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HOUSTON — When NASA’s Artemis II rocket lifted off in Florida on April 1, Beth Turner stood quietly on the NASA Causeway, miles from the John F. Kennedy Space Center, arm in arm with colleagues who, like her, had spent years preparing themselves and others for the moment.
For once, she was not working as Artemis II shot skyward.
“I just got to be still,” Turner said.
humans in history.
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald
Artemis II marked NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years, carrying astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen – and an adorable plush zero gravity indicator named Rise – on a 10‑day journey to the moon for a flyby that took them farther from Earth than any
Turner, a parishioner at Mary Queen Parish in Friendswood and a 38‑year veteran of NASA, has witnessed countless launches during her career, from the space shuttle program to SpaceX missions to a Soyuz launch in Kazakhstan. Almost always, she was focused on supporting astronauts’ families. But for Artemis II’s launch, she simply watched.
“I didn’t take photos,” she said. “I just watched arm in arm with three coworkers who were also supporting crew members on that flight. It was a beautiful experience.”
The launch took place during Holy Week, with See MOON, page 4
By Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez
In this message, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez shares some of the reflections he delivered in his homily during the Easter Vigil Mass on April 6 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
Brothers and sisters, happy Easter.
The Gospel for the Easter Vigil reads: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it…The guards were shaken with fear of Him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, “He has been raised from the dead” … They went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced His feet, and did Him homage. (Mt 28:1-9)
On Good Friday, the Gospel ended with the death of Jesus. He is laid in a tomb. The disciples’ dreams were destroyed. After the crucifixion, all their hopes seemed to be gone. But death is not the end. God overcomes the darknesses of death and sin and brings new life in His Son–Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Christ is a new beginning, something we could never have imagined. God is offering all of us new life. Only through the risen Christ can we live in a new way. The resurrection of Christ not only restores the relationship between God and humanity, but it raises it up to a new level. Through Jesus Christ, this relationship can never be severed. He gives us eternal life because he is life itself.
In the Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, at the center stands the baptismal font, it is octagonal in shape. It is placed there to stress the intimate connection between Baptism and Eucharist. From the waters of Baptism, we move to the Altar to receive the Body of Christ. If you ever have time, walk around that baptismal font. Its eight sides represent creation. In Genesis, we read that God created the world in six days and He rests on the seventh day. The eighth day is the day of resurrection when in Christ, the Risen Lord, we become a new creation. The font’s panels also feature different scenes in the Bible, plated in bronze, that show how God saves His people. One of them is the resurrection of Jesus.
The inside of that font is fashioned in black granite with a gold cross at the very center. The black granite symbolizes that as we enter the waters of Baptism, we die to sin. It represents dying. As we come out of the waters in Baptism,
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“Easter
is the celebration of the immense love of Jesus Christ for all of us.”
the gold cross signifies Christ’s triumph over sin and death. We are reborn to a new life in Christ. The new life that we have as Christians is through Baptism. Every one of us must be baptized. That’s the only way we begin to live the life of Christ. The pope, the bishops, men and women religious, deacons, priests, lay people, all of us enter the same waters. That’s the only way we can begin to live the life of Christ. We were indeed buried with Him.
St. Paul tells: Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were indeed buried with Him through Baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life. … you too must think of yourselves as being dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus. (Rom 6:3-11)
Easter is the celebration of the immense love of Jesus Christ for all of us. He is the light that conquers darkness, the hope that overcomes despair, and the life that rises from the dead. †
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BY POPE LEO XIV
Special to the Herald
VATICAN CITY Brothers and sisters, Christ is risen! Happy Easter! For centuries, the Church has joyfully sung of the event that is the origin and foundation of her faith: “Yes, Christ my hope is arisen / Christ indeed from death is risen / Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning” (Easter Sequence).
Easter is the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, of love over hatred. It is a victory that came at a very high price: Christ, the Son of the living God (cf. Mt 16:16), had to die — and die on a cross — after suffering an unjust condemnation, being mocked and tortured, and shedding all His blood. As the true immolated Lamb, He took upon Himself the sin of the world (cf. Jn 1:29; 1 Pet 1:18–19) and thus freed us all — and with us, all creation — from the dominion of evil.
But how was Jesus able to be victorious? What is the strength with which He defeated once and for all the ancient adversary, the prince of this world (cf. Jn 12:31)? What is the power with which He rose from the dead, not returning to His former life, but entering into eternal life and thus opening in His own flesh the passage from this world to the Father?
This strength, this power, is God Himself, for He is Love who creates and generates, Love who is faithful to the end and Love who forgives and redeems. Christ, our “victorious King,” fought and won His battle through trusting abandonment to the Father’s will, to His plan of salvation (cf. Mt 26:42). Thus He walked the path of dialogue to the very end, not in words but in deeds: to find us who were lost, He became flesh; to free us who were slaves, He became a slave; to give life to us mortals, He allowed Himself to be killed on the cross.
The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent. It is like that of a grain of wheat which, having rotted in the earth, grows, breaks through the clods, sprouts and becomes a golden ear of wheat. It is even more like that of a human heart, which, wounded by an offense, rejects the instinct for revenge and, filled with compassion, prays for the one who has committed the offense.
Brothers and sisters, this is the true strength that brings peace to humanity, because it fosters respectful relationships at every level: among individuals, families, social groups and nations. It does not seek private interests, but the common good; it does not seek to impose its own plan, but to help design and carry out a plan together with others. Yes, Christ’s resurrection is the beginning of a new humanity; it is the entrance into the true promised land, where justice, freedom and peace reign, where all recognize one another as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father who is Love, Life and Light.
Brothers and sisters, through His resurrection, the Lord
OSV NEWS PHOTO/ VATICAN MEDIA, HANDOUT VIA REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV delivers his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter at the Vatican April 5.
Transitional diaconate ordinations set
HOUSTON — Catholics across the Archdiocese are invited to attend the ordinations of priests and transitional deacons.
confronts us even more powerfully with the dramatic reality of our freedom. Before the empty tomb, we can be filled with hope and wonder, like the disciples, or with fear like the guards and the Pharisees, forced to resort to lies and subterfuge rather than acknowledge that the one who had been condemned is truly risen (cf. Mt 28:11–15)!
In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by His immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them! We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel. There is an ever-increasing “globalization of indifference,” to borrow an expression dear to Pope Francis, who one year ago from this loggia addressed his final words to the world, reminding us: “What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world!” (Urbi et Orbi Message, 20 April 2025).
The cross of Christ always reminds us of the suffering and pain that surround death and the agony it entails. We are all afraid of death, and out of fear, we turn away, preferring not to look. We cannot continue to be indifferent! And we cannot resign ourselves to evil! St. Augustine teaches: “If you fear death, love the resurrection!” (Sermon 124, 4). Let us too love the resurrection, which reminds us that evil is not the last word, because it has been defeated by the Risen One.
He passed through death to give us life and peace: “I leave you peace; I give you my peace. Not as the world gives it, I give it to you” (Jn 14:27). The peace that Jesus gives us is not merely the silence of weapons, but the peace that touches and transforms the heart of each one of us! Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts!
On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination and power, and implore the Lord to grant His peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil. To the Lord we entrust all hearts that suffer and await the true peace that only He can give. Let us entrust ourselves to Him and open our hearts to Him! He is the only one who makes all things new (cf. Rev 21:5). Happy Easter! †
This meditation comes from Pope Leo XIV’s Urbi et Orbi message given on Easter Sunday, April 5.
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The transitional deacon ordination is set for Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, will ordain seven seminarians as transitional deacons, continuing their path to the priesthood. They are Jose Vera of St. Theresa parish in Sugar Land, Marlon Barao of St. Ignatius of Loyola parish in Spring, Matthew Schnitzler of All Saints parish, Michael James Arienza and Ryan Berger of St. Bartholomew parish in Katy, Theodore Birkofer of St. Anne parish in Houston, and Trieu Nguyen of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.
The Mass will take place at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston, and will be livestreamed online at www.archgh.org/ live. †
Café Catholica Lite returns May 21
HOUSTON — The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the next Café Catholica Lite at Mary Queen Catholic Church, located at 606 Cedarwood Dr. in Friendswood, on Thursday, May 21, from 7 to 8:45 p.m.
The talk titled “Discerning the Vocation of Marriage: How It Can Save You!” will be given by Joseph Mastrangelo, owner of Zelie Beans Coffee. The talk will explore how discerning marriage is not only about recognizing God’s call, but also about discovering the person who will help you grow in holiness and prepare for eternal life. The night will include snacks, the presentation, Q&A and prayer.
The Café Catholica program helps young adults ages 18 to 39 encounter Christ and His Church. For more information, visit www.archgh.org/cafecatholica. †
HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues offering food assistance at three locations.
In Houston, the Guadalupe Center Market (326 S Jensen St.) hosts its next monthly community food fair on Saturday, May 23, from 8 to 11 a.m. Pre-qualified clients may visit by appointment only on Tuesdays, by drive-through only, from 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays, by walk-up only from 9 a.m. to noon; Fridays, from 11 a.m. to noon for people without homes. The next distribution for pre-registered seniors, held on the third Tuesday of every month, is on May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 713-251-6919 for more information.
The Beacon of Hope Isle Market in Galveston (4700 Broadway, Ste. B-101) is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment, which is preferred, call 409-762-2064. Drive-through distributions, held in partnership with the Galveston County Food Bank, are on the fourth Wednesday of every month, starting at 9 a.m. Call 409-762-2064 for more information.
In Fort Bend County, the Mamie George Community Center (1111 Collins Rd., Richmond) hosts client-choice food distributions by appointment only on Mondays, from noon to 2:30 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To make an appointment or for more information, call 281-202-6200. Drive-through distributions are held on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Thursdays, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The next monthly Saturday community food fair is set for May 30, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
For general information, visit www.catholiccharities.org/ food or call 713-526-4611. †
the mission continuing through the Easter Octave. For many Catholics following the mission, which was named after Artemis, the twin sister of the Greek god Apollo from Greek mythology, that timing became part of how the flight was experienced and remembered.
Turner’s formal title at NASA is operational psychological coordinator, a role she describes as in flight family support. During Artemis II, that meant helping astronauts remain connected to home as they traveled farther from Earth than ever before.
With her team, she coordinated the crew’s family video conferences – which astronauts later said were emotional impactful – prepared small, personalized care packages sent aboard the spacecraft, as well as music, podcasts and news.
Turner supported Koch during her previous 11 month mission to the International Space Station (ISS), so she already had a relationship with Koch’s family. That connection surfaced publicly when Koch spoke after the mission about one of those video calls back to Houston.
“When my husband looked me in the eye on that video call and said, ‘No, really you’ve made a difference,’ it brought tears to my eyes, and I said, ‘That’s all we ever wanted,’” Koch said at an April 12 press conference, the day after the crew returned to Earth.
Koch said that what families shared with the crew went beyond attention or viewership, even as their record breaking journey yielded globally viral photos and videos. Beyond the billions of views and comments, she said their greatest impact superseded any lines, borders or identities, reaching humanity as a whole.
‘MOON JOY’ AND COLLECTIVE PURPOSE
Throughout the mission, the Artemis II crew emphasized that the flight was never about individual achievement. A phrase that emerged organically from NASA staffers and quickly spread publicly, “moon joy,” became shorthand for the crew’s visible camaraderie.
For Turner, the phrase captured a balance, and excitement, she sees often in human spaceflight: “Technical excellence, but pure joy in fulfilling the mission.”
principles that shaped the mission from the start.
hard to make that come true; to make that be the reality of this mission,” Koch said. “We made the decision that everyone who has a dream gets to work equally hard
to achieve that dream and that if we’re not going for all and by all, we aren’t answering humanity’s call to explore.”
She said the mission belonged to more people than the four astronauts aboard the spacecraft.
“We took your hearts with us and your hearts lifted our hearts,” Koch said, recalling the united efforts of agency teams across the country and beyond.
Perhaps the most widely shared moment of the mission came during the lunar flyby, as the spacecraft approached its farthest point from Earth and prepared to lose radio contact. Speaking from deep space on April 5, Glover focused not on engineering, but on love.
“As we get close to the nearest point to the moon and farthest point from Earth, as we continue to unlock the mysteries of
of this emptiness, you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist together. We’ve got to get through this together.”
Then as the spacecraft slipped out of contact with Earth, Glover said: “As we prepare to go out of radio communication, we feel your love from Earth. To all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you from the moon.”
Back on Earth in Houston, Wiseman shared an emotional visit from a Navy chaplain shortly after splashdown.
“I asked for the chaplain on the Navy ship to just come visit us for a minute,” Wiseman said April 16. “When that man walked in, I’d never met him before in my life, but I saw the cross on his collar and I just broke down in tears. It’s very hard to fully grasp what we just went through.”
After Glover returned to his League City home on April 13, he still connected the perspective of space to daily life, speaking not from orbit but from his own driveway. Reflecting on how distant Earth’s divisions appear from space, he urged people to take responsibility for the distance that exists closer to home: “Some of us have never met before. And you know whose fault that is? Ours.”
The solution, he suggested, was neither abstract nor grand: “Let’s choose to do this. Let’s be this more, let’s be neighbors.”
For Turner, the crew’s words affirmed a conviction shaped over decades at NASA: “Science and faith in my life are not mutually exclusive,” she said. “I think they complement each other.”
She said she has never struggled being Catholic at NASA, describing a culture oriented toward respect, collaboration and shared goals in support of the common good.
Since the Apollo era, Catholics have been part of NASA’s workforce across
generations, especially at Johnson Space Center, a tradition Turner continues alongside other astronauts, engineers, scientists and other support staff connected to Bay Area parishes such as St. Paul the Apostle, St. Clare, St. Bernadette and Mary Queen, among others.
“There is a respect and a common goal to work on what binds us together, not what tears us apart,” Turner said, also reflecting on the broader impact of spaceflight, such as those from the ISS, including medical and technological advances that return benefits to Earth.
While astronauts are often recognized as heroes, Turner thought about those who remain in the background.
“In my mind, the families of the astronauts are even bigger heroes,” she said. “This was not their dream. They either married into it or were born into it.”
She compared that sacrifice to her own experience as the wife of a Catholic deacon, where personal family time is often surrendered in service to the parish community. Her husband, Deacon Charles Turner, is the director of formation for the Archdiocesan Office of the Permanent Diaconate. He previously served at Mary Queen.
“In both cases,” she said, “you give something up so the wider community can be served.”
As Easter celebrations continued on Earth and Artemis II’s communications blackout concluded after leaving the dark side of the moon, Koch shared a message to NASA and the people of Earth.
“We are looking back at you. We hear you can look up and see the moon right now. We see you too,” she said. “We do not leave Earth, but we choose it. And that is true. We will explore. We will build ... We will visit again ... We will inspire, but ultimately, we will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other.” †
BY ELIZABETH MORALES Texas Catholic Herald
HOUSTON — This year’s group of nearly 3,000 candidates and catechumens who entered the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese included thousands of individuals from unique backgrounds, professions and states in life.
“All of them have the same attitude, a joyful outlook on becoming Catholic, even if they need help with working through different matters to fully enter,” Deacon Joe Millhouse, OCIA coordinator at the Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston, said about the individuals in their parish’s OCIA program.
The Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart had 17 catechumens who received all the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil on April 4, and 17 candidates are still preparing to enter the Church on Pentecost Sunday, May 24.
David McMullen, in his early 80s, said he felt drawn to the Catholic Church after being involved in a recent hit and run car accident where his life was miraculously spared. McMullen had practiced multiple religions but is thankful to be strengthening his relationship with God through the Catholic faith.
“I became a Baptist, then I went into the military,” McMullen said. “I tried Methodism. Then I tried transcendental meditation, the Buddhist life. I tried all of these different things, but I always felt God adjacent. That’s the best phrase I can use for it. I was like, ‘Here was God, but I’m adjacent, something didn’t fit, something wasn’t right.’”
Returning to his daily routine after the near death experience, McMullen felt called to learn more about Catholicism and decided to join the OCIA program in November 2025.
“In all my experiences with all the other religions, you would walk down the front — it could be your first day or 100th day — you would say, ‘I would like to become a member,’ and they would say, ‘Thank you. You are a member. Here is your tithing envelope,’ and that was it,” McMullen said. “(OCIA) was a very amazing program designed to help you understand everything that Catholics believe, world history, history of religion, everything, so that at the end of this time you make a decision that this is what you want.”
Father Jeffrey Bame, rector and pastor of the Co Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, taught the 33 week OCIA program that left a lasting impression on McMullen. McMullen said that through the classes he attended, he experienced God and no longer feels God adjacent; he knows God is with him and loves him, and he is enthusiastic about practicing the faith.
“The thought of missing Mass seems totally foreign. It’s the most exciting part of my week,”McMullen said.“I’m studying to really understand what happens from the beginning when you walk in that door to the moment you walk out.”
Married couple Kameron Kardenas and Katelyn Covert from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Spring found their way to the Catholic Church after Kardenas began questioning the presence of God during a camping trip.
Kardenas and Covert were not religious and had not fully accepted a belief in God, but they began to explore
the idea of faith in God by attending their first Mass together on Easter Sunday in 2025 at St. Ignatius of Loyola. Before Mass, Kardenas had a powerful encounter with Jesus that led them to join the OCIA program at the parish.
“It feels very stable,” Covert said. “I moved around a lot as a kid, and God really wasn’t in my life growing up. Now that I know what it’s like to have God in my life, I know it would’ve been easier and so much more meaningful when I was growing up to have that presence. I feel like I finally found home here.”
Originally from California, they moved to Texas to be near Kardenas’ father, who lives in Spring.
“My dad is back in church. He’s in the OCIA program, too. He’s a candidate. He attributes me to getting him back into church,” Kardenas said. “He’s told me he was angry at the Church, but seeing the fervor and fire I have for the Church, it’s a complete 180 for him.”
Kardenas has seen a positive change within both of his parents and in his own marriage since making the decision to enter the Catholic Church.
“With my wife, we’re growing so much as a family. We’re really locked in together,” Kardenas said.
Both Kardenas and Covert were part of the nine catechumens and nine candidates who were welcomed into the Catholic Church this Easter season at St. Ignatius of Loyola.
“It has been an honor to accompany Kameron and Katelyn, along with the rest of our neophytes, on this journey,” Edgar Barroso, pastoral associate for Formation and Evangelization at St. Ignatius of Loyola, said. “What a joy and humbling experience to be an instrument in helping others discover that they belong and are called to share themselves with others.” †
HOUSTON — The U.S. Chinese Catholic Association (USCCA), in partnership with the University of St. Thomas in Houston, invites Catholic leaders, educators, scholars, students and members of the Chinese Catholic diaspora from across the U.S. and abroad to register now for the 2026 USCCA International Conference, “Following the Way of Christ: Nourishing Trust and Friendship.”
This multi day gathering, set for July 31 to Aug. 2, will bring participants together around the shared themes of faith, friendship, culture and community.
The conference was last in Houston in June of 2015, and 11 years later it returns to the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston, to feature distinguished keynote speakers, more than 25 additional presenters, and opportunities for Mass, fellowship, reflection, and dialogue among Chinese Catholics and friends from across the U.S., China and other regions.
Keynote speakers include Father Thomas Betz, OFM Cap., of St. John the Evangelist Church in Philadelphia, and Fenggang Yang, Ph.D., a professor of sociology and founding director of the Center on Religion and the Global East at Purdue University, Indiana.
In addition to the keynote addresses, more than 25 speakers, including clergy, scholars and practitioners, will share their experiences and insights on mission work, faith formation, pastoral ministry, social services, faith practices and Chinese culture.
Participants will hear first hand accounts of the lives of Chinese Catholics in China and will also reflect on how the faith has spread through the diaspora into communities across the U.S., where it continues to take root, deepen and build up the Body of Christ.
“As this year’s conference comes to Houston, we are honored to partner with the University of St. Thomas to host this important gathering,” said
Peter Tan, chair of the U.S. Chinese Catholic Association, and a local to the Archdiocese. “The USCCA exists to build trust, strengthen friendship, and create a welcoming, faith centered community that reflects both our Catholic identity and our Chinese cultural heritage. Houston is home to one of the largest Chinese populations in the United States, and we are thrilled to welcome participants from near and far.”
Founded in 1989, the U.S. Chinese Catholic Association serves as a bridge between Chinese culture and the Catholic faith in both the U.S. and China. The organization creates spaces where individuals and communities can deepen their spiritual lives, celebrate cultural heritage, and participate more fully in the mission of the Catholic Church.
The 2026 Conference continues that mission by fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and solidarity among Chinese Catholics worldwide.
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“We are honored to host the USCCA 2026 International Conference,” said Sinda Vanderpool, Ph.D., president of the University of St. Thomas. “As Ex Corde Ecclesiae reminds us, Catholic universities are called to bring forward the cultural treasures, both old and new, that enrich the life of the Church and the world. This conference is a meaningful example of that mission in action.”
Organizers encouraged all interested participants to register as soon as possible to take advantage of the early bird rate available through May 1. With a strong program and broad national and international interest, attendees are encouraged not to delay.
For registration information and conference details, visit www. uscatholicchina.org conference 30 registration The USCCA conference website also includes agenda, which lists presentation topics, speakers and presenters. †
The 30th Biennial International Conference of the U.S.-China Catholic Association
Friday, July 31 — Saturday, Aug. 2 University of St. Thomas 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston Register: www.uscatholicchina.org/ conference-30-registration Early-bird rate available through May 1
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BY MONICA HATCHER Special to the Herald
DILLEY, Texas — Sisters from the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) offered prayerful presence and solidarity for immigrants facing hardship and uncertainty at two public vigils held during Lent in Houston and Dilley, Texas, which is southwest of San Antonio.
Gathered for the spring meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious for Region XII, CCVI Sisters Kim Phuong Tran and Ricca Dimalibot joined members who traveled by bus on March 16 to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, the largest immigrant family detention center in the country. The facility, located beside a state prison, holds mostly women and children in civil immigration detention as they await deportation.
Because of unusually cold weather, the sisters began their vigil at St. Joseph Parish in Dilley, where they placed posters of 35 immigrants who have died in ICE custody at the altar and offered songs, readings and reflections. They then traveled to the detention center, where security officers permitted them to pray at the fence line. The group prayed, sang and tied purple ribbons to the gate.
These ribbons, said Sister Michele O’Brien, CCVI, San Antonio,“are a visible sign of the prayers and concerns we carry for every child, parent and individual locked inside this facility.”
Later that week, on March 20, CCVI Sisters Ethel Puno, Sheila Marie O’Sullivan, Pauline Troncale and Sister Dimalibot gathered again — this time in downtown Houston — joining an interfaith coalition to pray for and give voice to those affected by the ongoing immigration enforcement efforts around the country.
Speaking at the prayer vigil outside the Federal Detention Center, Sister Dimalibot said, “Jesus taught us that when we welcome the stranger, we receive Him. Pope Francis calls us to welcome, protect, promote and integrate. As Texans, we do not want to be a state known for dehumanizing our neighbors. We are called to be people of encounter, not exclusion. We cannot become indifferent to the suffering around us.” †
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Sister Thomas Ann LaCour, O.P.
HOUSTON — Sister Thomas Ann LaCour, O.P. (Evelyn Ann), a Dominican sister and founder of the School of Environmental Education (SEE) at Camp Kappe, died March 31. She was 85 years old.
Sister LaCour served as a teacher at Assumption School and Queen of Peace School, and later served as principal of St. Jerome School. She went on to found and serve as principal of the SEE at Camp Kappe in Plantersville, which continues to provide environmental education to students in Catholic schools throughout the surrounding dioceses.
In 1992, she was recognized by former Texas Governor Ann Richards as one of 42 outstanding teachers serving as trainers for a statewide environmental education program. The following year, she was also recognized by Keep Texas Beautiful for her leadership and initiative approach to keeping the natural Texas environment clean and beautiful.
A funeral Mass was held April 7 at St. Dominic Villa Chapel. Interment is in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. †
We pray for the following clergy whose anniversaries of death are during the month of May.
May 1, 2008 Rev. Albert Moraczewski, OP
May 2, 2009 Rev. Royce Hughes
May 3, 1984 Rev. Wm. Peter Elder, OP
May 3, 1985 Rev. John F. Kiernan, SSJ
May 3, 1993 Rev. Ignatius Gutmann
May 4, 1977 Rev. Maurice Dho
May 5, 1897 Rev. Antoine Faure
May 5, 1972 Rev. Thomas H. Dailey, OP
May 5, 1991 Rev. Lawrence Fanning, OMI
May 5, 2002 Msgr. James A. Jamail
May 5, 2008 Rev. William H. Brenda, OP
May 5, 2015 Rev. Msgr. Paul Procella
May 6, 1946 Rev. Michael I Hurley
May 7, 1974 Msgr. John A. Cummings
May 7, 1981 Rev. Leo Joseph Munelly, CSB
May 8, 1996 Rev. Walter H. Principe, CSB
May 9, 1965 Rev. Florencio Andres, OMI
May 9, 1974 Msgr. Victor A. DiPrimeo
May 9, 2003 Rev. Anton Sheltz
May 11, 1928 Rev. Theodore Buffard
May 11, 2023 Msgr. Patrick Wells
May 12, 2022 Rev. Louis Sikorski
May 13, 2020 Rev. Donnell Kirchner, CSsR
May 14, 1884 Rev. Victor de Lisicki
May 14, 2017 Rev. Joseph D. Bang Doan
May 15, 1962 Rev. Edward A. Sheffield
May 15, 1996 Rev. Jose Barandiaran, SSS
May 16, 1986 Rev. James O’Connell, CSsR
May 21, 1895 Bishop Claude M. Dubuis
May 21, 2012 Rev. T. Patrick Warden, CSB
May 22, 1944 Rev. Innocent Raska
May 22, 2017 Rev. Isidore V. Vicente, OP
May 24, 1962 Rev. Joseph P. Sullivan
May 25, 1870 Archbishop Jean M. Odin, CM
May 25, 2017 Rev. Edigio Vecchio, MS
May 27, 1929 Rev. Matthew McSorley
May 28, 1934 Rev. Benedict C. Pfiffner
May 28, 1990 Rev. Rudolph G. Beranek
May 29, 1958 Rev. Authur J. Flannagan, SSJ
May 29, 2009 Rev. Joseph Luc Van Do, OP
Expand and deepen our hearts
Please pray for all victims of violence everywhere and their families. Pray for those being executed in Texas and their families: May 14: Edward Busby
(OSV News) — St. Francis of Assisi was declared a saint nearly 800 years ago, just two years after his death. Not until much more recently — about 50 years ago — was the beloved 13th-century Italian friar called the patron of ecology.
“John Paul II made that proclamation in 1979,” explained Joshua C. Benson, associate professor of historical and systematic theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington. “Part of what’s happening there is that there’s greater ecological awareness on the part of people — and in looking for a patron for that, Francis became an obvious choice.”
Benson and other experts spoke with OSV News about how the founder of the Franciscan order became the patron saint of ecology, amid the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Like St. John Paul II’s proclamation, these experts recognized St. Francis’ special approach to creation. In particular, they pointed to his poem “The Canticle of the Creatures,” where he used language such as “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon” to refer to creation.
“When you look at St. Francis’ life, he shows a very deep and real care for creation,” said Father Jonathan St. Andre, a Third Order Regular Franciscan friar and vice president for Franciscan life at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. “We see that in his writings, particularly in a beautiful writing called ‘The Canticle of the Creatures’ … he talks about how all of creation praises God.”
Capuchin Franciscan Father Robert Barbato, rector of the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco,
said St. Francis wrote the canticle at the end of his life. It draws from the saint’s recognition that “we all come from the same creator and need to care for one another.”
While St. Francis’ approach to creation was not unusual in the spirituality of his time, he gave it “popular and accessible words” in his canticle, said Franciscan Father Joseph Chinnici, president emeritus and professor of history at the
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Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego.
“His spirituality emphasized the communion between God and creatures in Jesus Christ,” he said. “Created through the Word of God, all things bore the stamp of the Word. His vision emphasized not so much being the ‘steward of creation’ as a companion or kin with other creatures, gifts from a most generous God.”
Father St. Andre added that St. Francis “loves creation at a deeper level, because creation is Christic — it reflects Christ.”
St. John Paul II’s 1979 declaration belongs to a larger focus, Father Chinnici said.
“This focus on the need to be responsible for the environment has been a major theme of Church teaching, culminating in the encyclical letter of Pope Francis, “‘Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home,’” he said of the 2015 papal document that takes its name from St. Francis’ canticle.
With this letter, the late pope “shows how this spiritual experience of Francis was one with his concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society and interior peace,” Father
Chinnici said. “Today, this timely ‘integral ecology’ of Francis represents a path for the believer partially to heal a suffering world.”
Benson called St. Francis the obvious choice as patron of ecology because of his tendency to call everything “brother” or “sister,” his interactions with creatures, and his “sacramental vision of reality” embedded in his canticle.
“The Liturgy shows us that the created gifts we bring of bread and wine can be transformed by the power of the word and the Holy Spirit into Christ Himself,” Benson said. “For Francis then, all of creation kind of becomes sacramental in a way, inasmuch as the temporal and the physical becomes a gateway or a window to those things that are eternal and spiritual to God Himself.”
Benson said this is connected with St. Francis’ love for creation, and the saint was especially concerned with creatures with a biblical connection to Christ. St. Francis saw the worm in light of the Scripture passage, “I am a worm and no man” (Ps 22:6), referring to Christ and His suffering. He saw Christ as the Lamb of God, a title proclaimed by St. John the Baptist (Jn 1:29).
So, when St. Francis saw a worm on his path, he picked it up. When he saw a lamb about to be butchered, he rescued it.
Franciscan Father Jerome Wolbert at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America noted the stories of St. Francis preaching to the birds and negotiating a truce with a “Brother Wolf,” while, at the same time, disliking when mice ran over him. Like Benson, he said St. Francis rescued lambs because of their connection to Christ.
“There is also the telling of how, when one year Christmas fell on a Friday, and the brothers were arguing over whether they had to keep the Friday fast,” he said. “St. Francis went into the kitchen and picked up a piece of meat, smearing it on the wall as he said, ‘It’s Christmas! Even the walls should eat meat!’”
While celebrating St. Francis as the patron of ecology, Father St. Andre hopes people get to know the saint more fully.
“He was a lover of Jesus Christ,”he said. “He was a lover of the incarnate Christ in the crib, a lover of the Christ in the Eucharist, Christ in the cross — and out of that love, he came to love creation and the leper and the people around him.” †
BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Herald Correspondent
HOUSTON — More than 1,000 Catholic students submitted their original writing praising Our Lady of Guadalupe, with 32 students winning honors on April 15 in the Archdiocesan Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest.
Calling her “Lady of the Roses,” Madre Mia” and “La Mestiza,” the sixth, seventh and eighth graders focused on how Mother Mary still helps them in prayer, describing the miraculous survival of St. Juan Diego’s tilma or cloak imprinted with Our Lady, and other history.
They read their poems aloud at the award ceremony organized by the Catholic Literary Arts and held at the University of St. Thomas (UST) campus after being welcomed by UST President Sinda K. Vanderpool, Ph.D.
“It’s particularly meaningful and inspiring to see young people who are putting pen to paper and imagining words that can inspire all of us to the truth, beauty and goodness of our faith,” she said.
Sixth grader Aaron Madhu of St. Laurence Catholic School, coming in
co-third place, boldly proclaimed in his poem “My Mother, Our Mother”: “In the hardest moments, she watches over me.
I am the boat, she is the sea.
Her waves are gentle, but give a push, indeed,
She urges us onward to love our
PHOTO BY ALAN SELLAR
Seventh-grade first-place winner Madeleine Lockerd of St. Theresa Catholic School Sugar Land was named this year’s poet laureate. Her poem focused on the historical context of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
neighbor, our love shall exceed
Any boundary that has been decreed.”
Gia Dixon, first-place sixth-grade winner from St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, read her poem “Mary’s Starlit Cloak”: “Armor and guidance, powerful and strong.
Your grace shields all our hopes in song.
Though darkness and shadows creep around me,
I feel your calm presence and become free.”
Seventh-grade first-place winner
Madeleine Lockerd, of St. Theresa Catholic School, Sugar Land, was also crowned this year’s poet laureate. She focused on the historic context in her poem “Conquest and Victory”: “The Aztecs shed their children’s bitter blood Upon high altars. Sin and death there reigned.”
She continued, “‘La Morenita’ came to Tepeyac,
To Juan, Christian child of a pagan land, Drawn there by birdsong, heavenly to hear.
By intimations of the Maker’s plan.”
Lockerd explained, “I really wanted to show the importance of how Our Lady
Her father, Martin Lockerd, Ph.D., UST assistant professor of English, said, “I’m very proud of her. She has been
David Michel, also of St. Theresa Catholic School in Sugar Land, won first place in eighth grade for his poem “La “Roses bloom where winter should be,
A miracle in Juan Diego’s tilma. Golden rays circle her like the sun, The moon rests quietly beneath her feet.
In describing his inspiration for the poem, Michel said, “I was astounded by her mercy and how much she loves God.”
As part of their winnings, the students will be able to attend a summer session of the Fearless Catholic Writers program, said Catholic Literary Arts founder and president Sarah Cortez.
“In 2022, Catholic Literary Arts brought the Archdiocesan Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest to the large arena of all Archdiocesan schools. The positive response was immediate and increases each year,” Cortez said. “With over 1,000 entries, this contest solidifies the students’ religious belief and their contemplation of the Sacred Truths of our Catholic faith. Many schools encourage robust student participation in the contest and have developed a true writing culture based on skills and a Catholic imagination.”
Also attending the poetry ceremony was Father Luis Miguel Garcia, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and School in Galena Park, who supported his students, including seventh-grader Chloe Tunwar. She won an honorable mention for her poem “Beneath the Dawn,” which reads “You chose the poor, the meek, the small, to show God’s love is meant for all.”
Father Garcia said,“This poetry contest is a beautiful endeavor. The students were able to boldly and respectfully proclaim their faith through their poetry.”
Mazie McCoy Ed.D, superintendent of Catholic Schools, said, “The Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is honored to partner with Catholic Literary Arts in sponsoring this contest, which highlights the fruits of our students’ hard work and their heartfelt expressions of faith.” †
AUSTIN — On April 2, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the reappointment of Claudia Cavazos, assistant superintendent of governance and leadership at Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese, to the Special Education Continuing Advisory Committee for terms set to expire on Feb. 1, 2029. Her reappointment joins several other new appointments to the committee, which provides policy guidance on special education and related services for children with disabilities in Texas.
Cavazos is a member of Kappa Delta Pi and the National Catholic Educational Association. Additionally, Cavazos serves as a Eucharistic minister and lector at St. Christopher Catholic Church, where she also previously served as principal at St. Christopher Catholic School.
She received a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies with a specialization in bilingual education from the University of Houston and a master of education in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. †
BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald
HOUSTON — Cecilia Treviño, a sophomore at Incarnate Word Academy (IWA) in Houston, recently had the honor of designing a custom pair of cleats for Gary Woodland, a champion athlete on the PGA Tour.
As part of the Texas Children’s Cleats for Kids program at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, PGA TOUR golfers, including 2026 champion Woodland, reigning 2025 champion Min Woo Lee and Brooks Koepka, among others, wore custom-designed golf shoes inspired by Texas Children’s patients during the tournament.
Woodland wore a set of shoes designed by Treviño. The two had met previously and were able to bond over their passion for golf, as well as their similar medical journeys.
Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, added another achievement to his career at the March 26 to 29 tournament with a victory at the popular golf tournament at the Memorial Park Golf Course.
“Designing these cleats was a really fun experience because I was able to include the thing that professional golfer Gary Woodland and I have in common: a brain tumor,” said Treviño, whose artwork inspired Woodland’s cleats. “I also included the
Astros Golf Foundation and Texas Children’s because they are a key part of making this golf tournament, and everything it does for kids like me, possible. I’m so excited to see my art out on the course.”
Following his win, Treviño joined Woodland on the green as he accepted the trophy. “We play an individual sport out here, but I wasn’t alone today,”Woodland said,“I’m proud to be on [Treviño’s] team.
Woodland underwent surgery in September 2023 to remove a benign tumor from his brain. Following the surgery, he has been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, causing continued fear and anxiety. Despite the challenges, he made an emotional return to win the 2026 Houston Open.
At the age of eight, Treviño suddenly started suffering from headaches, vomiting and double vision. Her doctors soon discovered she had a brain tumor.
As the former student of St. Theresa Catholic School at Memorial Park battled her what was revealed to be a 1.7-inch pilocytic astrocytoma — a tumor benign at the time — she was inspired to start CeciCares.org.
The nonprofit organization strives to supply gift toys, art supplies and personal items to children undergoing medical care for critical illnesses in the Houston metropolitan area. †
WORD
AND TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOUSTON OPEN
Incarnate Word Academy student
Cecilia Treviño designed a custom pair of cleats, shown below, for PGA Tour champion Gary Woodland, winner of the 2026 Texas Children’s Houston Open. Both Treviño and Woodland have undergone surgery to remove brain tumors.
Over the past couple of years, I have carried a persistent and nagging sense that time is marching on much faster than it used to.
Older people — older than me, at least — have assured me that this intuition is true: the older one gets, the faster time seems to pass. Friends closer to my age tell me this is simply typical of middle age. Others just look at me, twist their mouths, shrug their shoulders and admit they have no idea what I’m talking about.
St. Augustine, however, gives me some consolation. In “The Confessions,” he famously reflects on time as something mysterious and ineffable, a reality we intuit deeply but struggle to define: “What then is time? If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain it to him who asks, I do not know.” His words affirm my own experience over these past few years. Time seems both real and elusive, something I feel powerfully and yet cannot quite grasp.
Perhaps because of this sense of time accelerating — or perhaps because Lent always presses these questions upon us — I found myself struggling this year to discover a new way of entering into the Paschal Mystery more deeply.
My mind reminded me that this would be at least my 35th Holy Week since reaching cognitive maturity. My spirit hoped for something new: a book, an insight, a homily that would carry me through Holy Week feeling refreshed and renewed. Yet, if I’m being honest, I hoped without much expectation.
The pressure intensified when I was invited to share reflections on Easter during a parish mission gathering on Holy Wednesday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Determined to say something new, fresh and meaningful, I searched and browsed — books, articles and even AI chat boxes. Nothing captured my imagination. As both the date of the talk and the climax of Holy Week drew nearer, anxiety grew. And then, a simple question came to me: When was the last time you sat down and read all four canonical accounts of the resurrection?
I couldn’t remember.
Of course, I had heard the resurrection proclaimed from the pulpit year after year, but what usually happened was that, when the Gospel reading began, my mind tried to get ahead of the reading, reconstructing the story on its own until it wandered
by MIGUEL A. VENCES
elsewhere altogether — to the roof of the church, or the movie I planned to see later that evening. Inevitably, I would be jolted back to the present moment only when the community responded, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”
Since reading and reflecting on the resurrection narratives was the best I could come up with, that is exactly what I did with the Immaculate Heart of Mary community. I shared the Gospel accounts, along with my own thoughts and unresolved questions about each Gospel’s resurrection account. And, as you might imagine, it connected with many in the room; most ears were attentive, most heads nodded in agreement, and everyone in the room eagerly shared their own thoughts when the time for sharing came.
There it was — the fresh perspective I had been searching for all along. The mystery drew me in precisely because it was approached in simplicity.
The insight was almost
“Scripture is the gateway to realities that are both beautiful and timeless.”
embarrassingly simple: read the Scriptures attentively, reflect on them honestly, share your thoughts with your community of faith and listen to how others encounter the same Word. The simplest answer turned out to be the right one.
Regardless of where your faith intersects with the continuum of time, or whatever language you might prefer to describe that mystery, one truth remains constant: Scripture is the gateway to realities that are both beautiful and timeless.
In a world that seems to move ever faster, the Word of God patiently waits, ready to make all things new once again. †
Miguel A. Vences is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
“Even though Christ’s victory over sin and death is complete, we still live in a world affected by them. As bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States, we want to address one particularly destructive and persistent form of evil. Despite many promising strides made in our country, racism still infects our nation.”
The document “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism” was developed and promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in November 2018. The pastoral letter challenged the Church faithful to find ways to eradicate the sin of racism in our country and world and provide healing to all those affected by racism as well.
To promote the work of the pastoral letter, the USCCB created the Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation.
The Subcommittee for the Promotion
MAY 3
First Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Second Reading: 1 Ptr 2:4-9 Gospel: Jn 14:1-12
by FR. REGINALD SAMUELS
of Racial Justice and Reconciliation is a permanent USCCB body launched in November 2025 under the Chairmanship of Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, bishop of the Diocese of Austin. The new subcommittee focuses on teaching, advocacy and education, combating racism, and upholding human dignity within the Church and society under the direction of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. The work of the committee is rooted in Scripture and Church teaching about the dignity of the human person, created in God’s image (Gen 1:27).
Through Church collaboration, the subcommittee seeks to strengthen the Church’s unified and ongoing response
to the persistent evil of racism.
The areas of responsibility of the new subcommittee are extensive. Responsibilities include:
• A direct focus on understanding racism and the need for healing and reconciliation;
• Creation and dissemination of theological, liturgical, pastoral and community resources;
• Education and catechesis with dioceses and parishes on racism and effective models to respond to it;
• Listening sessions, dialogues and lectures concerning racism within and outside of the Church, including its roots and spiritual impacts, civil impacts, individual impacts and structural impacts, as well as the voices of people suffering because of racism;
• Implementation of the USCCB’s pastoral statements on racism; Communications strategies that promote effective responses to racism;
• Provide support and resources for bishops and dioceses to assist their efforts to convert the hearts of those who harbor racist beliefs and to respond to incidents of racism affecting those within their care;
“Through Church collaboration, the subcommittee seeks to strengthen the Church’s unified and ongoing response to the persistent evil of racism.”
MAY 10
First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 66:1-7, 16, 20
Second Reading: 1 Ptr 3:15-18 Gospel: Jn 14:15-21
• Outreach and coordinated activity, including interfaith and ecumenical work; support and encouragement for efforts, programs, and strategies to address racism;
• Advocacy focused on issues that perpetuate or are a result of racism.
The Catholic bishops recognize that racism lives in a particular and
pernicious way in the U.S., in part because of the complex history of slavery and Jim Crow in the country, and the beliefs and policies that sustained it. African Americans and people of African descent have suffered intensely from those who have committed, and continue to commit, the sin of racism. It is very hopeful that the Catholic bishops of the U.S. acknowledge that manifestations of racism are ever evolving and the response of the Church to racism has to evolve as well. To find out more information on the work of the newest subcommittee of the USCCB, go to usccb.org/racism. †
Father Reginald Samuels is the vicar for the Ministry for Catholics of African Descent and pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land.
CHICAGO (OSV News) — Almost a year into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV is still enjoying popularity and rockstarlike fame, especially in Chicago, his hometown. Beyond the pop-culture interest, some of the faithful told OSV News his message of peace, dedication to the faith and outreach to young people have stood out.
After Easter morning Mass, Victoria Mendez and her family stopped to talk by the heavy bronze doors of St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church on Chicago’s South Side. The parish is run by Augustinians, the religious order and its Midwest province that formed Pope Leo.
“I think we’ve seen a lot of people fall in love with Catholicism, seeing that their pope is from Chicago,” said 24-year-old Mendez.
While anecdotal, she said she has the sense Pope Leo is drawing interest in the faith. She has observed more youth in the Church since his election. She also mentioned an uptick in conversions to the faith — not just in the U.S. but also in Europe, particularly this Easter. Though none of the reports about the bump in new Catholics have tied the pope’s popularity to the numbers, several people told OSV News it may play a role.
“He’s just very good with people. He’s very into creating peace within different forms of Catholicism. And he’s just so open-minded. And he cares about everybody,” Mendez said. “You see that in all his actions and everything he says and does, and the way he reflects himself. You can tell he’s really trying to bring peace on earth.”
On the day of his election, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Leo’s first words were, “Peace be with you all!”
Mendez pointed out Pope Leo also “connects with the younger generation” through his social media posts and stories of his youth told by his brothers about growing up in Dolton, a southern suburb of Chicago.
Pope Leo, born Robert F. Prevost, lived in Dolton until he entered the Augustinians’ minor seminary in Holland, Michigan, when he was 13. He completed an undergraduate degree in math at Villanova University near Philadelphia in 1977, earned a master’s degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 1982, the year he was ordained to the priesthood, and earned a doctorate in canon law in 1984 at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
He then served in Peru’s impoverished northwest for nearly 20 years, during which he became bishop in 2015. He also held leadership positions in Rome, including prior general for the Augustinians, head of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. He was elevated to cardinal in September 2023 and elected pope on May 8, 2025.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side herself, Mendez said, “it makes me happy” that Pope Leo is relatable to even
non-Catholics, especially as a fellow fan of the South Side-based Chicago White Sox.
Mendez’s mother, Maria, said the family was drawn to St. Rita and recently began attending Mass there because of its ties to the pope. She said the papal connection and the Augustinian charism of fostering unity have made the parish very attractive.
The Augustinians “approach people in a different way, which makes people come back. (It’s) the welcoming way, their hospitality,” said Maria.
The 70-year-old Pope Leo is “a happy pope,” she said, adding, “He brings happiness to every individual. Doesn’t matter the nationality or age, he’s there for everyone. Yeah, we could feel it.”
Northeast of St. Rita, Tom Pyden was descending the steps of the downtown Holy Name Cathedral following daily Mass when he said Pope Leo has “done a very good job” for the Church and the world because of “his repeated calls for peace and not backing down from that.”
Pyden was in Chicago from Plymouth, Michigan, to visit his son for Easter week. Though he is not from the Windy City, he said of Pope Leo that he was “so very proud that he’s from the U.S.”
“I read daily inspirational sayings from him. I think he’s very inclusive. And I don’t know him, but it seems like he has a wonderful personality that draws people together,” said Pyden, who also remarked on his possible impact on the number of new Catholics entering the Church at Easter vigil, even at his own parish.
Pilar Villa of Guadalajara, Mexico, was visiting Chicago over Easter with her twin teenage daughters. She said she likes that Pope Leo has given clear messages and has dedicated time to youth and young people.
“He recently talked about the
importance of young people not having ties to artificial intelligence, that they should follow God and believe in God,” she said.
Pope Leo has spoken via video twice with American youth, first in June and then in November.
In a video message to youth in June at the Chicago archdiocese Mass of thanksgiving for his election as pope, he emphasized the importance of recognizing God’s presence in their lives, especially “that longing for love in our lives, for … searching, a true searching, for finding the ways that we may be able
to do something with our own lives to serve others.”
In November, Pope Leo had a live video encounter with young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. “Look to Jesus. Trust his mercy and go to him with confidence. He will always welcome you home,” he said.
Retired Bishop Daniel T. Turley of Chulacanas, Peru, a native Chicago South Sider and Pope Leo’s past Augustinian superior during his missionary work, said Pope Leo’s solid upbringing in the faith and missionary life in impoverished Peru, beset with domestic terrorism, have influenced Pope Leo’s leadership.
“(He) is a pope at a very time of crisis, so he brings to his papacy a great deal of balance, of joy, but also a message asking for peace, asking for non-violence, asking to respect the dignity of life throughout the world, and asking countries to search out ways of unity. And he is a pope that is trying to build bridges,” he said.
Bishop Turley said a “Leo effect” might be having some impact on the faithful coming into the Church or returning. He said he has celebrated numerous large-group confirmations throughout the Chicago archdiocese over the past year, and pastors at those parishes have observed increased numbers of those entering rites of initiation.
“There’s a ‘Leo effect’ for Chicago in particular,” he said. “It’s like a ripple of the ocean, the waves, you know. So it’s a wave of energy, happiness, joy, hope. That’s rippling through the Augustinian order. It’s rippling through the United States of America because he’s the first American pope in the history of the Church. But he’s also the first pope from Chicago. There’s a ‘Leo effect’ in Chicago, in the U.S., and then in the whole world.” †
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MINNEAPOLIS (OSV News) — What’s more Minnesotan than having your likeness sculpted in butter?
Since 2020, Gerry Kulzer has created the butter sculptures of the Minnesota State Fair dairy princesses that Minnesotans are so familiar with. Hundreds of people line up to watch him create his masterpieces live during the fair.
Although he probably will never see it, Pope Leo XIV’s likeness has been enshrined in the dairy staple. Kulzer spent the first day of the National Catholic Educational Association Convention (NCEA), which was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center April 7 to 9, sculpting a bust of the pontiff live among the event’s exhibitors.
“I get some pretty random commission requests, but when the NCEA contacted me about doing a live butter sculpture during their conference this year, I was interested,” Kulzer told The Central Minnesota Catholic, the news outlet of the Diocese of St. Cloud.
“After working out the logistics of keeping the butter cool, they decided they wanted a bust of Pope Leo and another butter block carved into their logo,” he said.
Participants from Minnesota were
eager to see the sculpting in real time.
Kulzer, who is a member of St. Philip Church in Litchfield, which is part of the Shepherd of Souls Faith Community in the Diocese of New Ulm, said he appreciates that his students are not afraid to talk about their faith in class, even in a public school.
“Assumption Church (in Eden Valley) has daily Mass at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and I always see students at Mass,” he said. “I counted 16 students one Friday morning!”
As a fellow sculptor and a fair-goer, Kulzer watched Linda Christensen carve Princess Kay busts at the Minnesota State Fair in the ‘90s. He contacted Midwest Dairy, hoping they would consider him to replace her when she retired.
The coronation of Princess Kay of the Milky Way, chosen from several finalists, has been a tradition at the Minnesota State Fair every year since the 1960s. Crowned on the eve of the fair, the princess acts as a dairy goodwill ambassador.
“It was awesome to have the artist known for carving the butter sculptures at the state fair at our conference,” said
Sara Michaelson, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of St. Cloud. “Who knew we needed a butter sculpture of Pope Leo?”
Aside from being able to bring a very Minnesota feel to this year’s conference, Kulzer, who is a teacher himself, was happy to spend time with Catholic educators.
“As a former Catholic school teacher, Catholic education is close to my heart,” he said. “I loved being able to share artwork and my faith with my students at Holy Trinity in Winsted. It was similar at the conference. It was so fun to be surrounded by fellow educators who also were Catholic.”
Kulzer has been an art and industrial tech teacher for more than 30 years and currently teaches 7th to 12th-grade art classes at Eden Valley-Watkins schools. He fell in love with ceramics while attending the University of Minnesota Duluth, so he’s been sculpting clay even longer than he’s been teaching.
In 2018, he auditioned for the position. “I was given a 90-pound block of butter and some pictures of one of the Midwest Dairy princesses,” he recalled. The next year, he was asked to apprentice under Christensen.
He was offered the job, and in 2020, the plan was to work with Christensen, doing a couple of the princesses’ likenesses while she did the others. But then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and she couldn’t get to Minnesota from her home in California. So he had to do them all.
Kulzer said he hopes people know that one of the reasons they do the butter sculpting at the fair is to promote the work of dairy farmers in Minnesota.
“I hope that my work in butter brings recognition to the hard work that farmers do to produce such yummy foods like butter, cheese and ice cream,” he said. “I grew up on a farm and know that central Minnesota is filled with dairy farms. I always feel honored to be able to do a little something to bring more recognition to the work they do.”
And he was happy to bring his skills to the NCEA convention. †
- Pope Leo XIV
(OSV News) — San Francisco de Asís fue declarado santo hace casi 800 años, apenas dos años después de su muerte. Sin embargo, fue recién hace unos 50 años cuando el querido fraile italiano del siglo XIII fue proclamado patrono de la ecología.
“Juan Pablo II hizo esa proclamación en 1979”, explicó Joshua C. Benson, profesor asociado de teología histórica y sistemática en la Universidad Católica de América, en Washington. “En aquel momento, la gente comenzaba a tomar conciencia de la importancia de cuidar el medio ambiente, y al buscar un patrono para esta causa, Francisco aparecía como una opción evidente”.
Benson y otros especialistas conversaron con OSV News sobre cómo el fundador de la orden franciscana llegó a ser reconocido como patrono de la ecología, en el marco del Año Jubilar de San Francisco, que conmemora el 800.º aniversario de su muerte. Al igual que en la proclamación de san Juan Pablo II, los expertos destacaron su forma particular de relacionarse con la creación. En especial, señalaron su poema “El Cántico de las Criaturas”, donde utiliza expresiones como “hermano sol” y “hermana luna” para referirse a la creación.
“Cuando uno mira la vida de San Francisco, se percibe un cuidado muy profundo y auténtico por la creación”, afirmó el padre Jonathan St. Andre, fraile franciscano de la Tercera Orden Regular y vicepresidente de Vida Franciscana en la Universidad Franciscana de Steubenville, en Ohio. “Eso se refleja en sus escritos, especialmente en un texto muy hermoso llamado ‘El Cántico de las Criaturas’… donde muestra cómo toda la creación alaba a Dios”.
El padre Robert Barbato, franciscano capuchino y rector del Santuario Nacional de San Francisco de Asís en San Francisco, explicó que el santo escribió este cántico hacia el final de su vida. El texto nace de su convicción de que “todos somos hijos del mismo Creador y estamos llamados a cuidarnos unos a otros”.
Aunque la manera en que San Francisco se relacionaba con la creación no era algo fuera de lo común en la espiritualidad de su época, él supo expresarla con “un lenguaje cercano y accesible” en su cántico, explicó el padre Joseph Chinnici, franciscano, presidente emérito y profesor de historia en la Escuela Franciscana de
Teología de la Universidad de San Diego.
“Su espiritualidad pone el acento en la comunión entre Dios y las criaturas en Jesucristo”, señaló. “Todo fue creado por la Palabra de Dios, y por eso todo lleva su sello. En vez de ver al hombre como ‘administrador de la creación’, su mirada lo presenta como compañero, alguien emparentado con las demás criaturas, que son dones de un Dios profundamente generoso”.
El padre St. Andre añadió que San Francisco de Asís “ama la creación en un nivel más profundo, porque la creación es cristológica: refleja a Cristo”.
La proclamación de San Juan Pablo II en 1979 se inscribe en un marco más amplio, explicó el padre Chinnici.
“Esta preocupación por el cuidado del medio ambiente ha sido uno de los ejes centrales en la enseñanza de la Iglesia, que alcanza un punto culminante en la encíclica del Papa Francisco, ‘Laudato Si’, sobre el cuidado de la casa común’”, señaló, en referencia al documento publicado en 2015, que toma su título del cántico de San Francisco.
Con esta encíclica, añadió, el Papa “muestra cómo la experiencia espiritual de Francisco estaba profundamente unida a su preocupación por la naturaleza, la justicia para los pobres, su compromiso con la sociedad y su paz interior”.
En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Arzobispo Joe Vásquez gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.
“Hoy, esta oportuna ‘ecología integral’ de Francisco ofrece un camino para que el creyente pueda contribuir, al menos en parte, a sanar un mundo herido”.
Benson señaló que San Francisco fue elegido como patrono de la ecología debido a su costumbre de llamar “hermano” o “hermana” a todas las criaturas, por su cercanía con ellas y por su “visión sacramental de la realidad”, presente en su cántico.
“La liturgia nos muestra que los dones de pan y vino que presentamos pueden ser transformados, por la fuerza de la Palabra y del Espíritu Santo, en Cristo mismo”, explicó. “Para Francisco, entonces, toda la creación adquiere de algún modo un carácter sacramental, en la medida en que lo temporal y lo material se convierten en
una puerta, una ventana hacia lo eterno y espiritual, hacia Dios mismo”.
Benson añadió que esto está estrechamente ligado al amor de San Francisco por la creación, y que el santo tenía una especial sensibilidad por aquellas criaturas que, en la Sagrada Escritura, se relacionan con Cristo. Así, veía al gusano a la luz del pasaje bíblico “soy un gusano y no un hombre” (Sal 22,6), en referencia a Cristo y su sufrimiento. También contemplaba a Cristo como el Cordero de Dios, título proclamado por San Juan Bautista (Jn 1,29).
Así, cuando San Francisco veía un gusano en su camino, lo recogía. Y si encontraba un cordero a punto de ser sacrificado, lo rescataba.
El padre Jerome Wolbert, franciscano del Monasterio Franciscano de Tierra Santa en América, recordó los relatos de San Francisco predicando a los pájaros y llegando a un acuerdo con el “hermano lobo”, mientras que, al mismo tiempo, no le gustaba cuando los ratones se le subían encima. Al igual que Benson, señaló que San Francisco rescataba a los corderos por su vínculo con Cristo.
“Dicen que, en una ocasión, cuando la Navidad coincidió con un viernes y los frailes discutían si debían mantener el ayuno, San Francisco entró en la cocina, tomó un trozo de carne y lo pasó por la pared, diciendo: ‘¡Es Navidad! ¡Hasta las paredes deberían comer carne!’”, relató. Al celebrar a San Francisco como patrono de la ecología, el padre St. Andre espera que las personas puedan conocerlo en toda su riqueza.
“Amaba a Jesucristo con todo su corazón”, afirmó. “Amaba a Cristo encarnado en el pesebre, a Cristo en la Eucaristía, a Cristo en la cruz; y desde ese amor, aprendió a amar la creación, al
BY SUSAN MOSES
North Texas Catholic/Special to the Herald
FORT WORTH — The finest treasures, commissioned by European royalty and carried by pilgrims to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, have made another voyage hundreds of years after they first arrived in Jerusalem to Texas for a visit to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth.
More than 60 objects in gold, silver and precious gems are displayed, representing the finest works of 17thand 18th-century artisans. Traveling to only two sites in North America, these spectacular vestments and dazzling sacred vessels are on display through June 28.
Xavier Salomon, who spent years organizing the exhibition, explained that these religious objects were gifts to the Holy Sepulcher from Catholic monarchs
in Spain, France, Portugal, the Holy Roman Empire and the Italian states.
Often, he said, similar artifacts used by European royalty were melted to finance wars or lost to revolution, but these objects are “unique survivors,” having been protected by Franciscan friars and used in worship for centuries.
Ornate initials and details such as the French fleur-de-lis, Spanish castles and lions, and the Habsburg imperial eagles identify the donor and country of origin.
Scenes and symbols of Christ’s life add imagery to the function of the pieces, which include reliquaries, processional crosses, candlesticks, chalices, monstrances, lamps and vestments.
The craftsmanship and beauty of the historical objects speak to a greater truth for today’s faithful, suggested Friar Stéphane Milovitch, OFM, director of the Cultural Heritage Office of the Custody of
In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Archbishop Joe Vásquez would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.
Find the media kit online at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/TCH or email ADS@ARCHGH.ORG for more information.
the Holy Land and chairman of the board of directors of the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem.
“With this exhibition, you can see that man tries to give the best of his capacity for God. In this century, sometimes we worship God — we pray and it’s good — but we don’t invest all our capacity. And it is a lesson of the past to see how people invested the best of their capacity. … We understand that God was important for them. If not, they would not have done that.”
Although the vestments, including a French pontifical set made of red silk and spun gold and silver thread that were gifts from King Louis XIII of France in 1619, and liturgical objects are truly works of art, the purpose of their creation was to point to the glory of God.
Having the exhibition on display in Fort Worth is a rare opportunity to
A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL
• David (PG)
A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN
• EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (PG-13)
• Hoppers (PG)
• Project Hail Mary (PG-13)
• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG)
A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS
• Reminders of Him (PG-13)
• Shelter (R)
• You, Me & Tuscany (PG-13)
see the exquisite artistry, Salomon and Friar Milovitch agreed. The Franciscan friar said, “Coming here to this beautiful museum is a way also to go to the Holy Sepulcher and to visit the holy shrines,” especially during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis. And, he added, a visit serves as a reminder to pray for peace in Jerusalem.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is Christianity’s holiest site, believed to be the location of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.
The works, in the U.S. for the first time, are on loan from the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem, a new museum that will provide a permanent home for the collection.
Tickets for the special exhibition may be purchased at kimbellart.org or at the Kimbell’s Piano Pavilion Box Office, located at 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Half-price admission is available all day on Tuesdays, plus Friday evenings. †
L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE
• Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (R)
• The Drama (R)
• Lee Cronin’s The Mummy (R)
O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE
• Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (R)
• Scream 7 (R)
• Send Help (R)
• The Bride! (R)
▶ For full movie reviews, visit www.osvnews.com/category/reviews
For the latest updates about listings in the Around the Archdiocese, contact event organizers and visit www.archgh.org/ata.
MAY 1
GALA, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Lone Star Flight Museum (11551 Aerospace Ave., Houston). True Cross Catholic School’s evening gala celebrating the school’s 80th anniversary with dinner and live and silent auctions among historic aircraft. Cost: $150/person. Sponsorships available. 281-3375212; truecrossschool.org/80.
MAY 2
CRAWFISH BOIL, 6 to 10 p.m., St. Jerome (8825 Kempwood Dr., Houston). Knights of Columbus Father Ralph J. Deifenbach Council 4550 host an all-you-can-eat dinner with crawfish or jambalaya and drinks. Cost: $40 presale/$50 at the door. 832-605-1892; chuck.pierson@gmail. com.
MAY 2-3
BAZAAR, 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, St. Matthias (302 FM 1774, Magnolia). Event begins Saturday with a barn dance, music provided by The Lonely Road Band, food and craft booths. Sunday includes games, inflatables, live and silent auction, a barbecue dinner and live music. Free entry. 281-356-2000; www.stmatthias.net/bazaar.
BAZAAR, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, St. Francis de Sales (8200 Roos Rd., Houston). Saturday includes live music and crawfish sold by the pound. Sunday includes live music, ethnic foods and drinks, kids’ games, Bingo and live auction at 3 p.m. Free entry. susank@sfdshouston.org; 713-774-7475; sfds-houston.org.
MAY 3
SPRING FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., St. Rose of Lima (3600 Brinkman St., Houston). Event includes live music, dancing, food and a raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the door. parishinfo@stroselima.org.
BAZAAR, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. Anthony de Padua at Skrabanek Park (1800 Avenue E, Danbury). Serving time is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Food cost: $20/plate. Event also includes live and silent auctions, homemade goodies, kids’ games, raffle, country store and live music by Duke Gambino. st1523@sbcglobal.net; 979-922-1240.
MAY 11
GOLF TOURNAMENT, 8 a.m., Windrose Golf Club (6235 Pine Lakes Blvd., Spring). Knights of Columbus Council #10720 at St. Maximilian Kolbe hosts tournament benefiting the 28 programs that they support or execute. Sponsorships start at $200. Cost: $135/player, $500/team. ejlran@hotmail.com; 832-721-4562.
MAY 13
MASS FOR FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center Chapel (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Confession at 8 a.m., Rosary at 8:30 a.m., Holy Mass at 9 a.m. Register: holynameretreatcenter.com/events.
MAY 15-17
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S RETREAT, 6 p.m. Friday to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Threeday retreat includes Mass, Reconciliation, conferences and prayer. Parish groups, Mothers/Daughters (16+) and individuals are welcomed. Cost: $265. Register:
holynameretreatcenter.com/catholic-retreats.
MAY 16
COUPLES SEMINAR, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., St. Angela Merici (9009 Sienna Ranch Rd., Missouri City). Features a seminar in the morning with afternoon breakouts for men and women. “Marriage: Its Roots and Its Fruits” is an exploration of the Sacrament of Matrimony and how couples can grow in love and holiness. Cost: $75/person (lunch included). adultff@ stamericigh.com; stamericigh.com/couples.
MAY 22-24
ENGAGED COUPLES RETREAT, Arrival 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and Departure 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Three-day retreat includes private room with private restroom, meals and access to online preparation material through Lumina School of Love. Retreat master is Father Kingsley Nwoko, STL, Th.D. Cost: $530/couple. Register: holynameretreatcenter.com/catholic-retreats.
JUNE 5-7
FESTIVAL, 11 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, Our Lady Star of the Sea (1401 Fidelity St., Houston). Knights of Peter Claver #139 host three day festival. Friday Fish Fry all day with Bingo at 6 p.m. Order ahead of time via email. Saturday includes raffle, a Zydeco breakfast dance with Curtis Poullard and the Creole Zydeco Band. Breakfast is free. Food will also be sold at 11 a.m. Sunday includes music with Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws. Cost: $25/weekend pass or $15 donation at the door, both Saturday and Sunday. 832-9258111; olsoshoustontx@gmail.com.
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JUNE 13
EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION, 8 a.m., Sacred Heart (109 N Frazier St., Conroe). Eucharistic Procession through downtown Conroe as part of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Procession will start outside of the church at approximately 9:15 a.m. after an 8 a.m. bilingual Mass. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follow the procession inside the church. the99SH@gmail.com.
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For additional listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA
HOUSTON — St. Luke’s Health, a member of CommonSpirit, has awarded $1.01 million in philanthropic grants to 19 nonprofit organizations in the communities it serves in Greater Houston.
The grants, part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program, are designed to address pressing health disparities and significantly enhance the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations in the community.
Local organizations that received grants to support program activities between April 2026 and March 2027 include Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Magnificat Houses Inc. and San José Clinic. Catholic Charities of GalvestonHouston provides social services throughout the Archdiocese; Magnificat Houses offers transitional housing, ministry and assistance; San José Clinic provides primary health care to uninsured residents in need, serving as the region’s first safety net clinic.
The grant program directly supports initiatives that improve community health, advance health equity and enhance vital local services through targeted charitable contributions.
Collaborating nonprofit organizations applied to receive grant funds to address significant issues identified in St. Luke’s community health needs assessments. These needs include improving access to care, behavioral health, chronic disease, food security, preventive practices and social determinants of health.
“Improving and maintaining health extends beyond the care we provide to patients in our hospitals and clinics, and these grants help bring vital services into additional community settings,” said Michael Lawson, Houston Market president of St. Luke’s Health.
“Supporting access to these services delivered by nonprofits in our community helps ensure individuals and families are able to obtain the services they need.”
Michael Bilton, system director, Community Health/Community Benefit, said the Community Health Improvement Grants are a tangible example of how CommonSpirit Health is living its mission and investing to address our communities’ demonstrated health needs. This local initiative by St. Luke’s is part of a broader commitment by CommonSpirit Health, which awarded a total of $15 million to 329 organizations nationwide. †
