The Southwest Kansas Register La Voz Católica October 11, 2009 Page 9 Beato Bartolome Blanco Marquez 1914-1936 2009 Diócesis de Dodge City eato Bartolomé es uno de Blos más jóvenes del grupo de los 498 mártires beatificado Día sobre la Escritura por el Papa Benedicto XVI el 28 de octubre del 2007. Bartolomé nació en Pozo- blanco, Córdoba, España el 25 de noviembre de 1914. Quedó huérfano cuando era muy joven y fue criado por su tia y tío. Con la ayuda de su tío, Bartolomé aprendió a construír sillas. Uno de los A una edad temprana, entró Santos de en la escuela Salesiana en Nuewstro Pozoblanco y fue conocido como un excelente estudiante. Tiempo Padre Octavio Mondragón Padre Sean Martin Además de sus estudios, el sir- vió como catequista. A la edad Por la de 18, fue elegido el secretario Hermana Irene juvenil de la Acción Católica Hartman, OP en su tierra natal. Por rehusarse a ser mobilizado a las fuerzas armadas Desde de San Pablo hasta a ti... del gobierno contra rebelión militar de Franco de Julio de 1936, Bartolomé fue encarcelado. Allí estuvo en la compañía de quince sacerdotes y varios laicos. El fue juzgado y condenado a muerte por haberse rehusado a “Pablo de Tarso ~ Pastor and Teólogo” servir a la armada. Durante su juicio él se mantuvo fiel a su fe y profesó con entereza sus convicciones religiosas. El no protestó ante su sentencia de muerte impuesta y le Jueves, 5 de noviembre, 2009 dijo a la corte que si seguia vivo, él continuaría siendo un Católico activo. El 2 de octubre, de 1936, día de su ejecución, a la edad de 21, el descalzo Bartolome besó Español e inglés sus esposas a sorpresa de sus guardias. Él se Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Dodge City, KS rehusó a ser disparado por detrás. “Cualquiera que  muera por Cristo debería    mirar de frente y pararse  recto. ¡Larga vida Cristo   el Rey!, el gritó mientras    caía al suelo bajo la lluvia  de balas.    Las cartas que Bar-   tolomé escribió a sus fa-  miliares en la víspera de   Beato Bartolome Blanco  Marquez su muerte, muestran su   profunda fe: “Sea esta mi  última voluntad: perdón, perdón y perdón; pero indul-    gencia, que quiero vaya acompañada de hacerles todo el bien posible. Así pues, os pido que me venguéis con la venganza del cristiano: devolviéndoles mucho bien a El Padre Octavio Mondragón es un sacerdote, reli- Padre Seán Carlos Martin, un sacerdote de la quienes han intentado hacerme mal”, gioso Pasionista desde hace 30 años, realizó gran parte Diócesis Católica de Dallas, Texas, ha sido un maestro A su novia Maruja, Bartolome escribió el 1ro de oc- de su formación a la vida religiosa y al sacerdocio en la mayor parte de su servicio sacerdotal. Fue educado en tubre de 1936: “Tu recuerdo me acompañará a la tumba México y en Roma. Es bachiller en Filosofía Licen- la Universidad de Dallas y en la Universidad de Notre y mientras haya un latido en mi corazón, éste palpitará ciatura en Sagrada Escritura Licenciatura en Teología Dame. Sacó su doctorado en la teología bíblica de la en cariño hacia ti. Dios ha querido sublimar estos afectos Dogmática Maestría en Lingüística Hispánica Maestro Universidad Gregoriana Pontificia. Ha enseñado en la terrenales, ennobleciéndolos cuando los amamos en Él. de Sagrada Escritura en las escuelas de Teología de los Universidad Gregoriana Pontificia y el Instituto Ponti- Por eso, aunque en mis últimos días Dios es mi lumbrera Jesuitas y Dominicos. Maestro de Sagrada Escritura en ficio “Regina Mundi” ambas en Roma, la Universidad y mi anhelo, no impide que el recuerdo de la persona más el IFTIM Teólogo de la CLAR por seis años. Teólogo de Santo Tomás Escuela de Teología en el Seminario de querida me acompañe hasta la hora de mi muerte. del equipo internacional de reflexión pasionista en AL Santa María en Houston, TX, y la Universidad de Dal- “Estoy asistido por muchos sacerdotes que, cual bál- y a nivel de Congregación. Investiador y traductor en el las en Irving, TX. Desde el 2002, ha sido miembro de la samo benéfico, van derramando los tesoros de la Gracia equipo de traductores de la Biblia en América Latina. facultad del Instituto de Teología de Aquino en St. Louis, dentro de mi alma, fortificándola; miro la muerte de cara Conferencista en talleres de Biblia en diferentes países MO, donde sirve como profesor asociado de Estudios y en verdad te digo que ni me asusta ni la temo. de centro y sudamérica y europa. Bíblicos y director del Programa de Maestría. “Mi sentencia en el tribunal de los hombres será mi mayor defensa ante el Tribunal de Dios; ellos, al querer denigrarme, me han ennoblecido; al querer sentenciarme, me han absuelto, y al intentar perderme, me han salvado. ¿Me entiendes? ¡Claro está! Puesto que al matarme me El Kansas Rural Family Helpline dan la verdadera vida y al condenarme por defender El Kansas Rural Family Helpline de Kansas. ando por dificultades emocionales, siempre los altos ideales de Religión, Patria y Familia, es una línea telefónica de ayuda Este programa provee ayuda médicas, financieras o legales. Es- me abren de par en par las puertas de los cielos.” sin costo para la población rural de emocional, consejos competentes, tos servicios también se encuentran “Sé fuerte y rehace tu vida, eres joven y buena, y Kansas. Es un programa de servicio referencias calificadas de manera disponibles en español. Nuestro tendrás la ayuda de Dios que yo imploraré desde su directo dedicado a ayudar con las confidencial directamente a fa- número telefónico sin costo esel Reino. Hasta la eternidad, pues, donde continuaremos necesidades de las familias rurales milias rurales que estén atraves- 1-866-327-6578. amándonos por los siglos de los siglos.” Page 10 October 11, 2009 The Southwest Kansas Register Religion Assessment Test to be implemented in Catholic schools Local teachers take part in Diocesan Teachers Institute and Commissioning Mass

By David Myers Southwest Kansas Register he Religion Assessment Test currently Tutilized by the Diocese of Wichita will soon be implemented in all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Dodge City. Teachers from Catholic schools across the diocese were informed of the implementation at a Sept. 28 Diocesan Teachers Institute in Dodge City. It was the first of such gatherings for new Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Bill Biermann, who easily slipped into the role of emcee for the day-long event, and who introduced the new assessment test to the teachers. The main speaker for the gathering, which was held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, was Father Dwight Birket, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Hoisington, and a former teacher. Biermann told the teachers and principals that the test, which will be given to grades 3-8 and includes approximately 40 questions, will not only evaluate the student, but will reflect how the school is doing in presenting Church teaching. The Religion Assessment Test is similar to the Kansas State Assessment Test in its multiple choice format, the latter of which which evaluates student achievement in reading, writing and arithmetic. Photos by David Myers A sample question on the Religion As- sessment Test for sixth graders asks: “Which prayer at Mass reminds us that Jesus died for our sins? a) Our Father b) Responsorial Psalm c) Holy, Holy, Holy d) Lamb of God Exactly when the test will be implemented has not yet been determined. A highlight of the day came when Father Birkett, quoting Father Ronald J. Nuzzi of the University of Notre Dame, listed 10 things about Catholic education that “you can’t get anywhere else:” The top-10 list includes: “An Incarnational View of the World; Im- mersion in the Paschal Mystery; The Value of Relationships as a Reflection of the Divine; A Nuanced View of Scripture; Civic Engage- ment; Service for the Common Good; Disci- pline as a Faith Expectation; The Centrality of Arts, Ritual, Drama, and Music to the Life of Faith; The Fullness of the Catholic Identity at the Heart of the Church; and Personal Excel- lence as a Spiritual Goal.” The day also included a commissioning Mass celebrated by Father Robert Schremmer, vicar general, who stood in for Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore. He told those gathered that the bishop was remembering the teachers that day in Mass, and that the bishop expressed “his gratitude and his appreciation for all the ways in which he has received support and encouragement” from the educators. During the Mass, the teachers and principals from each school were called forward and stood around the altar. Father Schremmer led the teachers in commissioning ceremonies Clockwise from top: Father Robert teachers pray during Mass; a new tech- Father Dwight Birkett hosts three during which the teachers and principals Schremmer celebrates the commission- nology allows people to answer ques- presentations throughout the day, dur- answered together, “I do,” to questions such ing Mass for teachers and principals, tions projected on a screen through a ing which he focused on the strength as, “As co-workers of Jesus Christ, do you while Bill Biermann, Superintendent remote device; teachers learn about of Catholic schools, and on how to be commit yourselves to teach as Jesus did?” of Catholic Schools, stands at his side; the new Religion Assessment Test; better teachers. The Southwest Kansas Register October 11, 2009 Page 11

Reading Room Foundation seeks place of honor for In autobiography, Irish Pope Pius XII at Yad Vashem

mystic seeks to share By Sarah Delaney quietly behind the scenes and was responsible for saving Catholic News Service the lives of many Jews. Supporters say a strong public the comfort of angels ROME (CNS) -- An effort to add the name of Pope Pius XII stance against the Nazis would likely have resulted in swift to the official list of people who helped protect Jews during the reprisals against Jews. Reviewed by Nancy L. Roberts Holocaust is gathering steam and is supported by Pope Benedict Krupp said the overriding goal of his proposal is to “get Catholic News Service XVI, the project’s main promoter said. out the truth about this man, who was truly a hero.” Gary Krupp, president of the Pave the Way Foundation, a non- But Mordechay Lewy, the Israeli ambassador to the Holy “Angels in My Hair: The True Story of a sectarian organization that seeks to reduce religious conflict, said See, said Krupp’s quest was misguided. Modern-Day Irish Mystic” by Lorna By- in a telephone interview Sept. 21 that he had gathered thousands of The requirements for inclusion in the list of Righteous rne. Doubleday (New York, 2009). documents to support his proposal that the wartime pope be named Among the Nations include the saving of one or more Jews 320 pp., $24.95. as Righteous Among the Nations. from the threat of death or deportation to death camps; The title is conferred by the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial orna Byrne is an Irish mystic who says she having risked one’s life to do so; acting for selfless reasons in Jerusalem after a scholarly exam of the life and actions of has been seeing and communicating with and solely to save lives; and the existence of testimony or L non-Jews who risked their lives to hide or in some way rescue angels since she was a baby (though she only evidence to confirm the nature of the rescue. Jews from Nazi persecution during World War II. later grew to understand this). Growing up poor Krupp’s project contrasts with the current image of Pope Pius Krupp, an American Jew, said he did not know if the unusual in Dublin, as a child she was so enthralled by at Yad Vashem. In the memorial’s museum hangs a portrait idea had a chance of succeeding. He said he and his aides were watching these otherworldly beings that others of the pope with a caption that says he shelved a letter against trying to fulfill the strict requirements for documentation, and thought her to be mentally retarded. anti-Semitism, did nothing to protest the mass murder of Jews, that he was sure the material would at least be given thorough Eventually, she says, she realized that she refused to sign a 1942 Allied condemnation of the massacre of attention. had been given a special gift, the ability to Jews, and failed to intervene when Jews were deported from Krupp said he had met briefly with Pope Benedict during his communicate with spirits and angels. Now 56, Rome to the Auschwitz death camp in Poland. general audience Sept. 16 and presented him with a 3-pound, she has comforted and helped thousands over Krupp said that view of the pope is all wrong and he 255-page book containing the 3,000 documents he had so far the years who have sought her guidance. aims to change minds with the new documentation he has unearthed to present to the Yad Vashem commission. Her autobiography, “Angels in My Hair,” gathered. Among the new material are documents that “The pope was very, very happy and told us to continue our relates stories of her many angelic encounters. prove that German Catholic bishops had agreed that Nazis work,” Krupp said. “He is really thrilled with what we are do- Guardian angels sometimes appeared to her would not be allowed to take Communion, which had never ing.” “as a spark that would then grow and open up come to light before. Pope Pius has long been accused of indifference with regard to to full size; sometimes they would be mas- He also said there was a project under way with a Brit- the Nazi regime and the plight of European Jews. The Catholic sive, much bigger than the person they were ish television production company to make a documentary Church has strenuously defended him, saying that he worked minding.” These “radiant” beings showed using the information he has amassed. themselves in many vivid colors, sometimes all in gold or silver or blue. Or she sometimes Laugh-In actor remembered for work with Church understood their presence through watching the lightest feather float through the air. ASHINGTON (CNS) -- John and James were pals gions of baby boomers who grew up following Gibson As a young child, she innocently assumed Win high school who kept up that friendship after they on “Laugh-In” and a subsequent film and television that everyone else could also perceive the beau- graduated from St. Joseph Prep School in Philadelphia more career. tiful beings she observed so readily. Eventually than 55 years ago. “He had been here for the ceremonies when I was made a she realized that her gift was unique and best John is U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley, pro-grand master of cardinal, and he was also attempting to interest people in the kept quiet. As a girl she experienced many the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher and formerly the 23-year work of the church in the Holy Land, too, which was very hardships and was somewhat taken aback when president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communica- nice of him,” Cardinal Foley said. her angelic companions predicted (correctly, tions. Gibson had done some fundraising for the church in the as it turned out) that she would go on to marry James was James Bateman, who later changed his name to Holy Land after Cardinal Foley was appointed to his post her beloved Joe, that they would have children Henry Gibson, a fixture with his offbeat poems and deadpan with the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. and that Joe would die early from illness. delivery on the TV smash “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” Cardinal Foley and Gibson, while classmates at St. Joseph With her children raised, Byrne decided to which aired from 1968 to 1973. Prep, had acted in different plays together share her experiences in the hopes of inspir- Gibson died of cancer Sept. 14 at his home in Malibu, “He was a wonderful person, a delightful person,” Cardinal ing others. Your guardian angel, she writes, Calif., seven days before his 74th birthday. Foley said. “He was always an excellent person, a very good “was assigned to you before you were even The cardinal remembers Gibson fondly, as have le- actor and a good friend.” conceived. ... Once you were born and as you grow up your guardian angel never leaves your side for an instant; he is with you when you Scripture Day to focus on St. Paul Nov. 5 sleep, ... all the time.” Although human beings must still experi- he 2009 Dodge City Diocesan Annual Scripture Day Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO, where ence the suffering and disappointments of this Twill take place from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thursday, he serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and world, the guardian angel quietly protects and Nov. 5 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Director of the MA Program. helps us through. And at death, the guardian an- The focus of the day is, “From St. Paul to You; Paul of Father Octavio Mondragón has been a Passionist priest gel eases our crossing over into eternal life. Tarsus, Pastor and Theologian,” will be presented in Eng- for 30 years. He spent a great part of his formation to Byrne’s message is straightforward and her lish by Father Sean Martin, and concurrently in Spanish by religious life and priesthood in Mexico and Rome. literary abilities modest, yet her book is fairly Father Octavio Mondragón. He has the following degrees: Bachelor in Philosophy; engaging. She comes across as a gentle soul Through the Parish-Diocese Stewardship Partnership, Degrees in Sacred Scripture and in Dogmatic Theology; without guile, encouraging others to be recep- the Annual Scripture Day has no registration fee. Please Masters in Hispanic Linguistics. tive to the nurturing presence of these largely inform Peg Schulte that you are coming so organizers can Father Mondragón is a teacher of Sacred Scripture in invisible beings. have an accurate meal count: [email protected], Jesuit and Dominican Schools of Theology, a teacher of In fact, she says that she wrote her book “so (620) 227-1531. Sacred Scripture at the Interreligious Institute of Philoso- that people will realize that angels are walking Father Seán Charles Martin, a priest of the Catholic Dio- phy & Theology of Mexico (IFTIM). He has served as a beside us, that they are there all the time, that cese of Dallas, Texas, has been a teacher for the entirety of theologian of the Latin-American Conference of Religious we just need to reach out and let them help. his priestly service. Educated at the University of Dallas (CLAR) for six years. It’s as simple as that.” And angelic encounters and the University of Notre Dame, he earned the doctorate He is a theologian of the international team on Passionist are reminders “that there is a reason to live, in biblical theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. reflections in Latin America and at the level of Congrega- that there is hope in all circumstances ..., our He has taught at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the tion. Father Mondragón is also a researcher and translator bodies might die, but our souls don’t, and ... Pontifical Institute “Regina Mundi,” both in Rome, the in a team of translators of the Bible in Latin America. He we all have wings of some kind or another, University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary’s is a conference presenter at biblical workshops in different even if we fail to recognize them in ourselves Seminary in Houston, TX, and the University of Dallas in countries of Central and South America and Europe. or others. We are all, in fact, angels.” Irving, TX. More information will be included in the next issue of Since 2002, he has been a member of the faculty at the the SKR. Page 12 October 11, 2009 The Southwest Kansas Register ‘They loved the truth and taught it by word and example’ What was it that made you want to be a priest? What do you like most about being a priest? Honestly, I don’t know for sure what made me want to I love being a priest especially now that I can offer the be a priest. It just kind of happened. I sometimes have a Meet Our Priests Holy Sacrifice at the Altar with priest and people praying hard time believing that God somehow chose me to be His in the same direction, facing the Lord. It always bothered This week’s featured priest: priest and commissioned me to do this. me to be looking at the people when I was talking to the Who were people who encouraged you in your voca- Father Father. The traditional Latin Mass has allowed me to feel tion? once again connected to my roots. To know that I now can I had beautiful Catholic parents who loved God and His Rene Guesnier, OSB offer the Mass in the same words and gestures as Father Church and their family beyond measure. The Great Bend Torline and St. John Vianney, is beyond comprehension. Dominican Sisters who taught me were so good and holy. Year For Priests There is no act so beautiful on all the earth as the “Mass They loved the truth and taught it by word and example. of the Ages.” Was there a particular individual who inspired you to What do you like to do in your free time? become a priest? “One of the highlights of my life was being My greatest regret is that I wasted so much of my life in I had wonderful pastors and Father Leonard Torline present in Rome when Pope John Paul I was trivial pursuits. I could have done so much and just threw was the one who inspired me to enter the seminary. He elected. To see the white smoke come out the time away. I feel this much more deeply as I have come was such a humble holy priest. I wanted to be like him. I to realize that there isn’t much time left for me on this earth. entered the seminary as a freshman in high school when he of the chimney at St. Peter’s and to receive I hope and call upon God’s mercy. was pastor. After college I entered the Benedictine Abbey his first blessing from the veranda was very If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world, at Conception, Missouri. were would you go? What has been one of the greatest challenges you face stirring for me.” I probably won’t be going on any vacations of any length in your ministry? anymore. I would kind of like to visit St. John Vianney’s The greatest challenge that I face is in overcoming sin What has been one of the highlights, so far, of your little village of Ars. in my own life, especially the sin of pride. I have come to priesthood? What are your hobbies? realize that I can’t do this without God. Yet I keep trying One of the highlights of my life was being present in I do love to read. Recently I just read two novels by Mi- to do it by myself and keep failing. I find much consola- Rome when Pope John Paul I was elected. To see the white chael O’Brien. O’Brien is doing what he can to try to restore tion in “looking to the East” and believing that the “Son smoke come out of the chimney at St. Peter’s and to receive Catholic Culture in our world. I was deeply moved by one of Justice comes with His healing power” and will set all his first blessing from the veranda was very stirring for of his most recent novels: The Island of the World. Sophia things aright. I am blessed to have a holy confessor who me. I have been privileged to have traveled to many lands House was the other one. I also read papal encyclicals and helps me. through out my time in the Army as chaplain. Church happenings on the web.

Kinsley Catholic community gathers to welcome Father John Strasser St. Nicholas Church in Kinsley re- cently hosted a welcome bar-b-que for Father John Strasser. Father John has spent the last eight years in Barber County. He welcomes the break in all the driving he had to do between Medi- cine Lodge, Sharon and Kiowa and is en- joying walking everywhere in Kinsley. Father John was raised in Garden City and has two brothers and one sister. He is celebrating 33 years since his ordina- tion in 1976. Says Father John, “I am proud to be a Catholic and being part of something bigger and helping others with your prayers.” St. Nicholas is very happy to welcome Father John to Kinsley.

Obituaries Year For Priests: In Remembrance Ernest Herman Wagner, 84, Maier, and Becky Rundell; brother of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Archie, sister, Bobby Claunch; and Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker; Nov. 23, 1917 - Oct. 16, 2003 Rose of Lima, Great Bend, died 13 grandchildren. rchbishop Ignatius J. Strecker was born Nov. him bishop of the Diocese Sept. 22, 2009. He is survived Jose Francisco Guerrero, 2, of A23, 1917 in Spearville. He was ordained to the of Springfield - Cape Gi- by his wife, Helen Heronema Dodge City, died Sept. 24, 2009. priesthood Dec. 19, 1942, by Bishop Christian H. rardeau. He served in this Elliott; sons, John, Donald, Gene He was born Oct. 24, 2006, the Winkelmann in the chapel at Sacred Heart College post seven years until 1969 and Myron; daughters, Julianna son of Efren Guerrero and Eliza- (now Newman University) in Wichita. when Pope Paul VI named Miller and Mary Jane Ledesma; beth Guel. Survivors include his He first served in Great Bend as chaplain at him archbishop of Kansas stepsons, Patrick Elliott, Wil- parents; brother and sisters, Efren St. Rose Hospital and auxiliary chaplain at the City in Kansas. liam Elliott and Thomas Elliott; Guerrero Jr., Marcelina Guerrero nearby army air field. He studied Canon Law at Archbishop Strecker 20 grandchildren; and 17 great- and Suzanna Guerrero; and several Catholic University from 1944 to 1945. Upon served the Church as met- grandchildren. aunts, uncles and cousins. Father his return he served as chaplain at the Dominican ropolitian of the Kansas Jack P. Thomas, 92, of St. Ted A. Skalsky presided. motherhouse in Great Bend. Later that same year Province until he retired in Theresa Parish, Dighton, died Marion Eustace “M.E.” he was appointed chaplain at the Sisters of St. 1993. He wrote during his retirement and in 1999 Sept. 23, 2009. Survivors include Marmie, 92, of Prince of Peace Joseph motherhouse in Wichita, and pastor at St. published The Church in Kansas, 1850-1905. son, Dennis; eight grandchildren; Parish at St. Rose Lima, Great Mary’s, Derby. Archbishop Strecker died Oct. 16, 2003, at and 16 great-grandchildren. Bend died Oct. 1, 2009. He was Bishop Mark K. Carroll appointed him assistant the age of 85. The Most Rev. James P. Keleher, Wallace Dalton Bascue, 70, a United States Army veteran of chancellor in 1946 and then chancellor in 1948. He archbishop of Kansas City, celebrated the Mass of of St. Mary Parish, Garden City, World War II. Survivors include was made a papal chamberlain on April 30, 1949 Resurrection in the Cathedral of St. Peter. Bishop died Sept. 22, 2009. He is sur- sons, David and Jerry Marmie; and then elevated to the rank of domestic prelate Eugene J. Gerber preached the homily. Bishop vived by his wife, Glorianne Rose daughter, Karen Keller Becker; on June 8, 1957. Msgr. Strecker served the Wichita Ronald M. Gilmore was among those concelebrat- Knoll; sons, Kevin, Brian, Brad, seven grandchildren; and 12 great- diocese as chancellor for 14 years. ing. Burial was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in and Chad; daughters, Pamela grandchildren. Father Reginald A. On April 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII named Kansas City, Kans. Ricard, Brenda Amaro, Jennifer (See Obituaries, Page 14)