Texas Catholic Herald - Nov. 10, 2020

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

RED RIBBON WEEK

A NEW U.S. CARDINAL

Catholic students show dedication in saying “No” to drugs ▪ SEE PAGE 10

Cardinal DiNardo welcomes first African-American cardinal ▪ SEE PAGE 14

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964

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VOL. 57, NO. 10

IN SERVICE

PRAYERS HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED

Red Mass a call to praise, contemplation of justice and mercy

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Ahead of the upcoming legislative year, and just a week shy of the Nov. 4 general election, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo celebrated the annual Red Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Oct. 29.

The annual Mass, which lifts up the legal community of Galveston-Houston in prayer, emphasizes “the central importance of praise and contemplation of God,” Cardinal DiNardo said in his homily.

“There is a considerable amount of things that are going on in our law, in our country, in our lives and in our hearts. We desperately need praise and contemplation of the Lord, and I’m asking for the Lord’s insight through His Holy Spirit.”

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

A grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is seen at St. Mary Catholic Church in Frydek. The grotto was built in 1949 by Frydek parishioners in thanksgiving for the return of the ‘Frydek 65,’ a group of veterans who all safely returned home to Texas after World War II. A memorial wall, seen at right behind the grotto, lists the names of all 65 men. 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. More than 16 million Americans, including Seaman First Class Shirley H. Reagor of Houston, served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The U.S. death toll was over 400,000.

Always ready, always faithful

WWII veteran’s service 75 years ago set her on a path to the Church

BY ELESKA AUBESPIN Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Seaman First Class Shirley H. Reagor once boarded an Italian submarine to perform her military duties as an enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve.

It was during World War II, and Americans had captured the submarine off the Atlantic Florida Coast. Once Italian sailors were sent to a Prisoner of War camp, Reagor’s job was to conduct an onboard inventory of the vessel.

As it turns out, she was among more than 11,000 women who served in the Women’s Coast Guard Reserves, known as SEAMAN FIRST SPARS, an acronym for “Semper CLASS SHIRLEY Paratus – Always Ready.”

H. REAGOR In November 1942, Congress

THE FIRST WORD † 3

|

established the acceptance of women into the reserve as HONORING commissioned officers and at OUR the enlisted level. Its purpose was to make more men VETERANS available to serve at sea by assigning women to onshore duties during the war, primarily in clerical roles, according to Britannica.

“We performed traditional roles, mainly administrative and logistical functions that included communication and transmissions of orders, order processing, and supply inventory at shore stations,” said Reagor, a Houston resident.

“I received training on the Coast Guard boats, learning the various positions, as well as operating and docking. But our roles were primarily administrative and logistical. Some women drove jeeps and folded parachutes,” she added.“The women

COLUMNS † 11 - 12

See RED MASS, page 2

PANDEMIC MINISTRY

Texas prisons and halfway houses more restricted with pandemic measures

BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — Many impacted by pandemic restrictions may feel imprisoned, but Texas prisons and halfway houses are truly locked down as COVID-19-related deaths have risen to 166 inmates and 21 employees, including guards and chaplains, according to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice report updated Oct. 27.

Those deaths were out of the 23,362 inmates and 5,438 TDCJ staff who have tested positive for COVID, stated the TDCJ website update. More than two-thirds of inmates who died from COVID-19 complications have been black or Hispanic, although the general inmate population is almost evenly divided between a third of each of those

See VETERANS, page 4

|

ESPAÑOL † 16 - 17

| WITHIN THE ARTS † 18

See PRISONS, page 5

2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON Publishing since 1964 (USPS 936-480) 713-652-8215 • Fax: 713-659-3444 tch@archgh.org • archgh.org/tch Circulation 713-652-4408 Advertising ads@archgh.org • 713-652-4407 Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop, President & Publisher

PHOTOS BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

Above, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo preaches the homily during the Red Mass at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Oct. 27. The annual Mass prays with and for Galveston-Houston’s law community ahead of the upcoming legislative year. Below, a man prays during the Mass, which was livestreamed online to allow further participation for those who could not attend due to the pandemic.

Cardinal: ‘The right to live with dignity cannot be denied’ RED MASS, from page 1 “We need God’s help, even in the very profession of the law,” he said. “And we need it in our personal lives.”

The Mass’s First Reading from Isaiah reminded the congregation that those at the margins, the peripheries, become the center of attention, Cardinal DiNardo said.

In the Mass’s Gospel reading from Luke, Cardinal DiNardo noted that Jesus “uses his public life” to bring “new life out of distress”for the poor, the disenfranchised, the immigrant and incarcerated.

Jesus focuses His ministry on these “bruised reeds” and “smoldering wicks” and brings them to a new sense of freedom, joy and the Kingdom, Cardinal DiNardo said.

In the lawyer-client relationship, “a sacred oath is taken.” The clients, “no matter who they are,” become these “smoldering wicks” who ask their representing lawyers to bring a kind of “justice” or “mercy” in the law.

Cardinal DiNardo reflected on Pope Francis’s new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti,” and drew on the themes that united the people of the world as one.

“The right to live with dignity cannot be denied to any,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

Pope Francis reminds us that the whole world and its people, each person and individual “are all our clients” for those in the legal professions, Cardinal DiNardo said.

The poor and injured all “demand our attention and those of us who have the know-how and the way to do that,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “Our professional training, the beauty of the law, has to be used in service of those who would need our constant help and support.”

Jonah Dycus Communications Director & Executive Editor Rebecca Torrellas Managing Editor James Ramos Designer & Reporter Catherine Viola Graphic Designer & Advertising Manager Eleska Aubespin, Kerry McGuire and Jo Ann Zuñiga Contributors The Texas Catholic Herald, an awardwinning member of The Catholic Media Association of the United States and Canada, is published semi-monthly on Tuesdays, except for one issue in June, July and August by The Texas Catholic Herald Publishing Co., Inc., 1700 San Jacinto St., Houston, Texas 77002.

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Cardinal DiNardo prayed that the legal community stayed concerned that the human person is the basis for all law.

At the Red Mass, lawyers, judges or legislators altogether with Pope Francis say: “All of us are brothers,” Cardinal DiNardo said.

The pope also reflected on the parable of the Good Samaritan, which Cardinal DiNardo said is a story very much important to today’s society.

“There is a need for us today to take seriously the works of the Gospel, the words of Jesus, and ... the Good Samaritan in the back of our minds,” he said. “We might go forward now practicing our own chosen disciplines of the law, and begging the Lord to make us more ethical, more professional, more beautiful in the practice.”

The annual Red Mass also remembers all those in the legal community who have died in the previous year. †

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THE FIRST WORD ST. THOMAS EXPANDS

IN BRIEF Next Café Catholica Lite set for Nov. 19

HOUSTON — The next Café Catholica Lite will be held online Nov. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host a personal witness of Blessed Karl of Austria by Archduchess Maria-Anna of Austria, Princess Galitzine, his granddaughter. The night will also include a brief history refresher by Dr. Christopher Wolfe from the University of St. Thomas. Open to all young adults.

For more information, contact the Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry at www.archgh.org/ cafecatholica or yacm@archgh.org or 713-741-8778. To register, visit bit.ly/CatholicaLite. †

A concert like no other: ‘In Memoria’ concert moves online

PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD

University of St. Thomas leadership join Conroe civic officials to celebrate during a ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new micro-campus in downtown Conroe Oct. 20. The new storefront will host events, classes and information sessions.

UST opens new Conroe ‘USTMAX’ micro-campus

BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald CONROE — On a corner of downtown Conroe’s busy square, the University of St. Thomas (UST) opened the doors to its new “USTMAX” micro-campus building on Oct. 20.

Located at 336 N. Main Street, adjacent to the Montgomery County Courthouse, the new far-north outpost of Houston’s Catholic university occupies a restored, historic 1913 building, originally a popular mercantile and lively drug store that once drew Conroe’s crowds for milkshakes and sodas more than 100 years ago.

Now Montgomery County will have new options for higher education as the UST bolsters its sights on furthering its nursing school offerings and online liberal arts associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees as the county’s only four-year private university.

UST President Richard Ludwick said the new Conroe location “goes right to the heart of the Great Commission.”

“When Jesus says to his disciples, ‘Go out and teach, preach, teach them what I’ve taught you,’ and for us, that is at the heart of what we do,” Ludwick said. “Even the Basilian fathers and the tradition that they give to us, it is one of evangelization and education.”

Being in and part of Conroe’s community, “being literally in the public square” gives UST the chance “to bring a Catholic voice into a community at an educational level that was not here before,” Ludwick said. “And that’s really at the heart and soul of what we’re doing.”

S

Ludwick also shared that UST would offer free Spring 2021 tuition to students enrolling in cybersecurity, network technology and electronic technology associate degree programs.

Ludwick said the outpost will offer the “great patrimony of hundreds of years of Catholic higher education” and connect it to what the needs of the community are and push them into the future.

“The future of our Church, the future of God’s people, all centers on how we can form the individuals and the domestic Church,” he said. “And that’s something that we think is going to be critical to how we move forward. Not only here in Montgomery County, but everywhere. The University of St. Thomas, which we think is an instrument of God’s love, has the ability to touch them.”

The 1,500 square-foot Conroe storefront is named after St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish priest-martyr who died in Auschwitz, and is the patron of radio and innovation, according to UST. Dubbed a micro-campus, the venue will host information sessions, classes, alumni gatherings and other events.

Local clergy and parishioners from nearby Sacred Heart Catholic Church joined other Downtown Conroe patrons at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 20. The Basilian Fathers, who founded UST in 1947 in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, were represented by Father Paul English, CSB, who blessed the building.

For more information on the new campus and its programs, visit www.stthom.edu/ustmax. †

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HOUSTON — Due to the pandemic, the annual “In Memoria” concert will be featured online.

“In Memoria Virtual Reprise” virtual concert will be offered at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22.

The concert features the Archdiocesan Choir, music ministers and guest singers directed by Dr. Rick Lopez, associate director of music and Liturgy for the Office of Worship.

It will showcase two virtual pieces and also feature memorable performances from past “In Memoria” concerts. The program will also pay tribute to the priests and religious sisters and brothers who have served the Archdiocese and have died over this past year.

Tickets are available at www.archgh.org/InMemoria.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Lopez at 713-7418764 or email rlopez@archgh.org. †

DSF annual appeal to support Archdiocesan ministries continues

HOUSTON — This year the theme of the annual Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) appeal is “Bring Your Greatest Gifts to The Lord.”

The annual campaign to support more than 60 Archdiocese-wide ministries is under way and the local Church is asking parishioners to continue their generous giving to DSF. The fund supports a variety of ministries, such as those forming youth in Catholic faith; providing support and preparation for clergy; teaching, evangelizing, worshipping, and outreach to the incarcerated, aging, poor and sick; and programming to strengthen Christian families, among many others.

A full list of all ministries supported can be found at www.archgh.org/dsf. The Archdiocese counts on DSF funds to help meet the needs of people struggling throughout our region.

To make a pledge online, visit www.archgh.org/dsf. For more, call 713-652-4417. †

Food distributions continue to offer help during pandemic

HOUSTON — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues to serve people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic through all of its programs.

Food pantries are open for drive-through food distribution at three locations: Guadalupe Center in Houston, where appointments are required; Mamie George Community Center in Richmond; Beacon of Hope Center in Galveston. In Galveston, no appointment is required.

In Fort Bend County, The Mamie George Community Center is a super distribution site in coordination with the Houston Food Bank. Distribution is every other Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For hours and other information, call the Catholic Charities COVID Assistance Line at 713-874-6521.

The University of St. Thomas (UST) will also host a free drive-thru food distribution on Friday, Nov. 20, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. No appointments are necessary.

The event, which will be held at 3800 Montrose Blvd., is open to the public, including members of the UST community, family members, loved ones or neighbors.

For more information, email events@stthom.edu. †

4 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

LOCAL

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

CATHOLIC FUNDRAISING IN 2020

The pandemic has changed fundraising for all types of Catholic entities. ▪ PAGE 15

Raised Baptist, Reagor baptized by her priest-son VETERANS, from page 1

The benefits of military service during WWII far outweighed the challenges and played a critical behind-the-scenes role risks, noted Samsel, who lives in Houston in the execution of missions, campaigns and Milan, Michigan, with her husband and national defense.”

Jim. The couple provides care for Reagor, Reagor joined the SPARS shortly after who recently turned 100 years old. returning from New Jersey, where she “Mom met and served with women said farewell to her brother and their from all over the country, becoming local friends, who, as part of Patton’s acquainted with different cultures and Third Army, were about to embark on customs, nationalities and religions. She the North Africa and Sicily made lifelong friends. She campaigns. acquired new administrative, At that time, out of seven inventory and organizational siblings, three brothers were skills, as well as excelled in actively serving in the military, communications,” Samsel said. and three others were working Prior to her military service, in defense plants.

Reagor worked as a Rosie the Reagor knew that some Riveter at the Timiken Roller would not come back and felt Bearing Factory in Akroncompelled to serve, which she Canton, Ohio. She worked did with her enlistment to the on producing bearings for SPARS from 1943 to 1946. She war machinery. Thousands of SEAMAN FIRST was discharged as a First Class women did the same as the CLASS SHIRLEY Seaman. men fought.

H. REAGOR “She joined to defend her After the war, the SPARS, as country and play an important well as other female military role in the war effort,” said daughter branches, were largely demobilized.

Patricia Samsel. “She was proud and Reagor, restricted from higher education concerned about her family and wanted because of money and gender issues of to do her patriotic duty.” those sexist times, moved to New Orleans

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A Prayer for Veterans O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on Your veterans, both the living and the departed who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of Your Son they may share in the joy of Your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in You with Your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. and worked as a medical secretary.

Since those days, Reagor has been recognized for her achievements and military duty.

Recently, Reagor received the Living Legend Award by the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA). She wishes they would receive more funding and recognition.

For her 100th birthday this year, Reagor was thrilled when the U.S. Coast Guard Houston-Galveston Sector honored her with a boat drive-by, unit coins and a letter of appreciation from them and the Admiral of the Coast Guard. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also declared her birthday “her day.”

Over the past 100 years, Reagor has seen much in her lifetime — the emergence of technology and women’s expanded roles in the workforce and military.

“She is concerned that with the expansion, responsibilities and pressures have increased as women struggle to balance work-home issues while still receiving lower pay,” Samsel said.

“Secondly, she is amazed at the acceleration and integration of technology in everyday life, like family zoom sessions, FaceTime, virtual doctor appointments, and so forth. She has participated in all of these.”

Besides having her beautiful daughter, Reagor is most proud that she has a son

currently serving as a priest. Father Scott Dugas is a Catholic priest and pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Woodville, Mississippi. He also works with local veterans’ organizations in a chaplain’s capacity.

Born in Franklin, North Carolina, and initially raised as a Southern Baptist, Reagor has always been deeply involved in the Catholic Church in some form or another.

While living in New Orleans, she married her two children’s father, who was Catholic, and sent both children to Catholic schools for their spiritual and academic educations. They were both baptized and received Confirmation.

“Later, as my brother’s vocation evolved, she supported him and would visit his various parishes sharing her motherly wisdom. Her conversion happened over time as she observed us and so many other Catholic witnesses,” Samsel said.

In Houston, after the death of her second husband and with her grown children away, Reagor was impressed by the spiritual and emotional support she received from St. Cyril of Alexandria of Houston and its parish ministries.

Reagor officially converted to the Catholic faith five years ago at age 95.

“That was an amazing day,”said Beatriz Green. “I told her that she has been with us all of these years, likely knows more about the Catholic faith than anyone, but here you are just now joining the Church.

She was even baptized by her son.”

Green, the youth minister and coordinator for Hispanic ministry at St. Cyril, met Reagor about six years ago.

Having heard about Reagor’s military service to her country, Green said she is truly impressed and believes the new convert is a true inspiration in more ways than one.

“She is an inspiration because back then it must have been pretty hard for a woman to be accepted among the ranks and among her peers,” Green said.

“Women didn’t have it easy, but she went for what she was looking for, and nothing stopped her.”

Like many churchgoers impacted by COVID-19 and concerned with safety, Reagor now attends Mass through St. Cyril’s livestream as well other broadcasts. †

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Morale, spirits in prisons remain low, leaders say PRISONS, from page 1 minorities and a third of white inmates, news outlets reported.

The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston Correctional Ministries, which usually provides Masses, occasional weekend spiritual retreats and gifts to prisoners, have been locked out for the past several months with no volunteers allowed for the foreseeable future, including Christmas holidays.

“Morale and spirits behind the walls are low, and there is not much we can do for them with the COVID restrictions.

There are no Masses, no services or Bible study,” said Deacon Alvin Lovelady, director of the Archdiocese’s Correctional Ministries.

“There are still some units that are in total or semi-lockdown, which means no moving around 23 hours a day or no more than 5 to 10 gathered in one location,” he said.

Pre-recorded Masses were given to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to distribute to prisons around the state.

“We’re trying to minister in other ways, but since prisoners cannot get on the internet, we can’t even do Zoomtype seminars. And the only way we can provide them with books is if we order them straight from the publisher to send to the prisons,” Deacon Lovelady said.

That is how the “Let Us Celebrate” missalettes are still arriving to inmates, he said.

“We also just received approval to

give copies of a daily devotional ‘Do Something Beautiful for God’ by Mother Teresa that has an introduction by Matthew Kelly,” he said.

That may be one of the few Christmas gifts that come into prisons, which won’t even be visited by caroling groups this year, he said.

But halfway houses in Houston are still receiving up to half-dozen released inmates a week after they quarantine for two weeks in an isolated part of the prison, Deacon Lovelady said. After 14 days in quarantine, they are given “exit training” to prepare for their halfway houses.

Tony Van Derbur, halfway house director of the Catholic Creations Inc. Isaiah House and Providence House, said, “We’ve been very blessed that we haven’t had any COVID cases since last February.”

At that time before COVID testing, several residents and staff did come down with fever, aches and coughs, he said, but everyone recovered. Since then, residents are all required to wash their hands frequently, have their temperatures tested, and are supplied with sanitizer.

Van Derbur said donations of clothing, bedding such as sheets and pillowcases, and gift cards would help the residents start a new life. Donations can be directed by calling 281-442-7200.

“Thanks to all those who donate for thinking of us. If we don’t need a particular item, we share with other houses that may need it more,” he said. †

CNS PHOTO

Chicago Deacon Pablo Perez of Kolbe House drops off donations at a halfway house for men recently released from jail May 4. In Houston, ministry leaders said the pandemic has seriously affected the way they minister to the recently imprisoned.

YOU CAN BRING BACK HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Guidelines remain as parishes continue at 50% capacity

HOUSTON - Almost four months after reopening parishes following the state-mandated closure, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo continued the second step in the phased reopening of parishes in the Archdiocese.

Parishes were permitted to expand to 50% capacity provided they, and parishioners, observe health guidelines set by the State of Texas when attending Mass. These include at least the following:

Wash hands often and for 20 seconds

Keep a safe social distance and avoid gathering after Masses

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve

Cover mouth and nose with a mask or cover when around others Avoid close contact; Share a ‘Sign of Peace’ from a distance

Will you help families in crisis this Christmas?

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest. You can give these families the help they need to avoid hunger and homelessness by supporting Catholic Charities. Your gift will provide them with food, emergency financial assistance and give us the flexibility to meet whatever needs arise from this crisis. Please give today.

Make a gift online today at

CatholicCharities.org/donate 2900 Louisiana Street • Houston, Texas 77006

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CCHD brings relief to marginalized communities

Nov. 21 and 22 second collection empowers those living in poverty to make lasting changes

BY REBECCA TORRELLAS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — On Nov. 21 and 22, there will be a second collection at Masses in the Archdiocese to support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).

The funds are allocated to community projects that promote the mission and vision of CCHD while adhering to the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church.

Sister Maureen O’Connell, OP, director of the Secretariat for Social Concerns, said the CCHD was founded almost 50 years ago by the U.S. bishops as a Catholic anti-poverty initiative.

“By identifying and addressing the obstacles people face as they work to lift themselves out of poverty, the campaign supports programs that promote selfreliance,” she said.

Sister O’Connell said, according to a recent NPR survey, 41% of African American and Latinx households in Houston reported using most or all of their savings in the June peak of the

pandemic, with another 19% reporting that they had no savings, to begin with.

“This means about 60% of those already hurting, low-income Houstonians were completely or nearly broke by August,” she said.

Sister O’Connell said local grants go directly to programs assisting those most in need in our community.

“Twenty five percent of the money collected stays here in the Archdiocese to fund projects that will assist those in our community who are struggling to overcome the obstacles that keep them impoverished,” she said.

Sister O’Connell said it is critical to donate to CCHD through the Church since it is the main source of income for the fund.

“In his recent encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti,’ Pope Francis reminded us that those who are poor and vulnerable, those who live with disabilities or discrimination, and immigrants and refugees, are not issues or problems, but sisters and brothers, part of one human family,” she said.

“CCHD provides us, the faithful, with the opportunity to pursue the ‘common good’

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston | 1700 San Jacinto | Houston, TX 77002

Associate Director of Development

A CLOSER LOOK The CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CCHD) shares funds to community projects that promote the mission and vision of CCHD while adhering to the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church. Visit www.usccb.org/cchd to view funding criteria and see a detailed list of the organization’s most recent grants and annual report.

Missed the parish collection or are watching online due to COVID-19 restrictions? Donations are still welcome to help those in the society’s margins.

One can send additional contributions to their parish and identify the funds for CCHD.

as we provide funds to the ‘least of these, our sisters and brothers’ to empower and assist in developing resilient communities.”

Some local organizations that benefited from last year’s collection were the Fe y Justicia Worker Center and San José Clinic.

The Fe y Justicia Worker Center provides a safe space for low-wage workers to gather and learn about their rights in the workplace and connect with

a network for various social services and community allies to empower them.

“As marginalized members of our community, the majority of domestic workers and day laborers were confronted with increased job insecurity, discrimination and wage theft due to the environment created

by COVID-19,” Sister O’Connell said.

“CCHD funding allowed staff to provide much-needed information regarding worker’s rights and responsibilities during a pandemic.”

As the region’s oldest charity care clinic, San José Clinic has provided lowcost, high-quality healthcare to uninsured and underserved residents of the greater Houston area since 1922.

Maureen Sanders, president and CEO of San José Clinic, said the funding they received from CCHD was instrumental in the clinic’s ability to hire a nurse practitioner for the clinic’s new satellite location in Rosenberg. This site provides expanded services to an underserved segment of the community who a do not have access to affordable health care.

Those unable to attend Mass due to COVID-19 restrictions can contribute to their parish and identify the funds to be used for CCHD. To learn more about the Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, visit www.usccb.org/cchd/ collection. †

Summary: The Associate Director will work closely with the Development Director and other staff to support the overall fundraising efforts and events of the Archdiocese. The primary responsibility of this position is the creation and management of a dynamic Annual Appeal (Diocesan Services Fund), and cultivation of long-lasting relationships with major donors, supporters, lay leaders, priests and prospects to ensure the financial stability of the local church. Responsible for timely and accurate reporting, constituent stewardship, and prospect analysis necessary to plan and implement donor engagement in the Archdiocese. Responsible for creation of donor impact articles and overall campaign marketing. Also participates in visioning and goal setting for the Development Department.

Essential duties and responsibilities: • Produces compelling appeal collateral materials and reports • Establishes print and electronic marketing plan for the campaign which include monthly newsletter, social media outreach and year-end giving blasts • Develops cultivation opportunities and tailored solicitation strategies for different segments of the donor base • Establishes strategies to engage major gifts ($5,000 and up), to renew current donors and re-engage donors lapsed for three or more years • Is a resource for parishes/ministries for campaigns, offertory and grant writing • Assists in prospect research/updates prospects in established and new campaigns • Special projects as needed and other duties as assigned by the director Required qualifications: • Undergraduate degree and 3-5 years of development/stewardship experience • Thorough knowledge of stewardship and fundraising principles and techniques, especially in relation to annual appeals and major gifts • Working knowledge of software including Microsoft Office and Adobe products such as InDesign • Strong interpersonal and exceptional communication and organizational skills, ability to prioritize as well as be able to multi-task and arrange ongoing projects • Occasional early morning/ evening/ weekend work required • Ability to lift/carry 25 pounds Additional preferred qualifications: • Familiarity and comfort with the mission of the Catholic Faith • Bilingual English/Spanish

Suitable candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Human Resources at resume@archgh.org with Associate Director - Development in the subject line.

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NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

ALL SOULS DAY PRAYERS

Houston’s only comprehensive Catholic Montessori school for students aged 14 months to 12th grade

1966 100% PHOTO BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA/HERALD

CCHD

Beauty and grief went hand in hand on All Souls Day Nov. 2 with Masses praying for the souls of the deceased. Father Chacko Puthumayil of Queen of Peace Church in LaMarque celebrates an outdoor Mass at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson with about 100 attending as they wore masks.

Other Masses also were celebrated at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston, Holy Cross Cemetery in Houston and parishes across the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

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Support the Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Working on the Margins www.facebook.com/povertyusa | www.usccb.org/cchd/collection | www.twitter.com/endpovertyusa Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photos: © Getty Images, Brian Payne, No Boundaries Coalition of Central West Baltimore, Dana Dillehunt and Willa K. Johnson, Opportunity Threads, Sharon Whitten, CCHD archives.

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ST. MARY BASILICA RENOVATION CONTINUES

PHOTO BY CATHERINE VIOLA/HERALD

A window at St. Mary Cathedral Basilica in Galveston undergoes renovation.

St. Mary has endured many storms since 1847. The interior of the church was renovated after Hurricane Ike in 2008 and reopened in 2014. The current project addresses needed exterior and structural repairs and restoration of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea statue. Additional repairs involving the Cathedral Basilica have been identified and will be completed pending funding.

To donate, visit www.archgh.org/restorestmary or call 713-652-4418.

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8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

St. Dominic Village offers seniors a ‘lifeline’ of compassionate care critical during COVID-19

BY KERRY MCGUIRE Herald Correspondent HOUSTON — With the utmost concern for the overall health and safety of its residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at St. Dominic Village have worked tirelessly to provide a lifeline of compassionate care to improve and enhance the quality of life of its seniors during these uncertain times.

“In the midst of a pandemic with no real written rules, our team has come together and done an incredible job in caring for the needs of our residents,” said Amy Shields, chief executive officer of St. Dominic Village. “They have done so with a spirit of grace, compassion and love for what they do and for the residents that we serve. The love and respect that are seen between residents and staff here are remarkable.”

Father Greg Elliott agrees St. Dominic Village has been a lifesaver in many ways. A late vocation to the priesthood, Father Elliott had previously served as a permanent deacon at St. Cecilia Church in Houston. Following the death of his wife, he discerned the priesthood and was eventually ordained a Catholic priest by the Diocese of Tulsa. Now retired, he said St. Dominic Village helped bring him back to Houston to be near his two sons and has continuously offered him the

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. DOMINIC VILLAGE

The Warren Chapel at St. Dominic Village continues to be a draw for many of its residents. Within walking distance, Warren Chapel hosts daily Mass, Adoration and other opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth.

service and care when he needed it most.

“St. Dominic Village has been a lifeline for me,” Father Elliott said. “I used to be in a place that was not good for me because of the weather. Since I’ve moved here and am being cared for by its staff, I’ve been renewed physically and psychologically; the care has been very, very, very good.”

Thanks to the care he received from the staff in the assisted living center, he has been able to transition back to the Priest Retirement Independent Living Residence.

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As the only Catholic retirement community in the greater Houston area that offers a true continuum of care for the aging population, Shields said the heart of St. Dominic Village’s mission is “Caring for Our Elders with the Compassion of Christ.”

The levels of care provided include independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care for long-term and short-term rehabilitation residents. It also includes many spiritual enrichment programs and celebration of the Sacraments at the Warren Chapel on campus, which has been a draw for many of its residents.

‘TREMENDOUS WITNESSES’ One such person is Julia S. Tucker who has lived in a St. Dominic Village independent living unit since January 2020. She moved to Houston to be near family when she could no longer live on her own due to medical reasons. She chose St. Dominic Village because it had a chapel within walking distance offering daily Mass, Adoration and many opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth.

Tucker said the staff and volunteers are tremendous witnesses for the Catholic Church in a secular world. She added that, through their compassionate care, they demonstrate that life matters regardless of age, and seniors should be respected and appreciated.

“I can honestly say I have never seen a more loving and caring staff, as well as residents, that live here,” said Tucker.

“People are always helping each other, and the staff meets you immediately with a smile and understanding way when you need them. The Archdiocese should be proud that they have such a facility as St. Dominic.”

While many social activities traditionally held on campus are currently on hold due to social distancing mandates, the residents are able to come together for Mass, prayer in the chapel and gather for some social time.

Tucker said she feels the staff has done an excellent job involving the residents in activities where they are socially distanced and can still have fun.

“The entire staff has done an excellent job in keeping us well and safe during this unprecedented time,” said Tucker.

“We are all so grateful to all of them.”

‘I AM HOME’ Assisting living resident Mary Ann Parker said St. Dominic Village has given

St. Dominic Village is supported by the Diocesan Services Fund. The 2020 DSF theme draws from an important meaning of the Catholic faith: “Bring Your Greatest Gift to the Lord.”

DSF operates in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston each year to help the Church carry out the ministries of teaching and sanctifying. Of the 60-plus programs under its umbrella, DSF brings the needed financial resources to carry out these ministries. her peace of mind since moving in two years ago. She feels safe and secure on the grounds and feels all her needs are provided for by the caring staff.

“Before the pandemic, I could attend Mass every day, but now I can watch it on TV in the comfort of my room,” said Parker. “I have made some wonderful friends here, and I simply love walking around the grounds. I feel like this is my home — I am home.”

A seven-year resident in the assisted living facility, Shirley Brumbaugh, said living at St. Dominic Village has taught her to become more conscious of how fortunate she is to be living there.

“It has been very interesting to meet other people from other regions across the U.S.,” said Brumbaugh. “We find we have things in common and things different from where we came from. I was permitted to have a family gathering here, and it was wonderful that all of my family could be accommodated right here in ‘my home’ since I was unable to travel.”

A ‘DEEPER LEVEL OF TRUST’ Shields said residents’ families have truly been a blessing in how they have adapted to the stricter mandates in place.

She feels they have a deeper level of trust in the level of care provided by staff for their loved ones.

“The daily or weekly visits by family members at one time were completely stopped, and they became even more dependent on us to be their eyes and ears in checking on their loved one,” said Shields. “The residents have also shown how they can adapt to anything, and they have done so very well despite the pandemic.”

Shields gives credit to the continued support of St. Dominic Village’s board of directors, financial donors and volunteers that are committed to fulfilling the mission despite challenges.

“They have all continued to give back to St. Dominic Village in different ways, but each important and needed,” said Shields. “From the early days of worrying about PPE, to the more recent days when we have cared for COVIDpositive residents, it has all been challenging and new.”

St. Dominic Village, a non-profit senior care center community, is one of 60 See DSF, page 13

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

STRAKE JESUIT

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Thursday, December 3, 2020 | 7pm

PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

CURA PERSONALIS At Strake Jesuit, we have been successfully building Men for Others for 60 years. A key to that success is the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis — the care for the individual.

This core value translates into a personal care and attention for each Jesuit student. It also means that we concern ourselves with the education of the whole person. Students at Jesuit learn much more than math and science — they learn about community service, about their faith, and about their responsibilities to the world around them.

At Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, we do much more than prepare our students for college — we prepare them for life as men of God and Men for Others. Learn all about Strake Jesuit from the comfort of your own home! Begin the application process, schedule a virtual meeting with the Admissions Team or a current student, view our virtual tour, register for Open House, learn about Financial Aid, and more at www.strakejesuit.org/admissions or call us at 713.490.8113.

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10 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

EDUCATION Students around the Archdiocese say ‘No’ to drugs HOUSTON — Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, was held Oct. 23 to 31. Students around the Archdiocese showed their dedication to say “No” to drugs in different ways throughout the week.

Since it began in 1985, the week, sponsored by National Family Partnership, provides drug awareness for students and supports an educational environment that demonstrates a commitment to healthy alcohol- and drug-free lifestyles.

National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention. †

PHOTO COURTESY OF SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN CONROE

During Red Ribbon Week, Sacred Heart Catholic School in Conroe created art decorations to depict such themes as “Don’t let drugs blow your future” or “Painting a drug free future.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

The faculty and students at St. Augustine Catholic School wore their favorite superhero outfits to be Red Ribbon Superheroes.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. CHRISTOPHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL

[ABOVE] St. Christopher Catholic School students wore their boots to “Give drugs the boot!” during Red Ribbon Week.

[BELOW] St. Christopher Catholic School students sported their favorite team’s shirt to show they are “TEAMing up to say no to drugs” during Red Ribbon Week.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School students wore decorative socks to “Sock it to drugs” during Red Ribbon Week.

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

YOUTH

Future saints among us

On Oct. 10, Pope Francis celebrated the beatification of Carlo Acutis. Carlo was a very talented Italian teenager who had a great devotion to the Eucharist and was a young computer programmer who created a program that documented and categorized all of the Eucharistic miracles throughout the world. Carlo developed leukemia and offered up his suffering for Pope Benedict XVI and the universal Church. He died on Oct. 12, 2006, at the age of 15. He is the first millennial to receive beatification.

It was his devotion to the Eucharist that set him apart. His beatification brought up an important discussion question between my daughter and me regarding the possibility of more modern-day saints and could future saints be living among us now. I informed her that all of us should be working toward sainthood while on Earth.

Saints often have major life events that change them. It could be sickness, accident, a vision, career change, living situation or martyrdom. These incidents catalyze their road to sainthood and strengthen their commitment or call, but it’s not the only thing. Carlo was a typical teen, skilled on the internet, hanging out with friends, playing video games, had a huge sweet tooth, and who, even before his diagnosis, had a devout love for Christ, which inspired him to share that love with others in his daily actions.

One of the most critical stages toward sainthood is examining whether the candidate has lived a life of heroic virtue while on the Earth. Carlo had an extreme love for the Eucharist at an early age, which inspired his mother, who, before this time, had not attended Mass, to explore and deepen her knowledge of the faith.

As a teen, he looked out for his friends and was concerned about their home life and their souls. He stood up against bullies at school and defended the weak and forgotten. He continued to inspire all those around him.

Using his computer skills and the internet, he inspired those worldwide by compiling and sharing all the known Eucharistic miracles. It was by his example in choosing to live out his faith, giving himself to God, and modeling that love to all that showed this heroic virtue.

He took an ordinary life and made it extraordinary by his actions. Who are the people in your life who you see take the ordinary and make it extraordinary by their devotion and actions as disciples of Christ?

Because of my ministry role, I am very blessed to see many of these future

saints. As an advisor to the Archdiocesan Youth Council, I am extremely impressed by these young people and their daily devotion to living out their faith in prayer and in their actions and by choices.

RANDY It’s not easy in today’s ADAMS society, especially for teens, to practice heroic virtue, but these young people try each day despite friends, social media and society/ cultural trends that can sometimes work against them. In the words of Pope Francis to the youth during a Confirmation Mass in April 2013, “Pay attention, my young friends: to go against the current; this is good for the heart, but we need courage to swim against the tide. Jesus gives us this courage!”These young people swim against the tide each day in their walk.

I also see future saints in the people who guided me as a new youth minister in Galveston, the mom of three who volunteered in several ministries using her time and talent to serve Christ as catechist, fundraiser, decorator, finance council and throughout her community; the neighboring DRE and youth minister; the senior women of our weekly Bible study who gave me advice before marriage, during marriage and parenthood. In the wonderful coworkers who supported ministry and two pastors who guided me.

I see it in the priests who go out of their way to serve the youth and their parishioners even during a pandemic.

The Archdiocesan and parish staffs who show a true vocation in carrying out the Church’s mission, despite challenges and changes. The husband and wife at my parish who live out their faith by inspiring their girls and others through their service and devotion not only to their parish but the Archdiocese and their daughters’ schools.

These people’s actions are rooted in their love for Christ and the Church, not for money, fame or glory. And like young Carlo, they see themselves as ordinary people trying to live the best life possible as followers of Christ. Your challenge is to look at the people in your life that you see as future saints and how you can model their example in your own life to help build the kingdom of God here on Earth. †

†

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C AT H O L I C SCHOOL?

 Rigorous curriculum  A welcoming & inclusive experience  STEM Programs, Fine & Performing Arts, Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities  An education that inspires & empowers

Randy Adams, executive director of Camp Kappe Youth Facility, and associate director of Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK is November 8-14

PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo 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.



Visit ChooseCatholicSchools.org For More Information.

11

12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

COLUMNISTS The Biblical meanings of religious pluralism In the United States in the 21st Century, we Christians face the practical question of what sort of relationship we should have with those who belong to different religions.

This is true not only because of the reality of religious pluralism within our own country but also because the increasing pressures toward globalization force us to encounter many different faiths around the world. Are we to seek to destroy anything and anyone different from ourselves?

Are we to isolate ourselves from those who are different, withdrawing into a protective shell? Are we to embrace everyone warmly, believing that we are all really the same despite apparent differences? Is there some other option?

The people of Israel faced much the same question as they confronted different religious and ethnic groups both within their borders and hemming them in on all sides. Let us look at what the Old Testament might teach us on this topic.

The Old Testament does not require that we seek to destroy and eliminate everyone that is different from ourselves.

Such an attitude is a misinterpretation of the stories in the Old Testament. It is true that in the book of Joshua, we repeatedly read that the Israelites completely annihilated those they encountered, but we must be careful as these stories do not mean we need to destroy everyone different from ourselves. In the Ancient Near East, a conquered people would become the slaves of the ones who had

defeated them in battle.

Since Israel understood God as a Divine Warrior fighting on their behalf, the conquered people belonged not to Israel but to God. To take them as slaves would imply that Israel by believed they had BRIAN achieved the victory GARCIAthemselves. The only LUENSE solution was to offer the conquered people to God by killing them. This attitude is completely consistent with the notion of sacrifice operative at the same time. These stories of bloody annihilation are not really stories about how to deal with outsiders at all as much as they are stories about how God was the driving force behind the great victories.

Even in the midst of such stories, however, we get a glimpse of another theology at work. Not everyone in Jericho was killed, for Rahab the harlot and her family were spared for having helped the Israelite spies (Josh 2:1-11; 6:22-25).

In a similar fashion, an unnamed man of Luz is spared (Judg 1:24-26). David’s attempt to send away Ittai the Gittite stemmed not from hatred or scorn, but out of concern and with a blessing (2 Sam 15:19-20). Ittai’s insistence on remaining is welcomed and accepted by David (vv 21-22). Elijah revives the son of the widow in Zarephath of Sidon (1

†

Kgs 17:9, 17-24). Elisha cures Naaman the Syrian (2 Kgs 5:1-19). Some individuals and their families can be accommodated as an exceptional circumstance when doing so proves to be helpful or appropriate.

We also see cases when short-term alliances with entire groups of people can be made when they seem to be beneficial. There seems to have been some sort of arrangement between David and King Hiram of Tyre for he sent not only materials but also craftsman for the construction of David’s palace (2 Sam 5:11).

Solomon, at the height of his wisdom, shows no reluctance to meet and trade gifts with the queen of Sheba (1 Kgs 10:1-13). International trade, in general, seems to have flourished under Solomon, for he managed a fleet of ships (1 Kgs 10:22) and traded for horses and chariots with Egypt (1 Kgs 10:28-29).

Hezekiah, who “did what was right in the sight of the LORD, just as his ancestor David had done” (2 Kgs 18:3), seems to have been in a military alliance with the Egyptians (2 Kgs 18:24).

Finally, long-term and enduring relationships with foreigners also seem to have been acceptable.

The Gibeonites may have been punished for the trickery with which they enticed the Israelites into making an alliance with them by being relegated to the tasks of “hewing wood and drawing water” (Josh 9), but the fact remains that Israel made the alliance and honored it when Gibeon came under attack (Josh 10:6-8). The text reports their distinct status within Israel “to this day” (Josh 9:27).

This is not to say that the Old Testament does not contain warnings about the shape of interaction between Israel and those outside.

The most common problem seems to have been that intermarriage between Israelites and non-Israelites tempted the people of Israel to forsake their own ways and to follow the foreign ways of their spouses. This is the reason Solomon is indicted for having foreign wives (1 Kgs 11:1-8).

Similarly, Ahab’s mistake in marrying Jezebel is that she led him to worship Baal (1 Kgs 16:31-33). In a certain sense, the same problem befell Samson in that his foreign wife caused him to break his relationship with the LORD by shaving his head (Judg 16:15-20).

The conclusion seems clear that the theology of the Old Testament admits the possibility of useful interaction, either occasional or ongoing, between Israel and foreigners.

In so doing, the foreigners are not threatened with extinction, nor do they cease to retain their identity. For us today, this theology allows for the possibility of cooperation among all people of goodwill, Christian or otherwise, in working in the world. As Christians, we do not need to become isolationist in our perspective, refusing to deal with those who do not share our faith.

However, these interactions, though permissible, do contain a danger. In our dealing with non-Christians, we may be tempted toward syncretism or subjectivism. The theology of the Old Testament stands as a reminder that one must be vigilant in consciously guarding one’s own religious identity when one encounters another. † Brian Garcia-Luense is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

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Recycle it or pass it on to someone else!

During these difficult and trying times, priests of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will be offering spiritual reflection videos on Scriptures of the day to help us stand firm in faith and hope.

New videos in English and Spanish will be posted on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Lord, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of creation and reawaken our gratitude and sense of responsibility.”

– Pope Francis

Find the videos at www.archgh.org/messagesofhope, and on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Audio of the reflections are also available on our podcast channel via your favorite podcast app.

SUNDAY MASS READINGS NOV. 15

First Reading: Prov 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-5

Second Reading: 1 Thess 5:1-6

Gospel: Mt 25: 14-30 or Mt 24: 14-15, 19-21

NOV. 22

First Reading: Ez 34: 11-12, 15-17

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23: 1-3, 5-6

Second Reading: 1 Cor 15: 20-26, 28

Gospel: Mt 25: 31-46

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

13

WORLD

Corruption in the Church must be stamped out continually, pope says

BENEDICT XVI ‘A FATHER AND A BROTHER,’ FRANCIS SAYS Asked about his current relationship with the 93-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict, Pope Francis said he regards him as both “a father and a brother,” which is why he signs letters to him with the words, “Filially and fraternally yours.”

“I often visit him up there” at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery, the pope said. “And if I see him a little less recently, it is only because I do not want to tire him. The relationship is good, very good. We agree on what things need to be done. Benedict

Mass, Sacraments of the Sick and Reconciliation, Adoration, and other prayer opportunities to continue on campus.

“Some of our residents also run out of money and need our help to continue to enjoy the riches of our faith,” said Malloy. “That’s where DSF and our donors provide essential support. Please support DSF and St. Dominic Village. The last part of our life is when we most need the constant presence of our Lord.”

As a resident, Tucker agrees supporting the DSF is imperative to St. DominicVillage and the other ministries in the Archdiocese that benefit.

“There is no other Catholic fullcare facility in a town of millions of people,” said Tucker. “We are near the medical center and can receive care immediately if necessary. But most importantly, it provides the spiritual care we need especially at this time in our lives.” †

is a good man; he is holiness incarnate.”

Pope Francis also said that contrary to reports of an alleged rift between him and his predecessor, “there are no problems between us.”

Asked if he feels alone, especially with many reports highlighting opposition to his teaching, he replied: “I have thought about it, and I have come to the conclusion that there are two levels of loneliness. One can say I feel alone because those who should collaborate do not collaborate, because those who should get their hands dirty for others do not, because they do not follow my line or things like that. And this is a loneliness

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ministries supported by the Diocesan Services Fund.

Shields said the center relies heavily on grants and donations for support to operate each year. These are often the reason programs can be offered, she said.

“We are so appreciative of DSF funding to help us to continue our mission. It is vital to our success as an organization.”

Shields said the financial impact of COVID-19 has also been one of the biggest challenges they have faced.

The pandemic cancelled or postponed several events that were vital to their operations financially.

St. Dominic Village Board Chair Michele Malloy said supporting the center is important for these reasons and because it is the only Catholic senior community in the Archdiocese.

Supporting the DSF allows daily

have removed these people, and now, it’s your turn.’”

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DSF, from page 8

CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis leads his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Oct. 28. In an interview with the Italian news agency, Adnkronos, the pope addressed the issue of corruption in the Catholic Church, his relationship with retired Pope Benedict XVI and the life of the church amid the pandemic.

that one might call ‘functional.’”

Then, he continued, “there is a ‘substantial’ loneliness, which I do not feel because I have found so many people who take risks for me, who put their lives on the line, who fight with conviction because they know that we are right and that the path taken, even with a thousand obstacles and natural resistance, is the right one.”

Obviously, he said, there have been examples of mischief and of betrayal, which hurt those who believe in the Church.

While it is uncertain whether his efforts to weed out corruption and lead the Church will bear fruit, Pope Francis said that he knows he must do it and that “I have been called to do it.”

In the end, “the Lord will say whether I have done well or whether I have done wrong,” he said. “Sincerely, I am not very optimistic, but I trust in God and in people faithful to God.” Recalling his exile to Cordoba, Argentina, in the early 1990s, the pope said that in the library, he “came across six or seven volumes on the history of the popes, and even among my very ancient predecessors, I found some examples that were not exactly edifying.”

While criticism against him and his papacy can hurt, especially when “said in bad faith and with malice,” Pope Francis said it is also constructive because “criticism leads me to examine myself, to make an examination of conscience, to ask myself if I was mistaken, where and why I was mistaken; if I did right, if I did wrong, if I could do better.”

“It’s true that even if I have to find inspiration in criticism to do better, I certainly can’t let myself get carried away by everything that they write about the pope that is not very positive,” he said. †

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Corruption is an “ancient evil” that continues to plague the Catholic Church in different ways, Pope Francis said.

In an interview with the Italian news agency Adnkronos, published Oct. 30, the pope discussed his thoughts on several issues, including the nature of corruption given recent allegations of financial misconduct involving the Vatican.

Despite past and present efforts to root it out, the pope said, “unfortunately, corruption is a cyclical story that repeats itself” until “someone comes along to clean and tidy up.”

“But then it starts again, waiting for someone else to come along to put an end to this degradation,” he said. Money, as the early fathers of the Church and St. Francis called it, is “the devil’s dung.”

In the interview, which was conducted Oct. 27, the pope said that while “the Church is and remains strong, the issue of corruption is a profound problem.”

Citing St. Ambrose’s assertion that “the Church has always been a ‘casta meretrix’ (‘chaste prostitute’),” the pope said that although the vast majority of people in the Church follow “the right path,” it is “undeniable that personalities of various types and depth, clerics and many fake lay friends of the Church, have helped to squander the resources and property, not of the Vatican but of the faithful.”

“I am struck by the Gospel reading when the Lord asks us to choose: either follow God or follow money,” the pope said. “Jesus said that it is not possible to go after both,” the pope said.

Pope Francis said when he met with retired Pope Benedict XVI shortly after succeeding him, the retired pope “gave me a big box” and said, “’Everything is in here; there are the documents with the most difficult situations. I have come this far, I have intervened in this situation, I

14 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

STATE & NATION

Cardinal DiNardo joins an outpouring of support for first African-American cardinal-designate WASHINGTON (CNS) — They came in tweets, news releases and Instagram posts from old friends, women religious and brother bishops in various languages congratulating Washington’s Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory.

The news of the country’s first AfricanAmerican prelate to be elevated to the rank of cardinal on Nov. 28 sparked joy, as well as commentary that it was something that should have happened long ago. “I am delighted that Pope Francis has named Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington to the College of Cardinals,� said Daniel Cardinal DiNardo in an Oct. 25 statement. “Archbishop Gregory has given his life to the Church as a holy priest and bishop.�

Cardinal DiNardo said that Archbishop Gregory, having served as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has shown leadership among the bishops of the United States. “I pray for God’s blessings upon the Church in Washington, D.C., as Archbishop Gregory soon becomes a close collaborator with Pope Francis in the College of Cardinals,� Cardinal DiNardo said. “In elementary school, he asked his parents if he could become Catholic.

Priests and sisters in a Catholic school had inspired his heart. Today... look what the LORD has done...,� tweeted Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, Tennessee, Oct. 25, the day the announcement was made public.

The Archdiocese of Chicago, where the cardinal-designate chose to become Catholic as boy after attending a parochial school (even though neither of his parents was Catholic), said it was rejoicing over the announcement and touted the cardinaldesignate’s experience and contributions during difficult times for the Church. “Cardinal Gregory, who came to the Catholic faith as a student in an archdiocese grammar school, went on to become a strong leader in addressing

CNS PHOTO

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Washington was one of 13 new cardinals named by Pope Francis Oct. 25. Archbishop Gregory is pictured meeting the pope during a meeting with U.S. bishops making their “ad limina� visits to the Vatican in this Dec. 3, 2019, file photo.

some of the most pressing issues facing the Church and society,� the archdiocese said in an Oct. 25 news release. “In his years as president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops and beyond, he has been at the forefront of moving the Church to repair the damage of child sexual abuse and confronting racism in all its forms,� the release said.

Blase Cardinal Cupich of Chicago pointed out the meaning of the appointment, given that it comes as the U.S. faces increasing social strife. “While we take particular pride in this recognition of a dedicated priest, whom we are proud to claim as our own, we are also moved that Pope Francis chose this compassionate, thoughtful pastor when

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our nation and the world are in desperate need of healing and courageous leadership,� he said.

On a more personal note, the General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters recalled that the cardinal-designate “credited Adrian Dominican teachers at St. Carthage Grammar School in Chicago with inspiring him to convert to Catholicism.� “Archbishop Gregory, soon to be Cardinal Gregory, has long inspired us — and continues evermore,� the council said in a statement. “Archbishop Gregory’s appointment is a blessing beyond measure for the entire Church. As the first African American to be elevated to the College of Cardinals, Archbishop Gregory will bring the unique gifts and perspectives of Black Americans and Black Catholicism to the global Church’s highest ecclesiastical body. “As a prelate deeply committed to social and racial justice,� it added, “Archbishop Gregory will bring his courageous voice of integrity to the pope’s inner circle, speaking words of

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compassion and inclusivity.�

The social justice organization Pax Christi USA said the message Pope Francis was sending to the U.S. Catholic Church was clear. “He has named the first African American cardinal in the U.S. in the midst of our nation’s reckoning with systemic racism, as millions assert that Black Lives Matter,� the organization said in a statement.

Jenny Kraska, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, said in a news release that he is “a pastor at heart� and “his wisdom, kindness and faith� will serve him well “as he takes on this new responsibility as a special adviser to the Holy Father and a papal elector.� “As our state and nation continue to grapple with racial tension, the appointment of the first African American cardinal in history also has special significance,� Kraska said, adding that “throughout his ministry,� Cardinaldesignate Gregory “has sought to address wrongs and bridge differences.�

On Twitter, Shannen Dee Williams, assistant professor of history at Villanova University who specializes in African American, women’s, religious and civil rights history, said that “the road to this appointment has been long� while the costs in the U.S. Black Catholic community had been tremendous. “While global #BlackCatholics still remain grossly underrepresented in the College of Cardinals, this moment MATTERS,� she tweeted.

In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, thenArchbishop Gregory’s successor as head of the archdiocese, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, said, “Being chosen as the first African-American cardinal from the United States indicates the pope’s awareness of the needs and gifts of the multicultural Catholic population throughout the United States. “As his successor in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, I am particularly grateful for his leadership, mentoring and fraternity.�

Among his accomplishments, he said, the cardinal-designate is known for working closely with fellow bishops, clergy and women religious, promoting Catholic education, and fostering good relations with leaders of all faiths. “It is clear that the talents and accomplishments of Archbishop Gregory will be a part of his legacy as a leader not only in the United States but also as a member of the College of Cardinals who attend to significant issues of dioceses throughout the world,� Archbishop Hartmayer added.

Father Bruce Wilkinson, a retired priest from Atlanta, tweeted that while he was celebrating the moment, the Church had to take a long hard look because after Cardinal-designate Gregory, “there will be none (no Black prelates) to follow.â€? “Did it have to take this appointment to send a message by Pope Francis to be a diverse and an inclusive Church in America?â€? he asked on Twitter Oct. 25. “I’m not trying to rain on the parade, too much, but this is ... one man in one position.â€? â€

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

NATION

texas catholic herald

15

Catholic fundraising in 2020: Many down, some up, but it has all changed WASHINGTON (CNS) — Chalk up something else affected by the coronavirus: fundraising for Catholic entities of all kinds.

Domestically, parish collections are down more than they are up. According to Ministry Brands, 64% of U.S. parishes indicated they had received a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan to meet payroll shortfalls caused by the lack of Masses, the number of people attending them and the resultant drop in offertory giving.

Some U.S dioceses have had to retrench since a healthy percentage of their revenue comes from an assessment on parish collections. In some cases, people are laid off or converted to parttime status, open positions go unfilled, and there’s a hiring freeze. Some ministries are slashed, and others are gone entirely.

But a July online survey of 1,079 donors revealed that 85% who gave at least $1,000 in 2018 or 2019 to a faithbased nonprofit say they expect to give the same amount or more this year as they did last year.

The median amount respondents had given previously was $20,000.

Only 8% said they plan to shift their giving to other causes or nonprofits because of the pandemic, according to the North Carolina-based consultancy DickersonBakker, whose survey had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

On the international scene, a slightly different picture emerges.

The German Catholic press agency KNA reported in October that donations to major relief organizations in Germany rose 11.6% in the first half of 2020, according to a survey by the German Central Institute for Social Issues. Of the 30 organizations queried, 21 reported a rise in donations, while nine reported a decrease.

In the man-bites-dog-so-it-mustbe-news category, contributions to the Catholic Near East Welfare Association are up. But there’s a catch.

“The reason why there’s a surge in activity is because of COVID,”said Michael J. La Civita, CNEWA’s communications director.

“Even though the Church, like basically every other institution for the most part, shut down, the work of the Church could not: health care facilities, care for the elderly, people reaching out and looking for social service assistance where there is none, particularly in the developing world. ... They turn to the Church for help,” La Civita said.

“While churches could not hold Liturgies and other events, reaching out and helping the poor, helping those in need — particularly those impacted

by COVID — the Church could and did respond” to this, he explained.

“The pope earlier this year, I guess in June, had asked the Congregation for the Eastern Churches to launch a campaign to assist those churches in its jurisdiction: North Africa, the Middle East, India, Eastern Europe. We said sure, and they, in turn, asked us to do it.”

La Civita said, “With that sort of a mandate and the with needs being so clear and the Church’s commitment to reaching out to those most in need, those most vulnerable, those most marginalized, we made that appeal in any way that we could ... through direct mail,

CNS PHOTO

Father Michel Abboud, president of Caritas Lebanon, prays before celebrating an outdoor Mass near Beirut’s port area Aug. 16, an area devastated by an Aug. 4 blast. Church fundraising helps communities like this recover from disasters.

through social media, you name it.”

“Catholics — and that’s our primary audience — North American Catholics responded very generously, very generously,” he said. “So there’s that, and the crisis of Lebanon in early August,” he added, when a massive accidental explosion rocked the capital of Beirut, “which exacerbated or blew the cap off what everyone knew: that Lebanon was in a free fall.”

“The thing that changed for us was when the thing happened in Beirut,” agreed Ed Clancy, director of outreach for Aid to the Church in Need.

“Within 24 hours, we sent immediate aid to purchase food. It has increased as time has gone on,” Clancy told Catholic News Service (CNS).

“The area that was affected by the blast is one of the principal Christian areas of Beirut. It could be that as much as 30% of the Christian population is affected.

It could be that 100 — there’s no true statistical thing — but 100 families a day or more are leaving. I can’t vouch for that, other than we’ve heard this said by people on the ground.

“The other challenge was after the blast, speculators were going in and offering cash for apartments or homes, looking to just buy the property,” Clancy continued. “The issue is the old adage: Real estate is one thing you can’t make more of. If you sell it, for all intents and purposes, you’re gone.”

“We want to keep people there” in Beirut to maintain a Christian presence in the Middle East, he said, but “it’s a challenge.”

“We went from additional emergency aid to more substantives, helping people to survive, to get by,” he said. “We’re looking forward to helping them rebuild — not necessarily building anything, but allowing it to happen,” all while supplying food, clothing and job retraining in the middle of a pandemic.

When the pandemic started,“there was a big drop” in donations, Clancy said.

“It’s still down for sure. The mail activity has diminished, that’s for sure.

Is it people not responding to mail, or people not wanting to go outside? I’m sure economic activity is a consideration, too,” he said.

“Amazingly, our small donors — the widows, the widow’s-mite people — didn’t stop. They may have changed their donation from $20 to $15, but they didn’t stop,” Clancy added.

The Pontifical Mission Societies saw the same drop off in mailed contributions since the start of the pandemic, according

to communications director Monica Yehle. This prompted a pivot to its website, missio.org, to raise funds.

“It has raised and continued to raise money for projects ... but it also includes general giving. We have increased the digitization,” she said. The good news: “We saw an uptick so far digitally this Mission Month, in October.”

One year’s fundraising pays the following year’s projects, Yehle told CNS; the 2019 fundraising was distributed this year with no problems. The question remains as to how much money will be raised in 2020 to disburse in 2021.

“The big, big parish collection every year for World Mission Sunday just took place the 18th of October, so it’s difficult to tell how that actually went,” she said.

Showing how you can get by with a little help from your friends, Yehle noted how diocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith directors coordinate the Mission Cooperation Plan in the summer months, with missionary priests visiting U.S. parishes for a weekend to help raise consciousness — and funds.

“As you can imagine, the pandemic stopped that program. Missionaries were unable to travel here. Parishes weren’t able to open, or certainly not at that capacity,”Yehle said.

So The Pontifical Mission Societies offered missio.org to help missionary priests raise money. The missioners’ webpages were open through September but shut down in October for Mission Month, but are reopening in November through the end of 2020. †

16 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

MUNDO CATÓLICO

Papa: La verdadera oración, como la verdadera fe, nos lleva a cuidar de los demás CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Ser indiferente u odiar a los demás es negar la existencia de la presencia de Dios en el prójimo, dijo el papa Francisco.

“Esto es el ateísmo práctico”, dijo el papa el 21 de octubre durante su audiencia general semanal. “No reconocer la persona humana como imagen de Dios es un sacrilegio, es una abominación, es la peor ofensa que se puede llevar al templo y al altar”, dijo.

Al llegar a la sala de audiencias Pablo VI, el papa volvió a observar las medidas de distanciamiento social al tomar asiento de inmediato en vez de saludar de cerca a los miembros de la multitud.

Se disculpó y explicó que estar entre ellos aumentaría “el peligro para ustedes del contagio”.

“Siento hacer esto pero es por su seguridad”, dijo. “En vez de ir cerca de ustedes y darnos la mano y saludar, nos saludamos desde lejos, pero sepan que yo estoy cerca de ustedes con el corazón”.

Antes de su charla principal, el papa dijo que notó a una madre abrazando y amamantando a su bebé que lloraba al comienzo de la audiencia. Al ver esto, dijo: “He pensado: así hace Dios con nosotros, como esa madre. Con cuánta ternura trataba de mover al niño, de amamantar. Son imágenes bellísimas”.

FOTO DE CNS

El papa Francisco dijo durante su audiencia general semanal, “Si tú rezas muchos rosarios al día pero luego chismorreas sobre los otros, y después tienes rencor dentro, tienes odio contra los otros, esto es puro artificio, no es verdad”.

“No manden nunca callar a un niño que llora en la iglesia, nunca, porque es la voz que atrae la ternura de Dios”, dijo.

Continuando con su serie de charlas sobre la oración, el papa habló sobre “figura negativa” que se menciona a

menudo en el Libro de los Salmos y la describió como alguien que “vive como si Dios no existiera”. El Libro de los Salmos, dijo, presenta la oración como una “realidad fundamental de la vida” que sirve como un “límite”, que nos impide

“que nos abalancemos sobre esta vida de forma rapaz y voraz”.

Sin embargo, dijo, hay personas “que van a misa solamente para demostrar que son católicos o para mostrar el último modelo que han comprado, o para hacer una buena figura social. Van a una oración falsa”.

“El peor servicio que se puede prestar, a Dios y también al hombre, es rezar con cansancio, como si fuera un hábito.

Rezar como los loros. No, se reza con el corazón”, dijo el papa.

“La oración no es un calmante para aliviar las ansiedades de la vida; o, de todos modos, una oración de este tipo no es seguramente Cristiana”, dijo. “Más bien la oración responsabiliza a cada uno de nosotros. Lo vemos claramente en el Padre Nuestro, que Jesús ha enseñado a sus discípulos”.

El papa Francisco dijo que los salmos enseñan a los cristianos que la oración es más que buscar la ayuda de Dios para uno mismo, sino un “patrimonio colectivo, hasta ser rezados por todos y para todos”, dijo el papa.

“Si tú rezas muchos rosarios al día pero luego chismorreas sobre los otros, y después tienes rencor dentro, tienes odio contra los otros, esto es puro artificio, no es verdad”, dijo el papa. †

Papa: Pídale a Jesús que ore por usted cuando no pueda CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — Al pedir ser bautizado con otros penitentes en el río Jordán, Jesús se colocó entre los que se reconocían a sí mismos como pecadores, dijo el papa Francisco.

A pesar de las protestas de Juan el Bautista, Jesús insistió en ser bautizado como “un acto de obediencia a la voluntad del Padre, un acto de solidaridad con nuestra condición humana”, dijo el papa el 28 de octubre durante su audiencia general semanal.

“Jesús es el justo, no es pecador. Pero Él ha querido descender hasta nosotros, pecadores, y Él reza con nosotros, y cuando nosotros rezamos Él está con nosotros rezando”, dijo el papa. “Él está con nosotros porque está en el cielo rezando por nosotros. Jesús siempre reza

con su pueblo, siempre reza con nosotros: siempre. Nunca rezamos solos, siempre rezamos con Jesús”.

Aunque el papa Francisco nuevamente se disculpó por tener que mantenerse alejado de los visitantes y peregrinos debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, no usó una máscara durante la audiencia, ni siquiera cuando saludó personalmente a los clérigos visitantes.

El padre Augusto Zampini, secretario adjunto del Dicasterio para la Promoción del Desarrollo Humano Integral y miembro de la Comisión del Vaticano COVID-19, que hace recomendaciones al papa y otros, habló con los periodistas el 27 de octubre sobre el trabajo de la comisión.

Cuando se le preguntó acerca de que

APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Cardenal DiNardo 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.



el papa no usaba habitualmente una máscara, el padre Zampini dijo que la gente ha estado tratando de convencerlo de que lo haga.

Continuando con su serie de charlas sobre la oración, el papa reflexionó sobre la elección de Jesús de comenzar su ministerio público con su bautismo, que “tenía un carácter claramente penitencial”.

Jesús, dijo el papa, “no se queda en la orilla opuesta del río — ‘Yo soy justo, vosotros pecadores’ — para marcar su diversidad y distancia del pueblo desobediente, sino que sumerge sus pies en las mismas aguas de purificación”.

Cuando Jesús salió del agua, los cielos se abrieron y la voz de Dios proclamó:”Este es mi hijo amado”. El papa Francisco dijo que los cristianos deben recordar ese momento en el que se sienten “débiles y vacíos” durante la oración, y deben “suplicar que la oración de Jesús también se convierta en la nuestra”.

Cuando uno dice, “yo no puedo rezar hoy, no sé qué hacer: no me siento capaz, soy indigno, indigna” hay que “encomendarse a Él para que rece por nosotros”. “¡Tenemos confianza en esto!

Si nosotros tenemos confianza, escucharemos entonces una voz del cielo, más fuerte que la que sube de los bajos fondos de nosotros mismos, y escucharemos esta voz susurrando palabras de ternura”, dijo.

Al final de la audiencia, el papa condenó el asesinato de seis estudiantes asesinados cuando insurgentes separatistas atacaron la Academia Bilingüe Internacional Madre Francisca en Kumba, Camerún, el 24 de octubre.

Los funcionarios del gobierno culparon a los secesionistas anglófonos del noreste de Camerún que han estado llevando a cabo ataques desde 2016 para obtener la independencia.

“Siento un gran desconcierto por un acto tan cruel e insensato, que ha arrebatado la vida de los pequeños inocentes mientras estaban en clase en el colegio”, dijo.

El papa Francisco rezó por el fin del conflicto y para que que “la seguridad de todos y el derecho a la educación y el futuro de cada joven estén garantizados”.

“Que Dios ilumine los corazones para que nunca se repitan actos similares y para que la martirizada región noreste y sureste del país pueda finalmente encontrar la paz”, dijo.

El papa Francisco oró por el fin del conflicto y para que “las armas se callen y se pueda garantizar la seguridad de todos y el derecho de cada joven a la educación y al futuro”. “¡Qué Dios ilumine los corazones, para que gestos similares no se repitan nunca más y para que las atormentadas regiones del noroeste y suroeste del país puedan finalmente encontrar la paz!”, dijo. †

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

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Pandemia aumenta riesgos de explotación y tráfico humano ROMA (CNS) — Mientras la pandemia del COVID-19 ha afectado u obligado a cerrar la mayoría de los negocios, parece que no ha debilitado el tráfico humano, declaró Callista Gingrich, embajadora de Estados Unidos ante la Santa Sede.

De hecho, las dificultades financieras que muchas familias enfrentan actualmente alrededor del mundo hacen a la gente más vulnerable a las ofertas de dinero rápido de los traficantes o a las falsas promesas de buenos trabajos en otros países, expusieron el 14 de octubre los oradores del simposio “Combatiendo el tráfico humano: Acción en un tiempo de crisis”, auspiciado por la embajada de Estados Unidos en la Santa Sede.

Las organizaciones religiosas “son unos de nuestros mejores aliados” en cuanto a la insistencia para acabar con el tráfico y asistir a las víctimas, explicó Gingrich, señalando específicamente a Talitha Kum, la red internacional integrada por unas 2,600 religiosas y sus colaboradores alrededor del mundo.

La hermana Patricia Murray, religiosa de Loreto y secretaria ejecutiva de la Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales de Congregaciones Religiosas, indicó que los pobres que son susceptibles a los traficantes son “doblemente vulnerables” durante la pandemia, cuando muchas más familias están sufriendo de hambre.

“Se estima que 130 millones de personas adicionales se ubicarán por debajo de la línea de la pobreza este año y sospecho que es un estimado optimista”, señaló.

La religiosa Gabriella Bottani, de la congregación de hermanas Combonianas y coordinadora de Talitha Kum, explicó que en 2019 los miembros de la red brindaron asistencia directa — rescate, vivienda, educación y apoyo psicológico — a 24,700 afectados.

“Cada una de estas personas representa una historia de un encuentro de hermanas con sobrevivientes”, dijo.

La pandemia del COVID-19, según la hermana Bottani, ha sido una lupa que ha destacado la inequidad y las injusticias que convierten a algunas personas en presas fáciles para los traficantes.

“Los protocolos de higiene y distanciamiento social, para protección,

FOTO DE CNS

Callista Gingrich, embajadora de Estados Unidos ante la Santa Sede, habla en un simposio sobre el tráfico humano en Roma el 14 de octubre. La embajadora patrocinó el simposio, que examinó cómo la pandemia COVID-19 está empeorando la situación de el tráfico humano.

se reservan para los privilegiados”, según ella, ya que los más pobres entre los pobres no tienen otra opción más que salir a buscar la forma de ganar dinero y a menudo no tienen acceso a agua corriente, mucho menos a desinfectante de manos.

La hermana explicó que el tráfico de personas en última instancia es el resultado de un sistema económico basado solamente en el consumo y en la valoración de los seres humanos según la riqueza que pueden producir para los demás. “Es un llamado a la conversión, a un profundo cambio” a nivel personal, social, nacional e internacional.

Agregó que la pandemia y el confinamiento no solo han incrementado la pobreza, sino también han aumentado los actos de violencia contra mujeres y niños retenidos por los traficantes.

Además, han intensificado la pornografía en internet que explota a mujeres, niños, y adolescentes. Igualmente, han dejado a muchos inmigrantes, que habían sido

traficados para explotación laboral, abandonados y sin nada.

Olga Zhyvytsya, oficial de abogacía internacional de Cáritas Internationalis, añadió que la cuarentena y las restricciones de viaje han hecho que las víctimas de tráfico tuvieran menos oportunidades de escapar o llamar la atención de alguien que les pueda ayudar.

Kevin Hyland, un ex oficial de policía de Londres y activista contra el tráfico por largo tiempo, expresó a los participantes del simposio que “los síntomas del tráfico humano son evidentes en toda nación, toda ciudad y pueblo”; sin embargo, los individuos y gobiernos parecen hacer muy poco para detenerlo. A veces, incluso, parece que “hacen la vista gorda”, por ejemplo, con el tráfico para prostitución o servicio doméstico.

Afirma que “la idea de que el tráfico humano es inevitable”, ha ocasionado que así sea.

Princess Okokon, una nigeriana que sobrevivió al tráfico y ahora ayuda a otras

El amor a Dios siempre se mide por el amor al prójimo, dice el papa CIUDAD DEL VATICANO (CNS) — La prueba de estar en un camino de conversión y santidad consiste siempre en amar al prójimo, dijo el papa Francisco.

“Mientras haya un hermano o una hermana a la que cerremos nuestro corazón, estaremos todavía lejos del ser discípulos como Jesús nos pide”, dijo antes de rezar el Ángelus con personas reunidas en la Plaza de San Pedro el 25 de octubre.

El papa reflexionó sobre la lectura del Evangelio del día (Mt 22: 34-40) en la que Jesús dijo que el mayor mandamiento era amar al Señor con todo el corazón, alma y mente, y el segundo mandamiento era amar al prójimo como a uno mismo.

Con esto, “Jesús establece dos fundamentos esenciales para los creyentes de todos los tiempos”, dijo el papa.

El primero es que el amor, no la

ansiedad ni la obligación, debe ser siempre la fuerza impulsora detrás de los mandamientos de Dios, dijo.

“El segundo fundamento es que el amor debe tender juntos e inseparablemente hacia Dios y hacia el prójimo”, dijo el papa.

“Esta es una de las principales novedades de la enseñanza de Jesús y nos hace entender que no es verdadero amor de Dios el que no se expresa en el amor al prójimo; y, de la misma manera, no es verdadero amor al prójimo el que no se deriva de la relación con Dios”, dijo.

El amor a Dios se expresa sobre todo en la oración y la adoración, dijo el papa Francisco, y el amor al prójimo se expresa estando cerca de las personas, escuchándolas, compartiendo y cuidando a los demás.

“Muchas veces nosotros descuidamos el

escuchar al otro porque es aburrido o porque me quita tiempo, o de llevarlo, acompañarlo en sus dolores, en sus pruebas”, dijo. “¡Pero siempre encontramos tiempo para chismorrear, siempre! No tenemos tiempo para consolar a los afligidos, pero mucho tiempo para chismorrear. ¡Estad atentos!”

La comunión “es un don para invocar cada día, pero también compromiso personal para que nuestra vida no se deje esclavizar por los ídolos del mundo”, dijo.

“La verificación de nuestro camino de conversión y de santidad está siempre en el amor al prójimo”, dijo el papa.

La divina misericordia “no nos permite desanimarnos, es más nos llama a empezar de nuevo cada día para vivir coherentemente el Evangelio”, agregó. †

víctimas en el norte de Italia, dijo que los traficantes que explotan a mujeres para comercio sexual las tratan “como un ATM (cajero automático) y cuando el ATM se queda sin dinero en efectivo, las desechan”.

Explicó en la conferencia que, así como los traficantes tienen reclutadores en comunidades pobres, especialmente en África, es importante que los grupos como Talitha Kum y, en especial, los sobrevivientes trabajen en esas comunidades, alertando a la gente sobre la manera en que los reclutadores operan y las mentiras que dicen.

El cardenal Michael Czerny, subsecretario de la Sección de Migrantes y Refugiados del Dicasterio para la Promoción del Desarrollo Humano Integral (Vaticano), les explicó a los participantes del simposio que “el problema básico, el mayor” es que mientras unas pocas personas en iglesias, gobiernos, y organizaciones no gubernamentales están dedicadas a la lucha contra el tráfico, gran parte del mundo parece no saber que todavía existe la esclavitud humana.

Cuando a algunas personas del mundo les falta lo más básico y necesario para sobrevivir y, por consiguiente, caen presas de los traficantes, aquellos que tienen lo suficiente para sobrevivir deberían estar avergonzados, declaró el cardenal. Las personas que recurren a los traficantes están buscando la supervivencia de ellos y sus familias, y hasta que todo el mundo decida si tal pobreza extrema es inaceptable, el tráfico continuará.

“Incluso sin hablar del tráfico, el modo inoperante en el que anda nuestro mundo debe ser una vergüenza social”, indicó.

El cardenal Czerny enmarcó sus comentarios en el contexto de la más reciente encíclica del papa Francisco “Hermanos Todos: sobre la fraternidad y la amistad social” y su invitación a todas las personas a reconocer cómo somos interdependientes y estamos interconectados, y cómo nuestras vidas y estilos de vida afectan a los más pobres entre los pobres.

Las carencias de vivienda, cuidado médico, trabajo y educación, están vinculadas a los índices de tráfico humano, señaló, y deben abordarse de un modo interconectado. †

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18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

WITHIN THE ARTS Mary, Undoer of Knots offers hope amid tangled reality of pandemic, Presentation sister says ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) — In a year when a pandemic has entangled lives across the globe, Presentation Sister Carrie Link painted an icon that may help Catholics straighten them out.

The icon — and a devotion — is called Mary, Undoer of Knots.

People needn’t be alone in untangling life’s “knots,” she said.

“We lean into the heart of Mary, our Blessed Mother, who, through her intercession with her Son, loosens them and gives us hope.”

Sister Link said the devotion to Mary, Undoer of Knots — also known as Our Lady, Undoer of Knots — originated in the time of St. Irenaeus in the second century. “He wrote of how Mary, ‘the second Eve,’ untied the knots handed down to us by our first parents,” she said.

Pope Francis is among its fans. When the pope was a student in Germany, Sister Link said he was taken by a 17th-century painter, Johann Melchior Schmidtner, and one painting in particular. It recalls an image that St. Irenaeus described — showing Mary untying knots.

Sister Link, 79, is semiretired but works at two parishes. She leads formation for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Henry in Monticello, Minnesota.

One day a week, she oversees Liturgy at Our Lady of the Lake in Mound, Minnesota. She spends much of her free time painting.

Sister Link studied and practiced various art forms for many years —

from classical realism to still life and portrait work, using various media. She was introduced to the prayer and art of iconography in 1995.

She learned of this icon prototype in a class conducted by iconographer Debra Korluka at the Basilica of Mary in Minneapolis this past March. Then, she commenced making her own. Working on it as she had time, she finished it in June.

“It’s like a rich gold mine when you talk about iconography,” Sister Link said, noting her appreciation for “the history, how (the icons) came to be stories, how each person is drawn to them in different ways and which aspect of a particular icon seems to speak to them, how people like to sit in their presence.”

Working on Mary, Undoer of Knots gave Sister Link hope and confidence that Mary will untie the knots that bind humanity and bring people to freedom and harmony.

“Writing” is the proper way to describe what the iconographer does, Sister Link said, but acknowledged that those unfamiliar with the term are used to works of art being “painted.” One reason writing is used is because icons have been described as Scripture in visual form. Sister Link creates icons in the acrylic method, she said.

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is about the 10th icon Sister Link has made. She has kept some and parted with others.

Brent Aitchison, a parishioner at St. Henry, bought the icon from Sister Link

LOCAL CATHOLIC NEWS.

WHERE YOU WANT IT. WHEN YOU WANT IT.

CNS PHOTO

Presentation Sister Carrie Link holds an icon of “Mary, Undoer of Knots” that she wrote in Monticello, Minn., Oct. 13, 2020. The icon depicts The Blessed Mother with the Child Jesus holding a knotted rope in her hands.

as a present for his wife, Lanette, on her 60th birthday in September. Lanette was taken by complete surprise when she opened her gift.

As someone who has experienced, from a young age, very difficult situations with family members and the heartbreak of infertility, Lanette knows about the need for healing. She also knows to turn to Mary’s intercession in times of need.

The Aitchisons have a statue of Mary on their deck, overlooking a koi pond.

“Often, when someone is struggling, we invite the person to sit by our pond,” Lanette said. “Mary has special healing powers.”

The Aitchisons are narrowing options for the best place for the icon to adorn their home and inspire. One thing they know for sure is that it is meant to be shared.

“It would be selfish not to share it with other people,” Lanette said. “You never know when something like that is going to speak to somebody. I want her to be shared and be out where people can see her.”

Lanette said she wants to share the icon because Mary is so generous and has given up so much.

“I’m getting emotional thinking about what she did because she gave up her Son. I want to give her up so other people can enjoy her,” she said.

Lanette got to know Sister Link in 2014 when she started the RCIA process to become Catholic. “She forever, ever, ever touched my life,” Lanette said. “She is definitely a spiritual mentor for me.”

Not one to “retire herself” or her brush, Sister Link presently is painting Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Holy Trinity. †

MOVIE RATINGS By Catholic News Service A-II – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

L – LIMITED ADULT AUDIENCE

A-III – ADULTS

O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE

• • • •

WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/DIGITALEDITIONS

• • • • • • • •

Come Play (PG-13) Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton (PG) The War With Grandpa (PG) The Witches (PG) Fishbowl (NR) Honest Thief (PG-13) Let Him Go (R) Mulan (PG-13) On the Rocks (R) Rebecca (PG-13) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (R) Yellow Rose (PG-13)

• • • • • • • •

Antebellum (R) Infidel (R) The Devil All the Time (R) Us (R)

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (R) Kajillionaire (R) The Boys in the Band (R) The Broken Hearts Gallery (PG-13)

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH

texas catholic herald

AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE Editor’s Note: Contact event organizers for the latest updates and information.

View additional listings or updates online at www.archgh.org/ata.

NOV. 13-14

CHILI COOK-OFF, Christ the Redeemer Catholic School hosts an online chili cook-off. Three way to participate: Register as a chili team for “Best Bowl” competition on Friday, Nov. 13 ($25 registration); purchase a CtRCS Texas Chili Kit. Pick-up is on Saturday, Nov. 14. The $60 kit includes ingredients for CtRCS Texas Chili and all the fixings, add choice of chili meat.

Ingredients and supplies are packaged in a reusable CtRCS Chili Cook-Off Bag along with a cutting board; join the chili cook-off online auction Nov. 2 to 14. katie.griep@ctrschool. com; 281-469-8440. www.ctrschool.com/chili.

NOV. 15

SILENT DISCERNMENT RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS, Set aside some time of silence to listen to the voice of God in your life. For ages 18-40.

Learn about the St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits following Fr. Gallagher’s book “The Discernment of Spirits.” Lunch and opportunities for spiritual direction included.

Cost: $40; space limited. Register online at https://cvent.me/BNOeRW by Nov. 9. houstonvocations.com/silentretreat.

NOV. 16

DRIVING FOR GOOD GOLF TOURNAMENT, Christian Renewal Center’s Annual Golf Tournament at South Shore Harbor (4300 South Shore Blvd., League City). Register to play or to be a sponsor at www.retreatcentercrc.org

NOV. 19

CAFÉ CATHOLICA LITE, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. held online. Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry hosts a personal witness of Blessed Karl of Austria by Archduchess Maria-Anna of Austria, Princess Galitzine, his granddaughter. The night will also include a brief history refresher by Dr. Christopher Wolfe from the University of St. Thomas. Open to all young adults. Register online: bit.ly/CatholicaLite. www.archgh. org/cafecatholica; yacm@archgh.org; 713741-8778.

"Take Courage... He is Calling." Mark 10:46-52

NOV. 22

IN MEMORIA VIRTUAL REPRISE, 3:00 p.m.

Virtual Sacred Music Concert featuring the Archdiocesan Choir, music ministers and guest singers. Program showcases two virtual pieces and memorable performances from past “In Memoria” concerts. Concert honors priests, women and men religious who served the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese and have died over this past year. Contact Dr. Rick Lopez at 713-741-8764 or by email at rlopez@archgh. org for sponsorship opportunities. Virtual concert admission $15; tickets are available at www.archgh.org/InMemoria

DEC. 3

MILITIA IMMACULATA (MI) CONSECRATION/ ENROLLMENT CEREMONY, at Our Lady of Czestochowa (1731 Blalock Rd., Houston).

6:30 p.m. Confessions, 7 p.m. Holy Mass (Extraordinary Form) with MI Enrollment Ceremony following homily. RSVP: https:// midomusmariae.wixsite.com/village/ upcoming-events. midomusmariae@live.com.

DEC. 4 – 7

IGNATIAN SILENT RETREAT FOR SINGLE YOUNG ADULTS, Ages 18-35. Men are housed at St. Mary’s Seminary (9845 Memorial Dr., Houston) and women at Holy Name Retreat Center (430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston). Inspiring talks and guidance for discernment process, learn the tools of discernment, sharpen your discerning skills, and have a one-on-one visit with a spiritual director. $275 registration fee for 5-day retreat ($200 for 3-day retreat).

Retreat begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and ends at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 7.). Space is limited. Deadline Nov. 29.

DEC. 7 – 11

ADVENT SILENT RETREAT, at Christian Renewal Center (1515 Hughes Rd., Dickinson). Includes four nights lodging, meals, Sacraments, daily spiritual direction, and daily reflections for meditation. Cost: $459 (early registration).

Retreat Master: Kim Brown. www. retreatcentercrc.org _____

VIEW MORE LISTINGS ONLINE AT WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA

The Spirit of Christmas Market Saturday, November 28 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Christian Renewal Center 1515 Hughes Road Dickinson, Texas 77539 Enjoy supporting local businesses and artist at the annual CRC Christmas Market. Items include: Religious, Jewelry, Décor, Books, Art, Cosmetics, and more.

Face Covering & Social Distancing Required For more information, visit www.retreatcentercrc.org

NOV.

13-14, 2020 THIS CONFERENCE IS FOR CLERGY AND ANY LAY CATHOLICS SERVING IN THE CHURCH

OVER 45 PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOPS

LIVE Keynotes in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese LIVE discussion groups PUBLISHER Showcases TO REGISTER CLICK LINK BELOW OR SCAN QR CODE

qrco.de/bbjuCp

Early Bird $25 (until October27) REGISTRATION FEE $40 DEADLINE TO REGISTER NOV. 12 12) Regular $40 (October 28–ISNovember SPONSORS: OFFICES OF ADOLESCENT CATECHESIS AND EVANGELIZATION, EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS, FAMILY LIFE, PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES, WORSHIP, YOUNG ADULT AND CAMPUS MINISTRY

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20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD

NOVEMBER 10, 2020

Thank you for continuing to SUPPORT YOUR PARISH

Come Holy Spirit!

As Catholics, we believe that all we have is a gift from God. Our response in faith is to offer these gifts back to God in gratitude. With gifts of prayer, we pray for our nation, Church and our parishes. With gifts of treasure, we support our parishes even when we cannot be there in person.

Make a gift to your parish online at WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/PARISHOFFERTORY.

www.archgh.org/parishoffertory