MAGAZINE
190th year | issue 5
bringing faith into the home
may 2021 | mothers & mary | 1
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edi t or’s not e
What’s it Like to be a Mom? Growing up, my faith was the unquestioning faith of a child. I couldn’t fathom the boundless fatherly love God has for His children. I also couldn’t truly empathize with Mary’s total devotion and love for her Son until I, too, became a mother. “What is it like to be a mom?” My children have posed the question to me in a variety of ways for as long as they have been able to speak. Other variations include, “What’s it like to have a baby in your tummy?” or “What’s it like to feed a baby with your body?” And as I gaze at their inquisitive little faces, a million emotions and memories flash through my mind like a rapidly playing slideshow. Memories of those rolling knees and elbows inside my body; the anticipation of guessing who this new person would resemble and what personality traits would emerge. Remembering their first cries, my first glance of their wide open eyes and deeply dimpled cheeks. Recalling the feeling of their perfect weight against my chest, nestled into the crook of my arm and, later, those same little arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders and legs, hanging on tightly as they called for “Mama.” As they grew – and continue to grow – I also recall the very real, electric, physical pain I experience when my children hit their heads or scrape their knees; the panic I felt when one of them wandered off in a busy crowd; the empathy of watching them experience life’s first – and subsequent – disappointments and betrayals; the pride I feel in their personal triumphs, good decisions, kindness towards others and growth in their faith. As I relive and recall these moments and feelings, I also think of Mary, of her “yes.” Not only was she saying “yes” to the awe-inspiring invitation to become the mother of Christ, but she was also saying “yes” to all those feelings, those moments,
PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr
EDITOR Jessica Rinaudo
MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway
GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT Dominick Albano
NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman
those emotions of motherhood, too – both for her Son, and as our heavenly mother and intercessor. Mother Teresa once said, “If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon Our Lady. Just say this simple prayer, ‘Mary, mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit, this prayer has never failed me.” I pray that we, mothers and mother figures, strive to grow both in holiness and in imitation of our Blessed Mother. And through her intercession, may we pray for our own children, so that they, too, may grow in holiness. In May, we have much to celebrate. Not only do we honor all mothers and mother figures across the nation on Mother’s Day, May 9, but we, as Catholics, recognize May as the Blessed Mother’s month. It is with great joy that we dedicate this issue of the magazine both to Our Lady, and to the women in our lives who have – and continue to – love and support us in our hopes, dreams and faith.
cteditorial@catholicaoc.org
THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 190th Year No. 5 • May 2021 513-263-6635 • thecatholictelegraph.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret Swensen
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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Catholic Telegraph, 100 E. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
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contents news
mothers & mary
columns
8 BICENTENNIAL: THE SOCIETY OF MARY IN DAYTON
16 FOSTERING VOCATIONS IN COLDWATER
5 SEEK THE LORD
SARAH ATER
SUSIE BERGMAN
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord
9 SAINTLY VISITORS
Three mothers of priests from the northern archdiocese share their stories
7 QUESTION OF FAITH
SARAH ATER
10 OUR NEW PRIESTS On May 15 seven men will be ordained to the priesthood
ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR
FATHER DAVID ENDRES
22 SEWING FAITH
What is the deacon’s role in the Church?
JESSICA RINAUDO
Kathleen West’s ethically sourced boutique inspired by motherhood
18 A CLOSER LOOK DR. KEN CRAYCRAFT
The things she carried in her heart
28 ROOTED IN TWIN TOWERS
24 LET’S CELEBRATE MOM
KARY ELLEN BERGER
MARGARET SWENSEN
20 SHINE ON
Dayton’s Mission of Mary Cooperative
Recognize Mom with her love language
DOMINICK ALBANO
46 MARIA EMMERICH
27 KIDS’ CORNER Our Lady of Kibeho
PATRICIA MCGEEVER
Chaminade Julienne Senior volunteers 48 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS
To the single mothers on Mother’s Day 26 CATHOLIC AT HOME KATIE SCIBA
32 BICENTENNIAL MARIAN PILGRIMAGE
Pouring ourselves into others
LISA FLETCHER
39 MIND & SOUL
EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU
33 days, 36 churches, 300 miles
DR. ANDREW SODERGREN
CISE preschools pave the way for success
36 PILGRIMAGE ACCOMMODATIONS KARY ELLEN BERGER
50 GROWING NUMBERS
38 ROSARY MEN
McNicholas High School has growing class sizes
JOHN STEGEMAN
ELLEN GORMLEY
ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: MARGARET SWENSEN
Maria Mueller with her children: Audrey (4), Tommy (2), Charlie (10 months) 4 | CO N TE NTS
41 DID YOU KNOW? GAIL FINKE & EMMA CASSANI
BONNY VAN
50 ST. X’S MOTHERS CLUB
Our debt to motherly love
Cincinnati men aim to bring the Rosary into the workplace 40 A PRIEST’S PERSPECTIVE
St. Mary Church, Piqua 42 MAKING CATHOLIC MEMORIES WAYNE & MARIANNE TOPP
Baking Blessed Imelda hosts
FATHER EARL FERNANDES
42 THE FINAL WORD
Our heroic mothers
MARIA MORERA JOHNSON
Our Lady of Charity: My heavenly mother Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for May: The Beauty of Marriage Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.
SEEK THE LORD ARCHBI S H OP DE N N IS M . S C H N U R R
It is quite fitting that Mother’s Day in the U.S. is celebrated during May, the month in which we especially honor Mary – Mother of the Redeemer, Mother of the Church and our Blessed Mother. Mary is often called the first disciple, but she is much more than that. Mary not only follows Jesus perfectly; she leads others to Him with maternal love. Pope Francis, in his apostolic letter The Joy of the Gospel, calls her the “star of the new evangelization.” We see her evangelize in the New Testament when she points away from herself and toward God in Christ. Any correct veneration of the Blessed Mother recognizes that, though sinless and conceived without sin by God’s special grace, she is still a human being like us. In St. Luke’s Gospel, the angel’s greeting – “Hail favored one! The Lord is with you” – understandably has her “greatly troubled at what was said” (Lk. 1:28-29). However, she ultimately steps out in faithfulness with her fiat that echoes down the centuries: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done unto me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38). Because of her unique role in salvation history, and her special status as “full of grace,” Mary may seem too remote to be a model of faith as we struggle to do God’s will in the busyness of our lives. And yet, like her, each of us was created by God for a special purpose, and God gave us sufficient grace to accomplish that purpose. He also gave us the Church, the scriptures and the sacraments. We do not travel alone. When St. Elizabeth says, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk. 1:45), Mary’s response is not about herself. In immediately praising God with one of the most beautiful prayers in the Bible, the Magnificat, she is an exemplar of humility as well as faith.
In addition to seeing Mary as a role model, Christians from the earliest days have asked her to intercede with God for their needs. The perfect example of this is the wedding feast of Cana, where Mary informs Jesus, “They have no wine,” and then, with perfect faith, instructs the servers, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn. 2:3-5). Pilgrims to the Holy Land, myself included, note that Mary’s spirit infuses Cana, Nazareth and Bethlehem. Unfortunately, over the past year, Israel, Palestine and Jordan have been closed to travelers in response to the pandemic. Now, however, comes an opportunity to participate in a Marian pilgrimage without leaving the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Our “Radiate Christ Through Mary” pilgrimage will begin with a Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Russells Point on Sun., May 16, and end at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains when I re-consecrate the archdiocese to Jesus through Mary on Sat., June 19, the beginning of our bicentennial year. Over the course of those 33 days, pilgrims will carry a blessed statue of Our Lady of Fatima to nearly 40 parishes in every deanery of our archdiocese. In this issue of The Catholic Telegraph, you will learn more about this historic pilgrimage, the four cornerstone events that will highlight it and how you can participate. The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I am especially mindful of the extra burden it has placed on mothers with children at home, the heartache of mothers and grandmothers who could not be near those they love, and the sorrow of those who have lost mothers and grandmothers to the coronavirus. To all of you, I extend my prayers for a happy and blessed Mother’s Day and for a better year ahead. Holy Mary, Mother of God and our mother, pray for us! S E E K T H E L ORD / MA Y 2021 | 5
BUSCA AL SEÑOR ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR
Es muy apropiado que el Día de la Madre en los Estados Unidos se celebre durante mayo, el mes en el que honramos especialmente a María – Madre del Redentor, Madre de la Iglesia y nuestra Santísima Madre. A María a menudo se le llama la primera discípula, pero ella es mucho más que eso. María no sólo sigue a Jesús perfectamente; ella lleva a los demás a Él con amor materno. El Papa Francisco, en su carta apostólica La alegría del Evangelio, la llama la “estrella de la nueva evangelización”. La vemos evangelizar en el Nuevo Testamento cuando se aleja de sí misma y hacia Dios en Cristo. Cualquier veneración correcta de la Santísima Madre reconoce que, aunque sin pecado y concebida sin pecado por la gracia especial de Dios, sigue siendo un ser humano como nosotros. En el Evangelio de San Lucas, el saludo del ángel – “Alégrate, llena de gracia, el Señor está contigo” – comprensiblemente “se la conturbó por estas palabras” (Lc. 1:28-29). Sin embargo, finalmente sale fiel a su fiat que resuena a lo largo de los siglos: “He aquí la esclava del Señor; hágase en mí según tu palabra” (Lc. 1:38). Debido a su papel único en la historia de la salvación, y a su condición especial de “llena de gracia”, María puede parecer demasiado remota para ser un modelo de fe mientras luchamos por hacer la voluntad de Dios en nuestra vida tan ocupada. Y sin embargo, como ella, cada uno de nosotros fue creado por Dios con un propósito especial, y Dios nos dio suficiente gracia para lograr ese propósito. También nos dio la Iglesia, las Escrituras y los sacramentos. No viajamos solos. Cuando Santa Isabel dice: “¡Feliz la que ha creído que se cumplirían las cosas que le fueron dichas de parte del Señor!” (Lc. 1:45), la respuesta de María no se trata de sí misma. Al alabar inmediatamente a Dios con una de las oraciones más bellas de la Biblia, el Magnificat, ella es un ejemplo de humildad y fe.
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Además de ver a María como un modelo a seguir, los Cristianos desde los primeros días le han pedido que interceda con Dios por sus necesidades. El ejemplo perfecto de esto es la fiesta nupcial de Caná, donde María informa a Jesús: “No tienen vino”, y luego, con fe perfecta, instruye a los servidores: “Hagan lo que Él les diga” (Jn. 2:3-5). Peregrinos a Tierra Santa, yo incluido, observamos que el espíritu de María infunde Caná, Nazaret y Belén. Desafortunadamente, en el último año, Israel, Palestina y Jordania han sido cerrados a los viajeros en respuesta a la pandemia. Ahora, sin embargo, viene la oportunidad de participar en una peregrinación mariana sin salir de la Arquidiócesis de Cincinnati. Nuestra peregrinación “Irradiar Cristo a través de María” comenzará con una Misa en el Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Fátima en Russells Point el domingo, 16 de mayo, y terminará en la Catedral Basílica de San Pedro en Cadenas cuando vuelva a consagrar a la arquidiócesis a Jesús a través de María el sábado 19 de junio, el principio de nuestro año bicentenario. En el transcurso de esos 33 días, los peregrinos llevarán una estatua bendita de Nuestra Señora de Fátima a casi 40 parroquias en cada decanato de nuestra arquidiócesis. En este número de The Catholic Telegraph, aprenderá más sobre esta peregrinación histórica, los cuatro eventos fundamentales que la resaltarán y cómo puede participar. La pandemia COVID-19 ha sido difícil para todos. Al celebrar el Día de la Madre, soy especialmente consciente de la carga extra que ha puesto sobre las madres con hijos en casa, el dolor de las madres y abuelas que no podrían estar cerca de los que aman, y el dolor de aquellos que han perdido madres y abuelas por el coronavirus. A todos ustedes, extiendo mis oraciones por un feliz y bendito Día de la Madre, y por un mejor año por delante. Santa María, Madre de Dios y nuestra madre, ¡ruega por nosotros!
Q UES TION OF F AITH
WHAT IS THE DEACON’S ROLE IN THE CHURCH? When was the deacon’s role introduced in the Church, and how is it different from that of the priest? The deacon’s role (from the Greek word diakonia, meaning “service”) developed in the early Church. Deacons exercised a ministry of service and shared in Holy Orders, by which certain men are set apart by the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands. IN THE BIBLE AND THE EARLY CHURCH
The New Testament mentions bishops and deacons even before references to the priesthood (since, at that time, the priest’s role was not yet distinct from the bishop’s). In the Acts of the Apostles, seven deacons “filled with the Spirit and wisdom” were called to assist in works of charity. They were ordained by the Apostles “who prayed and laid hands on them” (Acts 6:1-6). Deacons exercised a permanent office of care for the poor, widows and orphans, ensuring none were neglected. Their role of charity eventually extended to a role in the liturgy. As the Church matured, however, the deacon’s role became less pronounced and developed into a stepping stone to the priesthood (the transitional diaconate) by the Middle Ages. RESTORATION OF PERMANENT DEACONS
For more than a thousand years, there were no “permanent” deacons in the Church. Pope Paul VI restored the Order in 1967 in response to the bishops at the Second Vatican Council. Beginning in 1967, bishops were permitted to select, train and ordain men for the role. The U.S. bishops petitioned Rome and were granted the restoration of the Order in the U.S. in 1968. The diaconate was not restored uniformly. It was embraced more quickly in certain places. Some dioceses, like the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, were among the first to institute
a deacon training program. Others waited for years, even decades. A deacon’s formation consists of classes in theology and ministry, as well as practica requirements. His training lasts at least three years and is usually offered on a part-time basis (evenings or weekends). In our archdiocese, the first permanent deacons began their training in 1974, and the first class was ordained in 1976. Since that time, their numbers have increased to more than 200. Deacons serve in most parishes or pastoral regions in the archdiocese. MINISTRY, FAMILY AND WORK
The permanent diaconate is an Order for “mature men” (at least 35 years old), either single or married, who are well respected in their communities. The role of the deacon is meant to be compatible with the commitments of family and work. Most deacons are not engaged in full-time ministry, nor are they usually employed by the parish they serve. Most deacons continue in secular occupations. They are challenged to balance commitments to the Church, their families and work. For this reason, it is vital that they have the support of their wives and family members. The ministry of the deacon is distinct from the priest. Their services include assisting the priest during Mass, including proclaiming the Gospel, preparing the altar and distributing the Eucharist. Deacons may baptize, witness weddings, bring the Eucharist to the sick and conduct funerals and committals, but they cannot preside at Mass or anoint the sick. Many deacons perform specialized ministries, with some serving as chaplains in prisons, hospitals and hospices. Some have special ministries to engaged couples, families or divorced people. FATHER DAVID ENDRES
is associate professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. QU E S T ION OF F AIT H / MA Y 2021 | 7
ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI BICENTENNIAL
BY S ARA H A T E R
the society of mary in dayton Dayton was surveyed and platted in 1796. Following the War of 1812 and the completion of the Miami and Erie Canals in 1829, Dayton began to thrive. Emmanuel Parish established the first Catholic Church in Dayton in 1837. As with many churches in “mission” territory, it served as a base for priests who traveled to administer the sacraments in surrounding areas. Two members of the Society of Mary (Marianists), Father Leo Meyer and Brother Charles Schultz, arrived in Cincinnati in 1849 to assist Bishop John Purcell. They then traveled to Emmanuel Church in Dayton to aid with the cholera outbreak. While there, Father Meyer met John Stuart, who agreed to sell his 120-acre farm to Father Meyer for the purpose of building a school. In the summer of 1850, 14 boys began lessons at the new school with four Marianists serving as faculty, cook and farmer. First called Nazareth, its name was later changed to St. Mary’s School for Boys, and then to St. Mary’s Institute. The Institute grew alongside the city of Dayton. Brother Maximin Zehler became the school’s third president in 1860; and under his management it grew exponentially. A novitiate was established in 1864 to form new vocations for the Marianists. The campus’ large chapel Father Leo Meyer, SM was dedicated in 1869. It still stands today at the heart of the University of Dayton campus. The niches outside the chapel contain two statues: Blessed William Chaminade (the Marianists’ founder) and Our Lady of the Pillar, to whom Chaminade held a deep devotion. While the Institute was initially the primary ministry of the Marianists, they also taught at parochial schools in Cincinnati and Dayton. Additionally, the Institute housed elementary and secondary schools, but they were eventually phased out. In 1912, the school received state accreditation and changed its name to St. Mary’s College. In 1920, the name was again changed to the University of Dayton.
Immaculate Conception Chapel at St. Mary’s Institute, now UD.
One of the biggest natural disasters in Ohio history came at Eastertime in 1913. Unprecedented rains in March caused the Great Miami River and surrounding waterways to flood. Water in downtown Dayton reached 20 feet. Due to its location, St. Mary’s College was untouched by the disaster. And although the Marianists were on retreat when the flooding began, they hurried back to lead relief efforts and worked in conjunction with the city of Dayton to provide resources to those in need. They opened the college’s dormitories for housing, food and clothing to 700 people who lost their homes in the flood. The school continued to grow and expand in the 20th Century, with a goal to be “Dayton’s University.” Summer classes were added to the schedule in 1923, and women were admitted to the university for the first time. In 1943, the university founded the Marian Library. This world-renowned library provides extensive resources on the Blessed Virgin Mary. The library houses exhibit space, including displays of their popular collection of 3,600 crèches from around the world. Today the University of Dayton continues the charism of the Marianists to be called by God and formed by the Blessed Virgin, and thus go out and spread the Good News in the community. In the U.S., the Marianists are now one province and serve in parishes, secondary schools, universities and retreat centers.
On June 19, 2021, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will celebrate its bicentennial, recognizing 200 years of faith in Western and Southwestern Ohio. Each month, we will feature events and people who played significant parts in its story. These stories aim to inspire, educate and celebrate the many gifts God has given our local Church. 8 |
T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
Southwestern Ohio’s Saintly Visitors Did you know that two canonized saints – both of whom held a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary – visited Cincinnati? Mother Theresa visited the greater Cincinnati area three times between 1974 and 1982. And in 1976, Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, later St. Pope John Paul II, visited Archbishop Joseph Bernardin.
Karol Cardinal Wojtyla (future Pope John Paul II) •
In late summer 1976, Karol Cardinal Wojtyla visited the U.S. for a Eucharistic Congress and lectured at several universities. He stopped in Cincinnati to meet with Archbishop Joseph Bernardin, who at that time was the president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (now the USCCB).
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In their meeting, Wojtyla addressed the relations between the Catholic Church in the U.S. and Poland. He emphasized that the U.S. bishops needed to have more concern and admiration for the Church in Poland, which was still under Communist rule at that time.
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Wojtyla stayed at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral and offered Mass in the archbishop’s chapel next to the sacristy.
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On Oct. 16, 1978, Wojtyla was elected pope and took the name John Paul II.
Mother Teresa receives the Peace Award of the North American Federation of the Third Order of St. Francies at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral.
Archbishop Bernardin and Karol Cardinal Wojtyla in Cincinnati.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta •
The founder of the Missionaries of Charity first visited Cincinnati on June 19, 1974 to speak at Mount St. Joseph College (now University) on the topic “Waiting for God: When I Was Hungry…When I Was Thirsty.” She received the Mater Et Magistra Award from the college. During that visit, she also spoke at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral and received the Peace Award of the North American Federation of the Third Order of St. Francis.
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1981 marked the 800th birthday of St. Francis de Sales and, to celebrate the occasion, the Franciscans invited Mother Teresa to join them on June 7, 1981. Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Pilarczyk offered Mass outside St. Anthony Shrine in Colerain. At the end of Mass, Mother Teresa offered remarks to the crowd of 15,000. She remarked, in the West, hurt and loneliness is a much greater disease than leprosy, and that for loneliness there is no cure except the consistent touch of love.
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Mother Teresa’s final visit to the greater Cincinnati area was on June 19, 1982, at Covington Catholic High School. She was en route to Jenkins, KY, where the Missionaries of Charity had recently established a convent. She lamented the poverty in America, especially the evil of abortion.
“A missionary is a person sent to spread God’s love. That is always the responsibility of each of us.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta ( June 19, 1982 at Covington Catholic High School)
BIC E N T E N N IAL / MA Y 2021 | 9
Our New Priests On May 15, Seven Men Will be Ordained to the Priesthood and Begin Their Service in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
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Edward Hoffmann I’m originally from St. Philomena Parish. However, I didn’t grow up Catholic, and came into the Church at Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington, while I was in college at Xavier University. Having the opportunity to serve on parish internship at St. Columbkille in Wilmington gave me a home there, as well. I’ve been truly blessed with three “home parishes” and three strong communities supporting my priestly vocation. WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
When I was instructed in the faith before being received into the Church, I was powerfully struck by the beauty of the Catholic priesthood. Furthermore, I was part of a small group of Catholic men at Xavier. All these men were – at one point or another – in the discernment process, and took both their faith and their vocations seriously. Only a few weeks after I was received into the Church, I was overwhelmed with the desire to serve our Lord as His priest. Years later, that desire has remained. WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU?
My older brother, Henry, has been a great mentor throughout my conversion and discernment. He is a convert, as well, (received into the Church two years before me) and he influenced both my conversion and my decision to apply to seminary. By God’s providence, we will both be ordained this spring – he for the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Cincinnati, and me for the archdiocese. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
Saying Mass is first on the list, of course. Though constantly feeling unworthy, I am still very excited to pronounce the words at which the Word becomes flesh. I also look forward to being a confessor. I have so often received mercy through that sacrament, that I long to share it with others.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?
Although there are many reasons for disappointment, both in the Church and in the world, we can constantly return to our baptisms as a source of joy. Whatever happens to us, nothing can undo the mark God has laid on us, the love by which He has made us His children. The joy stemming from that assurance should be enough to light the world on fire.
Aaron Hess I grew up in the northern part of the archdiocese, rural Mercer County. My home parish is St. Mary in Philothea. I am the oldest of four, with two brothers and a sister. WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
There were hints growing up that I was thinking about the priesthood. I did not seriously consider it until the end of my junior year of high school. Another Hess (no relation!) from my hometown was being ordained, so our youth group took a trip down for the Mass. During the Litany of the Saints, while the men were lying prostrate in the cathedral, I was filled with an overwhelming desire to be where they were, laying down my life for Christ and for His Church. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
To walk with men and women on their journey towards the Lord. To help people realize that, in the midst of their struggles and weaknesses and joys, they are beloved by the Lord, desired by the Lord. All of the sacraments, prayers and teachings of the Church lead the soul to their Maker, their Father, and I am humbled to be able to be an instrument of the Lord in bringing His sons and daughters home. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
The Litany of the Sacred Heart is among my favorites: it is a reminder of the love Christ poured out of His opened side on the Cross, a love that continues to nourish the Church with an overflowing torrent of grace.
The Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart devotions have been prevalent in my spiritual life in seminary. As I have gotten closer to ordination, I have also grown deeper in my relationship with St. Joseph. He is a powerful example of fatherhood to all men: courageous and humble, chaste and nurturing, and ever close to his immaculate bride, Mary, and his divine son, Jesus.
WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
I enjoy outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing and backpacking.
I have always been involved in music, particularly keyboard instruments. I was on my high school bowling team and continue to bowl for fun. I have also recently gotten into pyrography, burning designs into pieces of wood.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
ORD IN AT ION / MA Y 2021| 11
Michael Kapolka I grew up in a military family. Both of my parents served in the Air Force, and my dad made a career out of it, so my brother, sister and I moved around quite a bit. When he was assigned to WrightPatterson Air Force Base, we settled in Springboro and became parishioners at St. Mary Parish in Franklin (now St. Mary of the Assumption, Springboro). My parents, now retired, and my sister, a physician at Dayton Children’s Hospital, still attend Mass there. My brother is currently serving in the Space Force in Washington, D.C.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?
I would simply express my deep gratitude to all of the faithful who have supported my vocation over the years through their prayers and generosity, and I would ask that they continue to pray for me as I begin priestly ministry.
Anthony Marcelli
I first began discerning the priesthood while I was a Sophomore in high school and began taking my Catholic faith more seriously.
I am from the east side of Cincinnati, a little town called Amelia. I grew up in a strong German-Italian, Catholic family and am one of seven kids: five girls and two boys – perilously outnumbered! I have a very tight-knit family. My grandparents live next door, as well as my two sets of aunts and uncles. We love big family gettogethers! My home parish is St. Bernadette in Amelia.
WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU?
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
I have had a number of great mentors along the way. One in particular was my Catholic chaplain, Father Chad Zielinski (now Bishop of Fairbanks), while I was a cadet at the Air Force Academy. During my time there, he deployed to the Middle East and learning about the tremendous sacrifices he made and the ministry of bringing the sacraments to servicemen and women who had no other access was incredibly affecting.
I first began thinking about becoming a priest during my high school years as I started taking my faith and life more seriously. I also wanted to be a paramedic, but upon seeing a video of a priest anointing a dying woman in a hospital, I knew God wanted me to dedicate my life to the salvation of souls. Also, as my devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament deepened, so did my calling to the priesthood. I decided to attend Franciscan University for college and entered the seminary after graduation in 2016.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
I am most looking forward to being able to say Mass, bringing our Lord to the faithful through the sacrifice of the altar, as well as to serving them when I receive my first assignment from the archbishop. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
Over the years, especially because of my future service as an Air Force chaplain, I have developed a devotion to Servants of God Father Emil Kapaun and Father Vincent Capodanno, both of whom were military chaplains whose causes for canonization are underway. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
Years ago, I took up the hobby of repairing vintage mechanical watches. It takes some patience and focus (and often a little frustration), but it is a great way to clear my mind, and they make great personalized gifts.
1 2 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
Celebrating Mass and anointing the sick. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
I have a devotion to Our Lady and the Divine Mercy. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
I love hiking, cooking, ping-pong and board games! ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?
Thank you for all of your prayers and support. I am so blessed to serve our archdiocese!
Scott Morgan I was raised in Corbin, KY, and moved to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in 2015. My home parish is Immaculate Heart of Mary in Anderson Township. I have three younger sisters. I converted to Catholicism in 2009 when I was in mortuary school, and was a funeral director prior to entering seminary, I am still the only Catholic in my family. WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
It wasn’t long after I entered the Church in 2009 that I began to think God was calling me to something more. The more I entered into the faith, the more I experienced a pull toward the seminary. I formally began seminary in 2011. WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU?
When I came to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, I was already a seminarian, and Father Kyle Schnippel was the first priest I lived with in the archdiocese. Throughout the years he has been a mentor and support for me. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
Other that ordination itself, and celebrating the sacraments, I am perhaps most excited to be back in the parish and being able to minister to the people. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
I am particularly devoted to Our Lady Undoer of Knots, St. Jose Maria Escriva and St. John Neumann. Some of my favorite and most frequent prayers are the Prayer to St. Michael, the Litany of Trust and the Prayer to the Shoulder Wound of Christ. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
Music has been a large part of my life, and is something I thoroughly enjoy. When I can, I like to go to the symphony and enjoy listening to music in my free time. I also love to cook and spend some time in the kitchen whenever I can. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?
I look forward to being able to serve the faithful of our archdiocese as a priest. Please pray for my classmates and me as we continue to prepare for our ordination in May.
I wanted to be a paramedic, but upon seeing a video of a priest anointing a dying woman in a hospital, I knew God wanted me to dedicate my life to the salvation of souls.
Elijah Puthoff I grew up near Russia, OH, a small town north of Dayton. I was the fifth of eight children, and my family was very devoted to their faith growing up, stemming primarily from my parents’ great commitment. My home parish is St. Remy in Russia WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
I had thoughts about being a priest when I was young, even early in elementary school. I really started to consider priesthood in high school though, and it was my intention to enter seminary right after I graduated. WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU?
In my early days, a very important priestly influence and mentor for me was Father Frank Amberger. He was a great witness of a priest with great reverence for the faith and sacraments, but also pastoral care for his people. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
I am most looking forward to celebrating the sacraments as a priest. It will be a great joy to bring Christ to the people of God through them. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
I’ve always had a devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe. His story of persecution in World War II struck me, and it was through him that my devotion to the Blessed Mother was deepened. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
I enjoy playing most sports, but especially golf and basketball. I also love opportunities to play board games and card games with family and friends. ORD IN AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 13
Louis Jacquemin I have lived in Hamilton, OH, for most of my life on my family’s farm. My home parish is St. Ann in Hamilton. I grew in a farming family. My father is a full time farmer and my mom homeschooled my brothers, sisters and me all the way up through high school. I studied aviation maintenance in college and worked in that field until I entered seminary. WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?
I did not hear God calling me to the priesthood until later in life, after I was in college. I worked for several more years until I decided to enter college seminary at the Josephinum in Columbus. WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU?
I have had many mentors in my discernment of the priesthood. My uncle is a priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Having him around as I was growing up played a big part in my discernment and I am very thankful for his support of my vocation. I am especially thankful for the pastors of my home parish, as well as the pastor and priests of my internship parishes. I have several friends who are priests who have helped me greatly along the way. I would say my biggest mentors have been my parents, who have shown me the example of living out of their vocation to married life faithfully. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?
I look forward to helping people grow closer to our Lord through the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?
I have had a special devotion to Eucharistic Adoration. I think spending time in quiet prayer with our Lord in the Eucharist is when we are able to hear God’s voice most clearly. WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?
Since I grew up on a working farm, I enjoy mostly outdoor activities as well as working with my hands and tinkering with mechanical things. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?
I am joyfully anticipating serving the people of my future parishes and of the archdiocese. Please pray for me, my classmates and all the priests of the archdiocese, that we be truly conformed to Christ, the High Priest, and become examples of holiness for the people of this archdiocese. 1 4 | T H E C A THOLIC TELE GR A PH
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Connie Kohn, Patricia Langenkamp and Marjorie Hess at Holy Trinity Church in Coldwater
Fostering Vocations in Coldwater Three Mothers of Priests From the Northern Archdiocese Share Their Stories B Y S U S IE BE R G M AN
Langenkamp, the oldest of her 11 children. “Praying with In northern Mercer County, nestled in a rural region of rich your children is so important,” she added. “I taught Peter his farmland, a different kind of fruitfulness has flourished. first prayer when he was just two-years-old, and continually The Coldwater Cluster of Parishes, comprised of St. Mary, added in new ones.” St. Anthony and Holy Trinity Churches, has produced an abundance of vocations. Within the last five years, ColdwaterConnie Kohn, mother of Father Jarred area natives Father Peter Langenkamp, Kohn, admits their family prayer life wasn’t Father Jarred Kohn and Deacon Aaron Hess always perfect. “You have to find ways, (who will be ordained to the priesthood even when you are busy, to make time on May 15) have answered God’s call to You have to find time, even for prayer before meals, when traveling priesthood. and even when on vacation. When you when you are busy, to make show your children that it is a priority, it FAITH BEGINS AT HOME time for prayer before becomes more important to them, too.” For those called to be mothers, a vocation
meals, when traveling and that the Blessed Mary willfully and dutifully Once when Jarred was on the high school accepted, the influence they have on their even when on vacation. wrestling team, they were out of town for children’s faith cannot be understated. a long weekend invitational. “He had to Some of those children grow up and carry wrestle on Sunday. So I researched the area and found an early their faith into marriage and family, others like Father Peter, morning Mass that we could attend before he had to report to Father Jarred and Deacon Aaron, those children grow into the gymnasium. Before I knew it, most of the wrestlers and religious vocations. their parents had decided to attend with us and it became a really beautiful moment of faith solidarity,” said Connie. “The faith has always been very important to me. When I got married and started a family, I knew I wanted to make that the focus” said Patricia Langenkamp, mother of Father Peter 1 6 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H
“Praying as a family allowed me to learn so much about each
of my children” said Marjorie Hess, mother of Deacon Aaron Hess. “When we would pray together, I would encourage them to thank God for something good that happened or ask Him for help in a certain situation. I would hear them pray for someone who was teased at school or give thanks for a good test grade. It really opened the doors into their lives and allowed us to grow stronger as a family.”
foretold his eventual journey to priesthood. “Between Aaron’s junior and senior year we began going on college visits. He is very intelligent and was considering a degree in physics. One night, he came to us very late and told us about an experience he had in church that ultimately led to his decision to enter the seminary. Talk about not sleeping that night!”
Another commonality between these mothers is their passion for religious education. Both Patricia and Marjorie taught CCD, as did Connie’s husband, Gerry. While not every parent may have the time or means to teach in the same capacity, they all agreed that practicing religious education in the home can have a lasting and meaningful effect.
Patricia always made a point of letting her children know priests and nuns are people too, by inviting them over for family dinners.
“I feel it should be the parent’s responsibility to teach the faith at home first, then the formal CCD classes become an extension of that teaching,”said Marjorie. “But you cannot pass on what you don’t know,” added Patricia. “So I encourage parents to go on the journey with their children and use online resources to support learning where needed.” Patricia, Marjorie and Connie all recognize the importance of a solid faith foundation.
“I had considered a religious vocation before I got married, so I always let the children know it was an option. But when Peter went to college at Ohio Northern and majored in Mechanical Engineering, I never assumed he was still considering that option for himself. Now I also have two daughters discerning a consecrated life!” Being a mother is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility. Patricia, Marjorie and Connie have shown that the journey may not always be easy, but the reward of seeing your child grow into the person God chose them to be is the most precious gift of all.
“As your children grow older, perhaps leave for college, and begin making decisions for themselves, you hope that the values you put in place continue. You pray they don’t begin skipping Sunday Mass or making bad decisions. You pray you’ve done a good job,” Connie said. THEIR SONS’ PATHS TO PRIESTHOOD
But a similar foundation doesn’t necessarily pave way for a similar journey. When Father Kohn was in high school, he didn’t have aspirations to pursue his college education. He entered the workforce as a welder and performed those duties for a year before announcing his decision to enter the seminary. Connie said his decision caught her off guard but he had already been discerning his path for some time and seeking pastoral guidance. “I always knew he had a strong faith, but he had never spoken of entering the priesthood. It was a shock, and a lot to process, but now, seeing his transformation has been so rewarding. He’s truly where he was meant to be!” Marjorie admitted that Deacon Hess’ announcement was unexpected too, but now when she looks back, she can see the signs that
Top: Father Lagenkamp and his parents. Bottom: Deacon Aaron Hess with his mother and Father Jarred Kohn blesses his mother. M OT H E R S & M ARY / MA Y 2021 | 17
A C L OS E R L OOK
THE THINGS SHE CARRIED IN HER HEART In his collection of connected short stories, The Things They Carried, author Tim O’Brien drives the narrative arcs of his characters – American soldiers in the Vietnam War – by listing inventories of the things they carried in their backpacks, pockets, helmets and utility belts. The soldiers don’t talk about the things they carried, rather, the things they carried speak for them. Whether weapons, peculiar supplies, love letters or photographs, we learn many details about the loves, fears, hopes and disappointments of the soldiers solely by the things they carried. When you can carry only a few things, the things you carry tell a story about your life. While the Bible contains some words of the Blessed Virgin Mary – including the sublime Magnificat – they are relatively few, especially considering that she is the most revered saint in Catholic spiritual life. And, in fact, as important as her few words are, the story of the life of St. Mary might be told even more profoundly by what she carried in her heart. In the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, the shepherds who come to worship Jesus tell Mary about the things revealed to them by angels. St. Mary’s reaction was to remain silent. “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” These mysteries were the things she carried, and they help to tell the story of her life, both as the mother of our Lord and as our own mother. DEEP CALLS TO DEEP
This is not the only instance in Sacred Scripture where God’s mighty works are associated with quiet consideration. For example, Psalm 46 says in part, “Come and see the works of the Lord, who has done fearsome deeds on earth / Be still and know that I am God.” Through the Psalmist, God tells us that, at least sometimes, the proper mode of worship is silent contemplation. St. Mary exemplifies this mode of worship by pondering the mysteries that had been revealed to her, keeping them in her heart. And as she carried them there, these mysteries must have had a considerable effect on her. Put another way, the depth of the mystery of God incarnate in Jesus Christ could not be answered other than by the depth of silent contemplation. “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your torrents, and all your waves and breakers sweep over me” (Ps. 42:8). Thus, as God called to the depths of Mary’s immaculate heart, her heart 1 8 | T H E C A THOLIC TELE GR A P H
Letters About Mom These mysteries were the things she carried, and they help to tell the story of her life...
stored that call, allowing it to guide her toward – and through – the profound burdens that lay before her. The depth of the call created deep contemplation, steeling her own moral life and serving as an example to us, her children. Or, as St. Paul says in the Epistle to the Romans, “the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.” A DOCILE WITNESS
By her witness, St. Mary is the perfect example of docility to God’s call. But, of course, to follow the pattern of the Blessed Virgin, we must be willing to be still and listen, to allow deep to call to deep, and to carry these mysteries in our own hearts. In some contexts, “docility” is used as a pejorative, indicating moral laziness or weakness. But as a description of St. Mary, it means quite the opposite. In order to assent to the mystery that God was effecting through her – to be docile – the Blessed Virgin had to have tremendous courage and fortitude. She had to have the capacity for these virtues and the willingness to cultivate them by the mysteries she carried.
We asked Catholic Telegraph readers to share stories about their mothers. Over the next several pages, you can read some of their beautiful and moving submissions.
EMILY ALESHIRE MULVEY, IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH, ANDERSON TOWNSHIP
One year ago, my mom was actively dying from a brain tumor. Her illness was short but severe, she was diagnosed on Dec. 26, 2019, and passed away on Mar. 28, 2020. As I journey past all those one-year milestones: the last radiation treatment, the day she came home from the hospital and entered hospice care; the last day she spoke before falling asleep permanently and her final hour, I am challenged, like all those who mourn, to not allow myself to sink lower, but to hold tightly to faith and the promises Jesus made in the Sermon on the Mount. The last hour my mom was on earth, I will always remember how her breathing suddenly changed from a “death rattle” to a beautiful humming. Every exhale she made the last hour of her life was a hum. My mom was singing. I often played acapella hymns on YouTube as I sat with my mom. ... When I realized she was singing with her last breaths, I turned that YouTube channel on again. But, instead of cycling through about 50 hymns as it had done before, now the channel was playing four songs on repeat: “Thank you Lord,” “My God and I,” “Sing to Me of Heaven” and “This World is Not My Home.” Somehow, by divine intervention, we were given the perfect playlist for these final moments and my mom and I “sang” her way homeward, heaven-bound. In the hospital, my mom kept telling me that I should be a hospital chaplain. And now, one year and day to the anniversary of her birth into eternity, I start a new job as a chaplain with Mercy Health.
In his Epistle to the Philippians, St. Paul said, “God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work” (Phil. 2:13). By her docile witness, St. Mary is the example of allowing God to work in us, both to seek and do His will. In other words, by the things she carried, St. Mary teaches us to listen for, store up and reflect upon God’s gracious offer to lead us to Himself. 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. He holds a Ph.D. in moral theology from Boston College, and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law. M OT H E RS & M ARY / MA Y 2021 | 19
S H IN E ON
TO THE SINGLE MOTHERS ON MOTHER’S DAY I never thought of my mom as a single mother but, objectively, she was. My parents divorced when I was nine. From then on, it was just my older sister, my younger brother and me living at home with Mom. Maybe it was because Dad was still around and we saw him often, or maybe it was because we were little kids and didn’t really think about it, but it never occurred to me that my mom was, by definition, a single mother.
Part of why I love reading scripture is how practical it is. I know some people fall in love with exegesis and the theology and the deeper hidden meanings, but I’ve always found myself most moved by the practical realities scripture lays so bare. One of those practical realities, which we see lived out between Jesus and Mary, is just how important a mother is in the life of her children.
My parents divorced in April of 1994. I wonder what Mom’s Mother’s Day, just a month later, was like?
On Mother’s Day, we weren’t great about making breakfast in bed, writing cards or buying gifts. My older sister probably did more than I ever knew, as she often took on the responsibilities of small, but important tasks like filling Mom’s stocking at Christmas. But one thing I do remember is how often Mom would tell us she never needed presents. A handwritten note would do just fine.
Now that I’m a dad with kids around the same age my siblings and I were when my parents divorced, I realize the important role Dad often plays in making it a great Mother’s Day. I ensure the kids make cards, help them buy gifts and plan a special day for Mom. Without me, I’m not even sure they’d remember to say, “Happy Mother’s Day.” I don’t remember Mother’s Days growing up, which means we probably didn’t do a great job. And all mothers deserve a great Mother’s Day. I wonder if Mary ever thought about being a single mom. We know from scripture that St. Joseph, upon hearing Mary was pregnant, planned to divorce her quietly. These plans were derailed by the visit of an angel in a dream, but there are quite a few details we don’t know. Did Mary know Joseph was planning to divorce her quietly? How much time passed between hearing the news that Mary was pregnant, deciding he was going to divorce her and the visit from the angel? We don’t know. But I wonder if Mary had a few hours, a few days or maybe even a few weeks when she prayed fervently, “Lord, show me the way.” I wonder how many single mothers have prayed those same words, alone some nights trying to figure out how to make life work. 2 0 | T H E C A THOLIC TELE GR A PH
To all the single mothers out there whose kids never quite get Mother’s Day right, and to my own mother, I have just a few things I’d like to say: We love you. We wouldn’t have gotten very far in life without you. You taught us how to persevere and endure. We’re proud of you and we admire you. Thank you for never letting us settle for less than the person you dreamed we’d become. Thank you for your hard work and your sacrifice. Thank you for making life great for us when it wasn’t always great for you. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for doing the hard things alone. We’re sorry for all the Mother’s Days when we didn’t get it quite right. We love you and we pray that you will always know that. And to all the mothers who radiate Christ’s love to their children, Happy Mother’s Day! DOMINICK ALBANO
is the director of digital engagement for The Catholic Telegraph, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have four sons.
MARICRIS DIZON, IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISH, ANDERSON TOWNSHIP
THE BEAUTY OF ADOPTION When a woman is in a crisis pregnancy, there are many reasons why it is very difficult to see adoption as a viable option. Choosing to continue the pregnancy, letting everyone know you are pregnant, going through childbirth and saying goodbye to the baby at the end of that journey takes a heroic amount of courage and love. This month we focus on beautiful stories of adoption from different perspectives. Through them, we can hopefully gain a better perspective of the beauty and courage behind the choice to give a child up for adoption, and how we can support those who most need our help. Listen to this month’s podcasts on each of these topics at being-pro-life.buzzsprout.com. • May 4: Sheryl, an adoption professional, discusses adoption • May 11: Monica, who placed her child for adoption, shares her story • May 18: Elaine, an adopted child, reconnected with her birth mother in adulthood • May 25: Mike and Caitlin, an adoptive family, on raising adopted kids
B OB W U R Z E L B A C H E R is the director of the Office for Respect Life Ministries. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Sharonville with their two young daughters.
Mom, thanks for teaching me how to suffer well... When I was laid off from a job, I was devastated. When I told her what happened, she cried for me, but not because I was unemployed! Rather because she was so happy God blessed me with this cross. She said, “It’s such a blessing to be called to endure this hardship and losing this job is a gift!” She was right. Mom, thank you for teaching me who to turn to first…I went to a Catholic school, and I remember being told as I was dropped off every morning that I needed to stop by the Blessed Sacrament chapel before I played with the other kids. “Say hi to Jesus!” With every victory and every challenge I brought to my parents, Mom wanted to make sure I had gone to Jesus first. This habit became a part of my life and I found myself going to adoration throughout college and well into my adult years. Every dilemma, decision, victory and moment of relief, I learned to share with Jesus first. She was right. Mom, thank you for this and so much more. JEAN BUELTERMAN, CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. PETER IN CHAINS, CINCINNATI
My mom, Dorothy Buelterman, was a perfect role model for her three daughters. While I was growing up, she was the mom who helped out at school and held the office of president of the Ladies Society at church. She made sure we attended Mass, even though I would sit on the kneeler and play with people’s shoes! I remember how proud she was at my First Communion and at different school events. She made sure I did my homework and knew every catechism answer, too. She and Dad made a home for us that was seemingly perfect. She was a great cook and could bake a pie that could win prizes. However, she became a single parent after my dad died too young. She worked very hard to provide a home for us. There was not a one person who, after meeting her, didn’t say what an awesome person she was. She left me with many life lessons well learned.
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Sewing Faith Kathleen West Launched Ethically Sourced Boutique Inspired by Motherhood & Faith BY JE S S IC A R IN AU D O
Entrepreneurs have many sources of inspiration when launching a new product or jumping into a new endeavor, and Kathleen West is no exception. Her inspiration is rooted in the divine and her vocation as a mother. West, and her husband, Ben, are from opposite sides of the country – she from Vermont and he from Arizona. They met at John Paul the Great Catholic University in California. A job opportunity brought them to Cincinnati, where they now reside. They are parents to three little girls, and her business, Meadowcress Boutique, is West’s response to filling a desire for baby bonnets and accessories responsibly made from ethically sourced materials. “After Lucy was born, I was on Instagram a lot. I would see little shops that have bonnets and cute vintage style clothes, and I wanted them for her, but we couldn’t afford them,” West said. “And so, I decided that I would make her something. I borrowed a friend’s sewing machine because I didn’t have one at the time. And I made a bonnet that we still use.”
“Motherhood has inspired basically every part of my shop...” 2 2 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
She continued, “At that time I was also learning about fast fashion. I watched a documentary called The True Cost. ... It was really clear to me that supporting fast fashion was, to me, not in line with Catholic teaching and my moral convictions. ... I wanted to find a way to make ethical pieces for Lucy and have it be less expensive. And it was less expensive for me to make those things.” Drawing on the sewing knowledge her grandmother taught her in middle school, West began making clothes for her daughter. She
FROM ANNE COYLE HORN, HOLY FAMILY PARISH, MIDDLETOWN
Our Lady of Fatima tea towels and Our Lady of Kibeho zipper pouch from Meadowcress Boutique.
quickly discovered that sewing was a great creative outlet and provided her a place, as she put it, “to just be Kathleen.” “I bought my first organic cotton fabric from a little shop and ... sewed a bonnet. I posted it to my personal Instagram. People were like ‘Oh my gosh, this is so beautiful,’” said West. “We just moved [to Cincinnati], so I wasn’t working at the time. And I thought I could just [sew items as] a side thing. To be able to do something I really enjoy after Lucy was in bed, and bring other people joy with these pretty things I was making and help teach people about ethical fashion.” She officially launched Meadowcress Boutique, an online store, when she was pregnant with her second child in 2018. As her business grew, so too did her product collection and focus. “Originally when I started, I was not doing faith fabrics. I was just finding fabrics I thought were cute. Then I started feeling a bit of a tug to move in that direction,” she said. “I had seen some people releasing saint inspired fabrics. I just started [sewing these fabrics] without a whole lot of thought. But now I feel like the reason I continue to use saint inspired fabric is because I really love the idea that each saint shows us a unique path to holiness and I want people to feel connected to the saints that they love, and have things that remind them of those saints and inspire them to imitate those saints.” With the growth of Meadowcress Boutique, West also launched a blog that provides Catholic resources and activities to families. “Motherhood has inspired basically every part of my shop,” said West. “I make things I want for my girls or things that I think would be useful for them, and I really loved making them for other people.” Shop local at meadowcressboutique.com.
My mother, Mary Meister Coyle, was the fourth born of five children. She grew up in Hamilton and attended St. Ann Parish. She moved to Middletown when she married my father, Tom. She attended Holy Trinity/Holy Family Parish the rest of her life. Mom was a humble, quiet person and was very talented. She was an excellent seamstress. She made four wedding dresses: mine, my sister’s and two for friends of the family. She cross-stitched and made birth samplers for her five grandchildren. She knitted and crocheted. Her specialty was crocheting hats for newborn babies at the hospital and crafting beautiful afghans. She was active in the community delivering Meals on Wheels and volunteering at Louella Thompson’s Dream Center, serving summer lunches to children in Middletown. My birthday is in February. Every year Mom baked a heart-shaped cake with pink icing and decorated it with maraschino cherries. It was always my favorite gift! Mom babysat for my daughter and one of my nephews and enjoyed having them around. She was an avid bowler and loved the Cincinnati Reds. She would listen to the games on her radio throughout the years. Mom enjoyed traveling to Maine and Vermont with my sister and her family. Mom made sure my sister, brother and I had a good Catholic education and attended Mass on a regular basis. Every morning, my mother would sit on our sofa and prayed the Rosary. That is a great memory for me! NICK CARPINELLO, GUARDIAN ANGELS PARISH, MT. WASHINGTON
Ruth Carpinello, my mother, God rest her soul, was mother to 11 children. She was a saintly woman, if there ever was one. How could she not be between cooking, washing, changing diapers, teaching good manners and praying (which made all the other things possible)? We had statues throughout the house. We all knew Mom would light candles and prayed through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and St. Anne. When times were tough, we prayed the Rosary. We never missed Mass. I learned to love Holy Thursday because Mom would take us to services, and I remember the awesome procession, prayers and the solemnity. Mom was strict, but fair. She was a great manager. From early on the older children learned how to help Mom with chores. We learned cooking, caring for babies and toddlers, doing laundry, including ironing clothes and doing the dishes. I remember when I complained about doing the dishes because I had a cut on my hand. Mom said, “Here look at these cuts on my hands, doing dishes will help them heal.” Mom could sew, make clothes or patch what we had. And with all that, she found time to read. After Mom passed away, I inherited a lot of her religious things. I have found many well used small prayer books with notes and dates of when she prayed novenas. M OT H E RS & M ARY / MA Y 2021 | 23
BY MARGARET SWENSEN
We all show love in different ways. When thinking about how to honor the mother figures in your life this Mother’s Day, consider the five love languages. They can be a helpful starting point to direct you to the perfect gift. What’s your mother’s love language? Unsure? Think about how she gives her time, talents and treasures. The ways in which she gives may also be the way in which she would love to receive. If Christmas shopping fills Grandma with the thrill of challenge, her love language might be gift-giving. If Aunt Bea is always ready to give encouragement, words of affirmation may be her love language. And if Mom makes a meal for a neighbor every time they have the slightest need, acts of service fill her with joy and purpose. You get the idea! If you still don’t know the perfect way to honor mom, here are some suggestions: 2 4 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
Words of Affirmation
A handmade card or handwritten letter telling your mom just how much she rocks will bring a smile to her face and maybe a few tears to her eyes. Tell her she’s not forgotten and you notice how much of an impact she makes.
Gift Giving
I often find the best loved gifts are both practical and beautiful. How about a Marian tea towel, zipper pouch or scrunchy made by our good friend (and local mama) at Meadowcress Boutique? These gifts for mom will remind her of our heavenly mother every time she uses them.
Quality Time
Take a cooking class together. Spend an afternoon of relaxation and pampering. Or spend no money at all and take a hike or visit the art museum. The point is to show mom she’s worth some undivided time and attention.
Acts of Service
If mom is always taking care of others, take care of mom for the day. Cook her a meal (and clean up the kitchen afterward). Do a load (or two or three) of laundry. Don’t forget to fold it and put it away! The idea is to carry some of the burden she usually shoulders on her own.
Physical Touch
Sometimes the best gifts are also the simplest. Remember to give mom a hug when you see her today. Pray the Rosary with her and hold her hand in prayer. M OT H E RS & M ARY / MA Y 2021 | 25
CA TH OL IC AT H OM E
POURING OURSELVES INTO OTHERS “An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others.” – Aiden W. Tozer (The Christy Wright Show, ep. 32)
The prayers of a mother span across a wild field of hopes for herself and her children. We want to love well and see our little ones grow in wisdom and strength like the child Jesus in the Holy Family.
I furrowed my brow, trying to wrap my mind around what I just heard. I was mid-episode of my go-to podcast and trying to catch every word between interruptions from my kids and their friends coming in and out of the kitchen while I made dinner.
A mother’s work is especially important with her family, and, in caring for them, God often calls us to give more than we bargained for. The constant call to sacrifice sometimes leaves me feeling depleted.
All of Himself…to each one? I homeschool our five children. I have a handful of freelance jobs and my husband runs his business from home, too. At any given moment my mind and energy are aimed in many different directions while I think about upcoming birthdays, work trips and what’s for dinner that night. Every aspect of my life that needs me gets a piece of me, but there are precious few things that receive all of my attention. Trying to comprehend the Lord’s ability to give all of Himself at all times is difficult to fathom. Mankind is finite. We’re limited in how much attention we can give to everyone and everything that depends on us; yet in getting a firm understanding on how much we lack the ability to “be all things to all people,” we begin to understand just how much God gives to us. The Lord doesn’t divide Himself. He doesn’t hear the supplications of the faithful, then triage the whole lot of us according to severity or good stance. He devotes the whole of Himself to our hearts, regardless of the magnitude of our desires and needs. As a mom, I’ve prayed for God to help me find the third spare pacifier for a temperamental toddler in desperate need of a nap. I’ve prayed He would lend me His mercy and compassion when I’m disciplining and don’t want to react out of frustration. I’ve pleaded that my autistic children will encounter patient and compassionate people in their lives. 2 6 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
A while back I started rising before my kids in the morning to pray. Though God has blessed me in countless ways, He didn’t make me a morning person, so just the effort of waking up was much harder than I care to admit. I started reading the book Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Father Jacques Philippe. In the first paragraph of the first chapter, Father Philippe quotes John 10:15: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” And I was awestruck. We need God for each breath we take, for every instance we offer comfort and pour ourselves into our families. We’re made in the image and likeness of God and called to imitate Him. How can we possibly do that if we don’t know Him more deeply through prayer? If you’re like me and keenly aware that the demands of motherhood often call for more than what you have within you, then take heart in what Jesus says. Though apart from Him we can do nothing, living a life immersed in Him, we can take on the impossible. Wherever your prayer life is now, whether it’s robust or wanting, take one small step to hand yourself over to God, to pray and ask Him for strength, fortitude and patience. He will give all of Himself to you, and in doing so will forge you with a new strength and lasting endurance. KATIE SCIBA
is a national speaker and Catholic Press Awardwinning columnist. Katie and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 11 years and are blessed with six children.
Our Lady of Kibeho
Alphonsine Mumureke was just 16 when she experienced her first apparition of Mary in 1981. She lived in Kibeho, a small African village in Rwanda. She was cleaning one day and heard a voice say, “Child.” Alphonsine lost sight of everyone around her and a beautiful, bright woman appeared before her, standing on a cloud. The lady said she was the “Mother of the Word.” No one believed Alphonsine, especially since she rarely prayed. But Mary appeared to her again that night, telling her to pray fervently. Her friend, Natalie, also received these apparitions. Later, another friend, Marie Claire, received visions from the Mother of the Word. The girls saw psychologists and went through many scientific tests, but all tests indicated that the girls were telling the truth. Mary showed the girls Kibeho’s future of sadness, people turned against one another and terrible war. The girls tried to warn everyone, but the people weren’t prepared to carry out Mary’s plan. A few years later, civil war broke out, just as Mary said it would. Then, in 1994, an even worse war called the Rwandan Massacre happened. Mary requested that, once the war was over, a chapel be built in Kibeho as a perpetual sign of peace and her visit. In 2003, Our Lady of Sorrows Church was built on the site of the first apparition and it is a popular place for pilgrimage. Many who visited were healed from their ailments, had their faith strengthened or were converted. Cling to Mary, our heavenly Mother. She will bring you closer to her Son, Jesus.
“The message for the world is: love our Lady, recite the rosary and convert. We have to follow what the Church teaches us, we have to love Jesus our Lord, and the Virgin Mary because she is our mother. Whatever happens, do not let go of Jesus. Do not let go of our Lord.” - Alphonsine Mumureke Alphonsine Apparition Civil war
Healed Kibeho Mother
Peace Rwanda Vision
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Farm Manager Stephen Mackell in the Mission of Mary Cooperative garden. 28 |
Rooted in Twin Towers Dayton’s Mission of Mary Cooperative B Y K AR Y E L L E N BE R G E R
In the Twin Towers neighborhood of east Dayton lies a well-kept secret: the Mission of Mary Cooperative. Founded more than 10 years ago, the organization was created by recent University of Dayton (UD) graduates who wanted to continue living in the city as a Lay Marianist community. “We saw room for potential with several churches in the area and vacant lots,” said Mission of Mary Executive Director, Michael Schulz. Schulz and his friends were led to the Twin Towers neighborhood by Marianist leaders and found ways to connect with the neighborhood. “We aimed to be present,” Schulz explained. “This wasn’t an overnight project.”
somewhat going back to the original use of the land.” As part of their operations, the organization sells the produce they farm. Through their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, recipients receive a variety of vegetables from May through November, which includes information about the produce and different recipes to use it in. Mackell said inspiration for the produce not only includes standard vegetables, such as carrots and lettuce, but also crops that are native to the immigrant and refugee populations in the community. “We’re growing produce such as hot peppers, okra, collard greens and southern greens. It’s really exposed us to cultural preferences and those are fun conversation starters,” said Mackell.
Upon further consultation and When we say, ‘Yes,’ it’s Schulz shared that at the core of connection in the community, the Mission of Mary Cooperative is Mary group decided to create urban farms God inviting us to take and her call to say “Yes.” “Mary’s ‘Yes’ in the area. In 2009, Mission of Mary challenges ahead and do changed her life, and saying ‘Yes’ Cooperative workers planted their has changed our lives,” said Schulz. first garden. Today they manage four something about them. “When we say ‘Yes’ it’s God inviting acres containing six urban gardens. us to take challenges ahead and do In 2020, the organization produced something about them.” 60,000 pounds of food and 65 different varieties of produce. That’s something Marianist Brother Ray Fitz, SM, said he never had any doubts about when the group asked him “We’ve been on an upward trend,” said farm manager to be an advisor and board member of the organization. Stephen Mackell. “We’re increasing our production as we get better at farming and more efficient with our systems. “They’ve done an outstanding job. It’s an excellent We try to make it as efficient as we can since we are in an initiative on their part.” said Brother Fitz. “It’s a great urban space.” operation and provides great things for the east side of Dayton.” An urban space, Mackell shared, that is literally getting back to its roots.“We sometimes joke that this land used The Mission of Mary Cooperative is looking for to be farmland a long time ago when the earliest Dayton volunteers to get involved with the organization this neighborhoods were the core of the city,” said Mackell. summer. Those interested are encouraged to visit their “Our neighborhood was farmland and the neighborhood website, missionofmary.org next door to us was a fruit orchard. It’s cool that it’s
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3 3 Days • 3 6 C hurc hes • 300 Mile s
Bicentennial Marian Pilgrimage BY LISA FLETCHER
It’s not every day we get to be a part of history. Yet this month, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati have the opportunity to be part of the longest Marian pilgrimage ever attempted in the U.S., and everyone is invited to take part in this historical event. In celebration of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s bicentennial, the Center for the New Evangelization is hosting a 33-day pilgrimage beginning on May 16. The pilgrimage will cover more than 300 miles, stretching from Russells Point to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Downtown Cincinnati. Throughout the pilgrimage, statue guardians will carry an Our Lady of Fatima statue to 36 designated parishes on the route. Each night, a different parish will host an event for the community to celebrate Mary’s visit, including Mass, adoration, Holy Hour and the Rosary. Community members are encouraged to join the pilgrimage when Our Lady is in your area. Receive daily live updates via the archdiocesan social media channels. Follow the map of the pilgrims’ progress on the Marian Pilgrimage website (www.Mary2021.org). If you’re unable to join physically, join us spiritually. Spiritual pilgrims are welcome to take part in the same prayer journey as the statue guardians. Register online for a daily e-mail providing Marian prayers for the 33 days of the pilgrimage. Each parish has free copies of the Marian consecration booklet, 33 Days to Morning
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Glory: A Do-it-yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration by Michael Gaitley, MIC. Praying with and for our pilgrims during the 33 days is one of the greatest contributions you can make to the pilgrimage. It will take hundreds of volunteers to make this monumental event a success. There are opportunities to feed pilgrims during the journey, host pilgrims overnight and volunteer at the pilgrimage events taking place throughout the archdiocese.
LEARN MORE: Mary2021.org Find out all the details of the pilgrimage, including: • An interactive map with details on each of the 36 overnight church stops • Volunteer sign-up • How to become a Statue Guardian • How to become a Spiritual Pilgrim • Additional information about each event
SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on our Marian Pilgrimage Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ marianpilgrimage2021
Cornerstone Events In addition to the events hosted at the parishes each night, there are four main events that will take place during the 33 days. MAY 16: OPENING MASS AND PILGRIMAGE KICK OFF
The first event is the Pilgrimage Kick-Off at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, in Russells Point on May 16. There will be an outdoor opening Mass at 1:30 p.m. at the Shrine. From there, pilgrims will process to St. Mary of the Woods Church, two miles from the shrine. MAY 21: MARIA STEIN MASS AND CONCERT
The next event is the Maria Stein Mass and Concert on May 21. Mass will begin at 6 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Maria Stein. After Mass, we will process to the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, where exposition will take place. Beginning at 7 p.m., there will be food trucks and lawn games for the whole family. A concert featuring Sarah Kroger, a Nashville-based Catholic worship leader and songwriter, will be held on the lawn stage from 8 – 9:30 p.m. MAY 29: MASS WITH THE ARCHBISHOP AND CONCERT
Mass with the Archbishop and a concert will take place on May 29 in Roger Glass Stadium at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton. Outdoor Mass begins at 4:30 p.m. Gates open at 3:45 p.m. Following Mass, food trucks will be available. The family-friendly concert, featuring popular contemporary Christian band WAL, begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendance is limited. Reserve your spot online. JUNE 19: RE-CONSECRATION AND FOUNTAIN SQUARE CONCERT
The final day of the pilgrimage is June 19, the official bicentennial anniversary of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. To mark this historical event, the Archbishop will lead the archdiocese in a prayer of reconsecration to Jesus through Mary. This special prayer will occur during the Bicentennial Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains at 10:30 a.m. This Mass is not open to the public, but the consecration will be live streamed at Fountain Square in Cincinnati. Beginning at noon, a multicultural bicentennial celebration will begin at Fountain Square with music and dance from Catholic communities throughout the archdiocese. At 2 p.m. the Christian collaborative group, Village Lights, will perform. The group includes Sarah Kroger, Ike Ndolo and Ricky Vazquez. Food trucks will also be available throughout the afternoon.
M ARIAN P IL G RIM AG E / M A Y 2021 | 33
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THE MARIAN PILGRIMAGE *Main Events
1.
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Russells Point, 5/16
20. St. Francis de Sales, Lebanon, 6/3
2.
St. Mary of the Woods, Russells Point, 5/16
21. Our Lady of Sorrows, Monroe, 6/4
3.
Immaculate Conception, Botkins, 5/17
22. St. Julie Billiart, Hamilton, 6/5
4.
St. Joseph, Wapakoneta, 5/18
23. St. Maximillian Kolbe, Liberty Township, 6/6
5.
Holy Rosary, Saint Mary’s, 5/19
24. St. Margaret of York, Loveland, 6/7
6.
Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, 5/20
25. Jesuit Spiritual Center, Milford, 6/8
7.
Maria Stein Shrine, 5/21
26. Holy Trinity, Batavia, 6/9
8.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, McCartyville, 5/22
27. St. Bernadette, Amelia, 6/10
9.
Holy Angels, Sidney, 5/23
28. Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School
10. St. Mary, Piqua, 5/24
of Theology, Anderson Township, 6/11
11. St. Patrick, Troy, 5/25
29. St. Gertrude, Madeira, 6/12
12. Sacred Heart, New Carlisle, 5/26
30. St. Cecilia, Oakley, 6/13
13. Mary Help of Christians, Fairborn, 5/27
31. Resurrection, Bond Hill, 6/14
14. Our Lady of the Rosary, North Dayton, 5/28
32. St. Ignatius, Montfort Heights, 6/15
15. Emmanuel, Dayton, 5/29
33. Our Lady of Lourdes, Western Hills, 6/16
16. St. Benedict the Moor, Dayton, 5/30
34. St. Monica / St. George, Clifton, 6/17
17. Immaculate Conception, Belmont, 5/31
35. Holy Cross Immaculata, Mt. Adams, 6/18
18. Incarnation, Centerville, 6/1
36. Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, 6/19
19. St. Mary of the Assumption, Springboro, 6/2
Sarah Kroger
WAL
May 21
May 29 • Chaminade
June 19
Maria Stein Concert
Julienne Catholic HS
Cincinnati Fountain
Concert & Mass with
Square Event
Village Lights
the Archbishop
For more information visit Mary2021.org
M AR IAN P IL G RIM AG E / MA Y 2021 | 35
Pilgrimage Accommodations B Y KA RY E L L E N B E RG E R
As members of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati prepare to participate in the 33-day Marian Pilgrimage, the archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities, in connection with the Center for the New Evangelization, are ensuring all who want to participate in the pilgrimage may do so.
be easier to navigate,” said Collis-DeVito. “We [also] plan to have three adaptive prayer opportunities along the pilgrimage route for persons with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. These will take place in the northern, Dayton and Cincinnati regions.”
Those who are homebound are also encouraged to participate “It is incredibly important for the Office for Persons with in the pilgrimage virtually. Disabilities and Center for the New Evangelization to collaborate to provide necessary accommodations during the Collis-DeVito shared that there is a resource page for those Marian Pilgrimage to ensure that persons with disabilities looking for all the accommodations and their families have full access to provided by the Office for Persons with the faith,” said Noelle Collis-DeVito, Disabilities and the Center for the New Associate Director of the archdiocesan Evangelization. That information can be Office for Persons with Disabilities. “This found on the pilgrimage website, www. pilgrimage is meant to be a way for our Our hope is to create a mary2021.org entire archdiocese to collectively come together in prayer, and when we do not culture of inclusion and “Our hope is to create a culture of inclusion provide the necessary accommodations meaningful participation and meaningful participation for persons for people with disabilities we are not a with disabilities and their families here whole Church.” for persons with in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati,” said disabilities... Collis-DeVito. “We want to provide an During all large pilgrimage events – opportunity for persons with disabilities including the Mass and concert at the to truly participate in this pilgrimage and for this event to be Maria Stein Shrine, Mass with Archbishop Schnurr and an example of what can be done at a parish level to create a concert at Roger Glass Stadium in Dayton, and the concert at sense of belonging for all.” Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati – will all include American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, according to Those with questions or requesting information about Collis-DeVito. Sensory-friendly tents will also be available at accommodations during the pilgrimage are encouraged to these large events. contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, the archdiocese is planning to utilize select “If you are a parish, don’t be afraid to call or reach out even routes of the 33-day pilgrimage that are accessible to those with a little question,’’ said Collis-DeVito. “We are happy with mobility issues. to help and would love to be a resource to create a culture of inclusion and meaningful participation here in the “These accessible portions of the pilgrimage will be located on Archdiocese of Cincinnati.” flat, paved paths that will avoid major intersections and should 3 6 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H
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Rosary Men
Cincinnati Men Aim to Bring the Rosary to the Workplace B Y J O H N ST E G E M AN
The average person spends a third of their life at work. For a believer in Jesus, time at work isn’t supposed to be time out from faith. Rosary Men is a movement, founded by Joe Kruessel, Todd Uterstaedt and Michael Whelan, to bring faith into the workplace. The idea is simple: Get men to join the Rosary Men website, then pray the Rosary at work and, once a week, pray as group on Zoom. Joining RosaryMen. com costs $19 a month, but there is a two-month free trial. Portions of the proceeds support crisis pregnancy centers. “We say the Rosary once a week, Wednesdays at 2 p.m.,” Kruessel said. “We rotate the mysteries. It takes about 20 minutes. It’s a nice break in your work day if you can squeeze that in, and then get back to [work] for the rest of the day.” Kruessel noted that while Rosary Men is gender specific, the idea could be duplicated for women. As men, the founders of this movement felt their calling was to reach other men. The initial kickoff event took place in late February with Kruessel, Uterstaedt and Whelan presenting. Father Andrew Umberg, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in North Bend, and Father Don Calloway, a Marian Father of the Immaculate Conception and author, were special guests. The first call had roughly a dozen men. “For now, it’s pretty focused and simple,” said Kruessel. “We want the mission to be about bringing the faith to the workplace for men, and how we can help crisis pregnancy centers.” 3 8 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
Kruessel said breaking in the habit of praying at work isn’t the only barrier. Some men grow up with the mistaken stereotype that the Rosary is for, “little old ladies at church.” “The Rosary is a tool, and I would venture to say it is a weapon against the devil. We’ve had many priests and saints say the same thing,” he said. Another barrier is that some men who haven’t prayed the Rosary before believe it’s complex. “It’s not hard,” Kruessel said. “Once you get in the rhythm of doing it, it helps you to calm your mind and focus on the mystery that you’re working through and to be present.” “I’m always reminded of what St. Paul says about praying without ceasing,” he added. “Maybe we’re having a tough moment at work, or mentally we’re falling down or feeling weak. Saying a quick ‘Glory Be’ or ‘Hail Mary’ or the ‘Jesus Prayer’ can help to realign that moment of your day. This is also where the Rosary can help.” “Far too often we check our faith at the door,” said Whelan during the kickoff video call. “Once we go into work, we focus solely on work and check our faith out. We’ve recognized there’s a hole missing there. “We spend most of our lives at work,” he added. “We spend more time at work than we do with our families at home. It makes sense to want to bring our faith into work. And what better way than this – the Rosary.” Learn more at RosaryMen.com.
M IN D & S OU L
OUR DEBT TO IMPERFECT MOTHERLY LOVE “Tell me about your mother…” Many a joke about my profession begins with these words spoken in an Austrian accent in imitation of Sigmund Freud. While many therapists downplay our connection to Freud, it is true that we tend to place heavy emphasis on the role of the mother in psychological development. Unfortunately, this can come across like we are blaming all our flaws and failures on our mothers.
mother’s embrace helps us feel warm and safe. It is through our mother’s gentle, soothing nurturing and delight that we come to experience our worth. As Pope St. John Paul II said, “On the human level, can there be any other ‘communion’ comparable to that between a mother and a child whom she has carried in her womb and then brought to birth?”
Indeed, mothers often get a bad rap. Not only are they frequently and unjustly blamed, but theirs is an exceptionally unglamorous, thankless job. They are tasked with being there for us when we are at our worst, cleaning up after us when we are our messiest, nurturing us when we are unable to take care of ourselves. Clearly, the Cross is never far away in the vocation of a mother. For this reason alone, mothers everywhere deserve our respect, our gratitude and our support.
Undoubtedly, all of us are indebted to the mothers in our lives. If we are honest with ourselves, we have always known that they are imperfect, and we love them anyway. Perhaps we wish they had done things differently, and it is likely they wish the same. Thankfully, God sees every hidden sacrifice of every mother and superabundantly supplies His grace and His mercy. Indeed, God seems to delight in using motherly love to draw us to Himself. Scripture frequently uses the image of a mother’s tender love to describe God’s love for us. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you” (Is. 66:13). Even more, He shares with us His own mother, Mary, whom He perfected with the grace of Christ. Clearly, God highly values motherly love and our need for it.
THE PRESSURE FOR PERFECTION
With the emphasis on their role in psychology, many mothers feel incredible pressure to be perfect in their child-rearing. This leads to anxiety about messing up, guilt over past mistakes and shame when their struggles are seen by others. Donald Winnicott, a British psychoanalyst, tried to help this situation with his concept of “the good enough mother.” He rightly argued that children do not need a perfect mother to grow up healthy. Rather, they need a mother who simply delights in her children and is reliably – not perfectly – there for them. She can both acknowledge the negative emotions and struggles that mothering invariably produces and continue to welcome the gift that is her child. Such a mother is responsive enough to her children’s physical and emotional needs so as to become what John Bowlby termed a “haven of safety.” However imperfect it may be, the bond between a mother and child is of vital importance. It is our mother’s womb that is the first haven of safety for us during our perilous journey through life. When we come into this vast world as helpless infants, our
SO I WILL COMFORT YOU
As we enter the month of May, in which we celebrate Mother’s Day and pay special honor to Mary, let us take the time to express our gratitude to all the mothers around us. Let us offer them our help and support in living their awesome vocation. Lastly, let us encourage them with the good news that God delights in using their imperfect, but good enough love to draw all His children to Himself, where we will be safe and secure in the arms of Jesus and Mary in the bosom of the Church. DR. ANDREW SODERGREN, M.T.S., PSY.D.
is a Catholic psychologist and director of psychological services for Ruah Woods. He speaks on topics related to the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith. He and his wife, Ellie, have been married 21 years and have five children. M OT H E RS & M ARY / MA Y 2021 | 39
A P R IE S T’ S PE R S PE C TIVE
OUR HEROIC MOTHERS Ten years ago, my friend was preparing to move to Baltimore. Before the move, she made a request: “Mom is getting a little forgetful. Could you look in on her and bring her Communion?” I agreed and each Friday I met with a remarkable mother of eight who raised her children in the faith, despite being widowed at 45. Every week I visited and every week at least one of her children was with her. Around Christmas, my friend returned from Baltimore. Upon her arrival, she called to say her mother was nearing the end of her life. I assured her that her mother had received all the possible sacraments. And, realizing it was Saturday night, I offered to bring my Mass kit to her family home and say Mass there. While there, I gave her mother Viaticum and the Apostolic Pardon. After Mass, her children knelt by their mother’s bedside and prayed the Rosary. By morning their mother had entered eternal life. I was privileged to witness their mother’s faith. In fact, their mother, unbeknownst to them, made me promise to help get her children to heaven! She had not just given them life; she generated faith. OUR MOTHER, MARY
As Catholics we have Mary as our Mother. Before dying, Jesus saw his mother beneath the Cross with the beloved disciple. He said: “Woman, behold, your son!” Jesus asked His mother to care for His disciple as a son. He continued, speaking to the disciple (and to us): “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the beloved disciple took Mary “to his own home” or rather into his inner life - “eis tà ìdia.” This means introducing Mary, the Mother of God, into the very fabric of one’s being. It is not merely some external practice of piety; it is imitating her faithful surrender to God’s will. Casting our gaze on the Virgin, we can discover the depths of our relationship with our spiritual mother and understand that she intercedes for us with her prayers in the face of challenges. OUR MOTHER, THE CHURCH
The Church, too, is our mother, generating new life through the font of baptism and nurturing our faith. Last year, Pope 4 0 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
Francis spoke about the maternal aspect of the Church: “A Church that is a mother goes along the path of tenderness. It knows the language of such wisdom of caresses, of silence, of the gaze that knows compassion, that knows silence. It is, too, a soul, a person who lives out this way of being a member of the Church, knowing that he or she is [like] a mother [and] must go along the same path: a person [who is] gentle, tender, smiling, full of love.” Do we show forth the maternal dimension of the Church? What type of Church do we want to be – a Church of severity, or a Church that generates faith by truly loving her sons and daughters? At St. Ignatius Parish, I am amazed at our Mom’s Ministry. Mothers support each other, and their maternal instincts have lead them to lead the parish in a pro-life initiative that walks with moms in need and assists them in nurturing life. In doing so, they are also generating faith. MOTHERHOOD, THE VOCATION
St. Gianna Beretta Molla, a physician and mother, gave her life so her daughter might live. St. Gianna wrote: “Every vocation is a vocation to material, spiritual and moral maternity, because God has placed in us the instinct toward life. ... To prepare oneself for one’s vocation means to prepare oneself to be a giver of life. There are many difficulties, but with the help of God we must always walk without fear, so that if in the battle for our vocation we must die, that would be the most beautiful day of our life.” While St. Gianna literally died for her maternal vocation, mothers everywhere die to self, making extraordinary sacrifices for their children so they can experience life in abundance. None of them are “just a mom;” they are extraordinary. 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.
Written by Gail Fink Illustrated by Emma Cassani
St. Mary Church in Piqua is one of the region’s oldest churches.
“There’s a lot of unity between our two churches, a lot that we share. It’s impressive to see how the two parishes work together.” - Judy Lohnes, Worship/Music Director 1846 St. Mary, Piqua dedicated 1865 St. Boniface, Piqua dedicated
Built of brick when most churches were wood frame, St. Mary was the first Catholic church in Piqua. St. Boniface, built for German immigrants, followed. Only blocks apart, the two are now part of the Piqua Pastoral Region and share a pastor, many staff members and a school.
1945 Piqua native Father Angelo Caserta ordained 1978 Major remodel of St. Mary Church 1990 Father Caserta institutes Perpetual Adoration at St. Boniface’s St. Clare Chapel
10 Gothic windows in the nave
2007 Major remodel of St. Mary Church
3 major Gothic windows in the choir loft
2015 Father Caserta celebrates his 70th ordination anniversary at St. Boniface
2 parishes in the Piqua Pastoral Region “We had to close St. Clare Chapel for COVID, and when we opened it up again, I cried. It’s a very holy place. It infuses something special in adorers—when you come across another adorer, there’s a bond. There are still guardians who have been here the whole 30 years. It’s a small, quiet, quaint place, a lot of beauty happens in it.” Anne Epperly, former St. Clare Chapel co-coordinator
2019 Funeral Mass at St. Boniface for Father Caserta
Although she is rarely referred to as “St. Mary” in conversation, the Mother of God’s saintly title is often used in the names of churches and schools. Though frequently referred to as “the Blessed Virgin,” Mary is most definitely a saint - the Queen of saints. D ID YOU K N OW ? / MA Y 2021 | 41
BAKING BLESSED IMELDA HOSTS
B Y WAYNE & MARIANNE T OPP
There are so many things to look forward to in May! The end of the school year, graduations, sports, Mother’s Day and – for second graders across the archdiocese – the reception of their First Holy Eucharist! Though our oldest is 15, we still remember the day Justin received his First Holy Communion and all the emotions we felt. Like so many moments our children experience for the first time, it made us reflect on the gift of being able to receive Our Lord every single day! Blessed Imelda Lambertini, whose feast is celebrated on May 13, did the same for her Dominican community when she was just 11. Blessed Imelda was born to a noble family in Italy in the early 1300s. From a very young age, her mother employed her assistance in caring for the poor and neglected in their community. When she was nine, Imelda had such a great desire to become a religious sister that her parents agreed to send her to live in a nearby Dominican convent. Soon after arriving at the convent, she became a favorite of many of the
other sisters and developed an even stronger desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist – something unheard of for such a young girl in those days. Though the chaplain and the prioress denied her persistent requests, the desire never left Imelda and she began begging the Lord directly. One day, while praying the prayers of Thanksgiving after Mass with the other sisters, Imelda begged Jesus to come to her. She stayed in the chapel after the other sisters departed. When two sisters were sent by the prioress to retrieve the young girl for the meal, they were greeted by a miraculous site. There was Imelda kneeling in prayer as a glowing light floated in front of her, and at the center of that light was the Eucharist! Immediately, the sisters left and got the chaplain, who took it as a clear sign that Jesus had granted Imelda’s request and He wanted this young girl to receive Him into her body and soul. The chaplain gave Imelda her First Holy Communion. For a moment the sisters remained in thanksgiving with Imelda, then retreated to their meal. When they returned, Imelda was still kneeling, but upon being touched, her body went limp, for she had died in pure ecstasy. Imelda often said, “How is it possible to receive Jesus into one’s heart and not die?” For her, that was truly the case. Her heart had become so full of joy and rapture that it could not contain it. What about us? Do we see our children receive their First Communion and remember what it is to receive Jesus into our hearts and souls each and every time He enters? Let us celebrate this saint and the great devotion she embodied by helping build that devotion in our homes.
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COMMUNION HOSTS FOR PLAYING MASS AT HOME Ingredients: • 1 cup flour • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1/3 cup water • 1/4 tsp. salt
The
Annual Memorial Day Field Mass Monday, May 31 Arrival 10 am | Mass starts 11 am with Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr Our Gate of Heaven Cemetery is continuing the tradition on this Memorial Day 2021 with Archbishop Schnurr at the base of the Bishops and Priests Circle for our annual Memorial Day Mass. Please arrive between 10:00AM and 10:30AM at 11000 Montgomery Road. We have transportation from parking areas to our Circle. Please bring your folding chairs. In case of rain storms, the mass will be moved to Good Shepherd Parish at 8815 East Kemper Road.
gateofheaven.org • 513.489.0300 Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, oil, water and salt. 3. Mix with hands until a ball forms. Knead in your hands for a couple minutes to make a smooth dough. 4. Place dough on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. 5. With assistance holding the parchment paper in place, roll dough to about 1/8” thick. 6. Using a 1” circle cookie cutter (or medicine cup), cut out circles, leaving them in place after cutting. 7. Place sheet into the oven, leaving in place the scrap dough that surrounds your cut circles. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Explore all that our senior living community has to offer from the comfort of your own home! Participate in an online virtual tour today to see our dining room, courtyard, suites, and everything in between. TA K E YO U R TO U R TO DAY B Y V I S I T I N G O U R W E B S I T E AT W W W. T R I P L E C R E E K R E T I R E M E N T. C O M ! |
8. Let cool for a couple minutes before placing the hosts on a plate to finish cooling. 9. Join in playing Mass with your children and build a love for the Holy Eucharist while #makingcatholicmemories.
ASSISTED LIVING | INDEPENDENT LIVING
MAK AKIN INGG CCAT ATHHOL OLIC IC M MEEM MOR ORIE MAYY 2021 2021 || 43 43 M IE SS // MA 39
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. - Saint Francis of Assisi
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2021!
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LEADERS OF CHARACTER START HERE
We offer in person learning and extraordinary programming to develop your child across five pillars: academic, spiritual, athletic, artistic and social.
OPENINGS FOR FALL 2021: GRADES K-6 AND GRADE 10!
Schedule a personal tour today and learn more about the rigor, faith, opportunity and community at The Summit. 513-871-4700 ext. 261
2161 GRANDIN ROAD, CINCINNATI OH 45208 • WWW.SUMMITCDS.ORG G R AD U AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 45
Maria Emmerich Chaminade Julienne High School Senior Volunteers With Her Mother at Food for the Journey BY PA TR I C I A M C GEEV ER
Volunteers are like gold to a nonprofit agency. When they find one willing to take on the work that needs to be done, they’ve found a treasure. That would describe Maria Emmerich, 18, a senior at Chaminade Julienne High School in Dayton. The teen has logged more than 170 service hours, most of them volunteering for the Food for the Journey Project in Dayton. It’s a community kitchen that serves 1,000 hot meals a week to hungry people in designated neighborhoods. She began volunteering after a retreat sophomore year that opened her eyes to the problem of poverty. “When I came home I was interested in finding a way to help my own community,” said Maria. Her mom, Karen, suggested Food for the Journey Project and the two volunteered together. Once a week, mother and daughter would help set up, prepare the food, serve it and talk to the guests. Maria loved the community atmosphere. “It kind of opens your eyes a little bit. Sometimes people see people who abuse any substance or have a disability and don’t see them in a positive light,” she said. “I think this was very eye-opening where you’re seeing people being human beings just like anyone else.”
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“It was really fun to watch her interact with the various guests, to watch her interact with other volunteers,” said Maria’s mom, Karen Emmerich, a religion teacher at Chaminade Julienne. Eventually Maria started volunteering on her own and soon was taking on more responsibilities. There was prep work, kitchen work and cleanup. She learned to operate the grill in the mobile kitchen. The commitment could be three to four hours at a time. “I would weep if we had more like her,” said Charles Wourms, Executive Director of Food for the Journey Project. “She has sort of a take charge, give it a try kind of air. [She asks] ‘How can I help?’ And she certainly has a feel for this,” said Wourms. “Maria was involved in every aspect of the meal which made her just so valuable to us. She embraced every aspect of it, and not every volunteer does that.” Wourms said Maria is a self-starter and
has just the right personality for the work. However, the pandemic put a stop to Maria’s volunteer work when the nonprofit had to limit its number of volunteers. Maria’s time became filled with her school work and a part-time job. Still, she found a way to help the organization she’d come to appreciate and enjoy. “She spearheaded a number of school collections: books, personal hygiene items, products to use in gift bags to give to women in need, food collections,” said Wourms. She also helped organize an effort at school to collect socks for the charity.
But certainly with her work ethic, her compassion for the individuals she served, she’s the full package. The real deal.
God Bless You Class of 2021 — This is just the beginning of new experiences as well as the challenges that lie ahead of you. As you prepare to set out on your own journeys, you remain in the hearts and spirits of those whom you have touched throughout your time at CJ. Cherish the memories, the friendships, and the growth you have made. Take what you have learned and go make a difference! Remember, you will always find support and encouragement through God and the CJ community. — Jabari Twitty ‘22
Maria will head to Xavier University in the fall to major in psychology. When she gets to campus she hopes to be able to find a way to continue her service work. Food for the Journey Project will miss her enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit and her effort.
Congratulations Royalmont Academy Class of 2021! Enrolling now for 2021-22 PreK-12 | royalmont.org
T O G E T H E R | O N WA R D C AVA L I E R S
“All volunteers are great but a person like Maria distinguishes herself certainly with her age and she has more wisdom than many kids her age,” said Wourms. “But certainly with her work ethic, her compassion for the individuals she served, she’s the full package. The real deal.”
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Educational Foundations CISE Preschools Prepare Urban Children for Success BY E IL EEN C O NNEL L Y , O S U
Every day, Jennifer Hagood’s 5-year-old son, Ricole, says a prayer. “He doesn’t pray for toys. He prays for the people he loves,” she explained. “He sends everybody’s name up to God.” Hagood attributes her son’s concern for others to the solid foundation in both his education and faith-based values he is receiving at Corryville Catholic, one of 10 inner-city schools supported by Catholic Inner-city Schools Education (CISE). CISE works to help rewrite the lives of urban children by providing access to a strong Catholic education at designated elementary schools and high schools. Currently in Kindergarten, Ricole’s experience at Corryville Catholic began in preschool, which CISE Executive Director Mabe Rodriguez describes as “the foundation to a great education. Preschool provides the building blocks for grade school, high school and the children’s future, along with improving Kindergarten performance. The sooner you can start building a child’s skills, the better. We’ve made it a priority for CISE to support preschool.” Finding a place for Ricole to begin his education was priority for Hagood, and since she was already on staff at Corryville Catholic as a Title 1 reading teacher, it was a logical choice. 4 8 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEG R A PH
“I love the environment there. It’s feels so safe, and the teachers are kind, but firm,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and made us feel like family. It’s so important for a child to feel welcomed. And any environment where there is prayer every day is definitely good.” She has seen how her son has grown, both academically and personally, from preschool to Kindergarten, and plans to send her daughter, Julia, to preschool at Corryville Catholic, too. “Ricole is very conscientious about his work and how the teachers will respond,” Hagood said. “He has really matured and is more confident in himself.” Stephanie Lockett is equally pleased with her daughter, Marie’s, experience at Holy Family School in Price Hill. Marie is in her second year of preschool at Holy Family and will attend Kindergarten there in the fall. Lockett explored a variety of options for her daughter’s education, and she ultimately decided on Holy Family, because “I want my baby to be in the best environment possible and for her to be great at whatever she decides to do in life. My niece and nephew go to Holy Family and I know how much they’re leaning. After we visited, I knew there was no place else I wanted her to be.”
Like Hagood, Lockett cites the structured, yet loving, environment as being critical to Marie’s development. “The teachers, the secretary, the principal…they are just the most loving people I’ve ever met. They really care about the students and the families and they take a personal interest in you,” she said. “That’s one of the biggest reasons I’m sending her back, along with the faith-based values. I love how they emphasize kindness and compassion.” She recalled the school community’s response last year when a neighboring family lost everything in a fire. “The whole school came together to help,” Lockett said. “Marie picked out clothes and shoes to give away and was so excited to take them to school to help. She’s grown up during her time in preschool and I’ve seen how caring she’s becoming.”
I want my baby to be in the best environment possible and for her to be great at whatever she decides to do in life. CISE currently funds 14 preschool classrooms in nine of its schools, an increase of 27-percent over the past three years, Rodriguez said. St. Boniface doesn’t currently have a preschool, but there are hopes to start one there in 2022. Five of the CISE schools have achieved a five-star quality preschool rating from Preschool Promise. Corryville Catholic and Holy Family were the first two schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to receive the designation, followed by St. Cecilia, St. Lawrence and St. William. CISE is currently working with consultants from Learning Grove to help more of their schools achieve the rating. Rodriguez emphasized that CISE is committed to making a quality preschool experience available to more at-risk children and welcomes donations. “Our donors should be proud that they’re investing in children’s futures this way,” she said. “We’re so grateful their support.” CISE serves 2,600 scholars at area Catholic schools and provides scholarship assistance at designated Catholic high schools. Approximately 96-percent of CISE students are from low-income families; 85-percent are minorities and more than 70-percent are non-Catholic. Ninety-four percent of CISE graduates are accepted into college. Please contact Debbie Weitz at dweitz@catholicaoc.org or 513-263-3471, or visit at www. cisekids.org for more information.
class of 2021 CONGRATUL ATIONS
Margaret Albers Kayla Anderson Brenna Aspery Hannah Bailey Morgan Baker Claudia Banke Juliana Barhorst Caroline Batt Breanna Bauer Annabel Beatty Caroline Beesten Layla Beiersdorfer Nadia Bingham Julie Bittner Caitlin Black Allison Brickner Emily Brisben Madeline Brisken Emma Campbell Tatum Carraher Abigail Casavant Abigail Charlton Alexandra Christman Cameron Coburn Mary Catherine Conaway Ava Corsmo Brianna Counts Mabel Coyne Autumn Crockett Anna Currin Elise Denegar Katherine Dorton Emma Drees Ashley Elma Hannah Eversole Kennedy Feathers Grace Fenton Alexis Ferguson Quinn Fisher Grace Fletcher Madeline Folkens Madeline Fredette Marissa Fricke Lillian Fritz Sophia Germano Alexis Gerver Karli Gerwel Gabrielle Guenther Samantha Harold Anna Harper Rachel Hartmann
Annalise Havens Kennedi Heard Anna Heilers Megan Hennie Stephanie Henning Mackenzie Hill Anna Hillman Lillian Hodge Alyssa Hoffman Emma Holly Lilian Horne Paxton Huber Callie Jacobs Kayla Johnson Kennedi Johnson Madeline Jones-Huddle Molly Kaes Nicole Kendall Nicole Kies Sydney Kohls Haley Kollstedt Ellie Kowitz Jenna Kroeger Sarah Krusinski Anastasia Kuhlman Emily Lambert Allison Laughlin Rebecca Laux Gabrielle Lemmerman Alina Louis Eliza Lucas Kathryn Luers Katlyn MacDonald Elizabeth Madyda Isabella Marcum Leah Martin Victoria Martin Zoe Mattimore Gabrielle Mayne Kristen McBride Elisa McClellan Sophia McCrary Brooke McKee Emily Mechley Clara Menon Morgan Million Olivia Molina Kaylee Monahan Devyn Mundy Ellie Murphy Anne Nelson
Emma Niehaus Ava Norton Honora O’Bryan Anna O’Donnell Kaitlyn Otten Ellie Patterson Elizabeth Perry Laila Phelia Elizabeth Pierce Carleigh Reed Hailey Reifel Olivia Rein Kate Rentrop Emma Reutelshofer Alexandria Robertson Anna Rosian Stephanie Schaller Ella Schlichter Ashley Schutte Heather Schwab Emily Schwartz Rose Sharpshair Andreneé Smith Isabella Smith Trinitee Southerland Sarah Spatz Cassidy Stainton Elise Stenger Rylee Strayer Maria Sullivan Maria Sunderhaus Ava Tepe Haley Tonne Emma Valdivia Chavez Mikayla Vogt Riley Vonderhaar Rose vonErden Katherine Wallace Olivia Westendorf Emma White Megan Wielonski Lauren Wilber Ava Williams Kristen Wilmes Alexa Wiwi Audrey Wolfer Olivia Wolfzorn Emily Young Maria Zierolf
www.mndhs.org G R AD U AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 49
Growing Numbers McNicholas High School’s Emphasis on Faith and Student Experience Has Lead to Growing Class Sizes BY BONNY VAN
Open houses, shadow days and “a very positive buzz” surrounding McNicholas High School in Cincinnati are drawing students to the school in record numbers, according to Anne Jones, director of communications and marketing at McNicholas. The school’s current enrollment of 487 has seen a steady increase over the past year with 21 new or transfer students over the summer, and 10 new students added to the Junior class for a 7-percent increase. Freshman enrollment for the fall, 141, is up 28-percent compared to the same time last year, and more students are expected to enroll. “We have re-envisioned our open house and our shadow experiences,” said
Jones. “The result was a customized experience that gave as much personal attention to each prospective student as we give to the students who are in our building every day.” Jones said all but three of the eighthgraders who attended the high school’s open house enrolled for the 2021-22 school year. That personal touch made an impact on freshman Remington Holder, who felt he was part of the school community when he spent a shadow day at McNicholas. He also said he’d heard from others about “McNick.” “I knew many people from our community who went [to McNicholas] and all of them talked about how
they had great experiences there,” said Holder. “This, combined with the fact that McNicholas offers the UC Early IT (University of Cincinnati Early Information Technology) program sparked my interest in going there. Coming from a small school community, I also wanted to stay in a community that was tight knit.” McNicholas has a long history in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, dating back to 1915 when the school was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, as St. Joseph Academy. Then it was a day and boarding school for girls in the Mt. Washington neighborhood. By 1950, Archbishop John T. McNicholas
Something that is special about McNicholas to me is that there is something for everyone. reassigned the school as the first co-ed Catholic high school in the area, and the name was changed the following year to McNicholas High School. Over the decades, the campus has grown to include more classrooms, gyms, an auditorium, library, theatre and an athletic complex. Jones, who has worked at the school for 22 years as a teacher, librarian and communications director, said a new leadership team and new initiatives have brought “a renewed energy and excitement” to the school’s programs. She said the school has launched a new branding campaign, based on community conversations, which helped highlight “the real strengths of McNicholas.” Those strengths include a 12:1 studentteacher ratio, college credit programs and
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Congratulations, Class of 2021!
competitive athletics, in addition to strong art, architecture, theater, sciences and community service programs. “Something that is special about McNicholas to me is that there is something for everyone,” said Sophomore Julia Hart, whose mom and dad are McNicholas alums. “I feel as if everyone makes a difference to the community and helps show who we are. Being a smaller school is also really great. It gives me an opportunity to make a connection with almost everyone.” Jones explained the school’s long-time motto, “That youth may grow toward full stature in Christ,” is on the cornerstone of the building and has not changed, but has been expanded to include the concept of “Finding Your Brilliance.”
We are so proud of all the ways in which you have grown toward Full Stature and we look forward to seeing how you will let your brilliance shine outside of McNicholas!
ARCHBISHOP ALTER HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2021
“God gives us these unique talents, and everybody’s different and unique and we all come with these special talents. Here at McNick, we find a way to help students discover that and develop it and that’s ‘brilliance’ and ‘stature,’ ” she said. “We love McNick!” said Suzette Spears, whose sons, Jack, a Senior, and Wyatt, a Freshman, attend the school. “The sense of community, faith-based education, collective leadership of school, longevity of key teachers and focus on communication in classes were the top reasons we chose to send our children here. Our children are thriving in and out of the classroom.” Parent Duane Granger said her daughter, Aimee, has grown scholastically and spiritually through opportunities at the high school while Aimee, a Senior, said she knew from her experience at a shadow day that she had found a “home” for the next four years. “I chose McNick because as soon as I shadowed, it felt like home,” said Aimee. “I felt the community spirit that McNick had. I felt welcomed and I could see myself growing as a person and in my relationship with God.”
For I know the Plans I have for you, declares the Lord Plans to Prosper you and not to harm you Plans to give you Hope and a Future
Jeremiah 29:11
Founded on Faith Preserved with Pride Sustained by Spirit
alterhs.org G R AD U AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 51
St. X’s Mothers Club B Y EL L EN GORML EY
Mothers Club leaders, Cindy Sizemore and Kate Feldman, have done an outstanding job of adjusting traditions during COVID-19. The club has offered new social and spiritual opportunities to its members, while continuing to serve the St. Xavier High School (St. X) community.
In the spring, the club is planning a new event for students and their families called the Amazing Xperience. Students will navigate through the city with clues and activities about St. X, the Long Blue Line and Cincinnati, with prizes along the way. It concludes with an outdoor party.
Mothers Club members created packets for each Freshman with a note and a St. X shirt to give them a warm welcome to the school. During football season, club members created outdoor restaurant hubs around the city so families could connect and cheer on their team together. The Christmas Celebration, which is the biggest Mothers Club fundraiser of the year, was canceled so members adapted to create an outside holiday experience. They also collected monetary donations and gift cards to support Rosemary’s Fund, which helps students who experience resource gaps.
Mothers Club also provides a space for mothers to connect socially and spiritually with one another, including virtual book clubs and Bible studies. Amy Eskoff Garrett, mother of a sophomore student, said, “I am proud of the Mothers Club and how they pivoted so quickly, continuing to provide members social and spiritual opportunities while serving the St. X community. Cindy and Kate have done a great job partnering with administrators and leading the Mothers Club during these unprecedented times and they have done it with grace and inclusivity.”
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Congratulations to the Class of 2021 May you utilize your God-given gifts and talents in service to others while holding true to the characteristics of a St. Xavier High School graduate. Open to Growth Loving Intellectually Competent Religious Committed to Doing Justice
stxavier.org
#LongBlueLine
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“The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.”
Congratulations Class of 2021!
May God bless you in college and beyond.
www.depaulcristorey.org • 513.861.0600
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CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2021! “I would wish to fit you for that world in which you are destined to live.” - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Jenna Marie Accurso Chloe Rose Anderson Riley Elizabeth Ashe Mary Catherine Austing Hailey Elizabeth Autenrieb Maria Christine Becker Emma Gail Beiting Maria Elizabeth Bengel Jocelyn Kristen Bier Elise Ellen Bill Sofia Grace Bill Lindsay Marie Binder Megan Elizabeth Bode Sophia Marie Braker Meredith Susan Briggs Abby Rose Brogan MacKenzie Kate Brogan Winifred Mary Brunsman Kaleeyah Delightful Carson Sabra Lily Charles Lucy Fay Cluxton Molly Marie Collins Madison Elizabeth Corey Kelly Marie Cornuelle Jaelene Madison Costa Natalie Elizabeth Crable Hannah Victoria Crowley Jordan Ann Darnell Lindsey Elizabeth Doherty Leah Rose Domenicone Anna Marie Durbin Emily Rose Durr Megan Elizabeth Edrich Shalynne Marie Espich Austina Kaitlin Fischli Lauren Alinda Frederick Ashley Patricia Galbraith Caroline Rea Gansen Allison Marie Gilkey Sophia Ann Gillis Lena Nicole Ginn Sarah Ann Goins Lucy Karyn Graff Bailee Elizabeth Gressler Mackenzie Elizabeth Gutekunst
Leah Elizabeth Hafner Anna Maria Hammann Emma Grace Harmeyer Grace Azalee Hehman Caroline Grace Heitz Sydney Michelle Hemme Madelyn Grace Hensler Jordan Olivia Grace Hicks Sarah Marie Hines Elizabeth Ann Hoeweler Madeline Elizabeth Holmes Haley Elizabeth Hughes Lauren Elizabeth Hunter Abigail Lindy Jungkunz Rayann Sue Kassow Amy Maria Kathmann Jaiden Skye Knecht Joellen Elisabeth Knepfle Abigail Gerdes Kock Megan Elizabeth Kock Danielle Christine Krauser Morgan Elizabeth Ledonne Kerrie Sammone Lee Josie Elizabeth Lewis Anna Katherine Linnemann Kyla Elizabeth Lively Zoe Elizabeth Loftus Lauren Kristen Lott Kayleigh Lin Lyons Amanda Catharine Macke Julia Marie Marr Katee Danielle McBride Jessica Elizabeth McKeel Lillian Marie McSwigan Shayne Kathleen Menner Grace Elizabeth Meyer Avery Grace Moehring Olivia Renee Nie Carly Elizabeth Ogilvie Alaina Marie Olding Isabelle Grace Paff Alyssa Rose Palicki Paige Marie Paschka Samantha Elizabeth Peters Ava Nicole Pieczonka Molly Rose Pressler
Ellie Rose Priestle Mary Grace Raker Nayeli Ramirez Puac Macy Ann Raymond Emily Barbara Redder Abigail Lynne Rhoads Megan Elizabeth Roden Christina May Rolfes Isabella Rose Roll Julie Anne Schenkel Marie Elizabeth Schenkel Kylie Ann Schriefer Paige Elizabeth Schultz Katherine Mary Schutte Natalie Elizabeth Schutte Sophia Grace Schutte Eva Rose Schwiers Kalei Alysa Scully Grace Katherine Sena Caitlyn Nicole Shoemaker Gabrielle Leanna Sickman Marissa Constance Sideris Lauren Rae Silbernagel Elizabeth Ann Spade Grace Elizabeth Spieser Jane Katherine Streicher Emma Katherine Striebich Jenna Christine Sullivan Charlotte Rose Sunderman Abigail Grace Telscher Anna Marie Tiernan Josephine Louise Timmers Elizabeth Anne Vale Madison Grace Vaughn Grace Elizabeth Villing Exsence Unique Walker Caroline Rose Walter Olivia Marie Warren Jillian Marie Webber Josie Marie Williams Ella Rose Willig Riley Patricia Wilms Alayna Mary Wuebbolt Madison Renee Yeazell Sydney Elizabeth Yoder
Seton High School 3901 Glenway Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205 setoncincinnati.org G R AD U AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 53
Congratulations Class of 2021
Morgan Arnold Kaiya Batton Mollie Bigner Alanna Birkenhauer Olyvia Bittner Allison Blaut Kayla Boehm Emily Bollin Mariah Briggs Haley Brinkmann Marissa Bryant Justine Calixto Michelle Cavanaugh Nora Cheeseman Rachel Cleary Caroline Clippard Kaia Cole Christine Cook Heather Cook Hayley Cupp Jenna Daria Zayna Dashley Abigail Davis Madison Decker Eileen Dempsey Emily Denney Madison DeSalvo
2021-grad-ad.pdf
Makaela Dettmer Emma Dierkers Mia Edwards Katelyn Enginger Emma Erion Sydney Etris Cailan Ewing-Callery Mary Feldman De'Aira Ferris Claire Fischer Katherine Flerlage Markayla Freeman Karen Frigge Rylie Gavin Emma Godfrey Delaney Gooding Rachael Hamad Savannah Hampton Chloe Harper Jade Hart Lilah Henke Annaselena Hess Jannet Hinton Sydney Hoblitzell Abigail Hoffmann Josephine Holland Emma Holscher
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Emily Horn Avi Hubbard Carrie Hughes Sidney Huschart Eleanor Janszen Eileen Jones Meghan Jorg Eleanor Keil Gabrielle Keil Tracey Kendrick Erin Kerr Aiko Kimura Noelle Kinne Kira Knosp Morgan Kreimer Haley Krier Hannah Kuderer Samiia Lattimore Sophia Lavagna Ava LeCount Isabelle Leek Hailey Lehn Ellise Limle Grace Lockwood Eva Lonneman Irena Loth Nora Ludwig
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Kathleen Lynch Zaria Mapp Grace Martini Emma Mastruserio Clare Mattingly Allison Maynard Lauren McAninch Lillian McMullan Sha'Ryia McQueen Alexa Means MacKenzie Mechley Sophia Meese Morgan Meisel Madison Merz Amanda Metzner Sydney Miller Chloe Molina Kayla Muench Jocelin Murray Elaina Nadler Caroline Nash Crystal Neeley Sophia Nicoloff Abigail Noe Fiona O'Connell Grace O'Connor Emily Osbourne
Shelby Page Paige Schaber Elizabeth Pare Helene Schaefer Krishi Patel Sydney Schoenling Nina Paunescu Lauren Schum Abigail Perkins Ava Scott Kylie Pfeifer Ma'Yanna Shields Julia Pfiester Madison Sickman Austyn Pille Amy Siemer Gabrielle Porter Emma Spinnenweber Makayla Posey Shelby Stone Olivia Rack Erin Suder Luzelena Reyna Hannah Swift Mazariegos Jessica Thomas Laura Reyna Mazariegos Jayden Turner Erin Riesenbeck Elizabeth Verhoff Sharlym Rios Cruz Emily Walden Adrienne Robers Yamia Ward Kristina Rodriguez Veronica Werner Isabel Roebel Lillian Wiesman Megan Roell Katelyn Woelfel Grace Romer Lillian Woeste Grace Ross Madison Yenke Elaine Ryan Elizabeth York Brittany Sanchez Lopez Megan Zerhusen Lily Sand Kaitlyn Sansone Mya Sayles
www.mercymcauley.org
CONGRATULATIONS Bishop Fenwick
Class of 2021
Congratulations Graduates!
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FAITH • COMPASSION • INTEGRITY • SERVICE 4855 State Rt. 122 Franklin, OH 45005 (513) 423-0723 fenwickfalcons.org 5 4 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
High School
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OUT AND ABOUT IN SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE
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1) ROYALMONT FOR LIFE
Royalmont Academy held a mini March for Life in January and celebrated their 25th Anniversary GALA in March.
2) RAISING MONEY FOR FOOD
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Saint Ursula Academy students recently raised $3,000 for La Soupe, a local agency that ensures perishable food does not go to waste. This donation is a result of a reimagined “Empty Bowls” event, which is usually held in-person but was successfully transformed into a virtual event this year.
3) DONATIONS FOR BABIES
Immaculate Heart of Mary School‘s Right to Life Group collected donations for gift baskets of essential baby items for women experiencing crisis pregnancies. Seventh graders preparing for Confirmation assisted in assembling the items. Baskets were donated to A Caring Place Crisis Pregnancy Center in Mt. Carmel.
Saint Ursula Academy is proud to introduce the
CLASS OF 2021,
1339 East McMillan St. www.saintursula.org 513-961-3410
women of faith, integrity and courage committed to building a better world.
These students have faced challenge with grace and resilience. We are so proud of each one of you. Thank you for showing your community how to be #SUAStrong! Sophia Liliana Amongero Kaitlyn Alexis Angeline Emma Lillian Ankenbauer Emma Elizabeth Avila Megan Diane Balda Frances Anne Besl Greta Esther Betz Hannah Kimberlee Boettcher Mary Caroline Boschert Ruby Tuesday Britt Julia Anne Brockmann Mia Paige Burdick Kara LeeAnn Burton Eugenia Campos Anzaldua Deirdre Mary Carroll Michelle Allison Carter Cara Joan Cavanaugh Kaitlin Rose Cengia Alysa Louise Christian Bre’Aisha Patricia Nichelle Clark Caitlyn Ruby Clements Olivia Jewel Clever Caitlin Bailey Crapsey Bradlee Alexis Danko Carlotta Isabella Dattilo Claudia Hope Deters Lillian Rose DeZarn Madison Elaine Dietrich Claire Nicole Dillard Jennifer Jane Dillon Alice Ann Dirksing
Leonie Mariah Dixon Reilly Kate Dolan Reena Lisetta Donofe Isabella Danielle Driggers Sophia Marie Dugan Caroline Grey Earls Julia Lucille Enwright Samantha Scott Estes Marygrace Michelle Fagan Makiya Scout Finley Alexandra O’Connor Fredrick Hanna Marie Freeman Caroline Maree Gallagher Anna Christine Ganim Maria Sophia Pilar Mactal Garcia Emma Bauer Gerding Lily Helen Goering Abigail Audrey Gold Emma Catherine Grome Madeline Ann Guggenberger Alexandra Marie Haas Kristen Elizabeth Hammond Makayla Grace Hammons Da’Mia Marieonia Hampton Isabella Kathleen Handorf Margaret O’Neil Harsh Claire Marie Haverkamp Katherine Todd Headley Riley Rose Hess Lily Clare Hines Allie Lynn Huesman
Brooke Elaina Hunn Margaret Elizabeth Huschart Alivia Catherine Hyland Caitlyn Violet Hyland Lucille Elizabeth Jennings Emily Mae Johnson Mya Nichole Johnson-Dunn Marie Kathryn Kaine Grace Louise Kaiser Olivia Erin Kelley Megan Emilie Kennedy McKinsey Olivia Kovar Megan Elizabeth Lang Sadie Claire Langer Eleanor Julia Langworthy Aubrey Patricia Lapp Lucy Carol Lawler Caitlin Doherty Leonard Dahlia Rae Losey Madelyn Ann Lutmer Mallory Lynne Madden Madeline Skye Maginnis Megan Elizabeth Mancini Gloria Elise Mangold Kelsey Michelle Mangold Lucinda Ruth Maras Ellee Sean Mason Anne Elizabeth McGee Katherine Lyman McGee Reese Hagan McNulty Marie Elizabeth Mechley Abigail Grace Mentzel
Hope Elizabeth Metzger Isabela Reece Mitchell Katherine Anne Molloy Lucinda Anne Moore Lindsey Rose Moorman Abigail Boyd More Mackenzie Kate Muench Anna Claire Nappi Katelyn Sloan Neeb Lydia Marie Nieman Celine Rachida Norris Sophia Rose Nugent Lucy Beth Nusekabel Calipride Aben Nyah Ashley Marie Oaks Adreanna Clear Oelrich Faith Elizabeth Ohmart Carina Renee Oliverio Erin Grace Patsfall Adeline Catherine Pavlin Meredith Leigh Peck Josie Maria Pedoto Elizabeth Marie Pendergast Jai’dien Milan Penn Emma Elizabeth Perera Lauren Michelle Perry Emma Casey Peters Erin Elizabeth Platz Lauren Renee Pollock Emily Maeve Power Katherine Maria Price Ellie Ayn Ramer
Rebecca Anne Reichert Morgan Elizabeth Roach Kayla Ann Sandidge Grace Anne Scheve Mary Olivia Schroeder Emily Rose Schuermann Claire Isabelle Schulte Alexandra Raquel Selva Nicola Renee Settle EllieAna Faith Shanklin Taylor Ann Siefring Abigail Lillian Spencer Maggie Elizabeth Stagnaro Aubrey Marie Stanforth Hollee Hannah Stegeman Kaya Jane Stone Shamia Strayhorn Sadie Irene Taylor Ella Marie Todd Elizabeth Mary Volk Elizabeth Marie Vonderhaar Kiran Bindu Vrishabhendra Madelyn Grace Wessel Anna Elizabeth Wieging Lydia Jean Winter Emma Grace Woprice Kaley Brynn Worthley Grace Anne York Isabella Noelle Zdolshek Katherine Alexandra Zimmerman Ava Marie Zins
G RAD U AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 55
OUT AND ABOUT IN SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE
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4) ST. VIVIAN SAYS, “THANK YOU”
During Catholic Schools Week, St. Vivian School students participated in many fun and innovative activities. Students focused on their community and wrote thank you notes to the Springfield Township fire department, EMS and police department.
5) FIGHTING CHILDHOOD CANCER
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McNicholas High School students teamed up with CancerFree KIDS in March fund raise for and spread awareness about childhood cancer. As part of the Night for the Fight event, 65 McNicholas students raised more than $15,000.
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6) PRAISING GOD LIKE MARY
After seventh graders at Bishop Leibold School read Mary’s Magnificat, they were asked to consider what God has done for them and the whole world. After reflection, they wrote their own Magnificats.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
“
Oh, my dear son, what
happiness
for us if for the
rest of our lives we can walk along the
beautiful paths of faith and live only from faith act only by faith.
“
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021!
Blessed JosephChaminade
Congratulations Men of Moeller Class of 2021
Pre-K through 12 | 937-325-9204 ext. 123 | ccirish.org 5 6 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A PH
Catholic. Marianist. Forming our Students into Remarkable Men.
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S E C A A T L E E N D A D D Y E A V I S I L L Y U W G E O A R L E
DOWN 1 Eucharistic element 2 Inactive 3 Fish covering 4 Consumed 5 “___ Lingua” 6 Antelopes 7 Soft lambskin leather 8 All hands on deck 9 Printer’s measures 10 Catechism question: “___ made me?” 11 Fleming and McKellen 12 “___ God and true man” 13 Sibilate 22 Peruvian saint 25 “This is the ___ that the Lord has made”
(Ps 118:24) 26 Satirist Mort 27 Catholic comedian Carrell 29 DC area airport 30 Notion 31 Mtn. stats 32 Resting place 33 Sharp bristle 34 ___-friendly 35 Hindu mother goddess 36 “Give us this day our ___…” 39 Nun topper 40 Mrs. McKinley 43 Hit hard, as a baseball 44 “Blessed are ___ among women” 46 Catholic Olympian 49 Holder 50 A queen from this country came to hear Solomon speak 51 Catholic President De Valera, of Ireland 52 Boundary 53 He took the animals two by two 54 Gymnast Korbut 55 Well-being 56 Either of two Tennessee senators 57 Regretted 59 Skin eruption 61 Smelter input 62 Roast hosts, for short
O L G A
53 “___ and at the hour of our death. Amen” 56 Increase in size 58 The woman wiped Jesus’ feet with hers 60 Topping in a tub 62 Blessed are those who do this, in Matthew 5 63 Madame Bovary 64 Culture medium 65 Soft, crinkled fabric 66 French wood 67 Robust 68 Passover meal 69 Nat’l song
N O A H
ACROSS 1 Like the man who built his house on rock 5 Peter’s ___ 10 “…and the Word was ___ God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1) 14 South American Indian 15 Fire warning 16 Spydom name 17 Trim 18 Backs of the neck 19 Responsibility 20 Perry’s creator 21 Chew on 23 Parisian possessive 24 Cared for 26 Distress signal 28 He is the patron saint of athletes 33 Chum 37 Cajole 38 On the ocean 39 Time of preparation for a feast 41 Animal drs. 42 New ___ Standard Version of the Bible 44 What you do not use in unleavened bread 45 Shining brightly 47 Brynner who played pharaoh in “The Ten Commandments” 48 Medieval name for the Eucharist
G R AD U AT ION / MA Y 2021 | 57
THE FINAL WORD with Maria Morera Johnson
OUR LADY OF CHARITY: MY HEAVENLY MOTHER Growing up Catholic and Cuban-American in the Bible Belt of the Deep South in the late 1960s proved challenging. I experienced the awkwardness of passing on that tasty Sloppy Joe sandwich on Fridays and the humiliation of being picked up early from slumber parties because my parents couldn’t wrap their minds around spending the night at a friend’s house for the fun of it. The intersection of my Catholic and cultural identities led to a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Charity, the patroness of my birthplace, Cuba. The virgencita (little Virgin) was always present in my home. My mother often used this endearment for the Blessed Mother, and in this simple way introduced a familiarity and intimacy with the Mother of God that has served me well in my faith. When I started attending parochial school, I wore my OLC medal among a sea of miraculous medals worn by my classmates. I remember thinking I had a unique relationship with Mary because I knew her under a title no one else knew. As I got older, I learned about the hundreds of beautiful titles for the Mother of God, and even grew in devotion to several that spoke to me at different seasons of my life. When I became a naturalized citizen, I adopted the patroness of the U.S., the Immaculate Conception, as my go-to image of Mary. Our Lady of Guadalupe, too, became a powerful influence as patroness of the Americas, encompassing all my cultural roots, both North and South. Although I now had many titles with which to relate to Mary, Our Lady of Charity continued to tug at my heart. Although she is often depicted floating above a canoe with three men caught in a storm at sea, the real story of Our Lady of Charity is not an apparition, but rather a miraculous answer to a desperate plea for safety in a sudden storm. 5 8 | TH E F INAL WORD
Three men went out to gather salt in the marshes of the Bay of Nipe on the eastern coast of Cuba in 1612. Their boat rocked in the uncertain seas as a storm threatened their lives. They called out to the Blessed Virgin Mary to keep them safe, and suddenly the storm calmed and a little statue strapped to a board appeared floating next to their boat. Astonishingly, the statue was not wet. The men, certain it was a sign of favor from the Blessed Mother, returned to their village where they venerated the Blessed Mother under the title that was scratched onto the board where they found her. Just as these men turned to Mary for solace some 400 years ago, I turn to her today, especially in the many storms I’ve encountered in my life. I think of her, near me, consoling and watchful as a good mother, like my own good mother whose love is undeniable. Mary is always present to me and brings the Child Jesus. Gazing upon the image of Charity instructs us in both the Incarnation and the Passion of her Son. She holds the infant Jesus under her heart in one hand and the cross of His Passion in the other. Her name, Charity, evokes love in all its forms. In 2015, I was blessed with the opportunity to return to Cuba with my mother, almost 50 years to the day that we left as political and religious exiles. Together, we traveled not as mother and daughter, but as daughters of Mary on a pilgrimage to the National Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. There, I pledged myself to her and her Son, Jesus, promising to share with the world a devotion that yearns to unite us all as brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Lady of Charity, pray for us. MARIA MORERA JOHNSON is the author of the award-winning books Super Girls and Halos, My Badass Book of Saints and Our Lady of Charity.
THE GRAHAM ERA: CELEBRATING XAVIER’S LONGEST-SERVING PRESIDENT We know every great era eventually comes to an end. Fr. Michael Graham’s time as Xavier University’s president is no different. As he closes this unforgettable chapter, we are celebrating Fr. Graham’s immensely impactful 20-year term. Xavier has always had a place in his heart, and he has in many ways become the heart of Xavier. Considering that, including his teaching career before taking office, he has spent a total of 34 years as part of the Xavier nation, it’s no surprise his roots are planted so deeply within our community. What’s even less surprising is all the ways he’s helped the university grow during those years. While he’s blazed an incredible trail these last two decades, Fr. Graham has also brilliantly paved the way for the next president. Though he will be missed as president, he’ll always be cherished as family. xavier.edu/graham-by-the-numbers
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