THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD

APRIL 2019 WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG

Disciple Priest runs Boston Marathon for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp PG. 8

Blessed Clelia Merloni Mass Mass at cathedral to spotlight Blessed Clelia Merloni on eve of her order’s 125th anniversary PG. 14

Reclaimed by faith Holy Land USA sees revival as Bishop Betancourt to celebrate second annual Mountaintop Mass PG. 22

SERVING THE COUNTIES OF HARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT1 MARK YOUR CALENDAR Share your upcoming events and news Attend “Be Awesome Online: 10 Web-based Strategies to Market Your Mission” on Wednesday, April 3 from 5 to Want to get the word out about your upcoming events or local news? Catholic parishes and Catholic organizations should send 6:30 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge of the Pastoral Center, information to [email protected] and [email protected] 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield. Chuck Putney, website project and content manager at Central Catholic High MEDIA: Brief notices of events may be published in the School in Lawrence, Mass., will share how to spread Archdiocese of Hartford’s weekly Parish Mail, which serves as the good news, attract new families, retain existing ones a resource for parish bulletins, in electronic calendars on arch- diocesan websites, on archdiocesan social media or in the and engage your alumni by using websites and social monthly Catholic Transcript magazine. media to tell compelling stories in an inspiring way. For more information and to register online, visit DEADLINES: Upcoming events intended for Parish Mail, https://catholicedaohct.org/about/upcoming-events electronic calendars or social media should be submitted or contact Anne Clubb at 860.242.5573, ext. 2651 or at least one month ahead. at [email protected]. Events intended for the magazine’s “Mark Your Calendar” page Get some exercise and help Haitians help themselves at must be submitted at least two months prior to publication. the 10th annual CT Walks for Haiti Haitian Festival and • Events for June must be submitted by March 28. • Events for July/August must be submitted by May 17. Walk on Saturday, April 10. The 2.5-mile walk through • Events for September must be submitted by July 2. West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square begins at noon at St. Peter Claver Parish Center at 47 Pleasant LISTINGS: Be sure to include the time and date of the event, parish St., West Hartford. The festival, which runs from 10:30 and church name, full street address and town, description of a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will include crafts, music, children’s event and contact information in case of questions. activities, a silent auction and Haitian food. Proceeds Post-event press releases and photos may be submitted at any turn into grants for Camp Hispaniola, Haitian Health time. Due to time and space limitations, we cannot guarantee Foundation, Haitian Humanitarian Network, Medical Aid publication. to Haiti and Outreach to Haiti. For more information, visit www.ctwalksforhaiti.org or call 860.803.6270.

Learn about “The Power of Positive Change: Bringing Laudato Si’ to Life,” a conference on Saturday, April 27 Archdiocese of Hartford from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish at Office of Safe Environment St. James Church, 767 Elm St., in Rocky Hill. Keynote 467 Bloomfield Ave. speakers, Tom Carr of Interreligious Eco-Justice Bloomfield, CT 06002 Network and Ruth Rosenbaum of Center for Reflection, Education and Action, will explore issues ranging from HOW TO REPORT AN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL investing, water, global solidarity, various forms of ABUSE TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD recycling and prayer/education. Register online at If you have knowledge or suspect that a minor or vulnerable www.catholicsocialjustice.org by April 22. Registration adult (an adult with an intellectual disability) has been sexually is $30. For more information, contact patrick.laorden@ abused, in any manner, by personnel of the Archdiocese of aohct.org or call 860.242.5573, ext. 2686. Hartford, you are urged to report this information to: Hear guest speaker Peter Wolfgang, executive director Kathleen D. Nowosadko of the Family Institute of Connecticut, at the St. Gianna Victim Assistance Coordinator Pregnancy Resource Center’s fourth annual “Babies in 860-541-6475 • [email protected] Bloom” Benefit Dinner on Sunday, April 28 from 1 to 5 Incidents involving sexual abuse of minors p.m. at Amarante’s Sea Cliff, 62 Cove St., in New Haven. (persons under the age of 18) should be reported to: Buffet includes appetizer, dinner and dessert at a cost of State Department of Children and Families Care-line $50 for adults (age 12 and up), $20 for children and no 1-800-842-2288 cost for children under 5. For more information, visit http://www.giannacenter.org/benefit-dinner.html. Incidents involving sexual abuse of vulnerable adults aged 18 – 59 should be reported to the: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services – Promise to protect AID Division for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Catholic Transcript magazine, like many other color 1-844-878-8923 magazines, is in production for months, written Incidents involving sexual abuse of vulnerable adults long before it is printed. To find up-to-the-minute aged 60 and over should be reported to: information on the Catholic Church’s response to Department of Social Services for the Elderly the recent clergy sex abuse crisis, visit: 1-888-385-4225 promise.archdioceseofhartford.org

2 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG CONTENTS

4 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK 4 7 The Easter joy of May’s revenge upon November

7 VOCATIONS OFFICE New seminarians signal hope and promise

8 DISCIPLE Priest runs Boston Marathon for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp

10 GRANTS Hartford Bishop’s Foundation details disbursements 8 12 14

12 WORLD YOUTH DAY Young adults encounter the ‘Power of God’ in Panama City

14 BLESSED CLELIA MERLONI MASS Mass at cathedral to spotlight Blessed Clelia Merloni on eve of her order’s 125th anniversary

16 COVER STORY Men and women religious answer 16 the call, find unique vocations

22 RECLAIMED BY FAITH Holy Land USA sees revival as Bishop Betancourt to celebrate second annual Mountaintop Mass

28 SPIRITUAL FITNESS A little gratitude goes a long way

29 ANNUAL APPEAL Beer tasting

30 IN YOUR COMMUNITY

COVER PHOTO: 22 Brother Leo Maneri ‘Come and follow me’ PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH Are you following Archbishop Blair INSET COVER PHOTO: and the Archdiocese of Hartford Sisters rejoice

on social media? as Mother Clelia COURTESY OF BILL FITZPATRICK Merloni is beatified @ArchbishopBlair at the Basilica of @ArchdioceseHart St. John Lateran in Rome on @ArchdioceseofHartford Nov. 3, 2018. Facebook.com/ArchdioceseofHartford PHOTO COURTESY APOSTOLE DEL SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ (ROME)

3 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK

from the dead and sending the Church by the grave sin and The Easter joy of Holy Spirit to make us sharers in crime of clerical sexual abuse. divine life. Christ’s rising body Any or all of these realities, May’s revenge and soul is not for him alone: not to mention our own personal He is the firstborn from the dead, sufferings, can make us question upon November the first of many brethren. the power of Easter. They can rob At Easter, we renew our faith us of Easter joy, weary us and or those of us Christians who live that, through the door of bap- dampen our faith, hope and love. tism, we too have entered into an The dramatic ups and downs of in the Northern Hemisphere, the eternal springtime with Christ; we life may exasperate us and make F meaning of Easter that we will have become his brethren in new- us wonder: Will life’s winter ever soon be celebrating is reflected in nature. ness of life by water and the Holy give way to spring? Is there any After a dark, cold and often dreary winter, Spirit. We renew our faith that hope of a resurrection on this way Easter comes in spring. The earth is about this gift of the Holy Spirit has been of the cross? to be garlanded with new life, the song perfected and strengthened in us Speaking to the Church of his through the sacrament of confir- time, well over a century ago, the of birds, balmy breezes and lengthening mation. And above all, we renew great English Cardinal, Blessed daylight. Jesus used an agricultural image our faith that the risen flesh and John Henry Newman, soon to be that evokes the cycle of the seasons: blood of Christ is our very food canonized, gave some timeless “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the and drink in yet another sacra- advice using the imagery of the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of ment, the Most Holy Eucharist. changing seasons: “We mourn wheat. But if it dies it bears much fruit.” At the same time, we know, as over the blossoms of May because St. Paul teaches, that on our earth- they are to wither, but we know, (Jn 12:24) ly pilgrimage “we walk by faith, withal, that May is one day to have not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7) What we its revenge upon November, by Christ is that grain of wheat celebrate in the Easter Gospel and the revolution of the solemn circle laid to rest in the cold earth who in the Easter sacraments will only which never stops which is springs forth to fullness and be fully revealed and made perfect in our height of hope, ever to be newness of life. His resurrection is when we pass from this world. sober, and in our depth of desola- the springtime of a new creation In the meantime, Jesus says that tion, never to despair.” for you and me, and the whole to be his disciples we must take In our height of hope, ever ARCHBISHOP human race. It is a springtime that up our cross each day and follow to be sober, and in our depth of LEONARD P. takes us into eternity’s perfect day in his footsteps. The dying and desolation, never to despair. BLAIR where we need not fear the heat rising of the paschal mystery are What a perfect motto for those is the 13th or ever grow weary. As the Book one inseparable mystery, like two who believe that Christ’s dying bishop of sides of the same golden coin. and rising constitute one the Catholic of Revelation says so beautifully For the Christian, every sorrow, inseparable mystery. Indeed, it Archdiocese about the heavenly Jerusalem, of Hartford. there will be “no need of sun or every trial, every defeat can be is the mystery revealed by God moon to shine upon it, for the transformed by Christ into victory himself to show our path in this glory of God is its light, and its through faith, hope and love. Our world to the world to come. It is lamp is the Lamb.” (21:23) inevitable crosses, lovingly accept- what Easter is all about. At Easter, we give thanks for ed, can be carried with Easter joy. Soon we will celebrate the what the Eternal Father has done This Easter 2019, our springtime of Christ’s resurrection for us in raising his Son Jesus own personal crosses are and the joy that no one can ever overshadowed by the collective take from us. In anticipation, I sorrows of a sinful world: the wish each and every one of you, grief inflicted by international and all your loved ones, a very terrorism and war; the deprivation Happy Easter. Never doubt that and poverty of so many people; this world’s winter, and even the the sufferings caused by illness, winter of the Church, will inev- accident and natural disasters; itably give way to God’s eternal and the pall that is cast over our summer day.

4 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG y la pobreza de tantas personas; La revancha de mayo los sufrimientos causados por enfermedades, accidentes y sobre noviembre desastres naturales; y el manto que se arroja sobre nuestra Iglesia refleja la alegría pascual por el grave pecado y el delito de abuso sexual clerical. ara los cristianos que vivimos en el hemisferio norte, el Cualquiera o todas estas realidades, sin mencionar nuestros propios significado de la Pascua que pronto celebraremos se sufrimientos personales, pueden P refleja en la naturaleza. Después de un invierno oscuro, hacernos cuestionar el poder de la frío y a menudo triste, la Pascua llega en primavera. La tierra Pascua. Nos pueden robar la alegría está a punto de ser adornada con una nueva vida, el canto de la Pascua, cansarnos y humedecer de los pájaros, la brisa cálida y la prolongación de la luz del nuestra fe, esperanza y amor. Los día. Jesús usó una imagen agrícola que evoca el ciclo de las dramáticos altibajos de la vida nos pueden exasperar y hacer que nos estaciones: “Que si el grano de trigo no cae en tierra y muere, preguntemos: ¿El invierno de la vida queda él solo; pero si muere, produce mucho fruto” (Jn 12, 24). dará paso a la primavera? ¿Hay alguna esperanza de una resurrección en este Cristo es ese grano de trigo que de la confirmación. Y, sobre todo, camino de la cruz? descansa en la tierra fría y que brota renovamos nuestra fe en que la carne Hablando a la iglesia de su época, hacia la plenitud y novedad de la y la sangre de Cristo resucitado son hace más de un siglo, el gran cardenal vida. Su resurrección es la primavera nuestra propia comida y bebida así inglés, el Beato John Henry Newman, de una nueva creación para ti y para también otro sacramento, la Santísima que pronto será canonizado, dio algunos mí, y para toda la especie humana. Eucaristía. consejos eternos utilizando las imágenes Es una primavera que nos lleva al día Al mismo tiempo, sabemos, como de las estaciones cambiantes: “Lloramos perfecto de la eternidad, donde no lo enseña San Pablo, que en nuestra los capullos de mayo por que se van a debemos temer el calor o cansarnos. peregrinación terrenal “andamos marchitar, pero sabemos que mayo es Como el libro del Apocalipsis dice tan [por fe], no por vista” (2 Cor 5:7). un día que se vengará de noviembre, por bellamente sobre la Jerusalén Lo que celebramos en el la rotación de ese solemne círculo que celestial, “La ciudad no tiene Evangelio de Pascua y en los nunca se detiene, el cual nos enseña, necesidad de sol ni de luna que sacramentos de Pascua solo en la cúspide de nuestra esperanza, que la iluminen, porque la gloria de será completamente revelado hemos de ser siempre equilibrados y Dios la ilumina, y el Cordero es y perfeccionado cuando nos que, en la profundidad de la desolación, su lumbrera” (21:23). vayamos de este mundo. no debemos desesperarnos nunca.” En la Pascua, damos gracias Mientras tanto, Jesús dice En nuestro apogeo de esperanza, por lo que el Padre Eterno EL ARZOBISPO que para ser sus discípulos estemos siempre sobrios, y en LEONARD P. ha hecho por nosotros al debemos tomar nuestra cruz nuestra profunda desolación, nunca BLAIR resucitar a su Hijo Jesús y al es el décimo cada día y seguir sus pasos. desesperemos. Qué lema perfecto para enviar al Espíritu Santo para tercer obispo de La muerte y el ascenso del aquellos que creen que la muerte y la que seamos partícipes de la la Arquidiócesis misterio pascual son un resurrección de Cristo constituye un vida divina. La resurrección Católica de misterio inseparable, como misterio inseparable. De hecho, es el de Cristo, en cuerpo y alma, Hartford. dos caras de la misma moneda misterio revelado por Dios mismo para no es solo para él: es el de oro. Para el cristiano, cada mostrarnos nuestro sendero en este primogénito de entre los muertos, el dolor, cada prueba, cada derrota puede mundo hacia el mundo venidero. Es de primero de muchos hermanos. En la ser transformada por Cristo en victoria esto de lo que se trata la Pascua. Pascua, renovamos nuestra fe en que, a través de la fe, la esperanza y el amor. Pronto celebraremos la primavera a través de la puerta del bautismo, Nuestras inevitables cruces, aceptadas de la resurrección de Cristo y el nosotros también hemos entrado en con amor, se pueden llevar con la gozo que nadie podrá quitarnos. En una eterna primavera con Cristo; nos alegría de la Pascua. anticipación, les deseo a todos y cada hemos convertido en sus hermanos en En esta Pascua de 2019, nuestras uno de ustedes, y a todos sus seres la novedad de la vida por medio del propias cruces personales se ven queridos, una muy feliz Pascua. Nunca agua y el Espíritu Santo. Renovamos ensombrecidas por las tristezas duden que el invierno de este mundo, nuestra fe en que este don del Espíritu colectivas de un mundo pecaminoso: e incluso el invierno de la Iglesia, Santo se ha perfeccionado y fortalecido el dolor infligido por el terrorismo inevitablemente dará paso al día de en nosotros a través del sacramento internacional y la guerra; la privación verano eterno de Dios.

5 Holy Week at the Cathedral Cathedral of Saint Joseph · 140 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105

JOIN ARCHBISHOP LEONARD P. BLAIR FOR HOLY WEEK THE OFFICE OF RADIO AND TELEVISION IS AT THE CATHEDRAL AT THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: PLEASED TO OFFER COVERAGE OF HOLY WEEK AT THE CATHEDRAL: Palm Sunday, April 14 Saturday, April 13, Vigil Mass, 4 p.m. Palm Sunday, 10 a.m. (Vigil Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Thomas M. Ginty, Live on television on WCCT TV 20, online at ortv.org Rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph) and on the radio on WJMJ 88.9 FM Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, 10 a.m. Chrism Mass, 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 16 Livestream at ortv.org and on the radio at 8 p.m. Chrism Mass, 11 a.m. on WJMJ 88.9 FM HD-3

Holy Thursday, April 18 Holy Thursday, 7 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Livestream at ortv.org and on the radio at 8 p.m. on WJMJ 88.9 FM HD-3 Good Friday, April 19 Friday of the Lord’s Passion, 3 p.m. Easter Sunday, 10 a.m. Live on television on WCCT TV 20, online at ortv.org Holy Saturday, April 20 and on the radio on WJMJ 88.9 FM Easter Vigil, 8 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 21 Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord, 10 a.m.

Easter Sunday Concert 9 a.m., featuring Bach Cantata No. 4 Christ Lag in Todesbanden, BWV 4 The Cathedral Schola Cantorum and Soli Deo Gloria Orchestra Meredith Neumann, conductor; Dr. Ezequiel Menéndez, organ

6 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG VOCATIONS OFFICE New seminarians signal

Jamie Gorman, a senior at the University ften, as vocation director, I am asked how the of Connecticut, shares his letter future of our archdiocese looks with regard to of acceptance as vocations. The vocation scene in the Archdiocese a seminarian for O the Archdiocese of Hartford is encouraging. of Hartford.

Our seminarians are men who the next academic year. are deeply committed to giving These men are those who have their entire lives to Jesus Christ heard the call of the Lord in the and his Church. They pursue midst of their daily lives and holiness through deep prayer and have responded with the prophet works of charity. They are com- Isaiah’s words, “Here I am, send Anthony mitted to learning the Church’s me.” (Is 6:8) These men will begin Caruso, a senior intellectual tradition and knowing their seminary formation in the at Xavier High how to pass it on with clarity. fall at seminaries known for their School in Middle- town, displays his They are also men fidelity to the Lord and acceptance letter who mold their human their commitment to the as a seminarian personalities in such a way “Here I am, New Evangelization. for the Archdio- that they become bridges, send me.” The scene is encourag- cese of Hartford not obstacles, for others in ing, but much more still as he stands (Is 6:8) alongside Father their meeting with Jesus needs to be done. Michael Casey, Christ, the Redeemer of There are still many archdiocesan vo- humanity. So says Pope St. John who have not yet heard the saving cation director. Paul II in his apostolic exhorta- Gospel of Jesus Christ. There are tion, Pastores Dabo Vobis, 43. places in our diocese where the tor between God and humanity.

Further, at the time of this Gospel is not preached and where According to the French preacher, ALLEGRA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY writing, we have accepted two God’s people don’t have access to journalist and theologian Henri new men for the program of the means of salvation that only Dominique Lacordaire, it is the priestly formation, with several the Catholic priest can bring. priest’s role “to go from men to others seeking admittance before The priest is a unique media- God and offer Him their prayers; to return from God to men to bring pardon and hope.” FATHER God is still calling many young MICHAEL CASEY men to answer his call to stand in is vocation the person of Jesus Christ himself director for the in the midst of the world today. Archdiocese of Please join me in continuing to Hartford. He pray that the Lord will raise up is also Catholic many more faithful ministers for chaplain his Church in the Archdiocese of for Central Connecticut Hartford. I’d like to end with this State University prayer, taken from the Collect for and pastor of the Mass for Vocations to Holy St. Francis of Orders: “O God, who willed to Assisi Parish, provide shepherds for your people, both in New pour out in your Church a spirit Britain. of piety and fortitude, to raise up worthy ministers for your altars PHOTOS Eight archdiocesan seminarians stand as prayerful witnesses during Deacon COURTESY OF Anthony Federico’s ordination to the transitional deaconate on May 19, 2018 and make them ardent yet gentle THE OFFICE OF at St. Mary’s Church, part of Annunciation Parish, in Newington. heralds of your Gospel.” VOCATIONS

7 DISCIPLE

PRIEST RUNS BOSTON MARATHON Father Lerner crosses the for The Hole in the Wall finish with an official time of Gang Camp 2:49:42.

Father Ryan Lerner finds his pace in the rain during the April 16, 2018, Boston Marathon.

arly on the morning of April 16, 2018, just hours be- “Of course, everyone was ultimately competing fore he ran the Boston Marathon, Father Ryan Lerner against each other, but the fact that we were all deal- stepped out of his hotel into a cold rain. Boarding a ing with the same tough weather conditions provided E a certain solidarity to all of it,” Father Lerner said. shuttle at Boston Common, he rode to Hopkinton, where “Once we stripped off the pre-race layers, we were nearly 27,000 other runners huddled under large tents in all in the same boat wet, cold and eager to run. the Runners’ Village at Hopkinton Middle/High School. You couldn’t help but think, though, of the many who go without shelter or dry clothes on days like that. It put things in perspective.” STORY BY Father Lerner, 37, secretary to Archbishop Leonard As is his custom before the start of any race, just JACK SHEEDY P. Blair and chancellor of the Archdiocese of Hart- before the first wave of runners kicked off at 10 a.m., ford, was about to run the eighth marathon of his life Father Lerner prayed silently thinking about the PHOTOS his second Boston Marathon and with the long run ahead, thinking of those who are suffering COURTESY OF help of friends, family, co-workers and parishioners and thinking of The Hole in the Wall Gang campers FATHER RYAN raise more than $12,000 for The Hole in the Wall and their families, to whom he was dedicating the race. LERNER Gang Camp. Founded 30 years ago by Paul Newman, The gun went off and, after a bit of jostling the Ashford, Connecticut-based camp provides “a dif- and shuffling, Father Lerner found his stride and ferent kind of healing” to children coping with cancer, launched down Route 135, clicking a button on his sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses through watch to keep track of time and pacing. summer sessions and family weekend programs, and “It’s critical, especially in the early miles, to find through year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics your pace. I was shooting for 6:30s and the rolling throughout the Northeast. downward slopes of the first several miles made it In the staging area in Hopkinton, runners wore lay- challenging to stay in control without tensing up.” ers of clothing to keep warm; some donned ponchos As he approached the town of Ashland, the second and even garbage bags to stay dry. of eight towns and cities on the way to Boston, he

8 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG “Whenever I got pulled into thinking about myself, my discomfort, how the weather would impact my EDITOR’S NOTE: race, the inevitable pain of the later miles, and so on, Father Ryan Lerner, former secretary to Archbishop Blair I would notice someone racing with a prosthetic leg or and current chancellor of the Archdiocese of Hartford, was reassigned to St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel & in a wheelchair,” he recalled. “At one point, Center at Yale University in New Haven, where he began I was passed by a blind runner accompa- “These amazing kids serving as the chaplain effective March 1. He happens nied by a guide. And I was thinking about are up against seemingly to be a long-distance runner, however his new duties as The Hole in the Wall Gang campers.” insurmountable odds, chaplain will preclude him from competing in this year’s The night before the race, Father Lerner Boston Marathon on April 15. He hopes to compete and yet face each day, again in 2020. This is a reprint of a story from the and 17 of his teammates attended a dinner Catholic Transcript website (www.catholictranscript.org), hosted by the camp in downtown Boston. every challenge, with detailing his last run during the 2018 Boston Marathon. Camp staff and volunteers, as well as courage and hope.” campers and their families, attended and some shared their stories. FATHER RYAN LERNER “These amazing kids are up against seemingly insurmountable odds, and yet face each thought of how he’d started running cross-country day, every challenge, with courage and hope,” he said. and track at Manchester High and then at Trinity College, and of how running taught him discipline, perseverance, goal-setting and the camaraderie of being on a team. He also thought of his three running mates in Con- necticut: a high school athletic director, a high school coach and teacher and a customer accounts analyst for an aerospace manufacturer. Although Father Lerner runs most mornings alone around Hartford and West Hartford, the four get together at least once or twice a week, if not for a pre-dawn run in Coven- try or Manchester, then for the long runs that are a necessary part of marathon training. In February and March, the group completed two 16-18 mile trail runs at West Hartford’s Reservoir 6 in pounding rain and temps in the 30s, which was fitting preparation for the Boston Marathon’s conditions. Father Lerner has run since he was 14, starting about four years after his twin sister, Meg, began running. He runs the Manchester Road Race every Thanksgiving. Besides Boston, he has run marathons in Richmond, Va.; Hartford; and Burlington, Vt. Now on Route 135, wearing bib 1936 in the 2018 Boston Marathon, he clocked an average of 6:08 min- utes per mile for the first five kilometers. “Too fast,” he thought. At the 10k mark, he was running 6:15; at 15k, 6:23; at 20k, 6:32. Nearly halfway through, he was on pace. As he ran, he prayed in a way that’s similar to his approach to priestly ministry. “I pray to God that I do my job: ‘Let me do well with what you’ve given me.’ That simple prayer throughout the race kept me focused,” he said. The raw cold and rain continued along the route As number 1936, into Framingham and Natick. For the first few miles, Father Lerner Father Lerner could not feel his toes, saying his feet passes Clarendon were “like two stumps.” At the same early point in the Street, running with his cross race, he and all of the other runners were soaked to visible to all. the bone.

9 DISCIPLE

The cheering from the sidelines was a constant source of encouragement. Thousands of spectators lined the course, wrapped in garbage bags and ponchos and screaming for each runner like they were family. At about 85 minutes into the race, Father Lerner knew he was nearing the marathon’s halfway mark. Hartford Bishops’ Foundation At about mile 20, he started up Heartbreak Hill near Boston College, which is the fourth in a series of hills over the course of a few miles in Newton before DETAILS DISBURSEMENTS the final descent through Brookline into Boston. “I always try to be strong on the hills,” he said. “That started when I was in high school. But what was neat about this run is that I felt stronger toward the end than I’ve ever felt in a marathon. Usually mile 20 ‘Forward with Faith’ is where I’m expecting to hit the wall and start to fall apart. That was not the case this time.” he Lenten season asks each of us to Father Lerner kept up his pace fairly well over the consider, “What should I give up this next few miles. A groove in the pavement almost year to repent for my sins and earn caused him to fall, just past the 24th mile. T It was at that point that he started to dig deep in the love of God?” Let us help our friends order to run as hard as he could until the race’s end. and family remember that God loves all of Soon the end was in sight. us already and this love is righteous, it can “It’s an insane feeling to run into downtown Boston never be taken away. The Lenten season with 25-plus miles behind you. You make your turn is truly a time to look in your heart, reflect onto Boylston and it’s absolutely crazy. … I could see and act on what you see to renew your the finish line and it seemed that even the police, who were present from beginning to end, were rooting us faith and ongoing spiritual life through through the finish. The volunteers all but embrace service to one another. you when you cross the line,” he said. Father Lerner crossed the line with an official time “Forward with Faith,” the first archdiocesan-wide of 2:49:42. He placed 558th overall, out of 25,822 capital campaign in our 175-year history, is one way who finished. It was his second-best time in a mar- that the archdiocese, local parishes and lay leadership athon. His fastest was in Boston in 2006, when he in Connecticut are joining together to serve our finished in 150th place with a time of 2:41:02. greater community. When he crossed the finish line, Father Lerner said Unlike the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, which a prayer of thanksgiving to God, and, with tears in his supports vital day-to-day operations and ministries, eyes, offered his run for the campers and their fam- the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation is legally separate ilies, for all who suffer and for the intentions shared from the archdiocese and is led by an independent with him leading up to the race. board of lay leaders to make strategic investments “That’s the kind of thing that keeps you focused,” in parishes, schools, ministries and services that are Father Lerner said. The team of more than 25 runners integral to the archdiocese’s vibrancy and long-term raised about $250,000 for The Hole in the Wall Gang sustainability. Camp, enough to send 100 kids to a summer camp where they can let loose and have fun with kids like themselves. Through the Forward with Faith campaign, the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation will address four critical areas of investment:

With tears in his eyes, [Father Lerner] offered his run for the campers and their families, for all who suffer and for the intentions shared TO LEARN MORE with him leading up to the race. about the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation, and how to get involved, visit the foundation online at www.hartfordbishopsfoundation.org, by phone at 860.913.2655 or in-person by appointment.

10 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG GRANTS

STORY BY THE HARTFORD BISHOPS’ FOUNDATION

Children gather at Catholic Charities’ Southside Family Center in Hartford. PHOTO COURTESY OF HARTFORD BISHOPS' FOUNDATION

Vibrant Parishes The Foundation will direct a minimum of Impact across the archdiocese 50 percent of the funds raised through the parish campaigns toward their own local Already, we can all thank and rejoice with the needs and further invest in the future of our seven parishes that are piloting the campaign and parish communities through grant funding. have collectively raised more than $3 million in cash and pledges in support of Forward with Faith as of Educating to Reignite the Faith February 2019. Campaign funds will provide exceptional With more than $13 million raised in total cash educational opportunities to all students, and pledges to date, the Hartford Bishops’ volunteers and parish leaders through new Foundation has distributed more than $1 professional and ministerial development million in strategic grants to archdiocesan programs; tuition remission and monetary initiatives since May 2018. These funds have awards for teachers and administrators; supported special projects and long-term initiatives and significant enhancements to the across the state, including: teaching and learning environment in Catholic schools.

Champions in Service to Others The campaign will fortify the reach and capabilities of Catholic Charities and other social service providers to effectively respond to our neediest communities, $500,000 ultimately serving and empowering at to the Cathedral June 2019: least 2,000 additional people annually. of St. Joseph’s $200,000 $430,750 First parish continued to Catholic to Catholic campaign Fund for Innovation and restoration Charities education disbursements Emerging Opportunities These funds will support community partnerships and innovative programs to create long-lasting change, strengthen our While the next group of parishes prepares to launch schools and parishes and meet the evolving their campaigns, everyone is invited and encouraged needs of the greater community, without to join in and be part of the future of our Catholic consideration to religious faith. community in Connecticut.

11 WORLD YOUTH DAY

Young adults encounter the

in Panama City

n Wednesday, Jan. 23, eleven of course, to be with Pope Francis. of us set out from the deep At a time when the Church is suffering deeply, the juxtaposition of encountering a lively and joyful winter freeze of Meriden to Church was hopeful and fortifying. We were warmly fly to hot and humid Panama STORY BY welcomed by many fellow pilgrims, who made it clear FATHER GLEN City, Panama, where we joined that we were part of a family in faith. There were no DMYTRYSZYN, hundreds of thousands of youths from fears or hesitations encountering other young adults, SISTER SOPHIA as there was a common understanding that we were PETERS, FSE every continent at World Youth Day 2019. AND SISTER united in a very deep truth that transcended different FRANCES We got off to a good start with Mass celebrated languages and cultures our trust in Christ and the ZAJAC, FSE by Father Glen Dmytryszyn, who was assisted by the love of our Catholic faith. Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The sisters led the Pope Francis encouraged the youths to not wait on pilgrimage group, which was comprised of local young the future, but to actively seek Jesus now and to act adults, including two from Ann Arbor, Mich. Sister now. In his own words, “We like to say, ‘You are the fu- Frances Zajac, FSE, who had attended previous World ture.’ No, you are the present. You are not the future of Youth Days, proved to be an asset in navigating the God; you young people are the now of God. He invites sometimes chaotic crowds and ever-changing events you and calls you in your communities and cities to go along the way. out and find your grandparents, your elders; to stand Our entire experience was Spirit-led, as most things up and with them to speak out and realize the dream did not go as we had anticipated. God led us each step that the Lord has dreamed for you.” of the way and provided many meaningful moments The many youths embodied the hope the Holy Fa- we could not have orchestrated or planned. The pil- ther was proposing to all present and to all who were grims commented on the simplicity of our time of pil- listening both near and far. grimage and how meaningful it was to pray the Liturgy Another significant factor that enhanced our trip of the Hours, the Rosary and to have daily Mass, and, was the gift of Sister Sophia’s cousin and extended

12 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG Pilgrims from around the world pray the Stations of the Cross at World Youth Day 2019.

Father Glen and Mitchell, Brielle and Krista Kendrioski, parishioners of St. John Bosco Parish, Branford, take a rest break.

The archdiocesan group takes the metro to see Pope Francis.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FATHER GLEN DMYTRYSZYN

Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Hartford pose with Sister Sophia’s family, who hosted them while they were in Panama.

family, who welcomed us with open arms and gave a a mile, praying and adoring with our Holy Father, was true cultural immersion experience where family, faith an experience that will remain with us forever. and hospitality are at the heart of daily life. We were Pope Francis encouraged the youth of the world immediately adopted by the family and, despite not before adoration to be “face to face with Jesus. Have being able to always communicate orally, we under- courage and don’t be afraid to open your heart to him stood what was important: We were loved, embraced so that he may renew the fire of his love, so that you and given a home to rest our weary bones and were can embrace life with all its frailty and flaws, but also provided with generous plates of delicious food to fill with its grandeur and beauty. May our hungry stomachs! Jesus help you to discover the “May Jesus help Pope Francis emphasized the importance of family beauty of being alive and awake.” during his talks at World Youth Day as a source of love, Some of the pilgrims reflected you to discover the of hope, of belonging and of roots to give us stability that, despite being quite far away beauty of being in order to reach to heaven. We experienced this reali- from the Eucharist, the power of ty firsthand. God transcended that distance Our eight-mile hike to the overnight vigil was a chal- and reached and touched us right ALIVE AND lenge: sweltering weather under the strong Panamani- where we were. Although exhaust- AWAKE.” an sun, carrying our backpacks, sleeping bags, water ed, hot and without our usual com- and food. But the reward of seeing our Holy Father, as forts of water, bed and a shower, POPE FRANCIS he drove close to us (four times!), far exceeded the toll we were much more “alive and of the arduous journey we had taken. awake” than any earthly comforts could have offered. At the overnight vigil, more than 500,000 very exu- Now we have returned to our New England winter berant youths, singing at the top of their lungs to loud to our schools, communities, ministries and jobs and lively music, fell absolutely silent when the Blessed forever changed by being so close to the pulse of a Sacrament was exposed for adoration. Underneath a vibrant Church, and more prepared to be “the now of starry sky, an endless sea of pilgrims stretching almost God” in all that is asked of us.

13 BLESSED CLELIA MERLONI MASS Mass at cathedral to spotlight Blessed Clelia Merloni on eve of her order’s 125th anniversary

Sisters hope beatification of foundress PHOTO COURTESY APOSTOLE DEL SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ (ROME) will spur vocations A portrait of Blessed Clelia Merloni is unveiled at her beatification at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome on Nov. 3, 2018.

he Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are drifted away from the faith, but she held fast to it. She extending an invitation to all to attend a special tried several religious congregations before founding Mass to commemorate the recent beatification the order dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Now T nearing its 125th anniversary in May, it has nearly of their foundress, Mother Clelia Merloni. The Mass 1,000 sisters worldwide. Its United States province is will be held April 7 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. now located in Hamden, Conn. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave. in Hartford, and will be Sister Mariette Moan, who joined the order in 1977, followed by a reception in the lower cathedral. is coordinator of the upcoming Mass and similar Masses in arch/dioceses throughout the United States. In addition to welcoming parishioners from STORY BY Sister Mariette is also vicar for religious in throughout the archdiocese, the sisters are anticipat- JACK SHEEDY the Archdiocese of Hartford. She attended the ing the Mass will draw women religious from near- by states, plus local priests, deacons and alumni of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden. The sisters are also hoping that the April 7 Mass will bring attention to vocations to religious life, said Sister Mary Grace Walsh, a member of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and provost for education, evangelization and catechesis for the Archdiocese of Hartford. “My hope [is] that women discerning a call to reli- gious life will learn about the charism Blessed Clelia gave to her spiritual daughters and to all those who are attracted to her spirituality,” said Sister Mary Grace. Blessed Clelia founded the religious order to which Sister Mary Grace belongs in Viareggio, Italy, in 1894. “In the months preceding Blessed Clelia’s beatifi- cation and certainly since that occasion on Nov. 3, 2018, it has become more evident to me that this is the ‘time’ for Blessed Clelia,” Sister Mary Grace said. “More and more of our collaborators, family members and friends are now praying through her intercession and learning more about her incredible life and the deep love she had for the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” As she watched the livestreamed beatification on EWTN, Sister Mary Grace recalled that she had been praying for this moment since she was a student at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, where sisters of Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus taught. “It was an overwhelming moment to realize that prayer had been answered,” she said. Blessed Clelia was born in Forli, Italy, in 1861. Her mother died when Clelia was young, and her father

14 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG beatification at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome with about 25 other clergy, religious and laypeople from the archdiocese. She said invitations to the April 7 Mass have been sent to all priests and deacons in the archdiocese. “We got a great response from the clergy so far,” Sis- ter Mariette said. “We are looking to fill the cathedral.” Sister Mariette was educated by Daughters of the Holy Spirit at St. Brendan School in New Haven and became close to many of them. But it wasn’t until entering Sacred Heart Academy, which is run by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that sisters planted the seeds of a vocation. PHOTO COURTESY APOSTOLE DEL SACRO CUORE DI GESÙ (ROME) “The interest that they took in the lives of their students was very genuine,” she said. “I saw them as the life that we were living had a plan attached to it, real people. I saw them interact with each other. I saw Blessed Clelia and that part of the adventure of life was to discover how they enjoyed being in each other’s company.” Merloni inspires what that plan is that God has for you,” she said. women around Everyone expected her younger sister to join a Sister Virginia Herbers, vice provincial of the Ham- the world. religious community and that Mariette would be a den community, said she thinks her vocation story lawyer. It was almost the reverse: her sister is a court is “not particularly inspiring,” but it shows that God reporter in the legal system, “and I am in religious sometimes “works in funny ways.” She grew up in St. life,” she said. Louis, Mo., where there is a strong presence of sisters “Our parents didn’t push us toward any of those from the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. things, but they made sure that we understood that “When I was in high school, I started to consider the sisters’ lives. I never entertained it too seriously, and I entered the community The Planning just to get it out of my system so “It was Committee takes I wouldn’t have to wonder about measurements it again. That was 30 years ago.” an over- to decorate She did not discern other whelming the cathedral sanctuary for communities. She simply moment the upcoming decided, “If it didn’t work out, to realize Blessed Clelia I would go home.” Instead, it Meloni Mass on became her home. that prayer April 7. From left Sister Virginia coordinated the had been to right: Sister Elizabeth Doyle, livestreaming of the beatification answered.” ASCJ, minister in Rome to dioceses worldwide. at Sacred Heart Sister Clare Millea is a former SISTER MARY Academy; John superior general of the order GRACE WALSH Bouteiller; Sister and is director of the Office of Lany Joe Smith, ASCJ, pastoral Faith and Culture for the archdiocese. She attended minister at the the beatification in Rome and called it “an extremely Clelian Center; moving experience.” The basilica was filled with about Sister Virginia 3,000 people, she said. Herbers, ASCJ, Sister Clare grew up in Derby and attended Sacred vice provincial; and Sister Heart Academy. She said, “I really fell in love with Mariette Moan, the sisters, their joy, their closeness to the girls. You ASCJ, provincial could tell they really cared about us. I think my faith counselor and blossomed as well as my vocation there.” archdiocesan She said many people are drawn to Blessed Clelia. vicar for religious. “It’s amazing how our laypeople can relate to her. We have groups throughout the world, families and individuals, who pray to her daily, who read a thought from her, and many of them are going through family difficulties and they feel that she understands. She is

PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO very powerful as an intercessor,” Sister Clare said.

15 Sister Angela Gertsema was inspired by Blessed Clelia Merloni, the foundress of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Men and women religious ANSWER THE CALL, find unique vocations

16 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH COVER STORY

ARE YOU BEING CALLED TO RELIGIOUS LIFE?

Blessed Clelia’s order, Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is one of many congregations women can consider. For men discerning a religious vocation, there are many to consider as well. Each has an inspiring founder, a history and a special charism. Go to archdioceseofhartford.org/directories/religious-orders to see a list of orders in the Archdiocese of Hartford, or contact Sister Mariette Moan, vicar for religious, at 860.242.5573.

Here are three individuals who answered the call, and the interesting lives they lead in service to God and his people.

BROTHER LEO MANERI: WORKING IN GOD’S CREATION

BY JACK SHEEDY

Brother Leo Maneri was baptized Joseph Maneri in 1970. He was consecrated Franciscan Brother of the Eucharist Leo Maneri in 2002. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., young Joseph was exposed to the teachings of Marist brothers in high school. “I had one particular brother, Brother Simeon, who was a great example to me,” Brother Leo says. “He taught math and he was in the bookstore and he was a holy man. He came to class with a little story about the saint of the day or some story of a Marian apparition or something, some little 5-minute tidbit. And that was math class.” It struck a spark that ignited a fire in his heart, a vocation to some form of religious life. He fanned that flame while attending the University of Notre Dame, where he says he had “some great interactions with PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH

17 COVER STORY

Sadly, Brother Angelo, who founded Synergic Sys- tems consulting and web design as a Franciscan Ser- vice Corporation, died in 2004, leaving only Brothers Leo and Rufino in the community. Several men in the past 15 years have been in formation in the communi- ty, but none has been consecrated a brother. “For us, it is a strong community life, always working on how to grow in holiness through being together, praying together, eating together and living together,” Brother Leo says. He and Brother Rufino strive to be “the witness of Christ’s brother to others in whatever we do, in whatever work that we’re involved in using our own talents and gifts.” Brother Leo still works Holy Cross priests and sisters and the land at the Franciscan The Franciscan brothers.” Life Center, tending the Brothers and After graduation in 1991, he at- many gardens and caring Sisters of the tended Oblates of the Virgin Mary, for animals. “I’m a hands- Eucharist gather on the grounds a seminary and religious communi- on person,” he says. “I of the Franciscan ty in Boston, as a priest candidate. work in pottery and I’m a Life Center in Me- He left in 1993 to contemplate his future. He says the master gardener. I like working outside. Most of my riden. From left, Holy Spirit led him to volunteer for the Franciscan work is outdoors, physical labor, manual labor with Sister Faith Marie Sisters of the Eucharist in Meriden. gardens and lawns, bushes, trees. I love pruning.” Woolsey, Sister Jeanne d’Arc “A friend of a friend from Notre Dame was here But recreation is also important, he says. “One Paquette, Brother in Connecticut also volunteering,” he says. “I had of the signs of the Franciscan is joy. Usually on the Leo Maneri, just come out of the seminary and was looking for weekends, we do things together, Saturday after- Brother Rufino something to do, and he said maybe I should look into noons and evenings. Sunday nights we usually do Grealy and Sister volunteering in Connecticut.” things. Sometimes it’s just a matter of playing a game, John Frances LaFever. He worked with two other men the future indoors or outside. Physical games, board games, Brothers Angelo Elliott and Rufino Grealy on a watching movies, going for walks, hikes, bike rides.” INSET PHOTO: project called the Franciscan Land Program. It’s a Brother Leo says he feels blessed with a clear desire The two brothers community service-based program established by the to serve as a fraternal witness. Brotherhood, he says, enjoy fellowship Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. In it, young peo- is a viable vocation. “I think I would have been a fine over morning coffee. ple seek personal growth and a deeper understanding priest, but even though I was happy in the seminary of the Catholic faith by tending gardens and livestock and I did well, I just knew it wasn’t exactly what God at the Franciscan Life Center. asked me to do. People ask me why I didn’t enter an He formed friendships with Angelo and established community. It just wasn’t what God asked “It just wasn’t Rufino (then named Thomas and Martin, me to do. You’ve got to go where you’re called to go.” respectively). “The three of us started living what God and working and just being together with the asked me to do. hope of someday being a community of broth- ers,” he says. “We were living in the same You’ve got to go house, praying together and eating together.” where you’re The three men became religious brothers in 2002 with the creation of a “public associ- called to go.” ation of the faithful,” described in the Code of Canon Law as a group where individuals BROTHER “strive in a common endeavor to foster a more perfect LEO MANERI life, to promote public worship or Christian doctrine, or to exercise other works of the apostolate such as

initiatives of evangelization, works of piety or charity, LEO MANERI OF BROTHER COURTESY and those which animate the temporal order with a Brother Leo Maneri and Frank Critelli unload flowers to be Christian spirit.” planted on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden.

18 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG SISTER ANGELA GERTSEMA: HELPING OTHERS HEAR THE CALL

BY VICTORIA CLARIZIO AND JACK SHEEDY PHOTOS BY AARON JOSEPH

When Sister Angela Gertsema of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was in high school, she had a great boyfriend who shared her passion for the faith. In 1999, Pope St. John Paul II visited St. Louis and celebrated Mass at the Kiel Center. Sister Angela ad- mits that she was more excited about skipping school than seeing the pope. That all changed as soon as the pope entered the Kiel Center. “When John Paul II came in, I felt like my world stopped. ... He said, ‘If anyone here feels called to religious life, I urge you to respond immedi- ately and to not be afraid.’” She turned to her boy- friend and said, enthusiastically, “That’s me!” Although she didn’t know much about religious life, she says she knew that she was called to it. And even though she was still in high school, she took the pope’s call to “respond immediately” seriously. She says she started visiting different religious communities. “I met the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the National Catholic Youth Conference in St. Louis Sister Angela Gertsema sits in front on Nov. 21, 1999,” she says. “It was the anniversary of of a banner of Blessed Clelia Merloni, Mother Clelia’s death. From the foundress of the Apostles of the there, I went to visit the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the woman who inspired her vocation. sisters at Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis.” She spoke to them as they washed dishes. She they already knew her secret, so says she was struck by she burst out, “It’s true. I want to INSET PHOTO: “their joy,” their “down- be a nun!” Sister Angela and another sister to-earth” attitudes. “My dad burst out laughing and pray the rosary “I just felt a strong said, ‘That must have been a good as they walk at connection. I was like this detention,’” she recalls, laughing. Mount Sacred is home for me, I felt very Sister Angela enrolled in Heart in Hamden. comfortable,” she says. Benedictine College in Atchison, Still attending Bishop LeB- Kan., but after only a year and a lond Catholic High School half there, her call was too strong in St. Joseph, Mo., at the to ignore, she says. She told the time, she was nervous about Apostles, “I want be a daughter of telling her parents that she Mother Clelia [Merloni, the order’s had found an order that she founder]. What I admire about wanted to enter. She chose a less-than-optimal time to drop the news. While serving a detention in school in silence, “We like to make it a lot harder than it is. thinking about her calling, she decided it was time to It’s all about relationship. Maybe the call for tell her family. When she got home, her parents and two brothers were waiting at the dining room table. the Church right now is just to foster a good One of her brothers had tattled on her about the de- relationship with the Lord and with community.” tention, so the family was gathered at the table, wait- ing for her to mention her punishment. She thought SISTER ANGELA GERTSEMA

19 COVER STORY

her is how she responded to things. If something was SISTER REGINA COCHRAN: difficult, she responded in faith.” Sister Angela admits that her family had concerns GUIDING YOUNG SOULS about her desire to enter religious life. “My family is so beautiful. They were in shock. We had not had a vocation for a really long time; BY VICTORIA CLARIZIO AND SHELLEY WOLF they were anxious that I was joining something that PHOTOS COURTESY OF SISTER REGINA COCHRAN didn’t have a future.” Over her years of formation, the concerns evaporat- God led Sister Regina Cochran to the Franciscan ed. “By the time I made final vows, my family was so Sisters of the Eucharist by way of a surprising path. supportive,” she says. Although she grew up in Baton Rouge, La., where Sister Angela made her lifetime commitment in most people identify as Christian, Sister Regina says, 2010 at the age of 29. Now she serves as her commu- “We didn’t necessarily have a strong background in nity’s vocations director. Christianity as a family.” “My focus really is building a culture of vocations,” Despite this, her parents considered it import- she says. She reminds people they are all “called to ant for her to be in a Christian atmosphere. In the holiness.” She speaks on college campuses, at women’s Christian schools she attended, Sister Regina was groups and “really any place.” She writes about voca- “constantly being fed by Scripture and Christian tions on social media, digital prayer groups, a Lectio principles,” she says. Even from a young age, she felt Divina group and an online discernment group. “an innate desire” and “God’s “There are a lot of ways I accompany young women grace from the beginning.” and a lot of one-on-one accompaniment, just praying “This desire God used Sister Regina’s with people and trying to hear God’s voice,” she says. came back, love for adventure and the In fact, 2019 is a “year of vocations” for the congre- outdoors to lead her from the gation, she says. Their theme is “Make known to me from the Protestant faith to the Catholic your ways, Lord,” from Psalm 25. depths, this Church. While attending Lou- When young women ask about her community, she desire to give isiana State University (LSU), points out their three major pillars: prayer, communi- she worked at a camp in North ty and service. my heart Carolina that was owned, as it “We like to make it a lot harder than it is. It’s all to Christ.” turned out, by Catholics. She about relationship.” She proposes a simple task credits her friendship with to build up young adults and lead them to their the other counselors for her vocations: “Maybe the call for the Church right now SISTER conversion. REGINA COCHRAN is just to foster a good relationship with the Lord and Once back at the university, with community.” she and about 15 other camp Sister Angela compares her life, and that of her counselors became involved at Christ the King Parish community, to the vessels of a heart. Blood flows in, and Catholic Center at LSU. “It was those strong blood flows out. “That’s our life, really,” she says. “We relationships with young adult Catholics who were on get together in the morning, we pray together, we fire for God,” she recalls. Within a year, she entered have Mass together, and then we go out and serve. the Church. And then we come back in the evening and we pray Sister Regina says that when friends of hers entered together. It’s a cycle of prayer and rest and service. religious life when she was in her mid-20s, she began Wherever we are, we are just hoping to bring the love to consider it for herself. of Christ and let his presence be there.” At the same time, She says, “When you experience God’s love you after about four don’t keep it to yourself. Just like the first apostles, years of dating, she we seek to bring the love of Christ wherever there is a felt more called to Sister Regina need or desire.” religious life. Cochran poses with her aunt, She says, “[Mother Clelia] had a lot of suffering in “I had dated off Lesa Kelley, who her life but what drew me was the way she responded and on and I had just traveled from Baton to her suffering. She never blamed people. She always ended a relation- Rouge, Louisiana forgave. She was very generous. She just continued ship, and this desire to witness Sister doing the next thing that God asked of her. She was so came back, from the Regina’s profession of vows. prayerful and I just really wanted to be her daughter. depths, this desire I didn’t even know the sisters. I just wanted to be her to give my heart to daughter. She’s awesome.” Christ,” she says.

20 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG “We try to hold to the truth, speak the truth, and, above all, stress love. We can’t be afraid to present the truth in love. We are trying to be pastoral in an honest way that brings out the dignity of each person. Our charism is to meet each individual.”

SISTER REGINA COCHRAN

“We try to hold to the truth, Sister Regina speak the truth, and, above Cochran, Catholic all, stress love,” she says. “We campus minister, can’t be afraid to present the and University of truth in love. We are trying to Vermont (UVM) be pastoral in an honest way students summit Camel’s Hump, that brings out the dignity of the state’s third In God’s perfect time, each person. Our charism is highest mountain he led Sister Regina to the to meet each individual.” at 4,081 feet. Franciscan Sisters of the That can mean helping Eucharist through a friend students “navigate” a INSET PHOTO: who entered their com- challenging secular culture, Sister munity. Speaking of this she says, as well as their Regina and perfect timing, she says, own emotions, sexuality and UVM students “She entered the commu- friendships. Sister Regina complete the nity around the same time is there to offer a Catholic Great Vermont Corn Maze. that I was really praying to perspective and spiritual find the right religious order.” Sister Regina visited a guidance during these critical years. few different communities, but says, “The Franciscan She says campus statistics show that many young Mother Shaun Sisters were attractive to me because they were real. people also struggle with mental anguish in the form Vergauwen, co- They were easy to relate to and able to pick up on our of anxiety and depression. She believes some of their foundress of the Franciscan Sisters gifts right away.” distress stems from the insecurity of growing up in of the Eucharist Ever ready for another adventure, she moved to broken homes. in Meriden, Meriden to join the sisters and professed her per- “At the end of the day,” she says, “they all just need to receives Sister petual vows in 2016. She served on the community’s know that they are loved. That is our mission here.” Regina’s vows. vocations team, helping other young women discern God’s call to them. In February 2018, she relocated to Burlington, Vt., to serve as the Catholic campus minister for the Catholic Center at the University of Vermont. She now lives in community with two other Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The three share an apartment attached to the Catholic Center; the other two sisters teach at the local Catholic high school. As the full-time campus minister, Sister Regina works daily with students, who drop in to “hang out,” she says, whether it’s to play pool or ping-pong, watch TV or movies or enter into Bible study. “It’s a safe haven for them on a campus where it can be easy for them to get lost in the campus culture,” she explains. “It’s a place where they can come and be Catholic.” The Catholic Center welcomes students of all faiths, she says, but is dedicated to sharing the Gospel truth.

21 RECLAIMED BY FAITH

PHOTO BY FATHER JAMES SULLIVAN HOLY LAND USA SEES REVIVAL as Bishop Betancourt to celebrate second annual Mountaintop Mass

ebecca Calabrese still remembers spending Pilgrims would kneel on the rock ledges and gravel her summers as a little girl in the 1960s, paths in reverent prayer among replicas of Bethlehem, working for her Uncle John at Holy Land USA Jerusalem, the catacombs and Calvary, along with R some 100 other biblical exhibits her great-uncle John in Waterbury, where she would lead tours through the Baptist Greco had constructed from plywood and religious theme park for people cement with his team of volunteers, the Companions who had come from as far of Christ. Holy Land’s most distinguishable icon was away as Georgia and spoke in a the towering illuminated cross on Pine Hill, which dialect she never heard before. could be seen for miles from the intersection of Route 8 and Interstate-84. During the 1960s and ’70s, the park, which opened Rebecca Calabrese in 1955, attracted 45,000 visitors a year they were used to lead tours of Holy tourists and pilgrims who went to pray, picnic, relax Land USA in the 1960s. Her STORY BY great-uncle, John Baptist JOE PISANI and recall the events of Jesus’ life, from his birth to Greco, conceived and built his crucifixion, by following a path that circled the hill

COURTESY OF HOLY LAND USA LAND HOLY OF COURTESY the religious theme park. and led to Calvary.

22 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG This one-in-a-million photo was captured by Father James Sullivan on August 10, 2018, the

evening before the first Mountaintop Mass. He PHOTO BY DONALD LUCIAN/COURTESY ROADTRIPMEMORIES.COM LUCIAN/COURTESY DONALD BY PHOTO says he will “treasure it always as a gift from God.”

Restoration and spiritual renewal

After falling into disrepair, Holy Land closed in 1984. Now, it is witnessing a revival. Roads have been repaved, the hilltop is landscaped, exhibits are being restored and there is a new gate and arch at the entrance. And last August, 1,000 people from across the state gathered in the rain as Archbishop Leonard P. Blair concelebrated Mass with 13 priests in honor of Venerable Father Michael During the 1960s and ’70s, the park attracted 45,000 McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus and visitors a year who recalled the events of Jesus’ life. Here, two children pose for a family photo in front of Herod’s Palace. Waterbury native. Father James Sullivan, pastor of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury and organiz- er of the event, said Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel “OUR PRAYER IS THAT HE WILL BE FOUND AGAIN. Betancourt will celebrate the second annual Moun- taintop Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28. BY GOD’S GRACE, HOLY LAND WILL HELP TO Members of the public are welcome and invited. “We are excited about the Mass, which will mark Di- REIGNITE THAT FLAME OF LOVE.” vine Mercy Sunday and will honor Father McGivney,” FATHER JAMES SULLIVAN Father Sullivan said. He noted that from the summit, you can see the places where Father McGivney was born, baptized, educated and buried for 92 years until In February 2019, Bill Fitpatrick and his son BJ restore his remains were moved to the Church of St. Mary in one of the buildings in the Jerusalem section of Holy Land New Haven, where he founded the Knights. beneath Calvary. Over the years, the park has been an inspiration to countless people. “Truck drivers passing on Route 84 would look for the cross,” he said.

Many happy memories

A young Jim Sullivan visited Holy Land for the first time in 1966 when he was 6 years old, and his father took him and his aunt, a missionary nun from Australia, to the top of Pine Hill. It was an experience he never forgot. “Being born in Waterbury, I can recall as a boy when all the churches were filled,” he says. “The PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL FITZPATRICK spiritual climate of the world has diminished as many forces pull us away from our devotion to God. Our prayer is that he will be found again. By God’s grace, Holy Land will help to reignite that flame of love.” Holy Land was part of the fabric of many lives. As a boy, Bill Fitzpatrick lived at the foot of Pine Hill, where he played ball, flew kites, skated on the ice and picked blueberries. One day, he and his brother

23 RECLAIMED BY FAITH

John took a handful of coins from the wishing well. When his parents found out, Bill says, “I thought the As part of roof of the house was going to come off. We didn’t his Eagle Scout realize we were stealing.” project, Andrew “As kids, we were always there,” Fitzpatrick recalls. Burns and friends As an adult, Bill is still there, clearing brush, giving restore the Holy tours, and restoring exhibits ... and one of his first Land USA sign to its proper position projects was to reconstruct the wishing well. He and in October 2017, his team of volunteers have also restored the statue of then take a well- Christ the King, Solomon’s pool, the Tower of Babel, deserved break. Herod’s Palace and many others. Next, he will under- take the Last Supper. “THOSE MEN HAD A VISION Fitzpatrick says you can see the 13 Catholic church- AND CREATED SOMETHING es of Waterbury from the hilltop, and he believes Holy THAT MAKES ME PROUD Land will again offer Cath- olics a way to learn about TO BE A CATHOLIC.” their faith and a place for LYNN LAMONTAGNE prayerful meditation. “I constantly meet people who tell me they just come to pray. They walk up to the main cross or the three crosses, as individuals and in small groups,” Fitzpatrick says. “Visitors come from all over the country because of the Internet. They want to see the folk art, and we continue to rebuild and work on new projects.” Lynn Lamontagne, who grew up near Holy Land, recalls her father George help- ing erect the original cross, dedicated in December 1956. On Saturdays, she would go with him to Modern Sign Co. to buy replacement bulbs. “To this day when I drive to work and get off my exit, I look at the cross,” she says. Matt Stewart and volunteers, center “Those men had a vision and photo, restored the statue of Christ created something that makes the King as part of an Eagle Scout me proud to be a Catholic.” project in 2015. The installation was originally built by Bill Fitzpatrick’s father-in-law, Angelo Albini, far right photo, who says John Greco walked into his office asking for the donation An ‘unassuming man’ of a few bags of cement. Before Greco left, he had Albini commit to building the beautiful Christ the King statue. Holy Land was the life- At that time, Albini was building the long creation of Waterbury Sears building at the old Wolcott attorney John Baptist Greco, Street mall. He took the form he used an unassuming man, whose to make the columns, brought it up to Holy Land, inverted the form and set dream had been to become a priest. John the Christ the King statue on top. Calabrese remembers her great-uncle as a “pious Baptist Greco, person, a wonderful human being with a kind, kind an attorney, realized a heart. When you were in his presence, you felt the dream by Holy Spirit come through your core. You could feel building Holy Christ in the room,” she says. Land USA.

24 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG The original inn, rotted and choked with vegetation, has been rebuilt by volunteers.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL FITZPATRICK 25 RECLAIMED BY FAITH

From the time she was 8, Calabrese and her five Calabrese, who specializes in family therapy and siblings worked at Holy Land, leading tours, land- is on the board of Holy Land USA, says, “Uncle John scaping and building exhibits. On Saturday, they put every penny he made into the property on Pine would clean the small house where he lived at the Hill. He was a quiet man, but knew how to get what park’s entrance, and on Sunday they would pick him he needed, and if somebody had something he could up for dinner because he didn’t drive. use, he would get them to donate it, including the pil- John Greco, one of six children, was born in 1895 lars that were part of the Vatican pavilion at the New to Italian immigrants, who settled in the Pine Hill York World’s Fair.” section of Waterbury. The Greco family was part of an John Greco, who was 5-foot-6, was soft-spoken, but effort by the Italian community to begin Our Lady of a vigorous evangelizer who traveled the country. He Lourdes Church (now part of All Saints Todos Los lived simply. Every day, rain or shine, he worked at Santos Parish), which has a stained-glass window in Holy Land, even during the last weeks of his life. their name. John entered the seminary at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., but “WHEN YOU WERE IN HIS PRESENCE, became ill and returned to Waterbury and enrolled in Yale Law School. He was one of the first Italian- YOU FELT THE HOLY SPIRIT COME THROUGH YOUR CORE. American graduates and began practicing in 1926. YOU COULD FEEL CHRIST IN THE ROOM.” Over the years, he was known for offering free legal services to the Italian community. His greatest loves, REBECCA CALABRESE however, were his faith and Holy Land. ON HER GREAT-UNCLE, JOHN GRECO

The path leads to Calvary, where visitors reflect on the meaning of the crucifixion.

PHOTO BY JOE PISANI

26 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG From dormancy to life

When John Greco died at 91 in 1986, he left Holy FOR MORE INFORMATION, Land to the Religious Teachers Filippini. The park go to www.holylandwaterbury.org. had fallen into disrepair and was closed in 1984. Over the years, attempts to revive it were unsuccessful. The cross was replaced in 2008 and dedicated by then Archbishop Henry Mansell. In 2013, Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary and businessman Fred “Fritz” Blasius purchased the site from the Filippini Sisters in a private venture. Shortly Reclaimed by faith after, a new 60-foot cross with 5,000 LED lights was constructed free of charge by Pisani Steel. Looking to the future, Father Sullivan says the Calabrese says Blasius, who is known for his be- refurbished 18-acre park will be used for Masses, hind-the-scenes efforts helping others, reminds her Christian prayer services, concerts and other events. of John Greco. “Fritz is humble and kind and does He believes it will be a place where once again people things just like my great-uncle did,” she says. The will be able to pray, find peace and meditate on mayor and Blasius have been tireless in their promo- Christ’s life. tion of Holy Land. This is the same vision that inspired John Greco O’Leary says that, since 2013, almost 1,000 people 70 years ago. have gone to Holy Land to volunteer, from Catholic Archbishop Chuck Pagano, chairman of Holy Land USA, recalls students to Boy Scouts and church groups. Leonard P. looking out the window of his childhood home and Blair leads “When you talk about community engagement, the faithful seeing the cross on Pine Hill from his bedroom. He is there’s nothing that compares to the Holy Land proj- at the first encouraged by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and ect,” O’Leary says. “I have been with the city 40 years Mountaintop the fund-raising efforts. as police chief and mayor, and this is one thing that Mass in August “We have to take small steps before we can take big has touched everybody. Thousands have donated time 2018 to steps,” Pagano says. “This has always been a labor of honor Father and money.” When he ran for mayor in 2011, the most McGivney. love for the volunteers, the community and the board. frequent request from residents was to bring the cross Bishop The volunteers are tidying it up, and little by little back to Pine Hill, he says. Juan Miguel with the new entrance, it will be a brighter place for “As diverse as we are, with people from all over the Betancourt will the public.” world and from all religions, Holy Land brought us celebrate the Holy Land will be officially open to the public in second annual together,” he says. “To me, that is the most amazing Mountaintop the spring, when the new gate is installed, although story of Holy Land, that people from every walk of life Mass on visitors are currently permitted during the day and and every background came together.” April 28. for special events such as the Mountaintop Mass.

THE HOLY LAND USA MOUNTAINTOP MASS with Bishop Betancourt, co-sponsored by the foundation and the Knights of Columbus, will be held rain or shine at 3 p.m. on April 28. Praise and worship by the Christian group Hands and Feet will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 2:30 p.m. There will be shuttles to the event, along with refreshments, tents and seating. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO

27 SPIRITUAL FITNESS

to bed. After I got into the habit of appreciating what I have to be grateful for, my spiritual outlook changed, plus the daily adversities didn’t seem so insurmountable. You see, I realized my blessings far or much of my life when I fell down on my knees in front of the outweighed my problems. tabernacle, my prayer went something like this: “Please, Jesus, One of my friends whose family F PLEASE !” (Fill in the blank.) owns a chain of clothing stores and Lately, however, I’ve been trying to pray, “Thank you, Jesus, THANK YOU!” who is in a Twelve-Step recovery program says that his favorite out- I’m convinced the more we say “thank you,” the more we’ll realize all that fit isn’t a well-tailored Brioni suit we have to be thankful for ... and develop the attitude of gratitude. or a handmade Italian blazer. It’s a T-shirt that simply says “Grati- When we say, “Thank you, deserve. Or maybe we’ve forgotten tude.” The attitude of gratitude is Lord,” and not just for the big how important it is to say “thank fundamental to his sobriety. things like good medical test re- you.” It’s always painful to be un- That’s a lesson for all of us. sults or getting that coveted pro- appreciated for an act of kindness Never take a person’s kindness or motion, but also for the seemingly or generosity. I can only imagine generosity for granted. Say “thank little things, we’re expressing our how Jesus felt when he healed you” to someone who holds the trust in God’s providence and our those 10 lepers and only one came door. Say “thank you” to someone appreciation for his blessings. back to thank him. who compliments you. Say “thank Remember what St. Paul told People who understand the you” when someone shows you a the Thessalonians? “Give thanks importance of gratitude are among courtesy. Say “thank you” to God. in all circumstances, for this is the happiest and healthiest people. Say “thank you” for the sake of the will of God in Christ Jesus for Many studies link an attitude of saying “thank you.” You’ll change you.” That’s often a difficult con- gratitude to good physical, mental, the world. The person you thank JOE PISANI cept to grasp and even the Thessa- emotional and spiritual well-being. will feel good, and you’ll make the of Orange lonians probably thought, “Is this Grateful people don’t report as world a better place. is a writer guy crazy?” How can we thank many health problems. They enjoy whose work People who don’t think they have God for everything that happens? more happiness and suffer less has appeared anything to be thankful for aren’t But Paul understood a fundamen- depression and stress. They have in Catholic looking hard enough. Unfortunate- tal principle of the spiritual life: higher self-esteem because they’re publications ly, people who have the most to be All things work together for good thankful for what they have. nationwide. thankful for are often the ones least to those who love God. They’re also more empathetic and He and his wife inclined to say “thank you” because On many occasions, Pope Fran- less resentful, not to mention they Sandy have four they consider what they have ac- cis has said the three most import- get a good night’s sleep. daughters. quisitions, not blessings. ant things we can say are “Please A few months ago, I bought a Imagine living a life of ingrat- ... thank you ... and I’m sorry.” notepad that had the title “To- itude and then going face to face Many people, of course, aren’t day I am thankful for ...” and with Jesus for your life review and accustomed to saying “thank you” included a space to fill in realizing too late all that he did for because they think they’re owed the blanks, which I you and the countless blessings you what they get. They always want did every night received ... and all the times you ne- more or they’re not satisfied before going glected to say, “Thank you, Lord.” with what they have and As St. Paul said, “Give thanks in are envious of what other all circumstances.” people have. Saying “thank you” is so important. Quite a few times, I gave gifts to family “All things members and friends over the past year ... and didn’t get work together one note of thanks. Maybe I’m for good to thin-skinned or maybe I want those who more recognition than I love God.”

28 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG ADVERTISEMENT ANNUAL APPEAL

The joy and energy in the room were palpable, and very fitting for the theme of the 2019 appeal. We were sharing both the joy of knowing Christ and one anoth- er and the sharing between generations. Many young adults shared how their highlight of the evening was getting a few moments with Archbishop Blair in a relaxed and personal setting. In a time when churches are closing and pews are emptying, a priest men- tioned how edifying it was for him to be in a room full of young adults. Seeing all of the young adult groups under one roof also affirmed to everyone just how fruitful and powerful the Spirit has been in helping to form these communities in a place where they barely

PHOTO COURTESY OF AAA COURTESY PHOTO existed just a few years ago. Today, more than ever, we recognize that people of every age group have need of the spiritual and materi- al healing that the ministry of the Church provides. The 2019 Archbishop’s STORY BY EMILY NAYLOR AND TINA POET Annual Appeal presents us with a unique opportu- his past February, Archbishop Blair welcomed nity to combine all of our nearly 300 faith-filled Catholics to sample some individual gifts in order to T top-notch local brews at the Aqua Turf during accomplish so much more the second annual Beer Tasting. There were many in as one family of faith. attendance from various young adult groups across every It is through your support, prayers and good corner of the archdiocese, such as Catholic Underground, works that we are able to continue to fund archdioc- Frassati New Haven, Crossroads4Christ, Crossfire and esan ministries that provide life’s necessities to so St. Francis Catholic. The archbishop spent much of the many: a warm meal, a bag of groceries, a safe place to evening listening and sleep or a place to turn for guidance and support. talking with guests. “At one point in the evening, I looked around the He was also able to room and my heart swelled because not only was share some of his I looking at the future of the Church, but I was hopes for the 2019 looking at the present Church in the Archdiocese of Hartford.” EMILY NAYLOR, FRASSATI NEW HAVEN Archbishop’s Annual

Appeal, “Sharing the All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the appeal literature, which can be found at Joy of the Gospel https://archdioceseofhartford.org/aaa-2019-last-years-appeal-impact/. for Generations.” No appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

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APRIL 2019

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

Father James A. Shanley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Shelley Wolf INTERIM EDITOR Cathedral choir invited to NYC

Apostole del Sacro Cuore di Gesù (Rome) Archbishop’s Annual Appeal STORY BY JAMES GENTILE | PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHEDRAL SCHOLA CANTORUM Archbishop Leonard P. Blair Father Michael Casey Cathedral Schola Cantorum n Feb. 9, the Cathedral Schola Cantorum was the invited choir Victoria Clarizio Sister Regina Cochran at a Mass commemorating the November beatification of Father Glen Dmytryszyn Blessed Clelia Merloni, foundress of the Congregation of the Bill Fitzpatrick O Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist Apostles of the Sacred Heart, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. James Gentile Hartford Bishops’ Foundation Holy Land USA The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal The hymns sung by the Schola Can- Aaron Joseph Father Ryan Lerner Timothy Dolan, who recalled his own torum, under the direction of Meredith Donald Lucien/Roadtripmemories.com childhood education in St. Louis, Mo., Neumann, with Ezequiel Menendez acting Brother Leo Maneri Emily Naylor under the sisters’ guidance. as organist, included “O God, Beyond All Office of Vocations In his homily, Cardinal Dolan spoke of Praising” and “Lift High the Cross,” and Joe Pisani Sister Sophia Peters, FSE Blessed Clelia’s “profound awareness of at Communion, “Adoro Te Devote” and Tina Poet God’s love for her” despite the challenges “Anima Christi.” Jack Sheedy Father James Sullivan and hardships she faced in her lifetime, A video of the entire Mass, with the Shelley Wolf and of the order’s “charism of love, service Sister Frances Zajac, FSE cathedral choir prominently featured, can CONTRIBUTORS and reparation.” He concluded his homily be viewed at St. Patrick Cathedral’s website, with her words: “Trust God and miracles https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/ CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH most-recent-mass. JESUS AND HIS CHURCH can happen.” WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Rev. Joseph M. Elko: term as senior priest status, Elizabeth Martin Solsburg The Most Reverend VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR pastor completed, effective March effective May 31, 2019. 30, 2019, St. Martin de Porres Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D., Rev. William Agyemang: from Cynthia Vandecar has made the following Parish, New Haven. Appointed ad- parochial vicar, Basilica of the DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ministrator for one year, St. Martin Immaculate Conception Parish, appointments: de Porres Parish, New Haven, Waterbury, to administrator, Marybeth Hicks effective March 30, 2019. Blessed Sacrament Parish, Water- MARKETING DIRECTOR Archbishop Blair is pleased to Rev. Daniel J. McLearen: reap- bury, effective Feb. 15, 2019. announce the appointment of the pointed as pastor of St. Margaret Jennifer Pomicter Rev. Tyler Strand: priestly fac- Rev. Matthew Gworek as secre- GRAPHIC DESIGNER Parish, Madison, for a six-year ulties for the calendar year 2019, tary to the archbishop, effective term, effective Feb. 6, 2019. priest of the Byzantine Catholic CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT (USPS 0094-540, ISSN 1081-4353) is March 1, 2019. Rev. Gworek was published monthly, except for February and August, by the Rev. Matthew Michael Dough- Eparchy of Passaic. ordained in May 2016. He served Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford, 134 Farmington Ave., erty, O. Praem: priestly faculties Hartford, CT 06105. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and at as parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Rev. Lukasz Patón, CM: tempo- for the calendar year 2019. additional mailing offices. Church, now of the Parish of rary priestly faculties from March POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Transcript St. John Bosco, from 2016 to Rev. Stephen Dyas, LC: 17, 2019, until April 10, 2019. 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999. temporary priestly faculties from 2017, then at Our Lady of Mount Rev. Patrick E. Reidy, CSC: CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Email [email protected] Carmel from 2017 to 2018. He April 22, 2019, until May 11, 2019. priestly faculties for the calendar just completed an internship in ADVERTISING POLICY STATEMENT: Catholic Transcript does not Rev. Joseph J. Mauritzen: year 2019, St. Thomas More endorse the services and goods advertised in its pages. Acceptance of communications with Salt & Light priestly faculties for the calendar Chapel and Catholic Center, advertisers and advertising copy is subject to the editor’s approval, Media under the guidance of the year 2019, Holy Apostles College New Haven. and Catholic Transcript reserves the right to reject or edit any adver- Rev. Tom Rosica, CSB, chief ex- tising copy. No alcoholic beverages, political advertising or materi- and Seminary, Cromwell. REV. RYAN M. LERNER, ecutive officer. Archbishop Blair als contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church or the policies Rev. Francis T. Carter: from CHANCELLOR, MARCH 6, 2019 of the Archdiocese of Hartford will be accepted. Advertising will expresses his sincere gratitude not be accepted from entities that — in the judgment of the editor to the Rev. Ryan Lerner, who pastor, St. Bernadette Parish, * Clergy who are not incardinated in the Arch- diocese of Hartford must request permission — have as their primary focus products, services or positions that has served as secretary to the New Haven, to senior priest sta- are contrary to the official teaching of the Catholic Church or the tus, effective June 30, 2019. from the archbishop to minister here; that is, policies of the archdiocese. Neither the publication nor publisher archbishop since 2015, and has they request faculties. shall be liable for damages if an advertisement fails to be published recently been appointed chaplain Rev. John G. Weaver: from ** Because deacons and priests have received or for any error in an advertisement. the sacrament of holy orders and therefore of St. Thomas More Catholic Cen- administrator, St. Raymond of never retire in the canonical sense, the term ter and Chapel at Yale University. Peñafort Parish, Enfield, to “senior” priest or deacon describes their status.

30 Catholic Transcript | APRIL 2019 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG IN YOUR COMMUNITY MAY THEY REST IN PEACE ...

SISTER MARIE ROSE COURTEMANCHE, Born in Stamford on Nov. 2, 1930, to the her niece, Mara, a nephew, Neil, and two 86, a member of the Daughters of the Holy late Thomas George O’Connor and Anna Marie grandnephews. She was predeceased by her Spirit at St. Joseph Living Center, Windham, Brady O’Connor, Sister Joan entered the Sisters parents, Cornelius and Loretta Korn Sullivan. died on Dec. 7, 2018. of St. Joseph on Sept. 8, 1947, celebrating A Vigil of Remembrance Service was held at Born in Southbridge, Mass., on March 7, 1932, her profession of vows on Aug. 23, 1953. She the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse she was the daughter of Flavien and Amelia earned a bachelor’s degree from Diocesan Chapel, Columbus, Ohio, on Jan. 25. Burial was (Duclos) Courtemanche. She entered religious Sisters College, West Hartford, a master’s in St. Joseph Cemetery. life in 1954 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Latin from Boston College, a master’s in in Putnam and made her religious profession secondary educational administration from SISTER YOLANDA AMOROSO, MPF, 85, there on Sept. 6, 1955. She was then known as Loyola University, Chicago, and a doctorate in died Jan. 28, 2019, at St. Joseph Hall, Home Sister Amelia Thomas. educational administration from the University Healthcare Center for the Filippini Sisters, Villa She was a dietitian in several communities of Connecticut, Storrs. Walsh Motherhouse, Morristown, N.J. from 1955-1970: Fitchburg, Waterbury, the Sister Joan taught in several Catholic ele- Born and raised in Orange, N.J., she entered Provincial House in Putnam, Hartford, and St. mentary schools in the dioceses of Connecti- the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1948. She Elizabeth Guest House, also in Hartford. In cut before becoming the assistant principal received her habit in 1949, and made her 1975, she began serving as a nurse’s aide at at South Catholic High School, Hartford. She religious profession in 1952. the Villa St. Joseph, Putnam. ministered as principal or assistant princi- She received a bachelor’s degree in In 1982, she went on mission in Kaele, pal at several other schools in Connecticut, elementary education from the College of St. Cameroon, serving there until 1992. including St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, Rose, Buffalo, N.Y., a master’s in reading from Upon her return to the United States, she Lyman Memorial High, Lebanon, Parish Hill the University of Bridgeport and a diploma served again at the Provincial House as a High School, Chaplin, and St. Joseph School, from the Assumption Montessori School, nurse’s aide and at Patient Care of Connecticut Rockville. She was associate superintendent Philadelphia, which qualified her to be a until her retirement in 2002. In 2014, she and later superintendent of schools for the Montessori teacher. entered the Holy Spirit Health Care Center and Diocese of Norwich from 1998-2009. She was For many years, Sister Yolanda taught in the in 2016 she moved to St. Joseph Living Center a member of the Association for Supervision primary grades in the Archdioceses of Newark, in Windham. and Curriculum Development and the National Philadelphia, New York City and Hartford, She is survived by the Daughters of the Holy Association of Secondary Principals. and in the Dioceses of Cleveland, Trenton and Spirit spiritual family her sisters in commu- She received the Phi Delta Kappa Award Camden. She served as a Montessori teacher in nity, the Consecrated Seculars and the Associ- (1979), the Delta Kappa Gamma Award (1983) Winsted and Bristol. ates and three sisters: Juliette Bertrand of and the Bristol Plus Award (1991). From In 2003, retired from active ministry, she Southbridge, Mass., Pauline Courtemanche of 1992-2005, Sister Joan served as a trustee continued to serve in many capacities at Villa Southbridge and Jeanne Adamuzka of Wilson- on the Board of Directors of Tabor Houses in Walsh, including directing art activities and ville. She is predeceased by four brothers Hartford. She assumed guardianship for her exercise classes for residents at St. Joseph Hall, Robert Courtemanche, Louis Courtemanche, deceased twin sister Jean’s two children, Anna assisting with driving patients and serving as Roger Courtemanche and Leo Courtemanche Marie and Mario Cappabianca, when they telephone operator. and three sisters, Emma Rousseau, Rita were very young. Retiring from administration She is survived by many nieces and Vincent and Helen Nascin. and education ministries, Sister Joan took nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Dec. up volunteer work at Holy Family Passionist Paul Amoroso and Mary (Romano) Amoroso; 12 at the Holy Spirit Provincial House. Burial Retreat Center in West Hartford. brothers, Thomas and Alfred, and a sister, was in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. In addition to her sisters in community, Sis- Eleanor McCarthy. Burial was in the Ave Maria ter Joan is survived by her nieces, Anna Marie Cemetery at Villa Walsh. SISTER JOANNE MEHEGAN (Cecilia Mary) Cappabianca Free, Kerry Chernovetz, Lisa of the Sisters of Mercy died on Dec. 27, 2018, at Good, Tara Bartlett, Meghan Paleski, Sharon DEACON LOUIS J. FLORIO, 85, of St. Mary Home in West Hartford. Morrin, Mary Landry Reilly, Caroline Landry Wallingford, formerly of North Haven for Sister Joanne was born and raised in and Jacqueline Bigelow; and her nephews, many years, died on Feb. 17, 2019, at Yale-New Hartford, the daughter of the late Nicholas Mario Cappabianca, Brian and Jacques Landry, Haven Hospital/St. Raphael campus. He was and Cecilia McGurkin Mehegan. She entered Sean O’Connor and Michael Kushman. She is the husband of 37 years to the late Ann M. the Sisters of Mercy in June of 1945 after high predeceased by her twin sister, Jean Marie Attianese Florio. school graduation and professed religious Cappabianca, her sister, Maureen Landry, and He was born in New Haven on June 10, 1933, vows in 1948. She recently celebrated her 73rd her brother, John (Jack) O’Connor. Burial was and was the son of the late Victor and Anna anniversary as a Sister of Mercy. Sister Joanne in Sisters of St. Joseph Cemetery. Cappucci Florio. He had worked for the Marlin was a very dedicated primary and elementary Company for over 45 years until his retirement. school teacher in multiple parishes throughout SISTER LORETTA SULLIVAN, (Mary Neil), He was ordained a permanent deacon in the Connecticut dioceses for 40 years. In 1984, she Dominican Sister of Peace, died at Mohun Roman Catholic Church by Most Rev. Daniel accepted a new role as admissions director Health Care Center, Columbus, Ohio, on Jan. A. Cronin, archbishop of Hartford, on June at St. Mary Home, a position she held for 14 17, 2019. She was born in 1931 in New Haven, 13, 1992. He served at St. Barnabas Church years until her retirement. She continued to and in 1954 entered the Congregation of and St. Therese Church, North Haven. He was volunteer her service to others as a resident at St. Mary of the Springs, now the Dominican a member of the Knights of Columbus, was St. Mary Home. She is survived by her siblings, Sisters of Peace. She earned degrees from a New York Yankee fan, covered the former Denise and the deceased Donald Fleming of Yale Divinity School, St. Mary University, Notre New Haven Blades for the former Journal East Hartford, Alice and her husband, Joseph Dame, St. Mary of the Springs College (now Courier, was the secretary/treasurer for the Visgilio of Westerly, R.I., several nieces, neph- Ohio Dominican University), and a certificate Andy Papero League and was a score keeper ews, many grandnieces and grandnephews in clinical pastoral education from Bridgeport and publicist for various baseball and softball and her sisters in the community of Mercy, es- Hospital. She taught in Middletown, Pa.; was leagues in the area. pecially her dearest friend, Sister Mary Clarice director of religious education for St. Mary’s He is survived by Lynda M. Florio, Michael L. Cunningham. Burial was in St. Mary Cemetery. Parish, Marietta, Ohio; served the Archdiocese Florio and Paul A. Florio and his wife Jennifer; of Hartford in various capacities; served in a grandson, Logan Florio; and a brother, Victor SISTER JOAN O’CONNOR, CSJ pastoral care in health care facilities; and Florio, and his wife, Gloria. He is predeceased (Sister Mary Brian), a member of the Sisters of served as Catholic chaplain for the State of by Carl “Flip” Florio and Carmel Vischio. A St. Joseph of West Hartford, died Jan. 15, 2019, Connecticut Corrections. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. at Bojnowski Manor in New Britain. She is survived by her brother, Neil, Therese Church, North Haven.

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APRIL 2019