7 minute read
MATER FILIUS
BY EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU
New respect life ministry goes the extra mile to help expectant moms in crisis pregnancies with housing, job training, education, workshops and emotional support.
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A modest home on Cincinnati’s West Side will soon provide a safe haven for expectant mothers in need, along with a variety of services to help them recognize the blessings their children are and that they are not alone on their journeys.
Mater Filius (Latin for “Mother and Son”) was founded in 2003 in Mexico by Miriam and José Tejeda. When Miriam, a longtime counselor for teenagers and married couples, developed a lifethreatening neurological disorder, she received the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time in many years. In critical condition after surgery at a Houston hospital, Miriam experienced a vision of the Blessed Mother, who gave her a pro-life mission. The plans for Mater Filius were in place before Miriam left the hospital.
FROM MEXICO TO CINCINNATI Maria Resendiz, a member of St. Gertrude Parish in Madeira, brought the apostolate to Cincinnati after learning about it on a trip to Mexico. She went on to recruit a prayer team, including Deacon Henry and Betsy Jacquez, who now serve as the directors of Mater Filius Queen City on a volunteer basis. In addition, to the Cincinnati apostolate, there are currently Mater Filius residences in Omaha, Miami and Dallas, with others under development.
Both the Jaquezes say there was much prayer and discernment before taking on their roles, since they were essentially retired. But, they share a dedication to respect life ministry and a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. Henry was ordained to the diaconate in 2013 and serves at Holy Trinity Parish in Norwood. Betsy is retired from Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital and has been active in respect life schedule provides stability and helps young mothers learn ministry over the years, including coordinating local independent living skills. Each woman is assigned a doula, participation in the annual March for Life. a confidant and mentor, who accompanies the mothers Henry agrees. “This is a 19 percent of women who have abortions say they did so That service, which includes training and education, during their stay, offering guidance, encouragement and “This is Mary’s ministry, and we’re very close to her,” Betsy support. Each home also has a live-in house mother called explained. “She has been a very big part of our lives since an “ima,” the Aramaic word that Jesus would have called 1998, when we had a crisis and she came through for us. Mother Mary. Mothers can live at the home for up to She has said ‘yes’ to our needs for so long, how could we eight months after the birth of their baby and learn how say ‘no’ to her request?” to lovingly care for their ministry that saves babies FINDING THE SPACE and helps women get back As the ministry has taken on their feet. It breaks the shape, thanks to a grant bad cycles of poverty, abuse from the Archdiocese of and addiction and helps Cincinnati Respect Life women move forward and Fund and the generosity realize they are [children] of private donors, the of God. You can’t say ‘no’ Jacquezes say they to that.” continue to experience CREATING A HOME is especially true in Bob Wurzelbacher, director the manner in which of the Office for Respect the home for Mater Life Ministries for the Homes are operated “familyFilius Queen City was Archdiocese of Cincinnati, spoke of the need for style,” with the women sharing acquired – after many prayers through the Mater Filius. “There are cooking, cleaning and other intercession of the many wonderful pregnancy centers in the Archdiocese household responsibilities. Blessed Mother, of course. Betsy recalls of Cincinnati that reach making numerous out and help women in crisis phone calls to various pregnancies with prenatal care, relationship and parenting local pregnancy centers, explaining Mater Filius’ purpose classes and material assistance. Providing housing and job and the need for a residence. Around the same time, Mike training, however, for women who have nowhere to live Pastura contacted Pregnancy Center West seeking a way if they do not have an abortion, is very hard to find. And to use the family home to support respect life efforts and yet, a 2005 study from the Guttmacher Institute says that honor his mother, Mary Jean, a devout Catholic. because they would have had to find another place to live. “He worked it out with his siblings and we are leasing the That is a high number of women who need more services home,” Betsy explained. Mike and his whole family have than a typical pregnancy care center can provide. Mater been so faithful to this ministry and so generous. It’s as if Filius will provide a much-needed service in the area.” the Blessed Mother just came in and said, ‘Here, Betsy. little ones. the hand of Mary. This Here’s the room you need.’” emotional support, employment assistance and workshops At press time, a date for the home to open had not on topics such as pre-natal care and parenting and life skills, been announced, but the Jacquezes and Mater Filius is offered in a structured, but home-like and nurturing need assistance, including a seamstress to help make environment. While Mater Filius is rooted in Catholic the turquoise aprons worn by volunteers and volunteers tradition, expectant mothers are welcome regardless of interested in working with the mothers and in the early their backgrounds or religious affiliations. Homes are childhood center. Gently used maternity clothes are also operated “family-style,” with the women sharing cooking, needed, along with household items such as pots, pans cleaning and other household responsibilities. A daily and linens. For more information, visit mfqc.org.
One Man Peaceful Protest
BY PATTI MCGEEVER
As millions of people voiced their outrage over the death of George Floyd by marching and protesting, one man spoke volumes by standing still. Kevin Bonecutter, husband, father of two, church usher and Hamilton County Probation Officer, stood up for justice, peace, equality and respect for all people by standing and fasting for 48 hours.
“It seems like the [Holy] Spirit just moved me; He came to me and I said, ‘This is something I need to do,’ and I really couldn’t sit back,” said the St. Martin of Tours parishioner.
Bonecutter attended one of the rallies outside the Hamilton County Courthouse to listen to the concerns of the crowd. He found the movement powerful.
“I think with both of us working in criminal justice we’ve experienced what it’s like working with a population that doesn’t get treated right,” said his wife, Jaime. “With him being down there with the demonstrators, with the protesters, I think he was moved to do something more and do something personal.”
Wearing a t-shirt that read “Teach Peace” and armed with signs about peace, justice, equality and respect for all people, Bonecutter set up his one-man peaceful demonstration in Westwood at 6 p.m. on June 5. He stood under the shade of three big trees and waved at people driving by on Montana Avenue.
“Honestly I didn’t know how the African-American community would view it, a white, bald man standing out here on the street corner, to be honest with you,” he said as people of all races honked in support.
A woman originally from Senegal stopped by with her two daughters. “Being next to Kevin and Jaime was the best thing I have done so far since coming to America,” said Bineta Diop. She was so touched by his effort, she returned at the end of his fast with food and drinks. “Still feeling great,” he said as he faced his first long night. “I’ve had a lot of positive response and a lot of great people have stopped by and given me the thumbs up, which I really appreciate. That means a lot. Physically, the knees are barking at me, but that’s okay.”
As the sun came up, more people visited and some joined him at the curb. They brought him a cup of coffee, Gatorade, a mat on which to stand, a canopy and walking sticks, but it was their presence that really reinvigorated him and pushed him toward his goal.
“I just had to come up and wish him well. He’s a very courageous person,” said Father George Jacquemin, pastor of St. Clare Parish in College Hill, where Bonecutter’s parents are members. “One person can do a great deal.”
A group from St. Clare’s Peace and Justice Commission spent a few hours with him to help reinforce his message.
“We tried to raise him and his sister with a commitment to justice, to care for creation, for peace in any small ways and big ways we can do it,” said Bonecutter’s mother, Monica.
“I have a deep respect for Kevin. He’s certainly a man of faith,” said St. Martin pastor, Father Terry Hamilton.
At 6 p.m. on June 7, the demonstration ended with food, drinks and a chair for Bonecutter. Father Hamilton said a prayer asking God to bless Kevin as he continues to touch people’s lives.
