MAGAZINE
192nd year | issue 7
bringing faith into the home
july 2023 | faith + travel | 1
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RetireMed client Mary Gutman, parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi in Centerville, with her grandson Matthew Harrison on his confirmation day.
EDI TOR’S N OTE
We Are Not Alone on Our Journeys Whenever I travel, I make a point to stop in a local Catholic church, especially if there is a basilica or cathedral nearby. In addition to praying or attending Mass, I snap a quick photo of the church sanctuary to text to my former pastor in Louisiana. He often does the same to me. On one hand, this habit is a fun way to say “I’m thinking about you and praying for you”—especially because the texts usually arrive as a surprise. But it is also a “thought trigger” for me to pray for that particular priest and, at the same time, acknowledge that others are praying for me. In a deeper sense, through this practice I am acknowledging the universal Church. I’ve snapped photos of churches in Portland, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Toronto, Denver and, most recently, Baltimore (that’s just naming a few!). As beautiful and unique as each space is, though, it’s impactful as a unifying experience. Because no matter into which Catholic church I step, in the United States or another country across the globe, the Mass is celebrated there; the Real Presence of Jesus lives in that space; and I’m praying in union with other faithful. There’s something very powerful about that. Perhaps you’re feeling lonely or struggling with faith. Or perhaps you’re on fire and aching to jump into the world and evangelize every person you meet. No matter where you are on your particular faith journey, when stepping into a Catholic church, kneeling for prayer or partaking in the Eucharist, we’re not only reminded that we are not alone
PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jessica Rinaudo
MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway
GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani
NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman
SOCIAL MEDIA Taylor Motley
At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, MD.
during our journey here on earth, but that it is God who is with us every step of the way. Pope Francis said, “The whole journey of life is a journey of preparation... to see, to feel, to understand the beauty of what lies ahead, of the homeland towards which we walk.” This issue of the magazine is about travel and faith. While many of these stories address physical journeys—both for pleasure and from necessity—it’s important to remember that sometimes both faith and travel look more like interior journeys. And there’s no better place to remind ourselves of that than by taking a moment, wherever you are physically located, to step inside the walls of a Catholic church.
cteditorial@catholicaoc.org
THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 192nd Year No. 7 • July 2023 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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july contents
Rwandan Partnership page 26
travel + faith
columns
14 THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
7 QUESTION OF FAITH
PATRICIA MCGEEVER
Care for creation
For many, the path to a religious vocation meant military service first
10 A CLOSER LOOK
18 GOD REVEALS HIS GLORIES KATIE SCIBA
news 8 OP-ED
DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT
The plight of the reluctant traveler 12 BOOK REVIEW J. DAVID FRANKS
GAIL FINKE
Tales of Faith: A Guide to Sharing the Faith Through Literature
Perpetual Adoration chapels to visit
34 CATHOLIC AT HOME
24 SCHOLARSHIPS IN SOYAPANGO
Waiting for God to call me home
20 MAKE A HOLY HOUR PART OF YOUR DAY TRIP At End of the Santa Fe Trail page 32
FATHER DAVID ENDRES
KARY ELLEN BERGER
26 RWANDAN PARTNERSHIP
KATIE SCIBA
36 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY DR. ANDREW SODERGREN
ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR
KARY ELLEN BERGER
The toxic nature of porn
All human life is sacred, from conception to natural death
28 A MOUNTAIN TOP VIEW
38 KIDS’ CORNER St. James the Apostle
22 CELEBRATING SEVEN NEW PRIESTS 35 DID YOU KNOW? BY GAIL FINKE & ILLUSTRATED BY EMMA CASSANI
St. Anthony of Padua, Dayton
REBECCA SONTAG
30 CARROLL ON THE GO REBEKAH DAVIDSON
32 AT END OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL PATRICIA MCGEEVER
40 OUT & ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE 42 THE FINAL WORD TARA DAHAL
My long stateless status
ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: MARGARET SWENSEN
Harlie Galloway walks up to Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood, OH.
4 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH
POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY For a Eucharistic life
We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
Seek the Lord ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR
Through wisdom and love, God has created all that is. The prophet Isaiah reflected on the mystery of creation asking, “Who has measured with his palm the waters, marked off the heavens with a span, held in his fingers the dust of the earth, weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?” (Is. 40:12). In His providential love, God continually guides and shapes creation such that the magnificence of His majesty is revealed to us. We experience this whenever we take in sweeping vistas, examine the wonders of the microscopic world, or simply reflect on the beauty of everyday life. Summertime travel is an opportunity to explore new places and revisit favorite destinations. Seeing God’s handiwork in the natural world helps us to marvel at the order with which He created, transforming chaos into a home for us that is very good (cf. Gen. 1). The beauty of nature itself speaks to God’s glory and majesty. Additionally, when we travel and attend Mass at a different parish, we witness how Catholics live out their faith in another community. It is an experience of the universality of the Catholic Church. Vacations aren’t the only things for which we travel, though. Deep in our faith’s tradition is the spiritual value of making pilgrimage to holy sites. For centuries, Catholics have traveled to places made holy by events that took place there or by the people whose lives brought God’s presence in a special way to that town or village. Pilgrimages are also made to implore God’s grace
for a particular intention or to seek a more profound conversion of heart. Fortunately, one is not limited to traveling to Europe or the Holy Land to make a pilgrimage. We are blessed to have the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics right here in our archdiocese, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is located in Carey, OH, in the southern part of the Diocese of Toledo. Both are sacred places where one can experience the love and power of God in a unique way. It is likely that there are churches or places significant to our Catholic faith near a destination to which you might be headed this summer. Taking the time to visit such sites could serve to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of the history and meaning of our faith. Before ascending into heaven, our Lord instructed the Apostles to go and “make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). Since then, Christians have spread the Good News of salvation throughout the world, and we are able to view the natural world through the lens of the Gospel. Many places still bear witness to the lived faith of those in times past, as well as to the continued efforts of Christians to follow the Lord’s command to bring the Gospel to all peoples. Wherever our summer travel may take us, it is an opportunity to know God more fully and encounter Him in every corner of His magnificent creation. Let’s be sure not to miss it! S E E K T H E L O R D / JULY 2023 | 5
Busca al Senor ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR
Dios ha creado todo lo que existe mediante la sabiduría y el amor. El profeta Isaías reflexionaba sobre el misterio de la creación preguntando: “¿Quién midió las aguas en el hueco de su mano y abarcó con la palma las dimensiones del cielo? ¿Quién hizo caber en una medida el polvo de la tierra o pesó en una báscula las montañas y en una balanza las colinas?” (Is. 40:12). En su amor providencial, Dios guía y transforma continuamente la creación, de modo que se nos revela la gloria de su majestad. Lo experimentamos cada vez que contemplamos vistas panorámicas, cada vez que examinamos las maravillas del mundo microscópico o simplemente reflexionamos sobre la belleza de la vida cotidiana. Viajar en verano es una oportunidad para explorar nuevos lugares y volver a visitar destinos favoritos. Contemplar la obra de Dios en el mundo natural nos ayuda a maravillarnos ante el orden con el que Él creó, transformando el caos a una morada muy buena (cf. Génesis 1) para nosotros. La belleza de la naturaleza nos habla de la gloria y la majestad de Dios. Además, cuando viajamos y asistimos a Misa en una parroquia diferente, somos testigos de cómo los católicos viven su fe en otras comunidades. Es una experiencia de la universalidad de la Iglesia católica. Pero las vacaciones no son la única razón por la cual viajamos. En lo más profundo de la tradición de nuestra fe está el valor espiritual de peregrinar a lugares santos. Durante los siglos, los católicos han viajado a lugares que se han hecho santos por los acontecimientos que allí tuvieron lugar o por las personas cuyas vidas llevaron la presencia de Dios de un modo especial a esa ciudad o pueblo. También se peregrina para implorar la gracia 6 | THE C ATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH
de Dios para una intención particular o para buscar una conversión más profunda del corazón. Afortunadamente, uno no tiene que viajar a Europa o a Tierra Santa solamente para hacer una peregrinación. Tenemos la bendición de contar con el Santuario María Stein de las Santas Reliquias (Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics) aquí mismo, en nuestra arquidiócesis, y el Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación (National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation) que se encuentra en Carey, OH, en el sur de la Diócesis de Toledo. En ambos lugares sagrados se puede experimentar el amor y el poder de Dios de una manera única. Es probable que haya iglesias o lugares significativos para nuestra fe católica cerca de un destino al que te dirijas este verano. Dedicar tiempo a visitar esos lugares puede servir para acrecentar nuestra comprensión y aprecio de la historia y el significado de nuestra fe. Antes de ascender al cielo, Nuestro Señor ordenó a los Apóstoles que fueran y “hagan que todos los pueblos sean mis discípulos” (Mt. 28:19). Desde entonces, los cristianos han difundido la Buena Nueva de la salvación por todo el mundo, y podemos contemplar el mundo natural a través de la lente del Evangelio. Muchos lugares siguen siendo testigos de la fe vivida por aquellos en tiempos pasados, así como de los continuos esfuerzos de los cristianos por seguir el mandato del Señor de llevar el Evangelio a todos los pueblos. Dondequiera que nos lleven nuestros viajes de verano, es una oportunidad para conocer a Dios más plenamente y encontrarle en cada rincón de su magnífica creación. ¡No nos lo perdamos!
QUE ST IO N O F F A IT H
Care for Creation What is the Church’s perspective on caring for the earth? The Church’s social teaching includes the principle that humans are called to be stewards of creation. This is rooted in an understanding found in the Book of Genesis that everything God creates is good. Our stewardship is a participation in the goodness of creation. We should not exploit the earth, therefore, but ensure that it remains hospitable for humankind. The most significant magisterial text on care for creation is Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si (“On Care for Our Common Home”), which reflects the contemporary need for environmental concern and its theological underpinnings. GOD’S CREATION
The Church’s understanding of the created world is drawn from the Bible. The first words of Scripture impart the vital truth that God is the creator of all: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). As God went about the work of creating, He repeatedly called it “good”— or even “very good,” as He said after the creation of man and woman (Gen. 1:31). Creation is, therefore, endowed with the mark of the creator. It stems from an act of God that continues to replenish and sustain the earth. Humanity has a unique role in safeguarding the natural world, especially those resources that all life require for survival. This is one aspect of the Church’s doctrine of the solidarity of all humankind. THREATS TO CREATION
The Church recognizes threats to creation through human activity that often seeks to control nature rather than cooperate with it. In his encyclical, Pope Francis cites pollution, harmful emissions, overconsumption of the earth’s goods and a “throwaway culture” that quickly produces and discards. These choices have sometimes led to a decline in the quality of human life through compromising ecosystems, air and water pollution and climate instability. The pope highlights
as a threat environmental changes caused by human activity, especially because they disproportionately affect the world’s poor. A MORAL IMPERATIVE
The Church understands care for creation as a moral imperative. It is both a stewardship issue—respect for God’s gifts—and a life issue, since care for creation impacts all living beings. Pope Francis urges us to “respect the laws of nature and the delicate equilibria existing between the creatures of this world” (Laudato Si, §68). He calls this “integral ecology,” by which humanity recognizes that the earth is on loan to each generation. We are the earth’s stewards, not its owners. We are cooperators with God and His creative action. Abuse of the created world can be seen as a sin against God and humanity. A PATH FORWARD
The Church provides the theological and moral framework to consider humanity’s duty to creation but does not offer a specific environmental program. It encourages collaboration among peoples and nations, relying on input from scientists and other experts to chart a path forward. Prudential judgment and practical considerations are necessary. Pope Francis has advocated for government efforts that reduce pollution, responsibly use natural resources and promote sustainable development. At the individual level, the pope has urged an “ecological conversion” seen in lifestyle changes that lead to greater simplicity and reduced consumption. Ultimately, the Church’s understanding of creation affirms that we are creatures, not the creator. The earth was here before us, and it is our responsibility to help future generations enjoy its goodness. This task is not only the work of governments, but also of communities and individuals. FATHER DAVID ENDRES is professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. Q U E S T IO N O F F A IT H / JULY 2023 | 7
Op-Ed Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr
All Human Life is Sacred, from Conception to Natural Death God created humans as social beings. We are all dependent upon each other for mutual survival and for the recognition of our common human dignity. There are times when this dependency is most acute, especially in circumstances of vulnerability and poverty.
An expectant mother can face many challenges, including lack of support from the father, financial strains, concerns about her own health and that of her child and pressures from family and friends. Every woman should be able to depend upon a community of support. That is why Catholic social service agencies, in collaboration with many other faith-based and secular organizations, assist pregnant women in need with material resources and personal accompaniment, both during pregnancy and after their child is born. (For a listing of the many resources available for pregnant women in need in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, please go to https://catholicaoc. org/forlife.) A woman should never feel that she must abandon her dreams due to an unexpected pregnancy, whether she ultimately decides to raise the child herself or place the child for adoption. The Catholic Church, in Ohio and nationwide, also engages 8 | THE C ATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
Society must never claim for itself the “right” to determine the value, worthiness or dignity of another person for any reason whatsoever, including whether or not that person is wanted.
in public policy advocacy for access to quality pre- and post-natal health care, paid parental leave laws, affordable childcare options, preferential housing options for women and young children, and robust child tax credits. Dependency on others for life and recognition of dignity is equally the case for those still growing in the womb. From the moment of conception, a unique human person exists. Science shows us this. The Catholic Church and many other faiths proclaim this. We might say that, from that point forward, a person’s life stages can be distinguished simply by how much he or she has grown and how dependent upon the actions of others that person is for survival. For example, an unborn child is entirely dependent upon his/her mother to be introduced into the rest of the world; a young child cannot flourish without being raised by others; and an elderly person may depend upon his/her children to make it through the day. Ultimately, we are all dependent upon each other. At no point should any person, inside or outside the womb, be deemed less of a life because someone else says so. To think otherwise is to objectify that life. Society must never claim for itself the “right” to determine the value, worthiness or dignity of another person for any reason whatsoever, including whether or not that person is wanted. Yet, today, our culture suggests that some humans are more important than others, and those less-important humans might actually be expendable. Pope Francis has lamented, “The throwaway culture says, ‘I use you as much as I need you. When I am not interested in you anymore, or you are in my way, I throw you out.’ It is especially the weakest who are treated this way – unborn children, the elderly, the needy, the disadvantaged.” We are currently facing an extraordinary threat to
the dignity of life right here in Ohio: an amendment (deceptively named “The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety”) to the Ohio constitution that would enshrine the “right” to take the lives of innocent children in the womb and harm mothers in the process is being proposed to voters for the November 2023 ballot. This amendment also would remove existing parental notification laws and basic safety standards and enable abortion based solely on a preborn child’s disability diagnosis. Innocent children in the womb would be lost, and their mothers would be both wounded in the moment and emotionally scarred for years to come. Ohio does not need a constitutional amendment that only perpetuates violence and a culture of death. God alone is the Author and Lord of life. Therefore, the intentional taking of innocent human life, no matter the circumstances, is intrinsically evil and must always be opposed. Any position to the contrary is inconsistent with the constant teaching of the Catholic Church because it is inconsistent with the nature of life itself. In the name of the one Lord of Life, we must vigorously oppose any suggestion that there exists a “right” to take the life of an unborn child in the womb. Instead, let us all engage in prayer and a joyful outpouring of love and support for pregnant women, especially those most in need. No woman should feel so alone, coerced or hopeless that she chooses to end her child’s life through abortion. I urge everyone throughout Ohio to both pray for and actively assist all expectant mothers. Together, let us redouble our commitment to caring for women, children and families so that abortion is not only illegal, but unthinkable. Originally published in The Cincinnati Enquirer on April 23, 2023. N E W S / JULY 2023 | 9
A CLO SE R LO O K
The Plight of the Reluctant Traveler Elsewhere in this The Catholic Telegraph issue, reporters and columnists celebrate various joys of travel. Travel opens new vistas, enriching our moral, spiritual and intellectual lives through experiences with natural wonders, architectural feats, and vibrant new cultures. Tourism is also a lucrative enterprise for “destination locations,” which encourage and accommodate visitors whose business sustains local, regional and even national economies. The right to travel is recognized as a basic human right in all free societies; nations that restrict their citizens from traveling are outside the norm of just political systems. These aspects of travel are related to people who desire to go places where they are wanted and welcomed, and who go there by their own free choice.
issue must hold a prominent place in our moral and policy deliberations. To welcome the stranger and the immigrant is among the Christian faith’s strongest moral mandates, rooted in Israel’s history and Jesus’ teaching. “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong,” God commands in Leviticus. “The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Lev. 19:33-34). In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says that He will welcome into His kingdom those who saw Him as a stranger on earth and welcomed Him.
These passages suggest that Christians But what about people But what about people who travel not should have a strong presumption in who travel not because because of want, but out of necessity, and favor of humane immigration and refugee of want, but out of to places that reject rather than welcome policies, mirrored by a strong suspicion of them? When considering aspects of travel, policies that seek to ban migration or overly necessity, and to places we must take time to consider the plight of burden migrants. While presumptions can that reject rather than immigrants and refugees, for whom travel be qualified and negated by circumstances, welcome them? is not a luxury, but a necessity. These are the presumption with which we begin has people traveling—not to seek relaxation a significant impact on our moral attitudes and happiness but—to flee violence and sadness. Their and policy advocacy. journeys are not leisurely and pleasurable; they are dangerous and traumatic. And they are people we Catholic Christians Too often, though, impulsive reaction to the immigration should take special notice of, because they make special issue is less informed by Christian charity than national claims upon us. identity or party loyalty. To be sure, national interests are a legitimate aspect of immigration policy; however, for Immigration and refugee policy is, of course, among the more Christians, the nation’s interests should also be first qualified vexing public policy issues of our time. The solutions are not by the Church’s teaching, which calls us to use a moral simple, and simplistic suggestions are not helpful. But this language that is consistent with the dignity of all persons 1 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
and to advocate for policies that are welcoming rather than repelling. Our impulse should be to build bridges, not walls; that is not to say that walls are not necessary—rather, that they must have broad gates that are widely and generally open. In this context I suggest three principles for thinking about immigration and migration issues. First, as noted above, we should not presume exclusion, but inclusion. This presumption is, of course, subject to many limiting factors, including the economic feasibility of the receiving nation to accommodate the number of immigrants seeking entrance. Infrastructure and facilities are other examples, especially for border towns and cities. It may be unfair to some host cities, and detrimental to all involved, to not regulate the number of immigrants and the relative timing of their arrivals. These are legitimate limiting factors, presuming first a welcoming immigration policy. Second, we should modify our language in this debate, including excising references to “illegal aliens.” Persons who cross borders without properly securing visas should, of course, be subject to just and fair laws. But no human person is “illegal.” And the term “alien” is, well, alienating.
Third, and similarly, we must make distinctions between economic migrants and political refugees. The latter typically has greater demands upon our leniency than the former. The more dire the situation is from which the refugee is fleeing, the more difficult it can be to obtain proper legal documentation. This must be a factor when considering individual cases’ equities. While economic hardship and political oppression are often closely related, when political or religious persecution motivates a refugee to risk his or her life, this usually tips the scales to favor refugees over economic migrants—again, if qualifying the presumption to welcome all is needed. National security and safety interests cannot be ignored in immigration and refugee policy, but for Christians, these are secondary, not primary considerations. Beginning with that assumption can lead to a just, humane and fair policy, so that the reluctant traveler may find a welcoming destination. 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.
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BOOK REVIEW
Tales of Faith A Guide to Sharing the Faith Through Literature BY HOLLY ORDWAY REVIEWED BY J. DAVID FRANKS
Every human and community experiences social maladies. American culture has long displayed symptoms of these pathologies—and American Christianity along with it. From susceptibility to conspiracy theories, vulgar aesthetic taste, avarice, smugness, partisanship, indifference to human suffering: Christians often showed themselves as spiritually unprepared as everyone else. Our imaginations need rescue, invigoration and expansion. Holly Ordway knows the remedy must include the spiritual discipline of serious reading In Tales of Faith, she proves to be an excellent guide for a Christian reception of literature. The Cardinal Francis George Fellow of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute and Visiting Professor of Apologetics at Houston Baptist University, Dr. Ordway advocates evangelization through great literature; for beyond logic, we need beauty. Her book’s first purpose is “to foster spiritual conversations that are inviting, enriching, and nonthreatening, and to find fresh ways to engage students with core Christian teaching in meaningful ways.” Her second, related purpose is to foster “discipleship and catechesis” in those who already believe. To be evangelical witnesses, we need to be evangelized ourselves so the world sees us radiating Jesus’ radical humility and love; the selfemptying God who plummets into the extremity of every person’s human longing. Toward this purpose, Ordway presents short selections from ancient, medieval and late medieval literature. She 1 2 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH
introduces each selection, recommends secondary resources, and discusses questions and suggestions for activities to amplify the reading experience. These reference art, drama, film, music and creative writing. While the book successfully achieves its purpose, I do have a couple of slight quibbles. Only public domain translations were employed, which may not appeal to contemporary readers—the Beowulf excerpt comes to mind. If a modern mythographer was needed for the “Greek Myths” section, it should have been Edith Hamilton—or even better, Ovid. Similarly, the selected translations for The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex and The Aeneid tend to reduce literature to mere utility, sometimes failing to preserve the beauty. Ordway is otherwise aware that if literature does not retain its integrity as something beyond its uses—even moral and evangelical—then it cannot lead us beyond ourselves. The best approach uses Tales of Faith to frame the original materials. This should not deter us from reading Tales of Faith—Ordway displays the fruits of her “intellectual hospitality” and habit of sustained attention in this lovely guide to evangelizing both others and ourselves. J. David Franks, Ph.D., is Director of the Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice at Boston Trinity Academy and Chairman of the Board of Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Tales of Faith: A Guide to Sharing the Faith through Literature by Holly Ordway; Word on Fire Institute, 2022; 192 pages.
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The
Long & Winding
Road For many, the path to a religious vocation meant military service first BY PATRICIA MCGEEVER
Jonathan Jergens
Sometimes the path to religious life is anything but direct. The journey takes a person around the world before he or she answers the call.
FATHER Jonathan Jergens
Newly ordained Father Jonathan Jergens’ road to the priesthood wound through two war zones during a 13-year military career. As a teen in Miamisburg, he strongly desired to enlist in the Army after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. “Initially, I planned on serving four years and getting out, but once I got in … I deployed and served, I found I enjoyed it quite a bit, so I decided to stay in,” he said. A paratrooper, Jergens completed roughly 50 jumps before becoming a jumpmaster. Stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, he first deployed to Iraq in 2004, where he served for 13 months. “My day-to-day job in the Army was as an information technology expert [ensuring] that all the IT infrastructure … was operational,” he said. “I worked on all of those networks.” 1 4 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH
After Iraq, Jergens was stationed in South Korea for year, returned to Iraq twice, and deployed three times to Afghanistan. Then he made the choice that would change his life. Having initially considered the priesthood when he was in middle and high school, Jergens said he pushed it aside after he enlisted in the Army. “The thought of the priesthood kept popping up, kept interrupting my peace, and it was something I just couldn’t get rid of. When it would flare up, I would avoid it. I didn’t want to hear it. Kind of a protracted argument with God,” he said. “Eventually, I wasn’t able to find the same happiness that I [previously] found in my career.” That’s when Sgt. First Class Jergens looked more closely at a future as a civilian and seminarian. It took a lot of adjustment. He left the Army in July 2016 and
began studies at the seminary one month later. “My late aunt used to say I was either going to be a soldier or a priest. I ended up being both,” he said. Ordained this past May, Father Jergens’ role as parochial vicar begins this July at St. Susanna parish in Mason. “I think the time in the military made me a better man and also prepared me to be an even better priest.”
FATHER Jason Williams
Father Jason Williams’ military service sent him deep under the sea. Stationed in Groton, CT, during his six years in the Navy, he was in charge of the nuclear reactor on a nuclear powered fast-attack submarine. Growing up in Massillon, OH, Williams attended weekly Mass with his family and continued the practice while in the Navy. His peers often asked him questions about the Church. “It caused me to start looking into more things,” said Williams. “The more I learned, the more I just got deeper involved in everything else with the faith. Eventually, chaplains at the bases said, ‘Did you ever think about the seminary or priesthood?’ No, I hadn’t,” he said. It wasn’t until his peers asked the same question that he gave it serious thought. When back in Connecticut, he began researching and discerning. “I was trying to sort all this out,” he said. “I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. Through the internet I was looking for
retreats or spiritual direction, something. Then I discovered the Legionaries of Christ have their novitiate in Connecticut, which was an hour away from the Navy base.” Williams studied with the order for five years before moving to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. His family supported his decision to enter the seminary. “My mom said, ‘We thought it would be your brother because he’s nicer.’” Ordained in 2016, Father Williams worked in a parish for two years. He is now the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Master of Ceremonies to Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr. “I think God has provided me with what I’ve needed at the various times in my life,” said Father Williams. “Whether it was the military or the Legionaries or seminary, it all kind of worked for what I needed to get me where God wanted me to be.”
T R A V E L + F A IT H / J ULY 2023 | 15
SISTER Eileen Connelly, OSU
Sister Eileen Connelly, OSU, was a student at Saint Ursula Academy when she first considered religious life. “But then I put it aside because I had all these plans and religious life wasn’t going to fit in,” she said. She entered the Army Reserve while attending Wilmington College, partly as a challenge from her roommate, but also because she had a desire to serve. And, the enlistment bonus helped pay her tuition. As her friends searched for jobs and put together resumes before graduation, Connelly decided to go on active duty.
Her military career took her first to Carlisle, PA, to work in communications at the U.S. Army War College, and later to Belgium for counterintelligence. Her faith remained important, and she was active in parishes. After five years of active duty, she decided not to reenlist. “I loved the experience [of ] being in the military and the opportunities it provided, but I missed Cincinnati. I missed my family, and I decided I wanted to come home,” said Connelly. “I remember going out in my little backyard one day in Belgium and saying a prayer and the prayer was basically, ‘Please God tell me what you want me to do.’” She says she didn’t expect anything dramatic, but she asked, and God answered. “I went back inside, through the house and out the front door, and I ran into a nun walking down the street. She was wearing a habit. I had never seen any sisters [there]. I lived in a very small Belgian town a couple miles from post. I don’t know where she came from, but she said good morning in French, and I said good morning, and she moved on.”
Returning home without a job, Connelly had no idea what she wanted to do. The answer was obvious, but she wasn’t ready. It would be a few more years before she answered that call. Seeing an article about religious women in a newspaper, she called the Ursuline Sisters at her alma mater, and after eight years of formal preparation, Sister Connelly took her final vows in 2004. Although her military career took her thousands of miles from home, God knew where to find her. “You can’t outrun God,” she said.
Please God, tell me what you want me to do. 1 6 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH
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T R A V E L + F A IT H / 5/31/23 JULY 2023 3:33 PM | 17
God
REVEALS HIS
Glories STORY & PHOTOS BY KATIE SCIBA
Stokksnes, Iceland. 18 |
I’m an aspiring world traveler. In 2018 I ached to just go: hop on a plane bound for somewhere I had never been to become steeped in a foreign experience. I wanted to see more of God’s creation than offered by my backyard. But beyond that, I wanted to discover people—their passions and why they lived the way they lived. Really, I wanted to see what else God placed in the world. The idea was thrilling! Alas, having significantly more important financial obligations, like our five children, groceries and electricity, I was sure this fantasy would remain a fantasy. Still, I wasn’t willing to call off my pursuit for adventure. If traveling were a mountain, Iceland was my summit. Meanwhile, as I remained among the foothills I could experience something new here, discovering God’s handiwork. I started with local coffee. My local coffee destinations’ list was gloriously long, and I maintained the tour for three years, stuffing an occasional dollar bill into a tea tin for Iceland. I met many wonderful business owners and employees. A pair of couples opened one coffee shop, without any prior small business experience among them, but with a desire to contribute to their historic neighborhood that was in decline. They prayed and poured themselves into this collective effort—and flipped an abandoned house into the current, incredibly successful coffee shop. They welcome everyone, from the homeless to seminarians to aspiring world travelers. I’m amazed at every visit. The place is overflowing with God’s love because He moved through these couples’ faith.
of clouds was impressive. Overwhelmed by the scenery, I couldn’t help but pray, “Look what You did…” And every work trip supplied more bread and eggs for the Sciba family, with a small amount stashed in my beloved tea tin, filled with more hope than dollars. At long last, however, my summit was in sight! After three years, there was enough! I booked the flight the day my passport arrived, then burst into tears of amazement. I couldn’t believe that this fantasy of mine was actually in line with God’s will. It was only weeks before I left. I was so grateful. The solo excursion to Iceland was more than I could expect. God shows off up there, and I was delighted by my fair share of surprises. I stumbled upon a waterfall hidden inside a cave and experienced the near-death adventure of getting caught by a “sneaker wave” on Iceland’s most dangerous beach. It was wonderful. Both locals and foreign travelers were kind and so fascinating—just like every new soul met back home; everyone different, but each brightly reflecting the same sacred Image and Likeness. My next overseas adventure is likely a few years out, but I’m thrilled by the same glories God reveals in place after place. I could be across town, local coffee in-hand, or across the country meeting a new friend through work. Every spot points to the Lord’s creative love and draws the eager closer to Himself.
As a speaker, I get to venture out of state and take in more of the world. I encounter souls I wouldn’t otherwise have met, who tell me stories of faith restored, heartache and hope in the Lord’s plans. I make wonderful friends who sharpen me, inspiring me to live differently. Each area’s unique beauty guides my lodging destination, like the treehouse in Marietta, GA, and apartment on an avocado orchard in Fallbrook, CA. I want a front row seat to God’s creation and a chance to rest in it. After a recent parish mission, I made a point to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, and as the first star appeared on the horizon, I renewed my consecration to Our Lady, Star of the Sea. Pulling over near St. Henry, OH, to take in the vastness of fields and sky, an incoming storm’s enormity
T R A V E L + F A IT H / J ULY 2023 | 19
MAKE A
Holy Hour PART OF YOUR
Day Trip
BY GAIL DEIBLER FINKE
The ancient practice of Eucharistic Adoration is founded in the desire to sit with, contemplate and pray in the presence of the Body and Blood of Christ outside of Mass. Many churches open their doors weekly or monthly for people to pray before the tabernacle, where consecrated Hosts are reserved. Some also offer Eucharistic exposition, when they display, or “expose,” a consecrated Host in an ornate holder called a monstrance. At least one person must be present in the Church at all times during Eucharistic exposition, making it difficult for many parishes to offer it often or for long. Volunteer “guardians” are needed to cover shifts during long periods of exposition, watching over the altar. “We have to make time for those we love,” says Dan Greene, director of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood. “There are only 168 hours in a week—we need to find time to sit before our Creator and say, ‘Please bring me order and peace!’ Adoration is the ultimate peace.” For people unfamiliar with the practice, the first hurdle is understanding what to do when at Adoration. “It’s intimidating,” says Debby Keller, who coordinates Adoration at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Liberty Twp., a suburban parish where “making a Holy Hour” is new to many. “We tell [people] the way to get to know someone is to spend time with them, and this is the person you most want to know.” Any sort of prayer is appropriate, as is spiritual reading, and, while taking an hour is traditional, even a brief visit can be fruitful. Associated with vocations to priesthood and religious life, Eucharistic Adoration is now often included in retreats and youth events as an important way to slow down and to experience God’s presence. So, when you’re planning your travel time, why not consider a day trip that includes a stop for Adoration?
2 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
Sorrowful Mother Chapel Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center Norwood Located inside the former seminary, the chapel offers Adoration with Exposition to the public Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; and to designated adorers for all other hours. www.olhsc.org Things to see in Norwood: The center’s building and grounds, Xavier University’s campus, Rookwood Commons & Pavilion, Norwood Mound prehistoric earthwork
Blessed Sacrament Chapel St. Maximilian Kolbe, Liberty Twp. The adoration chapel behind the church’s main altar is open all day, every day. Exposition takes place on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., First Fridays from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Mondays of Lent and Advent. Families with young children are especially invited on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – noon. www.saint-max.org Things to see in Liberty Twp: Liberty Center mall, Wetlands Park, Niederman Family Farm
St. Clare Adoration Chapel St. Boniface, Piqua Opened for perpetual adoration in 1990, the chapel outside the church lost adorers during the pandemic, but the parish family is working toward full perpetual adoration. Currently, the chapel is open continuously from Saturday at 6 a.m. to Thursday at 9 p.m., and on Friday from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. (No overnight hours on Thursday or Friday.) www.piquaparishes.org Things to see in Piqua: Fort Piqua Plaza, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, Farrington Reserve and trails
Mother of Mercy Chapel St. Gertrude, Madeira The perpetual adoration chapel outside the church lost adorers during the pandemic, but St. Gertrude is working toward full perpetual adoration. Current hours are 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. every day. www.stgertrude.org
Blessed Sacrament Chapel St. Francis de Sales, Lebanon Adoration in the chapel behind the altar is open from Monday at 8 a.m. to Saturday at 7 a.m. Adoration with exposition is one day and night each week (day rotates). www.stfrancisdesales-lebanon.org Things to see in Lebanon: Glendower Historic Mansion, Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, Golden Lamb
The Adoration Chapel Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, Maria Stein The Precious Blood Sisters carried on perpetual adoration for more than 100 years before moving to their Dayton Motherhouse and a lay Adoration Guild took over in 1957. Today, Adoration with exposition is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.ariasteinshrine.org Things to see in Maria Stein: Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics and grounds
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati Adoration at the side altar is available during all hours the cathedral is open; Adoration with Exposition is held Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. with the special intention of vocations to the priesthood. www.stpeterinchainscathedral.org
Things to see in Cincinnati: Cincinnati Museum Center, National Underground Railroad Museum, The Banks, Cincinnati Reds’ Great American Ballpark, Carew Tower Observation Deck
The National Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, Cincinnati A side chapel is open daily for prayer before a freestanding, glass-sided tabernacle from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.stanthony.org Things to see: church, shrine, and extensive grounds
Things to see in Madeira: Hosbrook Bird Sanctuary, year-round Farmers Market (Thursdays)
T R A V E L + F A IT H / J ULY 2023 | 21
Celebrating SEVEN NEW PRIESTS On May 20, 2023, Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr ordained seven men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The ordination Mass took place at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. “As Jesus did with Peter, He invites the seven deacons being ordained to the priesthood today, to follow Him, in a deep and intimate way,” said Archbishop Schnurr in his homily. “My dear brothers, Jesus invites you to grow in your love for Him. But in so doing, Jesus reminds you–and all of us–that our love of God is hardly revealed through pious expressions or in vague concepts. It is measured neither by the intensity of our participation in rituals nor by our assertions of personal righteousness. Rather, true love of God is something much more profound and humbling.”
Father Patrick Blenman Parochial Vicar at Mary, Help of Christians, Fairborn; Sacred Heart, New Carlisle; St. Augustine, Jamestown; St. Brigid, Xenia; St. Luke, Beavercreek; and St. Paul, Yellow Springs
Father Isaiah Callan
Father Alex Dugas
Father Stephen Hughes
Parochial Vicar at St. Boniface, Piqua; St. Mary, Piqua; St. Patrick, Troy; St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus, Covington; and Transfiguration, West Milton
Parochial Vicar at St. Anthony, Madisonville; St. Cecilia, Oakely; St. Margaret-St. John, Madisonville; and St. Mary, Hyde Park
Parochial Vicar at St. Columban, Loveland and St. Margaret of York, Loveland
Father Jonathan Jergens
Father Jeff Stephens
Father David Duy Tran
Parochial Vicar at St. Susanna, Mason
Parochial Vicar at Annunciation, Clifton; St. Monica-Saint George, Clifton; and Holy Name, Mount Auburn
Parochial Vicar at St. Ignatius of Loyola, Monfort Heights
2 2 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEG RAPH
N E W S / J ULY 2023 | 23
SCHOLARSHIPS IN
Soyapango In El Salvador, nearly 3,000 miles from Cincinnati, is a municipality called Soyapango. While few people locally have heard of it, many from that community know of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. More precisely, they know of St. John the Baptist in Colerain Township through a twinning relationship between the two communities. Deacon Don Meyer was integral in making this partnership happen. When his son T.J. was a Maryknoll Lay Missioner in El Salvador, Dr. Mike Gable, Mission Office Director of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, led a mission trip to El Salvador and Honduras to visit missionaries from the archdiocese. Meyer attended not only to visit his son, but to connect with others in that country. Maryknoll Sisters shared their stories of serving in El Salvador, and Sister Terri introduced the group to the Santa Cruz parish and its pastor, Padre Luis Salazar. “He was a young, energetic priest and we were very much attracted to him and to his parish,” said Meyer. “We decided that his parish would be a good parish to twin, considering his dynamic leadership and the … six Maryknoll nuns in the parish who could assist us in reaching out and meeting parishioners and helping us to translate.”
article by KARY ELLEN BERGER | photos DEACON DON MEYER
24 |
A few years later, St. John the Baptist committed to serving the Santa Cruz parishioners by signing a covenant between the parishes. While Deacon Meyer and others signed the covenant in El Salvador, Padre Luis and three of his parishioners signed the covenant at St. John the Baptist. For over 20 years the twinning relationship continued—and grew. When Santa Cruz divided into two parishes in 2004, St. John the Baptist expanded the twinning relationship to include the new parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The two parishes’ leaders collaborated the following year to identify additional ways St. John the Baptist parishioners could support them and saw the children in Soyapango had an immediate need with their schooling. “We had been made aware that while there is a universal public education in El Salvador, the children must wear uniforms and pay for them, and they must pay for their books and supplies” or they cannot continue in school said Deacon Meyer. “As a result, we established a scholarship program where members of St. John the Baptist [become a child’s sponsor], a ‘padrino,’ who could connect with that child and walk with them to get an education.” Scholarship amounts were designated for children in elementary, high and trade school. Deacon Meyer shared that last year St. John the Baptist parishioners supported 150 children with $62,500. “It is amazing to see what this support has done for these children,” reflected Meyer. “This poor parish has a greater percentage of students who have completed high school and college than the country as a whole.” Meyer added that when going on these trips, everyone’s faith grows deeper in their relationship with God. “One of the beautiful things about our visits, is that every evening we spend time reflecting on how we experienced God’s presence in the activity of the day,” said Meyer. “I’ll never forget what a gentleman shared with us during his first visit… ‘Our Salvadoran friends have very little, but they are very happy compared to us, who have much more, but are not quite as happy.’” “Their faith is contagious,” continued Deacon Meyer. “We love to get together to not only celebrate Mass, but to share in their faith communities, meet with their pastoral council, get to eat, have music and fun with the children, and … visit in their community. Those in St. John the Baptist Church who have had the blessing of taking this trip have grown very close to the Salvadorans, particularly, the children that we have sponsored.” Another trip to El Salvador is planned for February 2024. T R A V E L + F A IT H / J ULY 2023 | 25
RWANDAN Partnership BY KARY ELLEN BERGER
When we’re looking to help others, sometimes it’s as simple as looking in our own community. Or, it may involve traveling to another country. No matter where you share God’s love, it is comforting to feel connections being made and have an opportunity to grow deeper in faith.
Kurt Horner in Rwanda. (Photo courtesy Debra Sanderman). 2T6HE | CA TH OLIC TELE GR APH
For current and former parishioners of Holy Angels Church in Dayton, the idea to share love and compassion with people overseas sprouted when the parish’s Twinning Committee formed in 2012. Committee members then decided on a twinning relationship with a parish in Rwanda. “There are Holy Angels parishioners who are from Rwanda, so they helped [us] develop a twinning relationship with Rwaza, a parish in northern Rwanda,” said Twinning Committee member, Kurt Horner. The initial goal for the relationship included Holy Angels’ assistance with funds for multiple needs, such as a new roof on the church at the main center in Rwaza. In return, Rwaza shared correspondence through newsletters.
other interests. In Rwaza, their world fits around their faith. For them it’s an experience.” “It’s an amazing experience that words are not enough to describe,” added Horner. Current efforts with Rwaza focus on providing education to vulnerable women. This year, Holy Angels is assisting 21 young women with their education in day school, trade school or boarding school. “At the boarding school, tuition is expensive and … inaccessible to women of the Rwaza community, where life is much simpler,” said Horner. “Through our efforts, we [topped] off that tuition so that [the] school is accessible to those who might not make it otherwise.
In Rwaza, their world fits around their faith. For them it’s an experience. Noting that it’s difficult to send physical items or travel to Rwaza, in 2017, some Twinning Committee members were able to travel and meet members of the Rwaza community for the first time.
One of our students has the strongest academics [there. To] think that we are making it possible for that young woman to attend that type of school is inspiring.”
“The natural progression was, we should meet our friends; we should see the work that was done and get a real feel for how the culture and the community work,” said Twinning Committee member, Debra Sanderman. This included attending Mass with Rwaza parishioners.
Horner said he hopes to travel back to Rwaza with his wife later this year, and the Twinning Committee hopes to send another group soon, possibly with students from the parish.
“When we walked into the church in Rwaza, Mass was an incredibly moving experience,” Sanderman said. “Many of us try to fit our faith into our world, between kid activities and
“It is never too late and never too early to begin mission work,” said Sanderman. “Know that you will grow and, ideally, develop into a stronger, more faith-filled person; not only through relationships like our twinning relationship, but through Mass or other opportunities.” T R A V E L + F A IT H / J ULY 2023 | 27
A MO UNTAIN TOP
view STORY & PHOTOS BY R E B ECCA S O N TAG
On a mountainside in rural West Virginia, the contingency of Mount Notre Dame High School girls made their way from the Big Laurel Learning Center’s large, rambling “main house” down to the woodshed. As two unbothered horses looked on, the gregarious man known as “Angel’s Dad” greeted the students with a cheerful and contagious enthusiasm then explained the large foreign-looking equipment before them. They listened attentively while he described how to engage the log cutter’s blade, when to reverse it, and how far back to keep their hands when holding logs. He told them where and how to stack the finished firewood and kindling and made clear this fuel’s value in keeping the learning center warm. Advised that they’d meet Ms. Becky later that day, when they delivered wood to her further down the mountain, the girls put on their work gloves and got to the business of splitting and stacking hundreds of pounds of wood. Their laughter and buoyant conversation lilted through the crisp October air. Big Laurel Learning Center is “a mountain community inspired by the voice of God among us” and a Notre Dame Mission Volunteers AmeriCorps initiative. It strives to promote healing and help through education, outreach and spiritual renewal in southern West Virginia, including Mingo County.. For a time, Mingo County made national headlines for the dubious distinction of being an epicenter of narcotic addiction, often considered a disease of despair. The girls learned about this despair and the economic disparity faced by residents from
2 8 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH
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the manager of the community’s free thrift store: Of the over 5,000 counties in the U.S., Mingo County is ranked in the bottom 1% for household income. Jobs in coal mines can lead to injuries that lead to pain pill addictions and joblessness. Flooding regularly threatens those living in town, and both physical and digital infrastructure is spotty. Life there is hard. Life there is also beautiful. As the students sorted and racked donations in the store, they witnessed the community’s strength and unity. There was nothing particularly special about that Friday afternoon, but the steady flow of donations processed through the loading dock was astonishing and a blessing matched by the customers in need—a young family found a car seat, an older woman chose a beautifully-knitted scarf and a couple left with clothing and a lamp. Visiting the free childcare center, the girls heard God’s voice echo through the director as she recounted her path from client to director, where she is now positioned to help many. God’s goodness reverberated at the aquaponics center built over a reclaimed coal mine, where wastewater from in-house tilapia tanks grows vegetables—both fish and produce help supply the local food bank. And God’s goodness beamed from the teens, who eagerly looked forward to sharing God’s voice back home in a brand-new way.
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CARROLL
on the Go BY REBEKAH DAVIDSON
Through its Carroll on the Go program, Carroll High School in Dayton offers travel abroad to its students. Beth Branum, Carroll’s World Languages Department Chair and an EF Tours trainer, oversees the program that typically schedules annual trips over spring break for seven to eleven days. “Eighth grade parents and students receive [a guide to] the next four years’ worth of trips,” said Branum. “While your child is going to Carroll High School, [they can discover] what club or class is sponsoring that [trip] and which adult is going to be in charge. It helps financially … to figure out a place and to talk to their friends and other families about where they might want to go.” Carroll on the Go began with language classes visiting countries relevant to their studies: Spanish students visited Spain, French students visited France, and Latin students visited Italy or Greece. History students joined in with trips to London and Paris, while the drama department visited New York City and even learned a dance from the Broadway musical, Wicked. And on a recent Spanish class trip to Costa Rica and Panama, activities included white-water rafting and ziplining through trees. “I want the trips that we take to be the first trip of many in their lives,” said Branum. “They are figuring out how to deal with being in a country and not knowing the language. It’s all about using your language skills.” As a Catholic high school, Carroll incorporates faith into its program. Students visit Catholic sites, attend Mass and spend time in prayer. “It is hard to separate faith from life,” said Branum. “The kids are so taken [aback … realizing] that the Mass that we are having in France, or in Italy, is the same as Mass at home. When the kids go up and receive the Eucharist [they realize] we are one Church. It doesn’t 30 |
matter where they are. They can take Communion here while people at home are receiving Communion.”
Branum, who leads the Spanish trips, also sees the trips as opportunities to connect with youth outside the classroom. “The Lord has blessed me greatly by sharing these “As we travel and bridge the gap between cultures, the experiences,” said Branum. “The time in prayer, lighting Catholic faith and the celebration candles in honor and in memory of of the Mass are universal,” said loved ones, discussing similarities Branum. “I don’t want their faith and differences of the Mass to be in the Church and left in the celebration and figuring out the The kids are so taken [aback Church. I want to go in the Church, next step in their faith are moments … realizing] that the Mass celebrate Mass together, and then be I cherish.” able to talk about the blessings we that we are having in France, have every day.” Upcoming destinations include or in Italy, is the same as the National Parks for the art and Mass at home. When the Carroll on the Go has enabled science classes and, next year, Italy students to visit the Vatican, St. and Spain for 62 people. kids go up and receive the Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St. Eucharist [they realize] we Francis of Assisi, and the cities “I’ve learned a lot of lessons,” said are one Church. of Florence, Venice and Milan. Branum. “I hope I’m passing on the They celebrated Easter Mass at the best of those. When we take these Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Barcelona); tours, I want [the students] to just go and experience.” attended Mass at the Seville Cathedral (Spain), the second largest church in the world (after St. Peter’s Cathedral); and Branum’s goal is to give students the confidence and skills witnessed the Holy Week traditions of Seville, including they need to travel. “You can go abroad and see the world the procession of floats that tell the Passion of Jesus Christ. the Lord has created for you,” said Branum.
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AT THE
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O F TH E S ANTE FE
B Y PA T R I C I A M C G E E V E R
On a rainy Friday night in March, nearly 500 people gathered in Mater Dei Chapel at Mount St. Joseph University to watch a free screening of the movie At the End of the Santa Fe Trail. It depicts key moments in the life of legendary Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, Blandina Segale—on track to become Cincinnati’s first canonized saint! “It was hard to decide what part of her life to put in 80 minutes,” said Tomas Sanchez, the film’s New Mexico-based director, producer and co-writer.
“
The Sisters of Charity gave the movie their seal of approval, as did Allen Sanchez, who said it captured Sister Blandina’s heroic virtue.
Sent to serve in the Wild West when just 22-years-old, Sister Blandina found herself face-to-face with the reality of frontier justice. Her response: when a gunman was to be lynched for shooting a man, Sister Blandina saved his life by convincing his victim to forgive him, and she ultimately ended lynchings in Trinidad, CO. Given her example, Sanchez wanted forgiveness as a theme in his movie. 3 2 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
Originally planning a TV series, he began his research in 2017, visiting the Sisters’ Motherhouse and bringing the lead actress, Alma Sisneros, to spend time with the sisters. Covid delayed the series’ production, so Sanchez and his team decided to make the feature film, which will show at film festivals and could be released later this year. Shot in New Mexico, Colorado and Texas, Sanchez said many crew members were from New Mexico and already familiar with Sister Blandina’s history. “I think they went above and beyond because they have ownership in the story,” said Sanchez. “A lot of them went to [a] school or cathedral she helped build.”
Sister Blandina also built hospitals, cared for orphans and the indigent in Colorado and New Mexico and even encountered the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid. She wrote
Filming on location in Santa Fe, NM.
Photo courtesy Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.
about her adventures, challenges and accomplishments in letters to her biological sister, also a Sister of Charity, Sister Justina, and these were published in the book At the End of the Santa Fe Trail. The Sisters of Charity gave the movie their seal of approval, as did Allen Sanchez, who said it captured Sister Blandina’s heroic virtue. He petitioned the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to open her cause for sainthood, which they did in 2014. “She helps people find their courage to be a saint themselves,” said Allen Sanchez. “That’s what I think Tomas captures most of all … her effect on others.” And her life is becoming more well-known. In December, Cincinnati’s WKRC-TV produced a documentary on Sister Blandina’s life, prompting many phone calls to the Motherhouse about her and more visitors to her grave. “We got many calls just asking our sisters to pray,” said Sister Georgia Kitt, Director of Communications for the Sisters of Charity. With 42 miracles already attributed to her intercession—those for whom the Sisters are praying hope to add to that count. Other callers requested the prayer for Blandina’s canonization, leading the Sisters to assemble information packets containing that prayer and a novena to her. Another series-in-the-making about her, Trinidad, will focus on her work in the Colorado territory and already tapped actress and director Robin Wright for director and executive producer. At the End of the Santa Fe Trail was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May and Tomas Sanchez was awarded Best Director Feature Film at the 2023 Santa Fe Film Festival. Asked to minister to the growing Italian immigrant population when she returned to Cincinnati from the west, she and Sister Justina started Santa Maria Institute, which 125 years later is called Santa Maria Community Services. They also helped found San Antonio Parish whose members just celebrated 100 years, but Sister Blandina’s Cincinnati endeavors do not appear in Sanchez’s movie. Currently recognized as Servant of God, her next step on the path toward recognized sainthood is for the Vatican to declare her Venerable. T R A V E L + F A IT H / J ULY 2023 | 33
CAT HO LIC A T H O ME
I’m Waiting for God to Call Me Home I have one living grandparent. My mother’s father is a spry 97-year-old who still makes the trip between his home in New York and his sisters’ home county of Donegal, Ireland. The stories he tells are a charming weave of Irish exaggeration and straight facts, though it’s occasionally hard to distinguish between the two. Because I live in the Midwest, I prize the precious few occasions when I see Grandpa in person. He has more years under his belt than anyone I know, making his wisdom not only hard-won, but worth abiding. His faith in God is as solid as an oak planted firmly in sacred ground, and though Grandpa possesses the sternest brow I’ve seen on a person, the hope in his heart is contagious and drowns out any uncertainty in my own.
often looking forward to rest. Society has a variety of coping mechanisms to see us through challenges or to take the edge off, yet not one of them offers “the peace that surpasses understanding” that God is so eager to give. Sometimes we’re so preoccupied with the details of living that we lose sight of its great purpose.
I called him recently. “How are you doing, Grandpa?” “Well! I’m still waiting for God to call me home, but!” he continues, “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Why don’t we do this more often in our spiritual lives? Maybe we don’t know what the goal is or, maybe, because it’s less imposing than the tasks that need to be done right now. So, let’s clear the air. Inherent to our identity as humans is the call to know God intimately. We are made to receive His love and reflect it to others, as well as to offer ourselves to God, asking to know His will and for the courage to do it; all this, so we will ultimately go home to Heaven when our earthly days end. This is the point. It’s why each one of us is here. Anything that draws us away from all of the above is noise.
Bernard McGeever is a faithful soul who fearlessly and joyfully anticipates death; but he’s in no rush. He enjoys assisted living at a Catholic home where he attends daily Mass. He drives around the area visiting family, and he spends Saturday mornings praying peacefully outside abortion facilities. He’s truly capable of doing anything his heart desires. What’s interesting is, the more years Grandpa has aged, the fewer are his heart’s desires. And not because age or infirmity holds him back—on the contrary; through his nearly 100 years on Earth, he sees more clearly that his connection with Christ is the most deserving of his focus and devotion. This is the kind of wisdom that experience affords a soul. Grandpa’s Mass attendance, whispered Rosaries and prayerful reading yield an overflow of love for his family, but more so a yearning for Heaven. In short, he’s living with the end in mind. Isn’t that just how it’s supposed to be? St. Augustine famously said, “You have made us for Yourself, oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” We spend our lives fixed on what is in front of us, going about our daily routine tasks, 3 4 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
Keeping “the end in mind” is practical wisdom we apply to any kind of goal. We make better food choices for healthier bodies. We save money so we can get out of debt. When we have an objective in mind, we’re excited, driven and focused. It’s easy to recognize that eating out or buying another coffee mug won’t get us closer to the more important goal we’re working toward.
So, ask God to grace you with the ability to recognize Him in your life. Ask Him to show you the aspects of your life that pull you away or draw you closer to Him. Pray for the wisdom to remember that the ultimate goal is sublime joy in Heaven. The best years of my grandfather’s life aren’t long gone; they’re happening now. His gaze is fixed on Heaven and so he lives accordingly. Jesus, in Your mercy, give us this clarity, so we will spend our days happily living for You, so we can be fully united to You in Eternal Life. Amen. KATIE SCIBA is a national speaker and Catholic Press Awardwinning columnist. Katie has been married for 14 years and is blessed with six children.
March 25, 1913 Little Miami River levees failed and the Great Dayton Flood began, engulfing most of the city and killing hundreds. Dayton then became one of the nation’s first major flood-control districts.
St. Anthony of Padua
in Dayton
St. Anthony of Padua Church in Dayton was built in the northeast hills of Linden Heights only months after much of the city’s population moved from the wreckage of a catastrophic flood.
Sept. 21, 1913 First Masses celebrated in the new St. Anthony of Padua parish, headed by Father Francis J. Kuenle.
1 Bell tower.
Oct 7, 1913 Ground broken for the original wooden church, large enough to seat 500. The Soldiers Home Choir sang for the first Mass on Dec. 21.
1 Central portal with two double doors, beneath a double stained-glass window. 10 Side, major, stained-glass windows by BeauVerre Riordan Studio in Middletown. Added in the 1960s, they depict the Apostles (east side) and Doctors of the Church (west side).
April, 1914 Cornerstone laid for the school, which opened in September, staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis from Oldenberg, IN.
12 Rectangular pillars divide the nave from the aisles and support the vaulted ceiling.
1923 An addition to the school included a “temporary” church. The Great Depression and World War II delayed construction. 1938 Too large for the “temporary” building, the parish divided, creating Immaculate Conception Church about 2 miles away. March 10, 1952 Ground broken for a new Gothic revival church designed by architect Edward Schulte. June 13, 1954 First Mass celebrated at the new church in honor of Msgr. Kuenle’s Golden Jubilee. Regular Masses began with Christmas Masses.
1 Central mural depicts Christ as High Priest, King and Son of God Triumphant. 59 saints represent the Church Triumphant. The lowest row of figures represent “Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus”—“We, also Thy sinful servants”—the Church Militant working out our salvation.
St. Anthony of Padua St. Anthony of Padua entered the Augustinian order at age 15 and joined the Franciscans after the remains of friars martyred in Morocco were brought to his monastery. He hoped to follow their example, but his journey there ended in shipwreck. A life of travel and preaching followed until St. Francis assigned him to teach. St. Anthony’s preaching in Padua attracted crowds too large for any church, and reports associate him with many miracles. Only 36 when he died returning to the city, he was canonized a year later, in 1232. St. Anthony was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946.
“Per Ipsum, et cum Ipso, et in Ipso.” The words above the figure of Christ in the central mural, indicate that the priest mediates “through Him, with Him, and in Him,” and we jointly offer the Holy Sacrifice when we unite our prayers with the priest’s prayers. “It’s one of those hidden gems in East Dayton. People are struck by the beauty of the marble communion rail and ambo, the terrazzo floor, the stained glass. God has given us an anchor of beauty in which to worship Him.” Tom Hickey, longtime parishioner D ID Y O U K N O W ? / JULY 2023 | 35
POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II’S THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
The Toxic Nature of Porn Note: This article is part of an ongoing series on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” (TOB). While recently discussing the issue of “shamelessness” in this series, I identified pornography as the most prevalent example in today’s culture. Last month, I began to answer the question of why we should make such a fuss over porn by pointing out how omnipresent it has become. Now I will discuss how psychological research shows us just how toxic porn is to the human person. In an informative article, Jill Manning, Ph.D. reviewed much prior research on the effects of pornography on the viewer. Going back to early studies conducted in the 1980s and extending to studies conducted today, psychological research has consistently shown that viewing porn leads to changes in both the consumer’s attitudes toward relationships and the consumer’s ability to enact healthy relationships. For example, porn consumption has been linked with increased difficulties in intimate relationships, more impersonal attitudes about sex, more permissive attitudes toward premarital and extramarital sex, devaluing monogamy, doubts about the value of marriage, decreased desire to have children and higher rates of infidelity. Porn also alters viewers’ perceptions of what is “normal” in a sexual relationship. Research shows that consuming porn tends to lead the consumer to distorted views about sexuality and the kinds of sexual behaviors that are acceptable to most people. The more porn one views, the more likely one is to develop an increased appetite for depictions of deviant or bizarre forms of sexuality. Additionally, research has consistently shown that when men view porn, it alters their attitudes and behavior toward women and tends to lead men to report decreased satisfaction with their current sexual partner. It also increases callousness toward women, trivialization of rape as a criminal offense and greater belief in “rape myths” (the idea that a rape victim actually wanted and/or enjoyed the encounter). Porn consumption also 3 6 | THE CATHOLIC TE LEGRAPH
leads to increased verbal and behavioral aggression, increased sexual aggression and actual increased risk of sexual offending (i.e., illegal behavior). Research with teens adds to this sordid list that when adolescents view porn, it tends to go hand in hand with greater emotional and behavioral problems, earlier sexual experimentation, greater sexual permissiveness, greater objectification of women and higher risk of sexual aggression. All of this research pertains to the effects on porn users and their relationships. Often overlooked are the performers themselves, many of whom are enslaved to a system that exploits human beings, especially women and girls, for financial gain. Many come from broken homes and/or are abuse survivors who go on to experience further forms of severe trauma, addiction to drugs and terrible physical and mental health outcomes. Sad and alarming, none of this should come as a surprise. The Catechism clearly warns us that pornography “does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public)” (CCC 2354). Even more, Theology of the Body helps us see how depictions of the human body that reduce a person to a sexual object to be used and discarded harms everyone involved. Before moving on to discuss Christ’s redemption of our bodies, I will discuss one final problem with porn: it’s addictive nature. 1 Manning, J.C., (2006). The impact of Internet pornography on marriage and the family : A review of the research. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 13, 131-165. 2 Owens, E.W., et al. (2012). The impact of Internet pornography on adolescents: A review of the research. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 19,
99-122.
DR. ANDREW SODERGREN, MTS, PSY.D. is a Catholic psychologist and director of psychological services for Ruah Woods. He speaks on the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith. He and his wife, Ellie, have five children.
1947
Sacred Grounds for a Sacred Journey
2023
A Serene Setting Serving Our Archdiocesan Family
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey! Gate of Heaven Cemetery Family Services Advisors invite you to attend a
Pre-Planning Seminar this 2023
Honoring Life on Sacred Ground Christ Yesterday, Today, and Always
JULY 25, AUG. 22, SEPT. 26, OCT. 24 & NOV. 21 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Please RSVP and call 513-489-0300 or email community@gateofheaven.org
11000 Montgomery Rd. • Cincinnati, OH 45249
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| 37
Color the Saints!
Patron of Pilgrim Travelers
One of the Twelve Apostles
One of the first Church martyrs
One of three disciples to witness Christ’s Transfiguration
Was with Jesus in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane
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THE CATHOLIC TE L EG RAPH
The road to his tomb, called the Camino de Compostela, has been a model for pilgrims for generations and many still walk it today! The shell symbol can be seen while walking the Camino. It helps keep pilgrims on the right path.
The shell symbolizes courage, strength and hope.
Walk the Camino to St. James’ burial place!
He restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of His name. Psalm 23:3
Apostle Camino Disciple Gethsamane James Martyr Pilgrims Spain Tomb Travelers Twelve | 39 K ID S ’ CO R N E R / JULY 2023
out & about in the Archdiocese
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2) 100 Years for Dayton Women’s Club On April 22, the Dayton Catholic Women’s Club celebrated their centennial jubilee with Mass at Emmanuel Church. Donna Heckler, author of Marketing God: Inspired Strategies for Building the Kingdom, spoke at the reception that followed.
2 1) Sewing for Good at St. Ignatius The Scarf It Up Club’s 75 members at St. Ignatius Parish, Cincinnati, collectively crochet, knit, sew and quilt. Their mission is to create warm, attractive items to comfort those in need or going through tough times. Serving 16 community agencies, in 2022 they distributed over 9,000 hand-made items to the parish and community. The group’s newest initiative is to make sundresses out of pillowcases for their sister parish in Kenya.
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4) 40 Years of SVdP Service On April 5, St. Vincent de Paul’s St. William Conference honored Carol Herbert as she stepped down from her role as Vincentian, after 40 years of service. Among her achievements, Herbert helped move the SVdP food pantry at St. William, from a closet into the modular extension of St. William School. The pantry now serves an average of 30 families in West Price Hill each month.
4 3) SUA’s Hands Across Campus Saint Ursula Academy’s Hands Across Campus student organization wrapped up the school year by celebrating student leaders working to create a more inclusive campus at Saint Ursula Academy. Several students honored for being leaders in our SUA community modeled embracing others, as well as both sharing and celebrating the differences in our community. 4 0 | THE CATHOLIC TELE G RAPH
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T.P. White & Sons
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Funeral Home
2050 2050Beechmont BeechmontAve. Ave. •|513-231-7150 513.231.7150
Since 1910
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Four generations of family service to Eastern Cincinnati
Mt. Washington/Anderson Twp.
Family-owned operated since since 1870 Family owned &&operated 1870
John H. J.H.(Don) George H. Rohde,Steve 1920 Steve 1948 1975 1910 Directors: Denise Mercier, Darrell Schneider our generations of family service F
www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
NAEGELE KLEB & IHLENDORF
to Eastern Cincinnati. 3183 Linwood Ave. | Mt. Lookout Square 3183 Linwood Avenue • Mt. Lookout Square
DOWN 1 “Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our ___ and shield” (Ps 33:20) 2 Eskimo boat 3 Unsinkable Catholic survivor of the Titanic 4 Fragrant oil 5 Like some dolls 6 Earthenware container 7 Computer nerd, e.g. 8 Poker stake 9 Archdiocese in the Bahamas 10 He had John the Baptist executed 11 Like zero
12 Positions 13 Spool-like toy 21 US government agency 26 Auto agency 28 Biblical division 29 Brother of Miriam 30 Charlotte’s dessert? 31 Ancient Roman day 32 Queen of Carthage 33 PDQ 34 Long, distressful cry 35 US labor agency 36 Applied 37 “…___ thousand times…” 40 Malt beverage 45 Sunday now called Divine Mercy Sunday 47 Taken body and soul into heaven 50 The Archdiocese of Oslo is found here 51 Turf 52 Paul made these 54 Large wading bird 55 Residence 56 Less common 57 ___ and abstinence 58 Natural balm 59 Lively, as in sailing 61 Perry’s creator 62 Ruin 64 Travel on 67 Step in ballet
Serving Eastern Hills, Mt. Lookout & Hyde Park rohdefuneral.com • 513.321.0404
321-0404
White Oak / Monfort Heights 5527 Cheviot Rd. Blue Ash / Evendale / Sharonville 10211 Plainfield Rd.
513.385.0511
A Catholic
GERRY KELLY FRITSCH Traditional Irish Bagpiper gfritsch48@zoomtown.com cincinnatipiper.com 513.404.0049
8350 Cornell Road • Cincinnati
(Across from Gate of Heaven Cemetery) A Catholic familyFamily Owned info@weilkahnfuneralhome.com owned funeral Funeral Home – home since 1877 513-469-9345 Since 1877 513.891.8373 Family-owned & operated since 1912
513-891-8373
PUBLIC CITATION ANGELA ANN DALTON (NEE BURGER)
The Tribunal Office is trying to find Angela Ann Dalton (nee Burger). If you know her whereabouts, please call the Tribunal at 513263-3393 or email cengelke@ catholicaoc.org
www.wordgamesforcatholics.com
forbids taking the Lord’s name in vain 53 Coveted statuette 57 Catholic actress Dunaway 60 Cardinal color 63 Reception in colonial India 65 Mr. Greenspan 66 Enclose in paper 68 New Zealand aboriginal 69 Category 70 Soprano Gluck 71 Finished 72 Golf mounds 73 Urges 74 Big name in farm equipment
H U M A N J U A N H O L Y E M O T E U S N A E V O O L I L T S G E T S R A C Y R E S O L I O P A L A T E K Y R I E A D D N O V A R U M I D A E A U V A D I S Y O U N G R R S L E D A O S S O S O S A E S O P W H E A L O N E N E S S L A D T W O O S C A R F A Y E R E D D U R B A R W R A P M A O R I A L A N S O R T A L M A E N D E D T E E S Y E N S D E E R E
ACROSS 1 One of the two natures of Jesus 6 St. ___ Diego 10 ___ Cross Brothers 14 Chew the scenery 15 Annapolis (abbr.) 16 A Rachael Ray favorite 17 Light melodies 18 Obtains 19 Suggestive 20 Roof of the mouth 22 Matter of law 23 Potpourri 24 Greek prayer 25 “Can any of you by worrying ___ a single moment to your life?” (Mt 6:27) 27 Rerum ___ 31 Mrs. McKinley 34 Jeremiah’s description of himself 38 Element of Baptism, in Paris 39 “Quo ___?” 41 Bologna bone 42 Monopoly quartet (abbr.) 43 Castor’s mother 44 Mosquito bite 46 Distress signal 47 “The Tortoise and the Hare” author 48 Boy 49 Singleness 52 Number of Commandment that
FUNERAL HOME
3900 Montgomery Rd. | 513.631.2240 Serving Norwood, St. Bernard & surrounding communities
JULY 2023 | 41
THE FINAL WORD with Tara Dahal
My Long Stateless Status Born in a remote village in Bhutan, a small country sandwiched between two big countries—China in the north and India—I completed my primary education at Dorokha Primary School, a 40 minute walk from my home. In 1990, while I was in high school, the government forcefully evicted 100,000 Nepali-speaking citizens from the country. Thus, I left Bhutan as a victim of ethnic cleansing and began to live a measurable life in a UNHCR-run refugee camp in eastern Nepal. Alone there until my family joined me in 1992, I completed high school through a Nepal government school. I taught younger students in the refugee camp for some years and went to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, for higher studies. Working as a teacher in a private school helped pay for my college fees and supported my family in the camp. When I married a Kathmandu-origin lady, it was a congenial knot between a Nepali citizen and a stateless man, between a lady from a wealthy family and a refugee, and a marriage ceremony done with money collected from friends and guardians. Our eldest son, Subham, was born in the refugee camp. In 2012, after 22 years of refugee life, my three-member family resettled in Denver, CO, through the U.S. refugee resettlement program. Our second child, Satyam, was born in Denver in 2014, and our four-member family moved again the same year, to Cincinnati, for better employment opportunities and a more affordable life. I worked in a warehouse as a picker, packer and processor for two years before I joined Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio (CCSWO) in 2016. After four years as a caseworker, I switched to the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) for less than a year, then settled in 4 2 | THE CATHOLIC TELE G RAPH
private home care. I could then make time to help the Nepalispeaking community (LEP), using the case management skills I learned at CCSWO and JFS. As a community worker, I volunteered for the Bhutanese/ Nepalese community for PPE distribution during the Covid -19 pandemic helped register people for the Covid vaccine, and organized multiple vaccination sites in coordination with Hamilton County Public Health, CCSWO, Colerain Township, and other nearby hospitals and health clinics. Because of this work, I was one of 28 people in the nation to be recognized with the 2022 Immunization Champion Award. I also coordinated with Colerain Township for a cricket ground’s creation at Dravo Park to encourage youths to play cricket. In 2017, I was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, ending my long stateless status. When I landed at the Denver International Airport for the first time, I didn’t have a big dream for my life. I just wanted to find a job, manage two meals on the table for my family, find a secure roof to keep my family away from rain, cold and heat, a comfortable bed to sleep on, a better school for my kids and better health care for my family. I didn’t even believe that we could practice our religion, culture and values in this new country. But I am so glad to witness every freedom in this great nation. TARA DAHAL is a resident of Cincinnati and a former refugee from Bhutan. He works at Healthy Home Care in the HR department. As a volunteer, he chairs the Nepali Language and Arts Center, a nonprofit organization. Tara is on the Board of Directors at Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio.
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