http://bit.ly/SAPLiberia The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Savannah Vol. 97, No. 21 Thursday, October 12, 2017 Put Faith in Your Opinions southerncross.diosav.org $.75 Liberian president visits grandchildren, St. Anne-Pacelli

By MichelleSchool, Chardos and Jessica Marsala Columbusin conflicts like the 15-year civil war COLUMBUS Liberia experienced from 1989 to 2003 peaking to a crowd of more than 150 rather than given an education. “The Smiddle and high school students at pursuit of an education is the best thing a St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School Sept. young person can do, that prepares you 27, Liberian President Ellen Johnson- for professional life, that prepares you to Sirleaf emphasized the importance of pursue your dreams.” education for all children, whether in the With her two grandchildren in the Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf speaks to students at St. Anne- small African republic of Liberia or in audience, 12-year-old Samira and Pacelli School after receiving an honorary diploma from Father Jeremiah Georgia’s second-largest city. 10-year-old Ebreem, both students at McCarthy, pastor of St. Anne Church. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala. “Today our first generation of kids, the school, President Sirleaf later fielded in public administration from Harvard electricity—but the most important thing those kids that are now 15, 16 years old, questions from students and local media University’s John F. Kennedy School of I want was to see our children smile do not know a gun. They’ve never had relating to the way she approached the Government—but also by the career she again,” she said paraphrasing from her to run, which is what happened with Ebola outbreak in 2014, women’s health would have chosen had she not become inaugural speech in 2006. other kids. Today, like you, they can pur- care, and how she will participate in pol- a politician. Though not in a classroom, President sue their dreams, they can pursue their itics once she leaves office January 28, Like her mother, she would have like- Sirleaf taught some other very import- education,” President Ellen Johnson- among others. ly become a teacher, President Sirleaf ant lessons to the gathered students and Sirleaf, the first democratically elected The high value President Sirleaf said in response to one of the students’ faculty, including the necessity of having female head of state in Africa and the places on education is further suggest- questions. respect for others and of recognizing 2011 winner of a Nobel Peace Prize, ed not only by her own educational “The thing I want most, yes I want “the strength of diversity,” lessons that said. Before her election, children in path—an economics degree from the roads, yes I want schools, yes I want Liberia were trained to be child soldiers University of Colorado and a master’s hospitals, yes I want water, yes I want See Liberia on page 2

By Tim WilliamsStatesborosaved right here ultrasound in Statesboro.” buy machine machines at a discounted saves rate, local lives Knights of Columbus Council t Choices of the Heart, an inde- This machine was purchased with half of the money being donat- 14275, the Saint Matthew’s Parish Apendent pro-life medical crisis through the Knights of Columbus ed by the Supreme Council of the Council of Catholic Women, and pregnancy center in Statesboro, a Ultrasound Initiative, a program that Knights of Columbus, and in this Saint Mathew's Parish. recently donated ultrasound machine allows crisis pregnancy centers to case the other half was raised by According to Executive Director means ultrasounds can be offered to Waters all of the women they serve the women they serve even after tra- have grown up after Roe v. Wade ditional doctors’ offices have closed legalized abortion in America, for the night. “Women who see their and resources like this ultrasound babies on the ultrasound and hear machine combat a culture that often the heartbeat are much more likely tells women that abortion is the to choose life.” said Allison Waters, answer to an unplanned pregnancy. Executive Director of Choices of the “And so when we're able to say to Heart. them you do have a choice that just Carolyn Couch, a Choices of because you didn't mean to get preg- the Heart board member and St. nant does not mean that you have Matthew’s Parish Council of to have an abortion. And there are Catholic Women member spoke alternatives for you that can be life about the importance of being able giving and good for you and good to perform ultrasounds quickly for your baby. It is really a beautiful and without having to wait for an thing to be able to offer those women appointment “This way we've got the those choices,” Waters said. ultrasound machine right at our facil- ity and we can take her right into the Father Douglas K. Clark, pastor, Saint Matthew Church, Statesboro, blesses Tim Williams is videographer/pro- next room and show her a picture the newly acquired ultrasound installed at Choices of the Heart, an indepen- duction assistant for the diocese of of her baby and let her listen to her dent pro-life medical crisis pregnancy center in Statesboro. Photograph by Savannah. baby's heartbeat. Lives are being Tim Williams/Southern Cross. Southern Cross, Page 2 News Thursday, October 12, 2017 Liberia from page 1 woman—because I’m equal to everyone Samira recalls, “They don’t have desks During the assembly she explained else.” or anything. There are dirt floors. They that Liberia’s upcoming general elec- her granddaughter Samira has already President Sirleaf’s grandchildren smile sit on benches and long tables and use tion, which is scheduled for Oct. 10, taken to heart. when they think of the trips they’ve pencils that are so small I don’t know will “mark the first time in 73 years “I’m a girl, and when I go around see- taken to Liberia and the fun things they how they can write with them.” that political power will be handed over ing males do all these other sports and do at their grandmother’s farm. President Sirleaf’s visit to Georgia, peacefully, and democratically, from things, it helps me to say that I can do The siblings also have had a chance where she was declared an honorary cit- one elected leader to another,” as per her those things too,” Samira said of what to see some major improvements their izen of the same state as fellow dreamer speech. she’s learned from her grandmother, not- grandmother has made in the schools of and Nobel Peace Prize winner Martin Michelle Chardos is a freelance writer living ing that when she gets older she wants to the country, although still humble com- Luther King Jr.—an honor, in her opin- in Columbus and a parishioner of St. Anne become a veterinarian in what she sees pared to American schools. For example, ion—came on the heels of her Sept. 19 Church. Jessica L. Marsala is assistant to as a male-dominated profession. “I can she made education free and compulsory address to the United Nations General the editor of the Southern Cross. do them—and not just because I’m a for all school-aged children in Liberia. Assembly. http://bit.ly/StatesboroUltrasound Commemoration of the Reformation and Prayer for Unity ­Sunday October 22 Savannah Reverend Fleming Rutledge, n Sunday, October 22, Episcopalian priest, noted author O2017, at 5:00 p.m., Gregory and theologian. Her particular Hartmayer, OFM Conv., Bishop of expertise is the intersection of the Catholic Diocese of Savannah, Biblical theology with contempo- and Reverend H. Julian Gordy, rary culture, current events and Bishop of the Southeastern Synod politics, literature, music, and art. of the Evangelical Lutheran She is also a teacher of preachers. Church in America, will co-pre- Her recent book The Crucifixion side at a prayer service commemo- was praised by Catholic Bishop rating the 500th anniversary of the Robert Barron who said it is, “… Reformation. The service at the one of the most stimulating and Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist thought-provoking books of theol- in Savannah will also include ogy that I have read in the past ten prayers for Christian unity. years.” Ebreem Sirleaf,10, and his sister Samira, 12, introduced their grand- The service is open to the pub- mother prior to her address to the St. Anne Pacelli student body Sept. 27. lic and all are invited to attend. Photograph by Michelle Chardos. Preaching at this event will be

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Savannah, is seeking a part-time Music Director and Organist, to lead the musical component of all parish Masses, including but not limited to weekend Masses and Masses for Holy Days of Obligation, in accordance with the liturgical calendar. In collaboration with the Pastor, the Music Director recruits and trains the musicians and cantors, coordinates music for special events (e.g., weddings and funerals), leads the adult and children's choirs of the parish, selects music for pastor approval, and enhances the parish's celebration of the Catholic faith. Ideal candidates are able to play piano and organ, conduct performances of musicians and singers, manage technical audio equipment, will have formal vocal training and/or significant music experience, including the ability to read music and sing at a performance level. Bachelor's degree in Music and choir experience in a leadership role preferred. Knowledge of Catholic liturgy required for the appropri- ate selection of music. Financial Compensation: Part-time, Hourly, Additional compensation received in the form of stipends from weddings and funerals. Qualified candidates are invited to email resume and cover letter to Paige Ryan, Parish Administrator, at [email protected].

Southern Cross (USPS 505-680) is published bi-weekly, Publisher: Most Rev. Gregory J. Hartmayer, ofm conv., dd Editor: 912-201-4054 26 issues per year, by Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer Director of Communications: Barbara D. King Editorial email: [email protected] 2170 East Victory Drive, Videography/Production: Timothy L. Williams Content Deadline: ten days prior to publication Savannah, GA 31404. Editor: Michael J. Johnson Web Address: http://southerncross.diosav.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Savannah, GA and at Assistant to the Editor: Jessica L. Marsala Subscription changes: 912-201-4060 additional mailing offices. Editorial/Business Office: Subscription E-mail: [email protected] Southern Cross 2170 East Victory Drive Subscription Price: $15.00 per year POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah, GA 31404-3918 Southern Cross, 2170 East Victory Drive, ©Southern Cross/Diocese of Savannah Office for the Protection of Children and Young People: Savannah GA 31404. Toll free reporting hot line: (888) 357-5330 Thursday, October 12, 2017 News Southern Cross, Page 3 USCCB president, pope call for prayers after 'unspeakable terror' WASHINGTON (CNS) victims of the senseless killing in all those who are suffering from this "Violence has once again horrified he nation has experienced "yet Las Vegas. As a society, we have evil, and for those who have been us as a nation and drawn us togeth- Tanother night filled with unspeak- lost a sense of the value and respect killed we pray, eternal rest grant er in sorrow. All of us -- people able terror," and "we need to pray and of all human life. Go to Church unto them, O Lord, and let perpetu- of faith as well as those with no to take care of those who are suffer- next Sunday and thank God for al light shine upon them." particular religious affiliation -- are ing," said the president of the U.S. your family and friends. We need to Catholic bishops and other stunned by the tragic, senseless, and Conference of Catholic Bishops in see one another as people created Catholic leaders around the country incomprehensible loss of life in Las Washington. by God in His image and likeness. issued statements expressing sad- Vegas," said Atlanta Archbishop In Las Vegas, a gunman identi- God’s purpose for each one of us is ness at the horrific developments in Wilton D. Gregory. fied by law enforcement officials to share His goodness which is in Las Vegas, offering prayers for the "Jesus is weeping with us and for as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, was each one of us. We need to remind victims and praising first respond- us," said Pittsburgh Bishop David perched in a room on the 32nd floor one another of what is morally good ers, volunteers and bystanders for A. Zubik. "It is time for us as a of a hotel and unleashed a shower and what is evil and to choose life their efforts at the scene. nation to require at least as much of bullets late Oct. 1 on an outdoor which is intrinsically good. God "Once again we must reach out from those purchasing guns as we country music festival taking place help us” said Bishop Gregory J. in shock and horror to comfort the expect from those making applica- below. He killed at least 59 people Hartmayer, OFM Conv. victims of a mass shooting in our tion for a driver's license. Public and wounded more than 500, mak- In a telegram to Bishop Pepe, country," said Cardinal Blase J. safety must always come first." ing it by all accounts "the deadliest Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Cupich of Chicago. Bishop Edward C. Malesic of mass shooting in modern U.S. histo- secretary of state, said Pope Francis He called for better access to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, noted ry," Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of was "deeply saddened to learn of mental health care and "stronger, the "tragic irony" that the mass Galveston-Houston, USCCB presi- the shooting in Las Vegas" and sensible gun control laws." shooting had taken place on Respect dent, said in an Oct. 2 statement. "sends the assurance of his spiritual "We pray that there comes a day Life Sunday and the beginning of "Our hearts go out to everyone," closeness to all those affected by when the senseless violence that the Catholic Church's observance of Bishop Joseph A. Pepe of Las Vegas this senseless tragedy." has plagued the nation for so long Respect Life Month. said in a statement. "We are praying In his statement, Cardinal ends for good," said Holy Cross "We can never become numbed for those who have been injured, DiNardo said: "At this time, we Father John I. Jenkins, president of to the seemingly endless stream of those who have lost their lives, need to pray and to take care of the University of Notre Dame. The outrageous crimes that show a lack for the medical personnel and first those who are suffering. In the end, bells of the Basilica of the Sacred of respect for our fellow human responders who, with bravery and the only response is to do good -- Heart on the campus were to ring in beings," the bishop said. "We con- self-sacrifice, have helped so many. for no matter what the darkness, it the afternoon for all those affected tinue to teach and proclaim that “I ask all the faithful in the will never overcome the light. May by the Las Vegas tragedy. every human person is created in Diocese of Savannah to pray for the the Lord of all gentleness surround The Archdiocese of Detroit held a God's image and has the right to noon service at St. Aloysius Church life. ... We will continue to pray that to pray for the victims of the shoot- the light of God's love will reach ing, their families and all affected, into the darkest places in our nation and also to pray "for an end to such and our world." devastating violence in our country and around the world." Need someone that speaks fluent insurance?

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1001183.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Southern Cross, Page 4 Comentario en Español Thursday, October 12, 2017 A Response to Evil aint Paul wrote to the Romans, in many other situations such as natu- face evil with confidence knowing cross, not by taking up the sword. His S“never pay back evil with evil… ral disasters, illness, broken relation- that because Christ lives, we can face death on a cross was embraced with- never try to get revenge… do not ships, addictions, vice, sin and ulti- tomorrow regardless of the trials and out a curse, and his horrific death was be mastered by evil, but master evil mately death. Turning the other cheek toils it may bring. Christ takes away transformed into life and blessing. with good.” These words of Scripture when confronting such evil does not the discouragement and bitterness Henri Nouwen ended his meditation are challenging to hear these days seem appropriate; on the contrary, a that evil brings by showering us with on the Letter to the Romans assert- as we process the horrendous event response is necessary. Doing nothing mercy and hope. ing that the only way Saint Paul’s that occurred in Las Vegas Oct. 1st. is not an option. Saint Paul gives us It is easy to rebel and to become instruction is possible to follow is by Meditating on this passage, the Dutch a clear direction, “master evil with embittered by the presence of evil, “knowing with our whole beings that spiritual writer Father Henri Nouwen good.” but Christ calls us to trust in him and what we are asked to do for others is once stated that “these words cut to Jesus Christ has vanquished the to fight it by doing good. Fight abor- what God has done for us.” As God the heart of the spiritual life. They power of evil, yet the battle continues tion by volunteering at a pregnancy battled evil in the world with the make it clear what it means to choose to rage. Every Christian must face center, fight hunger by volunteering goodness of his son, so too, we fight life, not death, to choose blessings not evil with great confidence, knowing at a soup kitchen, and fight crime by evil in the world with the goodness of curses. But what is asked of us here that despite the present struggle, Jesus volunteering at a neighborhood pro- Jesus Christ. goes against the grain of our human Christ has already won the victory. gram to mentor young people. Write nature.” The experience of evil can easily dis- to your representatives in Congress, Father Pablo Migone is chancellor of Our exposure to such expressions of courage anyone, yet Jesus tells us in donate to organizations that do good the Diocese of Savannah and resides in evil leaves the soul dumbfounded. An the Gospel of John 16:33, “take cour- work in the community, and con- the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, event like the massacre in Las Vegas age, I have conquered the world.” We tribute to discussions in society with Savannah. becomes a visual and visceral mani- should not ignore evil nor approach words that are civil and build up rath- festation of evil, though we face the it with a naïve optimism that things er than point fingers and divide. presence of evil and its consequences will get better soon. As Christians we Jesus defeated evil by taking up the Respondiendo al Mal an Pablo escribió en su Carta a por el mal, sino venzan con el bien evento ocurrido en Las Vegas este pruebas y dificultades que pueda Slos Romanos, “nunca paguen a el mal”. Estas palabras de San Pablo último 1º de octubre. Meditando traer. Cristo sana el desaliento y la nadie mal por mal… no se venguen son difíciles de escuchar durante estos sobre este pasaje bíblico, el sacerdote amargura que el mal genera y nos ustedes mismos… no sean vencidos días mientras procesamos el horrendo holandés Henri Nouwen una vez dijo llena con misericordia y esperanza. que “estas palabras van directas al Es fácil rebelarse y resentirse por corazón de la vida espiritual. Marcan la presencia del mal, pero Cristo con claridad lo que significa optar por nos llama a confiar en él y luchar 2017 Vocations Essay la vida, no la muerte, lo que es elegir por hacer el bien. Si quieres luchar bendiciones y no maldiciones. Pero contra el aborto, sé voluntario esto que se pide de nosotros va en en un centro de ayuda a mujeres Contest Announced contra de nuestra naturaleza humana”. embarazadas, si quieres luchar The St. John Vianney Vocations Important information: Nuestro contacto con tales contra el hambre sé voluntario en un Ministries of Savannah and Au- expresiones del mal nos deja con el comedor popular, y si quieres luchar gusta and the Southern Cross have All essays must be at least 300 words alma perpleja. Un evento como la contra el crimen, sé voluntario en un announced the topic and no more than 400 words. masacre en Las Vegas se convierte en programa para jóvenes. Escribe a tus question for the 2017 Vocations Essays must include the student’s una manifestación visual y visceral representantes en el Congreso, apoya Essay Contest. name, teacher’s name, parish or del mal, a pesar de que enfrentamos organizaciones que hacen un buen This year’s school, and city. el mal y sus consecuencias en trabajo en la comunidad y aporta topic for the situaciones más comunes como a las conversaciones actuales con 300 to 400 word All essays must be submitted by essay will be: the class teacher. desastres naturales, enfermedades, palabras edificantes y no con palabras relaciones reñidas, adicciones, vicios, divisivas. “What is your pecados y finalmente la muerte. Jesús venció el mal con la cruz y favorite memory The DEADLINE for the receipt of Dar la otra mejía ante tal mal no no con la espada. Aceptó su muerte of a priest or religious and how essays is November 17, 2017. parece apropiado, de lo contrario, es en cruz sin maldición alguna, y su could that memory make you con- necesario responder de una manera sufrimiento se transformó en vida y sider a vocation?" Essay packages should be The essay contest is open to 7th delivered to: concreta. El no hacer nada no es una bendición. El Padre Henri Nouwen grade students in parish religious Southern Cross opción. San Pablo felizmente nos da terminó su meditación sobre la Carta education classes and Catholic Attn: Vocations Essay Contest instrucciones claras, “venzan con el a los Romanos afirmando que la única school religion classes. A total 2170 East Victory Drive bien el mal”. manera de obedecer la instrucción of six prizes will be presented to Savannah, GA 31404 Jesucristo ya ha vencido el poder de San Pablo es “sabiendo con todo 7th graders for the best essays For additional questions, contact: del mal, sin embargo la batalla nuestro ser que lo que se nos pide in each of the classes. Prizes are Michael J. Johnson, Editor continúa. Todo cristiano debe que hagamos por el prójimo es lo que as follows: 1st place - $250; 2nd Southern Cross enfrentar el mal con gran confianza, Dios mismo ha hecho por nosotros”. place- $125; 3rd place - $75. [email protected], 912-201-4054 sabiendo que a pesar de la actual Así como Dios luchó contra el mal en In addition, honorable men- lucha, Jesucristo ya tiene la victoria. el mundo con la bondad de su hijo, tion awards will be presented to La experiencia del mal fácilmente así también, luchamos contra el mal students who submitted the best desalienta a cualquiera, sin embargo, con la bondad de Cristo Jesús. essays in their school and/or faith Jesús nos dice en el evangelio de San formation program, but did not Juan, “¡ánimo, yo he conquistado el Padre Pablo Migone, es Canciller place. mundo!” No debemos ignorar el mal de la Diocesis de Savannah y reside ni considerarlo con un optimismo en la Catedral de San Juan Bautista, ingenuo que las cosas mejorarán Savannah. pronto. Como cristianos enfrentamos el mal con confianza sabiendo que porque Cristo vive podemos afrontar mañana independientemente de las Thursday, October 12, 2017 Comentario en Español Southern Cross, Page 5 Nuestros corazones inquietos Our restless hearts Por Maria-Pia Negro Chin (CNS) El año pasado, el papa Francisco dijo By Maria Pia-Negro Chin (CNS) to it determines whether we find n una conferencia de Steubenville le a los jóvenes lo que él y otros líderes t a Steubenville Conference not fulfillment. Ehace poco tiempo, Emily Wilson, de la iglesia aprendieron a lo largo de Atoo long ago, LifeTeen’s Emily How many times has your del movimiento católico de LifeTeen, le sus vidas, que Dios “no desilusiona a Wilson told hundreds of young people restlessness led you to fleeting dijo a cientos de jóvenes que todos ten- nadie. Jesús te espera”. that we are all hungry and thirsty for distractions that left you emptier emos hambre y sed de más de lo que el Wilson terminó su charla con las more than what the world has to offer. afterward? Deep down, we know mundo ofrece. palabras que san Juan Pablo II dijo At a certain time in our lives, we passing excitement or happiness is En ciertos momentos de nuestras durante la Jornada Mundial de la realize something is missing, so we not enough. vidas, nos damos cuenta de que Juventud en el 2000: start looking, searching, yearning. Sometimes the superficial “quick nos falta algo, así que empezamos “En realidad, es a Jesús a quien Wilson talked about how, often, we fixes” can even drive us further a buscar, indagar, a anhelar. Wilson buscáis cuando soñáis la felicidad; go around trying to find solutions away from what we truly need. habló de cómo, a menudo, buscamos es él quien os espera cuando no os for this thirst, trying to fill it with They might keep us from seeing soluciones para esta sed, tratando satisface nada de lo que encontráis; vanity, material possessions, social God’s miracles around us. de saciarla con vanidad, posesiones es él la belleza que tanto os atrae; es status, sex and the desire to be Do you have a heart that desires materiales, estatus social, sexo y el él quien os provoca con esa sed de loved, and other things. But we something greater? deseo de ser amado, y otras cosas. radicalidad que no os permite dejaros actually have a “God-shaped hole” We can learn a lot from the Pero en realidad tenemos un “agujero llevar del conformismo; es él quien in our hearts, she said. restless heart of Saint Augustine. en forma de Dios” en nuestros os empuja a dejar las máscaras que This made me think of Saint Our thirst for more can drive us corazones, dijo. falsean la vida; es él quien os lee en el Augustine’s famous words, “Our closer to God, who planted the Esto me hizo pensar en las famosas corazón las decisiones más auténticas heart is restless until it rests in you.” seeds of this yearning for him. If we palabras de san Agustín: “Nuestro que otros querrían sofocar. Like many young people, the saint seek God and are open to let him corazón está inquieto, hasta que “Es Jesús el que suscita en vosotros felt out of place in the world and he act in our lives, we can find what descanse en ti”. el deseo de hacer de vuestra vida knew that he longed for something we are looking for. Como muchos jóvenes, el santo se algo grande, la voluntad de seguir more. The good news is that our sentía fuera de lugar en el mundo y un ideal, el rechazo a dejaros atrapar His urge to escape intensified as restlessness is a sign that we are sabía que anhelaba algo más. Su deseo por la mediocridad, la valentía de he grew older but “whatever he made by God. This realization de escapar se intensificó a medida que comprometeros con humildad y consumed or watched, or however stirred Saint Augustine to live in a crecía, pero “todo lo que consumía u perseverancia para mejoraros a he entertained himself, he was not way that deepened his relationship observaba, o por como fuera que se vosotros mismos y a la sociedad, filled,” an Augustinian website with God and would lead him to entretuviera, no lo llenaba”, explica haciéndola más humana y fraterna”. explains. eternal life. una página web agustiniana. This is a feeling we can When we try this, we find that Este es un sentimiento con el que identify with, but how we react God meets us and loves us where podemos identificarnos, pero la forma we are. And God helps us to get en que reaccionamos a él determina where we need to be. si encontramos satisfacción. Last year, Pope Francis told ¿Cuántas veces su inquietud le ha young people what he and other llevado a distracciones fugaces que Join our Community. church leaders learned throughout terminaron dejándole más vacío? En their lives, that “God does not el fondo, sabemos que la emoción o leave anyone disillusioned. Jesus is felicidad pasajera no es suficiente. waiting for you.” A veces las “soluciones fáciles” y Wilson ended with a quote of superficiales pueden incluso alejarnos Saint John Paul II during World de lo que realmente necesitamos. Youth Day in 2000: Estas podrían evitar que veamos “It is Jesus in fact that you seek los milagros de Dios alrededor de when you dream of happiness; he nosotros. is waiting for you when nothing ¿Tiene un corazón que desea algo else you find satisfies you; he is más? the beauty to which you are so Podemos aprender mucho del attracted; it is he who provokes you corazón inquieto de san Agustín. with that thirst for fullness that will Nuestra sed de más nos puede not let you settle for compromise; Since 1872 acercar a Dios, quien plantó la it is he who urges you to shed the semilla de este anhelar por él. Si masks of a false life; it is he who buscamos a Dios y estamos abiertos St. Joseph’s Catholic School reads in your hearts your most a dejarlo actuar en nuestras vidas, 905 High Street • Historic Downtown Macon genuine choices, the choices that podemos encontrar lo que estamos others try to stifle. buscando. “It is Jesus who stirs in you La buena noticia es que nuestra the desire to do something great inquietud es una señal de que fuimos Welcoming Families of all Faiths in 3K through 6th Grades with your lives, the will to follow creados por Dios. Esta realización an ideal, the refusal to allow animó a san Agustín a vivir de una • Academic Enrichment OPEN HOUSE • Specialized Tutoring yourselves to be grounded down by manera que profundizara su relación • Fine Arts & Technology Sunday, Nov. 5 • Before and After Care mediocrity, the courage to commit con Dios y lo condujera a la vida Sunday, Jan. 28 yourselves humbly and patiently to eterna. • P.E. and Foreign Language • Extracurricular Activities Noon - 2:30 p.m. improving yourselves and society, Cuando intentamos esto, nos making the world more human and damos cuenta que Dios nos da el Accredited by AdvancED more fraternal.” encuentro y nos ama donde estemos. Maria-Pia Negro Chin is bilingual associ- Y Dios nos ayuda a llegar a donde ate editor at Maryknoll Magazine. necesitamos estar. (478) 742-0636 • www.sjsmacon.org Southern Cross, Page 6 Columns Thursday, October 12, 2017 My domestic church aul and I spent the weekend The truth is, we knew this needed we get caught up doing our thing send miracles and transformation. Ppainting the living area of our to happen a while back. Paul and and we just lose track of time. Or We pray – and sometimes that house. In a house with eight peo- I had been having this talk for a our focus changes. When I started change happens right away. ple, six of whom are kids, five of while, how the house needs some working a few years ago, I simply But sometimes we spend years whom are boys, you can imagine TLC. But life gets busy. We never wasn’t at home nearly as much. I praying for a change. We beg God that we don’t “touch up” so much have time. It’s just a time in my no longer spent time sitting in my to heal us of weakness or sorrow, as hose down everything with high- life with lots of big kids doing lots front room analyzing its condition and we don’t always get the results end semi-gloss. of new things, and I don’t have the (for better or for worse). we want. We pray for loved ones, It had been too long. One room time I used to have to devote to the This reminds me a little of and nothing seems to happen. And in particular had not been painted joy of decorating. These were all something I’m reading with my it’s hard to wait, especially know- since we moved into this house the reasons why it just didn’t seem high school students as we work ing things could be better. just before Augie turned two. He’s to happen. our way through the Bible. In In the midst of that, we have to currently studying to get his driv- And then, when the time was Exodus, as the Lord tells Moses trust that God knows what he is er’s permit. The good news is the right, we were able to deal with and Aaron what to do to help free doing. We have to trust that God walls in that room were a kind of the problems at hand. The stars the Israelites, Scripture repeat- sees us and knows us and wants light beige and hid handprints well. aligned, and we had the time and edly mentions how he “hardens every good thing for us. We wait, In fact, so much time had gone by energy and money to put into the the heart” of Pharaoh. In spite and we pray. that the room had developed a pati- project what we needed to. And of all the plagues that God sent, And if we always go back to na found on only the highest quali- the results are amazing. The front Pharaoh’s heart did not change – what we know is true – that God ty antiques. room feels brand new. and God allowed that. loves each one of us as if there was We started out thinking we would Of course, the feelings one expe- Much bigger than the issue of my only us – then all the waiting, we just do a quick coat on the walls, riences when a project like this is beautifully painted front room is trust, is also part of his perfect plan which of course instantly makes over are two-fold: one, I’m so in change within us, or within those for us. everything else seem filthy. The love with my house it looks amaz- we love. We pray for God to fix one spot in the house that I used to ing and two, I’m so embarrassed areas of us that are broken and Rachel Swenson Balducci is a free- think was the “updated” space was people came into my house the way tired, that need updating. We pray lance writer and member of Most suddenly covered with dust. And it looked before. that those we love would be healed. Holy Trinity Church, Augusta. She can footprints. It was all there before, I But I needed to stop myself from We see things that need fixing and be reached at [email protected] guess, but I just didn’t notice. getting carried away. Life happens; we want God to pay attention, to

Salvaging life's storms he fire marshal would have had A 50-foot pine had snapped in two, from work that Friday, it turned into no place to rest their plastic heads. Ta field day with the seven people sending half of it crashing down on a park bench as everyone except for Hence Noah’s project. residing in our guest bathroom tub our fence and nearly wiping out our Noah, Simon and myself watched the Two weeks after the storm, I came built for 1 3/4, but he and every other storage shed. The sight was enough to three of us restore the fence to its for- home for the weekend with two house- official was otherwise detained by the garner the attention of the local paper, mer glory. hold chores on my list for the evening: hurricane blowing in our yard that had which dropped by that evening to Noah had been charged with remov- give Simon a quick haircut and help sent nearly my entire family to the snap photos of the storm scene as the ing all of the broken fence boards and Noah cut the roofline of the stable to guest tub in the boys and I began the posts from the scene and placing them complete his project. first place. All of us will cleanup process. in our pickup to haul off to the dump During those final cuts I had the A few moments Branches were that weekend. epiphany that Noah had taken the lem- earlier, a loud face literal buried in the yard, “Jason, Noah said he has an idea for ons from the storm—the broken fence “snap” was fol- and figurative around our tram- the fence boards,” Magan said over boards—and made lemonade out of lowed by an even poline and laying the phone, “so don’t throw them away them in the form of our new nativity. louder “boom” storms in our across two addi- when you take off the trash.” All of us will face literal and figu- and finally Magan lives. God’s true tional portions of I obliged, figuring he was going to rative storms in our lives. God’s true shouting “everyone chain link fence that build some sort of fortress of solitude purpose behind those storms, though, in the tub.” purpose behind looked like they for himself and the rest of our boys to isn’t to scare us or to harm us with At least four of those storms, had been stomped role play their next pirate/Transformer/ the winds or debris, it’s to temper and our children had on by the BFG (Big Army-man/ninja adventure. humble us in hopes of helping all of us turned on their though, isn’t to Friendly Giant). Days went by, and I would come attain salvation. flashlights, flailing Although we had home at lunch, or for the day, to find God promises us that “When the them back and scare us or to several days’ worth the extension cord snaking across our tempest passes, the wicked are no forth to make the harm us with the of tree removal and driveway and past our van with the more; but the just are established for- bathroom resemble fence replacement drill “whirring” at the other end to ever,” (Proverbs 10:25). a World War II air winds or debris, ahead of us, Magan signify the latest screw being driven This latest storm may have snatched raid search, and it’s to temper and I counted our home on a plank. I left Noah to his a tree from our yard, and a fence out most of them were blessings that our own devices, trying not to microman- of the ground, but it returned a keep- crying or asking and humble us in power had been age his latest creation, but I was start- sake that will remind us of God’s love worried questions restored and no ing to wonder what he was building. and protection for, hopefully, gener- about whether hopes of helping one had been hurt So, one day I asked Magan and the ations. It will also keep plastic baby or not our house all of us attain during Irma’s visit to answer I got from her floored me to Jesus warm and dry leading up to his was going to be Laurens County. say the least. namesake’s birthday every December. swept away like salvation. With the tree peo- “He’s building us a nativity for the Dorothy’s. ple off slicing and yard,” she said. Jason Halcombe has five sons and a I was the least intelligent of the dicing much larger tree problems away Weeks earlier, a successful Goodwill daughter. He and his wife, Magan, are whole bunch, pressing my face against in other parts of the county, my crowd run by Magan had yielded light-up members of Immaculate Conception the window in the big boys’ room had transformed the remaining trunk Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus figurines Church, Dublin. trying to figure out where the snap into a fort and balancing beam for for our Christmas display. Sadly, just and boom had ended up in our yard. most of the week. When I got home like the original tale though, they had Thursday, October 12, 2017 Feature Southern Cross, Page 7 Georgians, like the rest of the world, listened to the voice of Fulton J. Sheen ome people considered him a writing books. In 1930, he initiated a SCatholic evangelist. Certainly, weekly Catholic radio program, “The his voice was unforgettable, and Catholic Hour” on NBC, followed Catholics in Georgia, like the rest of later by a weekly television program, the world, were privileged to hear called “Life Is Worth Living.” Well it. Whether they heard it at a state- received and well known, he was wide Catholic Laymen’s Association totally devoted to spreading the faith. convention or in their living rooms His weekly talks on “The Catholic on their radios, or, even later on Hour” offered his listeners an insight television, they paid attention to it. into Catholicism they’d never had Monsignor (afterwards bishop and before. He received letters from them archbishop) Fulton J. Sheen’s voice asking him to visit places where was commanding and centered on they lived and, as often as he could, obeying and loving God. In the he complied with these requests. 1930’s, as a young priest, he spoke on Whatever income he received went to “The Catholic Hour” radio program. the missions. When TV came along, he continued In the course of his ministry, Bishop his public ministry there. Sheen visited and spoke at locations Born in El Paso, Illinois to Newton in the south, including those in North and Delia Sheen in 1895, he was and South Carolina and Georgia. baptized Peter John Sheen, but was Wherever he was, this dynamic called by his mother’s maiden name, priest brought lesser known, but also Fulton. When the Sheens moved famous people, to the Church. In close to Peoria, Illinois, young 1951, he was guest speaker in Rome, “Fulton” served as an altar boy at Georgia at the 36th annual convention Saint Mary's Cathedral. After being of the Catholic Laymen’s Association his class’s valedictorian at Peoria’s of Georgia. Both Gerald P. O’Hara, Spalding Institute, Sheen furthered archbishop-bishop of Savannah- his education at Saint Viator College Atlanta and Francis E. Hyland, aux- in Bourbonnais, Illinois before mov- iliary bishop of Savannah-Atlanta, ing on to Saint Paul Seminary in were present on this occasion. Bishop Minnesota. He was ordained a priest Sheen’s address at the Rome conven- on September 20, 1919. tion was described as “stirring.” Father Sheen pursued further stud- By 1950, he had been designated as ies at The Catholic University of the national director of the Society for America in Washington, D.C., and the Propagation of the Faith. He was received a Doctor of Philosophy consecrated bishop on June 11, 1951. degree at the Catholic University In the fall of that year, he began his of Leuven, Belgium in 1923. While well-received television series, “Life there, Father Fulton Sheen became Is Worth Living,” for which he won Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is pictured at a pulpit in an undated file photo. the first American at Leuven to win an Emmy Award. Further fame result- Bishop Daniel R. Jenky of Peoria, Ill., president of the Archbishop Fulton the Cardinal Mercier Award for ed in more contributions to Catholic Sheen Foundation, said early March 6 he received word that the seven-mem- the most outstanding philosophical missions, a cause dear to him. ber board of medical experts who advise the Vatican Congregation for treatise. Then, he was off to Rome Appropriately, he headed the Society Saints' Causes has unanimously approved a miracle attributed to the inter- where he earned a Sacred Theology for the Propagation of the Faith for 16 cession of Archbishop Sheen. (CNS file photo) (March 6, 2014) Doctorate at the Pontificium years. Collegium Internationale Angelicum, Bishop Sheen was able to be pres- which later became the Pontifical ent at sessions of the Vatican Council University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, from 1962-1965, working closely RAISER’S EDGE DATA SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Angelicum. with Father Joseph Ratzinger, later The Diocese of Savannah, GA has an opening in the Sheen’s priestly duties commenced Pope Benedict XVI. In 1966, he Stewardship/Development office for a data systems admin- when he became assistant pastor of became bishop of the Diocese of istrator. This is a full-time exempt position reporting to the Saint Patrick’s Church in London’s Rochester. He resigned as bishop Director of Stewardship/Development and responsible for Soho Square district. At the same of that diocese in 1969 in order to data input as it relates to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal as time, he taught theology at Saint consider the work he would do in well as parish data through Parish Soft software. Functions Edmund’s College, Ware. In 1926, the future. A believer in the practice Father Sheen retuned to the U.S., of a daily “Holy Hour” before the of the position include donor input, donor billing, han- when Edmund Dunne, bishop of the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Fulton dling receivables and preparing various Appeal reports Catholic Diocese of Peoria, asked J. Sheen died while praying in his required by the director on an accurate and timely basis. him to be pastor of Saint Patrick’s private chapel on December 9, 1979, Candidates must have extensive training and experience Church. Nine months later, the bish- following heart surgery. The cause for using Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge software, be familiar with op returned Father Fulton Sheen to his canonization is currently under- all phases of fundraising and be a motivated self-starter. Catholic University. A brilliant theo- way. Fulton J. Sheen – a true Catholic Preference will be given to a Catholic in full communion logian, young Father Sheen was to evangelist – is now considered vener- with the Church. The diocese offers a competitive salary teach philosophy there until 1950. able in his progress toward potential and full benefit package. To apply email a resume that He was consecrated a bishop, and sainthood. includes the work done in Raiser’s Edge and three reference later became auxiliary bishop of the letters to: [email protected]. This position is scheduled to Archdiocese of New York. Columnist Rita H. DeLorme is a volunteer be filled by January 1. 2018. In addition to all his previous in the Diocesan Archives. duties, Bishop Sheen had been busily Southern Cross, Page 8 New Pastoral Center Staff Thursday,October 12, 2017

Wynter Kelly, Director of Curriculumbe--being able to [unabashedly] and live toInstruction rewrite the entire curriculum across out my faith while being at work… all grade levels and subjects. and you can wear that faith right on Kelly, many of whose own five your sleeve.” children attend Catholic institutions Kelly’s career—or rather vocation, including Saint Peter the Apostle as she describes it—in Catholic edu- in Savannah and The Catholic cation didn’t end there. University of America in Washington, Since leaving California, she’s held D.C., doesn’t take the “awesome various roles such as dean of students, opportunity, responsibility and priv- coach and science teacher at Catholic ilege” of working in Catholic educa- schools in Athens, Georgia and before tion lightly. that, Providence, Rhode Island. She As a professor at the University of was even the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Notre Dame, where she obtained a first female athletic director. master’s degree in educational lead- A biology graduate of the ership, used to remind his classes: “If University of West Georgia, Kelly you’re in Catholic education, you’re is no stranger to science, one of the in the business of forming saints.” many curriculums she now over- “I truly believe that Catholic educa- sees as the diocese’s first Director tion is at the heart of the Church,” she Wynter Kelly, Director of Curriculum and Instruction of Curriculum and Instruction. She said. “It’s how we pass on our faith credits the passion of a high school to our youth. You have the opportu- teacher with her decision to pursue a nity to work with children and bring bachelor of science. them closer to God. And what’s more ooking back at her first time difference from her own public “This is a newly created position,” important than that?” in a Catholic school—teaching school education in West Virginia. L she said of her new role, noting that Advanced Placement Chemistry at “I would say it was refreshing, but I as part of her job, which developed You may reach Wynter Kelly at Marin Catholic High School just don’t even think that’s a good enough from the Catholic Schools Office 912-201-4073 or [email protected] outside of San Rafael, California— word. It was life-giving to me,” Kelly emphasis on academic rigor, she is Wynter Kelly remembers a distinct said. “This is where I wanted to currently heading the diocesan effort

Jayne Stefanic, Director of Family Life and Safe Environment director psychotherapist and worked in for the Diocese of Green Bay, private practice for 17 years in Wisconsin. While she said the min- Wisconsin prior to her ministry istry was very hard on her soul, it with the Green Bay diocese. “I was also “very humbling that the never really left ministry," Stefanic victims of abuse put their trust in explained. “I always wove the me to share their story and allow spiritual in my psychotherapy with me to walk with them on their jour- individuals, couples and families.” ney of healing." “Compassion was Her extensive experience is what the key, compassion in the name of Stefanic is turning to in her new Christ," Stefanic explained. position as Director of Family Stefanic, a Wisconsin native, life for the diocese. The diocesan went to college for Church minis- Family Life Office is responsible try. After graduating from college for marriage preparation program- with a double major in theology ming and development; marriage and sociology, Stefanic entered a enrichment; marriage healing; volunteer youth ministry program divorce ministry; the annual wed- in Washington D.C. ding anniversary Mass and cele- During her time in the nation’s bration; grief and bereavement; Jayne Stefanic, Director of Family Life capital, Cardinal James Hickey natural family planning; baptismal awarded her a scholarship to preparation; pro-life, respect life, attend The Catholic University of abortion healing; and a resource for hen you enter Jayne main reason (besides no snow) that America, where she earned a mas- parishes and schools in the area of WStefanic’s office, you notice Stefanic and her husband of 26 ter’s degree in social work, with a family life. on her wall the saying: “Family . . years moved from Wisconsin to the concentration on social ministry. If family is the domestic Church, . where life begins and Love never Savannah area – to help in the care Stefanic served many years in then she believes Jesus needs to ends.” Stefanic emphasizes that of his 95-year-old father and 88- youth ministry and crisis interven- be the source and summit of the family is very important to her, year-old stepmother. tion work in the D.C. and Chicago family. which is appropriate considering Prior to joining the diocesan areas before returning to her home she is the new Director of Family staff, Stefanic served five years as town in Wisconsin to raise their You may reach Jayne Stefanic at Life for the diocese. Family is the the Victim Assistance Coordinator children and help in the care of her 912-201-4068 or [email protected] parents. Stefanic is also a licensed Thursday, October 12, 2017 New Pastoral Center Staff Southern Cross, Page 9

Amy Elkins, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry outh are the future of our working in youth ministry for the “YChurch. There’s no doubt Diocese of Savannah, Elkins under- about it. We were all youth, and we stands the importance of developing are the Church now, and they are relationships with not only the youth the future of our Church. And if we but also those who minister to them. don’t help them build a relationship “Youth ministers kind of feel like with Christ and build a relationship they don’t have a lot of support,” with the Church, we’re going to she said. As a result, she explained continue to decline [in population] that she will build new relationships instead of to rise,” said Amy Elkins, and strengthen those that exist. who is the new diocesan Director of While discussing her plans for Youth and Young Adult ministry. connecting with the youth, she Elkins developed that outlook emphasized the necessity of demon- while working for 14 years in vol- strating to them that they are not untary ministry at Christ the King alone, even though being in the parish in Pine Mountain. Her years non-Catholic South may make it of service at Christ the King includ- seem so. ed serving as the youth minister for eight years and then for six addition- All of the activities organized by al years as the Director of Religious the diocesan Office of Youth and Education (DRE). Young Adult Ministry, such as the Amy Elkins, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Those experiences prompted Junior Youth and Diocesan Youth Elkins to pursue a degree in youth Conferences, are intended to unite ministry at Loyola University, youth and help them see their Catholic,’” Elkins said. “The more You may reach Amy Elkins at New Orleans. She completed her strength in numbers. we can get them together and con- 912-201-4057 or [email protected] course work, all conducted online, “The Catholic Church is the big- nect their faith with something larg- in August of 2016 while serving as gest church—Christian Church—in er than just a small town, the better DRE. the world and we need to let kids we are and the stronger our Church Having had first-hand experience know that ‘you’re not the only will be.”

Maureen Coates,

hen Maureen CoatesDirector moved to to help of steward Stewardship the monetary gifts of and Development WGeorgia approximately three local Catholics and bolster their faith years ago, she says that she “just communities. knew” she had made the right choice. “When you look back to our par- “I just followed the call. I knew I ents and grandparents, providing for was headed toward something, and the Church was just understood. It I was waiting for that something to was just what they did,” she said. present itself,” Coates, a South Jersey “I want to carry that forward for the native who attended both Catholic next generation to make sure we pre- elementary and high schools in the serve a bit of what we had and pass Garden State, said. “When this job that on.” opened up, I knew that’s where I was Coates acknowledges that her supposed to be.” goal, for communities to have a After spending 16 years travel- faith community as strong as the one ing coast to coast for a consulting that she had growing up, won’t be firm that worked to raise money easy—not only because of the scale for Catholic churches and schools, of the Diocese of Savannah but also Coates was ready for a change. She because of the many demands of then spent approximately two-and-a- parishioners such as family, work, half years in Newnan, Georgia before home and school. moving to Savannah. Families will always have challeng- Maureen Coates, DIrector of Stewardship and Development As the diocese’s newest Director es, she acknowledged. of Stewardship and Development, “But the Church is there for them Coates gets to use her undergrad- through those challenges, and we office’s labors will make a difference. You may reach Maureen Coates at uate and graduate degrees in busi- need to be there for them as much “Faith and our Church has to be up 912-201-4050 or [email protected] ness from Philadelphia University as they are there for us,” she said, there of what we commit to. It’s who in Pennsylvania and Roosevelt adding that she believes helping we are; it’s what we do.” University in Chicago, respectively, Catholics to see the results of her Southern Cross, Page 10 Faith Alive Thursday, October 12, 2017 The Council of Trent By Joseph F. Kelly (CNS) was not Protestant teaching there may not have been a spe- could lead to superstitious prac- lthough Catholics generally but rather the lack of clarity in cific biblical verse mentioning tices, but they wisely defended A banded together during the Catholic teaching, an optimistic each sacrament but the practices the veneration of relics while Reformation against the Lutheran view that proved to be correct. went back to the apostolic era. addressing the problems. More threat and the growing number This sensible approach, clarify- Catholics could accept some and more the bishops saw the of Protestant dissidents, popes ing Catholic teaching rather than notion of development, but strong need for clarity and mod- and bishops did recognize that debating with Protestants proved strict Protestants demanded a esty in so much of the church’s the church had to respond to very fruitful. direct scriptural reference. The teaching. this crisis and, with humility, For example, Protestants issue of sacraments clarified Trent was a marvelous coun- acknowledged that some reform claimed that the Bible does not how Catholics and Protestants cil but also a marvelously dif- was necessary. mention seven sacraments, since approach different issues. ficult one. The bishops had to In general this reform would the word “sacrament” does not Naturally the bishops wondered face Protestant critiques and a be carried out by the popes, explicitly appear in Scripture, why so much Catholic teaching constantly changing member- but there were other reform- but the Tridentine (an adjective was so poor, and the answer ship because in the course of 18 ers, such as Ignatius of Loyola, for Trent) bishops responded in was a poorly educated clergy. years, in addition to five popes, a Spanish priest who in 1540 part by clarifying teaching on Training of priests varied from there were hundreds of bishops, founded a men’s religious order, Scripture and tradition. diocese to diocese, and in rich, many of whom could attend only the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to The council stated that “the sophisticated ones priestly train- some of the sessions, due inev- respond to the Protestants and to written books and unwritten tra- ing was often good, but in poor itably to some deaths and many strengthen the Catholic Church. ditions which have come down rural ones it was very weak. The illnesses. Some Jesuits enjoyed consid- to us, having been received by council’s solution was the estab- The bishops were also ham- erable success, but clearly the the apostles from the mouth of lishment of the seminary system pered by supposedly loyal reform of the church had to be Christ himself or from the apos- to guarantee that all priests had a Catholics. Catholic nobles and carried out in Rome. tles by dictation of the Holy sound education for their pasto- monarchs, especially the kings Most of the hierarchy of that Spirit” contain “all saving truth.” ral work; the system is still suc- of France and Spain, constantly era came from wealthy, noble Trent’s response was a careful cessfully used today. interfered, even to point of pre- families, and they moved in high exposition of what the sacra- Trent also responded to some venting bishops from going to clerical circles. They were not ments are and do. Protestant critiques, such as the Trent. always aware of the problems The bishops acknowledged veneration of relics. The bish- In retrospect Trent accom- facing the church. But that all that for all seven sacraments ops realized that such veneration plished a great deal, yet there changed with the 1534 election was still work to do. The council of Pope Paul III (1534-1549). He wanted teaching clarified, but recognized the Protestant threat only after the council did theo- and weakness of the Catholic logians and papal officials put response. together a good, clear catechism Pope Paul III acted quickly based upon solid doctrine. The and decisively. He approved the council could insist on semi- foundation of the Jesuits, sent naries, but the diocesan bishops numerous bishops back from the faced the difficulties of funding Roman court to their dioceses, them, building them and attract- and, most important of all, he ing priestly candidates to attend called an ecumenical council to them, and so much more. deal on the highest level with the The Council of Trent closed in Protestant challenge. 1563; the next ecumenical coun- He convened the council for cil, the First Vatican Council, did Trent, a city in northern Italy. not meet until 1869, more than The council would last from three centuries later – the longest 1545 until 1563, although the period ever between two coun- council was twice interrupted by cils. That Trent met the church’s political issues, which delayed basic needs for such a long time The upper portion of the sculpture "Saint Ignatius Loyola," by Juan Martinez its work. No fewer than five testifies to its greatness. Montanes and Francisco Pacheco, is seen in the exhibit "The Sacred Made popes reigned during this time, Joseph F. Kelly is a retired pro- Real" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington Feb. 24, 2010. Ignatius of and this naturally made the coun- fessor at John Carroll University Loyola was a Spanish priest who in 1540 founded a men's religious order, cil’s work difficult. in University Heights, Ohio. the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), to respond to the Protestants and to strengthen The bishops at Trent concluded the Catholic Church. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) early on that the central problem

FOOD FOR THOUGHT aint Charles Borromeo (1538- became Pope Pius IV, he made renewal, as bishops at the time rarely founded a society of secular priests, S1584) stands out among the fig- 21-year-old Charles a cardinal and lived in their dioceses. After the death the Oblates of Saint Ambrose. ures of the Counter-Reformation. appointed him as administrator of of his uncle, Pope Pius V allowed At a prayer vigil at World Youth A faithful and serious man, Charles the See of Milan. Under Pope Pius, him to return to Milan. He began Day in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI displayed his devotion to the church the previously suspended Council implementing reform, establishing named Saint Charles Borromeo at a young age when he received a of Trent reconvened, thanks in part seminaries, arranging retreats for among other saints who were “true clerical tonsure at only 12. He was to Charles’ effort and influence, and priests and directing parish priests to reformers.” In contemplating such given custody of the Benedictine Charles assisted with the drafting of hold public catechism classes. saints, we learn “what it means to live abbey in Arona, Italy, his hometown, the catechism and reform of liturgical When famine struck Milan, he fed according to the measure of ... Jesus and he ensured that the revenues of books and church music. thousands daily. After the plague, he Christ and God himself,” Pope the abbey be allotted for the poor. Yet Charles longed to return to arranged care for the sick, burial for Benedict said. After his uncle, Gianangelo, his diocese. This was itself a sign of the dead and food for thousands. He Thursday, October 12, 2017 Kids Chronicles Southern Cross, Page 11 The Pharisees ask Jesus a tough question By Jennifer Ficcaglia (CNS) it was lawful to pay the tax, he would be accused of being disloyal to Israel. CHILDREN’S STORY: “Show me the coin that pays the ust a few days before his crucifix- census tax,” Jesus said. Jion, Jesus was teaching the people The Pharisees handed him a Roman in Jerusalem’s temple. coin, which was the only currency He told the parable of two sons that the Roman Empire would accept whose father asked them to work for the census tax. in the field. One son refused but “Whose image is this and whose changed his mind and went, while the inscription?” Jesus asked. other said he would go but did not. “Caesar’s,” the Pharisees replied. The crowd agreed that the first son Jesus paused and looked intently at had done his father’s will. the Pharisees. Jesus also told the parable of ten- “Then repay to Caesar what belongs ants who did not give produce to their to Caesar and to God what belongs to landlord. The landlord tried to collect God,” he said. the produce, each time sending a dif- All who heard Jesus were amazed ferent servant. The tenants beat the by his perfect answer. first servant, killed the second and stoned the third. The landlord then READ MORE ABOUT IT: sent his son, whom he thought would Matthew 22 be respected, but the son was killed “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” Jesus asked. “Caesar’s,” the Pharisees replied. Jesus paused and looked intently at the Pharisees.“Then as well. Q&A Jesus asked the people what the repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God,” 1. Who wanted to trick Jesus into landlord would do. The people said he said. saying something wrong? he would put the tenants to death and 2. To whom was the census tax lease his land to tenants who would terms “shekel” and “talent.” These Israelites began using coins during owed? give him his produce. were units of measure to weigh lumps the time that they were ruled by the Jesus then said that those who of silver or gold – called ingots – that Persians. rejected him would have the kingdom TRIVIA: were used as currency. If a person Around 211 B.C., the Romans mint- of God taken from them and given to Who was the Roman emperor wanted to buy something, he or she ed a silver coin called the denarius. those who would produce its fruit. during Jesus’ ministry? placed ingots on a scale until the This coin, which was often decorated The Pharisees had been listening to Answer: Tiberius Caesar agreed upon weight of shekels or tal- with the name and likeness of the Jesus the whole time. They plotted a ents was reached for the purchase. emperor, was Rome’s main currency way to trick him into saying some- BIBLE ACCENT: As time went on, silver and gold until the third century A.D. were minted into coins, and what a The Roman Empire controlled most thing wrong in front of the people. The Bible talks a lot about making coin was worth was stamped right on of the known world – including the “Tell us, then, what is your opinion: purchases, and the way things were it. Around 500 B.C., coins were made lands in which the Israelites lived – Is it lawful to pay the census tax to paid for changed over the centuries. in the kingdom of Lydia in what is from the first century B.C. until its Caesar or not?” they asked, referring For example, in very early biblical now present-day Turkey. The idea of collapse in A.D. 476. So when Jesus to the Roman emperor who ruled times, people did not have coins or minting coins soon spread and was said to repay to Caesar what belongs Israel at the time. paper money. Instead, they traded copied by the Persian, Greek and to Caesar, he was talking about the Jesus knew he was being tested. their possessions, crops, animals or Roman empires. It is said that the Roman denarius. If he said it was unlawful to pay professional services for the goods Caesar’s tax, he would be turned in they needed. to the Romans as a traitor. If he said In the Old Testament, we read the Southern Cross, Page 12 Around the Diocese Thursday, October 12, 2017

A young woman opens her hands in prayer Sept. 28 during a concert at the Coastal Boy Scout Anson Siu (left) and Celeste Shearouse, alumna of Blessed Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Savannah organized by the diocesan Sacrament School in Savannah (right), alphabetize books in Blessed Sacrament Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The concert featured Louisiana- School's new library/media center Sept. 30, while helping to transition the offic- based Christian singer and songwriter John Finch, who serenaded young es of both the school and its parish over to their new building. Photograph by adults while they participated in adoration and confession. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala. Jessica L. Marsala.

St. Anne Church (Columbus) Parochial Vicar Father Brian O'Shaughnessy Savannah Chatham Metro Police Major Robert Gavin (left) and Lt. Michelle blesses St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School 7th grader Madelynn Cornavaca's Halford (center) stand during the diocese's annual Blue Mass, which was 18-month-old chicken, Luna, during the Blessing of the Animals on the Feast held in Saint Mary's Chapel at the Catholic Pastoral Center Center in of Saint. Francis Oct. 4. Photograph by Michelle Chardos. Savannah Sept. 29. Photograph by Michael J. Johnson.

Sister Estelle Barron, MFIC November 22, 1919-September 14, 2017 one month shy of her 16th birthday, 1974-80. A change in ministry was work by helping with the RCIA and and traveled to Rome, Italy. She pro- awaiting Sister Estelle when she was Bible Study at Saint Therese Church fessed her vows in 1938 and was called to Wauchula, Florida, to min- in Cresskill, New Jersey. Praying with sent to Heliopolis, Egypt, to teach ister in Saint Michael’s Catechetical and for others was a way of life for Primary Grades in Saint Clare School. Program for three years. Sister Estelle. Her New Testament is Thus began her 24-year mission in Poor health had plagued Sister for tattered and falling apart. She would Egypt teaching in schools in Saptieh, many years and she went to Our Lady read the Scripture of the day and under- Alexandria and Fayoum. She often of the Angels Convent in Tenafly, New line every word and phrase that had spoke of going to the Holy Land during Jersey, to work in Internal Ministry, meaning for her. She would stop in the those years and being so impressed helping out with household chores from middle of the hall in Tenafly and place with following the Via Dolorosa. 1983-86. her hand on a sister’s shoulder and say After her years in Egypt, Sister was Then the Lord summoned her to join a “small” prayer. Even her nieces and transferred to the opposite climate in two other sisters, Sister Margaret Mary nephews recall that on home visits to Syracuse, New York, where she taught Treacy and Sister Kathleen Egan, in a Ireland, she had them kneel and pray at Saint Charles School. She then special Mission in Texarkana, Arkansas, the Rosary before going out to dances. traveled to the warmer missions in that lasted from 1986 until 1994. All On Thursday, September 14, 2017, ister Estelle Barron (Catherine Augusta and Savannah, Georgia, where three sisters were involved in Pastoral the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy SMary) was born November 22, she taught for nine years. A brief stay Work and Catechetical Ministry. Cross, with many sisters coming in and 1919, in County Tipperary, Ireland, to in Saint Mary of the Eternal School, They led many Prayer Groups and out of her room, she was surrounded by Christopher and Margaret Barron. She Philadelphia, made a lasting impression were involved in the Life in the Spirit prayer. This time, they prayed for Sister had two brothers, Kevin and Paddy and on some of her students and parishio- Movement in the Church. Estelle to have a peaceful journey home four sisters, Evelyn, Betty, Pearl and ners there. In 1994 Sister took a Sabbatical year to her loving God. We will miss you Bernadette. The South was calling Sister in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and in 1995 and thank you for your love, example, On October 22, 1936, Sister entered to return, and she taught at Saint moved back to the convent in Tenafly, faithfulness and joy. the Missionary Franciscan Sisters Michael’s School, Tybee Island from NJ. She continued to minister in Parish Thursday, October 12, 2017 Feature Southern Cross, Page 13

Sister Noreen Dennehy, MFIC November 19, 1920 – September 22, 2017

and offered to remember them in prayer. For eight years Noreen worked with other sisters in carrying out this arduous mission in all kinds of weather. Only God knows the amount of good done to those who subscribed to the magazine. A move to Yonkers, New York, initiat- ed another new ministry for Noreen. She received a certificate of health care, qual- ifying her to care for the “convalescent, the aged, the young and the newborn.” Several notes of thanks were among her papers, praising her for the compassion and care she shared especially with the elderly. Traveling to Augusta, Georgia, in 1986, Noreen embarked on the mission ister Noreen Dennehy was born and ministry of the Social Apostolate. Son November 19, 1920 to John Serving the needs of the poor and Dennehy and Mary Ann O’Brien, in working for the rights of migrants was Mauntenane, Killoughlin, Co. Kerry, her calling and crusade. She advocated Ireland. She had three brothers and for migrant workers in South Carolina three sisters: Margaret, Michael, Patrick, who were being abused by landowners Nancy, Bernadette and John. who refused to pay wages and housed At the tender age of 17, on February the migrants in deplorable conditions. 23, 1938, Noreen entered the Sister Noreen was interviewed by Tom Community of Missionary Franciscan Brokaw on the TV show “60 Minutes” Sisters in Bloomfield. Then two years where she testified to the deplorable later, shortly after pronouncing her first situation. vows, Noreen was sent to the Mother From 1986 to 2006, Noreen continued House in Rome, Italy. This was a very ministering in Georgia. She is remem- significant ministry that spanned 1940 to bered fondly by clients and sisters, as 1965 with one year back in Bloomfield well, for her sweet disposition and hard in 1955. She was there during the years labor. Yet, she had a fun side to her life. of World War II and was involved with She enjoyed singing and dancing and the hiding of the Jews and Allied troops even participated in shows. Visiting her in the order's Mother House. She knew family was energizing to her and travel and worked with the brave Monsignor was a great relaxing experience. Hugh O’Flaherty who rescued over Then, at age 86, she retired to Newton, 6,500 people in and around Vatican City Massachusetts, but remained active during the German occupation of Rome. in the household chores. In 2008 she Noreen and several of the sisters, who moved to Tenafly, New Jersey, to form were in Rome at the time, often told the community and begin the awesome story of providing food and clothing, ministry of prayer for all in need. For as well as doing laundry and cleaning nine years Noreen has been a kind pres- to help care for the Jews hiding in the ence to all in Tenafly: pleasant, grateful Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Generalate. Tuesday, Ocandtob ejoyful.r 17, 2With017 her niece Josephine 6:00pm In 1965, Noreen came to the United 6:0Weir0pm keeping her company and several States and began another ministry in sisters praying at her bedside, Noreen St. Mary’s Chapel East Boston, Brooklyn and the Bronx.St. Marwasy’s Ctakenhap eHomel to the Lord on Friday 2170 E. Victory Drive The Community published a religious2170 E. VSeptemberictory Dr i22,ve 2017, as gently as she magazine called The Annals of Our Lady had cared for others. May she be at rest Savannah, Georgia 31404 which was renewed each year Sbya directvann ah, Gandeo rcontinuegia 314 to04 sing and dance in the visit to the customers. The sisters who company of God and all her friends and performed this ministry often listened to Sisters. You are cordially invited to celebrate this special Mass for all Catholic the stories Youand sufferingsare cordially of the invited people to celebrate this special Mass for all Catholic Healthcare Professionals and support them in their ministry. In Healthcare Professionals and support them in their ministry. In recognition of the dedicated work of Catholic Healthcare Professionals, Socialrecognition Apostolate of the dedicated Golf work Tournament of Catholic Healthcare –November Professionals, 6

Most Reverend Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., he 17th annualM oSocialst Rev Apostolateerend Greg ory J. HParticipationartmayer, O asF Ma hole Con sponsorv., at Bishop of Savannah TOpen Golf Tournament, the bigBis-hop of levelsSavan fromnah $150 to $1,000 or an gest fundraiser of the year, will be amount of your choice and/or partic- held November 6, 9:00 AM on the ipation as a player in the tournament will extend a special blessing at Mass. Marshwood course at thewill Landings extend a special($135 blessing per atplayer) Mass. will help provide A reception will follow in Boland Hall. located on Skidaway Island.A reception will followessential in Boland services Hall. to those in need.

The Social Apostolate serves If you would like more information, approximately 16,000 soup kitchen please contact Kate Haase at 912- RSVP’s are not required but appreciated by October 6, 2017 for reception with meals annually,RSVP’s and are provides not required showers but appreciated 604-9669 by October or 6,[email protected]. 2017 for reception with Bishop Hartmayer to Kimberly R. Carter-Johnson at 912.201.4049 for the homeless.Bishop In Hartmayer 2016 the Socialto Kimberly R. Carter-Johnson at 912.201.4049 or email [email protected] Apostolate served 4,461 clientsor emailwith [email protected] over 24,000 distinct services. Southern Cross, Page 14 Commentary Thursday, October 12, 2017 Preventing gun violence is a pro-life issue. “The choice is not between order and themselves and others? liberty. It is between liberty with order Imagine the counterargument to this and anarchy without either. There is scenario: danger that, if the court does not temper The federal government cannot use its doctrinaire logic with a little practical public dollars to research the cause of this wisdom, it will convert the constitutional disease. The public can only protect the Bill of Rights into a suicide pact.” children from infection by infecting them -Supreme Court Justice Robert and hoping their immune system will Jackson build antibodies. The government has no right to enforce vaccinations. And even if magine this: Children are dying from vaccinations were required, some parents IEbola. The disease strikes randomly would ignore them. So what good are and death follows. Medical personnel they? It’s disrespectful to the children and can’t respond quickly enough to save their families to talk about a way to cure the children’s lives. Whenever the dis- this disease so soon after it has struck. ease strikes, hospitals are overwhelmed. Indeed, according to this counterargu- Families are devastated. The public is ment, addressing the cause of the illness heartbroken. People line up to give blood. and ways to eradicate it is not what’s Elected officials and religious leaders needed now. What we need instead is offer thoughts and prayers for the victims to change the nature of the infection. If A body is covered with a sheet in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las and their families. The media present the disease were not evil, these children Vegas Boulevard South after an Oct. 1 mass shooting at a music festival on the stories on the beautiful lives of the dead wouldn’t have died. Las Vegas Strip. A gunman perched high on the 32nd floor of a casino hotel children. Imagine this: Car seats for infants and unleashed a shower of bullets on an outdoor country music festival below, If our country were afflicted by the out- children are being mass produced with killing at least 50 people and wounding hundreds, making it the worst mass break of a deadly virus, wouldn’t money serious defects. Children are dying from shooting in modern U.S. history. (CNS photo/Steve Marcus, Las Vegas Sun) be poured into research to find the causes crashes when these car seats fail to protect of this disease? Wouldn’t the public take them as they are advertised to do. money to political campaigns. Because over and over again, and we pretend to be every precaution to protect children from Parents are devastated. First responders they want and need the support of this shocked when a mass shooting like the infection? Wouldn’t everyone unite over are sickened. These car seats, produced powerful lobby, the legislators are para- one in Las Vegas destroys hundreds of this common cause, saving the lives of and distributed only in the United States, lyzed to protect the children. innocent lives (children of God). the innocent? And if a vaccine became are protected by a powerful lobby. The When legislators act, they create We offer thoughts and prayers, and we available (after all that research), wouldn’t manufacturers’ lobby insists that the car laws to protect the manufacturers. For go back to doing nothing to protect our- government be within its rights to require seats are not the problem. The problem example, parents are not allowed to selves from people who decide to wage that children be vaccinated to protect is the drivers. This car seat lobby donates sue the manufacturers of the car seats. war on American streets. We mourn the Government researchers are not allowed dead. We praise the heroes. We clean up to study the correlation between the use the carnage. And we do nothing else. of the car seats and injury or death. In Preventing gun violence is a pro-life some states, pediatricians are prevented issue. We have no real life if we spend from talking with their patients about the every day looking over our shoulders, car seats. imagining ourselves and our loved ones How are the counterarguments to these being gunned down by a disgruntled imagined scenarios different from our person. responses to gun violence in the United Gun violence is affecting our pub- States? lic health in untold ways. Apart from Guns are protected by the 2nd amend- the trauma and loss of life, our nation ment. That’s the answer from those who loses billions of dollars to gun violence. Tassel view the 2nd amendment as to be inter- Wouldn’t that financial cost be of interest pouches! preted without restriction. to fiscal conservatives? In their minds, the best solution is to I am heartsick over the lives lost in A colorful & arm every citizen. Anyone who suggests Las Vegas. I was heartsick over Orlando, that guns should be regulated is a threat. Charleston, Sandy Hook, Aurora, the list cute way to In fact, gun manufacturers’ stocks rise goes on and on. And I’m tired of feeling organize! after mass shootings because these peo- sickened and sad, and then returning to ple, fearing new restrictions, insist on life as usual. I’ve been writing columns stocking up. on gun violence since Columbine, over According to them, government has no 18 years ago. And I will not stop. business restricting a person’s freedom No group of people should have the to buy many weapons of most any type. freedom to terrorize our nation because They think we have to change the nature they want unlimited access to high-pow- of human beings. If people are sociopaths ered weapons. or twisted, guns are not to blame. If guns Those who won’t allow the 2nd $12.95ea. are restricted, only criminals would have amendment literalists to bully us into sub- them. As a result of this mindset, govern- mission, please make your voices heard. ment public health officials are prevented Use your power of the vote. Join a group We ship! Nationwide. Every day. from researching gun violence. Because that works for reasonable gun laws. they depend upon the gun lobby to fund We cannot call ourselves pro-life if their campaigns, many legislators enact we do not confront this terrible national laws to make guns more broadly avail- epidemic. able and prevent reasonable restrictions. www.saintsandshamrocks.com Sandy Hook parents were denied the right Mary Hood Hart is a freelance writer 309 Bull Street Savannah, GA to sue the gun manufacturer of the weap- and educator living in Pittsboro, NC. She on that massacred their children. can be reached at 912 233-8858 So we persist in doing the same things [email protected]. Thursday, October 12, 2017 Commentary Southern Cross, Page 15 Individual rights and the common good have been asked to reflect on the aunt and uncle and five cousins lived that has infected this great nation But to my surprise, I find that Ilatest mass shooting in this country: in Austin, which we had visited a few throughout my life. It is said that the the U.S. Supreme Court in District last Sunday’s massacre in Las Vegas years before, my family was very con- 320 million people living in this coun- of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 that left 58 innocent concert-goers cerned about them and made frenzied try possess 310 million guns, a higher (2008), “held, in a 5–4 decision, that dead and over 500 wounded after phone calls to make percentage than that of the Second Amendment protects an Stephen Paddock opened fire on them sure that they were all While murder (the any other country in individual’s right to possess a firearm with an arsenal of semi-automatic unharmed. offensive killing the world. unconnected with service in a militia weapons, fitted with bump stocks that Even at 16 years of another who The Second for traditionally lawful purposes, such enabled them to be used as if they old, I thought that Amendment reads: “A as self-defense within the home.” were automatic weapons (which are something was very poses no threat well regulated Militia, Ironically, Justice Antonin Scalia, usu- banned from civilian use). Had he not wrong that a man with and is therefore being necessary to the ally thought to be a strict construction- been stopped by protecting police, a brain tumor could an “innocent” security of a free State, ist, wrote the decision, which seems Paddock could potentially have taken so easily obtain lethal the right of the people to be a very “loose construction,” at out the whole crowd of 22,000 people. weapons and access a is prohibited by to keep and bear Arms, variance with the original text of the I could not help but contrast this tower as his sniper’s God’s command, shall not be infringed.” Second Amendment. American tragedy with the recent nest. I expected a killing an unjust As a student of his- Now there are calls to “repeal and jihadist attack in Marseille, France. rational dialogue con- tory and language replace the Second Amendment,” calls The attacker wielded the knife and cerning public safety aggressor in who is not a lawyer, that I would’ve rejected out of hand killed two innocent women in the and the easy access an “act of self- I would have thought except for the fact that the Supreme train station before he was killed by to lethal weapons in defense can have a that the first phrase Court has effectively amended the gendarmes. In both cases, there seems this country, but such (“As well regulated amendment to separate an individual to have been only one attacker and a dialogue is still con- double effect: the militia”) would govern right from the common good. the police acted quickly and efficient- sidered “premature,” preservation of the second; in other The National Rifle Association ly. But in the American case there 52 years and countless one’s own life; and words that there is a surprised many by asking Bureau were over 558 casualties, while in the assassinations and relationship between of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and French case there were only two. mass shootings later. the aggressor’s protecting the common Explosives (ATF) to add bump stocks The difference was the weapons As a student of death... The one good, which is the to its list of prohibited items. While used. French laws and procedures have American history and is intended, the purpose of the mili- many welcomed this initiative and resulted in the near impossibility of an admirer of our tia (for example the others have pointed out that asking the anyone legally obtaining a semi-auto- founding documents other is not” National Guard), and ATF to take action implicitly excludes matic or automatic weapons, let alone – the Declaration of (Catechism of the the right to keep and the national debate that would happen an arsenal of them. So, a knife was Independence, the Catholic Church, bear arms. This reso- if Congress were to discuss this pro- basically the only weapon available to Constitution of the nates with my Catholic hibition or others that might be sug- the jihadi. By contrast, while automat- United States, and the 2263). understanding of use gested on the floors of the House of ic weapons are banned in the United Bill of Rights – I fully of violent means in the Representatives and the Senate. States, semi-automatic weapons are realize the challenge of reconciling “legitimate defense of persons and It also seems to me that just as available, with whatever restrictions the rights of individuals guaranteed societies.” While murder (the offen- freedom of speech, guaranteed by the exist being easily circumvented. Bump by these documents with the common sive killing of another who poses no First Amendment, is recognized as not stocks, which neither I nor most law- good of all. And I generally agree with threat and is therefore an “innocent”) absolute – there are laws against libel makers had ever heard of until last those who interpret the Constitution is prohibited by God’s command, and slander and the Supreme Court week, are apparently not on the ATF’s strictly in terms of original intent. But killing an unjust aggressor in an “act upholds the idea that no one has the list of prohibited items. I also recognize the Constitution itself of self-defense can have a double right to shout “fire” in a crowded the- I am old enough to remember provides it to be amended, which it effect: the preservation of one’s own ater that is not set on fire – so, too, the Charles Whitman’s sniper attack at has been 27 times since 1787. life; and the aggressor’s death... The Second Amendment is not absolute, the University of Texas in Austin that So, I find myself torn between my one is intended, the other is not” given that individuals are not allowed left 35 people dead in 1965, two years reluctance to alter our founding docu- to possess nuclear weapons, the moth- (Catechism of the Catholic Church, after President Kennedy was gunned ments and my revulsion and downright er of all bombs, many military weap- 2263). down in Dallas in daylight. As my fear of the plague of lethal weapons ons, etc., for potential use against the common good. I would prefer for the long-delayed national debate to take place by our elected representatives and senators, and for them to fashion a reasonable set of laws to protect innocent people from massacre, for the president to sign such bills into law, and for the courts to rule on the constitutionality of the same, construing the Second Amendment strictly rather than loose- ly. Otherwise there will be increasing demands to repeal and replace the Second Amendment, and understand- ably so. But I fear that doing so would open up a Pandora’s box of other amendments being proposed that could undermine the republic.

Father Douglas K. Clark STL is pastor of Saint Matthew Church, Statesboro. Southern Cross, Page 16 Feature Thursday, October 12, 2017

Clergy and parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church in Dublin, celebrated a bilingual Mass on Pro-Life Sunday Oct. 1 at Yates Lodge. During the homily, A woman becomes emotional while touching a piece of grotto rock from Father Stephen Pontzer, pastor, said, “Christ teaches us how to evangelize by Lourdes, France Oct. 7 at Saint Anne Church in Richmond Hill. As part of living through him.” Attendees gathered outside after Mass to enjoy the annual the diocese's first Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage, led by an Our Lady of Lourdes church picnic complete with hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the Knights of Hospitality North American Volunteer, participants from local parishes had Columbus Council #11637 and sides and desserts made by parishioners. Guests the chance to learn about Lourdes, Saint Bernadette Soubirous and her appa- enjoyed fellowship, a game of volleyball, a bouncy slide, and other activities. ritions from the Blessed Virgin Mary and even dip their fingers in water drawn Photograph by Sarah Dixon. from the spring at the grotto. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala.

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