Of Many Things 106 West 56th Street s they have done for more than traversed the same center aisle that New York, NY 10019-3803 Ph: 212-581-4640; Fax: 212-399-3596 800 years, Parisians crossed Napoleon used en route to his self- Subscriptions: 1-800-627-9533 the narrow bridges leading to crowning in the sanctuary, the very www.americamagazine.org A facebook.com/americamag the eastern half of the Île de la Cité last same aisle that some German Catholic twitter.com/americamag month. They were en route to Sunday soldiers no doubt used during the Mass at Notre Dame, the 12th-century occupation. All thought their worldly President and Editor in Chief cathedral that is the pride of Paris, the empires would last 1,000 years, yet the Matt Malone, S.J. most magnificent building in a city with church alone can claim that longevity, as Executive Editors Robert C. Collins, S.J., Maurice Timothy Reidy a surplus of splendor. The skies were well as the hope that we will survive yet Managing Editor Kerry Weber lisping rain, turning the cobblestoned another 1,000 years of inhumanity. Literary Editor Raymond A. Schroth, S.J. streets into a slippery hazard for the Over the next year the church in the Senior Editor and Chief Correspondent many tourists who filled the plaza in United States will enter into a difficult Kevin Clarke front of the church. conversation about the work of the Editor at Large James Martin, S.J. The scene inside was at once Synod on the Family. We will discuss Poetry Editor Joseph Hoover, S.J. familiar and entirely foreign to me. The and disagree, no doubt, about the best Associate Editor and Vatican Correspondent Gerard O’Connell cornerstone of Notre Dame was laid way for the church to meet the temper Engagement and Community Editor more than 300 years before Columbus of the times. “A particularly delicate Elizabeth Tenety sailed for the Americas. There is no question,” writes the Rev. Robert Imbelli Associate Editors Ashley McKinless, Edward W. church in the new world that evinces in this issue, “is whether, besides the Schmidt a similar sense of connection with usual criteria bearing upon validity, one Assistant Editors Francis W. Turnbull, S.J., Olga Segura, Joseph McAuley our forebears in faith across so many ought, in a highly secularized society, Art Director Sonja Kodiak Wilder generations. Like every Catholic church, take into account the Christian faith (or Columnists Helen Alvaré, John J. Conley, S.J., however, Notre Dame is home to me, lack thereof ) of those who entered into Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., James T. Keane, John W. the place where there are no strangers, the marriage covenant” when assessing Martens, Bill McGarvey, Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, Margot Patterson, Nathan Schneider, Robert David only brothers and sisters, where there is the grounds for an annulment. We Sullivan no ultimate division but only the unity- will also discuss whether to modify Correspondents in-diversity of a eucharistic people. the present discipline regarding the John Carr (Washington), Anthony Egan, S.J. (Johannesburg), Jim McDermott, S.J. As the procession wended its way admission of the civilly divorced and (Los Angeles), Timothy Padgett (Miami), Steven across the ancient stones, images from remarried to the Eucharist. Schwankert (Beijing), David Stewart, S.J. (London), long-ago high school history classes Throughout that discussion, we Judith Valente (Chicago), Mary Ann Walsh, R.S.M. (U.S. Church) came to mind, scenes from a drama would do well to remember our own Moderator, Catholic Book Club in which I did not feature but is history. The forces of contemporary Kevin Spinale, S.J. nevertheless my story as well as yours. I secularism are strong, but it is unlikely Editorial e-mail thought especially of the role that hubris that Richard Dawkins and his colleagues [email protected] played in that story, the toxic pride that are going to storm St. Patrick’s Publisher and Chief Financial Officer the Greeks believed was the besetting Cathedral and rededicate it to the Cult Edward Spallone Deputy Publisher sin of every classic protagonist. How else of Reason, or that a change in pastoral Rosa Del Saz to explain the prideful idolatry of the practice is going to bring down the only Vice President/Advancement French revolutionaries who rededicated institution to have survived antiquity, Daniel Pawlus Notre Dame to the Cult of Reason. As not to mention the French Revolution Development Coordinator Kerry Goleski the choir intoned the Kyrie, I could not and two world wars. Some argue that Operations Staff help but think that while the French the proposed changes are too dangerous Chris Keller, Glenda Castro Revolution was the result of multiple to contemplate, that they are, in effect, Advertising contact social and political forces, the very best a slippery slope more treacherous than [email protected]; 212-515-0102 account of its principal cause can be an unscuffed sole on a wet Parisian Subscription contact/Additional copies [email protected]; found in the first four chapters of the sidewalk. While that is a legitimate 1-800-627-9533 Book of Genesis. concern, let us remember that the The lights and shadows of this challenge before us is not nearly as great © 2014 America Press, Inc. musty Gothic mammoth reveal the as those we have already met and, by the Cover: Anti-gay rights activists stand on a rainbow lights and shadows of human history. grace of God, we have always overcome. flag during a protest by gay rights activists in Moscow, June 11, 2013. Reuters/Maxim At Communion, the capacity crowd Matt Malone, S.J. Shemetov Contents www.americamagazine.org Vol. 211 No. 18, Whole No. 5072 December 8-15, 2014

articles 16 Zero tolerance Why Catholics must condemn anti-gay violence Celso Perez

21 Family in Focus How do we continue the conversation started by the synod? Robert P. Imbelli

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS

4 Current Comment 16 5 editorial Impunity in Honduras 6 Reply All 9 Signs of the Times

14 Column Life’s Second Half James Martin 26 Vatican Dispatch Call to Conversion Gerard O’Connell 27 Faith in Focus Everyday Sacraments Angela Alaimo O’Donnell 37 the Word Waiting on Hope; Fulfillment of Hope John W. Martens 27 BOOKS & CULTURE

30 art Celebrating El Greco of other things Love and Death in New Jersey BOOKS Pope Francis; The Great Reformer; Pope Francis: Life and Revolution; The Narrow Road to the Deep North

ON THE WEB James Martin, S.J., and Ross Douthat discuss Pope Francis, the Synod on the Family and the demands of law and mercy. Plus, Rob Weinert-Kendt reviews the play “Our Lady of Kibaho.” All at americamagazine.org. 30 CURRENT COMMENT

against or within their family. Despite the economy’s Faithful Condemnation recent resurgence, families on the cusp of poverty remain Delegates at the Catholic-Muslim Forum, which met from vulnerable. The gap between rich and poor continues to Nov. 11 to 13 at the Vatican, condemned all use of violence widen, and racial minorities have for the most part not to pursue ideological or religious ends. A joint statement benefited from the recovery. The typical homeless family from the meeting stressed that “it is never acceptable to use is an unmarried mother and two children with no means religion to justify such acts or to conflate such acts with of support. Children living in such unstable circumstances religion” and held up ways to build mutual understanding often miss school, fail courses and drop out. Up to 25 and respect: educate people on the incompatibility of faith percent of pre-school and 40 percent of school-age children and violence; engage in interreligious dialogue; and, most experiencing homelessness have mental health problems and important, discover how both faith traditions can together are at risk of growing up without the cognitive and social serve the wider community. skills needed for future employment and parenting. Founded in 2008, the forum meets every three years to The report concludes that we could end child assess relations between the two faiths and look for ways homelessness within a decade if funds at the local, state and to improve cooperation. Pope Francis urged members to federal levels were reallocated, making children a top priority. continue on the path of mutual understanding, especially But first, all of us would have to care. during this time of heightened religious tension. Recognizing that there are many examples of fruitful Catholic-Muslim collaboration, the forum pointed out that it is of “utmost Catholics Behind the Curtain importance” to foster respect and that much work is Twenty-five years after Eastern Europe began to emerge required to “overcome prejudice, distortions, suspicions slowly, and then almost all at once, from behind the veil of and inappropriate generalizations, all of which damage the the Iron Curtain, how well is the church’s role in Cold War- peaceful relationships we all seek.” era resistance remembered? The contributions of St. John America’s editors recently joined the pope in calling Paul II were justly noted during the commemoration of the on Catholics to “elevate the conversation” around the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9. His 26-year pontificate and Muslim faith and culture (“Encountering Islam,” 11/17). elevation to sainthood ensure that we will not soon forget True engagement across religious divides is no easy task; a the role Karol Wojtyla played in supporting the Solidarity nuanced reciprocity is required. But, as the editorial stated, movement at crucial junctures in Poland’s history. But we live in a world “where senseless terror threatens Muslims what about Bishop Vaclav Maly in Prague, who was jailed and Christians alike.” Frank and open dialogues like the along with Vaclav Havel and later helped negotiate with the Vatican forum can be a positive step in firmly repudiating Communist leadership of Czechoslovakia? Or the Jesuits violence carried out in the name of religion as we seek to Josef Zverina and Frantisek Lizna, who contributed to that remove this scourge from our midst. country’s Charter 77 human rights movement? These names are not exactly lost to history, but they are not as well known as they should be. As Jonathan Luxmoore The Hidden Homeless reports for Catholic News Service, priests and religious The homeless people we encounter—or avoid—are usually also played a role in dissident movements in East Germany, on the streets, men and women sprawled on a park bench or Romania and Lithuania. In a symposium to mark the huddled in a doorway behind a cardboard sign identifying anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Cardinal Reinhard themselves as veterans, pregnant or unemployed. But Marx of Munich-Freising said, “We who have enjoyed the according to a recent report from the National Center on fruits of this harvest remain in their debt, and I regret the Family Homelessness, there has been startling growth in the legacy of civil rights activists occupies such a small place in number of children among the nation’s homeless population. our memories today.” Nearly 2.5 million children were homeless at some time The accomplishments of these individuals should be during 2013. In 2006, 1 in 50 children were homeless; today honored, not for nostalgic reasons, but as a reminder that the number is 1 in 30. religious movements can and often do help turn the pivots The termhomeless covers those who lack a fixed nighttime of history. As Cardinal Marx said, we need to “build a residence. That includes people sleeping in a park, car, culture of memory oriented toward the future” in order abandoned building or temporary shelter, as well as those that the church can continue to play a robust role in our who share a hotel room, face eviction or are fleeing violence pluralistic societies.

4 America December 8-15, 2014 EDITORIAL Impunity in Honduras

n a small Central American country, campesinos agitating Moreno, S.J., has been repeatedly for land rights, journalists challenging the status quo and threatened. The murder on April 11 Iattorneys and advocates working for social justice face of the station’s marketing director, continual threats or acts of violence and intimidation. Scores Carlos Mejia Orellana, remains have been murdered, driven into exile or “disappeared” in the unsolved, as does the shooting death night. Catholic priests and deacons speaking out in defense in 2011 of Nery Jeremias Orellana, a correspondent for Radio of the vulnerable are rewarded with death threats; a Jesuit- Progreso. sponsored radio station has been threatened with destruction; Like other Jesuits before him in this troubled region, and a civilian government has proven itself unable—or Father Moreno seems heroically at peace with the danger. unwilling—to rein in public and private security forces acting Father Moreno spoke in November just outside Washington, in the shadows for the powerful. D.C., at the annual Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice, a This description is not, sadly, an exercise in historical gathering of 1,600 students from Jesuit schools from across memory, 25 years after the savagery of the Jesuit murders at the the country. Gunshots in the night are “normal” in Honduras, University of Central America in 1989, nor a recollection of the he told the students, and “that’s probably how I’ll die.” That dreary prelude to the full-blown civil war in El Salvador in the calm courage is perhaps laudable, even inspiring, but Father late 1970s. This is a brief précis on contemporary Honduras. Moreno’s resignation cannot be adopted by those of us in the The high-profile murders of María José Alvarado, Miss North who have the power to prevent the disintegration of Honduras 2014, and her sister, Sofía, at the hands of the another Central American society. former’s jealous boyfriend in November briefly trained the Aid to Honduras for economic development could U.S. media spotlight on the senseless violence that afflicts the create opportunities for young people to have real alternatives country. But even astute news consumers probably did not to the gangs, the drug cartels or the lonely, perilous sojourn read of another murder in Honduras that same week. On Nov. northward. A recent announcement by the Obama 11, Juan Ángel López Miralda, a Colón-based agrarian leader, administration of new investments in the regional economy was gunned down in the street by two men, who escaped is welcome news, but the administration cannot limit itself on a motorcycle. Mr. López was a leader of the Movimiento merely to economic assistance. Just as important in Honduras Unificado Campesino del Aguán, a fighter for the land rights are social and political development, nurturing a civic society of campesinos in that troubled region. that embraces human rights, just land reform and the Honduras endures the world’s highest rate of homicide, authentic development of people so that their full social and driven by gang and drug-cartel violence. But that awful civil expression is protected, even welcomed. volume is not the only reason the murders of people like Mr. Toward that goal, the United States should reassess López typically remain unsolved, even barely investigated. the social and economic outcomes of the Central American More than 70 human rights lawyers and 30 journalists have Free Trade Agreement and recalibrate that deal as necessary died since 2010. According to a report from Human Rights in order to reduce social inequities and stabilize Honduran Watch in February, there have been dozens of homicides, society. A U.S. State Department report in 2013 offered abductions and human rights violations related to land a stark depiction of official misconduct and human rights ownership disputes in Bajo Aguán, “none of which has violations in Honduras. The Obama administration should led to a conviction” as “prosecutors and police consistently heighten pressure on President Juan Orlando Hernández to failed to carry out prompt and thorough investigations into end impunity for political violence and acts of intimidation, these crimes.” These deaths reflect the strong-arm tactics whether committed by malevolent platoons of “private of commercial and landed interests in Honduras, and the security” in disputed regions or by members of the Honduran impunity with which their enforcers act suggests indifference, police or military. even collusion, among security and police forces. Central America has emerged tentatively from the Since the ouster of former President Manuel Zelaya in bloody nightmare of its late 20th-century civil conflicts. 2009, Jesuit-sponsored Radio Progreso has been among the Surely this is historical territory that we must do our utmost voices most critical of the state. The life of its director Ismael not to revisit.

December 8-15, 2014 America 5 REPLY ALL ful and personal way to meet the daily ligious communities. An additional $2 challenges associated with the care of million to $5 million is allocated annu- retired religious. Thank you, Sister ally for communities with the greatest Giving Thanks Mary Ann, for highlighting the great needs and for retirement planning and Re “Retiring With Dignity,” Mary Ann work that is being done to say thank educational resources. We are grateful, Walsh, R.S.M. (10/17): Sister Mary you to American religious. too, that organizations like SOAR! Ann couldn’t be more correct in her Kathleen Lunsmann, I.H.M. and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation description of complex decisions fac- Online Comment share the vision to ensure that all elder ing congregations of men and women The writer is president of SOAR! religious receive the care and security religious today. The National Religious they so richly deserve. Ultimately, we Retirement Office provides significant Sister Support know that the good we are able to do financial assistance and professional Thank you to Sister Mary Ann, not is in direct measure to the good we consultation to help religious orders only for helping to raise awareness have been given, and we thank God discern appropriate solutions to their about the ongoing needs of senior reli- daily for all those who support senior retirement challenges. gious, but also for highlighting the fact religious through generosity, advocacy The group Support Our Aging that Catholics across the nation stand and prayers. Religious! was founded two years shoulder to shoulder with religious Janice Bader, C.P.P.S. before the Retirement Fund for communities in helping to address Washington, D.C. Religious, and 28 years later it is still these needs. Through donations to the The writer is the executive director of the making a difference in the lives of el- annual Retirement Fund for Religious Retirement Fund for Religious. derly religious. SOAR! is a grassroots collection, our office is able to distrib- charitable organization that connects ute an average of $23 million each year Love Denied its donors to sisters, brothers and to help support the day-to-day care of “Family on Hold” (Current Comment, priests of religious orders in a power- senior religious at more than 400 re- 11/10) seems to ignore the fact that many women’s reason for freezing their eggs is love. Two of the women I know Status Update who have had this procedure do not yet Readers respond to an extended online It still seems the essential question have a spouse, but are holding out hope conversation between James Martin, is this: Is the church’s mission to im- that they will meet that person; they do S.J., and the New York Times columnist pose God’s law on believers or lead not want to become pregnant or raise Ross Douthat on Pope Francis, the syn- followers to Jesus Christ and their a child on their own. Another wom- od and the demands of law and mercy. unique relationship to him? Perhaps an is undergoing cancer treatment, I am missing much, but when the which could damage her eggs, so she is There is a lot to learn from a conversa- church decides divorced and remar- freezing them until she has recovered. tion such as this, where both sides of ried Catholics can’t receive sacra- Technology, in the case of freezing eggs, the discussion carefully and thought- ments, or suggests that Catholics now allows for people to have families fully lay out their case and clearly supporting a woman’s right to choose who otherwise couldn’t, and there is no make the point of working towards also can’t receive sacraments or a reason to deny them love. mutual understanding, even if agree- Catholic funeral, or banishes gays In “Go in Peace,” the editorial in this ment isn’t reached. This is seen far too from church choirs and parish func- same issue, the editors write, “church infrequently in the “now, now, now” tions, or removes priests and bishops leaders, like all of us, need to speak environment of Facebook, Twitter from all pastoral functions for even with marginalized families them- and blogging, but it is the kind of discussing the possibility of woman selves.” This made me wonder: how conversation that reminds us that our priesthood, it seems that the magis- many women who have frozen their opinions are based on a love for God terial church is imposing laws versus eggs did they consult to prepare this and the church, and this fact, above leading through thoughtful listening commentary? all, aligns us. and prayerful discussion. Elizabeth de Velasco Mike Pollastri Bill O’Neill Brooklyn, N.Y. Defining Marriage Letters to the editor may be sent to America’s editorial office (address on page 2) or letters@ Re “Go In Peace” (Editorial, 11/10): americamagazine.org. America will also consider the following for print publication: comments posted below articles on America’s Web site (americamagazine.org) and posts The entire discussion of marriage seems on Twitter and public Facebook pages. All correspondence may be edited for length. to fail to make any distinction between

6 America December 8-15, 2014 civil marriage and the sacramental upon in themselves and not viewed as dignity.” But when bread is already on covenant. Given the late date at which aspects of domestic life. the table, there is no incentive to go out Rome applied the definition of sacra- Cornellius F. Murphy Jr. and earn any more. ment to all marriages between baptized Valencia, Pa. He states that structural economic men and women, perhaps the entire Questioning ‘The Poor’ reforms need to be undertaken to rem- theological history of marriage needs Thanks toA merica for publishing “On edy existing obstacles to greater em- to be revisited. We may need to face the the Way to Healing”(11/10), by Jon ployment. What better way to greater reality that despite any brief instruc- Sobrino, S.J., in honor of the martyrs employment can there be than to allow tions engaged couples receive, many of El Salvador. It is brilliant both in entrepreneurs the freedom to create understand their marriage in terms of form and in content. For many years I new products and services and to hire contemporary culture and civil law, not have wanted to ask a question of those people to bring them to fruition? When theology. of us who refer to “the poor.” Given a person is denied profit from the fruit If the church wants to maintain the references to both language and of his or her own labor, that person will its present treatment of sacramental poverty in Father Sobrino’s speech, it stop laboring. marriage and not increase its flexibil- seems apropos currently. Why do we, What is the answer? Dorothy Day ity about either annulments or com- in our evolution of person-first lan- believed that government handouts munion for the divorced, then maybe guage, still say “the poor”? If humanity remove the personal responsibility of it needs to be more accepting of what is to be a deeper experience than any each of us to care for each other. We couples actually intend. The church categorizing we can give it, especially need to encourage that responsibility could perhaps return to the practice of that of economic classification, why do and I see it happening. Ads encourage blessing couples who are entering civil we persist in using something so total- us: “Every day, care”; “Stop domestic vi- marriages. izing such as “the poor” in a label for olence”; “No means no.” It’s a slow road If couples, while engaged or after human persons? And further, does this but one that stands a better chance than long years of marriage, explicitly seek label give civilizations of both wealth wealth redistribution. to join in a sacramental union, then a Mary Dahl and poverty more power than either Prescott, Ariz. thorough and possibly lengthy period should have? I do not know the an- of preparation analogous to the prepa- swer to these questions, but it feels it ration for vowed religious life would should be asked of the brilliant readers be appropriate. Under these circum- of America, especially now. stances, great rigidity from the Roman Solvitur Ambulando Curia in cases of divorce and remarriage Online Comment would be much more appropriate. Tom Poelker Why We Work Online Comment In “Market Assumptions” (10/3), Bishop McElroy falls into the trap that Domestic Redux most writers do in writing about the “Go In Peace” (Editorial, 11/10) rightly markets by failing to consider the hu- calls attention to the need of the bish- man factor. Ludwig von Mises writes ops in preparing for the 2015 synod to that economic events occur when “man pay attention to the circumstances of is eager to substitute a more satisfactory marginalized families, but I question state of affairs for a less satisfactory.” We the value of the repetition, no matter want to improve our lives. how broadly it is conceptualized or how Redistribution of income is a grand deeply it may be explored. Holding two idea, but it has been shown over and synods on the family seems excessive. over again not to work. The dignity There are many broader topics to be of work is a lofty idea, but ask anyone considered if the gathering of bishops why they work and dignity won’t be is to guide the whole church in its re- anywhere on the list. We work to care lationship to the modern world. Some for our families and ourselves. Bishop themes, like consumerism, economic McElroy quotes Pope Francis: “The justice and the call to nonviolence affect problem is not being able to bring bread the family, but they need to be reflected to the table and this takes away one’s

December 8-15, 2014 America 7 8 America December 8-15, 2014 SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Race in America outside the day care center his moth- er operates. Some of the violence was Working for Peace in Ferguson gang-related. Some of it was random, according to Father Rosebrough. As Violence Erupts Anew “People have said to me, ‘I feel sorry for you dealing with all that’s hap- pening in Ferguson.” And I say, ‘Feel sorry for yourself. If you see this as only a Ferguson problem, you’re in denial.’” Beneath the surface of the Ferguson unrest, he believes, is a “national call for justice and a change of heart against racism in our society.” Father Rosebrough, who is 71, began that call with prayer. His par- ish of 950 families is a few miles from where Brown was killed. After pub- lic protests turned violent, he and his parishioners started praying the ro- sary daily at a grotto dedicated to the Virgin Mary outside the church. He says they prayed for Ferguson’s po- lice, protestors and public officials— in short, for healing. Singing, “It’s me, O Lord, stand- ing in the need of prayer,” Father Prayers for Ferguson. The Rev. Robert Rosebrough, pastor of Blessed Rosebrough led a prayer procession Teresa of Calcutta Parish, at the site of the death of Michael Brown in August. earlier this month from Blessed Teresa s a young seminarian in the 1960s, the Rev. Robert Rosebrough marched of Calcutta parish to Ferguson’s City for civil rights. For most of his 46 years as a priest, he has worked in in- Hall. It drew 250 people, including the Aner-city parishes. His parish, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta is in Ferguson, mayor. “It was a peaceful protest, so the Mo., a short distance from where a white police officer shot an unarmed African only coverage we received was in the American teenager last August. Archdiocese of St. Louis magazine,” he The shooting sparked weeks of sometimes violent protests and exposed a wide laments. divide between the community, which is largely African American, and its police He says action now needs to follow force, which is overwhelmingly white. Violence erupted once again in Ferguson as prayer. That’s why he has begun an ef- the city learned of the grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson fort called “Lean In.” He describes its in the killing of Michael Brown. Many were anticipating the worst. Governor Jay mission as “lean forward and listen.” Nixon declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard on Nov. 17. “Lean In” will provide a structure Since Brown’s death, “Father Rosy,” as he is known, has been a prominent pasto- for blacks and whites, police and com- ral voice in that troubled city. munity members, to meet, socialize “It’s time to complete what the civil rights movement started,” Father Rosebrough and discuss issues together on a regu- says. The protests that rocked Ferguson do not reflect just one city’s problems, he lar basis, Father Rosebrough says. “It’s says. Nor were they about a single shooting. “Ferguson’s problems are about chang- a way of inviting people to have their ing a culture of violence in America,” Father Rosebrough says. stories told. In the time since Brown died, there have been more than a hundred shootings in “One of our parishioners said, ‘Why St. Louis County, including an incident in which a 19-year-old was gunned down did it take Michael Brown’s death to

December 8-15, 2014 America 9 SIGNS OF THE TIMES make this happen?’ All of us are guilty doing right now in our community?” ents are deported from their children of not seeing things sooner,” he says. He remains a realist, however, and or spouses from each other,” Bishop Some of Father Rosebrough’s white believes it will take years, not months Elizondo said. “We’ve been on record parishioners have complained about for change to be felt and is taking the asking the administration to do ev- his public actions since the shooting. long view. He says it will probably erything within its legitimate author- They say his efforts could be construed take a generation for the city to reap ity to bring relief and justice to our as being “anti-police.” the benefits of efforts like “Lean In” immigrant brothers and sisters. As “I’ve had people say things to me, to create dialogue. “The children now pastors, we welcome any efforts with- like, ‘Those protesters, if they would in school, they are the ones who are in these limits that protect individu- just get jobs they wouldn’t be doing watching history being formed.” als and protect and reunite families these things,’” Father Rosebrough re- Judy Valente and vulnerable children.” calls. He says he listens politely to the Bill O’Keefe, vice president of ad- comments, then asks, “What is Jesus The author is America’s Chicago correspondent. vocacy and government relations for Catholic Relief Services, called the president’s plan “a temporary solution Immigration to problems in our outdated and un- just immigration system; and a ray Obama Proposal Protects Millions of hope to the hopelessness in much resident Obama’s plan to essen- ops and other Catholic agencies con- of Mexico and Central America.” He tially freeze most deportations cerned with immigration. added, “Ultimately, however, unless Pof people without documenta- Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, the conditions in migrants’ countries tion in the United States would pro- M.Sp.S., auxiliary bishop of Seattle of origin are addressed on a larger tect as many as 4.4 million people and and chairman of the U.S. Conference scale, children and families will contin- their families. “Mass amnesty would of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on ue to leave.” be unfair,” the president said in a tele- Migration, welcomed the Obama Asked to comment on the alle- vised speech to the nation on Nov. administration proposals in a state- gation that the president’s proposal 20. “Mass deportation would be both ment released on Nov. 21. “Each day, is little more than a hidden amnesty impossible and contrary to our program for people who have character,” he said. “What I’m broken U.S. law, O’Keefe re- describing is accountability—a sponded, “We are not reward- commonsense, middle ground ing people who broke the law, approach: If you meet the cri- but admitting the truth that teria, you can come out of the we drove people here through shadows and get right with the our own need for low-wage la- law. If you’re a criminal, you’ll bor, our own trade policies that be deported. If you plan to enter made it harder for people to the U.S. illegally, your chances live a decent life in their home of getting caught and sent back country, our own support to just went up.” unjust regimes and destabi- The president’s proposals lizing conflicts.” He added, “If were warmly received by major Eyes on the Prize. Outside the Arizona Capitol a two- to three-year reprieve Catholic bodies, with the con- in Phoenix, Abel and Idalia Rodríguez watch a live from deportation is a reward broadcast as President Obama describes his plan for for people who have been here sistent caution that this latest immigration reform on Nov. 20. effort to rationalize the nation’s working, raising families and immigration policies remains far from the Catholic Church in the United paying taxes for years, what is punish- complete and still leaves too many States, in her social service agencies, ment?” undocumented people out. Generous hospitals, schools and parishes, wit- Critics charge that the admin- family reunification policies have been nesses the human consequences of istration’s proposals go too far, but a consistent demand by the U.S. bish- the separation of families, when par- O’Keefe only wishes it would go a lit-

10 America December 8-15, 2014 SIGNS OF THE TIMES

tle further. No package put together in Washington is going to have much of NEWS BRIEFS an impact on migration from the south Church officials in Goa, India, were expecting more than if it does not include wise investments five million pilgrims for the once-a-decade exposition of aimed squarely at the conditions that the body of St Francis Xavier on Nov. 22. • While offi- push people across borders, he has cials from the Kenyan government and bishops’ confer- concluded. “There are successful, scal- ence met on Nov. 19, Kenya’s Catholic bishops continued able violence-prevention, education, to urge people to avoid receiving a tetanus vaccine, which agricultural-rural programs that could they say contains a hormone linked to birth control. make a difference” in improving eco- • “The struggle against hunger and malnutrition is Blase Cupich nomic opportunity and living stan- hindered by ‘market priorities’ and the ‘primacy of prof- dards in Central America, where many it,’” Pope Francis lamented on Nov. 20 at the Second contemporary migrants to the United International Conference on Nutrition in Rome. • More than 650 States originate, he told America. experts from 57 countries met at the Vatican on Nov. 20 for a confer- “We all know what could be done ence on autism. • Over 1,600 representatives from Jesuit institutions there in order to help people make the and other Catholic organizations joined together for the 17th annu- decision to stay,” he said. Why don’t al Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice on Nov. 15-17, marking the people in Washington who say they 25th anniversary of the murders of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper want to deter undocumented migra- and her daughter in El Salvador on Nov. 16, 1989. • At his installa- tion back those plans? “Because we tion Mass at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral on Nov. 18, Archbishop have defined the problem as one of Blase Cupich urged the congregation to share their faith fearlessly, rec- border security,” said O’Keefe. “But ognizing that God calls them “to more” and “to greater things.” building fences has ultimately never worked in human history. “Rather than building fences, we on Nov. 20 at the Italian church’s Holy Land Violence need to address our indifference to life Festival of Catholic Social Teaching. After an early morning attack on a in Central America, and we can do that As the global economic crisis contin- synagogue left four Israelis dead and and that would be the smart thing to ues, he said, there is a “great tempta- eight injured on Nov. 18, the Latin do.” tion to stop and lick one’s wounds, Patriarch, Fouad Twal, called for an O’Keefe marvels at the vast sums seeing them as an excuse not to hear end to all violence in the Holy Land. many in Washington remain eager the cry of the poor and see the suffer- “We are praying and waiting. We are to spend in the relentless pursuit of ing of those who have lost the dignity sad,” said Patriarch Twal. “We must, all better border control. “If the tens of of bringing bread home because they people of responsibility, politicians and billions we have spent on drones; on have lost their jobs.” But Christians religious leaders, do our best in our po- fences, walls; on militarizing our bor- are called to look beyond their own sitions to condemn this violence and der had been spent on helping people needs and trust that by working with avoid as much as possible the causes in Central America support their fam- others, including with governments, which lead other people to violence.… ilies, we would not have this problem they can “unleash goodness and enjoy Violence leads to more violence.” now,” he said. Kevin Clarke its fruits.” The pope said, “Today it is Patriarch Twal said he sent condolenc- said that many things cannot be done es to the families of all the victims of Pope Francis: Create because there is no money,” yet “the the recent wave of violence that has money for weapons can be found, the Jobs, Not Weapons rocked Jerusalem as Israel moves to- money to make war, money for un- ward expanding Jewish settlements in The Catholic Church calls for the cre- scrupulous financial transactions.” At the area and Palestinians fear a Jewish ation of job opportunities and the rec- the same time, he said, there seems to presence on the shared holy site of the ognition of the dignity of the poor, not be no money “to create jobs, to invest Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, in simply for more handouts or expanded in learning, in people’s talents, to plan Jerusalem’s Old City. government welfare programs, Pope new welfare programs or to safeguard Francis said in a video message played the environment.” From CNS, RNS and other sources.

December 8-15, 2014 America 11 SIGNS OF THE TIMES

dispatch | miami ducing an abortion. She was arrested and handcuffed to her bed. An Abortion Ban Challenged Salvadoran authorities insist many women falsely claim they’ve miscarried ifteen years ago, El Salvador en.” And Las Diez y Siete—the 17 when in fact they have had abortions. criminalized any and all abor- women currently behind bars for abor- But at Quintanilla’s trial, according tions. Now, after years of legally tion, some for sentences of 30 years or to court records, neither doctors nor F prosecutors ever presented physical dubious arrests, draconian prison sen- more—have become a cause célèbre tences and a controversial case involv- among abortion rights supporters. evidence or witness testimony to that ing a fetus with no brain, critics of the El Salvador has become part of the effect, nor did the coroner determine law call El Salvador a cautionary tale discussion about abortion in Miami. a cause of death. Even so, the charge that raises the question: Is this really Salvadoran doctors and lawyers have was raised to aggravated murder, and what a blanket ban on abortion should recently acknowledged that women Quintanilla was sentenced to 30 years. look like? who can afford it are increasingly trav- In 2009 an appellate court called “Whether you’re pro-life or the sentence excessive and ordered pro-choice, this is an issue of Quintanilla released. But her re- due process and human rights,” El Salvador’s pro-life cord kept her from being hired, says Caroline Bettinger-Lopez, and she emigrated a few months a University of Miami law culture made it easy ago to Chicago. school professor who follows El to codify church Last year the government re- Salvador’s judiciary. She notes, fused to let a pregnant woman for example, that while the law’s teaching into law. known as “Beatriz” have a thera- maximum prison sentence is sup- peutic abortion. Her baby had no posed to be eight years, prosecu- brain and no chance of survival. tors often elevate the charges to aggra- eling to Florida to have legal abortions. Because Beatriz suffers serious con- vated murder, and judges in turn have El Salvador is a small Central ditions including kidney failure and meted out terms as long as 40 years. American republic scarred by civil war lupus, doctors said carrying that anen- Given the usually poor, uneducat- and drug-gang violence. But it is also cephalic fetus endangered her own life. ed and frightened state of the women heavily Catholic and increasingly evan- San Salvador’s new archbishop, José involved, she argues, that constitutes gelical. That pro-life culture made it Luis Escobar, stirred controversy by abuse. easier in 1999 to codify church teach- insisting the mother’s health was not Mauricio Carballo, a spokesman for ing into a national law that prohibits threatened by the pregnancy. But after El Salvador’s federal prosecutor, denies abortion under any circumstance. calls from the Inter-American Court the government has misused the abor- The nation’s leading prelate at that on Human Rights to end the pregnan- tion law. Given the innocence of the time, Archbishop Fernando Sáenz cy, El Salvador’s Supreme Court per- unborn, he says, the law dictates that Lacalle of San Salvador, said abor- mitted a C-section delivery. (The baby abortion be addressed “with the gravity tion-ban legislation like El Salvador’s died hours later.) of homicide” and that certain cases— should be considered “a societal norm.” Meanwhile, a growing number of especially those involving late-term “If our agenda is humanitarian,” said Salvadoran medical and legal pro- abortions—merit punishment. Sáenz, “if we oppose drug-trafficking fessionals, including the head of the The United Nations is calling on and prostitution and racial discrimina- National Women’s Hospital, are urging El Salvador to revise, if not repeal the tion, then we must also oppose impu- more flexibility in the law. The Catholic law. This fall the London-based, pro- nity for this crime.” Episcopal Conference of El Salvador choice human rights group Amnesty But the law’s detractors say it has opposes any relaxation. International called the situation “in- all too often degenerated into a socie- The discussion is being monitored stitutionalized violence against wom- tal witch hunt. They point to cases like around Latin America, which is home that of Cristina Quintanilla. She was to five of the seven countries in the world that ban abortion outright. Tim Padgett, Americas editor for NPR affili- rushed to a hospital where an anony- ate WLRN, is America’s Miami correspondent. mous staff member accused her of in- Tim Padgett

12 America December 8-15, 2014

James Martin Life’s Second Half uring my retreat this year, I Some of our more superannuated Father Rolheiser reminds us that broke a longstanding rule. readers might smile at the idea that an essential element in growing older DMany years ago, when I was someone at my age, 53, is reading about is recognizing that while the passion a Jesuit novice, my first spiritual di- aging. But some of our younger read- and excitement of our youth may have rector counseled that the only books ers might think it’s completely appro- waned, and “boredom, the longing for one should read during a retreat (oth- priate! After all, when I look around a second honeymoon, midlife crisis, er than those in the Bible) are lives of our editorial table, I see mainly editors misunderstanding, disillusionment” the saints. Other spiritual reading, he who are younger than I—two are in and other struggles may weigh upon felt—particularly books on prayer— their 20s. And with the normal aches us heavily, there is a deep place within may tempt you from actually praying. and pains that come with moving past us that knows that “real life depends There is great wisdom in that: read- 50, and also the sadness of seeing more upon staying the course.” I dog-eared ing about prayer is usually easier than than a few friends grow ill that page and under- praying. and die, mortality is on my lined that passage. Since then, I’ve adhered to this rule mind. What these Father Rohr notes and always looked forward to reading But there’s another rea- books are several times in Falling a new saint’s life during my annual son for reading these books. Upwards that we are eight-day retreat. This year, however, I While all three can be fairly really about often invited to move thought I might treat myself and enjoy described as books on aging, ahead without fully un- some more general spiritual reading. they are nonetheless appro- is not derstanding what is hap- And I was grateful that I did. priate to readers at any stage growing pening to us, trusting in The book I brought along was of life. Because what they’re what Pierre Teilhard the superb Sacred Fire, by Ronald really about is not growing old, but de Chardin, S.J., called Rolheiser, O.M.I., which focuses on old, but growing up, some- growing up. the “slow work of God.” “Christian maturity.” It’s a follow-up thing we all try to do. Besides, if we did fully to his wildly popular book The Holy The three authors—all know what God was Longing, an introduction to the spiritu- religious men and women well known asking of us (which is usually to let go al life that I’ve recommended to more to Catholic audiences—approach the of something that keeps us unfree), we people than I can recall. In essence, his topic from three different angles. Each would “either try to take charge or stop new book is designed for those who writes with a highly distinctive voice the whole process.” have moved past the “introductory” and emphasizes different points, some- For me, the best aspect of Sister stages of Christianity and have settled what like the writers of the Gospels. Chittister’s book is the series of in- down for the long haul. It is crammed Father Rolheiser offers a systematic ventive dyads she uses to address the with wonderful insights. overview of what it means to move into various aspects of aging, each of which Reading Sacred Fire led me to two Christian maturity, with an emphasis brings “blessings” and “burdens.” In the other fine books on the same topic, on letting go of some of the passions and chapter entitled “Freedom,” for exam- which I read after my retreat: Falling problems of youth. Father Rohr’s book ple, she notes that a burden of growing Upwards: A Spirituality for the Two makes ample and creative use of both older is allowing stereotypes of aging Halves of Life, by Richard Rohr, psychology and classic literary patterns to hold one back from real growth. A O.F.M.; and The Gift of Years: Growing (for example, the story of Odysseus). blessing is that aging can give one the Old Gracefully, by Joan Chittister, And Sister Chittister’s book is a more chance to “break the bounds of a past O.S.B. general overview of the joys and strug- life, and to create for myself a life more gles of aging, which could be used prof- suited to what I now want to be.” itably by anyone—religious or not. I’m sure I’ll be returning to each James Martin, S.J., is editor at large of America and author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage. Let me just highlight my three favorite book frequently. Because, as hard as it Twitter: @JamesMartinSJ. insights. is sometimes, I hope that I grow old.

14 America December 8-15, 2014

Zero Tolerance Why Catholics must condemn anti-gay violence By Celso Perez

he recent assembly of the Synod of Bishops tion and in law and condemns violence against homosexual on the Family has brought renewed atten- people. While some church leaders and faith communities tion to Catholic approaches to gay and lesbi- have stressed a message of dignity and respect, many others an persons. During the synod, church lead- have not. In recent years, both religious and lay Catholics, ers discussed pastoral and theological per- through their actions and words, have promoted policies Tspectives regarding the place of homosexual persons in the and practices that seem to contribute to a climate of indif- church, and church teaching vis-à-vis homosexuality. Given ference or even hostility, in which violence against members the text of the midterm report and the final report, called a of sexual and gender minorities can occur. relatio, much of the conversation focused on the extent to which homosexual persons were welcome within the church Positive Shifts and in local parishes. Since his election in March of 2013, Pope Francis has re- Despite a significant opening in dialogue, the synod dis- peatedly voiced his concern for the most vulnerable people cussions made relatively little mention of the violence that in society. In his first apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the sexual and gender minorities regularly face in communities Gospel,” the pope emphasized the need to “draw near to new around the world. (In this essay I use the term sexual and forms of poverty and vulnerability, in which we are called gender minorities as a shorthand to refer to all individuals to recognize the suffering Christ.” The pope cited Jesus’ ex- who identify as something other than heterosexual or cis- ample in Matthew 25, explaining the need to identify with gender.) Sadly, violence is still a lived reality for Catholics the downtrodden. In less formal public statements, Pope and non-Catholics who fail to conform to certain expres- Francis has frequently repeated this message as central to sions of sexuality or gender. International entities like the the Christian life. U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Pope Francis seems to have been applying this concern have noted alarming rates of physical aggression against for the vulnerable to his treatment of sexual and gender mi- these individuals. Additionally, in at least 76 countries, laws norities. In summer 2013, when asked about gay priests in still criminalize particular expressions of sexuality and gen- the church, the pope famously replied, “If someone is gay der. These laws often make people vulnerable to prosecution and seeks the Lord with good will, who am I to judge?” In a by the state, as well as to attack and persecution by members subsequent interview published in America, he elaborated of the public. Governments often use sexual and gender mi- on these remarks, emphasizing the need to love and accom- nority groups as convenient scapegoats for social, political pany gay people, not categorically reject and condemn them. and economic ills, thus increasing their vulnerability. Other church leaders have more explicitly spoken out Growing awareness of such discriminatory practices against the physical violence and harassment experienced underscores the importance of having Catholics reiterate a by sexual and gender minorities. Last summer, for instance, message of care and nonviolence toward these individuals the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Charles Daniel when discussing issues of sexuality and gender. As church Balvo, stressed that while the church does not approve of leaders have noted, these calls are consistent with Catholic homosexual conduct, it recognizes and respects every- doctrine on the dignity of all human beings. TheCatechism one’s individual dignity. In the wake of growing reports of of the Catholic Church calls on Catholics to treat “homosex- anti-gay violence in parts of Africa, the archbishop said that ual persons” with “respect, compassion and sensitivity.” The “homosexuals should be defended against violation of their Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s letter “On the dignity and human rights; they are human beings like any Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons” (1986) mandates re- one of us.” In Brazil, the Peace and Justice Commission of spect for the intrinsic dignity of each person in word, in ac- the Archdiocese of São Paulo, a group composed of both lay people and clergy, strongly condemned the alarming number of attacks against sexual and gender minorities reported in Celso Perez is a Gruber Fellow at Human Rights Watch. He received a J.D. from Yale Law School, and an M.A. and B.A. in theological ethics the country. from Boston College. Others have spoken out against laws criminalizing sexu-

16 America December 8-15, 2014 LAW MEN. Men in Kampala, Uganda, Feb. 24, celebrate a new anti-homosexuality law, which imposed a harsh punishment for homosexual acts. The law was struck down in August, but a similar new bill is being considered.

al acts. Cardinal Oswaldo Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai, instance, an unofficial survey by Catholic groups found over has openly criticized India’s anti-sodomy law. After India’s 200 “gay-friendly” parishes across the country. U.S. priests Supreme Court reinstated the law, the archbishop was quot- have reported growing acceptance of people who identi- ed as saying that the church “is opposed to the legalization fy as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (often grouped of gay marriage, but teaches that homosexuals have the same together under the acronym LGBT)—particularly among dignity as every human being, and condemns all forms of younger parishioners. Even church leaders who have pub- unjust discrimination, harassment or abuse.” According to licly opposed same-sex relationships on moral grounds have the archbishop, this includes the criminalization of consent- called for respect and compassion toward LGBT people. In ing sexual acts between people of the same sex, because the New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan welcomed the move to church “has never considered gay people criminals.” allow LGBT groups to march in the St. Patrick’s Day pa- Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau, Dominica, and rade in New York City. Cardinal Dolan, who has publicly Cardinal Peter Turkson, head of the Pontifical Council on opposed same-sex marriage, will be the parade’s grand mar- Peace and Justice, have made similar comments regarding shal next year. the criminalization of sodomy in Dominica and Uganda, Similar trends have also been observed in Europe. respectively. Bishops in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland Earlier this year, the bishops’ conferences in Germany and and Ghana have called on Catholics this year to stand with Switzerland published reports on the beliefs and practices the powerless in the face of draconian legislation being of parishioners. The reports were based on extensive sur- passed around the African continent. veys of German and Swiss parishes and were put together Numerous Catholic communities have also embraced in preparation for the Synod of Bishops on the Family. In sexual and gender minorities, creating a safe space for them both cases, parishioners voiced considerable support for ho- in the church and in society at large. In the United States, for mosexuals. Cardinal Reinhard Marx, head of the German Re ut e r s E c hwalu, CNS photo/Edward

December 8-15, 2014 America 17 bishops’ conference, has said that the church “has not always In Cameroon, for example, human rights organizations adopted the right tone” toward homosexuals, and he has have routinely reported on citizens who are arrested and promoted a more welcoming approach. prosecuted simply for “being gay”—ostensibly determined by their dress, mannerisms or personal tastes. Organizations Keeping Consistent that work to defend the rights of sexual and gender minori- The meaning and scope of unjust discrimination against ho- ties face horrific attacks. Last year, a well-known human mosexual persons is still subject to debate in Catholic circles. rights activist, Eric Lembembe, was brutally tortured and But church teaching suggests that, at a minimum, this in- murdered. cludes a need to refrain from and condemn violence against Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Cameroon has not only people on account of their perceived or actual sexual orien- failed to denounce these deplorable acts; he has actively tation or gender expression. As Catholic leaders have noted, contributed to an environment of hostility toward sex- this includes the criminal- ual and gender minori- ization of consenting sex- ties. In February 2013 ual behavior among adults. Church leaders need to distinguish Archbishop Kleda joined In 1986, then-Cardinal between morally condemning a group of Catholic legal Joseph Ratzinger wrote: “It professionals to publicly is deplorable that homo- certain acts and relationships and endorse the government’s sexual persons have been criminalization of homo- and are the object of violent implicitly or explicitly condoning sexuality. During a panel malice in speech or action. discussion with jurists, the Such treatment deserves violence and persecution. archbishop cited a passage condemnation from the from Lv 20:13 that calls for church’s pastors wherever it occurs.” Subsequent teachings the death penalty for sexual relations between two men. In by local bishops’ conferences, including a letter by the U.S. Cameroon’s penal code, a person who engages in “sexual rela- Conference of Catholic Bishops, reiterated this message of tions with a person of the same sex” can already face a prison condemning violence. term of up to five years. While this message is not official teaching, the Holy See Since 2006 politicians in Nigeria have debated a series has also publicly opposed unjust criminal penalties for ho- of statutory measures that would criminalize same-sex civil mosexual people. In 2008, at the U.N. General Assembly, marriage, impose harsh penalties on same-sex couples and the Vatican representative publicly stated that it “continues even criminalize participation in a group that advocates the to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards rights of sexual and gender minorities. Earlier this year, in homosexual persons should be avoided and urges states to a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on behalf of the do away with criminal penalties against them. Governments Nigerian Catholic Church, Nigerian clergy praised a new should do away with unjust criminal penalties.” law that imposes severe criminal penalties on public displays Although the statement did not give examples of these of affection between people of the same sex as “courageous unjust criminal penalties, the Vatican spokesperson point- and wise.” Nigerian church leaders have made no effort to ed out that they include “not only the death penalty, but all condemn violent attacks against sexual and gender minori- violent or discriminatory penal legislation in relation to ho- ties after the law was passed earlier this year. mosexuals.” At a United Nations side event in New York in In Uganda the Catholic Church has wavered in its po- 2009, the Holy See reiterated its opposition to all forms of sition on a similar bill. In December 2009 Archbishop violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual peo- Cyprian Lwanga opposed Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality ple, including discriminatory penal legislation that under- Bill, which initially proposed the death penalty for same- mines the inherent dignity of the human person. sex sexual acts. Archbishop Lwanga called the bill “at odds with Christian values” like “respect, compassion and sensi- Church Failures tivity.” At the time the Holy See also condemned the bill as Despite these positive examples, many Catholic leaders and unjust discrimination. In June 2012, however, a coalition communities have ignored or seemingly contravened the of Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox churches asked the church’s stated position toward sexual and gender minori- Ugandan parliament to speed up the process of enacting a ties. Instead of upholding church teaching on sexual ethics version of this same bill. while decrying violence and a respect for human dignity, The Ugandan bill was passed in early 2014. It contained many have remained silent in the face of terrible atrocities provisions calling for more severe sanctions against people committed against vulnerable minorities. who engage in homosexual acts, including life in prison. The

18 America December 8-15, 2014 bill also criminalized related offenses like the promotion of As in other parts of the Caribbean, local advocacy groups homosexuality and the “attempt to commit homosexuality.” are challenging Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law. When asked by Human rights groups reported an escalation in evictions, advocates to clarify the Catholic Church’s position on the violence and discrimination against sexual and gender mi- criminalization of consensual acts between same-sex part- norities after the bill became law. ners, Archbishop Dufour said he felt no “need to make Rather than condemn these attacks, several Ugandan any special declaration” regarding the debate in Jamaica. bishops categorically supported the legislation during their Archbishop Dufour, however, did call attention to the vil- Easter homilies. Some came close to tacitly endorsing—or ification and persecution of religious groups that oppose at least excusing—acts of violence. Archbishop Lwanga has rights for sexual and gender minorities. Such statements are more recently published a manuscript noting the need to re- disheartening. Archbishop Dufour and other leaders in the spect and care for homosexual people, yet as of this writing, Jamaican church missed an important opportunity to give the Ugandan church as a whole has done little to condemn substance to the Holy See’s position. the abuses that sexual and gender minorities face. While The statements and actions of church leaders have a pro- the 2014 law was struck down by Uganda’s Constitutional found impact on the social environment in which people be- Court in August, Ugandan lawmakers have proposed a sim- longing to sexual and gender minorities live. Church leaders ilar bill, which they intend to pass before the end of the year. need to distinguish between morally condemning certain In the Caribbean, the archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica, acts and relationships and implicitly or explicitly condoning Charles Dufour, has also refused to condemn both the en- violence and persecution. The failure to do so not only con- demic violence sexual and gender minorities face in Jamaica travenes church teaching, but contributes to a climate of hos- and the Jamaican government’s criminalization of private tility that threatens lives. In the upcoming year, the Synod of sexual acts between consenting adults. In recent years, hu- Bishops will continue to discuss the church’s family pastoral man rights organizations, the Organization of American practices. As church leaders continue to discuss the morality States, the U.S. State Department and other governments of same-sex unions and whether homosexuals are to be wel- and organizations have criticized this violence. Beatings, comed into the church, they would also do well to condemn police brutality, torture and murder of people in sexual and clearly and categorically the violence that sexual and gender gender minorities are commonplace. minorities face in communities around the world. A

December 8-15, 2014 America 19

Family in Focus How do we continue the conversation started by the synod? By Robert P. Imbelli

merica’s editorial on the recently concluded me offer a preliminary response by saying that the work Synod of Bishops on the Family rightly speaks of before us should transpire in a climate of profound prayer, “a remarkable two-week period” (“Go in Peace,” respectful discussion and disinterested discernment. If that 11/10). Anyone who followed the synod knows characterization of the climate needed for spiritual efficacy Athat it was characterized by passionate debate and even, is given only notional assent or dismissed as merely pious in some instances, disagreement (which the final “Relatio rhetoric, then the likelihood of fruitful ecclesial discernment Synodi,” or synod report, did not conceal). However, less will be seriously diminished. noted than the more contentious issues was the common St. Ignatius Loyola places at the very beginning of his ground evident in confessing and celebrating the sacred na- Spiritual Exercises a demanding “Presupposition.” He ture and sanctifying gift of Christian marriage, as well as the writes: “It should be presupposed that every good Christian acute awareness that it stands under growing threat in con- ought to be more eager to put a good interpretation on a temporary society. neighbor’s statement than to condemn it. Further, if one After noting the drama that gave birth to the relatio, cannot interpret it favorably, one should ask how the other America’s editors rightly focus upon the task ahead. They means it. If that meaning is wrong, one should correct the write, “After this October opening, the time for the real work person with love.” has come” and ask, “How shall that work be conducted?” Let Nothing could be more enervating to the task of dis- cernment than attaching facile labels of “legalist” or “lib- Rev. Robert P. Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is eral” and using them as excuses for not engaging the con- emeritus associate professor of theology at Boston College. sidered perspectives and arguments of others. In the spirit

CANONICAL QUESTION. Barbara Anne Cusack, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, asks a question about marriage on Oct. 16 during the 76th annual Canon Law Society of America convention in St. Louis. , St. L oui s Re vi e w CNS photo/ L i s a Joh ns to n , St.

December 8-15, 2014 America 21 of St. Ignatius, the following presumptions should govern that St. John Paul II articulated so powerfully, that Benedict the deliberations of the year ahead. All parties concerned XVI promoted and that has received its most recent magis- should seek to read the contemporary ecclesial and cul- terial expression in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “The tural context guided by the light of Christ, the light of the Joy of the Gospel.” The synod has been summoned to explore Gospel, as the synod report reiterates time and again. All the Christian family’s indispensable role in witnessing to and parties should be committed to proclaiming the joy of the Gospel, a common pastoral concern: to which is the joy of Jesus Christ. preserve and strengthen the sa- If our discernment regard- In pondering this overarching cred gift of marriage in Christ theme, the synod report organiz- that has been entrusted to the ing marriage and family es its reflections into three major church. Sobriquets like “conser- is not deeply rooted in the parts. It first gives its attention vative Catholic” or “progressive to the contemporary context Catholic” (even as a self-designa- mystery of Christ, pastoral in which Christian marriage tion) should be placed in moth- and family life must be lived. It balls. As Pope Benedict XV said accommodation turns second to the beauty of in the days of the Modernist cri- the church’s proclamation of the sis, “Catholic Christian” should risks becoming merely mystery of marriage and family suffice to express our common cultural capitulation. life in Christ. Finally, it addresses heritage and commitment. These urgent pastoral concerns in living presuppositions will not elim- out that mystery. I would like to inate debate and disagreement, but they can make them highlight briefly some points from each part. productive and bearers of spiritual fruit. The relatio admits with sober realism that there are as- pects of contemporary society and culture that are not fa- Facing Challenges vorable to, or supportive of, committed Christian marriage. There is legitimate concern about several issues that have Economic factors like unemployment and poverty adversely monopolized the attention of the media. One is access to the affect family life, leading at times to family breakup and even Eucharist for Catholics who have divorced and remarried. emigration. The synod report also considers psychological Another is the welcome extended by the church to persons factors, like rampant individualism and reluctance to enter of homosexual tendencies. Clearly these are grave matters into binding commitments, especially in the Western world. that require prayerful and careful discernment. But the synod The synod laments the threats to affective maturity repre- report, which should form the basis of our ongoing discern- sented by a growing indulgence in Internet pornography and ment, treats much more. It would be a serious error to ab- denounces the sexual exploitation of women and children. stract from the whole to focus exclusively on one or another In such a brief document, the synod can do no more than of the parts. signal some of these negative signs of the times that need to Thus, it is critical that we do justice to the overriding be read and addressed by local communities in the light of theme of the synod. It has been summoned to deliberate the Gospel. But it is important to note that the synod’s rec- upon “The Pastoral Challenges of the Familyin the Context of ognition of these signs derives from an integral evangelical Evangelization” (emphasis added). In the introduction to the vision of man and woman created in the image and likeness relatio, the bishops declare, “the family takes on a particular of God, and that threats to that dignity arise from multiple importance for the church in the present time when all the social, cultural, political and individual factors. A compre- faithful are urged to venture forth from self. The family needs hensive and catholic discernment must attend to all that frays to see itself as an essential agent in the task of evangeliza- and unravels the bonds of families and communities. tion” (No. 2). (I am amending at times, for the sake of great- Beyond these pressing issues, the bishops raise another er accuracy, the English translation that was posted on the concern that must be faced and taken to heart. They speak of Vatican website shortly after the synod meeting concluded.) “the crisis of faith that has touched many Catholics, and that Then, at the beginning of Part III, which considers “Pastoral often lies at the origin of the crises of marriage and family” Perspectives,” the synod teaches, “Proclaiming the Gospel of (Nos. 5 and 32). One can suggest numerous reasons for the the family constitutes an urgent need for the new evangeliza- precipitous decline, in the 50 years since Vatican II, in Mass tion” (No. 29). attendance, sacramental marriages and infant baptisms, es- What is at stake in this discernment is nothing less than pecially in North America and Europe. Revulsion at the the Christian family’s involvement in that new (or renewed) sexual abuse scandals and the lack of accountability among evangelization that the Second Vatican Council inaugurated, some church leaders, along with disagreements over specif-

22 America December 8-15, 2014 ic church teaching or discipline, doubtless played a role. Yet the New Testament most explicitly concerned with ponder- the bishops’ perception of a profound crisis of faith cannot be ing the intimate and indissoluble union of Christ and the dismissed. Indeed, it corresponds to a haunting word of Jesus church: the letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians. They himself: “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith can serve well as lectio divina for this year of discernment. on earth?” (Lk 18:8). Each sets forth a wonder-filled vision of God’s plan of sal- vation that has been realized in Christ Jesus. The Letter to The Measure of the Fullness of Christ the Ephesians celebrates the full revelation of God’s will: “to Part II of the synod report is titled “Gazing upon Christ: The recapitulate all things in Christ” (Eph 1:10). And the Letter Gospel of the Family.” It is significant that the very first para- to the Colossians, in its great Christological hymn, confess- graph of this section quotes the talk that Pope Francis gave es God’s purpose: “to reconcile to himself all things through on Oct. 4, during the prayer vigil, in preparation for the open- Christ, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Col 1:20). ing of the synod: “In order to navigate our way among these Each epistle meditates upon the mystery of Christ and contemporary challenges, the essential condition is to keep then explores the consequences that flow from faith-filled our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, to linger in contemplation and appropriation of Christ’s mystery. Christ’s paschal mystery adoration of his face.... Indeed, every time we return to the gives rise to a new order of relationships for all is now being source of Christian experience, new paths and possibilities transformed in Christ. Thus Ephesians exhorts Christians to open.” The text of Scripture evoked here is the striking pas- put off the old self, corrupted by deceitful desires, and to put sage in the Letter to the Hebrews where the author exhorts on the new self recreated in righteousness and holiness (Eph the Christian community: “Therefore, since we are surround- 4:22–24). Colossians, too, insists that the old self of impuri- ed by such a cloud of witnesses, let us put away every burden ty and covetousness must yield to the new Christic self, for of sin that holds us tightly and run with patient endurance Christ is all and in all (Col 3:9-11). the race that lies before us, our gaze fixed on Jesus, the author At the heart of the good news, the joyful newness of the and perfecter of faith” (Heb 12:1-2). Gospel, is this passover from the old self to the new self that Thus, both pope and synod urge the Christian commu- Christ’s paschal mystery makes possible, whether lived out in nity to renewed contemplation and adoration of him who is married or celibate life. This is the de-centering and re-cen- our only Savior. I believe the practice of eucharistic adoration tering so often referred to by Pope Francis since his homily to to be integral to the process of discernment we will under- the cardinals the day after his election: Unless Christ and his take in the course of the next year. Indeed, where but at the cross stands at the center, the church becomes only “a charita- Eucharist did Ignatius himself draw insight for his ongoing ble N.G.O.” In the context of the journey of discernment that discernment, with regard to both his own spiritual state and lies ahead, let me parse the pope’s words. If our discernment his guidance of others? regarding marriage and family is not deeply rooted in the Developing further its teaching on the mystery of Christian mystery of Christ and the new life he inaugurates, pastoral marriage, the synod situates it within the history of salvation accommodation risks becoming merely cultural capitulation. culminating in Christ. For Christian faith, the order of cre- ation, with its climax in the creation of man and woman in Accompanying on the Journey the image of God, is oriented from the beginning to its ful- The theme of “accompaniment” on the Christian journey sur- fillment in and through Jesus Christ. The “divine pedagogy,” faced often in the deliberations of the synod. It is indeed a which the synod report extols, builds upon the primordial pastoral imperative, as the New Testament letters make abun- relation of man and woman and leads it to its consummation dantly clear. But, as they also insist, authentic accompaniment in Christian marriage, wherein it sacramentalizes the spousal on the spiritual journey requires that the goal, the telos, of the covenant between Christ and his beloved, the church. journey be luminous: our eyes fixed on Christ. In a memorable Such is the radical newness of Christian marriage that the passage in the Letter to the Philippians, Paul, having been “laid church’s doctrinal tradition celebrates and serves. Hence, it hold of by Christ Jesus,” strives to achieve the goal, “the upward would be a grave error to dissociate “doctrine” and “pastoral call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:12-14). And Ephesians, in practice.” The latter must be rooted in the former and find its a verse cited in the synod report, urges Christians to “speak the meaning and justification there. Of course, Christian doctrine truth in love and thus grow in every way into him who is our is not reducible to propositions, since doctrine only seeks to Head, Christ” (Eph 4:15). The true growth of the body is al- illumine the mystery of Christ. Doctrines are, of their very ways measured by the standard of Christ and the new life that nature, “mystagogic”: leading into the mystery of Christ “in flows from the Head to the members. whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” In this light, I conclude with a brief reference to two of (Col 2:3). the issues raised in the third section, “Pastoral Perspectives.” It is instructive here to consider two of the writings of The synod report recognizes the urgent pastoral need both to

December 8-15, 2014 America 23 prepare couples for the vocation of marriage and to support young couples in the early years of their marriage. It calls for “a greater effort on the part of the whole Christian community” in this regard (Nos. 39 and 40). It will require generosity and creativity on the part of the whole community to meet this challenge. Yet it is a clear imperative if the family is to fulfill its role in the task of evangelization. An example of one creative initiative is the attractive cat- echetical aid for the World Meeting of Families that will take place in Philadelphia in September 2015. This 120-page booklet, prepared by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Pontifical Council for the Family, is titledLove Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive. Its 10 chapters, each enhanced by a work of art, offer a succinct but comprehensive and captivat- ing overview of the Catholic understanding of marriage and family. It can serve well in marriage preparation sessions and parish discussion groups. A second area calling for careful discernment concerns the process and grounds for annulment. Pope Francis, in a recent address to the Roman Rota, echoed the concerns in the syn- od report (No. 48) for a more expedited and less expensive process to discern the validity of a marriage of two baptized persons. A particularly delicate question is whether, besides the usual criteria bearing upon validity, one ought, in a highly secularized society, take into account the Christian faith (or lack thereof ) of those who entered into the marriage cove- nant. Even though baptized, was one of the parties, in effect, a nonbeliever, lacking even implicit faith? Does this affect the marriage’s validity, and how can faith’s presence or absence be ascertained? We embark, then, upon a year of concrete discernment concerning the great mystery and vocation of marriage and family, revealed fully in the experience of Christ’s spousal love for his church (Eph 5:31-32). As we seek to appropriate anew the beauty of God’s purpose for the human race, prayer and the Eucharist, as the synod insists in its “Message to Families,” must provide the indispensable setting and sustenance for our journey. In the Missal, besides the familiar four eucharistic prayers, there are four additional “Eucharistic Prayers for Various Needs” that are less known and used. The third of these bears the title “Jesus, the Way to the Father.” In it, we offer petitions that might well accompany us through this year of discern- ment:

O Lord, grant that all the faithful of the Church, looking into the signs of the times by the light of faith, may con- stantly devote themselves to the service of the Gospel. Keep us attentive to the needs of all that, sharing their grief and pain, their joy and hope, we may faithfully bring them the good news of salvation and go forward with them along the way of your Kingdom. A

24 America December 8-15, 2014 December 8-15, 2014 America 25 Vatican Dispatch Call to Conversion ope Francis is calling everyone is being contradicted, or is in danger of other countries, including the United in the church to conversion, es- that, by the course he is steering. Their States. I note, however, that the con- Ppecially cardinals, bishops and discomfort arises from a perception that cerns are not only of a doctrinal, theo- priests. He is doing so first by example the new pathway abandons some au- logical kind. They are also of a more and then by words. And he is disturb- thentic articles of faith. This is especial- practical nature, because Francis’ call ing not a few in the process. ly the case when his call for conversion is having an impact on their daily lives. His call to conversion by example is a call “to concentrate on the essentials, A Polish bishop, for example, told me is visible for all to see. He shuns pomp on what is most beautiful, most grand, that he and his fellow bishops are “un- and circumstance; his lifestyle is simple. most appealing, and at the same time happy” because Francis’ emphasis on “a He lives in a small apartment, moves most necessary,” and “not to be obsessed church that is poor and for the poor” around in an economy car, refuses hon- with the disjointed transmission of a has led many Polish Catholics not only ors and never puts himself above the multitude of doctrines to be insistent- to reduce their offerings to the church other person. Humility is his hallmark. ly imposed” (No. 33) and to but also to ask why their He is truly concerned for the poor and avoid preaching a message bishops and priests can- the excluded, and wants “a church that that “seems identified with Francis’ call not have simpler life- is poor and for the poor.” those secondary aspects [of has clearly styles like the pope. In a He has spelled out the call to con- the church’s moral teaching] similar vein, the 40-year- version in his daily homilies and espe- that, important as they are, disturbed old pastor of a rich par- cially in “The Joy of the Gospel”—the do not in and of themselves some ish near Modena, in programmatic document of his pon- convey the heart of Christ’s central Italy, told me, tificate. He invites all local churches message”(No. 35). cardinals “Francis is robbing us of “to undertake a resolute process of As we have seen in the and bishops. our ministry; people are discernment, purification and reform” wake of the meeting of the now expecting us to act (No. 30) so as to be more “mission-ori- Synod of Bishops, some are like him.” I have heard ented.” He acknowledges the need for “a disturbed by the shift in ecclesial cul- the very same criticism from bishops. conversion of the papacy” too (No. 31) ture from one of clarity, ideas and logic Francis’ denunciation of clericalism and is working on that. He encourages to one of induction and real life as the and careerism in the church, and his everyone “to be bold and creative” in “re- foundation for theological reflection call to abandon such ways has upset not thinking the goals, structures, style and and pastoral practice—a discomfort a few bishops and priests; they lament methods of evangelization” (No. 33). that arises from a shift in first principles that the hierarchical order and rules for While Francis’ call has energized and theological method. success that have prevailed in recent de- and inspired many in the church, and Francis’ call also disturbs those pas- cades are being jettisoned. The same is indeed far beyond its boundaries, it has tors and lay intellectuals who feel that true of his criteria for the selection of clearly disturbed some cardinals and a the Catholics who have tried to live by bishops and cardinals. number of bishops in such countries as the clear standards of the catechism His call to conversion is first and Italy, Poland and the United States, as are being placed second to those on the foremost a call for a change in attitudes well as in the Roman Curia. periphery of the faith. The Argentine among cardinals, bishops and priests. The pope’s call and insistence that priest-theologian Carlos Galli calls this It is a call to be humble, welcoming, this is the time (kairos) for mercy makes “the elder brother syndrome.” Francis’ open, nonjudgmental and merciful. It some uncomfortable, because they feel call to conversion is hard for them; es- is a call to reach out to those who are the substantive truth of Catholic faith pecially if they see no need for conver- on the peripheries of life and society sion. and to promote a culture of encounter Gerard O’Connell is America’s Rome I have heard such concerns over the and inclusion, not one of confronta- correspondent. America’s Vatican coverage is sponsored in part by the Jesuit communities of past year in Rome, and from prelates tion and exclusion. the United States. Twitter: @gerryorome. visiting the Vatican, and when I visited Gerard O’Connell

26 America December 8-15, 2014 FAITH IN FOCUS Everyday Sacraments Final lessons of love By Angela Alaimo O’Donnell

n late December 2009, on a sunny landed and we rushed to her bedside, were befalling our mother, so per- Florida afternoon, my 81-year-old we entered a new stage in what we haps it seems natural that we found Imother stepped across my sister’s would eventually understand to be her ourselves trying to exercise control kitchen, caught her foot on the hem dying. And each time we arrived, we in smaller ways. As the doctors and of her pink bathrobe and fell onto the were newly clueless as to how to deal nurses made their regular rounds, in- ceramic tile floor. She landed with troducing new pieces of alarming in- sufficient force to break her right formation, we went about the business hip instantly, the hip opposite the of caring for our mother—activities one she had broken 10 years earli- that ranged from feeding, grooming er and that had been successfully and amusing her to simply sitting repaired. by her side—always trying to keep This second break was much her mind off her pain and her worse than the first. The inter- terror. Quite unconsciously, vening decade had weakened my we devised rituals, methods mother’s body and, truth be told, of dealing with disaster that her mind. A lifelong habit of smok- were rooted in the sacramen- ing had led to chronic obstructive tal practice we had learned as pulmonary disease, and a similarly children in a working class, long habit of excessive drinking had Italian-American Catholic rendered her major organs vulnera- family. ble. (My mother was a functioning with the alcoholic for 40 years.) This accident, current round My Epiphany as well as the surgery that might have of medical complications In his essay, “Sacraments,” the Catholic saved a healthier person, would prove and the increasingly volatile emotion- fiction writer Andre Dubus describes catastrophic in her weak condition. al firestorms at whose center we had in loving detail the ordinary process So began the steady, inexorable disin- been placed. of making sandwiches for his school- tegration of my mother’s living body Looking back on those days, I am age daughters. Dubus was wheelchair that would conclude with her death struck by the many moment-by-mo- bound—the result of a roadside acci- exactly 48 days later on Feb. 1, 2010. ment decisions we were forced to con- dent—and his limited range of mo- In the course of those 48 days, my sider. While I believe that many of the tion required him to develop elaborate four siblings and I were drawn repeat- choices we made were preceded by methods for accomplishing simple edly from the far-flung places we lived a process of careful thought and rea- tasks. These ordinary actions, per- to my mother’s side, iron filings to her soning, I am also aware of the fact that formed slowly and deliberately, took magnetic field. Each time our planes many were made by heart, rather than on the quality of ritual, providing him by mind. We were wandering through the opportunity to ponder both the strange terrain, and while there were practical ends they accomplished and Angela Alaimo O’Donnell a columnist occasional signposts suggesting the the greater meaning that lay beyond for America, is a writer, professor and associate director of the Curran Center for American right direction to take, there were also them. Catholic Studies at Fordham University in New signposts pointing in precisely the op- It strikes us as both wonderful and York. This article is condensed and reprinted posite direction. true when we discover, along with from the author’s book Mortal Blessings: A Sacramental Farewell, used by permission of We knew we were not in control Dubus, that this daily task of feeding Ave Maria Press. of the large-scale medical events that his children is a kind of sacrament: “A es y of th e author; s hutt r to c k. om/ xopix l c ompo s it e photo: th author’ moth r, ourt

December 8-15, 2014 America 27 sacrament is an outward sign of God’s ordinary in our day-to-day living is not the deep significance of the actions in love, they taught me when I was a boy, ordinary at all: everything is “enchant- which we were engaged. and in the Catholic Church there are ed.” Seen in the light of the sacramen- seven. But, no, I say, for the Church tal imagination, the stories of our lives The Sacrament of Pie is catholic, the world is catholic, and become invested with meaning and A few weeks after her fall, my mother there are seven times seventy sacra- importance, from our first breath to had rallied enough to undergo surgery ments, to infinity.” our last. and was moved to a nursing facility. As an English professor and long- The Latin wordsacramentum is of- This was a brief reprieve, days ofkai - time admirer of Dubus’s writing, I ten translated as a sign of the sacred. In ros rather than chronos time, during had read and shared these words with the church, sacraments are ceremonies which we hoped for her recovery. Each my students for years. But during the that direct our attention toward the sa- day and hour had its attendant rituals, course of those 48 days, engaged in cred by means of the mundane. During but the one she enjoyed most was the the work of daily, ritual care for a de- the consecration, bread and wine signi- evening visit. Nightfall occasioned the pendent parent, I was able to feel the fy (and, through the mystery of tran- bringing of an offering, most often in truth of what had been an intellectual substantiation, somehow become) the the form of a store-bought key lime understanding. body and blood of Christ. Similarly, in pie. baptism the pouring of water over the We would process into the room, The Catholic Imagination infant’s head signifies a ritual cleansing, announce the flavor of the pie, ceremo- Most of us live our daily lives immersed bathing the child in the waters of life, niously remove the clear plastic cover, in the ordinary. Beset by tasks and re- and also the drowning of the old self cut a generous slice and feed it to my sponsibilities, we accomplish what we and the emergence of the new, a pro- mother. She, in turn, would savor each can, often by rote and without much cess further signified by the new name bite, chewing the crust with some dif- thought or deliberation. These habits the child receives. The words, the ac- ficulty (as her dentures had been re- of daily-ness enable us to function, tions and the material substances are moved), uttering small, childish cries practically speaking, but they can also all signs of the invisible gift of grace. In of delight, and then pronouncing how blind us to the extraordinary nature of addition, sacraments are communal in “Dee-LISH-ous” it was. She would our own lives. In his book The Catholic nature. They require participants and wash it down with a sip from the pint- Imagination, the Rev. Andrew Greeley witnesses, effectively drawing us into sized carton of Ensure, the fortified reminds us that Catholic tradition of- communion with one another wherein milk she was given to drink. We would fers human beings both a deeper and a all are sanctified. repeat the feeding, receiving exactly the more expansive vision of life: These elements of ritual, mundane same response from her, and repeat the matter and communion were all pres- sip, until the first piece was consumed. Catholics live in an enchanted ent in the sacraments we shared with Then we would cut another slice. world, a world of statues and our mother. The rites we devised as we I was astonished, both then and holy water, stained glass and vo- cared for her served a practical func- now, by the force with which it hit me: tive candles, saints and religious tion, but they also served a transcen- this ritual was Eucharist by another medals, rosary beads and holy dent one. They were, indeed, outward name. Here I was, a child feeding my pictures. But these Catholic par- signs of invisible grace, as well as mute mother, our role reversal reminding aphernalia are mere hints of a testaments to the love we shared with me of the innumerable meals she had deeper and more pervasive reli- one another—a human, familial love fed me, beginning with my hidden gious sensibility which inclines that is, ultimately, an expression of life in utero and continuing into my Catholics to see the Holy lurking divine love. I was struck by this, even adulthood. We had come full circle in in creation. As Catholics, we find as we were performing these rituals in the round of life we had led, and this our houses and our world haunt- the intensive care unit at the hospital, ritual served to circumscribe the sa- ed by a sense that the objects, in the nursing home and, finally, in cred relationship between mother and events, and persons of daily life her hospice room. At the same time, child, embracing our shared past even are revelations of grace. I was touched by the humble nature as it unfolded in the present moment. of the materials we employed—not It also pointed to the future, as I real- The world in any given moment is, bread and wine, but pie and milk— ized that I would likely be in her posi- in fact, a sacrament—a revelation of not chrism oil, but make-up and nail tion one day, having my own children the presence of God—made manifest polish. Even so, the ordinariness of feed me. This simple meal was rooted in the humblest objects. What seems these substances seemed to intensify in time, but it also transcended time,

28 America December 8-15, 2014 enabling me to see it—and us—in the In the face of extremity, all was forgiv- are all terminally ill.” All of us are en- context of eternity. en. As it turned out, these sacramental gaged in the inevitable march towards It was all this and more. This action meals were among the last she would our own mortality. But these sacra- indicated our common humanity (we eat—a series of last suppers. And so mental moments enable us to pause in all need to eat to live), but it also ges- I’ve come to think of them as “mortal that march, to offer a gesture wherein tured toward a greater, spiritual hunger blessings”: mortal in the sense that they we give ourselves away and thereby ac- that needs filling in the here-and-now. do not—cannot—last; blessings in the quiesce to our common fragility and Our ordinary communion seemed a sense that they impart benediction on humanity. These are the sacraments of version of the divine communion we giver and receiver. love, not seven in number, but 70 times celebrate at Mass, food for the body As Andre Dubus points out in an- seven. And each is cause for both sad- and the soul that originates in the in- other essay, “On Charon’s Wharf,” “we ness and joy. A finite generosity of a God who came to live among us and who continual- ly gives himself to us in order that we might have life. There is something about the near- ness of death that offers unexpected glimpses into the nature of existence. Actions seen as rote, repetitive and numbingly boring can suddenly be- come charged with mystery, freighted with history and full of meaning we feel but lack the language to express. These epiphanies redeem the actions themselves, but, more important, they redeem the often fraught and fractured relationships between the people en- acting these ordinary sacraments. Here, through the agency of pie, I was offering my mother everything I had unconsciously withheld from her for years: understanding, compassion, forgiveness and, yes, even love. In re- sponse to my offerings, her mantra of “Delicious” served as her “Amen” and sounded to me like a series of acknowl- edgments: I know; thank you; I forgive you; and, most moving of all, I’ve always loved you. Our spontaneous Eucharist served another sacramental function—an enacting of confession, bestowing on us both forgiveness and mutual abso- lution. My forgiveness of my mother (she had not been the best) entailed my forgiveness of myself for my own short-comings as a daughter (I had not been the best). As for my mother, in her new-found simplicity of mind and heart, enjoying pie received at the hands of her child, she was mercifully relieved of guilt, resentment or anger.

December 8-15, 2014 America 29 Books & Culture

art | Leo J. O’Donovan fort to win the patronage of Philip II, he more or less accidentally settled in A Spiritual Perspective Toledo, where he remained until his death in 1614. Thirteen of the show’s Celebrating El Greco paintings come from these years, rang- ing from the still largely realistic work n honor of the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo’s muscular form comple- of the 1580s to the more visionary the death of the great Spanish mas- mented the free brush work and color paintings from the late 1590s on, with Iter El Greco, significant exhibitions he had learned in Venice. Known as El their elongated forms, intensified colors, have been held over the past year in Greco (“the Greek”), he still labored flattened space and almost complete Spain, London and the United States. with his figures, as is evident in the elimination of temporal and spatial de- In August, the Frick Collection mount- Hispanic Society’s “Pietà” (ca. 1575). tails. ed a stunning, two-painting mini-ex- The spiritual effect of this con- hibition, “Men in Armor,” that paired sciously chosen style is more import- the Frick’s “Vincenzo Anastagi” and ant still, however, offering the viewer Scipione Pulzone’s “Portrait of Jacopo a painterly equivalent of what St. Boncompagni.” The National Gallery Ignatius Loyola has in mind when he of Art in Washington, which owns encourages retreatants to place them- seven significant El Grecos, has joined selves in the scene they mean to med- them with three others from various itate, so that they may draw from it a Washington-area collections. deeper understanding of what they Now the Metropolitan Museum desire in prayer. of Art is showing “El Greco in New Saints Luke, Francis and Jerome York,” with 10 works from its own col- (as a penitent) are all at prayer in lection and six more from the Hispanic touching paintings (each dated about Society of America. Meanwhile, the 1600) from the Hispanic Society. Frick is presenting its own three El Ecstatic prayer and union with God, Grecos together on the same wall for rather than the anguished suffering the first time. (Seeing “Saint Jerome” at typical in the period, radiate from the eye level is the special treat here.) The Met’s “Christ Carrying the Cross” (ca. Met’s show—on view through Feb. 1580-85). Here Christ caresses rath- 1—is installed in one long gallery, but er than carries the cross, his enrap- it can easily enthrall as well as educate tured face looking to heaven in sub- you for several hours. lime acceptance. There is a startling Born in 1541 in Candia, the cap- serenity to the image, as though the ital of the Venetian colony of Crete, Savior were remembering as much as “Cardinal Fernando Niño de Guevara,” by El Domenikos Theotokopoulos came Greco, ca. 1600 bearing the instrument of salvation. from a prosperous family and trained Looking across the room to “The as an icon painter in the post-Byzan- Holy Family” from the same period, tine style that influenced him through- Slightly earlier, and more effective, is you fairly feel the loveliness of grace. out his life. In 1567 he sailed for Venice “Christ Healing the Blind” (ca. 1570), a Several paintings well-known to to study the late Renaissance masters, frequent theme suggesting personal en- visitors to the Met work to particular- Tintoretto and Veronese in particular, lightenment and serving also as an early ly marvelous effect in the show. (You reveling in their rich use of color but exercise in deep perspective. meet them again, rather than looking at struggling to learn anatomy and the The artist’s effort to joincolore and them.) This is surely the case with the placement of figures in space. disegno was resolved only when, moving almost frightening portrait of “Cardinal

In 1570 he left for Rome, where to Spain in 1576 in an unsuccessful ef- Fernando Niño de Guevara” (ca. 1600), e m y r Coll ec tio n H . O av n M u se um of A rt, es y of T h e Me tropolita P hoto s c ourt

30 America December 8-15, 2014 who was named a cardinal in 1596 and then inquisitor general of Spain by Philip III in 1599. Seated before a wooden door to the left and yellow damask to the right, the cardinal wears prominent dark glass- es through which he looks arrestingly but warily at you. His scarlet cardinal’s robes are imposing but not overly lux- urious. Your attention moves between the hard eyes and the very different hands, the right relaxed, the left strange- ly clenched. The tiled floor seems to fall away to the left, heightening the overall effect of powerful uncertainty. The cardinal’s portrait was owned (and perhaps commissioned) by his nephew, Pedro Lasso de la Vega, who also owned the Met’s celebrated “A View of Toledo” (ca. 1598-99). Less a conventional cityscape than an ide- al vision or hymn, “Toledo” is given an olive-green wall of its own and looks more splendid than ever. Seen from the north (whether by night or day is hard to say), the eastern side of the city high and for the most part to the right on the horizon, the Tagus plunging down to the left under the Alcántara Roman bridge, Toledo is identified as imperial “A View of Toledo,” by El Greco, ca. 1598-99 by the Alcázar (the royal palace) and as holy by the cathedral and its soaring in the 19th century, many great art- like meeting an old friend—and real- tower. ists became enthusiastic about him. izing that the person now means more And who is this old man portrayed Delacroix owned a small version of to you than you ever imagined. Almost in the corner between the fierce car- “The Disrobing.” John Singer Sargent all of the work here is religious, and dinal and the emblematic city? On a bought a version of “Saint Martin and much of it takes your breath away as it small canvas, with his searching, wistful the Beggar.” Cézanne copied “A Lady strains to reveal the transcendent des- eyes, bald head and gray beard, wear- in a Fur Wrap” (who may have been El tiny of our material world, not its end ing a high white ruff and fur-trimmed Greco’s mistress and the mother of his but its transformation into spiritual jacket, he addresses you across the cen- son). Manet found him in general “bi- reality—“the redemption of our bod- turies, holding your gaze as long as you zarre” but prized his portraits—as had ies,” in Paul’s phrase (Rom 8:23). We stand before him. Very likely it is El Velázquez two centuries earlier. Pollock are not entirely sure about El Greco’s Greco himself, presented as modestly did detailed sketches of his paintings own personal beliefs, though he lived here as he will be later, unforgettably, at the Met and in particular of “The in the Spain of Teresa of Ávila, John of as a worshiping shepherd in the Prado Vision of Saint John” (ca. 1609-14), the the Cross and Ignatius Loyola, a time Museum’s magnificent “Adoration fabulous fragment (the top third has of theological renewal and spiritual re- of the Shepherds,” of which the Met been cut off ) that is the largest piece form. But clearly he had a passion for shows a much smaller version. (El in the current show. Picasso said the interpreting creation, not copying it, in Greco painted the Prado version, be- work was “Cubist in construction,” and a way that was itself redemptive. tween 1612-14, to hang over his own it strongly influenced his brothel scene tomb.) “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J., is president emeri- After the “rediscovery” of El Greco Seeing this exhibition is first of all tus of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

December 8-15, 2014 America 31 of other things | Raymond a. Schroth Love and Death in New Jersey

ichard Ford has never written the Fourth of July. In Frank’s first story pathically “treat” her Parkinson’s dis- a frivolous word. So the title of he returns to the Sandy-strewn ruins ease. A spark of their love remains. She Rhis latest four related novellas, of his own house in Sea Clift, N.J.— tells him she wants to be buried near Let Me Be Frank With You (Harper washed off its foundation, spread over their son, Ralph. Frank has told Mrs. Collins), should not be dismissed. It the grass and asphalt, chimney gone, Pine that he hopes to die before his is the fourth of the Frank Bascombe fireplace standing alone in what was wife does. The reader wonders where series, about a sportswriter turned a living room, “a basement once full of Frank wishes to be buried. real estate agent. Beginning with The bicycles, old uniforms and ancestors’ Two days before Christmas, Frank Sportswriter (1986), Frank leads us boxes sucked up and blown away.” Add visits Eddie Medley, a rich old ac- through the dissolution of his first images of America quaintance from the marriage following the death of their where families are torn Frank had Divorced Men’s Club, son, Ralph, of Reyes disease at age 9 apart, aimless wars whom he does not to today, when at 68 he prepares for drag on, traditions been really like but who— death. At the end of The Lay of the are shattered. Arnie, diagnosed with parchment skin, Land (2006), he had been diagnosed to whom he sold his zombie eyes and sunk- with prostate cancer and shot twice in house 10 years before, with prostate en temples—has sum- the chest by a crazy 14-year-old on a appears, wealthy but moned him to make bike. changed, remade by cancer a deathbed apology If the voice in the title is the au- plastic surgery, with and shot calculated to hurt him. thor’s, Ford alerts the readers that he a third wife and hair Coughing continually, will speak frankly. Or, perhaps, Ford transplant. Put off, twice. Eddie asks him about suggests he himself is becoming like Frank tries to escape his writing: when you Frank; when we read Frank’s voice we Arnie’s hug, but fails. write a book, “how are reading his. At his home in do you know when Each story is an encounter between Haddam, N.J., a vis- you have finished it?” Frank and characters from his past, itor, Mrs. Pine, tells Frank confesses he each of which tests his values. He says him that his house was was never good at end- he has been reducing his character to her family home in ings. Eddie gasps “Oh- its “default” status in preparation for the 1960s, then stuns oh-oh-oh oh!” A smell his final days. That is his essence, free him with the revelation that her father escapes from under the covers. Frank, of distractions and failings. Most of killed her mother, brother and himself who has no desire to touch him, offers his friends are already dead, and losing in their living room. The reader too to help him in anything, including an them has made death mean less to him is stunned, except that we read this enema. I thought of Jesus, who was and life mean a great deal more. Yet for every day. “Many times I thought of willing to touch a leper, or today a vic- reasons he does not fully understand, killing myself,” she adds. “I wasn’t brave tim of Ebola. other people find they can tell him enough.” Outside Frank meets an old friend, things they cannot share with anyone Every month Frank drives to visit Ezekiel, a 39-year-old black teacher, else. his first wife, Ann Dykstra, who has coach and humanitarian who is col- Throughout the four Bascombe vol- moved into a “state of the art staged- lecting food for his church to deliver umes, Ford has staged these revelations care facility” called Community to the “people sufferin’ on the Shore.” around religious feasts and national Carnage Hill, whose goal is to “re- Streets away, the bells of St. Leo gong holidays that call into play values like brand aging as a to-be-looked-for- out carols. human dignity and God’s presence: ward-to phenomenon” and describes it Ford told me, about 30 years ago in Christmas (twice), Thanksgiving and as a “multidisciplinary experience.” So New Orleans, that his one ambition is four days before Christmas he delivers the same as William Dean Howell’s: “to Raymond A. Schroth, S.J., is America’s his present, a yogi-approved orthope- create a literature worthy of America.” literary editor. dic pillow recommended to homeo- That he has done, and more.

32 America December 8-15, 2014 books | PETER STEINFELS particular makes clear that Francis is no warm-hearted naïf but a politically From Argentina with Love savvy operator. His election, as Ivereigh chronicles it, did not just happen. But make no mistake. In the cru- Pope Francis Austen Ivereigh’s The Great Reformer cial matter of tracing how Jorge Mario Untying the Knots fills in this Argentine background in ex- Bergoglio, S.J., became Francis, Ivereigh, By Paul Vallely traordinary detail. He distinguishes, for backed by Piqué, tells a different story Bloomsbury. 288p $26 instance, the many fla- than the other major vors of Peronism, a vol- biography written in The Great Reformer atile mixture of nation- English, Paul Vallely’s Francis and the Making of a alism, populism, dem- Pope Francis: Untying Radical Pope agoguery and authori- the Knots. By Austen Ivereigh tarianism that won sup- There are two con- Henry Holt & Co. 464p $30 port from Argentina’s troversial chapters in working-class and labor Bergoglio’s life. The Pope Francis: Life and unions, as well as from most publicized fo- Revolution military personnel and cused on his conduct A Biography of Jorge Bergoglio Catholic social activists during the “Dirty By Elisabetta Piqué like the future pope. War.” As provincial of Loyola Press. 328p $22.95 For Elisabetta Piqué, the Argentine Jesuits, in Pope Francis, Life and Bergoglio ordered two After endless news articles, interviews, Revolution, much of left-wing Jesuits to leave and collections of the pope’s own words, this background hard- their high-risk shanty- is there anything new to learn about ly needs elaboration. town post. Did his or- Pope Francis? The answer, as demon- Raised in Argentina ders (ratified by Pedro strated by the sharply conflicting inter- and a veteran foreign Arrupe, the Jesuits’ su- pretations of his role in the Synod on correspondent for perior general in Rome) the Family, is clearly yes. Buenos Aires’s leading give the military a green For one thing, the last two papa- newspaper, La Nación, light for the arrest cies taught us the importance of na- she has known the pope and torture of the two tional background. John Paul II was since 2001. He baptized priests? More broadly, unmistakably the child of Poland’s her two children. [Ed. was Bergoglio com- struggle against two totalitarianisms. note: She is the wife plicit in the Argentine Benedict XVI was shaped by Bavarian of Gerard O’Connell, church’s failure to speak Catholicism, the trauma of the Third America’s Rome corre- out against the regime’s Reich and the secularism of contempo- spondent.] “disappearances,” in- rary German intellectual life. The Pope Francis cluding those of preg- Poland and Germany, of course, were she and Ivereigh por- nant women whose at the nerve centers of modern history. tray is pretty much the babies, born in prison, But Argentina? one the world has come were handed over to Argentina entered the 20th century to know: spontaneous, military families? as one of the world’s fastest growing plain-spoken, impatient The second contro- nations. It ended the century the under- with protocol and priv- versy was less morally achieving victim of five military coups, ilege, dedicated to the dramatic but may have the false promises of Peronist populism, poor and burdened, in- much greater implica- a murderous campaign of kidnappings sistent on mercy rather tions for a Francis pa- by revolution-intoxicated young people than inflexible judg- pacy: Bergoglio’s role at and a vastly more murderous “Dirty ment. Both authors the center of bitter divi- War” of repression by a right-wing mil- underline Francis’ de- sions among Argentine itary. Plus constant official corruption termination to change Jesuits. Had he led a and fiscal irresponsibility. the church. Ivereigh in faction that resisted the

December 8-15, 2014 America 33 reforms of the Second Vatican Council, tial option for the poor”; but in over- Bergoglio’s divisive “meddling.” ignored the call of the Jesuits’ 32nd seeing the formation and education of These are not small points. They add General Congregation for “action on young Jesuits, he also wanted to main- up to sharply contrasting narratives. behalf of social justice” and attacked lib- tain Catholic identity and continuity One, Vallely’s, is essentially a story of eration theology? with the past. conversion from youthful political and Vallely, Ivereigh and Piqué clear Both authors agree that Bergoglio ecclesiastical conservatism. The other, Bergoglio of the gravest charges of opposed Jesuit proponents of liberation Ivereigh’s, is essentially a story of per- misconduct during the Dirty War. All theology, but Ivereigh judges Bergoglio’s severance and ultimate vindication in agree that he risked himself in heroic ef- opposition as a sound rejection of an the pursuit of moderate “true reform.” forts to hide and rescue people targeted ideological current at odds with both So, whom to believe? Francis has by the military. But Vallely leaves an im- the church and Argentine reality. When of course confessed that his govern- pression of some degree of moral failure, Bergoglio’s critics gained the upper ing “style” as a young Jesuit “had many whereas Ivereigh finds the Jesuit leader’s hand in the see-sawing among Jesuit faults.” “I made decisions abruptly decisions, under trying conditions, rea- factions in Argentina, he was effectively and by myself ”; and this “authoritari- sonable and blameless. Piqué barely has exiled from influence, a break that be- an” manner “led me...to be accused of the time of day for Bergoglio’s accusers. came definitive when, to the distress of being ultraconservative.” But “I have Regarding Bergoglio’s stance toward Jesuit opponents, he was appointed an never been a right-winger,” he insists. Vatican II and the Jesuits’ commitment auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. This confession about “style” hardly in- to social justice, the contrast is starker. All three authors stress how painful dicates, as Vallely seems to assume, a Vallely paints the future pope as a de- and humiliating Bergoglio found this change of heart about the substantive termined traditionalist. Ivereigh paints rejection—he was even peremptori- issues that separated Bergoglio from him as a proponent of “true reform” ly and formally ordered out of Jesuit his adversaries. rather than “false reform,” using cat- quarters while his rooms as auxiliary Although these two authors cite egories borrowed from Yves Congar, bishop were being prepared. Ivereigh many of the same sources, Vallely O.P., the great theologian of Vatican II. sees this as the culmination of an- clearly gives credence to Bergoglio’s Ivereigh’s Bergoglio was deeply commit- tagonism from Jesuit liberationists. liberationist opponents within the ted to the council and to the “preferen- Vallely treats it as the consequence of Jesuits and to crusading Argentinians

34 America December 8-15, 2014 bent upon bringing to justice anyone significant. Ivereigh outlines Francis’ What happens if some of these prin- possibly tainted by the Dirty War. guiding principles—his rejection of ciples collide with conclusions emerging Ivereigh, by contrast, gives much more “ideology” and “elite” theorizing, for ex- from a genuinely collegial church—to credence to Bergoglio’s close associates ample; his emphasis on unity over con- which Pope Francis is also deeply com- and intimates. flict; his appeals to popular religiosity, as mitted? And at what point does pastoral If one were to judge on the basis well as his critique of the Enlightenment compassion demand a reexamination or of fuller detail and documentation, and his hewing to established positions development of doctrine? Ivereigh would win hands down. He on contraception and other questions Those are the next unavoidable chal- provides footnotes; Vallely doesn’t. of gender and sexuality. Many are po- lenges facing “the great reformer.” Ivereigh often notes political and ideo- tentially ambiguous in regard to what logical agendas of Bergoglio’s critics, John Courtney Murray, S.J., declared Peter Steinfels, a former editor of of which Vallely appears unaware. to be the great unresolved question of Commonweal and professor at Fordham University, was the senior religion correspondent Ivereigh registers the very real support Vatican II, how to understand the de- at The New York Times from 1988 to 1997 and Bergoglio had among younger Jesuits velopment of doctrine. a religion columnist there until 2010. and the resentment this stirred among their seniors. Diane Scharper Personally, I find Vallely’s thesis that Bergoglio used to be one of those pre-conciliar hold-outs but now is The Death Railroad one of us a little too self-congratula- tory. On the other hand, at moments The Narrow Road to the poem. Flanagan calls Basho’s diary the Ivereigh seems driven by the apologet- Deep North high point of Japanese culture, as op- ic impulse (cf. George Weigel) to por- By Richard Flanagan posed to the Death Railroad—the low tray our popes (even in their pre-papal Knopf. 352p $26.95 point. lives) as paragons of continuity and The plot is loosely based on never seriously in error. The Pacific theater of World War II is the memoir of Weary Dunlop, an Piqué’s account falls solidly on often thought of as a forgotten war. But Australian surgeon who survived Ivereigh’s side. In fact, it is a differ- anyone who reads Richard Flanagan’s the abhorrent conditions as a P.O.W. ent sort of book, although it touches sixth novel, The Narrow Road to the Dunlop was the voice of compassion on most of the same events. A friend Deep North, will not soon forget it. and hope to the approximately 1,000 and enthusiastic admirer of Bergoglio Set in a Japanese prisoner of war Australian P.O.W.’s. Among them was from the start, Piqué is interested in camp, the story expertly blends fact Flanagan’s father, prisoner #335, to illuminating his character rather than and fiction as it brings whom Flanagan dedi- hearing out criticism. She sets scenes to life a gut-wrenching cates this novel, which, vividly, using the historical present and soul-changing ex- he said in an interview, tense. She makes her points with long perience. That is not an took him 12 years to quotations. To Vallely’s and Ivereigh’s exaggeration, and this write. more distanced accounts, these “insid- book is not for the faint Flanagan filters er” voices are a valuable addition. And of heart. his novel with poetry, though my life on deadline does not This novel, which which appears on al- compare to Pique’s, her every glimpse won the 2014 Man most every page and of writing under pressure, solidarity Booker Prize, takes floats into and out with fellow journalists and squeezed- the perspective of of the consciousness in moments with husband and chil- Australian prison- of several characters. dren made the adrenaline surge again ers who are charged There are so many lit- in my chest. with building the erary allusions here— Both Vallely and Ivereigh warn that Thai-Burma rail- as well as smatterings Pope Francis’ pastoral compassion does way. The title al- of poetry and met- not necessarily mean doctrinal flexi- ludes to a travel diary with a similar aphor—that the story could also be bility; but if the arc of his life is one title by Matsuo Basho, published in called a death poem. Every section of primarily of perseverance rather than 1702, which blends prose and poetry the book begins with a haiku that con- self-transformation, that is all the more and is sometimes called Basho’s death tains in condensed form the contents

December 8-15, 2014 America 35 of the chapters that follow. The poetry finding Amy serves as his one hope This “terrifying force,” Dorrigo not only gives the story a universal- amid what he calls the terrifying force writes, “takes hold of individuals, ity, but also a dreamlike quality. This of evil. Flanagan’s numerous allu- groups, nations, and bends and warps works well as Flanagan takes readers sions to this force give the novel the them against their natures, against into the dreams Dorrigo Evans expe- added resonance of a morality tale. their judgements, and destroys all be- riences during his last days. On many levels, this book resembles fore it with a careless fatalism.” One Dorrigo Evans is a sergeant, sur- Dante’s “Inferno.” Dorrigo even refers especially wrenching scene occurs as a geon and the story’s hero—of sorts. to Dante’s first circle. This evil force prisoner is beaten nearly to death and, The novel moves from his boyhood plays out in Dorrigo’s own life as he as Flanagan puts it in an clear refer- in an Australian backwater town to attempts to stand up for his men, even ence to the passion of Christ, he “falls his war years, middle age and old age, though he has not until this time had for the second time.” when he becomes a national hero, al- the courage to stand up for anything The Aussie prisoners are ravaged by though he feels that he doesn’t deserve but his own selfish interests. cholera, beri-beri, dysentery, tropical the accolades. The story ends with One also sees the force in the lives diseases, ulcers, gangrene and a starva- Dorrigo, in his late 70s, lying on his of the men he ministers to as their tion diet consisting of a daily serving of death bed. His life replays in frenzied physician as well as those who brutal- a rancid rice ball. They work 15-hour bursts of memory, which can make the ize Dorrigo and his troops. Colonel days trudging narrow paths that snake story seem incoherent and difficult to Kota, for example, has “no fear or con- beside steep gorges. They carry shov- follow. The novel, like Flanagan’s first, science.” He feels himself to be in the els, axes, surveyors’ pegs, ties, spikes, Death of a River Guide, is a flashback power of “something demented, inhu- rails and other equipment necessary to or, as Flanagan calls it here, a death man, that had left a trail of endings build the Burma Railroad, or, as histo- dream. through Asia.” He kills casually, joyful- ry calls it, the Death Railroad. One significant moment occurs ly and brutally. Yet he has an immense Worse yet are the beatings. The when Dorrigo falls passionately in love love for poetry and recites haiku as he slow, the sick, the starving—and with Amy just before being called up to kills. anyone else within range—must be join his regiment. She, who wears the Another is Sergeant Nakamura, beaten into submission with guns, red flower on the book’s cover, which who murmurs a haiku by Basho as he poles, whips, hands and any weapon is referred to several times in the sto- instructs the guards to kick the help- available. Sometimes the men fall into ry, also happens to be his uncle’s much less, emaciated body of an already dy- churning mud of earth and excrement. younger wife. Ridden with guilt but ing prisoner. Although the Japanese Ultimately, Flanagan’s prizewin- unable to contain his feelings, Dorrigo are the villains, Flanagan balances his ning novel proves the adage that war is promises Amy that they will be reunit- portrayal by showing the captors as hell. But it takes the horror of that hell ed when the war ends. Whether and victims of the same evil force. When to unexpected depths. how this will happen becomes a sub- the two soldiers return home, they Diane Scharper, who teaches English at plot. become loving fathers and seem little Towson University, is the author of several After Dorrigo is taken prisoner, connected to their past. books, including Radiant, Prayer Poems.

tailed information and application process for the Sabbatical CLASSIFIED Executive Director position. The School of Applied Theology has Books several spaces still available for its Winter/Spring UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND seeks a teacher and Religion & Civility (faith & reason) Together; www. Sabbatical Program beginning Jan. 19. Presenters scholar for a tenure-track position in sacramental the- wordunlimited.com. include Michael Fish, Gerald Coleman, Carolyn ology. Please visit our website at www.up.edu for more Foster, Jim Zullo, Joann Heinritz and Michael information about this position and the University. Positions Crosby. Come to our San Francisco Bay location Seeking an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The to relax with God and minister to yourself. For Religious Formation Conference (R.F.C.), which Retreat more information, go to www.satgtu.org or contact fosters and serves initial and lifelong formation for Late winter retreat with Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I., Celeste Crine, O.S.F., Associate Director, at (510) members of religious congregations of women and “Living With Less Fear in Our Lives: Trusting in a 652-1651. Scholarships available. men, is seeking a new Executive Director for the Wise, Prodigal, and Fully Empathic God.” Feb. 22– national office located in Washington, D.C. The 26. Oblate Renewal Center, San Antonio, TX 78216. Translator successful candidate must be a member of a Roman Information: Brenda at (210) 341-1366 ext. 212. I will translate into Spanish your books, articles, Catholic religious congregation and have experi- essays, pastoral letters, ministry resources, websites ence with formation or leadership. Qualifications Rosaries and newsletters. Luis Baudry-Simon. E-mail: luis- include a master’s degree in theology or equivalent. Rosaries. Beautiful hand-crafted and Italian rosa- [email protected]; Ph.: (815) 694-0713. Applications will be received until March 10, 2015. ries are available at The Rosary Beads Company. Visit Go to www.RelForCon.org/EDSearch for more de- http://rosarybeadscompany.com. To place an ad, visit americamagazine.org.

36 America December 8-15, 2014 THE WORD

sage, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:21). Waiting on Hope This we might identify with what Third Sunday in Advent (B), Dec. 14, 2014 Catholic biblical scholarship has called Readings: Is 61:1–11; Lk 1:46–54; 1 Thes 5:16–24; Jn 1:6–28 the sensus plenior, or “fuller sense,” since it does not obviate the original histor- “Who are you?” (Jn 1:19) ical meaning and context but points to a fulfillment of which the original hu- hristians read the Old he has sent me to bring good news to man author was unaware. Testament today, understand- the oppressed, This is why the questioning of John Cably, in light of Christ’s fulfill- to bind up the brokenhearted, the Baptist by some representatives ment of the promises and prophecies to proclaim liberty to the captives, of the Pharisees makes historical and found there. It is a simple thing to do, and theological sense. The Pharisees, like since the early church read the Old release to the prisoners. most Jews of this period, were awaiting Testament in the context of Jesus’ in- the Messiah. Because of the carnation and teaching and the expe- In its original historical attractiveness of John’s rience of Easter and then formalized context and literal mean- prophetic message of re- these readings and understandings in ing, the author speaks of pentance to the people, the texts of the New Testament. the conditions that the he was someone who But what if you were a Jew in the returning Babylonian had to be examined. first century, eagerly hoping for the exiles found, especially They asked, “Who are Messiah, a successor to David? These when he promises that you?” In response, John hopes, shared with the whole nation, those returning exiles had been growing since the return from Babylonian exile. As you searched shall build up the ancient ru- PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE through the panoply of prophecies, ins, you began to wonder: when will these How do you wait in hope for the Messiah they shall raise up the former dev- at Advent? hopes be fulfilled? Who do you look astations; for and where do you start looking? It they shall repair the ruined cities, a. du nne tad art: would be like reading a mystery nov- the devastations of many genera- confesses that he is not the Messiah, el, knowing every clue, studying every tions. not Elijah, not the prophet and cites sign, but seeing only in retrospect how Isaiah 40:3, a passage dated to the end the whole fits together. It also seems that the post-exilic of the Babylonian exile: “I am the voice Isaiah 61, for instance, is most often prophet is speaking of his own role of one crying out in the wilderness, dated to the period just after the return in the restoration of Jerusalem when ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” from Babylonian exile, and the author he says, “The spirit of the Lord God is John identifies himself as the fulfill- of the passage is generally considered upon me.” ment of long-ago prophecies, not as to be the speaker in the text. This Yet there is also an eschatological the Messiah but as the one who pre- prophetic passage emerged, therefore, edge to the hopes imagined, especially pares the way for the coming Messiah. some five centuries before the birth of in the proclamation of “the year of the But the questions still remained, Christ. In it the speaker says, Lord’s favor,” an event still to come. even for John. Who ever thought that Christians see the spiritual fulfillment it would happen through a young, The spirit of the Lord God is upon of these proclamations in the person unmarried woman, that God would me, and ministry of Jesus, centuries after look “with favor on the lowliness of because the Lord has anointed me; they were uttered. The reason is sim- his servant,” Mary? God asks that as ple: Jesus himself read this passage, ac- we wait for fulfillment we be prepared cording to Luke 4, in the synagogue in for God to do new things, unexpected John W. Martens is an associate professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas, St. Nazareth. things, and be ready for the unlikeliest Paul, Minn. Twitter: @BibleJunkies. There Jesus says of the Isaian pas- of answers.

December 8-15, 2014 America 37 THE WORD

asks the question, when instructed by the angel Gabriel that she would give Fulfillment of Hope birth, “How can this be, since I am a Fourth Sunday in Advent (B), Dec. 21, 2014 virgin?” It’s an excellent question. We Readings: 2 Sm 7:1–16; Ps 89:2–29; Rom 16:25–27; Lk 1:26–38 might ask other questions, such as “Why do it this way? Why an infant Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Lk 1:34) child? Why not a king like David, seat- ed on an earthly throne, attracting all he fulfillment of hope, es- born, the highest of the kings of the to him with his glory and power?” pecially divine hope, funda- earth. Forever I will keep my steadfast The angel Gabriel says to Mary, “Do mental hope, does not rest on love for him, and my covenant with T not be afraid, Mary, for you have found intricately calculated human plans, in him will stand firm. I will establish his favor with God. And now, you will which we chart the future according to line forever, and his throne as long as conceive in your womb and bear a son, algorithms that never vary and on the the heavens endure.” A king forever on and you will name him Jesus. He will basis of mathematical certainty await the Davidic throne. be great, and will be called the Son of the fulfillment of our calculations. We can understand why it was such a the Most High, and the Lord God will Perhaps this works for 401k plans, but crushing blow when the house of David give to him the throne of his ancestor Messianic hope is far more significant fell with the Babylonian conquest. The David. He will reign over the house of than investment strategies. house of God was reduced to rubble, Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there King David had a plan to build God the leaders of the people marched into will be no end.” a house (bêt in Hebrew), which here exile, and a king on David’s throne With Mary and the Jews at Jesus’ indicates the Temple. David wanted to was nowhere to be found. When the time, we might say that we did not build the house of God, and initially Persians allowed the Judeans to return see this coming. But as Gabriel says of the prophet Nathan encouraged him to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, in his plan. But Nathan received the hopes for a restored Davidic kingship PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE word of the Lord that directed David began to grow, and they expanded as not to build a bêt for God, for God the king was considered more and How does the past fulfillment of God’s would build David a bêt, a dynastic more in the light of eschatological promises guide you to hope at Advent? house. and cosmic hopes. God’s kingdom This prophecy seems straightfor- would be established as a kingdom ward when Nathan speaks God’s word to end all kingdoms. Elizabeth’s pregnancy, “nothing will be to David: “I will raise up your offspring This would not be an ordinary impossible with God.” And Mary’s fi- after you, who shall come forth from kingdom, but one that drew all nations nal response is calm acceptance: “Let your body, and I will establish his king- to it, that foretold a time of peace and it be with me according to your word.” dom. He shall build a house for my prosperity, that would fulfill the hopes As we reflect on how God has con- name, and I will establish the throne of and longings of a people bereft of a founded human expectations in the his kingdom forever.” Again David is king for so long. It was their God, of past, only to fulfill these hopes more promised, “Your house and your king- course, the only, true, living God, who majestically than we could imagine, dom shall be made sure forever before would act to establish this kingdom we need these words on our lips at me; your throne shall be established soon. Whenever and however God Christmas: “Nothing will be impos- forever.” Is there a question as to what would do it, its establishment could sible with God.” However God will the Davidic kingdom will be? not be missed. do it, be ready, for God fulfills hope in Such Messianic promises are scat- Unless, of course, the promise was ways never before imagined. We need tered throughout the Old Testament, fulfilled through a young virgin, yet to to be able to say with Mary: “Let it be including Psalm 89, where God says be married, and her infant son, born with me according to your word.” of the king, “I will make him the first- in the lowliest of circumstances. Mary John W. Martens

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