The Catholic Telegraph December 2020

MAGAZINE

189th year | issue 13

bringing faith into the home

december 2020 | advent & christmas | 1

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edi t or’s not e

Cutting Through the Noise This year has been one packed with a cacophony of sound. There’s the bigger-picture noise: the dire warnings and subsequent mourning related to the ongoing global pandemic; the presidential election and ever-increasing polarization and ugliness we hurl at one another on social media; the ripping sounds of hurricanes tearing through the homes and property of those we love across the country. And, on a more personal and domestic front, the sheer volume in our home with four children desperately trying to entertain themselves or participate in virtual learning while their parents hunker down and attempt to work. It’s been a loud, painful and exhausting year… so much so, that even uttering the word “2020” draws its share of knowing, sad, heavy acknowledgments from those around us. It’s even become a joke: “Not another month of 2020!” And while I can appreciate the gallows humor, what if we attempted to turn the tables on this bleak attitude for Advent? What if, in place of dread, we instead get to experience another month of 2020, and it’s the best of all? After all, it’s the month where we spend four weeks meditating on and anticipating the birth of our Savior. Thinking about the Nativity story, I stumbled upon a video of Bishop Robert Barron from 2007 talking about the Gospel of Luke. In it he describes what was happening in the world at the time of Jesus’ birth. Namely, Caesar Augustus was conducting a worldwide census that would ultimately help further his own glory and power. Meanwhile, the true King was born in a stable, alone but for the company of His parents. Amid the noise of the world, our Savior was born in quiet. “The true King is not the one who has rangy, worldly power,” said Bishop Barron. “The true King is the one who is bound to the other in love, who becomes weak for the sake of the other. Not the one who is well protected in his palazzo, but the one who is willing to become vulnerable in love.”

So how can we cut through the noise this Advent season? How can we become “vulnerable in love”? Perhaps it’s looking at the happy child who’s enjoying the raging noise inside the home; maybe it’s taking a moment to remember a joyful personal experience you shared with the person who just posted a disagreeable political statement online. But, most importantly, to cut through the noise, we need to focus on what’s to come: a quiet stable in Bethlehem, the ultimate gift from God to His children, the birth of Jesus Christ, vulnerable in love. “Silent night, holy night / All is calm, all is bright / ‘Round yon virgin Mother and Child / Holy infant so tender and mild / Sleep in heavenly peace / Sleep in heavenly peace.”

cteditorial@catholicaoc.org

THE CATHOLIC TELEGRAPH 189th Year No. 13 • December 2020 513-263-6633 • thecatholictelegraph.com

PUBLISHER Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr

EDITOR Jessica Rinaudo

MEDIA SALES Deacon Graham Galloway

GRAPHIC DESIGN Emma Cassani

NEW MEDIA EDITOR Greg Hartman

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT Dominick Albano

PHOTOGRAPHY Margaret Swensen

BOOKKEEPING Karen Cromer

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

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contents news 8 BRIGID’S PATH

advent & christmas

MARK DANIS

columns 5 SEEK THE LORD ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Helping new mothers and infants overcome addiction 10 IN PROFILE: BROTHER BOB WIETHORN, SM KARY ELLEN BERGER

Marianist brother celebrates 60 years of religious life 12 PRECIOUS BLOOD SISTER REFLECTS ON 40 YEARS

19 CATHOLIC AT HOME KATIE SCIBA

Gratitude for the universal Church

Giving Advent its due

7 QUESTION OF FAITH

20 TIM NEALEIGH

Perspectives on the Magi

SUSIE BERGMAN

FATHER DAVID ENDRES

North Star’s traveling St. Nick

14 DID YOU KNOW?

22 STATIONS OF THE INFANT JESUS

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

GAIL FINKE & EMMA CASSANI

DOMINICK ALBANO

15 SEIZE THE MOMENT

St. Alphonsus Liguori created Stations that focus on the incarnation, birth and infancy of Jesus

NICHOLAS HARDESTY

Sister Karen Elliot, C.PP.S., continues a legacy of hope throughout Ohio 36 A SAINT IN THE MAKING

24 ADVENT FEAST DAYS

16 A CLOSER LOOK

REGAN MEYER

SR. EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU

Venerable Mother Rosario’s West Chester family inspired by her life 38 MOUNT NOTRE DAME M.D. PITMAN

KATIE SCIBA

26 A FRANCISCAN CHRISTMAS IN OVER-THE-RHINE BONNY VAN

Cincinnati Catholic high school celebrates 160 years

Brother Tim Sucher showcases nativity collection at Moerlein Brewery

40 OUT & ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

32 NATIVITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE KARY ELLEN BERGER

ON THE COVER PHOTO BY: MARGARET SWENSEN

Brother Tim Sucher stands in front of his expansive Fontanini nativity set, on display in Moerlein Brewery in downtown Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine. 4 | CO N TE NTS

Open your heart to the possibility of sainthood

DR. KEN CRAYCRAFT

Fratelli Tutti, solidarity and incarnational empathy 18 KIDS’ CORNER St. Juan Diego 30 MAKING CATHOLIC MEMORIES WAYNE & MARIANNE TOPP

St. Lucy’s donut crowns

University of Dayton’s Marian Library houses more than 3,600 nativity sets

33 SHINE ON

34 ADVENT TRADITIONS

42 THE FINAL WORD

HARLIE GALLOWAY

Reflections on the Christmas season and the Magi

DOMINICK ALBANO

The giver of gifts

DR. ANDREW SODERGREN

Helping those who suffer during Christmas time

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for December: We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer.

SEEK THE LORD ARCHBISHOP DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Much of this difficult year has been spent in uneasy, uncertain waiting – waiting for businesses and schools to reopen, waiting for the development of a vaccine, waiting for life to return to normal and, for some, waiting for COVID test results. Perhaps most of all, we have spent many anxious months simply waiting to see what happens next.

As Christian disciples, this is our mission as well – to radiate Christ, the light of the human race, and bring others into a deeper relationship with Him. The first person to present Jesus to the world was the Blessed Virgin Mary after accepting him into her womb. As a result of her “yes” to God’s will, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn. 1:14).

Now the Church calendar brings us to a different kind of waiting. The season of Advent, which appropriately begins a new liturgical year, is a time of expectation and preparation for the coming of Christ – at Christmas and again at the end of the world. For the Christian believer, this is a time of happy waiting because we know what is coming, and it is the greatest of all gifts.

The Incarnation is so important that Christmas is not just one day on the Church calendar, but an entire season that continues until the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Even in the secular world, the social celebration of Christmas, marked by parties and visits with friends and family, is not relegated to just one day.

The wonderful traditions of the Advent calendar and the Advent wreath give us excellent ways to observe this blessed season in the home, which I strongly encourage. The Church also gives us several beloved feast days to celebrate during these four weeks – St. Nicholas on Dec. 6, the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, and Our lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.

This year, one characterized by so many stresses and disruptions in our lives, we may find ourselves longing for “normal” Christmas celebrations – both at Mass and with our loved ones. However, it cannot be quite the same as we continue to struggle with the reality of the global pandemic. Churches that are usually packed on Dec. 24 and 25 may not be as full because of social distancing restrictions and the absence of those at risk for COVID. Choirs may be smaller. And, in the social sphere, parties may be fewer.

Advent comes during the darkest days of the year in the northern hemisphere. This is, however, the dark that precedes the dawn. The light of Christ is coming! We must be ready for it. That is the message of St. John the Baptist in the Gospel readings for the second and third Sundays of Advent. John clearly knows who he is and what his mission is. He denies being the Messiah, or Elijah or the Prophet. Rather, he says he is “the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord” (Jn. 1:23). The beginning of that same Gospel reading uses a different image for John the Baptist: “He was not the light, but he came to testify to the light” (Jn. 1:8).

However, what has not changed is far more important: God loves us so much that He sent His only Son as Emmanuel – “God with us” (Mt. 1:23) – to offer us peace, joy and the fullness of life. The celebration of that Good News is well worth the wait! May you have a blessed Advent and a joy-filled Christmas. And, if you are able to safely receive the sacraments but have not done so for several months or even several years, please come home for Christmas and experience the blessing and peace of the Christ child. S E E K T H E L ORD / D E C E MB E R 2020 | 5

BUSCA AL SEÑOR ARZOBISPO DENNIS M. SCHNURR

Gran parte de este año difícil se ha dedicado a una espera incómoda e incierta – la espera de que las empresas y las escuelas abran nuevamente, la espera del desarrollo de una vacuna, esperando a que la vida vuelva a la normalidad y, para algunos, esperando los resultados de las pruebas COVID. Tal vez sobre todo, hemos pasado muchos meses ansiosos simplemente esperando a ver qué más sucederá. Ahora el calendario de la Iglesia nos lleva a un tipo diferente de espera. El tiempo de Adviento, que comienza apropiadamente un nuevo año litúrgico, es un tiempo de expectación y preparación para la venida de Cristo, en Navidad y de nuevo en el fin del mundo. Para el creyente Cristiano, este es un tiempo de feliz espera porque sabemos lo que viene, y es el más grande de todos los dones. Las maravillosas tradiciones del calendario de Adviento y la corona de Adviento nos dan excelentes maneras de observar esta bendita época en el hogar, lo cual animo fuertemente. La Iglesia también nos da varios días de fiesta amados para celebrar durante estas cuatro semanas – San Nicolás el 6 de diciembre, la Inmaculada Concepción el 8 de diciembre, y Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre. El Adviento llega durante los días más oscuros del año en el hemisferio norte. Esta es, sin embargo, la oscuridad que precede al amanecer. ¡La luz de Cristo está llegando! Debemos estar listos para ello. Ese es el mensaje de San Juan Bautista en las lecturas del Evangelio para el segundo y tercer domingo de Adviento. Juan sabe claramente quién es y cuál es su misión. Niega ser el Mesías, o Elías o el Profeta. Más bien, dice que es “la voz del que clama en el desierto: Rectificad el camino del Señor” (Jn 1, 23). El comienzo de esa misma lectura del Evangelio utiliza una imagen diferente para Juan el Bautista: “Aunque no fuera él la luz, le tocaba dar testimonio de la luz” (Jn 1, 8). Como discípulos Cristianos, esta es también

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nuestra misión: irradiar a Cristo, la luz de la raza humana, y llevar a los demás a una relación más profunda con Él. La primera persona en presentar a Jesús al mundo fue la Santísima Virgen María después de aceptarlo en su vientre. Como resultado de su “sí” a la voluntad de Dios, “Y la Palabra se hizo carne, puso su tienda entre nosotros” (Jn 1, 14). La Encarnación es tan importante que la Navidad no es sólo un día en el calendario de la Iglesia, sino todo un tiempo que continúa hasta que el Bautismo del Señor se celebra el primer domingo después de la Epifanía. Incluso en el mundo secular, la celebración social de la Navidad, marcada por fiestas y visitas con amigos y familiares, no queda relegada a un solo día. Este año, uno caracterizado por tantas tensiones y perturbaciones en nuestras vidas, podemos encontrarnos anhelando celebraciones de Navidad “normales” – tanto en la Misa como con nuestros seres queridos. Sin embargo, no puede ser lo mismo que seguimos luchando con la realidad de la pandemia mundial. Las iglesias que generalmente están llenas los días 24 y 25 de diciembre pueden no estar tan llenas debido a las restricciones de distanciamiento social y a la ausencia de las personas en riesgo de COVID. Los coros pueden ser más pequeños. Y en el ámbito social, las fiestas pueden ser menos. Sin embargo, lo que no ha cambiado es mucho más importante: Dios nos ama tanto que envió a Su Hijo único como Emmanuel – “Dios con nosotros” (Mt 1, 23) – para ofrecernos paz, alegría y plenitud de vida. ¡La celebración de esa Buena Nueva vale la pena la espera! Que tengan un Adviento bendito y una Navidad llena de alegría. Y si son capaces de recibir con seguridad los sacramentos pero no lo han hecho durante varios meses o incluso varios años, por favor regresen a casa para Navidad y experimenten la bendición y la paz del niño Cristo.

Q UE S TION OF F AITH

PERSPECTIVES ON THE MAGI

Your question opens the door to much-discussed questions about the historicity of Scripture. Every historian chooses which information to highlight. This is true even in the Bible. While all four Gospel writers agree on the essential plot line of Jesus’s life, each offers specific details. The infancy narratives, as you noted, make this evident. The differences, however, do not necessarily imply contradictions.

St. Augustine contends that sometime after the circumcision (eight days) and before the presentation (40 days), the Magi visited the Holy Family in Bethlehem. After Jesus was presented in the Temple, Luke records that the family returned to Nazareth. But, according to Augustine, the return was not before an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him to flee to Egypt. Not all consider this sequence of events likely. Some scholars suspect that the Magi’s visit was after Jesus’s presentation in the Temple – perhaps when Jesus was around one-year-old – because Matthew notes that the Magi came to “the house” rather than the stable or a cave (Matt. 2:11).

THE ARTISTRY OF THE EVANGELISTS

FAITH IN DETAIL

Each evangelist set out to write a true narrative by God’s inspiration, but not an exhaustive account of Jesus’s life and ministry. As Pope Benedict XVI says, they wrote “interpreted history” – real history seen through the eyes of faith. Differences naturally arise because any single written account cannot contain the fullness of Christ. Like painters observing the same object from different vantage points, the evangelists highlight distinct features of Jesus. Or, like a choir whose varied voices contribute to a harmonious sound, the four evangelists contribute to a richer theological beauty than one writer could portray alone.

While the correct order of the details is not necessarily beneficial for our faith, the reason the evangelists included them is instructive. Matthew, on one hand, is concerned with firmly rooting Jesus in the Old Testament. He begins with a genealogy connecting Jesus to David and Abraham, and he recounts Joseph’s dreams – an allusion to the dreaming Joseph of Genesis. Moreover, Jesus is like the new Moses – the infant leader of Israel, whom a jealous ruler wants to destroy. Luke, on the other hand, focuses on the worldwide implications of Jesus while centering his narrative in Jerusalem. It is no surprise, then, that Luke chose to include the worldwide census and the messianic prophecy of Simeon in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Can you help me understand the timing and place of the Magi’s visit? We are told Joseph started the flight into Egypt after the birth of Jesus. But we also know that Jesus was presented to God in the Temple at Jerusalem. When did the Magi come and where?

GOSPEL HARMONY

We see this concord in the details Matthew and Luke choose in their narratives of Jesus’s infancy. Matthew recounted the Magi’s visit and the flight to Egypt, while Luke related the presentation in the Temple and a return to Nazareth. St. Augustine tackled the apparent incongruities of these details in his work, The Harmony of the Gospels. He explained that each evangelist wrote a coherent narrative using selected details. Although the accounts may seem complete, they each omit certain specifics. However, silence does not entail contradiction, and St. Augustine considers both versions as trustworthy.

We cannot be sure if the Magi visited the Holy Family before or after the presentation in the Temple, but we can be sure that the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke are not contradictory. Instead, they are mutually enriching in revealing the richness of the revelation of Jesus. FATHER DAVID ENDRES

is associate professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. QU E S T ION OF F AIT H / D E C E M B E R 2020 | 7

Photos courtesy Photos contributed of byBrigid’s Brigid’sPath. Path.

Brigid’s Path Helping New Mothers and Infants Overcome Addiction BY M ARK D AN IS

Unexpected circumstances can open us to the call the Lord has for our life. Such was the case for Jill and Nick Kingston when they discovered their passion to serve the babies of mothers addicted to drugs, which affects about 80 babies daily in the U.S. In 2014, when the couple was caring for the first of their many foster children, they made the decision to organize Ohio’s first, and the nation’s second, newborn recovery ministry, Brigid’s Path. They officially opened in 2017. Today the ministry named for St. Brigid, the patron saint of newborn babies, has a clear focus. According to Jill, their executive director, “We want to improve the health of newborn babies and mothers impacted by addiction. We offer grace for the past, support for the present and hope for the future.” The guiding theme for the ministry is echoed in Psalm 25:4: “Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your path.” 8 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEG R A PH

Brigid’s Path provides a number of services to babies and mothers. They offer mothers support in overcoming dependency, assistance finding housing, legal help, support getting licenses and other forms of identification, as well as assistance with education. They can also refer women to mental health and substance use professionals. Brigid’s Path provides families a safe, secure and welcoming environment. “So often,” said Jill, “these women are stigmatized for how their bad choices affect the health of their baby; this is not the case at Brigid’s Path. Many of these women have been the victims of difficult childhoods themselves.” The babies supported at Brigid’s Path range from newborns – many admitted only 24 hours after birth – to six months of age. Babies receive the medical care and compassion necessary to free them from the drugs to which they were exposed in utero. This process takes about 10 days. The average stay for mom and baby at Brigid’s Path is about 45

Babies receive the medical care and compassion to free them from the drugs to which they were exposed in utero. days, but they can stay up to 90 days. One of the most heart-warming and critical elements to a baby’s success, according to Jill, is the involvement of volunteers they call “cuddlers.” These volunteers rock, walk and cuddle babies as they go through the painful experience of overcoming their exposure to drugs. They provide the necessary blessing of human contact, which is enormously beneficial to the recovery process for both babies and adults. According to Kingston, “some of these women do lose custody of their children, but it is seldom something they choose.” Success depends on a few key factors: health, economics and social and spiritual support. The staff at Brigid’s Path provide ongoing assistance for at least one year. As for spiritual support, Brigid’s Path has the profound blessing of a small army of the Sisters of the Precious Blood praying for them constantly. These prayers help the many women who get back on their feet and recover from addiction. The goal is for these moms to return to Brigid’s Path to volunteer as peer coaches, supporting other moms facing the same challenges. These victorious moms know the difficult path. Though thriving families are the focus of Brigid’s Path, the ultimate goal is creating an environment that allows these vulnerable families to achieve their God-given potential on their own path to freedom. If you too have a heart for this mission, please contact them at brigidspath.org.

HELPING MOMS IN NEED When a woman is in a crisis pregnancy, she needs more than just convincing that her unborn child is a person. She may need some material assistance like clothes, diapers and formula. She may need counseling and relationship classes, or help with an addiction. What she needs may be as simple as a listening ear, or as involved as a place to live for several months, along with job training and child care. In the end, she needs to know there are people out there who are able to walk with her, no matter the circumstances, to help ensure her life and the life of her child will hold more promise than she is able to see at that moment. It comes down to hope – the hope that comes from Jesus, through the work of so many hands who do His work right here in this archdiocese. This month’s podcasts feature different ways that organizations across the Archdiocese of Cincinnati are helping women in crisis pregnancies, and how you can be a part of that same mission. This month’s podcasts: • Dec 1: Jill Kingston of Brigid’s Path • Dec 8: Henry and Betsy Jacquez of Mater Filius Queen City • Dec 15: Laura Curran of Pregnancy Center East • Dec 22: Kat Talalas of Walking With Moms in Need • Dec 29: Nikki Stefanow of Family & Youth Initiatives B O B WURZELB ACHE R is the director of the Office for Respect Life Ministries. He and his wife, Cindy, live in Sharonville with their two young daughters.

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Brother Bob Wiet horn, SM Marianist Brother Celebrates 60 Years of Religious Life in the Archdiocese BY KAR Y EL L EN B ER GER

For 60 years, Brother Bob Wiethorn, SM, has been a staple within the Marianist community and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 2020 marks his 60th anniversary of professing his first vows. Brother Wiethorn began exploring the idea of becoming a Marianist brother during his time at what was formerly Purcell High School (now Purcell Marian). “I had many Marianists as teachers and as moderators of clubs I belonged to: the photography club, the science club, and, especially, the Sodality of Mary Immaculate,” he shared. “It was in the latter that I came to understand more about the Marianist spirit and spirituality. I found several Marianists to be particularly good guides for me growing through my adolescent years. I admired the Marianist brothers and priests; the way they interacted with students and each other, and their family spirit. There was a definite sense of community among them which extended to the students and the entire school community.” In the spring of 1959, Wiethorn applied for admission to the novitiate and professed his first vows in August of 1960. With service at the forefront of his passions, Brother Wiethorn discerned becoming a teacher or doctor and chose the former. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 1964 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. From there, he had a career in teaching and school administration, including at Chaminade High School, where he helped oversee the merger of Chaminade and Julienne High Schools. He also served as Vocation Director for the Marianists of the Cincinnati Province and, later, became the Director of Marianists living on the Mercy Siena Campus for independent assisted-living and nursing care residents. Today, he is a member of the Marianist Community and the support team for the brothers at Siena Woods. Brother Wiethorn’s love of learning has continued as technology has developed. “I am a pretty good tech assisting our Marianist brothers 1 0 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

I admired the Marianist brothers and priests; the way they interacted with students and each other, and their family spirit.

with everything from iPads to cell phones, ZOOMing to emailing,” Brother Wiethorn chuckled. “I like the mysterious, and when something is wrong with a computer, fixing it or finding a solution is like working a puzzle – I love it. When I solve it, I always tell the person, ‘Wiethorn – 1 Computer – 0.’”

When reflecting on his favorite Bible verses, Brother Wiethorn shared a verse beloved by many Marianists: “Do whatever He tells you,” said by Mary to servants at the Wedding Feast at Cana. “Additionally, ‘I hold you in the palm of my hand … I will never forget you,’ is significant to me because it describes a key part of my spirituality and relationship with God,” Brother Wiethorn said. “God is with me no matter what happens to me or what I do as one who loves me unconditionally. And I have found that to be true throughout my life.” Brother Wiethorn added, “I am so grateful for the 60 years I have been blessed and supported by my brothers to live our Marianist life. God is good ALL the time, and all the time God is good.”

BR. MARCEL & BR. GABE

Like Br. Marcel, Br. Gabe, and Sr. Laura, some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests have spent their lives doing the Lord’s work. Most served for little or no pay, and now their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious offers vital support for necessities, such as medications and nursing care. Proceeds from the annual Retirement Fund for Religious appeal enable the National Religious Retirement Office to distribute financial assistance to hundreds of religious communities each year. They underwrite educational opportunities that are designed to enhance eldercare and promote comprehensive retirement planning as well as provide consultation that offers expertise and practical assistance to religious communities. OPTIONS TO DONATE

• Donate December 12 & 13 at your parish, or drop off your donation to your parish during the month of December • Donate by mail using the attached envelope. • Participate in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s #GivingTuesday event and select “Retirement Fund for Religious” as the benefactor. Thank you for supporting those who have given a lifetime. SR. LAURA WILL

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PRECIOUS BLOOD SISTER REFLECTS ON 40 YEARS Sister Karen Elliot, C.PP.S., Leads a Legacy of Hope Throughout Ohio BY R E G AN M E YE R

For Sister Karen Elliott, C.PP.S., everything in her life was pointing towards religious life; it just took God’s hand to give her the final push. Born to a cradle Catholic mother and convert father in Dayton, Sister Elliott spent her childhood attending Masses every Sunday and listening to her Biblically literate father argue the Bible with his relatives. After Vatican II, she began to play guitar in Mass. Sister Elliott first thought about becoming a sister in the second grade, but she didn’t start seriously considering religious life until college. When she was at Wright State University she befriended a group of sisters, and, after attending a discernment weekend, she realized her calling to religious life. “I ended up talking to my boyfriend, who was not Catholic. He said, ‘Karen, you will really be good at that,’ which made me cry – it still chokes me up today. He didn’t talk about his own ego or what it meant for him. He really encouraged me, which I think was a grace-filled moment.”

You don’t enter religious life because it makes sense. You feel a calling... God finds a way to change your mind and heart.

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Her family was supportive as well. But when she told her uncle about her decision, he pointed out the irony that the only person in the family with a college education was going to take a vow of poverty. “It doesn’t make sense,” she said. “But, you don’t enter religious life because it makes sense. You feel a calling. If you really pray and think about things, God finds a way to change your mind and heart.” In her 40 years as a Sister of the Precious Blood, Sister Elliott has ministered all over Ohio.

During her first ministry in Findlay, she started Hope House, a ministry for homeless women and children. At that point, the other sisters in the convent had moved on to other ministries, so Sister Elliott launched the shelter in the empty convent.

s bu s m lu bu Co lum bus f o o ts of C olum bus h ig s s m C Kn ight s of Colu mbu s o i t n Thirty years later, Hope House is a thriving non-profit, u u f Oh io K nigh ts o Col umb us s ministering to the homeless people of Findlay and providing f bu s Oh io K nigh ts o Col umb us homeless prevention and housing to the community. m u l bu s Oh io K nigh ts of Col mb us o m f C olu bu Oh o K igh s of Colu mb s o i s t m n After Findlay, she went to Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish in u u C hts of olu mbu s Oh io K nigh ts of Col mb s g i Shelby, OH, and earned a doctorate degree in ministry with a h n hts f C lu bu K gh of Colu mhbiuo s focus on scripture from Barry University in Florida. She then K nig ts o f Co um us O hio Kni hts f luO u K igh s o ol mb s O io nig ts o f Co lumb u took a position Mercy College in Toledo. o C i h t n u h u Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K nig hts o f Co lumb K f o Co mb l h h While at Mercy, she chaired the Religious Studies departmentO io K nig ts o f Co umb us O hio Knig hts u l h h gs ts of Col m and worked as a professor. She started a program where O io K nig ts o f Co umb us O hio Knbiu u f l h h guhs ts o Col i m students would travel to Guatemala to serve children with O io K nig ts o f Co umb us O hio n u f l lu b h Oh io K nigh ts o Col umb us fOCohioluKm nbigushts o f Co severe physical and mental disabilities at a long term care o OCo o Km ig s s o Co Oh io K nigh ts of Col umhbts u facility called Santo Hermano Pedro. s f hi lu nbu ht f f Oh io K nigh ts o Conl igumhbts uos fOCohioluKm nbigushts o f C K Oh io K nigh ts hoifo CKonl igumhbts uos fOCohioluKm nbigushts o She recalled a story of a young man who, after a day of f h h O K gs ts hoio Conl ig mhbts uos fOCohioluKm nbigus O io niu interacting with the children, was angry with God and f K lu o o K h b O iouK wondering why He lets people live in suffering. After m niguhs Ots hoiof CKonilgumhbts usofOC hoiolum bus l h b h g O O o K g s hoio CKoni umhbts us fOC lum bus returning from Guatemala, the student gave his presentation f COhoiolumKnbi ugshtO f o lg o o about his time at Santo Hermano Pedro. C hiolum ni us ts hoiof CKonilumhbts of C olum bus s t f h o o K b h Os oio Conig ts f C lum us h f K nig hts ofOC hoiolumKnbigushtO h b o K “He shared the story of his anger. And then, he couldn’t talk ig ts fOC ioum nigus ts hoio Knig hts f Co lum bus n o l o h and started crying. He said, ‘God let them live to show me io K nigh ts o OCo iouK mbniguhs O hio Knig hts of C lum bu f l h h h b g O K K o i o O io nig*regulartdues OC ioum us hio Kn hts f Co lum b the importance of the human person. If that’s all we ever did, s are f$30/year h h K o O io nig ts OChol umb us O hio nig hts o f Co lum it was worth it.’” Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K nig hts o f Co lum K ig s o f l h o Though that happened in 2005, Sister Elliot cries every time O io K nigh ts o Co umb us O hio n ht of C lum K f l h h b g O K O io nig ts o Co um us hio ni hts f Co lu she tells the story. Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K nig hts o f Co Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K nig hts o f Co Currently, Sister Elliott is in her fourth year as director Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K nig hts o of Mission Integration at Mount St. Joseph University in Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K nig Cincinnati. She says that the enthusiasm of her students is Oh io K nigh ts of Col umb us O hio K inspiring. f l b sO Oh io K n“Christmas igh ts o f Co in mBethlehem” u u l h h K O io nig ts o Co umb “I see a real desire to grow in faith. There’s an openness to 6th, 2020 K igh sDecember of Col other people. I don’t agree that the Church is dying.” Oh ioSunday, t n f h h o - 8 PM PM O io K nig 4 ts h Just recently, someone asked Sister Elliott to choose her favorite g Oh io KSee Mary arrive in Bethlehem ni h K ministry. She couldn’t. “I love them all. I’m just blessed by the true meaning of Christmas OExperience io h every single place I’ve been. Sharing the faith with people is O “We rented the convent for a dollar a year. It was a miracle. It honestly was of God. Everything just came into place, everything we needed. The generosity of the people of Findlay continues to inspire me.”

absolutely inspiring. I’d like to say that I give everything to them, but they give everything to me.”

View a full list of this year’s religious jubilarians at thecatholictelegraph.com

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During the 1849 cholera epidemic that killed thousands in Cincinnati alone, parishioners of what is now Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cassella gathered in their log church and prayed to St. Sebastian for relief – and no one from the parish died.

1847 Parish founded; served by Precious Blood priests 1858 Construction began on current church 1862 Church dedicated 1888 Major fire destroyed much of the building 1904 Rectory added after the Archdiocese of Cincinnati required all churches with a pastor have one

Maria-Kapelle (Maria Chapel) is the name of the original log church, directly west of the current building.

1914 The back of the church collapsed when the bells tolled following a morning of heavy rain, which weakened a basement being dug beneath it

Cassella was the official name given the town by the U.S. Post Office – perhaps a guess at seeing “Kapelle” written by hand with the tall loops of German script. The square tower was added after St. Aloysius was built in Carthagena; similar towers built led to the area’s nickname, “Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches.” 1 ceiling painting Prolific local liturgical painter Father Paulinus Trost, C.PP.S., painted the large ceiling canvas. 2 children’s pews Men and women sat on opposite sides of the church, apart from their children. Two of the original shorter, shallower “children’s pews” remain at the front of the church. 1 4 | T H E C A THOLIC TELE GR A PH

1915 Exterior brick damaged by the 1888 fire covered with stucco

September 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Missionaries of the Precious Blood Archbishop Purcell invited Father Francis de Sales Brunner, a Swiss member of this confraternity of priests formed to re-catechize Catholics in Europe, to serve local German-speaking Catholics. He came in 1843 with seven brothers and seven sisters of a women’s community started by his mother, Maria Anna Brunner. They established parishes and schools throughout the region. Written by Gail Finke Illustrated by Emma Cassani

1977 Church and rectory recognized on the Ohio Historic Inventory 1979 Church and rectory recognized on the National Register of Historic Places along with more than 30 other Precious Blood properties in the area

S E I Z E TH E M OM E N T

OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SAINTHOOD I recently made the decision to sell a series of books by Hans Urs von Balthasar. They had always been treasures of mine but, at 16 volumes, I knew I would never get around to reading them. It’s impossible to buy them as a set anymore, and their rarity tempted me to keep them, but a friend of mine is a devoted student of Balthasar’s work, and I knew that these books would be better off in his hands than on my shelf, collecting dust.

who looked like any other teenager, it dawned on me: His PlayStation is a second-class relic now. His computer keyboard, his soccer ball, his book bag for school – they’re all second-class relics now! His extraordinary life made his ordinary stuff not ordinary anymore. Now these things are sacramentals with the power to open your heart and predispose it to receive the grace of Jesus. That’s the power of a life well lived.

I expected him to be excited to receive my box of treasure, but his joyful response still caught me off guard. “You know what I’m doing, right?” he said. “I’m stocking up on those Nicholas Hardesty second-class relics!”

WHY NOT NOW?

I laughed it off, but inside, his words rattled me. Secondclass relics? These dusty things? My stuff? “Maybe someday,” I thought, and then I let that radical idea drift away. In fact, I didn’t think about it anymore until a few days ago, when I read about the recent beatification of Carlo Acutis. THE SAINTLY MILLENNIAL FROM MILAN

Carlo Acutis was a Millennial who grew up in Milan, Italy. He loved the Eucharist from a very early age, and it panged him greatly whenever his friends would sin. He stood up for disabled kids whenever they were being bullied. He comforted and befriended classmates whose parents were going through a divorce. He once used all the money in his pocket to buy a sleeping bag for a homeless person. He went to Confession every week and Mass every day. He died from leukemia on Oct.12, 2006. He was only 15, but in that short time he established himself as both a great person of faith and a teenager firmly rooted in his day and age. He loved the internet, video games and soccer. He created videos of himself with his dog and uploaded them to YouTube. He taught himself computer programming, and he created a website that cataloged Eucharistic miracles from all over the world. As I read about his life and looked at photos of this teenager

Now, as a I think and pray about this modern-day saint with his modern-day hobbies, my heart is opened to the possibility that sainthood doesn’t have to come “someday” for me. It can come here and now, in my own modern-day life. Keep in mind, this dynamo was born in 1991! I was born before Carlo Acutis! If he were alive today, he would be 29. If he can be a saint – in the “Age of the Internet,” from the Millennial generation that we are all too quick to write off and declare hopeless – then certainly there’s hope for me. There’s hope for all of us. Acutis once wrote in his journal (a second-class relic!): “Sadness is looking at oneself, happiness is looking at God. Conversion is nothing but a movement of the eyes.” Like Carlo Acutis, let’s set our eyes on Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. Let’s take our hobbies and turn them towards the good. Let’s love and defend those in need. Let’s fashion hearts repulsed by sin. Carlo’s life is a challenge to us to seize the ordinary moments, encounters, conversations and, yes, even things, of our lives and make them extraordinary. I’m convinced now more than ever that’s something I can do. And if my friend is smart, he’ll hold on to those books. NICHOLAS HARDESTY

is the Associate Director of Adult Evangelization and RCIA for the Center for the New Evangelization, an archdiocesan initiative that empowers parishes and schools to equip the laity for missionary discipleship. nhardesty@catholicaoc.org. S E IZ E T H E M OM E N T / D E C E MB E R 2020 | 15

A C L OS E R L OOK

FRATELLI TUTTI, SOLIDARITY AND INCARNATIONAL EMPATHY On Oct. 3, Pope Francis promulgated the third encyclical of his pontificate, Fratelli Tutti, signed at the tomb of St. Francis on the vigil of the saint’s feast day. The Holy Father takes his title – “All Brothers” – from St. Francis’ Admonitions, a short series of spiritual exhortations to enter more deeply into discipleship and obedience to the Lord. In doing so, Pope Francis continues his program of emphasizing the Church’s social doctrine as an indispensable aspect of Catholic moral theology and solidarity as the specific social doctrine that commands our deeper obedience to the entirety of the Gospel. SOLIDARITY

While dignity is usually (and properly) considered the first and foundational of the four principles of Catholic social thought, solidarity is the most concrete. It is the principle that most often arises in consideration of our public moral choices. Solidarity is the most cohesive of the doctrines, consolidating dignity, subsidiarity, and common good in moral decision-making. Solidarity is the form of human community, the basis of civic life, and the foundation of authentic friendship – and it is the overarching theme of Fratelli Tutti. Solidarity, explains Pope Francis, “finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms in an effort to care for others,” especially in care “for the vulnerable members of our families [and] society.” People practice solidarity when they “set aside their own wishes and desires, 1 6 | T H E C A THOLIC TELE GR A PH

their pursuit of power, before the concrete gaze of those who are most vulnerable.” This is a call for us to move beyond superficial expressions of sympathy with the most vulnerable, and to learn to practice the virtue of empathy. Sympathy is the distant, even indifferent, expression of sorrow or regret for the misfortune of another. It does not require moral investment from the one who expresses it. Empathy, on the other hand, is to enter into and share the suffering of the other. We express empathy when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to suffering with the sufferer, not merely expressing our distress at her suffering, but participating in it. Solidarity is the doctrine that accounts for the one image of God in which we all participate. It tells us that we belong to one another. As such, solidarity is the virtue by which we learn and practice empathy. THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Pope Francis illustrates these points by a lengthy consideration of the parable of the Good Samaritan, introduced by Cain’s defiant assertion that he is not his brother’s keeper. As the Pope explains the story, the Samaritan, who did not know the injured man, “saw him deserving of his time and attention.” As such, the Samaritan teaches us that “the existence of each and every individual is deeply tied to that of others.” And the Holy Father reminds us that Jesus told the parable in response to two inseparable

Or the stranger in the ditch might be the immigrant or refugee, having fled persecution, poverty or oppression, but vulnerable, frightened, and overwhelmed by a country that is new and a language she does not understand. Or perhaps the stranger is the prisoner on death row, living each day with the fear of Solidarity is the his imminent death at the hands of an uncaring government. doctrine that

questions: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” and “Who is my neighbor?” The answer to the second question is not the person with whom you are already acquainted, or the one who can reciprocate your generosity. Rather, the neighbor is the stranger in the ditch, wounded, vulnerable, helpless and unable to give anything in return for the charity he needs. And we cannot separate eternal life from joining in the suffering of that person – practicing the virtue of empathy as an expression of solidarity.

accounts for the one image of God in which we all participate. It tells us that we belong to one another.

Applied to our moral lives, solidarity with the wounded man may take many forms. He might be an unborn child, unwanted by his mother, but no less participating in the image of God, and thus as worthy of life and love as we are. Or she might be that child’s mother, poor, scared, desperate and confused, and, thus, in need of comfort and care rather than judgment and condemnation. Solidarity calls us to empathize with both, unequivocally identifying with the unborn child and joining the psychological and spiritual struggle of the mother.

In each of these cases, Fratelli Tutti challenges us to overcome the walls that divide us, whether literal or metaphorical, to obey the call of solidarity, and to participate in the suffering of the preborn child, the mother, the immigrant, and the prisoner. It is the call to make a radical declaration that, yes, contra Cain, we are our brothers’ keepers, and to order our moral, civic, and political lives accordingly. DR. KENNETH CRAYCRAFT

is an attorney and the James J. Gardner Family Chair of Moral Theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology. He holds a Ph.D. in moral theology from Boston College, and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

Be Not Afraid! Open up, no; swing wide the gates to Christ! - St. John Paul II, Pope

As we open wide our doors to Christ, we invite you to come experience the great treasures in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius while on retreat at the Jesuit Spiritual Center. Visit our website at jesuitspiritualcenter.com or call Mary Ellen at 513.248.3500 The Jesuit Spiritual Center offers Catholic retreat experiences modeled on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

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St. Juan Diego is the first saint native to the Americas. He was born in Mexico and grew up in the Aztec religion. When he met a group of Franciscan missionaries, he decided to become a follower of Christ and was baptized along with his wife. Juan was very committed to his new life as a Christian.

St. Juan Diego

One morning, on his way to Mass, Mary appeared to Juan dressed like an Aztec princess. She told him go to the city’s bishop and ask him to build a chapel in the place where she appeared. When Juan told the bishop, he responded that he would need a sign in order to believe Juan. Several days later, Mary appeared to Juan again. This time, she instructed him to gather some roses. Even though it was winter, Juan found roses in bloom and filled his cloak with them. When he returned to the bishop, Juan opened his cloak, letting the flowers spill onto the ground. To his surprise, an image of the Virgin Mary was revealed imprinted upon his cloak. News of this miracle spread quickly, and many of the native population converted to Catholicism as a result. This apparition of Mary, known as “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” is a very popular devotion among Hispanic Catholics to this day. St. Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego in 2002, more than 470 years after the apparition.

Let not your heart be disturbed… Am I not here, who is your Mother? OUR LADY TO JUAN DIEGO

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APPARITION BISHOP CHAPEL GUADALUPE JUANDIEGO

MEXICO MIRACLE PRINCESS ROSES WINTER

CAT H OL IC AT H OM E

GIVING ADVENT ITS DUE Five years ago my husband, and I began to make concerted efforts toward celebrating Advent and waiting for the liturgical Christmas season to deck the halls and hang stockings with care. Truly waiting cultivated my sense of liturgical seasons, and on a superficial level, I found I wasn’t done by December 25 as with Christmases of yore. When it comes to celebrating Advent, we’ve discovered a more joyful Christmas when we wait with intention. Before we go into the benefits of giving each liturgical season its due, let’s cover some dates. Did you know that the Christmas Feast lasts until Epiphany (Jan. 6) and the Christmas season until the Baptism of the Lord (Jan.10)? Here, you’ll discover some perks of waiting it out. WE EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE WAIT THE WORLD ENDURED

From the fall in Genesis to the night Mary delivered her Son, the world held its breath awaiting a Savior, one who would bring love beyond comprehension. Our wait is brief, yet, in four weeks, we can meditate on how desperately humanity needed Christ. Now is the time to read a daily devotional during Advent, use a Jesse Tree to follow Christ’s lineage and play Advent music like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” YOUR HOME DECOR ECHOES CHURCH DECOR

Before we began celebrating Advent with intentionality, our home was Christmas-ready right after Thanksgiving. The tree up and decked, every inch of the house smothered in wreaths and a full nativity scene on the mantle; but then we’d walk into our parish each Sunday of Advent and see modest decor of purple and pink – colors of preparation and waiting. To me, this was an indication that perhaps I should rethink some aspects of our celebrations. So we don our evergreen wreaths

with purple and pink ribbons, light our Advent wreath nightly, and keep the Christmas decor stored until Christmas Eve. IT BUILDS OUR ANTICIPATION FOR CHRISTMAS

Our family’s collective giddiness seems to peak just before Christmas Eve Mass. In church we sing carols, enjoying the huge nativity scene on display. Because we spend the weeks leading up to Christmas reading the Old Testament, hearing the story of the Birth of Christ is thrilling. The sensation is so joyful that every year I feel deeply humbled and grateful for the Incarnation. IT CAN RELIEVE SOME OF THE PRESSURE

There’s often a sense of panic during December – cooking, shopping, shipping and parties! One year, I decided to make eggnog, a big egg casserole for Christmas morning and slowcooker hot chocolate for my family to enjoy all day, and I still had to finish my Christmas cards. Feeling the self-imposed pressure for perfection on Christmas Day, I remembered the whole feast is 12 days long! So breathe easy. Feel free to send Christmas cards well after the New Year, and scatter your family’s favorite traditions and dishes across the season to extend your celebration! Part of the gift in the tradition or festive meal can be the peace with which it’s presented. I encourage you to add to this list of benefits by celebrating Advent and giving the time of preparation soulful attention. It yields a joyful Christmas season and deeper understanding of the miracle of Christ’s birth. KATIE SCIBA

is a national speaker and Catholic Press Awardwinning columnist. Katie and her husband, Andrew, have been married for 11 years and are blessed with six children. C AT H OL IC AT H OM E / D E C E M B E R 2020 | 19

TI M NEA L E IG H

North Star’s Traveling St. Nick B Y S U S IE BE R G M AN

“The most important thing I want to share is that I do not have an agenda. I am not out to get rid of Santa Claus!” Tim Nealeigh is a humorous and delightful man on a historically important mission. That mission spans decades of his life, yet it came to him out of communal necessity rather than his own plan or desire. Many years ago, when he was Drama Director at Tri-Village High School in Darke County, the principal approached him with a unique request. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville was hosting a St. Nicholas event and the beloved bishop’s costume had not arrived in time. “They wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help with the missing costume,” recalled Nealeigh, “so I pulled some pieces together and ended up portraying St. Nicholas for their event. That’s really where it all started.” Nealeigh, who has worked in education for nearly 40 years, is also a professional actor, choir director, historian and avid collector of nativities, advent calendars, rosaries and chaplets. He and his wife, Katheleen, who is also an educator, shares a passion for all things Christmas and St. Nicholas. They reside in Greenville in a century-old home filled with antiques and unique memorabilia from their worldly travels. After his first portrayal as the generous Bishop from Myra, he immersed himself in research to improve his performance. He models his costume after the garments the western bishops would have worn at that time and even includes an olive-wood crucifix from Jerusalem. News of his historically accurate depiction spread and he soon began averaging seven to eight appearances each year during December throughout the Cincinnati of Archdiocese and Columbus. “It’s important for children, and even adults, to understand that, long before there was a jolly old man named Santa Claus who delivered gifts to good children on Christmas Day, there was a bishop named Nicholas who was admired for his piety and kindness,” said Nealeigh. Although most of his appearances are designed for children, Tim and Katheleen performed a light-hearted show for adults entitled “Yes, Virginia, there is a St. Nicholas!” at the Maria Stein Shrine last year. When he is performing for children, he does not mention Santa Claus so as not to confuse them. Children, of course, are very curious and often ask him if he really is Santa Claus, to which he replies, “I tell them that Santa Claus is my modern name and I that I look different because I come from a different time.” 2 0 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

He then relates this to seeing old photographs of their grandparents. The clothes and hair likely appear different, because fashions evolve through the ages, just as they have for Bishop Nicholas. “I approach it this way: not to dispel the magic and mystique of Santa Claus, but also to highlight the modern evolution of St. Nicholas.” Nealeigh further emphasizes the connection by explaining the evolution of his name. “The name Santa Claus evolved from the Dutch nickname for St. Nicholas – Sinterklaas. It was a mispronunciation that led to Santa Claus,” he said. The spirit and ministry of St. Nicholas lives on through him and continues to inspire his mission.

It’s important for children, and even adults to understand that, long before there was a jolly old man named Santa Claus... there was a bishop named Nicholas. “Every year I purchase 40 pounds of [chocolate] gold coins. If there are any left over, I take them to St. Louis Church, where I am the choir director, and distribute them on Epiphany because one of the three kings brought gold. Besides, I can’t eat all that chocolate by myself!” he said. Just a few miles away from his parish in North Star resides St. Nicholas Church in Osgood. When Nealeigh started his mission, he began collecting small statues of the saint. His collection peaked at 105 pieces, some of them commission by artists he met throughout the years, and he began displaying them at various locations in the area. Eventually, he offered the collection to St. Nicholas Church, and they accepted. The church displays parts of the collection, rotating pieces in and out, for all to enjoy.

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Stations of the Infant Jesus BY D OM IN IC K AL BAN O

What do you think Jesus’ laugh sounded like? Do you think he snorted or giggled? Was it a hearty guffaw or a milder chuckle? What would it be like to hear Jesus when he was only three- or four-years-old, laughing as St. Joseph played with him? These kinds of reflections are exactly what you’ll find when you pray through the Stations of the Infant Jesus. You may have prayed the Stations of the Cross during Lent. The Stations of the Infant Jesus, originally promulgated by St. Alphonsus Liguori, are similar, except they focus on the incarnation, birth and infancy of Jesus. These stations are an incredible way to step back, slow down and pray through the simple and intimate moments of the child Jesus. Here are the 12 Stations of the Infant Jesus, adapted from St. Alphonsus Liguori’s original list: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Jesus is incarnate Jesus is born Mary feeds Jesus Jesus is wrapped in swaddling clothes Jesus is adored by the Magi Jesus is presented in the Temple Jesus flees into Egypt Jesus cries Jesus is carried by his Mother Jesus plays with St. Joseph Jesus learns to walk Jesus sleeps

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We don’t learn much about Jesus’ early life from scripture. We know about the presentation in the temple, fleeing to Egypt, being discovered in His father’s house when he was around 12 – but scripture doesn’t talk much about His daily life. These moments are like the treasured things that Mary “kept in the silence of her heart” (Luke 2:19). Within the Stations of the Infant Jesus, we are invited to step into this unknown time in the life of Christ. God came to us as an infant – tiny, vulnerable and needy. He came in the least threatening way possible. He became small and came close. Advent is a time to embrace that closeness. You and your family can use these Stations to do just that. Take an hour, spending five minutes on each Station. Speak together about each moment, imagining what happened. Or pray one station per night for 12 nights. Perhaps pick your favorites and talk to God about that moment in His life, and share with Him the special moments in your own life. To help you in your prayer, we have created printable Stations of the Infant Jesus. You can access them by visiting thecatholictelegraph.com/ advent-guide and downloading “The Ultimate Guide to Advent.” The Stations are also a great activity for the family. Let the kids color the Stations, then hang them up around your home. Advent is an incredible time to step back and be simple. Cuddle with your children and read a Bible story. Make a warm meal on a cold night and share everything you are thankful for. Talk with your spouse about your best memories from the past year. We hope these Stations will be an opportunity for you to get close, slow down and get to know Jesus this Advent.

Christmas is a time of hope Be the hope for a family in need this Christmas.

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Visit SVDPcincinnati.org/donate.

“Blessed, therefore, are the open hands that embrace the poor and help them: They are hands that bring hope.” – Pope Francis T H E C AT H OL IC T E L E G R A PH | 23

ADVENT FEAST DAYS BY K AT IE S C IBA

Advent is chock full of feast days. Learn from these saints and imitate their love for Jesus as we await the Feast of His Nativity.

St. Andrew Nov. 30

The scriptural stories of St. Andrew the Apostle are compelling. He was the first to tell his brother St. Peter about Jesus. Fishing alongside Peter, the two abandoned their work when Christ beckoned them to be “fishers of men.” Later, when Jesus chose His 12 disciples, Andrew was the first He called. In scripture, Andrew’s responses are immediate, indicating his confidence and trust in the Lord.

How can we celebrate?

Have fish for dinner tonight whether it be a lovely salmon steak or fish sticks if you want to keep it simple. Recall occasions when you felt moved to follow Jesus and left behind a way of thinking or behaving to do so. Share these occasions with your family. Ask for St. Andrew’s intercession, that you may see more clearly what you need to leave behind in order to become a disciple.

St. Nicholas Dec. 6

Depicted as a rotund, jolly gift-giver in secular art, St. Nicholas would stun modern society with his boldness. His secret gift-giving was less charming than heroic when he saved three young women from prostitution by dropping gold coins into their home, providing dowries for marriage. He left gold coins in people’s shoes and he also gave to families in need, leaving money in stockings hung to dry and warm by the fire.

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How can we celebrate?

A sweet tradition is to leave candy in children’s shoes the night before the feast of St. Nicholas. Chocolate coins are the perfect treat. St. Nicholas gave out of love for God, so maybe use this day for more radical generosity. Create a care package of a blanket, socks and toiletries to give to a homeless person; offer a financial gift to someone you know needs help. Ask the intercession of St. Nicholas for your increased generosity of spirit, then give without counting the cost.

Immaculate Conception Dec. 8

It is impossible to overstate the profundity of this feast day. The Marian dogma of the Immaculate Conception holds that Mary was free from original sin from the moment she was conceived, making her a flawless vessel for the Incarnation. There was great controversy among the Christian world as authorities of various faiths doubted or disputed Mary’s sinlessness, yet the Church remained firm. In 1858, Mary affirmed the truth herself in an apparition to St. Bernadette Soubirous, “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

How can we celebrate?

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is typically a Holy Day of Obligation. During the dispensation, attend Mass in person if you can, or participate online. Make a spiritual Communion and pray the Rosary with your family. Use white household objects during the day – white candles,

plates, clothing, etc., to commemorate Mary’s sinlessness. Ask for her intercession for your own repentance and purity of heart.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12

This precious apparition in Mexico conveys the tender motherhood Mary has for us. Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near present day Mexico City. In a moment of concern about his ill uncle, Mary spoke lovingly, “Am I not here, I, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?[…]Let nothing else worry you, disturb you.” St. Juan Diego went to his bishop to delivery Our Lady’s request that a chapel be built on Tepeyac. When the bishop required proof, Mary arranged miraculously grown roses in Juan Diego’s tilma. When he showed the roses to his bishop, the image we know as Our Lady of Guadalupe shone to all in the room.

How can we celebrate?

What Mary desires most is our closeness to Jesus. Attend Mass online or in-person. Pray the Rosary to reflect on Christ’s life with Mary, turning to her as your own mother. Turn on the old St. Juan Diego cartoon on Formed.org and

let your children enjoy. Prepare your favorite Mexican dish.

St. Lucy Dec. 13

St. Lucy was sentenced to death as a young girl when she refused to marry because she had vowed to remain a virgin. Initial attempts to kill her were thwarted. When guards came to take her away, they could not move her. Attempts to burn her also failed. They eventually killed her by decapitation.

How can we celebrate?

Throughout the world, we celebrate Saint Lucia’s Day on Dec. 13. Her name means light, and you can have your own celebration at home with candles, or by lighting a fire for warmth. Create special St. Lucy’s donut crowns with your family (see page 26 of this issue for inspiration). She is the patroness of the blind, so pray with your family for the disabled on her feast day. The feast days during Advent all point to the glory of Christ’s birth and presence on Earth. Whether your celebrations are modest or significant, turn to these saints as examples for how to draw closer to and imitate Jesus.

Prayer Virgin of Guadalupe, Patroness of unborn children, we implore your intercession for every child at risk of abortion. Help expectant parents to welcome from God the priceless gift of their child’s life. Console parents who have lost that gift through abortion, and lead them to forgiveness and healing through the Divine Mercy of your Son. Teach us to cherish and to care for family and friends until God calls them home. Help us never to see others as burdens. Guide our public officials to defend each and every human life through just laws. Inspire us all to bring our faith into public life, to speak for those who have no voice. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Love and Mercy itself. Amen. from the 2010 Respect Life Liturgy Guide, USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.

Clip out and save this prayer card OR download and print copies from www.thecatholictelegraph.com

Our Lady of Guadalupe

AD V E N T & C H RIS T M AS / D E C E MB E R 2020 | 25

2 6 | T H E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

Brother Tim Sucher, OFM, sets up his extensive nativity and Christmas collection in Moerlein Brewery each year.

A Franciscan Christmas in Over-the-Rhine Brother Tim Sucher Showcases Nativity Collection at Moerlein Brewery BY BON N Y V AN

At age 3, Brother Tim Sucher, OFM, of St. Francis Seraph Church in Cincinnati, and his older brother saved their pennies to buy their first nativity scene – one “just like Granny’s” – to add to their family’s Christmas decorations. Now, decades later, that same nativity scene is part of Brother Sucher’s massive collection of nativity scenes and Christmas decorations that will be on display from Nov. 27 - Jan. 1 at Christian Moerlein Brewery, located at 1621 Moore Street in downtown Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. With a distinctive voice and easy laugh, Brother Sucher personifies all that is the joy of the holidays, but he is quick to give credit where it’s due: his dad. According to Brother Sucher, his father grew up with a “horrible” alcoholic father, and family life became more turbulent at Christmas time. Determined to create a different experience for his

own family, Brother Sucher said his father made sure Christmas was not only special, but spectacular. “My mother, who worked at a bank, showed him that you could have a Christmas Club [account],” he said. “And so, because he had all this money at Christmas time, he felt like he was a millionaire and kind of went just hog wild.” In December 1956, with his mother in the hospital, Brother Sucher and his brother spent Christmas with their maternal grandmother. It was her large nativity scene with its 12-inch figures that struck a chord with the young boys. “I don’t know how much my parents added to [our money], but my mother kept the receipt for that; it was $28,” said Brother Sucher.

AD V E N T & C H RIS T M AS / D E C E MB E R 2020 | 27

Over time, through travels of his own or others, plus donations of nativities and Christmas village pieces, Brother Sucher has amassed a collection so large it takes a crew of volunteers more than six weeks to unpack and set up. He estimates he has 60 nativities from around the world. One of the most prominent ones was created by Fontanini, an Italian company that has been making nativities for more than 110 years. The set contains 75 pieces. “Everybody in Bethlehem is there, along with buildings and fruit stands and the kings’ tents and all that,” he explained. “It has its own nook because it takes up a lot of space, but it is pretty awesome. This is the type of set you don’t buy all at one time. Every year they come out with different pieces, so, over many years, you keep adding to the scene.”

Brother Sucher has amassed a collection so large it takes a crew of volunteers more than six weeks to unpack and set up.

Another must-see, according to Brother Sucher, is the Lladrò set. The company, based in Spain, makes pricey porcelain pieces that are collectors’ items. Also on display will be a collection of Santa Clauses, train sets and a replica of a living room, complete with a fireplace, Christmas tree and seating for weary guests.

2 8 | TH E C A THOLIC TELE GR A P H

“We [also] have, what I say, it’s not a village anymore, it’s not a city, it’s a Dickens’ Greater Metropolitan Area,” joked Brother Sucher. “Since we’ve been at Moerlein [Brewery], people have said, ‘Oh, we have that same Dickens’ Village and we’re not going to use it anymore, would you like the pieces that I have?’ So it’s become bigger, not because of my going out and buying things, but because of people donating to the collection.” Brother Sucher pointed out that there is a “Franciscan aspect” to this event. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene in 1223 in a cave, featuring straw and live animals, in order to “bring people around to the incarnation.” “For St. Francis of Assissi, the incarnation was at the heart of his faith; the fact that God became a human being was central to him,” he explained.

“My mother said to me one time, ‘You know, what’s interesting about this is how everybody looks at this a little bit differently, yet it’s the same story.’ ” If the collection of crèches and Christmas villages don’t get you in the Christmas spirit, then how about a manger

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“A sheep gave birth on a Sunday afternoon,” said Brother Sucher. “There were people there at the scene, and when she [the ewe] finally dropped him, everybody applauded!” Creating joy for others is at the heart of this labor of love for Brother Sucher. He sees it as a way to build relationships with others “because that’s what God did with us.” “He entered into a relationship with us by becoming one of us,” he said. “So I think, as followers of Jesus, we have to do the same thing. We need to enter into relationships with people. Not bang them over the head, not judge them, not convert them, necessarily, but we need to be in relationships with people. And you don’t do that behind four walls.” jaimestreeservice.com • treeserviceoh@gmail.com • 513.372.5194

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C ELE BRATING ST. L U C Y

BY WAYNE & M A R I A N N E T O PP

Tip-Toe Twinkle, the name of our Elf on the Shelf, arrived in our house by surprise one December day a few years ago. For the remainder of the month, he would occasionally cause mischief about the house while we parents grumbled about the mess left behind. However, the next year, when Tip-Toe Twinkle showed back up toward the beginning of the month, he began reminding us of different ways to celebrate Advent. He drew wreaths with Advent candles on our mirrors; he colored Jesse Tree ornaments, and he would often simply hang out with the characters of the nativity scene. One day, he found the story of St. Lucy in a children’s book and we woke up to a celebration that taught us all about this great young saint, whom we quickly grew to love.

30 |

Lucy, whose name means light, was a young girl martyred in the early 4th Century. She had privately consecrated herself to Jesus and made a vow to love only Him. The man who was to marry her, however, did not appreciate this vow and turned her over to the governor of the Syracuse region. He had Lucy killed for being a Christian. At some point before her death, Lucy’s eyes were gouged out. However, when she was buried, her eyes were miraculously returned. She is now commonly depicted holding a palm branch and a golden platter holding her eyes.

In the Swedish tradition, families honor Lucy’s purity, martyrdom, constant devotion and her very name in a very beautiful way. On the morning of her feast day, the eldest daughter of the family wears a white dress (purity) with a red sash (martyrdom) and an evergreen crown (constant devotion) with candles on her head (Lucy means light). Then she goes from room to room with a plate of saffron buns, the color of the sun, visiting all the members of the family with coffee or tea. The aim is to deliver not only delicious breakfast rolls and coffee, but to come bearing light to those in darkness. In our house, while we love baking and the idea of our daughter wearing a crown of lit (battery-powered) candles walking through the house on a cold dark December morning, our Elf on the Shelf decided to do a little improvisation for our first Feast of St. Lucy. He made a delicious, edible wreath with a donut, some icing, a few pretzels and some white chocolate! Of course, when we woke up, we added the coffee. In the end, St. Lucy’s feast day and her story of courage and constancy in the face of torture and death have become a great addition to our year of Making Catholic Memories. We pray that during these dark days of winter we can all remember and rely on the light of Christ as He comes anew into the world.

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NATIVITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE University of Dayton’s Marian Library Houses More than 3,600 Nativity Sets BY KARY ELLEN BERGER

The collection of crèches the University of Dayton (UD) holds is a sight like no other. The university’s Marian Library houses more than 3,600 displays from more than 100 countries.

A selection from UD’s nativity collection: A Cajun Nativity, by, Lorraine P. Gendron: From the Acadian Evangeline reenacting Mary, to the Watermelon Angel and the Jazzman playing Wiseman, this nativity is a touching blend of Nova Scotia and Louisiana, a cultural mix of North and South.

“The Marian Library was founded by the Society of Mary in 1943 and includes books, archival collections such as photographs and scrapbooks, as well as artwork,” said Sarah Burke Cahalan, an associate professor and the director of the Marian Library, and Jillian Ewalt, an associate professor and the librarian for visual resources at the Marian Library. “All of these materials support research on and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The library includes significant collections documenting popular devotion; the crèche tradition is one of the best-known, international examples of popular devotional practice.” The crèche collection began in 1994, and in 1997, University members began displaying pieces throughout the Marian Library. In 2007, the collection grew by more than 2,000 pieces when the library received a donation of nativities from the Elisabeth Van MullekomCserep crèche collection in Australia. “Our collection is really special because it includes examples from around the world, in a huge variety of artistic styles and materials,” explained Cahalan and Ewalt. “It demonstrates the universality of the Christmas story. It is also special because it reflects the Catholic and Marianist identity of the University of Dayton.” “UD has a diverse and international student body, and not everyone is familiar with Christian traditions or the Christmas story,”

3 2 | TH E C ATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

Cahalan and Ewalt continued. “The crèche collection is a joyful way of introducing people to that story, which is obviously foundational to Christianity, but is also a beautiful story that anyone can enjoy. The nativity sets show a wide variety of artistic approaches to the same story. Some of them are colorful, even playful, so a gallery full of them can be a very welcoming space.” Cahalan and Ewalt reported that more than 5,000 visitors are welcomed each year to view the displays at the library. Most years, UD also lends crèches across the campus and broader community, including to area Catholic parishes and high schools. However, because of COVID-19, UD has suspended the lending program and the annual display of crèches. “Even though the loaning of nativity sets is on hold, several hundred pieces of Marian artwork from the collection are displayed permanently and semi-permanently across the UD campus,” Cahalan and Ewalt said. Additionally, the Marian Library has reimagined how they will share the crèches this year. “One special feature will be the digital exhibit, ‘On Paper: Nativity Imagery from the Marian Library,’” shared Cahalan and Ewalt. “This exhibit will feature images of the birth of Christ from across the Marian Library’s collections, including rare books, holy cards, stamps, paper crèches and more. One highlight of this year’s digital exhibit will be crèches by Czech paper engineer, Vojtěch Kubašta.” A link to the special digital exhibit will be available on the university’s website in early December. All of UD’s crèches have been cataloged online, and can be found at ecommons.udayton.edu/imri_creches.

S H IN E ON

THE GIVER OF GIFTS Johnny had always wanted to help when his Uncle Mike dressed up as Santa and delivered gifts to kids in need before Christmas. His family collected gift lists from a local hospital or homeless shelter, then they’d get their neighbors or school families to donate gifts. And then, Uncle Mike would give the kids their favorite treat: a visit from Santa. This year Johnny was finally old enough to help. His mom made him a bright green and yellow felt costume complete with silver bells, brass clasps and large red buttons – the perfect outfit for one of Santa’s elves – and he was going to carry the gift bags for Santa. Their first stop was the orphanage. Johnny smiled from ear to ear as he watched the children’s faces beamed with joy when Santa came through the door. Their toothy grins and giggles as Santa called them by name and handed out special gifts filled Johnny just like he always thought it would. The children’s hospital and the homeless shelter were no different. Johnny couldn’t understand how his Uncle Mike had learned all the kids’ names, but the small detail made it that much more magical for the kids. Always a hand selected gift for each kid, always a hug from Santa, always a booming, “Merry Christmas” from the jolly old elf. As they left each stop, the volunteers or staff would hand over the children’s letters to Santa. After hours of laughing, smiling and lugging around heavy sacks of presents, Johnny’s back ached and his cheeks hurt. He sunk into Uncle Mike’s front seat as they drove home and sighed with satisfaction. They had given these children the Christmas of their dreams, and it felt good. “Hey Johnny, do you have those letters to Santa?” Uncle Mike asked. “Uh yeah, they’re back here.” Johnny reached and grabbed the bags from the back seat. “Why don’t you read a few,” Uncle Mike suggested. Johnny felt a rush of excitement as he pulled out a handful of folded pieces of paper and cut up construction paper. He

opened the first letter, and noted how the little girl wrote the “S” in Santa backwards and asked for a pony. “Go on,” Uncle Mike told him. Johnny opened letter after letter, reading them to Uncle Mike. Some asked for video games or dolls or board games. Some asked if Santa was real and how he got around the whole earth in one night. And then one letter made Johnny stop reading aloud. Dear Santa, it started. For Christmas this year, all I want is a mommy and a daddy. Love, Tierstyn. Johnny slowly read the letter and looked up at his Uncle Mike. Uncle Mike stared straight ahead at the road and simply said, “We can’t answer every Christmas wish.” Johnny kept reading. A few letters later he came across this one: Dear Santa, I don’t want any presents this year, I just want to be able to go outside again and not be so sick. If you can’t make that happen, could you at least make sure no one else gets sick like me? Love, Landon. Hot wet tears fell off Johnny’s nose. “I thought tonight was going to be about spreading joy,” he whispered to Uncle Mike. “I couldn’t wait to see all the smiling faces when we delivered the gifts.” “I know,” Uncle Mike told Johnny. “Sometimes playing Santa is about the gifts you can give, and sometimes it’s about being reminded there is only one true giver of gifts. And the only reason we are able to give anything at all is because we’ve already received so much.” “Without cost you have received. Without cost you are to give.” Matt. 10:8. May this Advent shine a light on all the good gifts God has given to you and all those you love. DOMINICK ALBANO

is the director of digital engagement for The Catholic Telegraph, as well as an author and national speaker. He and his wife have been married for 13 years and have four sons. S H IN E ON / D E C E M B E R 2020 | 33

Advent traditions A REFLECTIO N BY HARLIE GALLOWAY

Cheers and peals of laughter fill our home each year as my brother and I find tickets on our pillows… tickets to the “Galloway Express.” When our dad calls, “All aboard!” we race into the car, pajama-clad, arms full of buttery popcorn, blankets draped around our shoulders. Mom hops into the driver’s seat, hands us each our scavenger hunt list, punches our first initials into each ticket, and then we’re off! Remember the classic Christmas movie, The Polar Express? That’s where the inspiration for our annual Advent tradition comes from – except, in our case, we ride in an SUV (just a slight step down from a snowcovered, slightly-haunted, North Pole-bound train). We always set off with hot chocolate, a necessity if we’re following the movie. We also need our tickets to board – and learning our lesson from the film, we hold on tight, so as not to lose them out the window. And although we aren’t going to see Santa and his elves, we’re on a journey all the same: We’re embarking on a scavenger hunt to find the best Christmas lights and decorations in all of Cincinnati! Each year, we have a checklist of items to find on our late-night tour, including everything from poinsettias decked out in white lights, to Mickey Mouse with a Santa hat, to the three wise men. But while this is one of our favorite family traditions, there is also a deeper meaning behind the fun.

“Inspired by this scene, we can see that if we truly believe in Jesus, He will give us the means to keep our faith in Him… just maybe not in the way we expect.” 3 4 | T H E C A THOLIC TELE GR A PH

When Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, the Magi traveled to see Him – but no one told them the Messiah had come. The wise men saw the star God placed above the stable and knew. They had such faith in Him that they trekked for miles all the way to Bethlehem on camels, following the brightest star they had ever seen, trusting that it would lead them

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to the Messiah. Likewise, we drive around one night every December in our modern-day camels, admiring all the beautiful lights and decorations along the way. But, like the wise men, we know that at the end of our journey is THE light. On Christmas Day, the true Light of the World is born, outshining all of the lights of this world and replacing them with a Heavenly Light: Jesus. The manner in which the Magi found Jesus must have been such a shock. People had waited for centuries for the promised Messiah, and the wise men found Him as a baby, born of a virgin, lying in a manger. Similarly, on our scavenger hunt, one of our favorite decked-out houses to admire every year is hidden in the woods. Sometimes, the coolest lights are where we least expect them, just as the Son of God, the most amazing man to live, was born in a stable! Those three men so long ago had such faith that the star would lead them to the brightest light of all, even if not in the way they expected. In the same way, we have to have faith and believe that God sent His only son, born of a virgin in a stable, to save the world. This is where The Polar Express comes in. The main premise of the movie is a young boy who wanted more than anything to believe in Santa. So when he travels to the North Pole and receives the “first gift of Christmas” from the jolly old man himself because he truly believed, he doesn’t ask for video games or the newest-model skateboard. Instead, he asks for one of the bells from the reindeer’s harnesses, so he can always remember and have faith in Santa. Inspired by this scene, we can see that if we truly believe in Jesus, He will give us the means to keep our faith in Him… just maybe not in the way we expect. HARLIE GALLOWAY is a homeschooled sophomore who loves writing, music and theater. She lives in Anderson Township with her deacon dad, mom, younger brother, two dogs and two bunnies.

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A Saint in the Making Venerable Mother Rosario’s West Chester Family Inspired by Her Life & Path to Sainthood B Y E IL E E N C ON N E L L Y, OS U

A young woman from the Philippines who left behind wealth and privilege to follow God’s call for her is on the path to sainthood. Her great nephew, Dr. Chris Tuell, who lives in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, says the faith-filled example of Mother Rosario Arroyo continues to inspire the people of her home country and his own family. Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo was born on Feb. 17, 1884, in Molo, Philippines, the only daughter of Ignacio Arroyo and Maria Podal. Tuell recalls that while his great aunt’s family was affluent, Maria and her two brothers were taught from an early age to share what they had and serve others. Maria, especially, had

tremendous compassion for those in need, and, moved by the plight of the poor, she chose a life of poverty for herself, entering the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catalina of Siena in Manila in 1911. She professed vows on Jan. 3, 1914, taking the name Rosario de la Visitacion because of her devotion to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. With the assistance of two other nuns, she went on to found the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines in 1927, becoming Mother Rosario. Two years later, the congregation opened a charity school within their motherhouse compound. The Second World War brought fear and uncertainty to the growing community, and while family members and local clergy encouraged Mother Rosario to disband the sisters, she responded with faith and courage. They eventually evacuated, but kept to their regular observances of prayer and community life as much as possible. By 1944, the Japanese converted the motherhouse into their headquarters, compelling the sisters and orphans to take refuge at a church in Molo, Iloilo City. The motherhouse was eventually bombed. After the war, the congregation continued to grow, and Mother Rosario was elected its first Superior General in 1953. She went to her eternal rest on June 14, 1957, after experiencing heart failure, but her congregation kept alive desire to God’s will, love for the Church and commitment to service. Today, the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary run schools, colleges, retreat houses, a charitable institution and a clinic. In addition to their presence in the Philippines, the sisters also minister in the Mariana Islands, the Diocese of Ngong in Kenya, several Italian cities, and in the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Diocese of Hawaii. While Mother Rosario led her sisters through the trauma of

Dr. Chris Tuell of West Chester holds a photo of his great aunt, Venerable Mother Rosario. 3 6 | T H E CATHOLIC TE LEGR A P H

war, her great nephew’s story was just beginning. Dr. Tuell’s father, Hubert, was a GI, who took part in MacArthur’s Philippine Liberation. His mother, Mariquita, was a young Filipina from Iloilo City on the Island of Panay, home of Mother Rosario. After the war, the two began a five-year correspondence, before Hubert proposed in 1950. They had three children, Anne, William and Chris. Dr. Tuell, a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in West Chester, is married and the father of four and works as the clinical director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of HOPE.

having received chemotherapy or blood transfusions. On June 11, 2019, Pope Francis declared Mother Rosario to be a woman of “heroic virtue” and granted her the title Venerable. She will progress toward beautification if the miracles credited to her intercession are verified.

Mother Rosario reminds us of the importance of connecting with God and with one another, and how our shared Catholic faith and community can support and heal us through any storm.

Reports of miracles attributed to his great aunt were credible enough to begin her cause for canonization. Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, Philippines, initiated the process in July 2009, with the official opening occurring on Oct. 7 at St. Anne Church in Molo, Mother Rosario’s birthplace. Purported miracles due to Mother Rosario’s intercession include a Venezuelan nun who was cured of cancer and a woman with leukemia who was declared disease-free a year after her diagnosis without

Dr. Tuell spoke of the influence Mother Rosario’s example has had on him personally and professionally. “As a therapist who has worked in the field of mental illness for the past 36 years, I have witnessed how important it is to connect with one another,” he said.

He continued, “The life of Mother Rosario has reminded me of the importance of a shared community of faith. The patients I work with who experience issues of mental illness and/ or addiction, unfortunately withdraw and disconnect from others, especially from loved ones during times of struggle. ... Mother Rosario reminds us of the importance of connecting with God and with one another, and how our shared Catholic faith and community can support and heal us through any storm.”

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N E W S / D E C E M B E R 2020 | 37

Mount Notre Dame Cincinnati Catholic High School Celebrates 160 Years B Y M . D . PI TM A N

Mount Notre Dame High School (MND) enters this school year carrying on a 160-year “tradition of the quality education and growth,” it’s provided since it started as a boarding academy, said the school’s president. And though tradition is important to maintain and instill in the young women of Mount Notre Dame, school president Judy Gerwe said they also “continue to adapt in so many ways,” including how the school has adapted to COVID-19. This includes the ability to grow “yet keep our feet planted firm and true to God in what we represent.”

the 160-year-old all-girls Catholic high school. Chris Gramke, school spokesperson, said MND does “an outstanding job” of living up to the school’s tagline of “empowering young women.”

The longevity of MND is, first, attributed to the Sisters of Mount Notre Dame’s dedication and commitment to Catholic education and women’s education.

MND’s theme for the 2020-21 school year is “A Place to be You,” and school leaders say that embodies the essence of

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“The amount of opportunities outside of the academic classroom that our ladies have – whether it’s community service, extracurricular activities, clubs – is something that helps us with our theme of ‘A Place to be You.’ We feel like there’s something here for everyone.”

Mount Notre Dame, which is in the Cincinnati suburb of Reading, is one of five all-girls Catholic high schools in the Cincinnati region, and one of a dozen in Ohio. The school is also the largest in Cincinnati with 715 total students.

The high school is part of a network of more than 120 schools that are either owned or sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame, and Gerwe said they have a core set of values called the “Hallmarks of a Notre Dame Learning Community” that links them together. Mount Notre Dame Academy opened on Sept. 17, 1860, as a boarding school, led by Sister Louise Van Der Shriek, SNDdeN.

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MND became a high school in 1956 at the request of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The school dropped its “academy” title and became Mount Notre Dame High School. The first graduating class from the archdiocesan school took place during the school’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1960.

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The longevity of Mount Notre Dame is, first, attributed to the Sisters of Mount Notre Dame’s dedication and commitment to Catholic education and women’s education, Gerwe said. “I think it shows that we’re a reliable organization that has continued sustainability,” she said of the 160th anniversary of the school’s founding. “The women who graduate from here have made a huge impact on the city of Cincinnati and beyond.” There are more than 10,000 alumnae of MND High School, and many have had an enormous positive influence on the greater Cincinnati area and beyond. There are many who have committed to lives in the medical field and social outreach, and some chose religious life. The Vatican recognized the school’s most notable graduate, Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, as a modern-day martyr following her death in 2005. After graduation in the late 1940s, Sister Stang spent her life as a champion of the poor, particularly in Brazil. The future of MND is under construction now. The school just opened its new Learning Commons library and is planning to open a new Performing Arts Center in the spring. The public phase for the fundraising campaign is underway.

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OUT AND ABOUT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

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1) FAMILY GENERATIONS AT IHM

Dan and Pat Hornschemeier are proud to have nine grandchildren attending Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School for the 2020-21 school year! As longstanding members of the parish, and their own five children being IHM alumnae, Dan and Pat are excited to continue the tradition with their grandchildren.

2) HOLY HOUR ON THE LAWN

St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish hosted a Holy Hour and Rosary for the country on the lawn outside their Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Oct. 10. More than 80 people joined together to pray for the nation.

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3) BADIN SENIOR ACCOLADES

Badin High School senior Bella Williams has been named a 2020-21 African American Scholar after scoring in the top 2.5 percent nationally of all students who took the PSAT National Merit scholarship test in the fall of 2019 and identify as African American, Hispanic American, Indigenous peoples or attend school in a rural community.

4) NEIGHBORHOOD GIFTING

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Four Piqua parishioners donated funds and supplies for a neighborhood “gifting.” Teens from St. Boniface and St. Mary parishes created homemade cards and included candy, a pumpkin and a McDonald’s gift card. They delivered these gifts to 30 neighbors around the churches as a sign of kindness and Christian love to the community.

5) CARROLL CELEBRATES NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS

Carroll High School seniors Josie Rose and Cameron Neidhard earned distinction as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, adding to the list of Patriot scholars who have placed among the nation’s top students. 4 0 | OU T & ABOUT

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Effective Oct. 12: Rev. Todd Grogan, Pastor of St. Bernard, Spring Grove Village which includes the administration of Mother of Christ Mission, while continuing as Pastor of Annunciation Parish.

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Effective Nov. 30: Rev. E. John Stein, OFM, Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Cincinnati.

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THE FINAL WORD with Dr. Andrew Sodergren

HELPING THOSE WHO SUFFER DURING CHRISTMAS TIME Caroling. Festive parties. Charming decorations. Cookies. Gift-exchanges. The message is all around us: We should be happy because it’s Christmas. Indeed, to be anything other than effusively joyful means running the risk of being labeled a scrooge. So, no matter what is going on in our lives – or in our hearts, we put on a happy face and try to blend in with the holiday crowd. To this, I say, “Bah humbug!” The reality is many people struggle this time of year for a variety of reasons: loss of a loved one, family conflicts or separations, miscarriage, isolation, depression, addictions, medical problems, financial challenges, and more. These crosses are hard to bear any time of the year, but they grow even heavier at Christmas. Indeed, the pressure to put on a happy face often makes things worse. It can leave a suffering person feeling more alone and even ashamed of their pain, afraid to reach out and possibly dampen someone else’s festive mood. How can we help those (including ourselves) who are suffering this Christmas? For starters, we do well to recognize that joy and suffering, life and death all go together in this world marked by sin. We see this in our own experiences. How often major life transitions like getting married, moving to a new city, or retiring bring both joy and sorrow. How frequently the welcoming of new life into a family occurs close in time to the loss of a loved one. What’s more, our dearest, most fulfilling relationships can also be the source of our greatest pain. We see this pairing of joy and sorrow in Christmas itself, which is where we also discover its meaning. In this great feast that we joyously celebrate, the Lord of Glory “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil 2:6). We recall that, as the angelic choirs rejoiced, Jesus was born into utter poverty and rejection, in a cave with animals because no one would make space for Him. Indeed, Jesus’ whole life shows us that God does not delight in human 4 2 | TH E F INAL WORD

suffering, nor does He avoid it. Rather, He enters into it with us, and, through it, He accomplishes His greatest miracles. Jesus also shows us the gift we can be for others when we allow them the opportunity to encounter us in our moments of need. The Almighty Son of God allowed himself to be swaddled and cared for as a helpless baby. As a man, He and His disciples often relied on the generosity of others to provide for their needs. In his passion, the Creator of the universe allowed Simon to help Him carry His cross, Veronica to wipe His face and Joseph and Nicodemus to prepare His body for burial in a borrowed tomb. He who needs nothing from His creation, accepted their help humbly and blessed them each beyond measure. As we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord, let us courageously acknowledge the sources of pain in our lives and open them to Him as an offering so that we can suffer with Him and He with us. Let us also make an effort to move beyond pleasantries with one another and sincerely make space to share how we are really doing. Taking the step of vulnerably sharing from the heart creates the possibility of a truly human encounter. We don’t have to have an answer or solution to each other’s pain. Rather, simply by listening attentively, showing understanding, and offering our time, support, and affection, we will be Christ for one another. In those moments, we allow the True Light, which is nothing less than the splendor of Love, to shine through us into each other’s dark places. This Christmas, rather than ignoring the darkness we all carry, let us light up the world one loving encounter at a time. DR. ANDREW SODERGREN is a Catholic psychologist and director of psychological services for Ruah Woods, a Theology of the Body ministry based on the West Side of Cincinnati. He speaks to lay and professional audiences on topics related to the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith. He and his wife, Ellie, have been married 21 years and have five children.

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DONATE TODAY at www.ccswoh.org/donate DONATE TO SUSTAIN WORKS OF MERCY in Southwestern Ohio ENCLOSED IS MY GIFT OF: £$25 £$50 £$100 £$250 £$500 £$__________ PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio Mid Pointe Tower 4 4 | 7162 Reading Rd., Ste. 600, Cincinnati, OH 45237

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