Jas. 5:7), and to persevere in doing good, one step at a time. If we fall, let us stretch out our hand to the Father, who always lifts us up. If we are lost, if we are misled by the enticements of the evil one, let us not hesitate to return to God, who “is generous in forgiving” (Is. 55:7). In this season of conversion, sustained

by God’s grace and by the communion of the Church, let us not grow tired of doing good. The soil is prepared by fasting, watered by prayer and enriched by charity. Let us believe firmly that “if we do not give up, we shall reap our harvest in due time” and that, with the gift of perseverance, we shall obtain what was promised (Heb. 10:36), for our salvation and the salvation of others (1 Tim. 4:16). By cultivating fraternal love towards everyone, we are united to Christ, who gave his life for our sake (2 Cor. 5:14-15), and we are granted a foretaste of the joy of the kingdom of heaven, when God will be “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28).

May the Virgin Mary, who bore the Saviour in her womb and “pondered all these things in her heart” (Lk. 2:19), obtain for us the gift of patience. May she accompany us with her maternal presence, so that this season of conversion may bring forth fruits of eternal salvation.

Rome, St. John Lateran, Nov. 11, 2021, Memorial of Saint Martin, Bishop.

L E N T / M A RC H 2022 | 15

Somporn Mary and David Burkhardt

Growing up around Dayton, David Burkhardt frequently heard of the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, but never explored it. In 2019, his wife, Somporn Mary, was diagnosed with lung cancer and, throughout her journey, he introduced her to the Catholic faith and reacquainted himself with it.

“I was spending time researching the saints. I felt like there was so much more about their lives that I wanted to know.

One of the saints that was of great interest to us was St. Peregrine because he had been miraculously healed from cancer” said David. “When I realized his relic was in Maria Stein, I knew we had to go.”

Before Christmas they made a pilgrimage, attending the Shrine’s midday prayer.

“Shortly after we arrived I saw a woman ringing a bell in the hallway. As we made our way towards the chapel, she greeted us and asked us to join them for prayer,” said David. That woman was Susan Jenkins, the Shrine’s Pastoral Minister.

During prayer attendees shared special intentions and asked the Lord for mercy and guidance, while also offering support and lifting each other up in prayer. David was so moved that he shared his wife’s cancer journey and requested prayers of strength, healing and comfort.

“Everyone was so caring and concerning. It gave us both peace. After prayer, Susan approached us and asked if we would like to see the St. Peregrine relic. She was so kind,” said David. “Before our trip, I had a dream that we would be able to touch the relic but I didn’t think it would be permitted. So when she asked us if we would like to hold it, it was like a prayer being answered. It was so moving and amazing to hold St. Peregrine’s relic in the beautiful chapel with all the saints.”

A PAT R O N SAINT FOR CANCER St. Peregrine Cancer Care Ministry at Maria Stein Shrine Gives Hope and Comfort to the Suffering

BY SUSIE BERGMAN

16 |

Afterward, Jenkins introduced them to a new cancer care outreach program, St. Peregrine Cancer Care Ministry, which she helped establish in Sept. 2019 to be a source of prayer, encouragement and hope, to both those suffering with cancer and their caregivers, family and friends. Ministry members complete a four-week training course before their commissioning at a St. Peregrine Cancer Prayer Service.

These services are held three times a year and offer public veneration of St. Peregrine’s relic; the next one will be 2:00 p.m. on March 20, 2022.

Currently, the St. Peregrine team prays for more than 400 individuals. “While we pray that someday soon this ministry is not needed, we are thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to share the story of St. Peregrine and the miraculous work that our God can do,” said Jenkins.

A few weeks after the couple’s visit to the Shrine, the cancer care team contacted them, then communicated often through emails and phone calls, to share updates, pray together and offer support tailored to their needs.

“This is a very personal ministry,” stated Shelly Bornhost, a retired Children’s Services Caseworker and Cancer Care Ministry Team Member. “What I have discovered through my journey with this ministry is that people often undergo a profound spiritual change, just as St. Peregrine did. Hearts change and a humble acceptance emerges that encourages and inspires others.”

SUPERB COLLECTION OF RELICS AND GREAT HISTORY! A MUST PILGRIMAGE! - S. Stinson, Google Review

Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics mariasteinshrine.org

Bornhost was intrigued when she first learned of the St. Peregrine Cancer Care Ministry, but thought she was not “the right kind of person” to offer support. Many of her loved ones had experienced cancer, but she doubted her own spiritual prowess, until, through discernment, she realized she has something to share: hope.

“I realized that is why I was being called to this ministry. To encourage people to continue the difficult journey that lies ahead and to never give up hope,” said Bornhost.

That’s a perspective David agrees with. “Even when things got really bad and we knew my wife’s final hours were near, our support-giver was always there when I needed her. She had gone through cancer herself and she could relate to the many feelings I was experiencing. She gave me hope and peace. It was a love and kindness I now strive to pay forward to others.”

To learn more about the Maria Stein Shrine St. Peregrine Cancer Care Ministry, visit mariasteinshrine.org.

A relic of St. Peregrine is housed at Maria Stein Shrine.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

OCTOBER 17-28, 2022 Join us on a spiritual journey to the land where Jesus was born, where he preached and healed, suffered, died and rose again. www.catholiccincypilgrimage.com

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T H E S A IN T S / M A R C H 2022 | 17

A CLO SE R LO O K

Holiness as the Perfection of Charity Among the more famous passages from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is the anthem of the Seraphim who surround God’s throne and chant, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!”

(Is. 6:3.) It introduces a central paradox for Christians, because it tells us God is at the same time separate from, but everywhere in, the world. The angels’ song provides a foundation for thinking about the “universal call to holiness,” articulated in Chapter 5 of Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium). The hymn also helps us understand our Lord’s curious admonition in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

SET APART

The most basic meaning of the Hebrew word for “holy” (translated from “kadosh”), is “separated,” “set apart” or “distinguished,” and this meaning is sustained through the later Greek and Latin words, “hagios” and “sanctus,” respectively. While the Jewish tradition does not have an analogue to the Catholic institution of sainthood, these Latin and Greek terms are commonly translated in the Christian tradition as “saint.” Thus, a saint is the person who is “set apart” or “distinguished.” Just as God is separate from, but everywhere in, the world, the saint is called to sustain a life that is different from, but engaged with, the world. But how?

1 8 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH

The difficulty in this was recognized as early as the 1st Century in The Epistle to Diognetus, a Christian’s apologetic letter to a Roman magistrate. Christians “live in their own countries as though they were only passing through,” the writer explains. “Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, where it may be, is a foreign country. ... Christians are found in all the cities of the world, but cannot be identified with the world.” Thus “the world hates the Christians ... because they are opposed to its enjoyments.”

This is not to suggest that these early Christians’ lives were yet perfect, but it gives us a glimpse of the challenge of striving to live a holy life in a fallen world; to imitate Christ in the world that killed Him. THE UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS

It is precisely in this difficulty that we discover the Church’s definition of holiness – of sainthood – and can begin to understand what the “universal call to holiness” means. Christ, who is “uniquely holy,” according to Lumen Gentium, “delivered himself up” for the Church so that “He might sanctify her.” In other words, Christ shows the perfection of His own holiness: as the ultimate act of charity, giving His own life for the very ones who took it.

Holiness is perfected in charity; charity is epitomized by the complete gift of self.

In his 1988 Apostolic Exhortation, Christifidelis Laici, Pope St. John Paul II more fully explored this understanding of holiness. “The charge is not a simple moral exhortation,” he explained, “but an undeniable requirement arising from the mystery of the Church,” for which Jesus gave His entire self. This call to holiness commences in baptism, such that every baptized person is called to follow and imitate Jesus Christ, even to the “perfection of charity.”

This helps us comprehend what Jesus meant by telling His disciples to be “perfect.” The Greek here (“teleioi”) can be rendered as “executed,” “performed” or “entirely accomplished.” It is the same root word Christ proclaimed from the cross, when declaring the completion of His work on earth: “It is finished.” And in the Greek’s perfect tense, Jesus’ declaration means, “it is finished and will continue to be finished.” Charity’s perfection was accomplished through the death of One Man for all persons.

Christ shows the perfection of His own holiness: as the ultimate act of charity, giving His own life for

the very ones who took it.

Thus, in Matthew 5:48, Jesus instructs us to complete – to work out – the holiness into which we were initiated when we were baptized in the blood of His complete selfgift – His death. This is exemplified not by loving your brother, Jesus previously explained, but by loving your enemies and those who persecute you. Give yourselves to all people, Jesus is implying, just as He gave himself to those He knew would kill him. Continue to participate in the work that was finished on the cross – by dying to yourselves.

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We are called to nothing less than to be like Christ, whose charity was perfected by His death. Participation in that death is the only path to sainthood, and this is the universal call to holiness.

DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT is an attorney and the James J. Gardner Family Chair of Moral Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

A CL O S E R L O O K / M A RC H 2022 | 19

Blessed Solanus Casey A MAN FOR OUR TIME Unfortunately, seminary proved difficult for Casey, who could not master the German needed to study under the German-American clerics. After four years he was asked to leave. On Dec. 8, 1896, having consecrated himself to Mary, a voice within called him to the Capuchin Franciscan friars headquartered in Detroit. Despite his struggles with studies, the friars recognized his advanced spirituality and allowed him to be ordained a priest in 1904, although without the faculties to preach or grant absolution. This was a great sacrifice for him, but he accepted it in obedience and with great humility.

For nearly 20 years Father Casey ministered in New York, then returned to Detroit. In both locations he was given menial duties not usually assigned to priests, such as sacristan, porter and doorkeeper. He discovered, however, that these tasks enabled him to be closer to those he loved most: the Lord and the poor.

Gaining a reputation for listening intently, offering sound advice, never rushing guests and showing God’s love to all, Father Casey counseled visitors, asked them to pray, and told them to trust in God. He believed that our trust in God should be so strong that we should “thank God ahead of time” for what we desire. Those who met him reported healing miracles and God-given prophetic insight for which he never took credit.

BY MATT HESS

Blessed Solanus Casey is a man for our time. While never stationed in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, he labored nearby in Huntington, IN, and Detroit, MI. His love for those around him, simple living and trust in God make him a model for modern Catholics.

The son of poor Irish farmers who labored near Superior, WI, in 1870, Bernard Francis Casey learned piety, obedience, sacrifice and strong work ethic from his parents. Often out of school to help on the family’s land, he eventually found work as a streetcar driver.

In 1891, he witnessed a brutal murder on the tracks, which inspired him to enter religious life and become a source of reconciliation in a seemingly chaotic world.

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So many came to speak with Father Casey that he sometimes spent 16 hours a day fulfilling his porter duties. The long work days eventually forced him to retire in Huntington.

For his funeral in Detroit during the summer of 1957, an estimated 20,000 people traveled to the monastery to pray and celebrate this holy man.

Still on the path to canonized sainthood, Blessed Casey shows Americans that the road to sanctity is accessible to all who unfailingly trust in God’s designs.

The Solanus Casey Center in Detroit and the St. Felix Catholic Center in Huntington offer encounters with God through His servant, Blessed Solanus Casey. Let us pray through his intercession that we may strive for radical trust in God. “Bl. Solanus Casey” illustrated by Tim Langenderfer, an instructor at Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney, OH.

SH INE O N

Your Inner Circle of Saints Years ago, Milwaukee’s auxiliary bishop spoke to the confirmation class at the parish where I was a youth minister and opened the floor to questions. A student asked, “What is the purpose and meaning of life?”

Perhaps the youth tried to stump the bishop, who answered without missing a beat, as if he knew the question before it was asked.

“To know, love and serve God in this life so that you can be with Him in the next. In short, to be a saint.”

What do you think? Will you fulfill your life’s purpose and meaning? Will you become the saint you were made to be? Maybe you don’t feel that you will, that the saints are distant and so heroic and perfect that you’ll never live up to their standard. This month I shine a light on an often overlooked path to holiness: friendship with the saints.

We tend to become like those with whom we keep company.

If we spend time with angry people, we become more angry.

Spend time with generous people and we become more generous. Spend time with holy people … you get the idea.

So form your inner circle with saints.

FIND SOME COOL SAINTS

Search your life to find saints who are part of your story.

You share your birthday with a saint’s feast day and might share a first or middle name with a saint. The parish of your baptism was likely named after a saint. What are your hobbies and passions? There is probably a patron saint for each.

Collect for yourself a good handful of saints. Five to eight will do.

LEARN THEIR STORIES

Reading about these saints is the key to bringing them to life. You will come to feel that you know them, and you will actually feel their love and want to change your life based on their examples. Sometimes you don’t connect with a saint, and that’s OK. Continue reading about others until you find those few who become your inner circle, those two to four saints with whom you have a deep, spiritual and loving connection.

BECOME A HUGE FAN

It is time to pray with them. Gather posters and cards with their names and images, and decorate your home, office or car with their influence. Talk to them throughout your day, celebrate their feast days, and even name your children after them! ***** Saint Paul compared our journey through life to running a race. Form your inner circle of saints and they will be at your side, cheering you on, to help you on the journey and – in the end – wait for you at the finish line.

DOMINICK ALBANO is The Catholic Telegraph’s director of digital engagement, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 14 years and have four sons. dalbano@catholicaoc.org T H E S A IN T S / M A RC H 2022 | 21

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{ a p ri e s t’s pe r s pe c tive }

shreveport martyrs The Surest Path to Heaven Just before Christmas, I gratefully received the book Shreveport Martyrs of 1873: The Surest Path to Heaven, which recalls the Yellow Fever epidemic that devastated Shreveport, LA, wiping out one-fourth of its population.

As the Daily Shreveport Times stated: “Whole families were swept away, and commercial firms, partners and clerks, were literally blotted out of existence.”

of its terror. Surrounded by death’s stench, he was surprised by how many lay volunteers assisted the sick. Recognizing him as a priest, a woman brought him to Father Biler, in slightly better condition than Father Gergaud imagined.

They were able to talk about spiritual things and their former hopes and dreams for missionary work. How different was this atmosphere from their great aspirations!

Entering Shreveport’s suffering, five heroic priests from Brittany, France, gave their lives to ensure the faithful had access to the sacraments. These Shreveport Martyrs (shreveportmartyrs.org) are not yet well-known or formally beatified, but their lives and deaths in less than a month in 1873 are models of sanctity as we struggle through this pandemic.

Ravaged by the fever, Father Biler was hardly recognizable when he died on Sept. 26, but Father Gergaud labored on until he also contracted the disease.

Shreveport was originally in the Diocese of Natchitoches, which comprised most of Louisiana at that time, and the priests from Brittany who attended to its French settlers. When the epidemic began, Fathers Jean Pierre and Isidore Quémerais attended to the people’s sacramental needs, working with town physicians who responded to the epidemic.

When Father Quémerais became ill, Father Pierre continued his ministry, but sensed his own illness and sought to ensure the faithfuls’ access to the sacraments. His request for another priest via telegram to Alexandria, LA, brought Father Jean Marie Biler, who remarked upon his arrival, “My God, I have entered the city of the dead.” He administered the last sacraments to Father Quémerais and Father Pierre, before they soon succumbed to the fever on Sept. 15 and 16 respectively.

Strengthened by the Blessed Sacrament, Father Biler provided the sacraments to the people until he also began to weaken.

Mother Mary Hyacinth, a French nun, requested another priest through a telegram sent to Bishop Auguste Marie Martin, but received by Father Louis Gergaud in Monroe, LA. He told the people there to let the bishop know “that I go to my death.”

With apostolic boldness, he courageously set off. Bolstered by a strong sense of duty, Father Gergaud overcame numerous temptations to turn back, instead continuing forth to serve and comfort the sick and, in imitation of Christ, to rob death

Father François LeVézouët was next to volunteer, saying this was “the surest and shortest path to heaven.” He provided the last sacraments before Father Gergaud’s death on Oct. 2, and ministered to the people until he too fell ill. He requested two priests from the Archbishop of New Orleans, but a Jesuit priest and assistant were sent. They attended to the people and Father LeVézouët, who died Oct. 8.

Upon learning of these events, Bishop Martin wrote: “The hand of God has struck me and with these priests, pride of the priesthood, the crown of my old age has fallen. Inscrutable, truly, are the ways of the Lord. I adore them and I accept them with my whole soul, and I can only say, Happy is the diocese that could lose such men, happy is the earth watered by their sweat and sanctified by their death. Martyrs to charity or martyrs to persecution, in their venerated tombs will grow the deepest roots of the Holy Church of the One whose death was our life.”

Eventually, the epidemic subsided, with the People of God never deprived of the sacraments, thanks to the ultimate dedication of these five priest martyrs from Brittany who always kept Christ the priest among them. During this pandemic, may we draw inspiration from their courageous and heroic charity, rediscovering our own missionary impulse and remembering that God never abandons us!

FATHER EARL K. FERNANDES is the pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Cincinnati and holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome.

T H E S A IN T S / M A R C H 2022 | 23

S E IZ E T HE MO ME NT

Sainthood Here and Now As Catholics, we love our saints. We have a patron saint for just about everyone. Barkeepers (St. Amand), fireworks manufacturers (St. Barbara), mule drivers (St. Limbania) and dog handlers (St. Hubert of Liege) all have their designated saints. Name an occupation, medical condition, state in life or source of difficulty and there’s a saint who has been there and done that.

It’s encouraging to have all these patrons, but this can lead to confusion about what a saint actually is. Since they are from our history, we tend to think of sainthood achieved only after death, when the Church looks back on a person’s life and confirms the presence of heroic virtue and the performance of two miracles.

But is that it? Does sainthood only mean living the best you can and hoping for some official recognition after the fact?

SAINTS IN SCRIPTURE

The Bible uses the word “saint” in two different senses. The typical sense refers to men and women in heaven who pray for us, such as, “the inheritance of the saints in light” (Col. 1:1112), the saints rejoicing in heaven (Rev. 18:20) and the saints with Jesus when He comes again (1 Thess. 3:13).

In the Bible, however, most saints are not the rarified few from a distant past, but still-living members of the Church.

For example, Paul greets the saints in his letters (2 Cor. 1:1), advocates for their physical needs (Rom. 12:13), confesses to imprisoning them before his conversion (Acts 26:10), and acknowledges the Spirit who both helps saints pray (Rom. 8:26-27) and equips them for ministry (Eph. 4:11-12).

Those saints are his readers, the focus of his ministry. They are the Church and he loves them. And yet, a question remains: How can they be saints if they’re not yet in heaven? How can you be a saint if you’re still alive? Let’s take a closer look at this word.

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SAINTS ARE SINGLED OUT

“Saint” is our translation of the Greek word for “holy ones.” In Scripture, to be “holy” is to be consecrated, or set apart, such as when God said to the Jews: “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:6). Of all the peoples of the Earth, God chose the Jews to worship Him and make Him known throughout the world. According to Peter, the Jews’ identity and mission are fulfilled in the Church: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (1 Pet. 2:9).

How do we enter this Church? Through Baptism! Once water is poured three times in the name of the Trinity, the baptized person becomes a “holy one,” a saint, one set apart, and this new identity is a permanent one. Of course, we don’t always live up to this identity. We must still work to overcome sin and grow in righteousness. That’s why Paul wrote “to saints” reminding them to “be saints” (Rom. 1:7). Because, by the biblical definition, they were saints and, if you are baptized, so are you.

SEIZE YOUR SAINTHOOD

Sainthood, then, is both something we have and something we strive for, which can be hard to accept. We’re not used to thinking of ourselves this way, but this is not just my weird interpretation of Scripture. This is also the Church’s teaching, as the Catechism says, “The Church, then, is ‘the holy People of God,’ and her members are called ‘saints’” (CCC 823). “What is the Church if not the assembly of all the saints?” (CCC 946).

Take up this truth. Strive every day to live up to your identity.

Maybe, one day, you’ll be the patron saint of The Catholic Telegraph readers.

NICHOLAS HARDESTY is the associate director of Adult Evangelization and RCIA for the Center for the New Evangelization. | nhardesty@catholicaoc.org

Pope Benedict XVI, the Saints and the Universal Call to Holiness

BY SAMUEL VASQUEZ

The saints have been of life-long interest to Pope Benedict XVI. As a young priest participating in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), then Father Joseph Ratzinger was greatly influenced by a main theme: the “Universal Call to Holiness.” The Council fathers wrote that “all the faithful of Christ,” in every situation and walk of life, “are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (Lumen Gentium, 40). Holiness is possible and it is for everyone.

Father Ratzinger developed this theme many years later as Pope Benedict XVI, devoting his 2006 – 2011 general audiences to a Catechesis on the Saints. These reflections form the longest continuous text of his pontificate, comparable to Pope St. John Paul II’s general audience catechesis on the body, now called the Theology of the Body.

In his Catechesis on the Saints, Pope Benedict XVI took a profound and innovative re-reading of the entire saint tradition through the lens of the “Universal Call to Holiness,” seeing the saints as tangible proof that holiness of life is possible and necessary. As he wrote, “in every epoch of the Church’s history, on every latitude of the world map, the saints belong to all the ages and to every state of life” (General Audience, April 13, 2011). Saints are the answer God provides to the world in a time of crisis.

Pope Benedict XVI repeatedly returned to the saints’ lives and writings in his approach to advancing a theological opinion.

Through what one could call the “Ratzinger method,” he posed then answered questions by first examining the Old Testament background, then New Testament insights, then deepened his thoughts with the recorded wisdom of the saints and Fathers of the Church. Only then did he contemplate modern theologians’ insights, forming his own, often brilliant, solution, which almost invariably included examples or insights from the saints.

It thus makes perfect sense that Pope Benedict XVI chose to crown his musings with the saints. He writes that they, “let themselves be shaped by the word of God through listening, reading and assiduous meditation” (Verbum Domini, 48).

They participate in the prophetic aspect of Christ’s mission by interpreting the Scriptures through their very words and deeds, such that it is the saints, not theologians, who are the best interpreters of Scripture and teachers of the faith.

After all, it was St. Anthony of the Desert (c. 251-356) who was so moved by the words of Christ, “if you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me,” (Mt. 19:21) that he did just that. St. Francis of Assisi (c.

1181-1256) bore on his body “the marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). St. Damian de Veuster (1840-1889) “stretched out his hand and touched” the leper (Mt. 8:3), even rejoicing when he became a leper himself. And Mother Teresa (19101997) slaked the thirst of Christ (Jn. 19:28) in caring for the poor.

The task for all Christians is to strive for this same holiness, to “aim high, for God’s heights,” as Pope Benedict XVI wrote. “Let us not be afraid that God will ask too much of us, but let ourselves be guided by his Word in every daily action, even when we feel poor, inadequate, sinners. It will be he who transforms us in accordance with his love” (General Audience, April 13, 2011). And as He did for the saints, so too will the Lord do for each and

Let us not be afraid that God will ask too much of us, but let ourselves be guided by his Word in every daily action, even when we feel poor, inadequate, sinners.

– Pope Benedict XVI | 25

BOOK REVIEW

The Word on Fire Bible: Acts, Letters & Revelation REVIEWED BY DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT

In his 1999 “Letter to Artists,” Pope St. John Paul II invoked a famous line from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, The Idiot, attributed to the protagonist, Prince Myshkin: “Beauty will save the world.” He explained that “beauty is the key to the mystery and call to transcendence. It is an invitation to savor life and to dream of the future.” Like truth, he continued, “beauty ... brings joy to the human heart.” And he approvingly cites St. Augustine’s famous equation of beauty with God Himself: “Late have I loved you, Beauty so old and so new.”

These lauds to beauty are the animating dynamism of the splendid second volume in The Word on Fire Bible: Acts, Letters and Revelation. Following The Gospels’ publication in 2020, Acts, Letters and Revelation continues the theme that beauty not only is an aspect of Christian experience, but, along with truth and goodness, it is one of the three facets of faith to which we subscribe. Truth, beauty and goodness are three ways to describe the Christian faith’s glory, each complementing the other to give us the fullness of God’s revelation through various aspects of human experience. The Word on Fire Bible unites these three ways of imagining God, in a presentation that defies superlatives. Simply stated, this is a truly magisterial project—boldly conceived and meticulously executed.

Like The Gospels before it, Acts, Letters and Revelation is built around The New Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition, a different translation from the American versions of the missal and lectionary, so readers will notice variations from the Mass readings. You will not purchase this Bible simply for the Scripture text itself. Rather, The Word on Fire Bible is a tour through faith’s nuances using direct commentary on certain passages, as well as essays by scores of prominent theologians, saints, mystics, philosophers, popes and scholars from across 2 6 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH

the centuries. Being a Word on Fire publication, it is not surprising that Bishop Robert Barron writes much of the commentary.

Insightful and thoughtful as the many essays and articles are, what really sets The Word on Fire Bible apart is its sheer beauty.

Sturdily bound in premium leather and lifetime quality paper, the book itself is a pleasure to hold. Dozens of lavish images escort the reader through the Bible’s beauty: splendorous drawings and paintings; images of sculptures, churches and other architectural wonders; and many other exquisite artistic images. These are the great masters’ works, curated to exhibit the faith’s beauty through visual images and expository descriptions.

A painting of flowers in a vase by 17th Century artist Rachel Ruysch provides one example, appearing with the Letter of St. James to illustrate St. James’ admonition that the rich’s wealth will rot away. An accompanying essay explains how the painting’s just-past-their prime flowers express the artist’s reminder that all human riches are fleeting, and no illusions can save them. Through the painting’s beauty, the truth of St. James’ admonition comes alive, pointing us toward the goodness of those riches that never fade away.

And that summarizes the grand achievement of The Word on Fire Bible: Acts, Letters and Revelation. In it we discover the true, the beautiful and the good, mediated by the best of Christian artistic and intellectual history.

The Word on Fire Bible: Acts, Letters and Revelation, Brandon Vogt, General Editor; Leather: $69.95; Hardcover $39.95; Paperback $29.95; www.wordonfire.org

FEAST DAY: MARCH 17

St. Patrick May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and

nothing but happiness come through your door.

An Irish Blessing

St. Patrick grew up in Britain not believing in God. Captured

on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down,

by Irish pirates when he was 16, he was sold into slavery in

Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in

Ireland to look after sheep. He escaped when an angel told

the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the

him in a dream about a ship leaving for Britain. Reunited

mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every

with his family, he lived a happy life devoted to Christ in

eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.”

Britain for a long time, and even became a bishop!

In a later vision, God told Patrick to return to Ireland and evangelize the pagan people. He went without hesitation, to fulfill God’s will. Using the three-leaf clover, he taught children about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Patrick also became famous for driving the snakes out of Ireland, but instead of actual snakes, this meant he drove out evil from Ireland by converting pagans.

This St. Patrick’s day, remember its true meaning - St. Patrick lived his life entirely for Jesus. You can pray St. Patrick’s prayer: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ

Bishop Britain Clover Convert Evangelize Ireland Patrick Shamrock Snakes Trinity

TH E SA IN TS / MA RCH 202 2

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vietnamese

- community -

revitalizes YOUTH PROGRAM

BY KARY ELLEN BERGER

The Our Lady of Lavang Vietnamese Church youth group volunteered at A Child’s Hope International in January, and, with other volunteers, prepared over 85,500 food packages for children in need around the world.

Youth and parishioners are coming together at Our Lady of Lavang Vietnamese Community to both encourage each other and support the greater Cincinnati community.

It began last fall when Father Vincent Pham Minh Châu, the parish priest, suggested reviving the church’s youth program.

Twenty years earlier there had been a youth group, but it dissolved when the youth aged out. Thuy Dinh was an original member in the program. “I was nine when I came to the U.S.,” Dinh said. “There was a youth group [for many years] and then for some reason there was no one to place in the youth group anymore.”

When Father Pham asked if anyone was interested in restarting the youth program, Dinh said yes. “My family was like, ‘Why did you say yes? What were you thinking?’”

Dinh shared. “And I said I had no idea. There was a force somewhere – God was calling me. God was wanting me to do this. It’s definitely a full circle moment.”

Now Dinh leads the youth ministry and dozens of children gather monthly to make a difference. For their first service activity in December, the group volunteered during an event at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center – a location with special meaning to their parishioners.

“I picked that location as our first choice because I also 2 8 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

grew up at the Holy Spirit Center,” Dinh explained. “Our community never had our own church. The Holy Spirit Center helped our community have so many Masses there.”

During the December event, youth members worked in an art area, served food or greeted attendees. In January, they prepared meals at A Child’s Hope International. Dinh said that for each group activity, youth are encouraged to give back with more than just their time by bringing either a monetary donation or an item to be donated, depending on the activity they’re supporting. This goes back to the group’s patron saint, Mother Teresa, said Dinh.

“Like Mother Teresa, we are doing what we can,” Dinh said. “She served the homeless and did ministry work. We are all in her guidance and are trying to do the same thing.”

Program participants receive not only the joy and experience of helping others, but also help themselves for the future.

“Community service is important for scholarships and some of the children’s parents may not know that because of a language barrier,” Dinh shared. “We help the children with these community service opportunities and give them information about available college courses and tests.”

“We don’t want to stop,” Dinh noted. “We also want to grow – we hope to get older kids to lead the youth program later on and that this group goes on for a long time.”

4.0 x 5.0

N E W S / M A R C H 2022 | 29

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr confirms prisoners at Dayton Correctional Institute.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Prison Ministry SUPPORTED BY THE CMA

BY EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

ARCHDIOCESAN PRISON MINISTRY

There was a time in Kathy’s Bendall’s life when she questioned not only her faith, but her very worth. She credits Catholic prison ministry with helping to restore both.

Raised Catholic, Bendall’s faith was challenged as a child amid family issues of alcoholism and constant arguments. “I watched my mother pretend that everything was perfect in our house, and I thought ‘this is all a lie, this is not real,’” she said. “I thought God couldn’t be real, and if He was, then this wouldn’t be happening to me.”

Bendall was ultimately sentenced to two prison terms: 18 months for theft and forgery, then 30 months for possession and trafficking cocaine. Despondent to the point of believing she didn’t deserve to live, she walked into Dayton Correctional Institution’s prison chapel one day and locked eyes with a Sister who smiled at her with love and encouragement.

“I realized then that I was exactly where I was supposed to be, that 30 months in prison was the best thing that ever 3 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH

happened to me,” she said. “It brought me to Christ in a way that I had never experienced before. I realized I can pray to Him and know that He’s always with me, that I’m good enough because of Him.” “The experience of being in prison brought me back to the faith I was raised in,” Bendall added. “It also brought me back to my husband and my son. We are a true union in the Body of Christ and are blessed beyond measure.”

“I am always impressed by the faith of the individuals I meet when visiting prisons,” said Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr.

“The prison ministry program ministers to incarcerated men and women who respond to God’s invitation to follow Him and to join the Catholic Church. For incarcerated individuals who follow the same routines each day, the opportunities for fellowship, prayer and celebration offered by the prison ministry program, are a unique sign of their dignity and a reminder of God’s love for them. I am especially grateful to those who donate to the Catholic Ministry Appeal, which directly supports this important work and makes this ministry possible.”

Now an active parishioner at Mary, Help of Christians Parish, Fairborn, Bendall is also a licensed social worker, ministers at a substance abuse and treatment center in Columbus, and provides individual therapy services.

At press time, he said the Serenelli Project leadership had met with owners of a former convent building and planned to purchase it, and they were in “solid talks” to acquire a church and rectory.

THE SERENELLI PROJECT

Varner is expected to be the first resident, released from prison in June, and he hopes to be joined by a priest or other man interested in living out the Serenelli spirituality.

They will establish a prayer schedule and begin cleaning out the buildings.

A conversation in 2019 between a director of prison ministry, Marty Arlinghaus, and an inmate, Cole Varner, led to a new ministry rooted in faith and forgiveness, Serenelli Project. Sentenced to nine years in Lebanon Correctional Institution for selling drugs, Varner asked Arlinghaus, “Could a guy like me become a priest?”

Receiving the Catholic sacraments while in a foster home, Varner fought a lot in school, joined a gang and ended up “following a path of chaos.” While incarcerated, his thoughts drifted back to happier childhood times, and he found comfort in praying, attending Mass and having a relationship with God. Arlinghaus was “blown away” by Varner’s question, and prayerfully considered options for Varner and other inmates facing the challenges of both re-entering society and sustaining their faith. “I realized they would need a religious community with a very specific apostolate: a contemplative, monastic order, focused on a life of prayer, work, service and recovery.”

Alessandro Serenelli, the Italian man who murdered St. Maria Goretti, inspired Arlinghaus. While in prison, Serenelli reported a vision of St. Goretti in which she reassured him that she had forgiven him. He converted and became a model prisoner. After his release, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans as a lay brother and worked as a gardener, porter and general laborer.

“The fact that he committed the most heinous of crimes, then converted in prison – that was our example,” said Arlinghaus, who works for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

“Even though Serenelli is its own non-profit distinct from the Archdiocese [of Cincinnati], it is truly one of the many fruits of the Archdiocese Prison Ministry,” Arlinghaus noted. “It was inspired by our encounters with the incarcerated and born out of our work with them in the prison ministry to bring them to life in the Gospel through Jesus Christ.”

The questions arose of where to house such communities, for both men and women, and “what to have them do,” Arlinghaus said. “Then, I thought of all of the local abandoned churches, even Catholic churches, with unused rectories and convents.”

BORN FROM HOPE

Although the Serenelli Project is a separate entity from archdiocesan Prison Ministry, it was born from prison ministers’ good works that began inside the walls of local prisons.

Marty Arlinghaus, Director of Prison Ministry, prays with members of the Serenelli Project.

“The Archdiocese Prison Ministry and its mission to bring the faith into the prisons is one of the ministries supported by the CMA (Catholic Ministries Appeal).”

Arlinghaus said. “We, and by we, I mean the ministry team and the inmates alike, are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who contribute to the CMA.” He continued, “And now, the Serenelli Project picks up in the mission where the Prison Ministry, by law and prison policy, must leave off, accompanying the faithful after their sentence is served to remain faithful, to remain in the Church and to bear the fruits of repentance by the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God.” N E W S / M A R C H 2022 | 31

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Archdiocese of Cincinnati

LENTEN FISH FRYS Information subject to change. Visit thecatholictelegraph.com for the latest updates.

Ascension (Kettering) 2025 Woodman Dr., Kettering (937) 253-5171 Fish Fry: April 8 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Carryout in the cafeteria; 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Fish Fry in the PAC Badin High School (Hamilton) 571 New London Rd., Hamilton (513) 863-3993 Fish Fry: March 25 Hours: TBD Carroll High School St. Pat’s Irish Fish Fry (Dayton) 4524 Linden Ave, Dayton (937) 253-8188 Fish Fry: March 11; 6 p.m. – Midnight Drive-thru and carryout at the back loading dock: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m

Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus (Celina) 129 N. Vine St., Celina (419) 586-6648 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1, 8 & 15; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Drive-Thru Immaculate Heart of Mary (Anderson Township) 7820 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati (513) 388-0031 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (in cafeteria) Incarnation (Centerville) 45 Williamsburg Ln., Centerville (937) 433-1188 Fish Fry: March 11; 7 p.m. – Midnight; (Carry-out available from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.)

Chaminade Julienne High School (Dayton) 505 S. Ludlow St., Dayton (937) 461-3740 Fish Fry: March 19 Dinner 6 p.m.; Games 7 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Council 1592 (St. Marys) K of C Hall at Spring & Pine Sts., St. Marys (419) 394-5050 Fish Fry: March 4, 11 & 25, April 1 & 8 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Church of the Transfiguration (West Milton) 972 S. Miami St., West Milton (937) 698-4520 Fish Fry: March 4 & April 8 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Knights of Columbus Council 624 (Springfield) 2055 S. Bird Rd., Springfield (937) 323-9663 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 6 p.m.

Church of the Visitation (Eaton) 407 E. Main St., Eaton (937) 853-6184 Fish Fry: March 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Knights of Columbus 1272 (Wapakoneta) 614 N. Dixie Hwy, Wapakoneta (419) 738-2218 Fish Fry: March 4 & 18, April 1 & 15 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Good Shepherd (Cincinnati) 8815 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati (513) 489-8815 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

(Drive-thru 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

Guardian Angels (Cincinnati) 6531 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati (513) 231-7440 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Our Lady of Lourdes Boy Scout Troop 471 (Cincinnati) 2832 Rosebud Dr., Cincinnati (513) 922-0715 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 5 p.m – 7:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows (Monroe) 330 Lebanon Street, Monroe (513) 539-8061 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary (Greenhills) 17 Farragut Rd., Cincinnati (513) 825-8626 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Drive Thru only) Our Lady of the Valley (Reading) Sts. Peter and Paul Campus 330 W Vine St., Cincinnati (513) 554-1010 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1, 8 & 15; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart Fr. Roettele Council 8115 (KofC) (Fairfield) 400 Nilles Rd., Fairfield (513) 858-4210 Fish Fry: March 4 & 25, April 15 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Sacred Heart School Cafeteria) Sacred Heart (New Carlisle) 209 W. Lake Ave., New Carlisle (937) 845-3121 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Parish Center) St. Aloysius (Shandon) 3350 Chapel Rd., Shandon (513) 738-1014 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25; Grocery Bingo April 1; 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga (Bridgetown) 4366 Bridgetown Rd., Cincinnati (513) 574-4840 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1, 8 & 15; 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

St. Ann (Hamilton) 3064 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton (513) 863-0604 Fish Fry: April 8; 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

St. Anthony of Padua (Dayton) 830 Bowen St., Dayton (937) 253-9132 Fish Fry: Feb. 26; 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

St. Antoninus (Cincinnati) 1500 Linneman Rd., Cincinnati (513) 922-5400 Fish Fry: March 2, 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1, 8 & 15; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Fish Fry in the undercroft) L E N T E N F IS H F R Y S / M A R C H 2022 | 33

St. Bernard Catholic Church Annex (Winton Place) 745 Derby Ave, Cincinnati 45232 (513) 722-6899 Fish Fry: March 25 & April 8 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Brigid (Xenia) 312 Fairgrounds Rd., Xenia (937) 372-3193 Fish Fry: March 4 Carryout 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

St. Catharine of Siena (Westwood) Drive-Thru At St. Catharine School, 3324 Wunder Ave., Cincinnati March 4 & 11, April 1 & 8 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

At Westside Brewery, 3044 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati March 18 & 25; 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

St. Christopher (Vandalia) 435 E. National Rd., Vandalia (937) 898-3542, ext. 101 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Ignatian Retreats

St. Columban (Loveland) 894 Oakland Rd., Loveland (513) 683-0105 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Drive-thru and Online Orders Only (credit cards only)

Behold, I Make All Things New - Rev 21:5 Experience the great treasures in the Spiritual Exercises rooted in scripture.

The Jesuit Spiritual Center offers Catholic retreats modeled on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

Ignatian retreats include: Inspirational Presentations Mass · Reconciliation Adoration · Stations of the Cross Rosary · Spiritual Direction Private Reflection · Silence

5361 S. Milford Rd Milford, OH 45150

Visit our website at jesuitspiritualcenter.com or call Mary Ellen at 513.248.3500, ext. 10

3 4 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH

St. Columbkille Knights of Columbus ( Wilmington) St. Columbkille Parish 73 N. Mulberry, Wilmington (937) 382-2236 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

(Parish Center Basement) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Milford) 5890 Buckwheat Rd., Milford (513) 575-0119 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. James of the Valley (Wyoming) 411 Springfield Pike Cincinnati (513) 948-1218 Fish Fry: March 25; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Drive-thru Only) St. James the Greater (White Oak) 3565 Hubble Rd., Cincinnati (513) 741-5300 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4:30p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. John Neumann (Cincinnati) 12191 Mill Rd., Cincinnati (513) 742-0953 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Daniel Hall) St. John the Baptist (Dry Ridge) 5361 Dry Ridge Rd., Cincinnati (513) 385-8010 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Louis Church & School (Owensville) 250 N. Broadway, Owensville (513) 732-2218 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Dine-in & Carryout St. Margaret of York (Loveland) 9483 Columbia Rd., Loveland Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Mary (Bethel) 3398 State Route 125, Bethel (513) 734-4041 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Mary (Hyde Park) 2853 Erie Ave., Cincinnati (513) 321-1207 Fish Fry: April 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (St. Mary’s Cafeteria)

St. Mary (Piqua) 528 Broadway St., Piqua (937) 773-1327 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 ; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Piqua Catholic North Campus cafeteria) St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 1727 (Urbana) 518 N. Locust St., Urbana Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Mary of the Woods (Russells Point) 464 Madison Ave., Russells Point (937) 843-3127 Fish Fry: March 4 & 25, April 15 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

St. Maximilian Kolbe (Liberty Twp.) 5729 Hamilton Mason Road, Liberty Twp (513) 777-4322 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

St. Michael the Archangel (Ripley) 4th & Market Sts., Ripley (606) 375-9947 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8 Lunch: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Dinner: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Parish Hall) St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Council 1782 (Bellefontaine) 316 E. Patterson Ave., Bellefontaine (937) 592-1656 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

(Makley Hall) St. Peter (New Richmond) 1192 Bethel New Richmond Rd., New Richmond (513) 553-3267 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Philip the Apostle - KofC St. Malachy Council 5128 (Morrow) 944 E. US 22 & 3, Morrow (513) 899-3601 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Drive-Thru and Carryout Only St. Remy Catholic War Veterans Post 661 (Russia) Catholic War Vets Hall, Kelch Rd, Russia Fish Fry: March 11 & April 8; 4 p.m.

St. Saviour (Sycamore Township) 4136 Myrtle Ave., Cincinnati (513) 791-9004 Fish Fry: March 4 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. Susanna (Mason) 500 Reading Rd., Mason (513) 398-3821 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

(Meyer Center) St. Thomas More Boy Scout Troop 452 (Withamsville) 800 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati (513) 752-2080 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Dine-in and Drive-thru St. Veronica (Mt. Carmel) 4473 Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Rd., Cincinnati (513) 528-1622 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

(Parish Hall) St. Vincent Ferrer (Kenwood) 7754 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati (513) 791-9030 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

St. William (Price Hill) 4108 W. 8th St., Cincinnati (513) 921-0247 Fish Fry: March 4, 11, 18 & 25, April 1 & 8; 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Drive-Thru only

CRISPY FISH SANDWICHES

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SPEAKER SERIES The Presence of God 7 p.m. | March 10, 17, 24, 31 St. Gertrude School Cafeteria Be enlightened and inspired as you listen to four Dominican friars speak about God's presence in sacred Scripture, Church history, the sacraments, and moral life.

LENT 2022 Speaker Series & Parish Mission

MISSION Living in the Presence of God April 4–6

St. Gertrude Church Presented by: Father Gabriel Torretta, O.P.

11:30 a.m. Mass, followed by adoration 7 p.m. Talk, followed by adoration and benediction (confession available)

For more information and to view the list of speakers and the mission schedule, please visit stgertrude.org/lent2022.

St. Gertrude Church | 6543 Miami Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45243

L E N T E N F IS H F R Y S / M A R C H 2022 | 35

POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II’S THEOLOGY OF THE BODY

Original Nakedness: Seeing as God Sees This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB).

I began several months ago to explore the three “original experiences” Pope St. John Paul II pondered in his Theology of the Body. In these reflections, we saw that the original experiences reveal fundamental truths about who we are as human persons (identity) and how we are called to live (vocation). Through original solitude, we discovered that we alone in the visible world are embodied persons, capable of self-awareness and selfdetermination, existing in a unique relationship with God as His sons and daughters, and are called to freely partner with Him in His divine plan. Through original unity, we reflected on how our bodies reveal that we are created male and female in the one human nature. This difference of sex affects the whole person and enables us to form a communion of persons through total, embodied self-giving. The “place” that God designed for this total self-giving is called marriage, which is a lifelong union of a man and a woman. Through their mutual self-gift, the love of the spouses can become personified through the child born of their union. Thus, the communion of the family forms an icon of the Divine Communion of Persons we call the Blessed Trinity.

There remains one final original experience to ponder: original nakedness. Pope St. John Paul II used this term in reference to Genesis 2:25: “The man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.” This verse links together the absence of shame and the freedom the man and woman enjoyed in regard to one another and even to God. Shame is a powerful emotion that arises when we feel especially vulnerable and exposed in the presence of another. It is linked with fear of being used, abused, judged or rejected by the other.

It gives rise to an urge to hide or conceal ourselves physically or psychologically. In this way, shame cuts us off from others, but it also serves to preserve and protect our dignity in the face of real or perceived threats.

The Holy Father emphasized that the absence of shame 36 |

experienced by our first parents does not indicate some lack, but actually reflects a fullness. Due to the absence of original sin and the abundance of grace bestowed upon them, our first parents possessed a fuller capacity to see the world and one another as God intended. For them, the body perfectly revealed the person. Rather than merely seeing the exterior (e.g., the feminine or masculine features of the body), they beheld the spiritual reality and dignity of the person made in God’s image shining through the body. This inner vision of the person naturally gives rise to a sense of awe, reverence and non-possessive love. It also creates the conditions for man and woman to fully share themselves with each other without any threat of being reduced to a mere object to be used. Thus, the absence of shame and the corresponding fullness of vision lead to a greater capacity for true intimacy – to see the other and be seen as we truly are.

This way of seeing clearly involves more than just the eyes.

It involves the heart and requires a purity of intention and openness to seeing transcendent value inscribed by God in created things, especially the human body. As Pope St. John Paul II wrote, “Seeing each other reciprocally, through the very mystery of creation, as it were, the man and the woman see each other still more fully and clearly than through the sense of sight itself, that is, through the eyes of the body. They see and know each other, in fact, with all the peace of the interior gaze, which creates precisely the fullness of the intimacy of persons” (TOB 13.1).

Reflecting on original nakedness reinforces the dignity of the person and shines light on the depth of intimacy we are created to experience. This can help us gradually re-orient our vision so that we can see each other as the divine gifts that we are. To this end, we will ponder these themes further next time.

DR. ANDREW SODERGREN, MTS, PSY.D. is a Catholic psychologist and director of psychological services for Ruah Woods. He speaks on the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith.

He and his wife, Ellie, have five children.

Written by Gail Finke Illustrated by Emma Cassani The Irish parishioners wanted to name their church after St. Patrick, but because St. Patrick parish was already established in Fayetteville, they chose his successor, St. Benignus.

1854 First Mass celebrated in Greenfield at a private home.

1856 St. Benignus Parish established and land purchased for the church.

1858 Original church dedicated

by Archbishop Purcell on Christmas Day. 1883 St. Joseph Cemetery established.

1904 Former Methodist church purchased in lieu of building a church.

“St. Biscuit’s” Neighborhood nickname for the hard-to-spell parish (pronounced “bah-NIG-nus”)

1905 Blessed by Archbishop Moeller.

1908 Rectory built; replaced in 1925.

“Of all the places I’ve worked, St. Benignus is the most like a family. Like the early Church, they love each other as a family. If there’s a problem, everybody knows and everybody helps.” Father Mike Paraniuk, Pastor Crest The parish crest is green for Ireland and white for the pope, with a gold harp in the center because, as “St. Patrick’s psalm singer,” St. Benignus brought thousands of Irish souls to Christ with his voice.

1958 Church renovated for parish centennial.

1984 First parish council meeting held.

1990 Church renovated.

St. Benignus An Irish chieftain’s son, St. Benignus (Benen) was St. Patrick’s right-hand man and coadjutor for the See of Armagh.

According to legend, King Laochaire locked St. Benignus and a druid priest in a burning building to determine which faith was real. Only Benignus survived. An able administrator and writer, he helped compile a code of law for Ireland that lasted until the 17th Century.

1998 Groundbreaking for religious education center.

“Our parishes are very joyful about joining our new parish family. The joy at St. Benignus comes from the fact that they have a wonderful sense of unity, and they look forward to sharing it with someone new.” - Father Mike Paraniuk, Pastor

D ID Y O U K N O W ? / M A R C H 2022 | 37

Married only six months, we learned we were expecting our first child, but were both working at low-paying jobs while searching for full-time careers. Of course, the news brought complete joy and overwhelming excitement! But we admit to feeling stress too.

pains of childbirth were great, the joy of seeing her daughter and knowing her baby would have life gave her the strength to face execution. The two women bravely faced the gladiators, and, with unfathomable calmness, entrusted themselves entirely to God.

Thousands of questions ran through our minds as we contemplated the unknowns. How can we afford to care for a baby? How will we raise him or her? The worries continued long after the positive pregnancy test, the most difficult ones centering on, “What if something happens to the baby? Or us?”

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity knew one of the highest forms of happiness on earth in bringing their children into this world. They also faced one of the greatest sorrows, leaving their children to be raised by others.

We see in their stories the key to parenting: trust.

On March 7, we celebrate the feast of two women, Perpetua and Felicity, who lived in the early 3rd Century in Carthage, North Africa. They undoubtedly asked the same questions, and they gave us the ultimate answer.

Perpetua was a well-educated and wealthy young woman of society while Felicity was a slave, but they died together as martyrs. A month before imprisonment for her new-found faith, Perpetua gave birth to a young son, who was instantly the joy of her life. However, she willingly left him in her family’s care rather than give up her Christian faith.

Felicity was still pregnant when sent to prison, but just days before her execution, she miraculously gave birth to a healthy baby girl, despite cruel treatment during her many months in prison. Her child, too, was taken from her and raised by a Christian couple. Though the 38 |

As Catholic parents, we know the new life we bring into this world is a gift from God. God initially provides for His children through their parents’ care, but sometimes He provides others to be His source of love and grace.

May we be aided by Perpetua and Felicity’s prayers to fully surrender ourselves to God’s will for our children and to be attuned to the ways God wants to provide for them.

In honor of these saints, we seek to be a source of love and grace for mothers in our own communities by throwing a baby shower.

Scan with your device to download the template and watch an instructional video!

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Hole punch Foam stamp paint brush Scissors Crayons/colored pencils Sts. Perpetua and Felicity template

1.

Print the template on cardstock, making sure there are enough blank cards for “Congratulations!” or “Sweet Baby Boy or Girl.”

2.

Holding the letter stencils on each blank banner piece, dab paint onto the stencil to create the desired phrase

3.

Allow the paint to dry, then punch holes on the top corners of the banner pieces.

4.

String the ribbon through the holes in the banner pieces.

5.

Color the Sts. Perpetua and Felicity images, then cut them out,

6.

Punch holes in the top corners of the saint images and string one image on either end of your phrase.

7.

Hang the banner and invite friends to a baby shower for pregnant women in need.

8.

Take the gifts to your local pregnancy center or give them to a mother you know who is in need.

M A K IN G CA T H O L IC M E M O R IE S / M A RC H 2022 | 39

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OUT & ABOUT 1) ROYALMONT STUDENTS MARCH FOR LIFE

Students from Royalmont Academy High School in Mason travelled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the March for Life. While there they also prayed on the steps of the Capital with Congressman Steve Chabot.

2) ALL SAINTS CHURCH RALLIES FOR LIFE

All Saints Church, Cincinnati, held their annual “Celebrate Life” event on Sunday, Jan. 23. It was a three-hour event, including walking outside with signs in support of life along Montgomery Road, adoration, a Rosary for Life and reconciliation.

3) EIGHTH GRADERS TEACH ABOUT THE SAINTS

Eighth grade students at Our Lady of the Rosary School, Dayton, prepared lesson plans and taught the Kindergarten through 5th grade classes about their Classroom Saints as part of Catholic Schools Week!

4) CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK IN PIQUA

Piqua Catholic School celebrated Catholic Schools Week with pancakes, games, dancing and wearing crazy hats and socks. The also had a “special guest” visit the school: Lehman Catholic High School’s Cavalier!

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FUNERAL SERVICES IN T HE A R C H D I O C E S E

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DOWN 1 The Seven Last of Jesus 2 Music hall 3 Crest 4 “Gloria in excelsis ___” 5 Blend of oil and balsam 6 Listen to 7 Among 8 Above the normal male register 9 Abstract being 10 The feast of St. Bernadette Soubirous is in this month 11 Lifeless biblical sea 12 The day of the month 13 Musher’s carrier 21 Color that represents purity in

traditional religious art 22 Sieben follower 24 Alphabet string 26 A first for Eve 28 Title for Pio 29 Paul refers to these animals in 1 Cor 9:9 30 Suffix (zool.)

31 The emblem of St. Simon the Zealot has a book and this on it 32 Strikebreaker 33 Commotion 34 Very very 38 Soaks, as flax 39 Vigorous exercises 40 Roundish projection 42 Alphabet string 43 The feast of St. Anthony of Padua is in this month 46 St. Bernard is the patron saint of these athletes 47 “The bombs bursting ___…”

49 Abraham, in the beginning 50 Catholic actor, Tony ___ 51 Clip wool 52 Edible roots 53 Potpourri 54 Bone that parallels the radius 56 Frequent Mayberry jail occupant 57 Slider’s shout 60 Madre’s hermana 61 Give it ___!

O T I S

in “The Farmer’s Daughter” 55 A knife is named after this Catholic defender of the Alamo 58 Exclamation of contempt 59 “It was ___ joke.”

60 Donate a portion of money to church 61 “Judith” composer 62 Prefix for small 63 Less hospitable 64 Where Samson died 65 Fly 66 Donkeys 67 “Rubaiyat” name

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ACROSS 1 Liturgy of the ___ 5 Abrade 10 Increases 14 Garfield’s pal 15 Muscular type 16 Resound 17 Repeat 18 Something to ride 19 Assess 20 Hollowed out 21 “…dominion over the fish of the sea, the ___…” (Gen. 1:26) 22 Assisted 23 Odors 25 OT book of teachings 27 Silent 28 Egyptian deity 29 Idiot 32 Jesus referred to Himself as this, rejected by the builders 35 Arguing 36 LXI + XXX 37 Small salmon 38 Certain inert gas 40 Robert E. and family 41 Show stoppers?

42 Bambi 43 Minor Prophet noted for having been swallowed by a great fish 44 Halloween hello 45 Raison d’___ 46 ___ rosa 47 “Granting that…”

48 Mixes dough 52 Catholic actress who won an Academy Award for her role

Four generations of family service to Eastern Cincinnati

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THE FINAL WORD with Dr. Camille Brown Privette

African Saints OUR HISTORY & INSPIRATION

Of the thousands of holy men and women who contributed to the Catholic Church, some are officially recognized as saints, others are on the road to sainthood and some remain anonymous. Many holy men and women of African descent are not well-known in the Universal Church, and thus, their contributions in salvation history are often overlooked or presumed absent. People of color are also too often viewed as newer worshippers in the Catholic Church and Christian experience, despite Acts 8:26-40 providing 1st Century evidence to the contrary. There, we learn that the Ethiopian eunuch joyfully carried the faith back to East Africa, while history reveals that in the 6th Century, East Africa received Christian missionaries from both Emperor Justinian and his wife, Theodora.

An important group of saints to know are the first known African martyrs - St. Speratus and Companions (180 A.D.), who were arrested near the ancient city of Carthage for reading the letters of Paul and professing to be Christians.

So, knowing the Catholic faith was embraced early by people of color from the African continent, we also know that many are recognized as saints.

I would be remiss to omit the six African Americans currently on the Road to Sainthood who inspire us with their holy lives. We are grateful to Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, Venerable Mother Henriette Delille, Servant of God Julia Greeley, Servant of God Mother Mary Lange, Venerable Father Augustus Tolton and Venerable Pierre Toussaint.

My interest in African saints grew during the 1990s while teaching “The History of Black Catholics in the United States” at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA. Father Cyprian Davis’ book opened my eyes to the existence of the three Black popes (Pope St. Victor I: 189198 A.D., Pope St. Gelasius I: 492-496 A.D. and Pope St. Miltiades: 311-314 A.D.) and a host of other saints absent from our parish and school religion lessons.

In my prayers, I give thanks that the Lord sent these holy men and women into the world to nurture us, intercede for us and embrace us. I feel called to remember and share their stories as often as possible, as well as say their names aloud and pray through their intercession. Let us pray for more saints of color – that their lives and examples of holiness will assist us on our journey toward the heavenly Kingdom of God.

I began cataloging these ordinary men and women who led extraordinary lives. After years of teaching, and traveling to Africa to confirm as many stories as possible, I realized that the actual number of recognized African saints is too large to count. The Alexandrian Plague Martyrs of 257 AD, St. Maurice and the Theban Legion of 287 AD, St. Charles Lwanga and Companions of 1886 AD, and many more make their numbers staggering.

DR. CAMILLE BROWN PRIVETTE is the Associate Superintendent for School Leadership and Community Programs for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She holds a B.A. in History from Franklin and Marshall College, an M.A. in Theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College. Dr. Brown Privette founded the Bakhita Fund to provide educational assistance to children around the world. She has been an African missionary for 20 years and penned many articles and four books, most notably, African Saints, African Stories: 40 Holy Men and Women.

St. Josephine Bakhita from Sudan particularly intrigued me.

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Captured at a young age and sold into slavery, she eventually accompanied an Italian couple’s daughter, as a nursemaid, to a school operated by the Canossian Sisters of Charity.

Bakhita gained her freedom, was baptized, and became a Canossian Sister, being canonized a saint in 2000.

A Loving, Nurturing Home for Children and Adults with Complex Disabilities

Honor St. Joseph Day with a donation supporting our ministry of extraordinary and compassionate medical and personal care.

www.stjosephhome.org/donate 10722 Wyscarver Rd. | Cincinnati, OH 45241 513-563-2520 | www.stjosephhome.org

FEEDING THE HUNGRY Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio tackles hunger head-on by providing nutritious food to those in need in both our rural and urban communities. This includes Power Pack meals to children in local Catholic and public schools. We distributed over 700,000 meals in 2021 and expanded our partnerships in the community to provide even more fresh and healthy offerings. To learn more about our Food for All program, visit ccswoh.org/programs/food-for-all.

DONATE securely online at ccswoh.org or mail in your donation Enclosed is my gift of: £$25 £$50 £$100 £$250 £$500 £$__________

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Please make checks payable to: Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio, Mid Pointe Tower, 7162 Reading Rd., Ste. 600, Cincinnati, OH 45237

1/28/22 8:10 AM

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100 E. 8th St. • Cincinnati, OH 45202

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