January 4,Ommentator 2019 Vol

THE CATHOLIC PAGE 3 Spirit of Giving

January 4,ommentator 2019 Vol. 56, No. 24 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C YEAR OF CHANGE New buildings, new construction Bishop Duca and renovations greeted parishioners at several churches throughout the year. Father Randy Cuevas, pastor at installed as St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge, blessed the parish’s new Pastoral Ser- vices Center. new shepherd At St. Joseph Cathedral, work was completed shoring the basement and repairing the drop ceilings in the By Bonny Van Blessed Sacrament chapel on the east The Catholic Commentator side of the building and the Mary chapel on the west side. The past year was momentous for the Repairs included updating the Diocese of Baton Rouge highlighted by electrical wiring, which had not been a change in leadership. Bishop Michael updated since the 1920s, the fabrica- G. Duca of the Diocese of Shreveport tion of corrective structural beams was installed as the sixth bishop for and additional beams to allow for the Baton Rouge diocese on Aug. 24 at lights to shine on the Blessed Virgin St. Joseph Cathedral, replacing Bishop in the Mary chapel and on the sanctu- Robert W. Muench. ary and tabernacle in the Blessed Sac- Bishop Muench had submitted his rament chapel. letter of resignation to the Vatican, At Our Lady of Mercy Church in Ba- as required by canon law, on his 75th ton Rouge, new construction and reno- birthday on Dec. 28, 2017. vations changed the church and the Prior to retirement, Bishop Muench school campus. A new 30,000 square- continued a number of his initiatives foot early childhood center was com- including the Racial Harmony Com- pleted and existing classrooms were mission co-chaired by Father Joshua renovated to accommodate a special Johnson, pastor at Holy Rosary Church education program. in St. Amant, and Father Tom Clark Also, a new gym is in the works. The SJ, pastor at Immaculate Conception improvements are part of the church’s Church in Baton Rouge. The goal of the Traditions for Tomorrow campaign. commission was to play a part in the Expansion is also underway for the healing process of the capital city fol- Bishop Michael G. Duca enters St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge at the beginning St. Vincent de Paul Society, thanks to a lowing racial strife stemming from the of the installation ceremony on Aug. 24. Bishop Duca is the sixth bishop of the Dio- $1 million grant from the city of Baton police shooting of Alton Sterling, an cese of Baton Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Rouge. According to executive director African-American. Michael Acaldo, the grant has helped Father Clark was hopeful the com- throughout the diocese to engage in “That kind of dialogue moves hearts, fund a 36-bed expansion of the Bishop mission was the start of the community dialogue, to listen to each other and be moves people to action,” said Father Ott Center and day room. working together. He invited folks from changed by that dialogue. Clark. SEE YEAR PAGE 15 Community responds to Christmas donation program

By Bonny Van up cars with donated gifts for Christmas. Among those The Catholic Commentator receiving gifts was Evelyn Johnson of Gonzales, who is still trying to recover from the flood of 2016. On Dec. 14, the office of Catholic Charities of the Dio- Johnson, who has four children at home, has also cese of Baton Rouge turned into the North Pole. been trying to help her mother recover from the flood. With a giant inflatable Santa welcoming visitors, vehi- “This is going to help tremendously because I didn’t cles lined up along the driveway as volunteer elves loaded SEE DONATION PAGE 16 2 The Catholic Commentator January 4, 2019 | DID YOU KNOW Starlight shines bright

By Dina Dow that they seek in Israel, in the messianic light of the Star of David, the one who will be king The universe is vast, precise and infinite. of the nations” (The Catechism of the Catholic The more we seek to find the endpoint, the Church #528). Thus, Herod was “troubled” at more we realize the magnitude of space and the inquiry of the wise men, for instead of em- time is something to behold. We bracing his true kingship, he know who created the universe. invested time and money in As Catholic Christians, we begin Life-Giving building projects and power. the Creed with these words, “I be- FAI H St. Paul reiterates the grace lieve in one God, the father almighty, given by God through Jesus maker of heaven and earth … ” Thus, it Christ as “the stewardship of makes sense to look to the sky as a compass God’s grace for all.” As faithful Christians, for travel and time. Therefore, we begin the what are we to do with such grace? St. Pope new calendar year (the Gregorian calendar John Paul II continues, “The apostle’s task is year, based on solar and lunar measure- to spread the Gospel throughout the world, ments) with a star and the opening of heaven. proclaiming to mankind the redemption The Sunday Mass readings during the next wrought by Christ and to lead all humanity on two weeks illuminate the mysteries of Jesus’ the path of salvation, manifested by God on infancy in the Epiphany of our Lord and the the night in Bethlehem. The church’s mission- beginning of Jesus’ public life, his baptism. ary activity, through its many stages down the Mystery of Jesus’ infancy: Star light centuries, finds its starting point and univer- Approximately 2019 years have passed sal scope in the feast of Epiphany.” How do we since the heavens opened to reveal the glo- begin this mission? We start with the Holy ry of God in the Incarnation: God becoming Spirit and fire. Epiphany man. The seemingly quiet village of Bethle- Mystery of Jesus’ public life hem became the birthplace of the Christ, a “Let us be buried with Christ by baptism to place told by the prophets of old. “Rise up in rise with him; let us go down with him to be With the final needles of the Orthodox Christians celebrate the splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the raised with him; and let us rise with him to be now parched Christmas tree ready feast day on Jan. 19. glory of the Lord shines upon you” (Is 60:1). glorified with him” (St. Gregory of Nazianzus.) to fall to their grave on the den Worldwide, festivities may in- Hovering above “the city of David” was an ex- The prophet Isaiah speaks of the chosen floor, the liturgical season transi- clude swimming in icy waters, ex- traordinary radiant star. St. Pope John Paul one of God, “who will be filled with the Spirit, tions from Christmas to Epiphany. changing presents and perhaps II writes, “In a certain sense, in pointing to bring justice, be a light for all nations, open Epiphany, celebrated Jan. 6, is even a parade. Some countries even the light the prophet is pointing to Christ. As the eyes of the blind, release the imprisoned the traditional day to once again observe Epiphany as a national hol- it shone for the shepherds seeking the new- and pulled others out of the darkness of dun- haul out the boxes from the attic iday. born Messiah, so this light shines today on geons” (Is 42:1-7). Henceforth shall those who and refill them with the Christmas Epiphany is known as Dia de the path of the Magi, come from the East to follow this Chosen One be blessed with peace decorations and outdoor lightings los Reyes in the Hispanic commu- adore him who was born King of the Jews” (Ps 29). Jesus came because of mercy. From that have been brightening the nity and in Mexico people gather (Homily, Monday, 6 January 1996). The star his ministry comes the power of the Holy homestead since shortly after San- to sample Rosca de Reyes (Kings points to an intersection of heaven and earth: Spirit to heal and expel evil, thus conquering ta paraded past Macy’s on Thanks- bread), which is that culture’s ver- God and man. sin and bringing salvation to all who accept giving Day. Christmas is officially sion of a revered south Louisiana The wise men represent the gathering his gift. So where is the beginning of our path over, minus the less enjoyable tra- tradition. In some Hispanic cul- of all humankind into the family of God. As to salvation? dition of opening the bills in Jan- tures, a baby Jesus is hidden inside the psalmist exclaims, “Lord every nation on Theophany & Epiphany uary and learning just how much the cake and whoever finds it is ob- earth will adore you” (Ps 72). The Jewish peo- Upon insistence, Jesus allows St. John the Santa cost. ligated to host a party on the Feast ple expected the Messiah to come. Even King Baptist to baptize him in the Jordan River, The word “Epiphany” is Greek of the Presentation, which is likely Herod, the Roman appointed “King of the the very same river Joshua led the Israelites and means “manifestation.” As more costly than buying a cake for Jews” during this period, was aware of the through as they reached the promised land such the Epiphany celebrates the your office mates next Friday. prophecy. However, he had to consult with (Jos 3:14-17). Jesus is far from need of baptism revelation of God in his son as hu- The Epiphany is often viewed as the experts of that day to help refresh his rec- of repentance for he is free from sin. “The bap- man in Jesus Christ. the official end of the festive season ollection of exactly where the new king would tism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and Early Christians began celebrat- but, of course, we south Louisiana- come from. “The wise men coming in order inauguration of his mission as God’s suffering ing the feast of the Epiphany in the ians know different. For us, Twelfth to pay homage to the king of the Jews shows SEE GOSPEL PAGE 13 4th century. According to St. Mat- Night is the official start of perhaps thew’s Gospel, the three Wise Man the most festive, if not rowdiest, followed the star of Bethlehem time of the year, that being Carni- across the desert, eventually meet- val. Mardi Gras balls are set to being the baby Jesus and the Holy gin in earnest, all with the promise Family. that parades cannot be far behind. thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator The three men, named Melchior, In the past, Twelfth Night was Capar and Balthazer, brought gifts also the unofficial start of the king Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager of gold, frankincense and myrrh, cake season but that has evolved Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Bonny Van Staff Writer all symbolic in their own right, during the past several years to the Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation with gold representing Jesus’ royal point where the delicacy has be- Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer standing, frankincense his divine come a pre-Christmas favorite. birth and myrrh his mortality. But the linking of Epiphany and 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, Although the Epiphany is Jan. 6, Carnival is another example of how Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must some Catholic churches celebrate our secular south Louisiana cul- reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- the day on the Sunday after Jan. ture has strong ties to our religious MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. 6, which is not an issue this year. beliefs. January 4, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 3

per towels as makeshift diapers “When people come in, we or rewash diapers, according to will not only feed them physical- the Lopez. ly, but spiritually as well,” said Suzanne Lopez said a federal Savoy. “People can come together assistance program covers the and drink coffee, have fun and cost of diapers, baby wipes and do life together. It doesn’t matter creams. where you are in your finances or “I dealt with a grandmother if you’re Catholic or not, it’s about raising a grandchild who said, ‘I coming together as community.” don’t know how I would make it “Everything about this is without the diaper bank’ and she down to earth,” said Cathy St. talked about how she survives Pierre of Paulina. “It’s going to day after day,” she said. bring people together for fellow- St. John Primary School in ship and faith.” Prairieville and St. Theresa Mid- “People are coming out of the dle School in Gonzales filled the woodwork so they can connect diaper pantry by collecting thou- with each other,” said Barbara sands of diapers and “too many Schexnayder, also of Paulina. wipes to count,” said Suzanne Parishioner Randy Tullier Lopez. said, “Hopefully we will get peo- The generosity spilling out of ple from the entire area. We don’t the café can change the hearts of cater to Catholics only, we cater those who enter there, she said. SEE ROSARY PAGE 20 Bishop Michael Duca blesses the new Full of Grace Café as well as the people attending the ceremony. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator Full of Grace Cafe offers coffee, hope

By Debbie Shelley as he visited them and blessed of the proceeds of the church’s La The Catholic Commentator their homes. He heard many ex- Fête des Bayous festival in 2017. pressing a hunger to better know On Dec. 1, parishioners and The newly opened Full of Jesus/God/Holy Spirit, so they people from the surrounding Grace Café at Holy Rosary could be in an intentional rela- community packed the church Church in St. Amant is a collec- tionship with him. for the vigil Mass, celebrated by RESTHAVEN tive dream of its parishioners Through a coordinated effort, Bishop Michael G. Duca, then GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME and pastor Father Josh Johnson small group Scripture studies walked next door for the bish- that is meeting the needs of the were formed, said parish admin- op’s blessing of the facility. They ® less fortunate and giving them istrator Jennifer Morales. also were able to tour the reno- We make it personal. hope for a better future. “The fruits of our small group vated building, which was chock for a better farewell The full name of the café is: Scripture studies have been an full with homey features as well 11817 Jefferson Highway “Full of Grace Café: Quenching awareness of our need to engage as supplies. There was a stocked 225-753-1440 God’s Thirst for Charity and Jus- and serve the poor,” Morales food pantry and diaper pantry, www.resthavenbatonrouge.com tice.” And the facility, indeed, is a said. soup kitchen, places for people story of grace for the church and The brainstorming and offer- to eat, a small group area where community, according to Father ing of gifts and talents by parish- people could enjoy a cup of coffee 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 Johnson. ioners snowballed into the idea and a pool table. There’s also an BOOK When he was appointed in of offering one-stop services and apartment for visiting religious 2017 he came into a parish still evangelization. and missionaries. reeling from the effects of the “The cool thing is that people Karen Savoy, director of Full SIGNING flood of 2016. Father Johnson are coming to the table collec- of Grace Café, said the parish Saturday January 19th slept in a room above the choir tively. Someone will say, ‘Hey I was overwhelmed by donations. 10am - 12pm loft, as the parish rectory had can do this,’ or ‘I can do that,’ ” “When God’s hands are in it, with author been extensively damaged and said Father Johnson. “We came there’s nothing you can’t do,” said Fr. Josh Johnson was about to be torn down. to the table so we can experience Savoy. at But soon the intercessory the gift of poverty.” Joshua Lopez, who will direct Catholic Art & Gifts prayers of cloistered nuns for In the spring, the Holy Rosa- the diaper pantry with his wife Holy Rosary parishioners and ry Pastoral and Finance councils Suzanne, had recently moved 6184 Florida Blvd. himself that Father Johnson unanimously passed a proposal to St. Amant from Kansas and Baton Rouge requested before coming to the submitted by parishioners that found working with Full of Grace (225) 926 - 1216 parish began their transforma- the flooded and abandoned rec- an opportunity to “plug in” to the www.zieglers.com Hours: M-F 9am-5pm; tive work. tory be converted into The Full of community. Sat. 9:30am-4:30pm It started with an idea to move Grace Café, said Morales. “Because of their poverty, the Refreshments served the parish’s food pantry, founded The cost of the renovations choice for parents is sometimes by Mrs. Ronie Tureau, closer to was $196,000 and the expens- between buying food and dia- All proceeds benefit Full of Grace Ministries the church. es were paid through insurance pers,” said Joshua Lopez. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Father Johnson prayed and funds, donations from other Parents will sometimes wrap in St. Amant, LA listened to parishioners’ stories Catholic churches and a portion plastic grocery bags around pa- 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL January 4, 2019 Church marred by allegations of abuse

WASHINGTON (CNS) – 2018 will no United States, who accused the Vatican licly releasing names of priests credibly the bishops’ annual fall assembly in Balti- doubt be remembered as a dark time for hierarchy and Pope Francis, in particular, accused of child sexual abuse, with most more Nov. 12-14 where protesters, includ- the U.S. Catholic Church. of being complicit in covering up accusa- allegations decades old. ing abuse victims, gathered outside. Catholics felt betrayed by church lead- tions against Archbishop McCarrick. Catholics across the country, many The meeting, which many hoped ers accused of sexual misconduct and Amid church turmoil over Archbishop of whom thought the church dealt with would be a decisive response to the cover-up revealed this summer and this McCarrick, the church was dealt another abuse 16 years ago after the Boston Globe abuse crisis, began with an announce- cloud still hung over the church at the blow in mid-August with the release of a highlighted the issue, expressed raw frus- ment by Cardinal DiNardo that the Vat- year’s end. Pennsylvania grand jury report covering tration and anger at listening sessions ican wanted the bishops to delay any In June, allegations were made against 70 years of abuse allegations in six of the throughout the summer and fall asking vote on new procedures in response then-Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, state’s Catholic dioceses, starting in 1947. church leaders what went wrong and how to clergy abuse until after a February retired archbishop of Washington, ac- The report detailed allegations of abuse the church could move forward. meeting with the pope and presidents cused of sexually abusing a minor almost by 300 clergy and other church work- Catholics also gathered in cathedrals of the bishops’ conferences around the 50 years ago and having sexual contact ers and involving 1,000 minors. It also and parishes across the country for heal- world focus on the issue. with seminarians while he was a bishop claimed a church cover-up of abuse in ing Masses said by bishops who have of- The Congregation for Bishops, which in New Jersey. some instances. ten prostrated themselves before the altar made the request, also said the delay was A month later, Pope Francis accepted The report particularly shined a spot- in a posture of repentance. Several bish- needed to better evaluate the bishops’ Archbishop McCarrick’s resignation from light on Washington Cardinal Donald W. ops individually issued statements on the proposals in light of canon law. the College of Cardinals and suspended Wuerl in reporting a mixed picture of how crisis and many urged Catholics to pray At the end of the meeting, Cardinal Di- him from public ministry, ordering him he handled some abuse cases when he was and fast for the church to find healing and Nardo said he was more hopeful than he to a “life of prayer and penance” until the Pittsburgh bishop from 1988 until 2006. restoration. was at the meeting’s start. accusations against him were examined Amid renewed calls for the cardinal to In mid-September, Cardinal Daniel N. “We leave this place committed to tak- in a canonical trial. resign, Cardinal Wuerl, who had submit- DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president ing the strongest possible actions at the The archbishop, who has denied the ted his resignation two years earlier after of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- earliest possible moment,” Cardinal Di- allegations, now lives in a Capuchin Fran- he turned 75, as required by canon law, ops, had a long-awaited private meeting Nardo said. “We will do so in communion ciscan friary in Victoria, Kansas. met with the pope about stepping down. with Pope Francis at the Vatican to dis- with the universal church.” Since these allegations came to light, Pope Francis accepted his resignation in cuss the growing sexual abuse crisis in He said the discussion throughout the Catholic laity and church leaders, includ- mid-October, while keeping the now-78- the United States. meeting provided direction and consen- ing bishops, have been asking who knew year-old prelate on as apostolic adminis- Between Aug. 1 and that Sept. 13 meet- sus and also would serve as a “spring- about the archbishop’s alleged miscon- trator for the Archdiocese of Washington ing, the cardinal issued five statements re- board for action.” duct and how was it possible for him to until a successor archbishop is named. sponding to various aspects of the sexual Since the Baltimore gathering, more move up the ranks in church leadership. Another result of the Pennsylvania abuse crisis and called for greater trans- dioceses have publicized list of priests Open letters to the pope asked him to grand jury report was that 13 states and parency and accountability in the church, accused of sexual abuse of minors. On investigate what happened and a fury of the District of Columbia announced their particularly on the part of the bishops. Dec. 6, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles speculation was fueled by unsubstantiat- own investigations into church records. Abuse was a major focus of the bishops’ released an updated list that included two ed allegations made by Archbishop Carlo Several dioceses, including the Archdi- June meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. cases of alleged abuse of current minors Maria Vigano, former papal nuncio to the coese of New Orleans, also started pub- The issue also was front and center at in the archdiocese since 2008.

Attend our Presentations and Join our 2019 Group Departures! Cathedral music director dies January 9, 2:00 & 6:30 p.m. From staff reports home. Insight Vacations, Escorted Groups “The challenge is to make your • Sicily In Depth 8 days September 27 Robbie Giroir, 60, longtime musi- life interesting. It’s just natural that I • American West-Canyon Lands October 6 cal director at St. Joseph Cathedral gravitate to interesting objects.” in Baton Rouge, died Dec. 23 after Giroir is survived by his moth- • New York, Niagara Falls, & Amish Country October 5 fighting an acute illness. er Myrtis Leblanc Giroir, sister and January 15, 2:00 p.m. Giroir served for more than 30 brother-in-law, Danette and Ronald Rocky Mountaineer/Regent Cruise Lines years as the musical director at St. Legendre and nephews with their • Luxury Rail/Alaska/Canada Joseph Cathedral and also taught at wives and children, Ladd, Abby and Baton Rouge Magnet High School Landon Legendre and Brant, Brit- Luxury all inclusive Small Ship Cruising for 35 years. Robbie Giroir tney and Harper Jane Legendre. He January 16, 2:00 p.m. Besides being a musician and is preceded in death by his father, Collette Vacations Escorted Tours teacher, he was also a pilot and collector extraor- Robert “Bobby” Anthony Giroir, Sr. dinaire, and his home, with an interesting mix of His musical studies began at an early age, and • Alpine Lake & Scenic Train Aug. 19 whimsical memorabilia and valuable, one-of-a- after earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Educa- • National Parks of America September 23 kind collectables, was a thumbprint of his life. tion Degree from LSU, he became the organist and • Shrines of Italy September 24 Giroir’s home was filled with musical instru- the Director of Music at St. Joseph Cathedral, Ba- January 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ments, clocks, vintage fans, motorbikes, model ton Rouge as well as Director of Choral Studies at trains, toy fire trucks, bicycles, fire hats, luxury car Baton Rouge Magnet High School. In the past 15 Norwegian Cruise Lines grills and Christmas figurines. years, choirs under his direction have performed • 7 Day Hawaii Cruise Group May 25, 2019 The constant ticking of clocks filled the house, in England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, The Czech Repub- • Cruise Hawaii, the Caribbean, Alaska or Europe on NCL interrupted occasionally by chimes or the call of a lic, Vienna, Prague, Germany, Belgium, The Neth- RSVP cuckoo bird from Giroir’s collection of clocks from erlands and France. In 2013, The Festival Singers For more information contact Tootie. Austria. It makes the house “alive,” he once said of Baton Rouge Magnet High School performed in during an interview with The Catholic Commenta- front of an invited audience at the Vatican for Pope Pearson’s Travel World tor in January 2014. Benedict XVI. 7949 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge • 225-926-3752 “Your house has to be a reflection of you,” Giroir Former students have gone on to pursue said. “You have to let your pulse be evident in your SEE GIROIR PAGE 6 January 4, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 5

Immigration battles continue Bishop Michael G. Duca’s Sacrament of Confirmation 2019 WINTER SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 18 7:00 PM Immaculate Conception, as 2018 comes to an end Denham Springs Monday, Jan. 21 7:00 PM St. Theresa of Avila, Gonzales By Rhina Guidos between May and June of 2018 as part of Catholic News Service a new policy to deter border crossings and Tuesday, Jan. 22 7:00 PM St. Mark, Gonzales then later rescinded the policy, the U.S. Thursday, Jan. 24 7:00 PM St. John the Baptist, Brusly WASHINGTON – The year may be Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migra- coming to an end but the battles on the tion and Refugee Services, Catholic Char- Saturday, Jan. 26 4:00 PM Ascension/St. Francis/Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Ascension/Donaldsonville immigration front promise to continue ities USA and a network of other Catholic well into 2019 and beyond. agencies from around the country quickly Tuesday, Jan. 29 7:00 PM Most Blessed Sacrament, Baton Rouge “On immigration, there is no rest for mobilized to help reunite those who were Thursday, Jan. 31 7:00 PM Our Lady of Mercy, Baton Rouge the weary with this administration,” said separated. Kevin Appleby, senior director of interna- They provided short-term care, such as Sunday, Feb. 3 6:00 PM St. Stephen/St. Joseph, Maurepas tional migration policy at the Center for food and shelter, transportation for some, Monday, Feb. 4 7:00 PM St. Mary of False River/St. Augustine, Migration Studies in New York. and served as locales to bring the families St. Mary, New Roads By far, the most dramatic immigration together again. Tuesday, Feb. 5 6:30 PM St. Joseph, Paulina development of 2018 took place around With the influx of Central American summer when then-U.S. Attorney Gener- migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border seek- Wednesday, Feb. 6 6:30 PM St. Michael/Sacred Heart, Gramercy al Jeff Sessions announced a new policy ing to flee violence in countries such as Thursday, Feb. 7 7:00 PM Immaculate Conception, Lakeland that resulted in separating children from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, parents or other family members travel- places such as the Catholic Charities of Tuesday, Feb. 12 7:00 PM St. James/St. Philip/Our Lady of Peace, ing with them and then placing the mi- the Rio Grande Valley’s Humanitarian St. Philip, Vacherie nors in detention centers. Respite Center in McAllen, Texas, An- Thursday, Feb. 14 7:00 PM St. John the Evangelist, Plaquemine But that policy was just one in a long nunciation House in the El Paso/Juarez Saturday, Feb. 16 4:00 PM St. Patrick, Baton Rouge list of what some see as attacks against and border region, and other temporary refugees, asylum seekers and other im- shelters run by the Diocese of El Paso, Tuesday, Feb. 19 7:00 PM St. Joseph/Immaculate Heart/ migrants looking to make the U.S. their have been on the front lines of providing St. Frances, Maringouin home. the basics, from food to clothes and tem- Sunday, Feb. 24 11:00 AM Sacred Heart, Baton Rouge In 2018, the Trump administration an- porary shelter, to the incoming crowds of nounced that the country plans to allow migrants. no more than 30,000 refugees into the Many of those places have seen Cath- U.S. during fiscal year 2019 – a record low. olic volunteers such as Margie Legowski It also announced a new policy requiring come through their doors to help. people entering the country without doc- Legowski, a parishioner from Holy Coming January 18, 2019 uments to present themselves formally Trinity Catholic Church in Washington’s at official ports of entry as a condition to Georgetown neighborhood, traveled to qualify for asylum – a move that has trig- the McAllen, Texas, area during Thanks- gered long waits, deterring most migrants giving, to help the migrants at the Hu- from touching U.S. soil where they can file manitarian Respite Center. an asylum claim. The center had “a huge influx of peo- Most recently, •Tthehe administrationmost current schedulesple,” she forsaid, the sick churches and exhausted in the from spoke of a proposal to Diocese deny permanent of Baton Rouge.the trek, but also frustrated and sad at the residency to legal immigrants who have rigorous process of asylum whose rules used public assistance, often referred to the Trump administration was seeking to as the “public charge” rule. And around change at the time. Thanksgiving, it authorized• Lists theMasses use ofboth alphabetically“I saw such sadness, by towns patience and by and al- tear gas into a crowd• Lists that t Spanishimeincluded of day and chil -signedmost Masses giving forup,” Hearingshe told Catholic News dren at the border nearImpaired the U.S. andMasses. Mex- Service. ico, near Tijuana. There is concern for the human toll of CatholiC SChoolS Week “No doubt the president will send a the policies, she said, especially because tweet about (immigration) on Christmas, the U.S. government can use its great re- sort of like Scrooge before the ghosts ap- sources, including physicians and even 2019 pear,” said Appleby. “There are a wide the National Guard, to provide assistance range of immigration battles raging, such to the migrants and not to use its resourc- Of special interest to parents, The Catholic Schools Week section as asylum-seekers at our border, funding es to antagonize them. will feature information about the Catholic schools in the Diocese for a border wall, and the issue of public “It’s in no one’s best interest” to do so, of Baton Rouge, current registration for the next school year, charge, to name a few. Immigrant-rights Legowski said. distinguished graduates and more. advocates will have to remain alert At the national level, bishops have through the holidays when the adminis- voiced their support for migrants and tration may announce more punitive poli- their right to seek refuge. In July, in a Deadline for this section is January 7, 2019. cies when no one is paying attention.” highly publicized visit, top leadership Throughout the changes and an- from the USCCB traveled to the border re- Call Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 nouncements, the Catholic Church, its or- gion of McAllen and Brownsville in Texas ganizations and members have remained to personally meet with some of them, or email [email protected]. vigilant and active in denouncing some mothers and fathers, at a Catholic-run of the policies while also tending to those temporary shelter. The visit also includ- THE CATHOLIC they have affected. ed a stop at a government detention cen- When the Trump administration sepa- ter for minors who had been separated, a rated approximately 2,300 children from converted Wal-Mart, where the bishops C their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border celebrated Mass. 6 The Catholic Commentator January 4, 2019 Become Catholic to marry?/ Luminous mysteries I was browsing the family’s church or in the sacrament of confession. (Indiana) internet today, ran groom’s Catholic parish. I have sometimes counseled couples The mysteries of light or the “lu- Qacross your column More often, marriag- to separate the decision to marry from minous mysteries” were proposed and have a question. I am es are celebrated in the a decision to change denominations or Aby Pope John Paul II in 2002 in his in a long-term relationship church of the bride; if you religions to make sure that these are apostolic letter “Rosarium Virginis Mari- with my partner, and we decide on that option (the independent choices. ae.” The reason these mysteries were added are planning on getting born-again Christian set- Finally, though, your question makes was exactly as you indicate: The rosary as married next year. But we ting), you and your partner me a little bit nervous. I don’t like that it traditionally evolved with the joyful, sor- are having some conflict would simply have to meet your husband-to-be seems to be pres- rowful and glorious mysteries was silent as to where (i.e., in what with a priest prior to the suring you to become Catholic. I would about the public ministry of Jesus. church) we are going to wedding and fill out some recommend that, prior to any wedding, The luminous mysteries are enu- celebrate our wedding. short paperwork to have you should sort out the “communications merated as follows: Christ’s baptism My family are all the marriage recognized by problems” with a marriage counselor in the Jordan, the miracle at Cana, the born-again Christians and the Catholic Church. preferably one who can appreciate the proclamation of the kingdom of God, actively participate in many Question Corner The issue of joining the importance of religious values. the transfiguration, the institution of the church activities and min- Catholic Church is more Eucharist. True, the pope did suggest that istries. My partner, though, Father Kenneth Doyle difficult. You should not be- I love meditating on the luminous the faithful might use these new mysteries is a devout Roman Catholic come Catholic just because mysteries when I pray the rosary, when praying the rosary on Thursdays. and wants me to become a Catholic. I your spouse-to-be wants you to or simply Qand I am thankful that Pope John But if it seems more helpful to you, and am having a hard time deciding and it is to “make things nice” for the wedding. Paul II established them. The joyful mys- more logical, to pray these mysteries causing communications problems in our You should only become a Catholic if you teries highlight Jesus’ early life, while the instead on Tuesdays, by all means do that relationship. believe in the fundamental truths taught sorrowful mysteries focus on his suffering – and I believe that you would have John (My parents would never accept the by the Catholic Church. and death. The luminous mysteries high- Paul’s backing. fact that I could change my religion.) I choose to be a Catholic because I feel light the “in-between time” Christ’s public In proposing the new schedule, he said: Please help me because I am confused. that the Catholic Church has a continu- ministry as an adult which I have always “This indication is not intended to limit a (City of origin withheld) ous and unbroken relationship with the felt was missing in the rosary. rightful freedom in personal and com- Your question presents several dis- faith community that Jesus established My question is this: Would it not be munity prayer, where account needs to be tinct issues, so I’ll take them one by I see the logic of a central authority on more logical to pray the luminous myster- taken of spiritual and pastoral needs. ... Aone. On the location of the wedding doctrinal matters and I prefer to be ies on Tuesdays (in between the joyful and What is really important is that the rosary ceremony, that’s the easy part. You can strengthened by the frequent celebration the sorrowful) instead of pushing them to should always be seen and experienced as have the ceremony either in your own of the Eucharist and the availability of the Thursdays after the glorious mysteries? a path of contemplation” (No. 38).

Simplifying your Life with GIROIR  quired two additional pipe organs. Music From page 4 under his directorship has inspired and uplifted thousands of people who came to Heaven in Mind Seminar advanced degrees in every academic dis- know the cathedral as a place of resplen- cipline. Some now hold prestigious posi- dent and majestic liturgical sound, unique Given by Jeff Cavins Catholic tions as college professors, professional to his style and artistic ministry. Evangelist, Author, Biblical Speaker, musicians and educators, and Broadway A funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph actors. Cathedral on Dec. 27. Pallbearers were National and International Public As Director of Music and the organist Ronald Legendre, Ladd Legendre, Brant Speaker, and founding member of at St. Joseph Cathedral, he built a unique Legendre, Landon Legendre, Dr. Hypolite EWTN, host and guide of interna- and hallowed brand of church music be- Landry, Keith Bonnette, and Ken Theven- tional pilgrimages to holy sites. loved by cathedral parishioners, visitors, et. and a vast number of viewers who tuned In lieu of flowers, please send donations in via television. The cathedral organ, to Baton Rouge Magnet High School Cho- Saturday, February 9, 2019 which was built in 1993, was a tremendous ral Department 2825 Government Street, Finding the time to focus on eternal priorities is becoming increasingly source of pride for him and a result of a Baton Rouge LA 70806 or St. Joseph Ca- more difficult. Life is getting busier, more complicated, and certainly more tireless effort to see a dream come true. thedral 412 North Street, Baton Rouge LA cluttered. In this seminar, Jeff Cavins will talk about the advantages of During his time there, the cathedral ac- 70802. living a simpler life and how to address the real root problems that keep us busy but not eternally fruitful. Get ready to re-orient your life and simplify with heaven in mind. This seminar will be practical and liberating. Registration 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. Hot-off the Press Seminar 8:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. $60 includes Continental Breakfast & Lunch Furnished by Tony’s Seafood & Delivered to You. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited Call today to reserve your spot at 225-752-8480 or For only $14 per year, receive online at www.cypressspringsprayercenter.org The Catholic Commentator The Chapel of Divine Providence at your home or office. Cypress Springs Mercedarian Prayer Center “Opening the Door to Christ,” Sister Dulce Maria TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 225-387-0983. 17560 George O’Neal Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 January 4, 2019 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Noted actor sees God’s hand in latest role By Richard Meek ing about this, I feel like it has to cess,” Coleman said. “If it becomes routine, it is no important role would have on The Catholic Commentator be told.” Yet, Coleman’s success is a longer (Father Tolton) telling the his own spiritual life. His faith Coleman, a devout Christian story that was never written. story; it’s me selling the story. As has deepened, he said, because Moments before taking the whose commitment to his faith After deciding to retire from long as he is telling the story I’m he feels the presence of Father stage, a familiar feeling of ner- flows through his words, says acting to spend more time with with him.” Tolton. vousness that often morphed he prays before each show, not his family and to travel with his Coleman said he was unaware “I truly believe God’s hand led into anxiety engulfed Jim Cole- only to God but to Father Tolton. wife, Coleman received a phone of the impact playing such an me to this,” he said. man. He says he asks Father Tolton to call from a close friend and for- He immediately dialed in his “take the wheel. Allow me just to mer producer. The friend told checklist, including breathing be a vessel and paint the picture him, “God laid it on my heart exercises or in the to talk to you about most dire of cir- this role. It’s Father cumstances, a call Tolton. I think you to his wife that would be perfect for would likely con- the part.” clude with both en- After Coleman gaged in prayer. dismissed the idea, Call Blocker Tree and Landscape today! For a seasoned his former producer Fully Licensed and Insured • Free Estimates actor of three de- simply asked him as a Licensed Arborist #17-2227 • Licensed Irrigation #17-0691 cades, such feel- favor to audition. He Owners Trey Blocker and Brant Fox ings are surprising. did, via Skype, with After all, this is a Leonard and Patti thespian with an Deflippis, who are extensive resume the founders of St. Buon Anno! from the Saia’s and Cedotal’s that includes live Luke Productions, a theatre, 50 televi- Catholic theater com- sion commercials, pany that tours na- recurring roles in tionally. the eponymous Although they Jim Coleman captured Father August Tolton’s love for the Law & Order series were looking for a Eucharist on his journey to becoming the first Afri- and several roles in Catholic, the couple can-American priest in America during the production, major movies. told Coleman they “Tolton: From Slave to Priest.” Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic But Coleman were impressed with Commentator understands his his work and his own current role is be- Christian faith was Anthony s Italian Deli yond entertainment, beyond so people can see your story.” not a deal breaker. But several ’ 5575 GOVERNMENT ST., JUST WEST OF JEFFERSON HWY. any script he has previously During the performance months later, he received word PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! 225-272-6817 OPEN MON.-SAT. 9:30 - 6:00 PM undertaken. For the past year, where he interacts with the au- that someone else would be play- Coleman has been portraying dience there are times Coleman ing the role. Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN DELI Since 1978 Father John Tolton, a childhood admits he is so connected to Fa- In December 2017, he re- slave who would go on to study ther Tolton that he experiences ceived a second call from the De- in Rome and become the first Af- overwhelming sadness because filippis saying the original actor rican-American ordained priest. it was a time of sadness in the had backed out and asked if he Coleman recently brought the priest’s life. He says he can actu- would be interested. Coleman For when one-man play to the Catholic Life ally feel the hurt and pain, and said his wife, after considerable Center, shortly after performing admitted those experiences can prayer involving both of them, you get in New Orleans and days before be “frightening” because even told him he should take the part. moving on to a pair of two-night though he takes all of his roles The scenario, as it played out, engagements in Lafayette and seriously he remains an actor. came as no surprise to Coleman’s buffalo’d. Lake Charles. “It surprises me and that is mother-in-law who predicted “This is the most important one of the things I love about her son-in-law would eventually role I’ve ever had,” said Coleman, doing the show now,” Coleman play the part, telling him “this is the father of six grown children said. “I feel like every time I do your show. I know you are sup- and grandfather of 10, and who the show it’s new.” posed to be doing this.” Joe Skibinski, Agent 1953 Perkins Rd We’ve got an agent for that. lives with his wife in Orlando, “I don’t want it to be a routine; And when he told her he got Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Sometimes you just never know Florida. “Even though I’ve done I don’t want it to be just another the part? “She said ‘I know you Bus: 225-387-0201 Toll Free: 888-387-0201 what’s going to cross your path. this since January, every time I thing I walk out and do,” he add- are doing the show. You didn’t Just know I have your back. get ready to walk out there, I’m ed. “I need the anxiety, I need have to tell me.’ ” So when accidents happen, nervous, worried. I want the sto- that nervousness. Coleman said he originally you have a real person who ry to be so clear that when people “I know that I am speaking signed on for six months but 80- can get the job done right, and leave they can say ‘I saw it.’ about God.” plus performances later, he is as right away. “This is me, the audience will Although the story is focused nervous, as passionate, as com- Like a good neighbor, receive what I give them. There on how an African-African boy mitted to the show, which is a State Farm is there.® is no take two. It has to be right, rose from a southern planta- grass roots operation. He said he CALL ME TODAY. and it has to be true.” tion to a pioneer in the Catholic will continue to perform as long “I feel in telling this story, it’s Church, Coleman said it is more as the passion is there. not me telling it but it’s Father about the American dream. “I will stay until it becomes Tolton telling his story because “This is what we all want: to routine, until I no longer feel this it’s a story that needs to be told,” love something so much you go is a ministry,” he said. “It has to he added. “For me, an Afri- through the obstacles and you be a ministry, I have to evange- 1101160.2 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL can-American and never hear- achieve it. And become a suc- lize. 8 The Catholic Commentator | January 4, 2019 January 4, 2019 | The Catholic Commentator 9 Lighting the Way

Sacred Heart of Jesus School | Baton Rouge St. Michael the Archangel High School | Baton Rouge

St. Joseph’s Academy/Catholic High School | Baton Rouge

Catholic Elementary of Pointe Coupee | New Roads

Holy Ghost School | Hammond Our Lady of Mercy School | Baton Rouge Holy Family School | Port Allen

Mater Dolorosa School | Independence St. Aloysius School | Baton Rouge St. Alphonsus School | Greenwell Springs 10 The Catholic Commentator January 4, 2019

MUSICAL NOTES – Three students in advanced band under the direction of Dr. Kevin Andry at St. Jean Vianney School in Baton TIME FOR RECESS! – Father Reuben Dykes, pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence, gets to Rouge were awarded seats in the All District Band held on Dec. know students during his first weeks as pastor. Photo provided by Erin Mendez | Mater Dolorosa School 8. Callie Suadi, left, was awarded first alternate in the concert band. Ethan Johansen, center, was awarded 8th chair trumpet in the Symphonic Band. Antonio Barraza was awarded 2nd chair GREETINGS – Students alto sax in the Symphonic Band. Photo provided by Abby King | St. Jean Vian- at St. Aloysius School ney School in Baton Rouge create cards for the American Red Cross’ ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’ cam-

paign. Students created more than 1,200 First Communion cards. Photo provided by Edie Boudreaux | St. Aloysius Dresses School

Learn More & Register here: https://goo.gl/AnrgbL WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS OF YOUTH GRADES 6 – 8 Would you like to understand your pre-teen/teen better? Be able to talk to him/her about tough issues?

Saturday, January 5, 2019 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Catholic Life Center APP COMPETITION – Students from Catholic High School in Ba- $45.00 includes Lunch ton Rouge placed first, third and an honorable mention in the 2018 Congressional App Challenge competition. Mack Kemper, a Brian Butler, Presenter senior, and Christian Thompson, a sophomore, placed first with a school safety application, UniteSMS, which could be used in an emergency to allow teachers and students to verify they are physically safe. Juniors Jeremy Worley and Mateo Rosas took third place, creating a charitable donation application to run on cell phone platforms. Receiving an honorable mention were juniors Josh Harold and Jefferson Koonce for their application that creates a secure password manager. CHS 1990 graduate Con- gressman Garret Graves (R-Baton Rouge) visited Catholic High on Dec. 3 to present the students with their awards. Photo provided by Richard Beaugh | Catholic High School

Find us and Like us on TheCatholicCommentator January 4, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 11

1234 56789 110 12131 Motion Picture Association of America ratings: MOVIE G – General audiences; all ages admitted 14 15 16 PG – Parental guidance suggested; some material 17 18 19 REVIEWS may not be suitable for children USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classifications: PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned to give 20 21 22 A-I – General patronage special guidance for attendance of children under 243 2 265 2 A-II – Adults and adolescents 13; some material may be inappropriate for young children A-III – Adults 27 2289 A-IV – Adults, with reservations R – Restricted; under 17 requires accompanying par- L – Limited adult audience ent or adult guardian 310 323 343 3 365 3 NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive 37 38 39

40 41 42 Aquaman peril, brief, extremely mild risque humor. A-I; Warner Bros. PG 443 4 45 A sprawling, lush spectacle, this DC Comics 46 487 494 adaptation is also overlong, overcomplicated Second Act and, at times, just plain dumb. After washing STX 510 5 52 543 5 up on shore wounded, the queen of Atlantis Appealing workplace comedy posits that 55 576 5 58 (Nicole Kidman) is nursed back to health by a street smarts should rate at least as highly as lighthouse keeper (Temuera Morrison) whom an educational pedigree. Director Peter Segal 59 60 61 she weds and with whom she has a son before and screenwriters Justin Zackham and Elaine 62 63 64 being forced to return underwater to the ar- Goldsmith-Thomas have turned the plucky old www.wordgamesforcatholics.com ranged marriage she was trying to flee in the formula sideways, with the result that their first place. Once grown (Jason Momoa), the heroine (Jennifer Lopez) is not facing preda- ACROSS DOWN 1 Gold, frankincense or myrrh 1 Exodus pest couple’s superhero offspring reluctantly gets tions such as sexual harassment or a phalanx 5 New ones were taken at Confirma- 2 Grecian architectural style mixed up in the politics of his mother’s king- of poisonous, scheming co-workers, but rather tion 3 Imagination dom where the realm’s vizier (Willem Dafoe) dealing with crises rooted in self-confidence 10 Parisian heaven 4 Start of many a book and a spunky princess (Amber Heard) are and her difficult past. After her social media- 14 Ark builder 5 ___ Creed 15 Greek epic poem 6 “It is not good for man to be ___.” trying to stop its current sovereign (Patrick whiz godson (Dalton Harrod), unbeknownst to 16 Poker stake (Gen 2:18) Wilson), the protagonist’s half-brother, from her, creates a largely imaginary new resume 17 St. ___ de Beaupre 7 Temperate launching a war against the entire human race. for her, including a Harvard degree and a stint 18 Young horses 8 “When we ___ this bread…” 19 Ostrich-like bird 9 60’s demonstrators While director James Wan’s film showcases in the Peace Corps, she’s hired by a Manhat- 20 Muscle spasm 10 Elijah battled the prophets of Baal long-term marital fidelity and elevates mercy tan cosmetics firm (headed by Treat Williams) 21 “…at the name of Jesus every knee here over vengeance while also deploring the rav- where she gets into a rivalry with a fellow ex- should ___…” (Phil 2:10) 11 Lived in 22 Gather 12 Soissons seasons ages of marine pollution, the dialogue in David ecutive (Vanessa Hudgens) who is also the 23 Simon of ___ 13 Meadows Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall’s boss’ daughter. Deceptions pile up, as the plot 25 Biblical spy 21 Angelus call screenplay is sometimes so obvious view- formula dictates, until everyone finds ways to 27 Cheer for Manolete 22 Partner to alack ers can finish characters’ sentences for them. reveal their own truths, gain emotional release 28 Sloping letter 24 ___ to Emmaus 30 First bishop of Canada 25 About Though some unnamed set of gods are fleet- and make their lives better. Possibly accept- 33 Funeral fires 26 Suit to ___ ingly mentioned, it’s the occasional salty talk able for mature adolescents. References to sex- 35 OT historical book 29 “…thy kingdom ___” that may give the parents of teens pause. Possi- ual activity and an out-of-wedlock birth, some 37 David asked Saul if he pursued a 30 Joseph Smith’s denom. “___ dog” (1 Sam 24:14) 31 Gnostic being bly acceptable for older adolescents. Constant crude language. A-III; PG-13 38 ___ be with you 32 February saint harsh but mostly bloodless violence, compelled 39 Glace or tasse starter 33 Purloined fruit in Augustine’s Con- bigamy, a couple of mild oaths, about a dozen Bumblebee 40 Scale note fessions Paramount 41 Blow on the cheek delivered by the 34 Bark crude and crass terms. A-III; PG-13 bishop at Confirmation 36 Direct Above-average installment in the sci-fi ac- 42 Worn-out 38 Member of the long grey line Mary Poppins Returns tion “Transformers” franchise, set in 1987, 43 “___ My God to Thee” 39 Second word in the name of a Disney charts the friendship between the shape- 45 Benedictine title French basilica 46 Deadens 41 The Blue ___ of Mary Delightful sequel to the 1964 classic finds shifting alien robot-auto of the title, a yellow 47 He became an Egyptian bigwig 42 California diocese named for Saint the omnicompetent nanny of the title (Emily Volkswagen Beetle when in car form, and a 50 Scapegoat Joseph (with “San”) Blunt) swooping into Depression-era London vulnerable but plucky teen (Hailee Steinfeld). 52 Bad habit 44 Someone from down under 53 “___ the Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:14) 45 Occupation of Luke, the Evangelist to help the now-grown brother (Ben Whishaw) Still mourning her deceased father, whose 55 Parisian friends 47 One who favors warlike policies and sister (Emily Mortimer) she tended as chil- mechanical skills she inherited, she finds 56 Sing like a monk 48 Michelangelo’s statue in the Vatican dren face a family crisis. He’s a recent widower solace in her bond with her newfound amigo 58 Prefix with watt 49 She ran away from Sarai whose three children (Pixie Davies, Nathanael whom she protects from hostile humans (most 59 Wife of a rajah 50 Constituent 60 Pedro’s pal 51 Indian nursemaid Saleh and Joel Dawson) need more methodical prominently John Cena as a secret govern- 61 “O, ___ of wonder…” 52 Futile, with “in” care than that provided by their well-meaning ment agent), though she can’t shield him from 62 “…the Lord is with ___.” 54 Mother of Jesus but overtaxed housekeeper (Julie Walters) the threat posed by visitors from outer space. 63 Giver 56 Vulgar man 64 Actor and convert Cooper 57 Med. Plan while she will require a nudge to end up in the Gadgetry and the brawling of outsized extra- 58 NYC sports venue arms of the local lamplighter (Lin-Manuel Mi- terrestrials continue to be the hallmarks of the Solution on page 18 randa), as she’s clearly destined to do. There’s series, despite an overlay of Eighties nostalgia also a financial threat looming over the house- and soft sentiments, including an innocent ro- hold since a seemingly friendly banker (Colin mance between the heroine and her love-smit- Firth) is actually scheming to foreclose on the ten next-door neighbor (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.). Tree Service mortgage. Sprightly set-piece musical num- Working from a script by Christina Hodson, Mr. D’s bers, the main character’s engaging blend of director Travis Knight revisits familiar themes ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE common sense and whimsical magic, and brief of alienated, isolated youth and the tendency Don Decell, owner but thoroughly entertaining turns by Meryl to fear what we fail to understand. Possibly ac- carl BaBin, owner Streep, Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke ceptable for older teens. Much stylized violence • Economical make director Rob Marshall’s loose adaptation with slight gore, at least one use of profanity, • Fully Insured • Quality Work of material from books by P.L. Travers a first- about a half-dozen milder oaths, a sexual ref- CALL TODAY! class treat for all but the youngest and most erence, a couple of crude and a few crass terms. skittish members of the family. Characters in A-III; PG-13 225-292-6756 12 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT January 4, 2019 Who really were those Magi?

he Gospel of St. Mark begins with disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the escape Herod’s massacre is part of the original historical Jesus being baptized by St. John name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the truth.” That he went to Egypt with his family is not so Tthe Baptist as a grown man who Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that certain. St. Matthew could have been thinking of Hosea will soon begin his own ministry. St. I have commanded you. And behold, I am 11:1, “When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt John begins with Jesus as God’s divine with you always, until the end of the age.” I called my son.” St. Matthew’s Gospel is aimed at the word through whom he creates the uni- These themes of Christ being God’s final conversion of Jewish readers. They would have made verse. It is this word who becomes man gift of salvation for all humankind, not just the association. They were used to midrashic interpreta- and lives among us having the “glory of the Jews, and his continuing presence with tions of Scripture. St. Matthew wanted his readers to see the Father’s only Son.” Again there is us through his Spirit until the end of time are Jesus as the true Israel, the bearer of universal salvation. no description of Jesus’ birth or youth. constant throughout St. Matthew’s Gospel. Our more modern Scripture scholars have tended Only St. Matthew and St. Luke begin At the beginning of the infancy account, to be more skeptical than Danielou. The most highly their Gospels with infancy narratives. when the angel appears to St. Joseph in a regarded of them, an American, Raymond Brown, did Their narratives, however, focus on dif- dream to assure him that Mary is pregnant not accept the historical existence of the Magi. He noted ferent characters beyond Joseph, Mary through an act of God’s Spirit, he says, “She in his famous 1977 work, “The Birth of the Messiah,” and the baby Jesus. In St. Luke’s Gospel, Another will bear a son and you are to name him there is no indication of some kind of family tradition it is shepherds, sent by angels, who find Jesus, because he will save his people from that came from Joseph and/or Mary. He points out that the Holy Family in a stable. Jesus has Perspective their sins.” Then St. Matthew adds, “All this the two evangelists, St. Matthew and St. Luke, contradict just been born and laid in a manger. This took place to fulfill what the Lord had said each other in crucial points. At the annunciation scene, is the infancy story that we celebrate at Father John Carville through the prophet, ‘Behold, the virgin shall the angel in St. Matthew’s Gospel, speaks only to St. Christmas. In St. Matthew’s Gospel, the be with child and bear a son, and they shall Joseph; in St. Luke he speaks only to Mary. The visitors visitors who come looking for the baby Jesus are Magi, call him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us’ ” (Mt in St. Matthew are Magi, while in St. Luke they are shep- astrologers from the East, possibly Iran or Iraq on to- I: 21-23, Is 7:14). herds. Brown concluded that St. Matthew and St. Luke day’s maps. St. Matthew doesn’t say exactly where they The Magi story is what Scripture scholars call a used different traditions but for the same purpose: “to find the Holy Family, but he uses their story to make midrash, a story often referring back to prophesies and make Jesus’ origins intelligible against the background several important points about Jesus’ true identity and helping to illustrate future biblical events. For instance, of the fulfillment of OT expectations” (p. 37). They were his mission as our Lord and savior. It is this Epiphany Psalm 72 speaks of a king’s son who will “defend the trying to supply a transition from the Old Testament to or manifestation of the baby Jesus that we celebrate this afflicted among the people, save the children of the poor the Gospel. coming weekend. ... The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts ... Historical or not in their origins, the Gospel Nativity St. Matthew begins his Gospel with the story of the all nations shall serve him ... May he be given the gold of stories have, through the centuries, moved the hearts, Magi to give us a preview of God’s plan for our salvation Arabia ... In him all the tribes of the earth be blessed.” prayers and imaginations of Christian faithful. While through sending his son to save the lives of all human- Do you recognize this in St Matthew’s infancy story? they are unnamed in St. Matthew’s Gospel, the Magi ity. The Holy Family with their baby are the fulfillment So, are the Magi just a story, or could they be an actu- have acquired names: Gaspar, Melchior and Baltha- of promises made throughout the Old Testament from al event that happened.? Writing in 1968, a well-known zar. Although the Gospel does not tell us their mode of Genesis through the prophets, Isaiah, Micah, Hosea and biblical scholar, Jean Danielou, argued that the Magi transportation, we have supplied them with ships of the Zechariah. For instance, Isaiah prophesies “Behold my were an amplification of what was known to be historical desert camels. And on my mantelpiece above my fire- servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom fact. The amplification would be the importance given place I have a small chest brought by friends from Yemen my soul is well pleased. I will put my spirit upon him, to St. Joseph’s dreams and the story of the star. How- containing gold, frankincense and myrrh. and he shall proclaim justice to the gentiles ... he will ever, he thought that the story of Herod was true. The May the gift of Christmas and its savior child be with not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick, historians of the time painted him as unusually cruel you throughout the New Year. till he brings justice to victory: and in his name will the and totally paranoid. He had his wife and three sons ex- gentiles hope” (12: 18-21, RSV). The Magi in St. Mat- ecuted. And all that Herod did in the Gospel story took FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese of Baton thew’s infancy account represent the gentiles. At the end place in the last year of his life. His mental condition Rouge and writes on current topics for The Catholic of his Gospel, St. Matthew records the risen Christ’s final could have been deteriorating rapidly. Therefore Dan- Commentator. He can be reached at johnnycarville@ commission to his disciples, “Go therefore and make ielou concludes, “That Joseph fled from Bethlehem to gmail.com.

| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Letters to the Editor Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese.

Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited to 350 words and should Jan. 10 Rev. C. Todd Lloyd Jan. 17 Rev. Edwin J. Martin contain the name and address of the writer, though the address will not Dcn. P. Chauvin Wilkinson Jr. Dcn. William B. Blair Jr. be printed. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Br. Dwight Kenney SC Sr. M. Celian MC Jan. 11 Rev. Matthew P. Lorrain Jan. 18 Rev. Gerard R. Martin Editor, The Catholic Commentator, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821- Dcn. Alfred Adams Sr. Dcn. Daniel Borné 3316, or to [email protected]. Sr. Lan Thuy Buin ICM Br. Malcolm Melcher Jan. 12 Rev. Donald MacKinnon CSsR Jan. 19 Rev. Patrick J. Mascarella Dcn. Michael A. Agnello Dcn. Claude H. Bourgeois Jr. Br. Clifford King SC Sr. M. Christa MC Jan. 13 Rev. P. Brent Maher Jan. 20 Rev. Matthew E. McCaughey Mission Statement Dcn. Frank E. Bains Dcn. Jerry W. Braud Sr. Helen Cahill FMOL Br. Paul Montero SC The mission of The Catholic Commentator is to provide news, information Jan. 14 Rev. Cayet N. Mangiaracina OP Jan. 21 Rev. Paul A. McDuffie and commentary to the people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Catholics Dcn. Thomas D. Benoit Dcn. Stephen G. Brunet and their neighbors alike. In doing so, The Catholic Commentator strives to Br. Noel Lemmon SC Sr. Judith Couturie CSJ Jan. 15 Rev. Samuel C. Maranto CSsR Jan. 22 Rev. Roberto Merced OP further the wider mission of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, Dcn. Mark T. Berard Dcn. Barry G. Campeaux to educate and to give the Catholic viewpoint on important issues of the Sr. Demetria Castro HMSS Br. Marcus Turcotte SC Jan. 16 Rev. Robert G. Marcell Jan. 23 Rev. Andrew J. Merrick present day. Dcn. Willie M. Berthelot Sr. Dcn. Michael T. Chiappetta Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Sr. Renee Daigle MSC January 4, 2019 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 13 Continuing Formation Days upcoming

ear People of God of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, be impacted and adjusted in your parish to meet needs during The upcoming annual Continuing Formation days for these Annual Formation days. While this is a sacrifice, I con- Dour priests are Jan. 14-17. These days represent an impor- sider this sacrifice worth making. Deacons are able to provide tant occasion for our priests’ renewal and growth in intellectual needed funeral rites, namely the vigil wake, funeral without and spiritual formation, emotional maturity and physical well- Mass and rite of committal. If the local parish staff is unable being. Since these days are offered once a year and is a commit- to secure a deacon for this special funeral need, the parish ment by the diocese for their on-going formation, participation by staff may call the Office of the Vicar General at 225-387-0561 our active priests is mandatory. for further assistance. With the guidance of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and Thank you for understanding and supporting our priests with Priests’ Continuing Formation Committee, the site secured their ongoing formation renewal for ministry. I ask that you pray From the Bishop this year for these days is in Metairie, and our parish priests for our priests and our diocese during these days. I appreciate will not be commuting. Their temporary absence will affect your affirmation and encouragement of our priests who give their Bishop Michael G. Duca certain regular pastoral ministries. In particular, the schedule lives for our diocese. May God be generous in leading us into the of weekday Masses and possible times for funeral Masses may future with hope. The double message of Christmas

’ve never been happy with some of number of years ago, I participated in a living with hurt and disappointment case; sometimes, as was the case with my activist friends who send out large diocesan synod. At one point the do not see God and the church as an Jesus, there is no space created for the IChristmas cards with messages animator in charge had us divide into answer to their pain but rather as some- new person to enter the world and his or like: “May the Peace of Christ Disturb small groups and each group was asked how part of its cause. her presence is unwelcome. You!” Can’t we have one to answer the question: So our churches, in preaching God’s We see this today (and this will day a year to be happy and What’s the single most- word, need first of all to assure the constitute a judgment on our genera- celebrate without hav- important thing that the world of God’s love, God’s concern and tion) in the reluctance, almost all over ing our already unhappy church should challenge the God’s forgiveness. Before doing any- the world, to welcome new immigrants, selves shaken with more world with right now? thing else, God’s word is meant to com- to make room for them at the inn. The guilt? Isn’t Christmas a The groups reported fort us; indeed, to be the ultimate source United Nations estimates that there are time when we can enjoy back and each group named of all comfort. Only when the world 19.5 million refugees in the world today, being children again? some important spiritual or knows God’s consolation will it accept persons whom no one will welcome. Moreover, as Karl Rahner moral challenge: “We need the concomitant challenge. Why not? We are not bad people and we once said, isn’t Christmas to challenge our society And that challenge, among others, is are capable most times of being wonder- a time when God gives us towards more justice!” to then make room for Christ at the inn, fully generous. But letting this flood of permission to be a happy? “We need to challenge the that is, to open our hearts, our homes immigrants enter our lives would dis- So why not? world to have real faith and our world as places were Christ can turb us. Our lives would have to change. Well, it’s complex. and not confuse God’s come and live. From the safe distance We would lose some of our present Christmas is time when word with its own wish- of 2,000 years we too easily make a comforts, many of our old familiarities God gives us permis- In Exile es.” “We need to challenge scathing judgment on the people at the and some of our securities. sion to be happy, when our world towards a more time of Jesus’ birth for not knowing We are not bad people, neither were the message from God Father Ron Rolheiser responsible sexual ethos. what Mary and Joseph were carrying, those innkeepers 2,000 years ago who, speaks through the We’ve lost our way!” Won- for not making a proper place for Jesus not knowing what was unfolding, in voice of Isaiah and says: “Comfort my derful, needed challenges, all of them. to be born and for not recognizing him inculpable ignorance, turned Mary and people. Speak words of comfort!” But But no group came back and said: “We as Messiah afterwards. How could they Joseph away. I’ve always nursed a secret Christmas is also a time that points need to challenge the world to receive be so blind? But that same judgment is sympathy for them. Maybe because I am out that when God was born 2,000 God’s consolation!” Granted, there’s a still being made of us. We aren’t exactly still, unknowingly, doing exactly what years ago there wasn’t any room for lot of injustice, violence, racism, sexism, making room in our own inns. they did. A friend of mine is fond of say- him to be born in all the normal greed, selfishness, sexual irresponsibil- When a new person is born into this ing: “I’m against more immigrants being homes and places of the day. There ity and self-serving faith around; but world, he or she takes a space where allowed in … now that we’re in!” was no room for him at the inn. Peo- most of the adults in our world are also before there was no one. Sometimes that The peace of Christ, the message ples’ busy lives and expectations kept living in a lot pain, anxiety, disappoint- new person is warmly welcomed and a inside of Christ’s birth and the skewed them from offering him a place to be ment, loss, depression and unresolved cozy, loving space is instantly created circumstances of his birth, if under- born. That hasn’t changed. guilt. Everywhere you look, you see and everyone around is happy for this stood, cannot but disturb. May they also But first, the comfort of his birth: A heavy hearts. Moreover, so many people new invasion. But that isn’t always the bring deep consolation.

GOSPEL  for the remission of our sins” festation (Epiphany) of Jesus as Holy Spirit. We become a new fying the light of Christ, same as From page 1 (Catechism 536). Out of love and Messiah of Israel and son of God” creation of God, entering into the the light that shone on the night mercy, Jesus is the WAY for us (Catechism 536). His mission on saving mystery of the death, life of Jesus’ birth, the light that will servant. He allows himself to to crossover into heaven, as he earth begins. and resurrection of Jesus, and burn brightly within our hearts, be numbered among sinners; sanctifies the waters for our bap- Our baptism is the begin- receive the power of the Holy enflamed our souls and lead oth- he is already ‘the Lamb of God, tism into his family. ning of our public life as Catho- Spirit, establishing freedom from ers to Jesus. who takes away the sin of the On that day the heavens lic Christians. We receive grace original sin. Holy Chrism anoints May the light of Jesus Christ world.’ Already he is anticipat- opened and a theophany was by the power of the Holy Spirit us as priest, prophet and king in within us shine as bright as the ing the baptism of his bloody experienced: the manifestation through of the Rite of Baptism. our new life in Christ in order star hovering over the Nativity, death.’ Already he is coming to of God himself, God the Father We are, first, called by name, as to sacrifice, proclaim and serve. so that others will see the face of ‘fulfill all righteousness,’ that is, (voice), the Son (Jesus) and the a sign of God’s calling us forth We are clothed in white, a sign Christ in our radiant joy, know- he is submitting himself entirely Holy Spirit (dove). We hear God’s from darkness. Holy water is of dignity of putting on Christ’s ing salvation is through him. May to his father’s will: out of love he voice, stating how pleased he is poured upon us as we enter into life. We receive a white candle, the peace of God fill us each and consents to this baptism of death with his son. “This is the mani- the Trinity – the Father, Son and lit by the Paschal Candle, signi- every day. Amen. Happy 2019! 14 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS January 4, 2019

Discalced Carmelites – The Secu- end of work during which each couple ebrating their 25th, 50th and 65th or lar Order of Discalced Carmelites will is offered the time and opportunity to greater anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 10, meet on Sunday, Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m., at question, examine and deepen their 2 p.m., at St. George Church, 7808 St. the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activ- relationship with each other and with George Dr., Baton Rouge. Families of ity Center in the St. Gabriel Room, God. For more information and to reg- the honored couples are also invited. A 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. For ister, visit ceeofbr.org. reception will follow in the Kleinpeter details, call Ethlyn White at 225-343- Activity Center. For more informa- 3181 or 225-803-3391 or email robert St. Agnes Events – St. Agnes tion and to register, contact your local [email protected]. Church, 715 East Blvd., Baton Rouge, church parish office before Wednesday, will celebrate a Pro-Life Mass on Tues- Jan. 30. Martin Luther King Celebration day, Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Jan. – Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22, 6 p.m., St. Agnes will also celebrate St. Elizabeth School Clay Shoot 1140 Hwy. 77, Maringouin, will host a St. Charbel healing Mass. For more – St. Elizabeth in Paincourtville will a Martin Luther King Day March on information, call 225-338-1511. host its 5th annual Clay Shoot on Sat- Saturday, Jan. 19. The march will be- urday, Feb. 2, 7:30 a.m., at the South- gin at 10 a.m. and a program will start Women’s Morning of Reflection – ern Shooting Center, 979 Hwy. 3185 SITTING IN SANTA’S LAP – Josiah Franklin, 7 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart St. Jude Church, 9150 Highland Road, in Thibodaux. All proceeds benefit St. months, sits in Bishop Michael G. Duca’s lap be- Church hall. Dr. Lisa Mims-Devezin, Baton Rouge, will host a Women’s Elizabeth School. For more informa- fore the bishop gives him a gift at the bishop’s chancellor of Southern University in Morning of Reflection, “Nourished and tion, call Allison Viator at 985-637- distribution of gifts to children of families in New Orleans, will be the guest speak- Cherished: Recognizing Your Dignity in 4068 or Robin Baye at 985-859-5037. need at the St. Vincent de Paul Society on Dec. er. Applications will be available for a a Culture of Compassion,” presented by 22. Approximately 5,600 gifts were collected scholarship sponsored by The Knights Father Ryan Hallford, parochial vicar Rosaryville Events – A Murder Mys- that were sorted and wrapped by about 800 of Peter Claver Unit #119 Mary Im- at St. Jude, on Saturday, Jan. 26. Reg- tery Dinner, “Till Death Do Us Part: All volunteers, according to SVDP CEO and Execu- maculate Council St. Aubry Court. All istration begins at 8:30 a.m. and reflec- Is Fair in Love and Murder,” will be tive Director Michael Acaldo. “The success of are invited. For more information, call tion will be from 9 a.m. – noon. There held Tuesday, Feb 14, 7 p.m., at Rosa- the effort started with the smile on the bish- 225-439-4346. is no fee for attending; however please ryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosa- op’s and children’s faces,” said Acaldo. Bishop RSVP no later than Saturday, Jan. 19 by ryville Road, Ponchatoula. Rosaryville Duca carries on a tradition that was started in Engaged Encounter – A retreat calling Anita Harper at 225-766-7988 will also host a Men’s Road to Emmaus the 1990s under Bishop Alfred C. Hughes then for engaged couples will be held Fri- or Joyce Eiserloh at 225-448-3299. Retreat, based on Scripture passage of continued under Bishop Emeritus Robert W. day, Jan. 25 – Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Jesus’ appearance to the disciples on Muench. The line of the people waiting to re- Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 Wedding Anniversary Celebra- the Road to Emmaus, Friday, Jan. 25 – ceive gifts stretched around the block. Photo by S. Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. En- tion – Bishop Michael G. Duca will Sunday, Jan. 27. For information and to Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator gaged Encounter is an intensive week- celebrate a Mass honoring couples cel- register, visit catholicretreatcenter.org.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classi ed ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classi ed ads are prepaid. Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 C Credit cards are now accepted. ANNOUNCEMENTS BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE While we at The Catholic Commentator Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Upholstery. HOUSEKEEPER Mr. D’s Tree Service do our best to bring reliable advertisers pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- We do re nishing, repairs, caning, MATURE DEPENDABLE 3 Licensed Arborists to our readers, we are not responsible pert economical repair on all brands. painting of furniture and upholstery. 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE Free Estimates for any claims made by any advertiser. Call 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicycle In business 43 years. Pick up and de- HAVE REFERENCES Fully Insured repair. com. livery. 10876 Greenwell Springs Road. CALL DEBBIE Don Decell owner 225-272-2577. See our showroom. 225-266-7655 225-292-6756 FOR SALE BROUSSEAU'S Painting Interior and exterior painting. Experi- TURNING 65? Allan’s Tree Service Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We Greenoaks Memorial. 2 plots in Rose enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call MEDICARE QUESTIONS? Specializes in large and dangerous tree restore hurricane damaged furniture. Garden. Section 15, lot 284, spaces 3 225-241-8488. WE CAN HELP removal. Licensed and insured. Senior If it's furniture, we do it all! Re nishing, and 4, including 2 vaults, 2 openings and JOE GOODSON 2255722275 citizen and law/military discounts. Allan re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc. closings. $10,000. Larry 225-241-0715 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP JOHNNY STUART 2259073619 Johnson 225-241-8789. REMOVAL, INC. BUSINESS SERVICE Prompt service–Free estimates FULLY INSURED PLACE YOUR AD HERE. THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc Accounting and taxes for businesses, Phone 383-7316 Reach some readers by placing your ad in The Catholic Commentator! non-pro ts and individuals; business, 95,000 computer, nancial and management Bill‘s Roo ng and Repair. We can x services. 30 years experience; profes- any roof leaks. All work warrantied 5 sional, prompt and personal attention. years. Free estimates. A+ BBB rating. CALL 225-387-0983. Credit cards accepted. Call 225-296-0404. Call 225-505-6195

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REVIEW  commemorated its 100th anni- From page 1 versary with a year-long celebration themed “Through Trials “These services are much and Tribulations, by God’s Grace needed and will make a tre- We Triumph.” mendous difference in the lives Black Catholics founded St. of the homeless in our com- Francis with the desire to wor- munity,” Acaldo said. “This is a ship with dignity and respect great partnership that will pay after years of facing discrimina- heavy dividends in the lives of tion and segregation in nearby the homeless.” downtown church parishes. The Diocese of Baton Rouge Parishioners sat on borrowed stepped into the future to pre- chairs in their mostly completed serve the past with the dedica- church for their first Christmas tion of a new archives building Mass on Dec. 25, 1918. that will house records reaching In Plattenville, an estimated back some 300 years. 200 current and former pa- Bishop Muench on July 26 rishioners at Assumption of the blessed the 8,000-square foot Blessed Mother Church gathered building located on the rear of June 10 to celebrate the church’s the Catholic Life Center campus. 225th anniversary. Renovations were made at The large turnout came as lit- Mater Dolorosa School in Inde- tle surprise to pastor Father Jo- pendence during the summer, seph Vu, who said it was reflec- featuring gorgeous murals of tive of the deep spirituality of the saints and the Blessed Mother people along Bayou Lafourche. on the walls and ceilings of each Assumption was founded on Bishop Robert W. Muench was all classroom. Artist R.C. Davis April 1793, making it the oldest smiles as he celebrated his Gold- worked 12 hours a day for sev- church along Bayou Lafourche en Jubilee Mass June 24 at St. Jo- eral weeks in order to complete and 11th oldest in Louisiana. seph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. the work for the start of the new In October, parishioners Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commen- school year. of St. Theresa of Avila Church tator Parishioners at a number of in Gonzales celebrated Mass churches and one school in the to commemorate the church’s the mission Christ conferred to diocese celebrated a century or 100th anniversary. Father Eric his disciples. more anniversaries. St. Francis Gyan, pastor at St. Theresa, said St. Joseph’s Academy in Ba- Xavier Church in Baton Rouge St. Theresa faithfully carries out ton Rouge opened the 2018-19 school year with a year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary while the sisters of the Congre- gation of St. Joseph celebrated their 150th anniversary of coming to Baton Rouge to start a school and other community ministries. On May 26, Deacon John Vu took the penultimate step to priesthood when he was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Muench at St. Joseph Cathedral. He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in May. Bishop Muench also appoint- Dancers and drummers from the N’Fungola Sibo African Dance Drum ed Father Matt Lorrain, pastor Company in New Orleans electrified the crowd at the beginning of the at St. John the Baptist Church Our Unity in Diversity and Our Diversity in Unity on the Solemnity of in Brusly, as director of semini- the Body and Blood Our Lord prayer service June 3 at St. Joseph Cathe- arians. Father Lorrain held that dral. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator position from 2005-12. On April 6, thousands of peo- The relics included St. Pio’s Louisiana Legislature proved to ple venerated the relics of St. Pio glove; the crusts of his wounds; be the charm in securing more of Pietrelcina OFMcap at Sacred cotton-gauze with his blood- than $15 million in state fund- Heart of Jesus Church in Baton stains; a lock of his hair; his ing for nonpublic schools, which Rouge. mantle and his handkerchief restored funding for child nutri- soaked with blood just hours af- tion services. The Hispanic Apostolate put on a ter he died. In November, news broke moving production of the Living Throughout 2018, Catholic that eight priests who have Stations of the Cross on Good Fri- Charities of the Diocese of Baton ministered at churches in the day at St. Pius X Church in Baton Rouge continued to be active in Diocese of Baton Rouge were Rouge. In this scene Jesus, played immigration, reuniting several among a list of 57 clergy mem- by Aristides Alvarez, bows his families from around the world bers released by the Archdiocese head and dies after being cruci- and helping immigrants resettle of New Orleans who have been fied at Golgotha. Photo by Debbie Shel- in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. accused of sexually abusing a ley | The Catholic Commentator A third special session of the minor. 16 The Catholic Commentator January 4, 2019

DONATION  From page 1 have anything to get the kids,” Johnson said. “It’s been difficult. It’s been a real test.” Everything from bikes, games, toys, clothing and household items were donated for the Community Comes Together for Christmas program which matches individuals and families in need with people who want to provide Christmas for them. Jeff Smith of Baton Rouge has volun- teered with the drive for the past seven years and said he is astonished by the annual generosity of the community. “It’s unbelievable,” said Smith. “We Wrapped presents filled the conference unload, sometimes truckloads and cars room of the Catholic Charities office. Fami- full of gifts. A lot of it comes from the high lies, organizations, businesses, Catholic schools and the clubs within the schools. church parishes and Catholic schools spon- So, we’ll get four and five different dona- sored 410 families for Christmas. Photo by Rich- tions from the high schools.” ard Meek | The Catholic Commentator At Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge, parishioners adopted 65 families for Christmas. Among the gifts Father Phil Spano, pastor of Most Blessed were microwaves, bedding, toys and a to- Sacrament. tal of 66 bicycles. Overall, the Christmas program from “Even though we are not supposed to Catholic Charities served 410 families and Bikes donated to families sponsored through the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of celebrate Christmas too early, it was won- seniors. There were 189 sponsors includ- Baton Rouge Christmas program are lined up outside of the Catholic Charities office, derful to see the generosity of so many ing families, organizations, businesses, ready for pick up. Almost 900 bikes were donated. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator families. And even though they won’t ac- eight Catholic church parishes and three tually see the children, youth, and adults Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton in the receiving end, the grace of being Rouge. David Aguillard said. “But their giving at “Most of the time our donors say they giving is a powerful reason to celebrate. “The generosity of our donors con- this time of year is especially inspiring, as get more in return than they give. So of- I and many were deeply inspired and tinues to be an inspiration to our staff it represents the true spirit of the Christ- ten, our clients just need to know that humbled by the outpouring of love,” said throughout the year,” CCDBR executive mas season. someone cares.”

ROSARY  café will give us an opportunity ther Johnson. He said the pur- to live out the demands of disci- pose of the café is not to convert From page 3 In 2019, Give the Best pleship for our sanctification and people to Catholicism, but many Gift of All – Yourself! to all people.” the sanctification of our entire people who have come in for ser- “It was really heart ripping community,” said Morales. vices return to attend Mass. when we heard that the rectory People entering the building He emphasized the café’s mis- Every day there are people who are praying for a was going to be torn down. But are accompanied by Scripture sion is centered around the Eu- miracle – just an everyday miracle – like a hot renovating it into a café has re- verses and paintings of saints to charist. meal, a prescription filled, a warm bed or a decent ally breathed new life into the let them know they have a heav- “My desire is that we all un- pair of shoes. You can help. community,” said Joshua Lopez. enly connection of people inter- derstand the direct connection The café is also serves a mission ceding for them. And as people between loving God in the Eu- Volunteer Opportunities: field as well. receive services or come together charist and loving God in the  Dining Room Volunteers – Help with our meal “Our mission is to become in- for Bible studies or praise and poorest of the poor,” said Father service at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room. tentional disciples of Jesus Christ worship nights that spill out in Johnson. “To emphasize that the  Pharmacy Volunteers – We have a volunteer job so that we can become saints in the courtyard, conversations poor is the body of Christ among for you helping us with our Fill A Prescription for our walk toward eternity. The about faith take place, said Fa- us.” the Needy effort.  Manna Givers - We need individuals or groups who can bring in a purchased or prepared supper once a month for our homeless guests.  Book and Collectible Volunteers – Help us sort and organize donated books and antiques. In addition, we need help organizing clothing/shoe donations for needy families at St. Vincent de Paul Stores throughout our community!  Many Other Volunteer Opportunities – Waiting Just for YOU - Visit us at svdpbr.org and sign-up for one of many heavenly volunteer experiences at St. Vincent de Paul. Visit us on Facebook at Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Greater Baton Rouge. SEMINARIAN SUPPER – Bishop Michael G. Duca and Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench hosted semi- You can have a life with purpose by sharing the narians and the vocations office staff of the Diocese of Baton Rouge at a pre-Christmas dinner follow- Gospel -- Get involved with St. Vincent de Paul! ing Evening Prayer on Dec. 17 at the Catholic Life Center. Photo provided by Dan Borné