June 19, 2020Ommentator Vol

THE CATHOLIC

PAGE 7 Conversion June 19, 2020ommentator Vol. 58, No. 10 2019 LPA GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT thecatholiccommentator.org C FIRST COMMUNION high school career with senior activities. Families In order to accommodate the 100 confirmation candidates, Father Yi said two large Masses were celebrated June celebrate the 1-2 that were limited to the students, their sponsors and their parents. “So when we were deciding on first Eucharist Communion we thought about doing it the way we did confirmation, with two parents and each child and that would By Bonny Van be the capacity of the church,” said Fa- The Catholic Commentator ther Yi. “But with first Communion, what was a lot more important was not At the noon Mass at St. George only having the parents but also the Church in Baton Rouge on Thursday, siblings, the grandparents, godparents June 4, four young communicants sat and so we would have a lot more ex- quietly with their families on the front tended family members.” row of each of the four pew sections of Amanda Noel, whose son Lucas was the church. receiving first Communion, said this Large bows and banners marked arrangement was much more of a fam- the pews, indicating the seats were re- ily affair for her family. She said besides served for special guests. Dressed beau- her husband Matt and two other sons, tifully in white dresses for the girls and Ethan, 13, and Hayes, 10, her parents, khakis and dress shirts for the boys, her husband’s parents and her brother the masks covering the faces of the chil- were able to sit together and truly be a dren, siblings, parents and extended Lucas Noel receives first Communion from Father Paul Gros, parochial vicar of St. part of the event. family members served as both a safe- George Church in Baton Rouge, during weekday Mass, June 4. Photo by Bonny Van | The “It was really special,” said Noel. “I ty measure and a reminder that these Catholic Commentator think we were all sad that Lucas wasn’t are unprecedented times, even when it able to celebrate it with all of his class- comes to receiving the sacraments. virus quarantine, some events had to Going too far into the summer months mates. But having gone through it two St. George pastor Father Paul Yi said be canceled, including confirmation, seemed unrealistic for the students who other times, it can be a very stressful as time marched on with the corona- which was scheduled for early May. would begin the busiest year of their SEE COMMUNION PAGE 16 Bishop prays for safety during hurricane season

By Bonny Van “My brothers and sisters, this day we come to- The Catholic Commentator gether to pray in a particular way for protection in times of storm and for us particularly in Louisiana A beautiful June day in Louisiana belied the hurricanes, one that’s headed our way,” said Bish- trouble brewing to the south in the Gulf of Mexico op Michal G. Duca. as forecasters and government leaders kept an eye The Gospel reading for the Mass came from on Tropical Storm Cristobal. Inside St. Joseph Ca- St. Mark and referenced the time Jesus and the thedral in Baton Rouge on June 5, people gathered Apostles were in the boat crossing the sea when a to pray for those affected by the storm and other violent storm arose while Jesus was asleep. Jesus potential during the 2020 hurricane season. woke up and calmed the wind and the sea. “Then For 15 years, since Hurricane Katrina devas- he asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do you not Bishop Michael G. Duca presided at the Hurricane Mass at St. tated New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, yet have faith?’ They were filled with great awe and Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge on June 5, as forecasters the seven dioceses in the state of Louisiana, under said to one another, ‘Who then is this whom even kept a close eye on Tropical Storm Christobal in the Gulf of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, have celebrated a wind and sea obey?’ ” (Mk 4:35-41) Mexico. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator Hurricane Mass at the cathedral. SEE PRAYERS PAGE 15 2 The Catholic Commentator June 19, 2020

| DID YOU KNOW Sacred Heart Spirit of truth By Dina Dow edge, fortitude, piety and fear (amazement) On June 19, Catholics will con- during life and, above all, in death. of the Lord which help us proclaim the truth verge at the scene of a divine fire, • He will bestow abundant bless- “The spirit of truth will testify to me, says with humility, confidence and peace. where Christ’s physical heart rep- ings upon all their undertakings. the Lord; and you also will testify” (Jn 15:26- Ultimately, these gifts bear fruit which resents his burning love for human- • Sinners will find in his heart the 27). fortify the witness of truth. Paragraph 1832 ity during the popular Feast of the source and infinite ocean of mercy. The solemnities of the Most of the Catechism of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. • Lukewarm souls shall become Holy Trinity and the Body & Catholic Church explains, The Feast of the Sacred Heart fervent. Blood of Christ early in June re- Life-Giving “The fruits of the Spirit are falls 19 days after Pentecost and • Fervent souls shall quickly mind us, as we step into the litur- FAI H perfections that the Holy Spirit the Friday after the feast of Corpus mount to high perfection. gical season of Ordinary Time, that forms in us as the first fruits of Christi, which is also called the “So- • He will bless every place in our life as living missionary disciples is eternal glory. The tradition of lemnity of the Body and Blood of which an image of his heart is ex- anchored by the Spirit of truth. It is the truth the church lists 12 of them: charity, joy, peace, Christ.” posed and honored. of Jesus Christ we respond to in prayer, word patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, According to Catholic Encyclo- • He will give to priests the gift of and deed by the power and grace of the Holy gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-con- pedia, during the touching the most Spirit. The 12th and 13th Sundays in Ordi- trol, chastity. Calling upon the Spirit of truth, earliest days of the hardened hearts. nary Time reveal the power of God’s kindness we acknowledge we rely solely upon the Holy church, “Christ’s “He will give • Those who and mercy given to those who testify to the Spirit in our role as prophet. The holy people open side and the shall promote this truth. of God share also in Christ’s prophetic office,” mystery of blood and them all the devotion shall have The truth of a prophet above all in the supernatural sense of faith water were medi- their names writ- We hear the testimony of the prophet Jer- that belongs to the whole people, lay and cler- tated upon, and the graces necessary ten in his heart. emiah as he faces persecution from those gy, when it “unfailingly adheres to this faith church was beheld • In the ex- whom God called him to serve. He hears the … once for all delivered to the saints, and issuing from the side in their state cessive mercy of “whispers” of a planned entrapment in order when it deepens its understanding and be- of Jesus, as Eve came his heart that his to stop his preaching. Why do they want to comes Christ’s witness in the midst of this forth from the side of life.” all-powerful love silence Jeremiah’s preaching? Called by God, world” (Catechism Para. 735). of Adam. It is in the will grant to all there rises from the depths of Jeremiah the The courage to testify 11th and 12th centu- Jesus those who receive mission to proclaim the truth: the king, the Jesus said to the Twelve Apostles: “Fear ries that we find the 12 Promises to St. Margaret Mary holy Communion people and all of Judah are called to repent, no one” (Mt 10:26). Fear paralyzes, courage first unmistakable on the first Fridays to put aside sinful lives and turn back to God energizes. St. John Paul II during the open- indications of devotion to the Sa- in nine consecutive months the with their entire being, otherwise they will ing homily of his pontificate said, “Broth- cred Heart. Through the wound in grace of final perseverance; they face the consequences of their ungodly ways. ers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome the side, the wound in the heart was shall not die in his disgrace, nor Naturally they did not want to hear this since Christ and accept his power. Help the pope gradually reached, and the wound without receiving their sacraments. they could not see with their hearts the error and all those who wish to serve Christ and in the heart symbolized the wound His divine heart shall be their safe of their ways. So God, who is goodness, kind- with Christ’s power to serve the human per- of love.” refuge in this last moment. ness and mercy, sends Jeremiah to warn the son and the whole of mankind. Be not afraid. The general devotion arose in The devotion became popular leaders as well as the people. Their response: Open wide the doors for Christ” (St. Peter’s Benedictine monasteries but be- after St. Margaret Mary’s death in rejection, ignorance, mockery, revenge, “si- Square, Sunday, Oct 22, 1978). By welcoming came popular when French Visita- 1690. However it was not estab- lence this one.” the truth of Christ, we are empowered to be tion Nun St. Margaret Mary Alaco- lished as an official feast for all of Jesus is the fullness of truth, the message courageous witnesses of the living word of que (1647-1690) was praying before France until 1765. of the prophets, to return to God. If we are God, in sacraments, catechesis and mission. the Blessed Sacrament and Jesus On May 8, 1873, Pope Pius IX called to be missionary disciples, we then an- Prayer. Word. Deed. Thus, we are to coura- appeared to her. She wrote, “He formally approved the devotion to swer the call to be a prophet, a living witness geously center our lives on Jesus Christ and disclosed to me the marvels of his the Sacred Heart. In 1899 Pope Leo of truth. Our prayer, words and deeds are to open the doors of Christ to all. love and the inexplicable secrets of XIII recommended the feast be ob- manifest the truth of Jesus Christ, even if this A cup of cold water his Sacred Heart.” She said Christ served throughout the world. means facing persecution; even if it means The sacrament of baptism plunges us emphasized to her his love – and In connecting Jesus with the stepping out of our comfort zone; even if we into the waters of the life and death of Je- his woundedness caused by man’s Blessed Mother, the Saturday fol- think we are not equipped. St. John writes sus Christ, the door of salvation. St. Paul ex- indifference to this love. lowing the feast of the Sacred Heart “the Spirit of truth will testify to me says the plains, “Are you unaware that we who were In the Sacred Heart image, of Jesus is the feast of the Immacu- Lord; and you also will testify” (Jn 15:26-27). baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into Christ is portrayed with a flam- late Heart of Mary. By the grace of the Holy Spirit we are able to his death? We were indeed buried with him ing heart shining with divine light, The devotion refers to the interi- grow in a deeper awareness of truth through through baptism into death, so that, just as pierced by the lance wound, en- or life of Mary, her joys and sorrows, the gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowl- SEE GOSPEL PAGE 9 circled by the crown of thorns, her virtues and hidden perfection surmounted by a cross and bleed- and her virginal love for God the fa- ing. Sometimes, the image is ther, her maternal love for Jesus and shown shining within the bosom all persons. There is a first Saturday of Christ with his wounded hands devotion, also called the Act of Rep- pointing at the heart. aration, to the Immaculate Heart of thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator Jesus made 12 promises to St. the Blessed Virgin Mary. Margaret Mary for those who con- In the 1956 encyclical “Haurietis Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager secrate themselves and make repa- aquas,” Pope Pius XII encouraged Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Bonny Van Staff Writer rations to his Sacred Heart: joint devotion to the two hearts. Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation • He will give them all the graces In the 1979 encyclical “Redemp- Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer necessary in their state of life. tor hominis” St. John Paul II wrote • He will establish peace in their about the unity of Mary’s Immacu- The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, homes. late Heart with the Sacred Heart of Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must • He will comfort them in all Jesus. He later coined the term “The reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- their afflictions. alliance of the Hearts of Jesus and MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. • He will be their secure refuge Mary.” June 19, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 3 Nursing home volunteers miss their ‘ family’

By Debbie Shelley Stroderd and Hunt said some The Catholic Commentator residents may be very sick, but when they hear the start of the Nursing home residents miss Our Father, they perk up and the smiles, hugs and talks with pray. visitors as they continue to be “They remember their isolated because of the coronavi- prayers,” said Stoddard, who rus pandemic. brings Communion to the Cath- Volunteers in the nursing olics who are too sick to attend. home ministries in the Diocese She hopes the gift bags comfort of Baton Rouge are just as eager residents in knowing someone is to reunite with those residents thinking about them. and are looking for ways to let When Anne Cifreo’s mother them know “You are not forgot- died a few years ago, she joined ten.” the nursing home ministry the “We miss them so much. Ev- following spring thinking, “I will ery time (the volunteers) talk to do it for Lent.” She’s been with it me, they ask, ‘When am I going ever since. to be able to go see them again?’ ” “We brought them joy, but said Susan Sevario, nursing they brought us joy,” Cifreo said. home ministry coordinator at St. She hopes the tokens the res- Alphonsus Church in Greenwell idents received will cheer them Springs. up and prays she will soon be Ministry volunteers are at walking back through the doors Flannery Oaks Guest House in Making gift bags for residents at Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge are, from left, clockwise, Sylvia of “their home.” Baton Rouge at least six times Hunt, Jan Arnold, Susan Sevario and Mildred Stroderd. Photos by Maddie Toler “This is their last home before a month bringing residents to their eternal home,” said Cifreo. Masses and Communion ser- church,” St. Francis, the origi- me,’ ” Hunt beamed. “They don’t Having loved ones who had Dianne Pizzalato said each vices, attending monthly birth- nal wooden church built for the (normally) have a lot of visitors, been in the nursing home, Stod- time she visited the residents in day celebrations and visiting St. Alphonsus community. She so it means a lot to them. I know dard saw the benefits for resi- their room they told her, “Come them in their rooms. joined the nursing home minis- it means a lot to me.” dents to receive visitors. back and see me.” “That’s a big chunk out of our try after the flood of 2016. Hunt was eager to assist when “It’s a lonely life, all of a sud- One woman, now deceased, schedule. They are our friends,” Her home was destroyed, but Sevario inquired about assem- den there are things that they crocheted doilies from string. said Sevario. “We tell the activ- she is grateful God helped her bling the gift bags. are no longer capable of doing,” When she was running out of ity director to tell them we miss put her life back together. “It was fun, especially since Stroderd said. string, Pizzalato told her, “I see them and love them.” “I said, ‘Lord, you’ve done so we haven’t been together since She enjoyed residents’ sto- you’re getting low” and brought The St. Alphonsus volunteers much for me, what can I do to the lockdown,” said Hunt. “We ries and learned a lot about her more. recently gathered and filled 87 give back?’ ” said Hunt. had a good time. We were writ- them as she brought them “She made me a couple (doi- bags with cookies, socks, toiletry Hunt said the residents give ing on the bags (messages such to Mass or Communion ser- lies) that I treasure,” said Pizza- items, stuffed animals and other her much more than she gives as) ‘God loves you,’ Scripture vices, which are attended by lato, who misses the staff as well trinkets and delivered them to them. passages and sticking little de- non-Catholics as well. Many as the residents. the nursing home. “You really get attached to cals on them.” residents come out when they “They’re like another member Sylvia Hunt is a lifelong them. I will walk in the door and Mildred Stroderd said, “I hear the music start. of the family,” she said. member of St. Alphonsus and they will be coming down the miss my people so much, oh my was baptized in the “little bitty hallway. I’ll tell them, ‘You beat goodness.” RESTHAVEN GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME We make it personal.® for a better farewell

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St. Alphonsus nursing home ministry members and the staff of Flannery Oaks Guest House with gift bags for the residents. 4 The Catholic Commentator June 19, 2020 Injustice of racism perpetuated by indifference

PHOENIX (CNS) – Just as parked in the gore point where hearts,” the bishop said. Noting replacing their beloved former “This is the right place to the prodigal son cried out to his two local highways merge in that 49% of the priests serving in pastor with ‘these Africans,’ ” start,” he said, “because it is father for forgiveness, so too we Phoenix. Body camera footage is the diocese are from other coun- Bishop Olmsted recounted. where true healing begins in the cry out to God the Father for the not available, and details are still tries, he recalled prejudice expe- “Another priest said that, when church in Christ.” sin of racism, said Bishop Thom- emerging from the he arrived at his While racism is a sinful act as J. Olmsted of Phoenix at a killing. first assignment, that results in prejudice, injus- special “Mass for Forgiveness of After one such a parishioner told tice and lack of respect for hu- the Sin of Racism” June 8 at Ss. protest led to mil- him ‘they could man dignity brings about, Bish- Simon and Jude Cathedral. lions of dollars not stand a black op Olmsted said, it also hides “Racism is not overcome by in damages at an priest at the al- behind indifference. our own human determination. upscale shopping tar.’ ” “Racists may not get caught It is overcome by God, by his mall in Scottsdale, After the because they are doing nothing. mercy. ... Only God can change Arizona, May 30, Mass, Father But, in Jesus’ description of the minds and hearts. That’s why Gov. Doug Ducey Robert Aliunzi, last judgment” in Chapter 25 of the sacraments of confession issued a nine-day a popular pastor the Gospel of Matthew, he said, and the Eucharist play such vi- statewide curfew at St. Andrew “sin is depicted not as what peo- tal roles in overcoming the sin of at 8 p.m., with the Apostle Par- ple did but ‘what they failed to racism,” Bishop Olmsted said in some exceptions. ish in Chandler, do.’ ” his homily. “Racism is a Arizona, who is Paul Welter, a white parish- “The prodigal son, when he sin against jus- originally from ioner from Our Lady of Mount finally came to his senses and tice. It cannot be Uganda, shared Carmel in Tempe, Arizona, ac- saw how his own selfishness had overcome by fur- how parishioners knowledged his own indiffer- ruined his life,” he added. “He ther acts against from one of his ence to the issue before his wife came to see how great was his justice,” Bishop previous assign- challenged him to look more into need for God.” Olmsted said, ments told a local the topic. The Mass was held in the adding that a newspaper that While other issues have been wake of civil unrest throughout Catholic student “we are very good raised on social media since the country following the May 25 from Northern and sweet, but Floyd’s death, such as the dis- Father Joshua Laws, pastor of the Catholic Community of South killing of George Floyd, an Afri- Arizona Universi- we are not one of proportionate targeting of mi- Baltimore, holds a “Black Lives Matter” sign before the start of can American, in police custody. ty in Flagstaff had them.” norities by abortion providers, an interfaith prayer vigil in Baltimore June 3, to pray for justice In Arizona, protesters have gath- shared with him “I don’t know Welter said the topic at hand is and peace following the May 25 death of George Floyd. CNS photo ered every night since that day that she’s worried if it was resis- police brutality and what that to protest not only Floyd’s kill- that her father, a tance to change represents: “an attitude through- ing, but also that of local African police officer, could be seriously rienced by them from Catholics or it was racist, but I definitely out this country that we can op- American man Dion Johnson, hurt. in the diocese. didn’t feel good because I feel press people if we want, police or who was shot and killed by an “We are gathered around the “On the day that I installed that I belonged,” added Father otherwise.” Arizona Department of Public altar of sacrifice tonight to pray one of our finest pastors, protest- Aliunzi, a priest of the Apostles “When that first happened, I Safety officer, also May 25. for forgiveness for the sin of rac- ers came to the parking lot and of Jesus religious community, was a little bit out of touch with When officers found Johnson, ism in Arizona and wherever it distributed flyers on car win- who has now served in the Phoe- what was going on. My reaction he had fallen asleep in his car occurs, especially in our own dows denouncing the bishop for nix Diocese for 16 years. see racism page 5

S exual abuse policy in the Diocese of Baton Rouge Những Điều Cần Biết Về Bảo Vệ Trẻ Em và Người Trẻ

Churches, schools and youth organizations have an obligation to provide chil- Cô Amy Cordon là giámđốc Văn Phòng Bảo Vệ TrẻEm và Người Trẻ củaĐịa phận dren and youth with a safe place to worship, study or participate in activities spon- Baton Rouge. Văn phòng làm việc ở tại Tòa Giám Mục, 1800 South Acadian Thruway, sored by the Catholic Church. Baton Rouge. Họp thư là P.O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028; điện thoại: 225- In its ongoing effort to ensure that this is being accomplished, the Diocese of 242-0202; fax: 225- 242-0233. Baton Rouge has established an office of Child and Youth Protection. With the es- Một đường dây liên lạc đặc biệt và uy tín dành cho việc thông báo những trường tablishment of this office, the diocese has also implemented a process for reporting hợp lạm dụng trong giáo xứ sẽ được dùng là: 225-242-0250. alleged abuse of a minor. Những nạn nhân bị lạm dụng trước hết cần phải báo cáo lên các cơquanchính The Diocese of Baton Rouge has trained professionals available to provide coun- quyền (Cơ Quan Cảnh Sát Tiểu Bang— Louisiana State Police hoặc Văn PhòngXã Hội seling and information about additional care if needed. Information about report- Tiểu Bang—State ing an incident is printed here in the three languages that are more commonly used of Louisiana Department of Social Services), và thông báo lên Giáo phậnđường qua in this diocese: English, Vietnamese and Spanish. dâyđặc biệt (225-242-0250) hoặc qua những người hướng dẫn ở sô ́ (225-336-8708). Issues relating to the Protection of Children and Young People En Relación a la Protección de Niños y Gente Jóven Mrs. Amy Cordon serves as Child and Youth Protection Officer of the Diocese La Sra. Amy Cordón se desempeña como la Oficial Protec- tora de Niños y Jóvenes of Baton Rouge. Her offices are at the Catholic Life Center, 1800 South Acadian para la Diocesis de Baton Rouge. Su oficína se encuentra en el Catho- lic Life Center, Thruway, Baton Rouge. Her mailing address is P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 1800 South Acadian Thruway, en Baton Rouge. Su dirección es P. O. Box 2028, Baton 70821- 2028; telephone 225-242-0202; fax 225-242-0233. Rouge, LA 70821-2028; telefono 225-242-0202; fax 225- 242-0233. A special confidential “Sexual Abuse Victim Response Contact Line” to be used Uno de los programas que la Iglesia ha establecido es la linea telefonica especial y in reporting any instance of child sexual abuse by an employee of the Church or a confidencial de “Contacto para Responderle a la Victima del Abuso Sexual” cometido volunteer in one of the Church’s programs has been set up: 225- 242-0250. por empleados de la Iglesia o voluntarios: 225-242- 0250. Anyone victimized as a child or young person is urged to report this first to sec- Cualquier persona como un niño o un jóven victimizado debe reportar el incidente ular authorities (Louisiana State Police or State of Louisiana Department of Social primero a las autoridades como la (Policia Estatal o al Departamento Estatal (Minis- Services) as well as to the special diocesan “Sexual Abuse Victim Response Contact terio) de Servicios Sociales asi como también a la linea de “Contacto para Respond- Line” (telephone 225-242-0250) or to the diocesan counselors at Catholic Charities erle a la Victima del Abuso Sexual” (telefono 225- 242-0250) o a los consejeros de la (telephone 225-336-8708). Diocesis en las Caridades Catolicas (telefono 225-336- 8708). June 19, 2020 The Catholic Commentator 5 Messenger: ‘Ready to go to work’ as deacon

(Six new permanent deacons are scheduled their questions about the faith,” said graduate,” grinned Messenger. I don’t want to ‘retire’ and be comfort- to be ordained Aug. 8 at St. Joseph cathedral Messenger. “We met some really won- He said the reality of becoming a able.” in Baton Rouge. This is the third of a series derful people who weren’t Catholic but deacon will most likely “sink in” at the This will especially be the case with on each of the deacon candidates.) loved the Lord … that, and working with ordination ceremony rehearsal. his wife by his side, according to Mes- people in the Le- Messenger will senger. The couple have four children By Debbie Shelley gion of Mary who be vested by his and 15 grandchildren. Melinda has ac- The Catholic Commentator loved Jesus, knew brother Deacon companied him and helped with faith him and their faith Tim Messenger, formation classes at Angola and Dixon Retirement … time to travel the was real, was when deacon assistant Correction Institute in Jackson. world, bask in “a job well done” and re- I said, ‘I want that.’ at St. Margaret This past fall he was in the sacristy lax. But Billy Messenger said a life of That’s when my Queen of Scotland of St. Agnes after assisting at a 6 a.m. ease is not for him. faith moved to love Church in Alba- Mass when an inmate who had been re- “I’m ready to go to work,” said Mes- of God and love of ny, and Deacon leased from DCI to the Joseph Homes senger, who recently retired after spend- neighbor.” “Zeek” Nola, dea- of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of ing many years working for the East Ba- Messenger be- con assistant at Baton Rouge approached him. Messen- ton Rouge and Zachary school systems, came involved in Our Lady of Mt. ger was touched when he said, “I just adding that he is excited about his up- various ministries Carmel Church in want you to know how much I and the coming role as a permanent deacon of at Immaculate St. Francisville. guys at DCI appreciate what all of you the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Bishop Mi- Conception. Billy Messenger do.” chael G. Duca will ordain him Aug. 8 at Messenger’s worked alongside “He had no ulterior motive, he was St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. wife of 40 years, Deacon Nola at speaking from his heart,” said Messen- A member of Immaculate Conception Melinda, asked Louisiana State ger. Church in Denham Springs, Messenger him if he thought Penitentiary in It’s such opportunities to make a dif- was raised in a family of eight siblings about becoming a Angola as part of ference in people’s lives that motivates Billy Messenger in Baton Rouge. His family attended St. deacon. He went his assignment for him to become a deacon. Thomas More Church in Baton Rouge through the dis- the past year. “I don’t think there’s anything more and then St. Louis King of France cernment process in 2015. “Deacon Zeek is my model, he’s 77 joyful in life than serving the Lord,” Church, also in Baton Rouge, when it “That first year I really struggled be- years old and going strong … he goes to Messenger said. “Instead of storing up was established. He graduated from St. cause it was such a huge time commit- Angola five days a week,” said Messen- treasures on Earth, I’m storing up trea- Thomas More School and Catholic High ment,” said Messenger. “Somewhere in ger. “That’s the way I see myself being. sure in heaven.” School in Baton Rouge. the second year, I told my spiritual di- “I was a Sunday Catholic,” Messenger rector, ‘I feel this is what God is calling acknowledged in an interview at St. Ag- me to. I was going to rely on those in- nes Church in Baton Rouge following an volved in the formation process or my early morning Mass. But he had a con- wife to tell me, ‘I don’t think this is what version experience in his mid-20s. God is calling you to.’ ” “(It happened right) here at St. Ag- But he continually received positive nes,” said Messenger, who pointed out feedback and encouragement. that two of his brothers were members Messenger will be part of the first of a Legion of Mary group that met at class to graduate from the diaconate for- St. Agnes. He eventually joined the or- mation program since it was revamped ganization. and classes were offered at Franciscan “We knocked on doors in the neigh- Missionaries of Our Lady University in borhoods and talked to people about Baton Rouge. Jesus Christ and invited them to come “We were called ‘guinea pigs’ because to the Catholic Church and answered we were going to be the first class to racism  born, we’d be standing up for the unborn. From page 4 We stand up as our Catholic faith teach- es us, to respect and honor the dignity of was, “Wait, but I’m not a racist. I’m not each human being.” prejudice against people. I don’t relate to The Rev. Warren Stewart, senior pas- what you’re saying,’ ” added Welter, who tor at the predominantly African Amer- has been active in pro-life ministry with ican First Institutional Baptist Church his family. of Phoenix, and his wife, the Rev. Karen “After a lot of reading, listening, re- Stewart, also a pastor at the church, at- flecting, I realized it’s not about me,” he tended the Mass as guests. The Stewarts said. “I totally agree all lives matter, I have collaborated with the diocese in the totally agree human lives, unborn lives past in promoting the U.S. Census, immi- matter, but right now, we have to focus on gration advocacy and ecumenical efforts. the message. We cannot be silent, we can- “The whole nation has been trauma- not be indifferent, because the opposite of tized to see George Floyd be killed right love is not hate, it’s indifference.” in front of their eyes,” Rev. Warren Stew- “We are standing up for Black Lives art said. “We believe God has given us a Matter right now, because that is the topic kairos moment, a watershed moment to at hand,” added Welter’s wife Nellie. “If it change 400 years of systemic racism. We were about immigration, we’d be standing don’t want to waste this moment, and the up for immigrants. If it were about the un- bishop helped us tonight by this Mass.” 6 The Catholic Commentator June 19, 2020 Christ’s descent into hell/ Catholic-Jewish wedding

I have enjoyed reading your the place where the righteous awaited reflecting our two faiths. What is the call, ask for the marriage tribunal office, column over the years. But I do redemption. Until Jesus had completed process for having that recognized by explain your situation and seek their Qhave a question that has always his death and resurrection, the just could the church? advice. Ask them to put you in touch with bothered me, even though I have made not yet know the joys of being in God’s We would like to have both a rabbi a priest they think might be willing to more than 30 retreats at a Jesuit retreat presence. and a priest give us their blessings at the accommodate you. center and have taught CCD (religious So the first act of Christ after his death marriage. We have in mind a wedding Then speak with that priest and, if he’s education). In the Apostles’ Creed, why on Calvary was to go and about a year from now in willing to be involved, ask him to suggest does it say that Jesus descended into rescue the just who had Florida. I can’t, though, a local rabbi who might participate. Then hell and rose on the third day? How already died and bring go right now to Florida to call that rabbi and seek his or her assis- could Jesus go to hell? He had no sins them with him into the make these arrangements, tance. At some point, you and your fiance he was God. (Glen Allen, Virginia) glory of the Father. As the since I am still in the will need to fill out some paperwork with During the celebration of the Catechism of the Catholic middle of the visa process. the church seeking the required permis- Mass, the Apostles’ Creed may be Church states: “Jesus did What can we do to have sions, as well as obtain a civil marriage Aused as an option in place of the not descend into hell to this happen? (Ecuador) license. more traditional Nicene Creed, and that deliver the damned, nor I have been in- One question you’ll have to decide is prayer does say that Jesus, following his to destroy the hell of dam- volved in a num- whether you want the priest or the rabbi death, “descended into hell.” nation, but to free the just Aber of interfaith to be the one to receive your vows during When I received your email, it who had gone before him” wedding ceremonies such the ceremony; it can work either way, but occurred to me that I had answered a (No. 633). as you describe all with there’s a technical difference in the sort similar question once before; but when I the blessing of the Catho- of permission/dispensation you need to checked my files, I discovered that that My boyfriend and lic Church. It’s a little bit obtain. You have a year to work on this particular column had run in the year I are madly in love Question Corner complicated for you and so it can certainly come together, but it 2013. And since I’ve been asked the same Qand have decid- Father Kenneth Doyle your fiance because of the would be best to start soon. Meanwhile, I thing a number of times since then, it ed to get married. He geographic distances, but will pray for the two of you and for God’s seems the question is still on people’s is American (from New it can certainly happen, blessings on your marriage. minds and might deserve another re- Hampshire), and I am from the South and this is what I think you should do. sponse. American country of Ecuador. We met First, you should telephone the Cath- FATHER DOYLE is a retired priest in the The answer has to do with the am- four years ago, and our relationship has olic diocese in the area of Florida where Diocese of Albany, New York. Ques- biguity, in early Christian times, of the survived distance as well as differences you would like to be married. (The Flori- tions may be sent to Father Kenneth Hebrew word “sheol.” That word could in language and culture. Additionally, da dioceses are: Miami, St. Augustine, St. Doyle at [email protected] refer to the eternal abode of the devil I am a Catholic and he is a Jew. We Petersburg, Orlando, Pensacola-Tallahas- and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, and the damned, but it could also denote would like to have a wedding ceremony see, Palm Beach and Venice.) When you NY 12203.

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By Richard Meek Lee said it was then the Lord put on her The Catholic Commentator mind to tell Guyllette that if she wanted to become Catholic “it was okay.” Her broad smile veiled behind a mask, It seems as if Lee was not the only her emotions silently crooning with joy, heart being changed during that week. Lisa Lee approached the altar at Immac- Guyllette recalls sitting on the floor of ulate Conception Church in Denham the St. Joseph Chapel at the Tracy Center Springs, steps away from receiving the meditating about the “cool things” she Eucharist for the first time. had learned during the retreat. Sudden- Holding out her hand, pastor Father ly her eyes were awash with tears, which Frank Uter delivered the host to Lee, and was unusual. it was then her Catholic journey that be- “I had something telling me to become gan in her infancy with the waters of bap- Catholic,” Guyllette, who had spent sever- tism had come full circle. al years volunteering at CCDBR and was Lee and her daughter, Madison Guyl- Lisa Lee, director of Disaster Operations for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton also involved with the Immaculate Con- lette, were welcomed into the church May Rouge, and her daughter, Madison Guylette, were confirmed and received first Commu- ception youth group, said. “So I was like 31, a ceremony originally scheduled for nion on May 31 at Immaculate Conception Church in Baton Rouge. Pictured, left to right, ‘okay, but that is going out on a limb, don’t Easter Sunday but delayed by the corona- are Suzi Parker, Lee’s confirmation sponsor; Lee; Immaculate Conception pastor Fr. you think’ ” virus pandemic, as were welcoming ser- Frank Uter; Guyllette; and Whitney Hébert, Guyllette’s confirmation. Sponsor. Photo provid- “When I told (Lee) about what hap- vices for the Rite of Christian Initiation of ed by Lisa Lee pened, I knew it was the right thing to do,” Adult candidates throughout the Diocese she added. of Baton Rouge. Churches are now sched- who is the associate director of Disaster But the seeds of conversion were plant- “It was a huge burden lifted off my uling those ceremonies to welcome their Operations for Catholic Charities of the ed in the summer of 2019 when Guyllette shoulder,” Lee admitted. own RCIA candidates. Diocese of Baton Rouge, said attending attended The Franciscan Experience re- But her daughter’s answer also came “Receiving the Eucharist for the first church while growing up “was never a treat sponsored by Franciscan Missionar- with the caveat that they could go through time was a very spiritually fulfilling and family thing.” ies of Our Lady University at the Bishop RCIA together. joyful experience,” Lee said. “Nothing In junior high school she joined a Bap- Robert E. Tracy Center in Baton Rouge. “I had no plans on becoming Catholic,” could have taken away from the joy I felt tist church so she could hang out with her The retreat included daily Mass and eu- Lee said with a laugh. “But I thought why in my heart.” friends and in 2013 joined the Episcopal charistic adoration. not both of us convert?” Originally baptized a Catholic, Lee, Church. With her daughter away for the week, SEE CONVERSION PAGE 9 EVERYONE NEEDS A WILL, TRUSTS AND POWERS OF ATTORNEY IN THE POST COVID-19 WORLD: ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT DISRUPTION? Around the world and in Louisiana, the coronavirus NEW! Guests Now Have 3 Options to Attend an Event! pandemic has changed the way people live, work and learn Pick Your Pleasure & CALL TODAY TO REGISTER. on a massive scale. As we all continue to experience the physical, emotional and economic effects of the pandemic, EVENT OPTION 1—“ON DEMAND WEBINARS” To accommodate your busy schedule, we are now offering private online webinars available did you know that only 4% of Americans fear the loss of for viewing 24/7 ON DEMAND. Simply determine a 2 ½ hour time block their physical health because of this virus? 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By Bonny Van think of a time where the abor- ing the stance that a child in reach two years old, according leased on Amazon Prime in The Catholic Commentator tion lobby has been in such a the womb isn’t human and that to Johnson. April. frenzy,” said Johnson during a goes against science but that’s “Our hotline helps really “It got a wider audience for Abby Johnson’s name is syn- phone interview from her Aus- the only way they can defend any family. So it could be sin- sure. This really took away the onymous with the anti-abor- tin, Texas home that she shares abortion. But it’s the argument gle moms, it could be families financial barrier to see the film, tion movement but that hasn’t with her husband Doug and they have to make because all who lost their jobs, which a now if you have Amazon Prime, always been the case. eight children. “I think they the other arguments fail.” lot of people are facing during you can see it, so there’s no ex- For eight years, she worked at are seeing how loose their grip In October, Johnson said this pandemic; maybe both cuse,” said Johnson. the Planned Parenthood Clinic is on abortion rights right now, she was contacted through parents have lost their jobs so “It’s really been God’s bless- in Bryan, Texas, eventually be- and I think they’re terrified. her website by a single mother they’re without income,” said ing because we originally becoming director and counsel- They lost their battle in Texas, of a four-year-old who was in Johnson. “We’ve helped a lot of lieved that it wasn’t going to be ing young women on their right the governor banned abortion desperate need of assistance. people who are fleeing domes- shown on Amazon Prime for to choose until October 2009 during the pandemic. I think Johnson said she placed an or- tic violence situations.” several months,” she added. “We’ve got so much scientific when she witnessed an abor- they thought they were going to der through walmart.com for Johnson, who converted to “Then we got word that they tion procedure. Since then, win that battle and lost, and the the woman to pick up groceries, Catholicism with her husband were going to release it on Eas- evidence proving the humanity Johnson has used her voice Supreme Court wouldn’t even but Johnson stayed in touch and children in 2012, said the ter weekend on Prime. It was to encourage young women to pick it up.” with the mother to help develop movie “Unplanned” continues great because this was the per- of the unborn.” choose life. Johnson said she thinks pro- a plan to prevent further crisis to spread the message of the fect time because everybody She wrote about that experi- choice supporters “are realizing situations. pro-life movement. It was re- was at home.” Abby Johnson Author ence in a book that was made their favor is waning,” believ- More cries for help from simi- into a movie of the same name, ing that is causing problems for lar circumstances led to “Love-

“Unplanned,” which was re- the movement. She added that Line,” a 24-hour crisis line leased this past year. more people, including youth, which had a 60% increase in Now, Johnson said she is no- are becoming more aware of calls after the nation went into ticing more awareness among the “reality of abortion.” lockdown because of the coro- lawmakers about the horrors of “We’ve got so much scientific navirus pandemic. The hotline abortion. evidence proving the humanity addresses needs for families “I’ve been dealing with abor- of the unborn,” Johnson said. “who fall out of the parameters tion on one side or the other “They’ve even said the only way for pregnancy centers” which Retirement Living at Its Best! for 20 years, and I can’t really to defend abortion is by tak- assist moms until their babies Studio/1 Bedroom Apartments Available Daily Activities Medical Transport

GOSPEL  for us, then we can conquer well as their soul (Mt 10:42). 26635 LA Hwy 16, Denham Springs, LA 70726 From page 2 whatever we experience on this Be Christ to others. Be a coura - (225)667-1484 www.laplantationds.com journey together. We receive the geous prophet for others. Be a Christ was raised from the dead Lord, in baptism and Eucha- witness of truth for others. Be Facebook.com/LaPlantationRetirementCommunity by the glory of the Father, we rist, then GO OUT and share present to others, that all may too might live in newness of his word in mission in order to be one, as we are one in the body life” (Rom 3-4). Thus, we are to- form other disciples to follow of Christ, the Spirit of truth. gether, one humanity, in the ev- Jesus and grow in holiness. Yes, eryday journey to eternity. Each even the simple act of giving a Dow is the director of Evange- day we are called to holiness. If cup of cold water to another will lization and Catechesis for the Jesus conquered sin and death refresh their physical thirst, as Diocese of Baton Rouge.

eral misconceptions she had “I had been to Mass a lot CONVERSION  been taught about the church through Catholic Charities and From page 7 by members of other denomina- always felt like something was tions were debunked. She cited missing,” Lee said, adding that So in August, the mother and as examples that Catholics do the Eucharist made her feel com- daughter stepped off on their not worship Mary as some claim plete. journey. but venerate the Blessed Virgin; Guyllette called her conversion Joe Skibinski, Agent Although Lee, who has been people of all denominations go experience “amazing.” at CCDBR for 14 years, was to heaven; and Catholics do read “I’ve been really trying to dig well-acquainted with Catholic the Bible, specifically at every deeper in my faith, have more social teaching her knowledge Mass. Bible time and reading books of church teachings was limited. “I learned a lot of church his- about how to better my relation- Upon entering RCIA, she began tory and Christianity,” Lee said. ship with myself, others and to pepper co-workers with ques- “I did not know the church was God,” she said. “I’ve been want- tions, and, according to Lee, the first church Jesus founded.” ing to encourage other people “everybody was open and under- Lee said going through the and share my journey with them standing.” RCIA program was spiritually as well. “I really, really wanted to learn enriching and has resulted in “I’ve also been trying to pray about church teaching,” Lee said. her reading the Bible more fre- more and it’s really been amaz- “They all answered me in a way quently. ing to see what God can do in that was loving and open.” She has even created a prayer your life if you just let him. I am Through RCIA, Lee said sev- space at home. so excited.” 10 The Catholic Commentator June 19, 2020

Motion Picture Association of America Fred (Logan Lerman). Rose becomes fails to make much of an impression. MOVIE ratings: Jackson’s housekeeper and sometimes Too frightening for little kids, it’s ac- G – General audiences; all ages admitted nemesis, while Fred engages in heated ceptable for most others. Much peril, PG – Parental guidance suggested; some academic battles with Hyman. Deliber- mature wordplay, a single crass term, REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting ate parallels to Edward Albee’s “Who’s brief scatological humor. A-II; PG PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned to classifications: Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” are estab- give special guidance for attendance of A-I – General patronage lished as the barbs fly, the cigarettes How to Build a Girl children under 13; some material may be A-II – Adults and adolescents are chain-smoked and the bourbon IFC inappropriate for young children A-III – Adults flows freely. There’s also a tinge of There’s a tension within this coming- R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian the gothic as Rose becomes identified of-age comedy, set in Northern Eng- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted with the main character in the novel land, between the generally upbeat O – Morally offensive Jackson is slowly and painfully writ- personality of its precocious 16-year- ing, 1951’s “Hangsaman.” Those who old protagonist (Beanie Feldstein) and enjoy literary arguments will get them. the seaminess of some of the mistakes The High Note large dose of coarse dialogue, flags this Those looking for clear moral messages to which she falls prey on her path to Focus as grown-up fare. A couple of premari- will be out in the fog. Occult themes, maturity. Smart but socially awkward, An aspiring music producer (Dakota tal bedroom scenes, a few profanities, two brief scenes of marital lovemaking, she relies heavily on her close-knit re- Johnson) finds herself caught between several milder oaths, at least one rough one of them in a sordid setting, glimps- lationship with her gay brother (Laurie the demands of her day job working as and many crude and crass terms. A-III; es of upper female nudity, references to Kynaston) as she yearns to be thought a personal assistant to a famous rock PG-13 suicide, fleeting rough and crass lan- of as cool. She gets a seemingly un- star (Tracee Ellis Ross) and her desire guage. A-III; R likely opportunity to remake her image to nurture the career of the promising Shirley when she’s hired as a freelance critic singer-songwriter (Kelvin Harrison Neon Capone by a pop music magazine. But the poi- Jr.) with whom she also becomes in- Working from the fact-based novel Vertical sonous spirit of the staff, with one of volved romantically. Glossy and gener- by Susan Scarf Merrell, director Jose- Queasy biographical drama track- whom (Frank Dillane) she starts an af- ally upbeat, director Nisha Ganatra’s phine Decker and screenwriter Sarah ing the last year in the life of legendary fair, turns her toxic and threatens her blend of comedy and drama, penned by Gubbins deliver a mid-20th-century kingpin Al Capone (Tom Hardy). Dying friendship with the sensitive older sing- Flora Greeson, supplies an ensemble of period drama centered on famed hor- of neurosyphilis, the recently paroled er (Alfie Allen) she would like to make appealing characters around its perky ror writer Shirley Jackson (“The Lot- tax evasion convict rambles around her boyfriend. Based on Caitlin Moran heroine and, though it follows a well- tery”), played by Elisabeth Moss. Jack- his Florida mansion hallucinating and semi-autobiographical 2014 novel, di- traveled arc, does so smoothly and with son and her professor husband, Stanley grunting incoherently. His loyal wife rector Coky Giedroyc’s film is rife with satisfying results. The fact that the Edgar Hyman (Michael Stuhlbarg), (Linda Cardellini) tries to comfort him the vulgarity it portrays as characteris- main couple’s bedding down together acquire fictitious foils in the form of a and his estranged son (Mason Guc- tic of its working-class milieu and sees is taken for granted, together with a young couple, Rose (Odessa Young) and cione) works from a distance to reestab- its heroine pass through a promiscuity lish their relationship. But the visit of phase that’s depicted both too explic- an old associate (Matt Dillon) eventu- itly and too flippantly. A frivolous view ally stirs up traumatic memories of the of human sexuality, strong sexual con- past. Hideously graphic in its portrayal tent including graphic casual activity, of mob cruelty, writer-director and edi- masturbation and rear nudity at least tor Josh Trank’s deeply unpleasant film one mild oath, numerous rough and is otherwise largely pointless. Scenes about a dozen crude or crass terms, an of excessively gory violence including obscene gesture. O; R torture, gruesome sites, explicit sexual activity, much scatological material, at True History of the Kelly Gang least one mild oath, pervasive rough IFC language, about a half-dozen crude Brutal reimagining of the life and leg- terms, an obscene gesture. O; R acy of Australia’s famous 19th-century outlaw, Ned Kelly, played in childhood Scoob! by Orlando Schwerdt and as an adult by Warner Bros. George MacKay. In adapting Peter Car- Bland animated addition to the ey’s 2000 novel, screenwriter Shaun Scooby-Doo franchise that began as Grant and director Justin Kurzel trace a Saturday morning TV show in 1969. the bush ranger’s volatile relationship Opening with an origins story of the with his fierce mother (Essie Davis), bond between a future laid-back beat- his apprenticeship with a kindly seem- nik (voice of Will Forte) and his faithful ing but savage thief (Russell Crowe), dog (voice of Frank Welker), director his persecution by a pathological po- Tony Cervone’s adventure then jumps lice officer (Nicholas Hoult) and his forward a decade to the battle between romance with a prostitute (Thomasin the Mystery, Inc. gang to which the McKenzie). The view of human nature duo belongs its other members voiced presented by this bold, relentlessly dis- by Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron and turbing film is, with the exception of Amanda Seyfried and a villain (voice McKenzie’s character a loving albeit of Jason Isaacs) who wants to kidnap out-of-wedlock mom so universally the titular canine because of the su- degraded that virtue is nowhere to be pernatural power he possesses as a found, only an endless cycle of op- descendant of Alexander the Great’s pression and the revenge it provokes. pet pooch. The ensemble is aided by Skewed values, much gory violence, an aspiring superhero (voice of Mark strong sexual content, including aber- Wahlberg), his brainy sidekick (voice rant acts, implied premarital activity of Kiersey Clemons) and a mechanical and rear nudity, gruesome images, at pup (voice of Ken Jeong). While it sa- least one use of profanity, pervasive lutes unity, loyal friendship, courage rough and occasional crude language. and self-sacrifice, this passable feature O; R June 19, 2020 PAGINA EN ESPAÑOL The Catholic Commentator 11

1234 56789 110 12131 El miedo a la incertidumbre 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 puede generar ansiedad 243 2 265 2 27 28 29 310 323

343 353 3367

durante el aislamientoj 38 39 40 Por Richard Meek las personas comenzarán a buscar formas de en- 421 4 43 El comentarista católico frentar la amenaza. Las estadísticas muestran 44 45 46 que solo alrededor del ocho por ciento de las Las órdenes de quedarse en casa y estar en cu- personas que experimentan un trauma desar- 47 498 4 arentena han sido una bendición para muchos, rollan TEPT. 510 525 53 554 565 ya que finalmente han podido terminar esos “La situación es una crisis, pero uno de los de- proyectos domésticos, desempolvando libros par- talles es que el trauma provoca cambios, ya sea 57 598 5 60 cialmente leídos y tal vez incluso fortaleciendo para lo negativo o para lo positivo”, dijo Ducote. 61 62 63 los lazos familiares al pasar tanto tiempo juntos. El cambio positivo en realidad puede conducir 64 65 66 Otros, sin embargo, no han sido tan afortunados. a una vida más rica y plena al salir de la crisis, El aislamiento ha creado ansiedad y, en muchos dijo, pero los cambios negativos pueden llevar a www.wordgamesforcatholics.com casos, depresión, según Darryl Ducote, director uno a “atascarse”, dijo. En esos casos, la persona ACROSS 3 Showed over de la Oficina de Matrimonio y Vida Familiar de la se enfoca en el miedo, el miedo crece y cambia en 1 Biblical instrument 4 Vane reading 5 Bitterly pungent 5 Catholic actor of “Cocoon” fame, Diócesis de Baton Rouge. el cerebro, lo que hace que sea cada vez más difícil 10 Landed Don ___ “Depende de cómo interprete la orden de que- salir de él, lo que conduce a TEPT. 14 Baking chamber 6 Commandment word darse en casa”, dijo Ducote. “Para muchas perso- Ducote ofreció seis estrategias para hacer frente 15 Embankment 7 Regretted 16 Trigonometric function 8 There was no room here nas, esto es solo un inconveniente”, estoy aburri- a la tensión mental creada por la pandemia CO- 17 Paris pop 9 Banned pesticide (abbr.) do. “Pero para algunas personas puede ser un gran VID-19. 18 Incident 10 Lent markers problema si su salud se ve amenazada, si están Dijo que lo primero es contar una nueva histo- 19 Communion wafer 11 First of the four living creatures in aterrorizados de contraer la enfermedad, o más a ria, lo que significa reconocer que una persona no 20 Period of history Revelation 4 21 Like some tea 12 Learning ctr. menudo las personas sin trabajo y sin dinero”. puede recuperar su antigua vida y que el trauma 22 A no-coveting commandment 13 9th letter of the Hebrew alphabet Ducote dijo que la forma en que las personas destrozó lo que creía que era su antigua vida. Ese 23 Time when Nicodemus visited 21 Composer Stravinsky perciben la amenaza creada por la pandemia individuo tiene que crear un nuevo sentido de Jesus 22 Small child 25 Papal symbol 24 List parts determinará cómo les afectará emocional o psi- “quién soy, a dónde quiero ir, cuáles son mis me- 28 Digit 25 John Paul II’s given name cológicamente. El miedo puede ser la fuerza im- tas”, dijo Ducote. 29 Checklist item 26 Sports buff’s TV station pulsora que puede ser el catalizador de la depre- Otras estrategias incluyen confiar y conectarse 30 It may be up 27 Foil relatives 33 St. ___ in Chains 29 Father of Abram sión, pero dijo que estar aislado no significa que con los demás, así como sentir un sentimiento de 36 Type of vow 30 St. Veronica’s feast day is in this un individuo tenga que perder el contacto con la gratitud por la bendición que cada persona tiene; 38 Midterm month familia. Por el contrario, mantenerse en contacto expresarse contando su historia a otros verbal- 39 Wading bird 31 Othello’s betrayer con otros a través de una variedad de dispositivos mente o mediante un diario; buscando e identifi- 40 Gymnast Korbut 32 Secreting organ 41 Pertaining to the bishops 34 Public showing de comunicación disponibles subyugará esos sen- cando lo positivo en la vida, como un mayor apre- 43 Semi-synthetic textile 35 Hindmost part of an animal timientos de soledad. cio por la familia y los amigos o incluso hacer más 44 Scale note 36 Energetic “Si se está aislando como resultado del miedo o ejercicio; estar abierto a nuevas experiencias; y 45 Xanadu’s river 37 “Here’s to…,” e.g. 46 Distress signal 39 You might hear music while on it la ansiedad, entonces sí puede tener un efecto muy finalmente, encontrar significado en la fe. 47 Annual race, familiarly 42 Catholic family conference negativo (en un individuo) y perpetuar el miedo”, “Llegar a creer y reconocer que Dios está con no- 48 Agreements 43 Peter (with “The”) dijo. “Podría exacerbar la situación porque no hay sotros durante estos tiempos difíciles para ofrecer 50 Desert food 46 ___ Heart of Jesus 53 “…the ___, raise the dead…” (Mt 47 Country in which Mother Teresa nada que te empuje a salir de ella si tienes esa ten- apoyo y, en última instancia, creer que Dios puede 10:8) founded her order dencia. Realmente tienes que llegar a un punto en transformar esto en algo nuevo como si transfor- 54 An Old Testament high priest 48 Portion el que reconozcas que tal vez no sea lo mejor para mara la muerte de Jesús en la resurrección es uno 57 Retired 49 St. Elizabeth ___ ti y analizarte”. de los elementos más importantes para lidiar con 58 The ___ Room, where the disciples 50 “God is the Supreme Being who experienced the Holy Spirit ___ all things and keeps them in Las señales de advertencia de la depresión in- el trauma”. Dijo Ducote. 60 Plains people existence.” cluyen alejarse de los demás, sentimientos de Desafortunadamente, la violencia doméstica 61 Half of a ‘50’s comedy duo 51 Help out on a job tristeza y pensamientos de desesperanza. también ha aumentado durante los últimos dos 62 Fruit of the Holy Spirit 52 Resting place 63 Standard 53 Foretell Ducote reconoció que la incertidumbre sobre meses, provocada por el temor que una persona 64 Miss Kett 55 ___ of Hosts el estado laboral de las personas puede ser depri- propensa a la violencia podría tener de perder el 65 Swiftness 56 Doctrines mente e incluso afectar su sentido de esperanza. control y mantener el control de todos los que la 66 No ifs, ___, or buts 58 Mail deliverer (abbr.) Cuando se enfrentan a tal amenaza, las personas rodean. 59 Vigor DOWN 60 “Three ___ Match” a menudo muestran signos de trastorno de estrés En general, Ducote dijo que la crisis es difícil 1 One of the three theological virtues postraumático, mostrando síntomas como difi- en sus primeras etapas, pero si las personas están 2 Above Solution on page 14 cultad para dormir, nerviosismo, atasco de miedo dispuestas a hacer cambios y reevaluar su situ- o uso del entumecimiento emocional como me- ación de vida, el crecimiento es posible. canismo de afrontamiento. Ducote está en proceso de grabar una present- Al experimentar un trauma, como la pandemia ación en video sobre el crecimiento postraumático Tree Service actual, Ducote dijo que “la mayoría de todos” que estará disponible en CatholicLife TV y You- Mr. D’s exhibirán signos de TEPT, pero la mayoría de Tube. ovEr 40 yEars ExpErIEncE Don Decell, owner carl BaBin, owner • Economical FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT • Fully Insured • Quality Work CALL TODAY! THECATHOLICCOMMENTATOR.ORG 225-292-6756 12 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT June 19, 2020 | letter to the editor Salvific use of the flag

picture is worth a thousand racism leads to was captured by a Our second words.” I don’t know who cartoonist who drew a couple, both “Asaid it, but the truth of that masked, passing a row of destroyed statement has certainly been proven shops as the wife asked her hus- chance throughout the turmoil following the band, “Remember when we just cruel murder of George Floyd by a police had a global pandemic?” officer in Minneapolis. On June 6, the From morning TV talk shows to ather Kenneth Doyle’s answer to a reader about Advocate’s opinion page carried a block university deans and presidents, certain lines in the Hail Holy Queen prayer, I have of six drawings summarizing the op- everyone is being interviewed for Fsome comments. Father Doyle gave some histori- pression of racism from slavery to today. their opinions and solutions. All cal strength to what some think is depressing. A white overseer whipping a slave, Ku have opinions but no one has solu- Lately in my rosary walks, I, too, reflected on “ban- Klux Klan burning a cross, the legs and tions. Even the players of the Na- ished children of Eve, valley of tears and this our exile.” feet of a hanging lynched black person, tional Football League have been The fact is that life on this side of heaven is broken. modern cops brutally beating a black brought into the growing division Sometimes things go wrong for no reason apart from the man with their batons, Officer Derek Another of opinions. Saints quarterback fall that marred paradise. Chauvin with his knee on the neck of Drew Brees was asked whether, My conclusion deals with our human struggle to Floyd and a clueless white guy asking Perspective as a result of Floyd’s killing, he understand that we were not created for this world, protesters, “Why so angry?” A perfect expected more players to take a although this is the only world we know. Our faith pushes description of our problem today. Father John Carville knee when the flag was presented us to understand that this is our trial period, not our There is no doubt that the majority and the National Anthem played final end. of Americans, white, black, Arab, Asian and His- at football games this coming season. He offered his If we in our meditation can realize that compared to panic are truly appalled, and many are determined previously stated objection to showing disrespect to God’s promised kingdom our current world is truly the to protest until they see meaningful action taken. the American flag and anthem. Then he got bombed valley of tears or exile, and we can be banished children The same day, June 6, the Advocate ran an excellent by his fellow players. “He just got it all wrong,” they of Eve. As Christians of faith, however, these words editorial entitled “Let us channel righteous outrage said. He could have argued back: “What American should not depress us but give us joy and allow us to be toward lasting change.” That should be the ultimate does not respect his country’s flag?” But he respect- positive. These words should challenge us to be thankful goal of everyone. But how do we bring that about, ed his fellow players, so he listened to what they were that this future kingdom of God’s promise is ours if we and where do we begin? Our discouraging national trying to tell him. And because he was humble, he live his message on Earth. history of repeated failure to stop the killing of came to understand their argument. They had to be I see Adam and Eve as having acted for all of us. God people of color, black and Hispanics highlights the heard. Too many people of color were dying because is so forgiving, he redeemed us with much suffering tremendous difficulty of eliminating racism. of bigotry and hatred and police brutality. They because God is love. Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, of the Archdiocese could no longer live in fear that they or their children Today, we are the current Adam and Eve with a sec- of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Floyd would be the next victims. That was the issue, not ond chance. was murdered, wrote about how the murder revealed intentional disrespect for the flag. the concern and anger about racism “that was just Brees changed his way of seeing the problem. He Louis LeBlanc below the surface” throughout our country. It was came to see that it was a cry for solidarity against Donaldsonville “shocking,” he said, “that there could be in anybody’s abuse of power, a plea for unity rather than division. heart such an absence of concern for human life.” We are all Americans, and that means we should all Both Archbishop Hebda and the editors of the seek equality for all of our fellow citizens. For too Advocate admitted that the anger this caused was long we have not achieved that, and we cannot kick L etters to the Editor righteous and the longing for justice palpable, but the problem down the road any longer; black lives both also warned about the violence and destruction matter, all lives matter, and too many lives are being Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited in the rioting that occurred in some places. Again, lost, including those of police officers. to 350 words and should contain the name and in the Advocate, this sad evidence of the evil that see carville page 15 address of the writer, though the address will | not be printed. We reserve the right to edit all Pray for those who pray for us letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Commentator, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA June 25 Rev. C. Todd Lloyd July 2 Rev. Edwin J. Martin 70821-3316, or to [email protected]. Dcn. Ricky P. Oubre Dcn. Danny Roussel Br. Vuong Dinh Nguyen ICM Sr. Norma Nunez SOM June 26 Rev. Matthew P. Lorraine July 3 Rev. Gerard R. Martin Dcn. Stephen Paul Ourso Dcn. Mauricio Salazar Sr. Huong Thi Nguyen ICM Br. William Cawley SC June 27 Rev. Donald MacKinnon CSsR July 4 Rev. Matthew E. McCaughey Mission Statement Dcn. Ricky A. Patterson Dcn. Eliazar Salinas Jr. Br. Marcus Turcotte SC Sr. Ruth Nwokike SOM The mission of The Catholic Commentator is to June 28 Rev. P. Brent Maher July 5 Rev. Paul A. McDuffie provide news, information and commentary to the Dcn. Minos J. Ponville Jr. Dcn. Mario (Sam) Sammartino people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Catholics Sr. Lan Thi Nguyen ICM Br. Robert Croteau SC June 29 Rev. Cayet N. Mangiaracina OP July 6 Rev. Roberto Merced OP and their neighbors alike. In doing so, The Catholic Dcn. Curles P. Reeson Jr. Dcn. Joseph M. Scimeca Commentator strives to further the wider mission Br. Edward Violet SM Sr. Edna Oraca SOM of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, to June 30 Rev. Samuel C. Maranto CSsR July 7 Rev. Andrew J. Merrick educate and to give the Catholic viewpoint on Dcn. Alfred J. Ricard Jr. Dcn. Rudolph W. Stahl Sr. The Thi Nguyen ICM Br. Ramon Daunis SC important issues of the present day. July 1 Rev. Robert G. Marcell July 8 Rev. Victor G. Messina Dcn. Thomas M. Robinson Dcn. Michael F. Thompson Br. James Burns SC Sr. Johanne Pederson CSJ June 19, 2020 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 13 Youth speak out on racism, virus Let your voice be heard COVID-19 challenges by casting a vote for young people

pon learning of the news of power states have, so it is important he novel COVID-19 struck our rounded by their families, friends George Floyd’s passing, I to me to impress upon my peers they country with an undeniable and fellow classmates were crushed. Ushared in the utter despair should be voting locally, starting with Tamount of incredible force. I know that ever since I was in kin- felt by many across the nation. I wish our council members. My advice to With hospitals being overwhelmed dergarten, I have seen the graduating that I could say that I am shocked but, new voters is when looking for council with thousands of sick patients, classes have their special moments unfortunately, this appears to be the members you should elect a member civilians scared out of their minds, as seniors and have always thought new norm. who can view both sides (of an issue). schools, workplaces and places of the day that my friends and I This is something that happens You should do your research and find of worship closing their doors, it would enjoy those special moments. way too often and seemingly noth- out what their interests are and their is clear that this pandemic has Now because of COVID-19, those se- ing is done. Each time something like views on important topics, because wreaked havoc. niors cannot have those experiences this happens, I would always pray and they are the ones that will create bud- Many agree the effects of the and memories of previous classes. hope that it would be different but it gets for the city. coronavirus will have a severe and This is heartbreaking seeing my never has been. One would think after Next, consider who your mayor will lasting impact on the future. Being a friends having to deal with this. years of tears, blood be. The mayor hires teenager during this However, some and fighting for change the police chief and the time of crisis has its people believe the there would be change, police chief will hire the own unique chal- quarantine has benefit- but instead, it has officers who will patrol lenges. Our school ted them. Another one become a never-ending our communities. Many year cut short, of my friends said that cycle of oppression. people who are new encounters with iso- it has “given me a lot My grandmother to the voting process lation, uncertainty of time to do things I found herself explain- might not have had of the future and ex- normally wouldn’t have ing to my mom about access to this informa- periencing an event time to do like playing the 16th Street Baptist tion, which is why it is of this magnitude instruments, cleaning, Church bombing in critical to educate them. for the first time in painting, drawing and 1963, then my mom This simple act of voting most of our lives are other various ac- found herself explain- changes everything for all part of the issues tivities.” Also, they all ing to me Treyvon Mar- the people. When you people of my age agreed that this time tin and Alton Sterling. vote for good candidates, are facing. Although has allowed them to What now scares me Guest good can happen. these difficulties do Guest spend more time with the most is that there With social media not compare to what family. will be another vic- Columnist being at its most influ- others (patients, es- Columnist I believe that this tim that I will have to ential, it is critical I use sential workers and time apart from explain to my children. Bria Coleman my social media to tell their families) are Morgan Auzine friends, classmates, My great-grandparents all my friends to vote facing, they are still co-workers and others fought hard for equal- and demand changed relevant. will make everyone ity and then passed the torch on to actions with our vote. I can use social I asked some of my close friends closer in the end, because we have a my grandparents, who passed it to my media to highlight what each candidate how they think this pandemic has newfound realization of how pre- parents. Now it is my turn to resume stands for. affected them. One said she believes cious our time is together. Also, their struggle. In 2020, four million young adults that because she is an only child and this is a great time to really connect The question the new generation will turn 18. That is four million more was not allowed to leave her house, and grow your relationship with the must ask is, “What is a new effective people that can make an impact in the she felt extremely isolated, and this Lord. way for our cries to be heard and to future election. Our vote is powerful had a negative impact on her mental Romans 12:12 says “Let your hope bring about change?” We ask ourselves, and essential so we should fully edu- health. She felt alone and felt anger make you glad. Be patient in times of “Should we protest?” But my people cate ourselves. We should attend town when seeing others willingly ignore trouble and never stop praying.” This have been protesting for years and hall meetings, council members’ events the cautions and regulations given by verse is extremely applicable to our although there has been some change, and campaign parties. To all that will medical experts and the government. world’s current state. During these it still is not enough. Rioting only puts be new voters, this is our time. This feeling is a frustrating one. strange times of struggle and fear, more gasoline into a raging fire and Now that I have explained how Especially as a teenager, we are con- we should remain strong in the Lord changes the narrative of why my people politics work on a local level, I plan to stantly surrounded by social media. and trust in his ways. We should nev- are so angry in the first place. So what inform all new voters about the impor- These images and videos of people er give up hope and keep on praying is next? What more can I do? tance of voting locally and using their on these apps were discouraging to for peace and patience. Although it My 18th birthday is quickly ap- platforms to spread the word and tell see. Without school or being able to may be difficult to see the light at the proaching and I will soon be able to their friends. Persistence and consis- see friends and others like usual, the end of this tunnel, we have to know vote. I will be able to vote for candi- tency is the key; we must continue the lack of “face to face” interaction can that this will not last forever. Know- dates that are committed to doing fight. Our consistency will bring in the be detrimental. ing that we have the Lord almighty what’s best for my community. I can next wave of new voters. We will create Although during the 2019-2020 on our side we must say to ourselves, vote for someone that has shown time a new cycle and bring new changes to school year I was a junior in high in the words of Psalm 118:6, “What and time again they are willing to fight our country. school, I understand and empathize do we have to fear?” to tear down the systemic practices of Coleman is the 2020 salutatorian with what the Class of 2020 had to Auzine is a rising senior in high racism. of Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan deal with. Their dreams of walking school and a parishioner at St. Aloy- Most people don’t realize how much High School. across the stage at graduation, sur- sius Church in Baton Rouge. 14 The Catholic Commentator June 19, 2020 Hot-off Wedding prep going virtual By Debbie Shelley to commit to that call? move everyday distractions so they can focus the Press The Catholic Commentator Normally couples meet at the Bishop Rob- on God and their relationship with each oth- ert E. Tracy Retreat Center in Baton Rouge. er,” Ducote said. “By doing an online retreat While many things are put on hold be- However, pandemic restrictions have closed we would lose some of the value of removing cause of the coronavirus pandemic, the Of- the retreat center, creating a hardship for them from their everyday lives. But it will fice of Marriage and Family Life of the Dio- couples because it interfered with their abil- still help them focus on their relationship.” cese of Baton Rouge is moving forward by ity to plan their wedding in a timely manner, One of the perks of the online retreat is providing virtual retreats to help engaged Ducote said. that couples can participate in comfortable couples fulfill diocesan requirements before His department consulted with Barry surroundings and “take breaks” when need- their wedding day. Schoedel, associate director of the Office of ed, he said. Beginning in July the OMFL is planning Evangelization and Catechesis, who set up a Couple are responding positively and to offer the Called to Love retreat for en- virtual retreat program. seem to be excited about the new format, gaged couples online. Couples will take part in a “real time” re- Ducote said. “The retreat is part of the larger plan for treat with other engaged couples from their The OMFL will still attempt to solicit marriage preparation,” said Darryl Ducote, homes using Zoom, according to Ducote. feedback by asking couples to fill out evalu- director of the Office of Marriage and Fam- The agenda is similar to the on-site retreats ation forms, just as they would at an onsite ily Life. “We felt couples were entering into in that a facilitator couple gives a brief pre- retreat. & Delivered marriage with an insufficient foundation, sentation, couples complete various experi- “This will help us to adjust based on rec- not only for their relationship but their faith, ences and then have an opportunity to share ommendations from the evaluations,” Du- to You which impacts their marriage.” their experiences and insights with the other cote said. For only $14 per year, receive About 18 months ago the department in- couples. “It’s been challenging for us, but it’s also troduced the Called to Love retreat to allow The retreats are scheduled Friday through caused us to be creative and that’s been ex- The Catholic Commentator engaged couples to focus on their relation- Sunday. Retreats at the Tracy Center usually citing,” he added. at your home or office. ship skills and the spiritual dimensions of end with Mass but the virtual retreat will The online retreats will continue through their relationship. The retreat is designed to close with a livestream Mass at 11 a.m. the end of the year, according to Ducote. have couples address two questions: What Ducote acknowledged online retreats lose Retreat dates and registration informa- TO SUBSCRIBE, role do they want God to play in their mar- some of the benefits of the overnight retreats. tion can be found at mfldiobr.org. Those who CALL 225-387-0983. riage? Do they understand what God is call- “They were (at the Tracy Center) for two have questions can call Mila Gernon of the ing them to in marriage and are they willing nights. The purpose of the retreats was to re- OMFL at 225-242-0323.

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PRAYERS  ertheless, that we don’t have all that take you to heaven because he gave you From page 1 knowledge, we don’t have all that power,” a mind to think this thing through,” said said Bishop Duca. “We think we’re in the bishop. “He gave you legs to walk During his homily Bishop Duca point- control of our lives, but we know that in away. So God is working with us in so ed to his upbringing in Dallas, noting a moment we can get sick; in a moment many ways. He’s working through us that his “innate and intuitive knowl- we can commit a sin that turns our life with those who come and save us when edge about storms are about tornados.” around in ways that are not really good we’re in danger … He’s always answer- He said he knew “when to be afraid and and painful and difficult. The illness of a ing our prayers. We have to see him with when not to be afraid.” loved one can throw our life into a com- us and we pray that he walks with us “I know that when the sky turns plete twist. And so we need a firm cen- and protects everyone from dangers of green and the wind which was blowing ter, a place where we have a faith strong storms ... but not forget we depend on his 30 miles per hour stops and it becomes enough to know that God is working.” power.” absolutely still, run for cover,” he said. “I The bishop then recounted a story he He ended his homily by saying we don’t know where you run but you run read online by a woman whose neighbor need the attitude that we need God’s help because it is close.” lost a child. He described the sorrow and to keep us strong and focused, and to de- The bishop then gave a second an- suffering that filled the home. pend upon him, “to trust that God is with ecdote in which his father said he took “She said, ‘Lord, where are you?’ and us.” high blood pressure medicine in order then she was inspired that God was in “Remember, when he got up immedi- “to eat the way he wanted to eat,” which this, too – ‘That’s why Jesus died on the ately and he stilled the storm and he said, included salting his food. He used both cross and rose again, that not even the ‘Why are you so terrified? Where is your stories as examples, “because it’s always powers of this world, the nature that is faith?’ ” said Bishop Duca. “They still a strange thing when we pray to God to all around that has a certain order and didn’t get that Jesus was God, but they protect us from storms.” law within itself that God created, that started getting it after this. “Hurricanes are unique things,” said he is even over that and while we cannot “So let us pray for God to protect us Bishop Duca distributes holy Communion Bishop Duca. “They’re coming right at see it, his victory is present here in this and let us acknowledge, even now in our during the Hurricane Mass on Friday, June you and you pray, ‘Lord, send this hurri- child raised from the dead, in with God’ difficulties, when we are helped, let us 5. It was the first time the annual Mass was cane in another direction.’ And the peo- ” said Bishop Duca. give thanks to God, whether it comes held while a storm was brewing in the Gulf ple on the other sides are saying, ‘Lord, The bishop said it’s important to see from a person, a grace, a moment of in- of Mexico. Tropical Storm Cristobal was don’t change the direction at all leave it that “God is always with us,” even in the spiration, through a healing, let us pray forecasted to make landfall in Louisiana right where it is. We’re happy with that, pandemic. to God and thank God to know he is with over the weekend. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic thank you, Lord!’ ” “The more we can find our center in us, he is not asleep.” Commentator He said while one group is giving God’s strength, the more we will find thanks to God for the storm veering peace, even in difficult times,” said Bish- away from them, another group is asking op Duca. why God has inflicted them with such He then said we can’t depend on God pain. The bishop said it’s interesting how to take care of us which is why God gave people pray for such things but it is im- us a mind, free will and the ability to portant that “we do pray for God’s pro- make decisions to protect ourselves. tection” because we believe we are self- “If you’re sitting in your house on sufficient. a beach in the Diocese of Houma- “We need to remind ourselves that in Thibodaux and you say, ‘God’s going to the great powers of nature, which we’re protect me’ and there’s a nine-foot wall seeing in the pandemic as well, which of water coming towards you, well, I’m is a power of nature, microscopic nev- sorry, God’s with you but he’s there to

CARVILLE  God, but as Americans we all share a desire for the peace, unity and equality From page 12 of God’s kingdom that in our secular, It is strange that our flag should pluralistic society is promised by the be a cause of division in our struggle symbol of our flag. Today, that flag is against racism. Its 50 stars proclaim calling for a change in our vision, away unity, while its stripes honor all of from the narrow exclusivity of racism those from every ethnic group who to the broader inclusivity of equality have shed their blood in defense of our for all Americans. country. I am not a politician, nor a As a first practical step towards professional political commentator. that change, I would suggest that when However, as a Catholic priest, I have professional football begins to be spent my life trying to help others fol- played again, the flag be not raised but low the Lord of life who came to call lowered as a sign of our repentance for us out of division, hatred and cruelty the great number of black lives killed into God’s kingdom of love, mercy and by racism. We traditionally lower the support of one another. His message flag to honor our dead. It would be a began with a call to metanoia, repen- sign that they were all our dead, cher- tance, calling for a change of vision, ished and not forgotten. In that spirit away from a reliance on power and we could all kneel with disrespect to privilege won at the expense of oth- nothing nor anyone. ers, to a life of service to others. He often used symbols like the vine and FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the the branches, the shepherd and his Diocese of Baton Rouge and writes flock, the one bread of his body feed- on current topics for The Catholic ing all and uniting all. We are not all Commentator. He can be reached at Christian, nor even all believers in one [email protected]. 16 The Catholic Commentator June 19, 2020

COMMUNION  had a choice of five weekend Cate so young, she’s not going receive the body of Christ with special gift. From page 1 Masses and five weekday Mass- to be able to sit through Mass their family in such an intimate “Only being able to see es with four communicants per wearing one, so we’ll just wait setting, it’s just breathtaking be- (Mass) on TV or computer day trying to get everyone ready Mass to allow for front row seat- until that rule is lifted. So we’re cause it truly makes the body of screens for 60 days and only and out the door early enough ing. Rose said the families arrive just going to watch it through Christ the center and the focus,” being able to do spiritual com- to get seats. Being able to show 30 minutes prior to Mass and TV for now.” said Rose. “It shows how it is the munion – we really got to ap- up right before Mass and having she would go over the procedure Mindy Calandro said her source and summit of our reli- preciate the physicalness, why all of our family able to sit with and helps each child with how to daughter Madison was excited gion and faith and it gives you (Jesus) wants to come to us, so us in the same pew and actually remove the mask before receiv- but nervous. goose bumps every time you get that we can touch, we can taste, see him receive his first Com- ing the Eucharist and how to put “After the Mass, she said, to witness it, and it’s breathtak- literally kind of chew him. That munion, it was just really spe- the mask back on afterwards. ‘That wasn’t anything to be ing.” (realization) just came alive for cial.” For some, the mask added nervous about, that was totally Father Yi agreed. He said cel- me as we did these Masses.” Molly Rose, director of Child another facet that had some fine,’ ” said Calandro, who was ebrating the Masses has been Father Yi said the masks add Faith Formation at St. George, children a little anxious. Noel there with her husband Blaze, “fruitful” for both him and Fa- a “different dimension” to both said as she tried to find the best said Lucas was nervous about and sons Joseph, 9, and Levi, 6. ther Paul Gros, parochial vicar the Mass and receiving holy way to proceed to accommodate removing the mask correctly Calandro said Madison’s at St. George. Communion. Firstly, he said it the 25% capacity requirement while others took it in stride. grandparents, who remain in “It has helped us because ac- “keeps us from yacking along” with 111 children, she spoke “At first, it’s not what you quarantine, watched the Mass tually every Mass should be like during Mass and makes us pay with several parents and chil- envision, your first Eucharist on YouTube and messaged a first Communion Mass, for the attention. Secondly, he said re- dren. wearing a mask, but it was fine, Madison afterwards about “how grownups as well as kids,” said moving the mask or “unveiling “I asked them what was most we made do,” said Jessica Wil- proud they were of her.” Father Yi. “It’s a very special your mouth to receive” has a lot important – being with their liams, whose son Andrew re- One surprising aspect of this time when Jesus comes to us of symbolism. school friends and immediate ceived his first Communion. new procedure has been the pro- as a gift. As I’m doing more of “It makes you pay attention family or being able to receive She was there with her hus- found effect on those organizing these Masses, it has not become to what’s going in your mouth,” the sacrament with their imme- band Daniel and two other chil- the Mass and the priests. Rose a routine. It’s become more of a said Father Yi. “But for some diate family and extended fam- dren, Tyler, 10, and Cate, 6. said she has now witnessed first special occasion for me to kind people, (because of the quar- ily and the absolute consensus “We have not been back to Eucharist both with the grand of pull out of myself, and from antine), it just became a height- across the board was, ‘I want to Mass,” she said. “Because of the celebration and in this smaller the Scripture and also from the ened experience of, ‘I do miss be with my immediate family masks, my kids wouldn’t sit still. setting and said she is “taken teachings of the church, what’s Jesus in the Eucharist, I do want and my extended family.’ That’s They wouldn’t be comfortable aback” every time she sees the now another aspect that I can to make the step to go physically what touched me the most,” said wearing it during Mass.” second-graders take holy Com- highlight at this Mass.” and be present to him because Rose. “Andrew asked (Sunday) if munion in the latter celebration. Father Yi said celebrating the he’s present to me. And I missed From May 26 through June we were going to Mass, but I ex- “Seeing this, where our first first Communion Masses made him. I missed his presence. I 17, families of communicants plained to him the masks and Eucharist candidate is able to him realize the liturgy is truly a long to be united to him.’ ”

St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy Saving Lives During Difficult Times

Our St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy is responding to our community’s need for prescription services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s critical that people in our community with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and pulmonary diseases have access to free prescription medicines, since individuals with chronic illnesses are at greater risk from COVID-19.

We never know who will come through the doors of our St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy. Last year, we filled over $1.4 million worth of life-sustaining prescriptions, but the people we serve are much more than numbers. They are people just like you and me, with one exception: They are sick and can’t afford their life-sustaining medications.

In this COVID-19 environment, we see the fear, the worried expressions and, quite often, we also see the shame at having to ask for help. The St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy isn’t about numbers; it’s about people helping people, and you don’t have to be a doctor or pharmacist to help fill a prescription. It’s people like you that make our work possible.

Christ asks us to share His love within our community and throughout the entire world. Our pharmacy is working hard to follow this call by providing a helping hand of mercy to people in desperate need of their prescription medications. Last year, our pharmacy filled thousands of prescriptions for people who desperately needed a helping hand - people who were suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses.

The Fill a Prescription for the Needy Campaign is a response to this community need. WBRZ-Channel 2, Pat Shingleton, and the Baton Rouge Clinic have come together to ask you to fill a prescription for the needy. You can save someone’s life by making a gift in the envelope insert in this issue of the Catholic Commentator, or give online at svdpbr.org.

If you need help with your prescription medicines, call us at (225) See the envelope insert in this issue to learn more about how you 383-7450 weekdays, or request help at svdpbr.org/request-help. Note: We are unable to fill prescriptions for controlled substances. can save a life today, or give online at svdpbr.org.