Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Volume XXXVI, No. 12 DECEMBER 2016

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparation for Christmas.

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO NONPROFIT ORG. We who are blessed in so many ways long for PO BOX 1829 US POSTAGE PAID the complete joy of your Kingdom. SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 SAN ANGELO, TX PERMIT NO. 44 We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.

We are your people, walking in darkness yet seeking the light.

To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus”. Amen.

— Henri Nouwen Page 2 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus The Inside Front Trudos’ to celebrate grand re-opening, new owners, January 14

By Jimmy Patterson Angelo was purchased August 15 by opened his living room doors to cus- New Trudo Editor two married couples with a dream of tomers, Trudo’s Religious Store will Store owners carrying on the tradition first set celebrate its grand re-opening. Ms. Mario and SAN ANGELO —Thirty-seven forth by Trudo and his family. DeHoyos said recently that in order Connie years after it opened in the living Dreams sometimes turn quickly to prepare for the big event, the store DeHoyos, far room of Deacon Frank Trudo, the into reality as Rachel and Mark Vega, will be closed the week after left, and Mark religious store bearing his name and and Connie and Mario DeHoyos, Christmas. and Rachel operated at first by him and, since parishioners at St. Mary’s Church, “When my husband first read in Vega, near left. 1991, daughter Pat and husband Jim, soon learned. The Angelus how Pat was looking to has been sold. On Saturday, January 14, 2017, 37 (Courtesy photos) Trudo’s Religious Store in San years and 12 days after Trudo first (Please See TRUDOS/10) Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe to be ‘Day of Prayer and Solidarity with Families of Immigrants’ U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

WASHINGTON—A Day of Prayer with a focus on the plight of refugees and migrants will take place across the United States on December 12, 2016, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It will be a time to place before a merciful God the hopes, fears, and needs of all those families who have come to the U.S. seek- ing a better life. Msgr. James Bridges, “As Christmas approaches and especially on this pastor at St. Stephen’s feast of Our Lady, we are reminded of how our savior Church in Midland, will celebrate 55 years in the Jesus Christ was not born in the comfort of his own priesthood in 2017. home, but rather in an unfamiliar manger,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston- Houston and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “To all those families Touching Christ this side of Heaven separated and far from home in uncertain times, we join with you in a prayer for comfort and joy this By Jimmy Patterson the price to $100,000. Msgr. like St. Elizabeth’s had. Advent season,” Cardinal DiNardo added. Editor/ The Angelus Bridges used the money to pur- In 1995, the year before Msgr. Prayer services and special Masses will be held in chase the Helping Hands Building Bridges was named pastor, St. many dioceses across the country as the Catholic MIDLAND — To some, news at 1301 Brinson Lane, tucked Stephen’s celebrated only three Church continues to accompany migrants and refugees that seed money used to establish behind a row of automobile dealers weddings and 17 baptisms. Last seeking an opportunity to provide for their families. If Helping Hands was raised through on Wall Street. year, the parish celebrated 86 wed- you are unable to attend or there is not one near you, a deal with Disney World officials Msgr. Bridges is a remarkable dings and 1,002 baptisms. Catholics are invited to offer prayers wherever they eager to obtain a 1937 Packard servant of God. He celebrated 54 Enrollment for weekly RCIA class- may be. For example, the United States Conference of convertible for Epcot Center in years in the priesthood in May es this year is 250 in English and Catholic Bishops’ office of Migrant and Refugee Florida would not seem plausible. 2016. For the entirety of his priest- 100 in Spanish. Services (MRS) has also developed a Rosary entitled But for those who know Msgr. ly vocation, and for his entire life, Msgr. Bridges attributes the “Unity in Diversity” that includes prayers for migrants James Bridges, the story is not he has been driven by one core parish’s extraordinary growth to and refugees at only plausible, but likely. belief: If you take care of the poor, one thing: When parishioners justiceforimmigrants.org/documents/Scriptural-Rosary- When Msgr. Bridges and others God will take care of you. began to focus on helping the poor, Eng.pdf. were searching for a building for After establishing St. Elizabeth the church began to grow so fast it “So many families are wondering how changes to Helping Hands of Midland, Disney Ann Seton parish in Odessa he became hard to stay up with its immigration policy might impact them,” said officials just so happened to be was assigned as pastor of St. progress. And it started 14 years Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice-presi- looking for a ’37 Packard. Msgr. Stephen’s parish in Midland in ago when St. Stephen’s established dent of the USCCB. “We want them to Bridges owned one. The two sides 1996. Even though St. Stephen’s Helping Hands of Midland, which know the Church is with them, offers prayers on their negotiated and Disney initially was established years before St. behalf, and is actively monitoring developments at the offered $35,000. But Bridges Elizabeth’s in Odessa it had not diocesan, state, and national levels to be an effective played hard ball, ultimately driving grown into a big and stable parish (Please See BRIDGES/20) advocate on their behalf.” The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 3 CALENDARS From The Bishop’s Desk

BISHOP MICHAEL Trustee Meeting at 10:00 SIS’ SCHEDULE a.m. DECEMBER 16 — SAN ANGELO, Living Advent in a new way this season 8 — MIDLAND, St. Sacred Heart Cathedral, By Most Rev. Michael J. Sis birth from the Virgin Mary more than the Sacraments of the Church, in the Ann, School Mass at 8:30 Presentation to Dad’s 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. This is Scriptures, and in our neighbor in need. a.m. Ministry 9 — SAN ANGELO, 18-19 — EL PASO, Many people in the culture around us what we commemorate with the He is present to us here and now, speak- Christ the King Retreat Southwest Liturgical have the notion that the Christmas sea- Solemnity of Christmas on December ing to us, nourishing us, molding and Center, Advent Party for Conference son is the time frame between 25; thus, Advent is a time of preparation shaping us, challenging us, and healing Pastoral Center and 19 — MIDLAND, St. Thanksgiving and for the celebration of his birth. us. When we serve the needs of those Christ the King Retreat Stephen, Knights of Christmas. That The future event of the coming of around us by carrying out the works of Center’s Staff at 6:00 Columbus Clergy and might be true from a Christ will be when he returns in mercy, we are responding to the coming p.m. Religious Appreciation 10 — COLEMAN, Dinner at 6 p.m. retail commercial majesty at the end of time, when he of Christ under the disguise of our Sacred Heart, Mass at 21 — SAN ANTONIO, point of view, but it comes in glory to bring the Kingdom of neighbor in need. 10:00 a.m. St. John Paul II Catholic is not true from the God to its fulfillment. The past coming of Christ and the 10 — SAN ANGELO, High School Benefit perspective of the In Matthew 24:42, Jesus says, “Stay future coming of Christ are like the two Railway Museum, Event Christian faith. The awake, for you do not know on which ends of a bridge. The bridge that Santa’s Santa Fe 22 — WALL, St. real Christmas sea- day your Lord will come.” Advent stretches across them is the present Christmas at 7:00 p.m. Ambrose, RCIA and son actually begins reminds us to be alert and vigilant at all coming of Christ. Every day we walk 12 — SAN ANGELO, Youth Presentation Bishop Sis St. Joseph, Mass of Our 22 — SAN ANGELO, on Christmas Eve, times for the final return of Christ. that bridge, seeking to act with justice Lady of Guadalupe at Sacred Heart Cathedral, December 24, and As people of faith, the proper attitude and love in everything we do. Advent 8:00 a.m. Mass for Life: Procession lasts through the Feast of the Baptism when we consider the final coming of is a time to watch attentively for his 12 — SAN ANGELO, at 5:00 p.m. and Mass at of the Lord, which will take place on Christ at the end of time is not panic, presence in the concrete experiences of Procession for Feast of 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2017. but rather a spirit of joyful anticipation life, and to commit ourselves to bring- Our Lady of Guadalupe, 27 — MIDLAND, St. 209 W. Beauregard St. at Stephen, Youth 2000 The word “Advent” comes from the and reconciliation. If we’re living in a ing his presence into our world. 4:00 p.m., Mass at St. Mass at 7:30 p.m. Latin word adveniens, which refers to solid relationship with God, there will I would like to invite you to live Mary’s Parish at 6 p.m. 28 — MIDLAND, St. arrival, entry, or coming. The one who be no need to shudder in fear or run and Advent in a new way this year. Put on 13 — SAN ANGELO, Ann, Mass at 5:00 p.m. is coming is Jesus Christ. In the season scream. St. Augustine says, “If we love your thinking cap and consider some Diocesan Pastoral and Section Meeting of of Advent we are focusing on three dif- our sins more than we love Christ, we different ways to make this season come Center, Liturgical Equestrian Order of the ferent comings of Christ — in history, will fear his coming. If we love Christ alive, and to discover the presence of Commission Meeting at Holy Sepulchre 10:00 a.m. 29 — MIDLAND, St. in mystery, and in majesty. These take more than we love our sins, we will Christ every day. Here are just a few 14 — SAN ANGELO, Ann, Mass at 10:45 a.m. place in the past, the present, and the rejoice at his coming.” suggestions to consider: Christ the King Retreat 31 — SAN ANGELO, future. The third way we focus on the com- Center, Advent Staff Day Holy Angels, RCIA The past event of the coming of ing of Christ in Advent is the present. of Reflection at 9:00 a.m. Presentation at 6:30 p.m. Christ in history took place with Jesus’ He comes to us in mystery every day, in (Please See BISHOP/19) 17 — SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Mission Council Meeting at 9:30 a.m. CHRIST THE KING Vivir el Adviento en una nueva manera esta temporada 18-20 — SAN ANGE- RETREAT CENTER LO, Seminarian Obispo Michael J. Sis Gathering at Christ the DECEMBER terio, y en la majestad. Estos se llevan a estamos viviendo en una relación sólida King Retreat Center 10 — Deacon cabo en el pasado, el presente, y el futuro. con Dios, no habrá necesidad de estreme- 21 — EDEN, Mass at Formation Mucha gente en la cultura que nos El acontecimiento pasado de la venida cerse de miedo o correr y gritar. San Prison at 1:00 p.m. 12 — Heart of Mercy rodea tiene la noción de que la temporada de Cristo en la historia se llevó a cabo Agustín dice: “Si amamos a nuestros 22 — SAN ANGELO, Prayer Group Navideña es el período de tiempo entre el con el nacimiento de Jesús de la Virgen pecados más de lo que amamos a Cristo, Baptist Memorial 14 — Bishop’s Staff Día de Acción de Gracias y Navidad. Eso María hace más de 2,000 años en Belén. vamos a temer su venida. Si amamos a Retirement Community, Advent Day of Reflection puede ser cierto Mass at 10:00 a.m. 15 — DOSA Staff Esto es lo que conmemoramos con la Cristo más de lo que amamos a nuestros 24 — SAN ANGELO, Mass/Lunch desde un punto de Solemnidad de la Navidad el 25 de pecados, nos alegraremos en su venida.” Tom Green County Jail, 15 — Catholic vista comercial, pero diciembre; por lo tanto, el Adviento es un La tercera manera en la cual nos cen- Mass at 9:15 a.m. and Daughters’ Christmas no es cierto desde la tiempo de preparación para la celebración tramos en la venida de Cristo en el 10:15 a.m. Party perspectiva de la fe de su nacimiento. Adviento es el presente. Él viene a 24 — SAN ANGELO, 18-21 — Seminarian Cristiana. La ver- El evento futuro de la venida de Cristo nosotros en misterio cada día, en los County Juvenile Facility, Winter Gathering dadera temporada Visit to youth at 11:30 23-26 — CKRC Office será cuando vuelva en majestad al final Sacramentos de la Iglesia, en las a.m. Closed in Observance of Navideña en realidad de los tiempos, cuando venga en la gloria Escrituras, y en nuestro vecino necesita- 24 — SAN ANGELO, Christmas comienza en las para traer el Reino de Dios a su cumplim- do. Él se presenta a nosotros aquí y Sacred Heart Cathedral, 26 — Heart of Mercy vísperas del 24 de Obispo Sis iento. En Mateo 24:42, Jesús dice: ahora, hablándonos, nutriéndonos, molde- Midnight Mass at 12:00 Prayer Group diciembre, y dura “Manténganse ustedes despiertos, porque ando y formándonos, desafiándonos y 31 — CKRC Office JANUARY 2017 hasta la Fiesta del no saben en qué día vendrá su Señor.” El curándonos. Cuando servimos a las Closed 1/2 day New Year Bautismo del Señor, la cual se lleva a 2-6 — SAN ANTONIO, Holiday Adviento nos recuerda que debemos estar necesidades de los que nos rodean por Region X Bishops’ cabo el lunes 9 de enero de 2017. alertos y vigilantes en todo momento para medio de llevar a cabo las obras de mis- Retreat JANUARY 2017 La palabra “Adviento” viene de la pal- el retorno final de Cristo. ericordia, estamos respondiendo a la 6 — SAN ANTONIO, 2 — CKRC Office abra latina adveniens, la cual se refiere a la Como personas de fe, la actitud apropi- venida de Cristo bajo el disfraz de nue- FOCUS Seek2017 Event Closed New Year Holiday llegada, la entrada, o la venida. El que viene ada cuando consideramos la última veni- stro vecino necesitado. at Convention Center 2 — Heart of Mercy es Jesucristo. En la temporada de Adviento da de Cristo al final de los tiempos no es La pasada venida de Cristo y la futura 10 — SAN ANGELO, Prayer Group nos estamos centrando en tres diferentes de pánico, sino más bien un espíritu de Diocesan Pastoral OBSPO Center, Foundation (Continued on Pg. 20) venidas de Cristo - en la historia, en el mis- alegre anticipación y reconciliación. Si (Mira /19) Page 4 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus DIOCESAN BRIEFS

Retirement Fund For Religious collection to be taken in diocese, Dec., 10-11 WASHINGTON—The annual Retirement Fund for Religious col- Honduran visitors, from left, Padre Luis Esteves, Reyna Ramirez, Osman Reyes and Jean Carlos Ventura lection will be Dec. 10-11 throughout the Diocese of San Angelo. (Courtesy photo). In its 29th year, the collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office, and benefits nearly 33,000 elderly Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests whose reli- Honduran visitors enjoy Texas rodeo gious communities lack adequate retirement funding. The appeal raised $30.7 million in 2015, the sixth highest total in its history. As a result, the NRRO distributed $25 million to 401 reli- By Msgr. Larry Droll programs for little children and two of the IHER gious communities across the county. Communities utilize the assis- programs, the latter serving 345 students. tance to bolster retirement savings and subsidize such day-to-day MIDLAND — St. Ann’s Parish in Midland The visitors came to observe a parish in the expenses as prescription medications and nursing care. Throughout welcomed four visitors from its partner-parish in USA. Our style of parish is to have one big cam- the year, additional funding is allocated for religious congregations Honduras, November 9-16. The partnership pus, to which everyone travels on their own. with the greatest needs. A portion of the proceeds also supports agreement among the various dioceses in the They were astounded to see the number of cars education in retirement planning and eldercare delivery. “Hermanamiento” calls for reciprocal visits to and trucks in the parking lots, as people gathered The U.S. bishops initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious in learn about one another’s parish and programs for Masses, classes, and various educational pro- 1988 to address the significant lack of retirement funding among reli- and to deepen the relationship. grams. gious communities in the U.S. Proceeds are distributed to eligible St. Ann’s has been partnered with Most Holy The group also visited the parish in Stanton, communities to help underwrite retirement and health-care expenses. Trinity Parish of Chamelecon, a sector of the with its mission in Lenorah, to see another type Since the collection began, Catholics have contributed more than large city of San Pedro Sula, for about seven of parish style, the smaller rural parishes and $785 million. years. Groups from St. Ann’s have visited there missions so typical of the Diocese of San almost every year and the pastor of Holy Trinity Angelo. COVER PHOTO: Bishop Michael J. Sis lights the second has visited in Midland several times. But this Part of life in West Texas is the ranching Advent candle during a Mass at St. Anthony Church in Odessa, was the first time he was joined by other mem- industry, so the group visited the Parks Ranch, December 4, 2016. Photo by Alan P. Torre / aptorre.com bers of the parish. operated by St. Ann’s parishioners, where they Coming from Honduras were Padre Luis fed some cows and rode a horse. They were PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS Estevez, pastor; Reina Ramirez, who coordi- treated to lunch under the trees at the ranch nates a parish-based “Headstart” program to house. The group also attended a rodeo Upton Sewell prepare children at risk for first grade; Osman Saturday night. 2nd Year Philosophy Reyes, who teaches in a program called “IHER” St. Ann’s Parish Partnership Team hosted the Conception Seminary to prepare students of high school age and older group and was involved in many of the activi- Birthday: June 26, 1996 to get a high school equivalency diploma; and ties. Anyone who had ever visited Chamelecon Hometown: Midland Jean Carlo Ventura, who coordinates youth pro- during all the years of the partnership was invit- Favorite Food: All kinds of food grams at several parish sites. ed to the farewell dinner on November 15. Likes: Working out Holy Trinity Parish has the main church and 12 Such visits help us to get to know one anoth- Dislikes: Not a morning person (LOL) satellite chapels, serving a general population of er, building communion within the universal 80,000. They have three of the “Headstart” type Church, and to deepen the relationship. PRAY FOR UPTON! The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 5 OND congregation celebrates 25th anniversary in San Angelo Diocese The Angelus

The Oblates of Notre Dame (OND), a Filipina Congregation founded in Cotabato City, Philippines, celebrated its 25th year in the Diocese of San Angelo with a Mass concele- brated by Bishop Michel J. Sis and San Angelo Bishop Emeritus Michael D. Pfeifer, November 5, 2016, at St. Mary’s Church in Odessa. The OND congregation was founded in 1956 by two Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Bishop George Mongeau, OMI, DD, and Father George Dion, OMI. The OND is a religious Institute of Pontifical Right dedicated to the works of the apostolate and committed to participate in the transforma- tion of society towards the realization of God’s reign. The OND’s participation in the mission is to evangelize the poor and marginalized. Its motto is, “That which pleases God I strive to do always.” (Jn.8:29). It was through the invitation of Bishop Sing it, Sisters! Michael D. Pfeifer, that on November 6, 1991 From left to right, Oblates of Notre Dame sisters Joy Agudera, Rose Susan Montejo, Alice Realino, Carmelita Olifernes, Isabel Tadeo, the OND congregation opened its first mission Regina Javier, Tita Iglesias and Elizabeth Villegas. The sisters were singing in celebration of their 25th year in the Diocese of San in America at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Angelo. See story at right. (Courtesy photo) Midland. Since, it has expanded its missions to other parishes and cities within the diocese. The Dignity and Nature of Women John Paul II and the natural attribute he called ‘the genius of women’

Editor’s Note: Part 2 of 4-part Series Empathy and entrustment them and help them. es itself is improved. John Paul coined this term the “genius John Paul taught that a woman’s moral The standard of Mary By Lisa Martinez of women,” and by it means an essential and spiritual strength is joined to her John Paul points to the key figure that nature or spirit, which women naturally awareness that God entrusts the human embodies the dignity of woman as Mary St. John Paul II believed that women possess. One aspect is her natural inclina- being to her in a special way. Certainly, of Nazareth. When the time had fully are on the front lines of the effort to tion to being especially empathetic to the every human being is entrusted to every come, God sent forth his son, born of change our culture via human person. In this way, John Paul other human being, but a woman is strong woman. A woman is to be found at the their roles as mother, believed, the basic plan of God takes flesh because of her awareness of this entrust- center of this salvific event. Mary sheds wife, sister, daughter, in the history of humanity and reveals that ing, strong because of the fact that God light on womanhood as such, by the very friend or colleague. In spiritual beauty which God gave in a par- entrusts the human being to her, always fact that God, in the Incarnation of his this way, women will ticular way to women. She has a unique and in every way. The awareness of this Son, entrusted himself to the ministry, the lead a conversion of capacity to see the person as an individ- fundamental vocation confirms to women free and active ministry, of a woman. At society and culture, ual, to understand his aspirations and the dignity that they receive from God the time of the Annunciation, it was Mary which is part of their needs with special insight, and she is able himself, and this makes them “strong” who opened the door of our world to God mission in God’s plan. to face up to problems with deep involve- and strengthens their vocation. This “built himself: she let him in. Those words, In this article, we ment. Women acknowledge the person, in” design imprinted in the feminine “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” will look at the specif- Martinez perhaps more than men, because they see nature should be made known, encour- also express the fact that from the outset ic capabilities God has others with their hearts. They see them aged and allowed to blossom. When she accepted and understood her own given to women, and to the one who independently of various ideological or women are able fully to share their gifts motherhood as a total gift of self, a gift of embodies this most perfectly, Mary of political systems. They see others in their with the whole community, the very way Nazareth. greatness and limitations; they try to go to in which society understands and organiz- (Please See MARTINEZ/22) Genius of Woman Page 6 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus Ignoring type (and other angel habits)

By Jimmy Patterson Editor / The Angelus

Since I was a boy, and even many years before, the Dallas Morning News has run a column by Paul Crume every Christmas Day. The piece, headlined, “Angels among us,” makes a compelling statement as to the existence of heaven-sent beings and how they help make this big world, and our little individual ones, better places. I read Paul Crume’s column every Christmas Day. Each year his words seem to take on a different mean- ing. For some reason, last year’s reading took particular hold. It's been an interesting year. A good year. I never expected one of the most memorable days of 2016 would begin when our travel trailer began to smoke as my wife and I drove down a remote New Patterson Mexico highway. As if to suggest there is another kind of New Mexico highway. The first indication of a problem that November afternoon was a warn- ing display on the dash. We pulled over, and sure enough, poring out of the passenger side axle was enough smoke to do George Burns proud. Combine that with the tragicomic unfolding of events that occurred over the next couple of hours as Karen and I attempted to locate roadside assis- tance to come to a barren patch of land six miles west of Eunice, New Mexico, and we almost had our very own Burns & Allen routine. We ended up limping the trailer into an RV park in Eunice. "Desert Oasis RV Park," said the sign. As a full-disclosure subscript, it probably should have also noted “(9 parts Desert, 1 part Oasis)” were it not so evi- dent to the naked eye. We decided to park our rig overnight, saying a little prayer that it would go unbothered as we left it alone. Karen and I returned to Midland for the night, and the next day I decided to forgo work, spending half of Monday on the phone trying to find a mechanic Ballet and the other half making my way back for the repair job and the certain high expense I was sure would follow. Folklorico From the Desert Oasis, I moseyed the smokey trailer into a nameless auto repair shop in downtown Eunice. I couldn't help whine to myself The St. Vincent Ballet about how I really didn’t have time to give up a day in the office and I Folklorico Dance group, of St. didn’t relish the time it would take to trek across the desolate western Vincent Pallotti Church in Permian Basin into another state to watch someone perform surgery on a Abilene, was established in travel trailer. Was the mechanic credentialed? Did he have the proper 1961. The group’s dancers tools? Had he ever seen a travel trailer before? I was certain I would only range in age from 8-20 years old get my answers after I wrote the check and drove away. and are most well known for the The shop owner, dressed in the requisite greasy mechanic fatigues and Jalisco dance and colorful possessing, thankfully, blackened fingernails, introduced himself as dresses. Duane. Inside of five minutes, he had jacked the trailer up, pulled the Ballet Folklorico dancers wheel and pointed to where the smoke had been. must meet a few simple require- “There’s your problem,” he said. I was relieved at how quickly he found ments: All dancers must be the issue. His words, “There’s your problem,” were, for some reason, actively involved in their church reassuring. as well as their families and Duane made his official diagnosis. must maintain passing grades “Ain’t got no grease in the bearings,” he said. throughout the school year. Several minutes later his assistant appeared out of nowhere. Together they formulated a plan of action. (Photos by Kellie Flores) “Might have to send you up to Hobbs for parts,” Duane said. “Long as I know the part number, I guess I can do that.” I parked myself in the cab of my pickup, waiting for instructions and (Please See PATTERSON/21) The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 7 Practicing Faith, Hope and Love: The Theological Virtues

By Fr. Knick and Sandie Knickerbocker

Manifold are the gifts of the Holy Spirit through our Baptism into Christ! "The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him and to love him through the theo- logical virtues" (CCC 1265). In the Sacrament of the Eucharist these virtues are nourished by the Body and Blood of Jesus, and in Penance our sins are forgiven and we receive the grace to live these virtues more perfectly. Through these virtues all other gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are lived. Our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph model these virtues for us. But let's start at the beginning: what is a virtue? "Virtue", says St. Augustine, "is a good habit consonant with our nature." St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that "faith, hope and love are proper- ly called theological [theos: God] because: 1) they are not attainable by a human’s natu- ral capacities; 2) they are only attainable through...par- ticipation in God’s nature; 3) they are infused by God and direct a person sufficiently toward God as the Bishop in Austin object of supernatural happiness; 4) they are known only through Divine revelation. They are properly Bishop Michael J. Sis was the keynote speaker for the St. John Paul II Life Center's 6th Annual “Life is Beautiful” Gala. Bishop called virtues because they are dispositions to that Sis is the former Vicar General for the Diocese of Austin. The bishop stressed the value of crisis pregnancy centers like the St. which is according to nature, even if this nature is only John Paul II Life Center, and the educational programs available through the efforts of supporters and volunteers. (Photo cour- tesy St. John Paul II Life Center). attainted through...participation in God’s nature" (Summa Theologica I-II.62.1). The Catechism defines virtue as "a habitual and firm disposition to do good" Foundation supports local Catholic philanthropy (1803). The earliest mention of these virtues in Scripture is The Angelus Diocese of San Angelo, parishes, maintain the real purchasing power of in St. Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians: 1:3 schools, and other Catholic entities the original gift forever. The Trustees (NAB), "...calling to mind your work of faith and labor The Catholic Charitable Foundation within the diocese. In addition, spe- on an annual basis review the earnings of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San cific endowments partially support and determine an appropriate percent- before our God and Father...." And in I Thess 5:8: Angelo was established in 2010. The seminarian education, deacon and age that can be paid to the beneficiar- "But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on Foundation is a separate nonprofit clergy education, and provide for ies of each endowment fund. This the breast plate of faith and love and the helmet that is corporation organized and operated some emergency and other needs of percentage has averaged 4.1 percent hope for salvation." We are most familiar with St. exclusively for charitable, religious, seminarian students. There are also over the past five years. Paul's words in I Cor. 13:13: "So faith, hope, love and educational purposes established several Unrestricted Endowment The Foundation has paid out a total remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love." under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Funds that allow the Board of of $706,206 in grants over the past What is faith? Faith is the virtue by which we firmly Revenue Code. Bishop Michael Sis Trustees to make grants on an annual five years. Beneficiaries of believe all the truths God has revealed in Scripture and serves as an ex-officio voting member basis after determining the most Designated Endowment Funds have Tradition, who "can neither deceive nor be deceived" of the seven-member Board of pressing needs around the diocese. received $80,412; Unrestricted Grants (Pope Pius IX in Dei Filius). "Be watchful, stand firm Trustees and also serves as Chairman The Foundation also manages invest- of $114,099 have been made; and in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act of the Foundation. The Foundation is ments for several Catholic agencies. $511,695 has been paid to agencies should be done in love" (I Cor 16:13). "Blessed are subject to the Code of Canon Law and A gift to an endowment fund is a for a total of $706,206. All of the those who have not seen and have believed" (John the teachings of the Roman Catholic gift that will serve others in the grants have benefited churches, 20:29). The Nicene Creed we repeat in Mass is a sum- Church. Diocese of San Angelo in perpetuity. schools, the diocese, and other chari- mation of what the Church believes. Fr. John A. Generous donors have made tax- All funds in the Foundation are table organizations within the Diocese Hardon, SJ, tells us that in faith we assent with our deductible donations to establish invested by professional money man- of San Angelo. (Please See KNICKERBOCKERS/20) endowment funds to support the agers. The goal is to preserve and (Please See FOUNDATION/23) Page 8 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus Bishop Sis encourages participation in 9 Days for Life novena, Jan. 21-27

San Angelo Bishop Michael J. Sis encourages Catholics to take part in the novena, 9 Days for Life, from January 21-29, 2017. Below are som FAQs from the USCCB describing more about this special prayer event:

What is 9 Days for Life? 9 Days for Life is an annual period of prayer and action focused on cherishing the gift of every person’s life. Surrounding the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children on January 22 (also the anniversary of Roe v. Wade), the overarching intention of the centerpiece novena is the end to abortion. However, the novena also highlights many other facets of respecting each other’s God-given dignity, especially by respecting human life at every stage and in every circumstance. 9 Days for Life is an opportunity to pray for the respect and protection of each person’s life; to gather together in prayer, action, and fellowship with others; and to share your stories online

Who can participate? Most Rev. Robert Coerver, center, became the third bishop of the Diocese of Lubbock, November 21 2016. (Photo Anyone can join individually at www. 9daysforlife.com. courtesy Diocese of Lubbock). However, leaders in parishes and various parish ministries, as well as in schools, dioceses, and other organizations, Lubbock diocese ordains 3rd bishop are especially important in raising awareness and in help- ing others participate in various ways. LUBBOCK (CNS) — The Most Reverend Robert ciature to the United States. Bishop Rodriguez M. Coerver, 62, was ordained the third bishop of headed the diocese since 1994. He turned 76 Oct. What are some ways to participate? the Diocese of Lubbock, November 21, 2016 at 11; canon law requires bishops to turn in their res- Christ the King Cathedral in Lubbock. ignation at age 75. • PRAY: The novena’s short prayer guides highlight a dif- The new bishop of the South Plains diocese said Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Dallas' bishop for 10 ferent topic each day with five sections: intention, prayers, he looked forward to "this new role as chief shep- years who this past August was named by Pope reflection, suggested actions, and related topical informa- herd of the Catholic faithful in Lubbock," though he Francis to lead a new Vatican office for the laity, tion. Subscribe to receive daily text messages or emails; said he'll miss his home diocese in Dallas. He asked family and life, said Bishop Coerver "will be a join the Facebook event or follow the USCCB on Twitter, for prayers from the people of Dallas "as I ... tremendous blessing" to the Lubbock Diocese. assume my new responsibilities." "(His) extensive experience as a pastor ... (and) Facebook, or Instagram; download the novena in a print- "I was born and raised in Dallas; my family roots his service on priest leadership boards and commit- able format; or download the free mobile app. All options are there and my ancestors were among Dallas' first tees will be a tremendous asset in his new role," can be accessed at www.9daysforlife.com. Catholics," said Bishop Coerver, who served as pas- Cardinal Farrell said in a statement. "His keen theo- • GATHER: Join together with others in prayer, action, and tor of St. Rita Parish in Dallas since 2010. "I have logical insight and deep devotion to our church, as fellowship. Organize or attend local events sponsored by developed so many fantastic relationships over the well as an excellent pastoral manner, will serve him dioceses, parishes, schools, etc., and/or host private gath- years and it will be difficult to have them take on a well as he leads his new diocese." erings of friends and family. different nature. I have cherished my work among Born in Dallas June 6, 1954, Robert Coerver my brother priests, and upon hearing of my graduated from Jesuit College Preparatory School • SHARE: Share how you participated in 9 Days for Life on appointment, a slight pang of sadness came upon in 1972 and from the University of Dallas in 1976; a particular day, why you are participating, or what being me." he earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy there. pro-life means to you. Post your filled-in “selfie sign” (avail- As a priest, he continued, "I have always known He received his priestly formation at Holy Trinity able in 9 Days for Life leaders’ toolkit online) or a 5-15 that I must follow wherever the Lord leads me, and Seminary in Irving, Texas. He pursued post-gradu- second video using #9DaysforLife and tagging @USCCB so when asked if I would accept the appointment, I ate studies at Rome's Pontifical University of St. on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We’ll pick from the did so immediately because I have promised to Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum. best to share! serve wherever the church needs me. He also has a licentiate in spiritual theology from Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a For more information, visit 9daysforlife.com. Placido Rodriguez in September. The changes were master's degree in counseling and guidance from announced Sept. 27 in Washington by Msgr. Walter Texas A&M University. He was ordained a priest Erbi, who is charge d'affaires at the apostolic nun- for the Diocese of Dallas in 1980. The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 9 Acolyte Mass of Thomas Shows Sunday, November 20, 2016

Photos from the November 20, 2016 Acolyte Mass of Thomas Shows, a seminarian in the Diocese of San Angelo. The Abilene-born Shows is a 2nd-year Theology student at St. Mary’s in Houston. Above, Shows with Bishop Michael J. Sis, second from left; Kevin Lenius, left, and Timothy Hayter, right. At right, Bishop Sis and Shows, center, with the 15 others who were installed as acolytes by Bishop Sis. As acolytes, seminarians assist members of the clergy during the Eucharist.

(Photos courtesy Wayne Ly, Armando Alejandro and Will Rooney). Page 10 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus

‘The Cowboy Deacon’ dies at 93 Speaking of Saints The Angelus Lemke, Mary (Bubba) Adkins, taught many children about the Joseph (Dora) Beach, Johnny love for Jesus, by something as Gaspar del Bufalo MILLERSVIEW — Deacon (Elaine) Beach, Patricia (Kerry) simple as tracing a cross on the Leroy Paul Beach of Millersview Rogers, and James (Robin) Beach. back of little hands - 'so they could passed away Thursday, Nov. 24, He valued all of his 28 grandchil- take Jesus everywhere they went'. named after royalty: 2016 — four hours short of his dren, 29 great-grandchildren, and And as those children matured, that 94th birthday. He was born Nov. two more on the way. Much to cross was then traced on their fore- 25, 1922, to Michael and Sophie their delight, he often treated them head with the words - 'May God the Three Kings Beach in Westphalia, Texas. He with goodies from his store. Bless You, in the Name of the was preceded in death by his wife, He has four sisters, Elene Father, Son, and Holy Spirit'. His Dorrace Beach. Doskocil, Jet Kleypas, Carol most recent blessings were shared from the East After high school, he served his Smetana, and Delores Beach along with residents and caregivers at country in the United States Army with two brothers Eugene Beach Royal Estates. By Mary Lou Gibson during World War II. He was and Forest Beach. Along with his Leroy was a man of strength & assigned to Company "E" 114th siblings, he was a great brother to character. He was a trustworthy advi- Gaspar del Bufalo's birth in 1786 might have gone mostly Infantry, 44th Infantry Division for Gene (Betty) Engbrock, Charles sor. He was a constant and steady unnoticed by the family's Roman neighbors, except for the bap- duty in France, Germany, and (Shirley) Engbrock, and Leonard inspiration. This man's integrity rip- tismal names his parents gave him. Because he was born on the Austria. After the war, he married (Sue) Engbrock. pled through the generations, making feast of the Epiphany, January 6, he was Dorrace Engbrock on Nov. 20, Leroy was a lifelong member of the world a better place. given the names of the three Magi: Gaspare 1946 in Cyclone, Texas. They then the Knights of Columbus. He was Rosary was November 27 at St. Melchiore Baltasare Quarterione. The family moved to Millersview to begin also a member of Our Lady of Boniface Catholic Church in was poor and they lived in the servants' quar- their new life in farming and Guadalupe Catholic Church, where Olfen. A Mass of Christian Burial ters of a noble family where his father ranching. Leroy and Dorrace were he served as a Deacon for 37 years. was celebrated November 28, in worked as a chef. blessed with 11 children, two of He performed many baptisms, wed- at St. Boniface Catholic Church in He began his studies at what had been the which preceded him in death; a dings, and other special cere- Olfen, with graveside service at Jesuit College Romano. Gaspar was only 12 son Michael and a daughter monies. He wore many hats, and Millersview Cemetery. when he entered the minor seminary and Monica. His surviving children are much of his Christian work was Memorials may be made to The spent his teenage years giving spiritual and Loretta (Ken) Burgess, Gary done in his cowboy hat giving him Pregnancy Help Center, 2525 (Theresa) Beach, Damien the name 'The Cowboy Deacon'. Sherwood Way San Angelo, TX material assistance to the poor. He was (Geralyn) Beach, Theresa (Tinker) Through his years of ministry, he 76901, or your charity of choice. ordained at age 22 and soon afterwards met a friend, Francesco Albertini. Paul Burns Gibson writes in Butler's Lives of the Saints that TRUDOS Francesco introduced Gaspar to devotion of the Precious Blood and a confraternity dedicated to preaching (From 2) retail store,” she said. “But there the DeHoyos and Vegas as chil- the redemptive power of Christ's blood. From this time on, the is so much that goes into it. It’s dren, and husbands — both of Precious Blood became the focal point of Gaspar's spirituality. sell the store, we immediately been an adventure. A lot of learn- whom have other jobs — have Gaspar's spiritual work came to an abrupt stop when started talking about it,” said Mrs. ing, a lot of ordering, learning become active in the operation. Napoleon entered Rome in 1809 and deported Pope Pius VII. Vega. “We asked her some ques- vendors, names of customers who Bishop Michael J. Sis has also All clergy were required to sign an oath of allegiance to tions and prayed about it and have come in since Pat’s mom and provided encouragement, and will Napoleon and to reject the pope. Those who refused were exiled decided it wasn’t a good time for dad owned the store. It’s been a be present at the grand re-opening and imprisoned. Gaspar was in this group and he spent the next us. We talked to Connie roller coaster but it’s been worth in January. four years imprisoned in Bologna. (DeHoyos) and her husband not it. “It is a great benefit to the After Napoleon's downfall in 1814, Pope Pius returned to realizing they had been thinking Mrs. Vega said the store will Catholic community to have a Rome and asked Gaspar to devote his life to preaching missions about it with their family mem- provide the same Catholic focus it place nearby where we can find to restore religion in Italy. At his first house in Giano, Gaspar bers, too. We kept praying about it always has, but some small resources for our faith,” Bishop established a congregation of missionaries and trained young and talked about our faith and changes to enhance the shoppers’ Sis said. “When lay members of clergy in scripture study, theology and foreign languages. Burns how we would like to do some- visit are planned. A small storage the Church take the initiative to writes that Pope Pius gave his approval to this congregation thing to bring people back to their building behind the store will be offer a Catholic store, they are uti- dedicated to the Precious Blood in 1815. According to John faith. Mark and I sat down with converted into a gathering room in lizing their personal gifts and tal- Delaney writing in Dictionary of Saints, Gaspar's goal for his Connie and Mario and discussed hopes of having priests, deacons, ents to strengthen the Catholic missionaries was the evangelization of the world. it, and put it to prayer and that led religious and others as speakers. presence in an area. I pray that all An early member of the Congregation was Giovanni Ferretti us to talking more to Pat.” The couples also hope to start a our Catholic stores may thrive in who, as Pope Pius IX, issued an encyclical, Redempti sumus Almost a month later, to the day, lending library so that people can service of God's people.” (“We are Redeemed”), helped spread devotion to the Precious the four of them owned a new check out books, much like a Trudos’ is located at 624 W. Blood worldwide. religious store. library. Avenue N in San Angelo. Phone Gaspar opened a second and third house soon after, but he And it has been quite a busy Mrs. DeHoyos gave ample cred- number is 325-653-8011. had problems with bands of brigands who roamed the country time in the four months since the it to Pat Fennell for the ease of The store is now also active on preying on the people and carrying out vendettas and organized transition of ownership. Much purchase and said she has offered social media, with presences on crime. While he made many converts, he also made some ene- busier than Mrs. Vega remembers invaluable assistance in the transi- Facebook, Snapchat and mies especially among the Freemasons who made threats retail was when she worked at tion. Instagram where specials and against him. Super K-mart as a teenager. Ownership and operation has information on events can be “We thought this was a little become a family affair for both found. (Please See SAINTS/23) The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 11

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES 15 JANUARY 2017

CHILD MIGRANTS, THE VULNERABLE AND THE VOICELESS Dear Brothers and Sisters, But the Evangelists reflect also on the they are children, they are foreigners, and responsibility of the one who works they have no means to protect themselves. “Whoever receives one such child in my against mercy: “Whoever causes one of I ask everyone to help those who, for vari- name receives me; and whoever receives these little ones who believe in me to sin: ous reasons, are forced to live far from me, receives not me but him who sent me” it is better for him to have a great mill- their homeland and are separated from (Mk 9:37; cf. Mt 18:5; Lk 9:48; Jn 13:20). stone fastened round his neck and be their families. drowned in the depth of the sea” (Mt 18:6; With these words, the Evangelists remind cf. Mk 9:42; Lk 17:2). How can we ignore Migration today is not a phenomenon lim- the Christian community of Jesus’ teach- this severe warning when we see the ited to some areas of the planet. It affects ing, which both inspires and challenges. exploitation carried out by unscrupulous all continents and is growing into a tragic This phrase traces the sure path which people? Such exploitation harms young situation of global proportions. Not only leads to God; it begins with the smallest girls and boys who are led into prostitution does this concern those looking for digni- and, through the grace of our Saviour, it or into the mire of pornography; who are fied work or better living conditions, but grows into the practice of welcoming oth- enslaved as child labourers or soldiers; also men and women, the elderly and chil- ers. To be welcoming is a necessary con- who are caught up in drug trafficking and dren, who are forced to leave their homes dition for making this journey a concrete other forms of criminality; who are forced in the hope of finding safety, peace and reality: God made himself one of us. In to flee from conflict and persecution, risk- security. Children are the first among Jesus God became a child, and the open- ing isolation and abandonment. those to pay the heavy toll of emigration, ness of faith to God, which nourishes almost always caused by violence, pover- hope, is expressed in loving proximity to For this reason, on the occasion of the ty, environmental conditions, as well as the smallest and the weakest. Charity, faith annual World Day of Migrants and the negative aspects of globalization. The and hope are all actively present in the Refugees, I feel compelled to draw atten- unrestrained competition for quick and spiritual and corporal works of mercy, as tion to the reality of child migrants, espe- easy profit brings with it the cultivation of we have rediscovered during the recent cially the ones who are alone. In doing so perverse scourges such as child traffick- Extraordinary Jubilee. I ask everyone to take care of the young, who in a threefold way are defenceless: (Please See LETTER/21) Page 12 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 13 Glad tidings to all ...

Clockwise from bottom left, a Christmas VIllage at Holy Redeemer in Odessa; an inflatable Christmas train at Holy Redeemer; an illuminated nativity scene at Holy Redeemer; parishioners at Holy Redeemer wish everyone a Merry Christmas; St. Vincent Pallotti in Abilene is bright with festive lights, and a nativity scene at St. Margaret in San Angelo (Courtesy photos). Page 14 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus Making Sense of Bioethics Advent: A time to give Orphans in liquid nitrogen more and consume less By Fr. Tad Pacholczyk sions for a more extended period, say several By Maria-Pia Negro Chin decades, there is a greater likelihood that their Catholic News Service Some humanitarian tragedies occur quietly and embryonic children might be “rescued” if new “in the background,” only gradually coming to scientific technologies for growing embryos out- Advent is a time of waiting and preparation through prayer and light years or decades after serious harm has side the body end up being developed in the reflection — a time of anticipation for the celebration of Christ's birth. already occurred, like nerve damage in infants future. But sometimes, the season can "pass us by" without us exposed to lead paint, or cancers in patients who This may indeed become possible one day, taking the time to prepare for it. Christmas arrives and were exposed to asbestos. even though there are real questions about our hearts do not experience the joy that the season More recently, the humani- whether such an “artificial womb” or “baby in a should elicit. tarian tragedy of hundreds of bottle” approach to gestation would be ethical, Years ago, parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi Church thousands of embryonic even with the praiseworthy intentions of saving in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, found a different human beings frozen and lives and releasing orphaned embryos from their way to prepare for Christmas that yielded much joy. The abandoned in fertility clinics perpetual hibernation. idea was to keep Christ at the center by heeding his call has come to light — Others hope that one day “embryo adoption” Chin to focus on others. “orphans in ice” arising from — the transfer of “spare” embryos to another Parishioners participated in the "Advent Conspiracy" -- the decades-long practice of woman who implants, gestates, and raises them a Christian-led campaign, started in 2006, that challenges communities in vitro fertilization (IVF). as her own — might end up being recognized as to "turn Christmas upside down" by praying more fully, spending less, As a priest and ethicist at Pacholczyk morally allowable by the Church. This unusual giving more to others and loving everyone. the National Catholic form of adoption is still morally debated, and This year, I rechecked the campaign's website and found an Advent Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, I have seen an Dignitas Personae, the most recent Church docu- calendar, prayers, videos and resources that help you dig deeper into the increasing number of Catholics who regret having ment addressing the matter, raises serious con- meaning of Christmas. The site also encourages you to put your faith engendered human life in this way, and regret that cerns about the idea, as have a number of into action. they ignored or weren’t informed about the teach- philosophers and bioethicists, myself included. Before and during Advent, many of our thoughts are on gifts -- yet, ings of the Church on IVF and infertility. They When confronted with the absurd fate of having we often forget the greatest gift ever given to us: God's unconditional are perplexed and even tormented about what to embryos trapped in a state of suspended anima- love. What was the one gift you remember getting for Christmas last do with these “spare” human embryos who really tion indefinitely, few or no alternatives really year? What about the third or fourth gift? are their cryogenic children. seem to exist. The future Pope Benedict XVI, in The National Retail Federation estimates that people in the United When I am approached with this question, I another important Church document called stress that there are no easy answers. Human Donum Vitae, referenced this “absurd fate” when (Please See CHIN/23) embryos can never just be thawed and discarded, he summarized how there was “no possibility of as that would be morally indistinguishable from their being offered safe means of survival that can the case of discarding a newborn or an infant in a be licitly pursued.” Certain sinful acts like IVF, dumpster to die. In fact, the step of merely thaw- sadly, can provoke irrevocable and irresolvable Adviento: Un tiempo para ing out human embryos exposes them to great consequences. risk, with as many as half not being able to sur- A few years ago, I had a conversation with a dar más y consumir menos vive the process. divorced woman who had seven frozen children I usually suggest to parents that, for the time in storage. She described how she agonized daily By Maria-Pia Negro Chin being, embryonic children should be kept frozen over the plight of her babies, and how it felt like Catholic News Service as a way of protecting them and respecting their an open wound that could never quite heal. She life and integrity. As the discussion continues, I shared how each year, on the anniversary of the El Adviento es un tiempo de espera y preparación a través de la may also recommend that they consider setting embryos’ creation — their “birthday” of sorts — oración y la reflexión -- un tiempo de anticipación para la celebración up a trust fund, so that after they pass on, their she would place a call to the fertility clinic and del nacimiento de Cristo. frozen children will be provided for. These chil- inquire about their status. She would ask the staff Pero a veces, la temporada de Adviento puede ir y venir sin que nos dren, clearly, cannot be educated, clothed or fed, to look up and verify how many were stored at tomemos el tiempo para prepararnos. La Navidad llega y nuestros cora- but they can be afforded a measure of protection the facility. Fearful that something might have zones no experimentan la alegría que esta época debe provocar. in their frozen state, with fresh liquid nitrogen happened to her children, or that they might end Hace años, los feligreses de la Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís en la continuing to be provided, at least for a time. up being abandoned or forgotten, her annual call Diócesis de Arlington, Virginia, encontraron una manera diferente de Arranging to cover this expense of a few hundred served as a reminder to herself and to those at the prepararse para la Navidad que les produjo mucha alegría. La idea era dollars a year is one of the few ways that parents clinic that they were still there, that somebody mantener a Cristo en el centro al prestar atención a su llamado a cen- can concretely indicate their concern for their still cared, despite the callousness of a world that trarse en los demás. orphaned children. seemed only too ready to ignore this ongoing Los feligreses participaron en la "Conspiración del Adviento", una The suggestion to set up a trust fund sometimes humanitarian tragedy. campaña dirigida por los cristianos, iniciada en 2006, que desafía a las results in an awkward moment of surprise where comunidades a "cambiar la Navidad" a orar más plenamente, gastar parents may ask: “Well, how long would I do that Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. earned his menos, dar más a los demás y amar a todos. for? Obviously, I can’t do it forever.” Parents will doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post- Este año, revisé el sitio web de la campaña y encontré un calendario have to decide for themselves whether setting up doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the de Adviento, oraciones, videos y recursos que ayudan a profundizar en a trust fund in the first place makes sense as a diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the el significado de la Navidad. El sitio también anima a poner su fe en kind of good-faith sign of their love and care for Director of Education at The National Catholic acción. their own offspring, and if so, for how long to Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncb- Antes y durante el Adviento, muchos de nuestros pensamientos están maintain the arrangement. If they make provi- center.org (Mira ADVIENTO/23) The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 15 Catholic Voices ‘Tattoos on the Heart’: Stories of compassion at the Homeboy Bakery

By Effie Caldarola goodbye as each traveler peeled off. involvement produces, Father Boyle realized. That's not Catholic News Service I recognized again that the pain of separation under- the life anyone would choose if given a viable alterna- scores the blessing of being loved. tive. The other day, I climbed out of bed a little before 4 Arriving home, I revived myself with a short nap. No Homeboy Bakery was his first endeavor, training and a.m. to head to the Philadelphia air- matter how tired I was, I didn't want to miss an address employing former gang members who often worked side port. that evening at Creighton University. Jesuit Father Greg by side with partisans from rival gangs. Eventually, the My kids live in three different time Boyle, the author of "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of bakery set the groundwork for Homeboy Industries, zones from one another and from my Boundless Compassion" and the founder of Homeboy which today employs and trains former gang members husband and me, and we'd just had a Industries in Los Angeles, was speaking at our local in a variety of enterprises. Homeboy Industries website short reunion to celebrate the second Jesuit university. says 15,000 men and women are provided services each birthday of the person who represents Father Boyle entered the Jesuits in 1972, and his min- year. our family's next generation, Charlotte. istry eventually took him to a parish in East Los Angeles Father Boyle talks about his experience with gang Now, time for us to fan out across rife with gang activity and violence. He buried large num- members much like he writes, with humor and touching the country. bers of young people and saw the pain of family crisis. insight. Jesuits write great books -- Father James Martin, Forgoing morning showers or even a Caldarola Some would find the experience deadening and debili- Father Gary Smith, to name just two -- but it's hard to cup of coffee, four of us quietly left tating. With the Jesuit grace of seeing God in all things, beat Father Boyle. Good news: He's working on another Charlotte's house in the darkness, dropping off a car Father Boyle saw challenge and possibility. rental, finding different airlines, different gates, hugging No one wants to lead the life of misery that gang (Please See CALDAROLA/22) A letter to my brother priests

By Fr. John Catoir managed to persevere, holding on to your dig- Cartoon Corner Catholic News Service nity. Jesus faced far worse, even to the point of After 56 years of the priesthood, at age 85, I dying on the cross. When he said, "Take want to say a word of thanks to my brother courage, I have conquered the world" (Jn 16: priests, who have sacrificed so much to bring 33), he was aware of the feelings of loneliness the good news of God's love and inadequacy you have endured from time to our troubled world. to time as you carried out the duties of your Years ago, the priests of vocation. my diocese elected me to be Like St. Paul, you've always known that their clergy personnel direc- God's grace will sustain you. He said, "If I tor, a job which helps the must boast, I will boast of the things that bishop in the assignment and show my weakness" (2 Cor 11:30), because placement of priests. his weakness reminded him that the strength Eventually, it led to my he needed came directly from Christ. becoming president of the Catoir You, Father, have lived through turbulent National Association of times. The exaltation of exaggerated individu- Church Personnel Administrators. alism has caused many problems. As the baby My respect for priests is therefore based on boomers now begin to retire, all of us need to years of experience working with them and consider their legacy. They were caught up in for them. They have all chosen a life of altru- the sexual liberation movement, and many of ism, based on a deep faith in God's love, and them rejected the religious values of their par- so it is fitting to offer them this tribute of grat- ents. itude: Sexual promiscuity, smoking pot and exper- Dear Father, please know that you have the imenting with drugs all contributed to a soar- heartfelt thanks of millions of Catholics for all ing divorce rate. The human misery that fol- you do, and have done over the years, to carry lowed has been disturbing the peace in our out the mission that Jesus assigned to you. culture ever since. Your generous service includes: offering the Dear Father, it has not been easy, but holy sacrifice of the Mass, baptizing babies, through it all, you have remained a carrier of hearing confessions, assisting the dying and divine love, a true believer and a spiritual comforting the afflicted. It also encompasses leader in the battle against Satan, who goes your hidden life of empathy for those who about the world seeking the ruin of souls. come to you with their problems and emotion- Keep depending on the Lord's strength, and al pain. all will be well. As a priest, you have had to face a lot of P.S. We priests send our sincere thanks to turmoil in your life: stress coming from the the laity for all the love and support you have backlash of the child abuse scandal and anger so generously bestowed upon us year after from anti-Catholic bigotry. With it all, you've year. God bless you, always and forever. Page 16 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus Catholic Voices Taking our rightful place within the scheme of things By Rev. Ron Rolheiser as aware of it as he was. What he says is uni- root. We have just filled in our little piece in way: We know that we need to leave a per- versally true. There is only one thing that can the big picture, helped free up one fragment manent mark somewhere. But we think we What do we need to achieve to make us bring real meaning, only one joy that doesn’t of being. can only do this by becoming famous in happy? What brings us peace and meaning? bring as much anxiety as peace, and that joy Conversely, why do we feel badly when- some way, a person known to the world, a Pierre Teilhard de Chardin once wrote this is had only when we fill-in with our own ever we fail at something, betray someone, household word, someone with his or her about his own life: “Some lives that particular space within the universe or realize that we have wasted some of our name in lights, on the cover of TIME maga- sort of essential instinct that has been uniquely allotted to us and potential? Is this simply a feeling of wound- zine. That is why we are always trying to makes me guess at the joy, when we take no more space and no less ed pride, frustration, shame? Yes, all of these achieve something of significance, some- as the only worthwhile space than is truly ours. things, but, again, it is more. Ultimately we thing that will stand out, something that will joy, of co-operating as one But how is this true? When and how do feel a certain intolerable futility because we last. Most often though our lives do not seem individual atom in the we feel these things? have not taken our rightful place in the cos- to measure up. We feel ourselves small- final establishment of a We experience these things all the time in mos, not filled in our proper piece of the jig- town, ordinary, unimportant, and so our rest- world; and ultimately our everyday lives. Why do we feel good saw puzzle. lessness begins to eat us up. nothing else can mean when we succeed at anything? Is it because It can be helpful to recognize this more Our everyday satisfactions and disappoint- anything to me. To release we are admired for it, our ego gets stroked, consciously, especially so as not to misread ments though can teach us something. We some infinitesimal quanti- Fr. Rolheiser or because we enjoy the satisfaction of doing our own restlessness. Why do I say this? need to listen closely to what makes us feel ty of the absolute, to free something well? Yes, for all of these reasons, Because we are born so restless, so incur- good or bad. Our lives can seem small, but one fragment of being, forever – everything though none is the deepest one. Ultimately, ably driven by the sense that we are special we do not especially enlarge them through else is but intolerable futility.” though we aren’t generally aware of it, we and meant to achieve something of signifi- fame and recognition. You don’t get immor- For him, at the end of the day, there is only feel good because, deep down, we have con- cance. Nobody wants to live and not leave tality – nor restfulness – for being a super- one worthwhile joy, the feeling you get from tributed our little piece to the big picture, some mark in the world. “Have child, plant a star. You get these for filling in that little cooperating rightfully within the big picture filled in a piece of the jigsaw puzzle that tree, write a book!” says a popular axiom. piece of the big picture, that one wee atom, of things, from taking your place within the only we can provide, been one necessary Translated that means: “Make sure you do that is uniquely yours. great cosmic jigsaw puzzle. Joy and meaning atom in the final establishment of things. something to guarantee, a little at least, your Ronald Rolheiser, a Roman Catholic priest come from being one tiny piece within the That is why we feel good whenever we build own immortality.” We often lack the self- and member of the Missionary Oblates of overall progress of the universe, nothing something, help someone, give birth to knowledge or honesty to admit this, but some- Mary Immaculate, is president of the Oblate more and nothing less. something, help raise someone, teach some- thing inside us (the part that fuels our restless- School of Theology in San Antonio,. He is a At first glance this might all seem a bit thing, complete something, nurse someone, ness) understands exactly what that means. community-builder, lecturer and writer. His abstract, idiosyncratic, and applicable only to perform a successful surgery, score a goal, We want and need to leave a permanent mark books are popular throughout the English- the spiritually elite, but what Teilhard says clean a bathroom, cook a meal, do the dish- somewhere. We are born for that reason. speaking world and his weekly column is here is really true for everyone. We all feel es, or simply do anything properly. The satis- But generally we misread this restless and carried by more than seventy newspapers this, deep down, though perhaps we are not faction we feel at these times has a deep what it is asking of us. The logic runs this worldwide. ‘Dr. Strange,’ scientism and the gnostic way station By Most Rev. Robert Barron is also unbearably arrogant, pathological- indifferent universe. With that, she claim that only empirically measurable Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles ly self-absorbed, utterly dismissive of his shoves him backward and, to Dr. things are true? Though as I say widely colleagues, something of a first-class Strange’s infinite astonishment, his astral held in many circles today, this crude atti- Scott Derickson’s new film, Doctor jerk. While racing in his Lamborghini to body suddenly leaves his ordinary body. tude was not characteristic of the Strange, has received rave reviews for its an evening soiree, he runs his car off the This is his introduction to a world that he founders of the modern sciences, many of special-effects, its road and suffers grievous injuries to his never knew existed, and the beginning of whom—Descartes, Copernicus, Galileo, compelling story- hands. Despite the heroic efforts of the his mystical apprenticeship. By the way, and Newton come readily to mind—were telling, and the quality best surgeons, his fingers remain twisted, if you want a compelling Christian take devoutly religious, nor was it embraced of its actors, but I incapable of performing the operations on this phenomenon, look at Fr. Robert by such key scientific figures as Gregory would like to focus on which made him rich and famous. Spitzer’s musings on “trans-physical con- Mendel, an Augustinian friar or Georges the spirituality implic- In his desperation, he travels to a mys- sciousness,” or in more ordinary lan- LeMaitre, the formulator of the Big Bang it in it. Doctor Strange terious treatment center in Katmandu, guage, the “soul.” theory of cosmic origins and a Catholic is far from a satisfy- where people with horrific and irre- What I particularly liked about this priest. The coolly arrogant but hopelessly ing presentation of the versible physical damage have, he hears, confrontation in Katmandu is how it rep- narrow Dr. Strange is an apt representa- spiritual order, but it been cured. There he confronts a bald- resents a challenge to the comically arro- tion of the clueless advocates of scien- represents a signifi- pated female figure, played by Tilda gant scientism of our time, by which I tism on the contemporary scene, those cant step in the right Bishop Barron Swinton, who claims that she has healed mean, the fallacy of reducing all forms of who have simply closed themselves off to direction, which proves severed spinal cords through the manipu- knowing to the scientific manner of what a thousand generations of human especially helpful for our time. lation of spiritual forces. When he hears knowing. This attitude, though wide- beings have taken for granted. Played by the always splendid Benedict this, the rationalist Dr. Strange explodes spread today through the influence of the In order to participate in the dynamics Cumberbatch, Dr. Strange is dashing, in anger and, poking her in the chest, he “new” atheists, is utterly self-refuting. of the higher world, Dr. Strange has to go handsome, ultra-cool, a brilliant neuro- asserts his conviction that matter is all How, precisely, did the advocate of scien- through a lengthy and demanding train surgeon, called upon to handle only the there is and that we human beings exist tism see, measure, or empirically verify most delicate and complex surgeries. He for a brief moment in the context of an through experimentation the truth of the (Please See BARRON/22) The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 17 Lessons learned from the recent presidential election By Father Eugene Hemrick promises from real fulfillment. There is a need to the god of political achievement. We are also see- Catholic News Service practice long-range thoughtfulness. ing candidacy becoming a commodity for the rich Second, we find we have an upsurge in people only. "I feel worse than I felt when Kennedy was becoming increasingly blase about false informa- Fifth, it is thought one reason Donald Trump assassinated." The depressed look in my friend's tion. Many seem to think it is a sign of the times, won is that he sounded a message of change loud- eyes the morning after the presidential election to be accepted and to go with the flow. er than his competition. The lesson here is we live was terrifying. Third, we have seen a big uptick in character in times in which rapid change is now the accept- Equally terrifying was the venom that poured assassination as a legitimate strategy for winning ed modus agendi, especially for millennials. They out as another friend said, "Hillary Clinton is the an election. And, too, spewing venom has become have experienced change like no generation devil personified: untrustworthy and a killer." legitimatized for achieving victory. before. "I'll bet you're happy we now have a pro-life In early civilizations, it was common for victors Many discontented people are shaking their president," shouted a parishioner leaving church. Hemrick to barbarically "grind" into the ground the heads heads about our elections and the future of the Putting aside our political persuasions, what are of the conquered. During the course of these elec- nation. My mother taught us to keep our heads we learning about our changing times from the tions, we have seen political rhetoric prefer to still in these cases and to learn the lessons that presidential race? employ vicious barbarism over dignified polite- caused us to shake in the first place. First, we are realizing we exist in a rapid, ness. The time is now to become a quick learner and instant media age demanding increased critical Fourth, we live in an age in which money talks upgrade our understanding of our new age and thinking for sorting out fact from fiction, hopeful louder than ever, making it seem as if money is respond to its challenges calmly. Paying for indulgences / God and the masculine pronoun

By Father Kenneth Doyle should be referred to as "Father" (that ference between the sexes. But the respec- during the church's earliest centuries. Catholic News Service is, in masculine terms) or as a genderless tive 'perfections' of man and woman reflect Later, Christians started to recognize as being. I find it troubling when the words something of the infinite perfection of God: saints those who had lived virtuous lives Q. When did the church stop asking for in traditional hymns are changed to those of a mother and those of a father" even though they had not been put to money for indulgences? And why did remove any references to "his" or The traditional use, then, of the masculine death for their beliefs, and church leaders they ask for money in "him." Recently I was singing from pronoun does not equate to a belief in the realized the need for a more formal the first place? memory the refrain, "Lift up your hearts masculinity of God. authentication. (In the 12th century, Pope (Wichita, Kansas) to the Lord in praise of his mercy," only Having said that, I would make the argu- Alexander III wrote to the King of A. I am almost reluc- to hear myself "out of sync" with many ment that -- for the sake of uniformity with- Sweden castigating the Swedish people tant to answer your others in the congregation who were in a congregation and across the wider for venerating an imbibing monk who had question because, as singing from the hymnal, "Praise God's church -- it is best to stick with the respons- been killed in a drunken brawl.) asked, a simple response gracious mercy." es given in the Roman Missal and hope that The current steps toward canonization pro- would imply a serious In a similar way, I often hear during the liturgical translators eventually catch up vide for one miracle to be documented for admission. Though it has the Liturgy of the Eucharist many peo- with the church's theology. beatification and another one for canoniza- been accused for cen- ple responding, "May the Lord accept As for the Our Father, that of course has a tion. Miracles obtained through someone's turies of having "sold" Doyle the sacrifice at your hands for the praise special sacredness because it was the prayer intercession are regarded as proof that the indulgences, the Catholic and glory of God's name, for our good taught directly by Jesus. In order to convey person is in heaven and able to intervene Church never approved such a practice. and the good of God's holy church." And the ready accessibility to us of the Lord, with the Lord. The general procedures for Undeniably, individual Catholics were yet, when I look up that response in the Jesus called his Father by the Aramaic canonization were outlined by St. John Paul guilty of selling indulgences, but the prac- Roman Missal itself, I find "his name" word "Abba" -- which, some scholars say, II in an apostolic constitution issued in 1983. tice was never countenanced by the church. and "his holy church." really translates to our warm and familiar The pope, as the church's supreme legisla- Coupled with these abuses, though, was the What is next? I fear the day when word, "Daddy." tor, can and occasionally does dispense from fact (and this gave a basis to Martin some people will start the Lord's Prayer That word must have shocked Christ's the requirement on miracles, especially Luther's challenge) that indulgences could with, "Our God who art in heaven." I Jewish listeners, who felt that God was so when the deceased is universally recognized be gained for giving alms to one of the feel that we are pandering to a minority far above them that they ought not even for holiness. (This was done for Pope John church's charitable endeavors. of overly sensitive feminists who have pronounce his name. Since Jesus used these XXIII when he was canonized in 2014.) All of this came to an end with the difficulty comprehending God's identity very words, this prayer ought never to Reported cures are scrutinized thoroughly by Council of Trent, which decreed that the as a male being, as our Father -- and yet change. a panel of medical experts who must con- church "ordains in a general way by the that is exactly how Jesus referred to God clude that there is no natural explanation to present decree that all evil traffic in them and taught us to pray to him. He is not Q. I have read that miracles are explain the recovery of health. (indulgences), which has been a most pro- some generic, abstract and neutered required before someone can be pro- When St. John Paul II was canonized lific source of abuses among the Christian being. (City of origin withheld) claimed a saint. Can you tell me more (also in 2014), a guest at the ceremony was people, be absolutely abolished." According about the process and perhaps give me a woman from Costa Rica who had recov- to The Catholic Encyclopedia, soon after, in A. It is the clear teaching of the church some examples of miracles for saints ered inexplicably from a brain aneurysm 1567, Pope Pius V "canceled all grants of that God is neither male nor female. As the recently canonized? (Roanoke, Virginia) after praying to that deceased pontiff. In indulgences involving any fees or other divine being, God transcends gender. September 2016, St. Teresa of Kolkata was financial transactions." The Catechism of the Catholic Church A. The process for canonization has been canonized after a Brazilian man with multi- says: "In no way is God in man's image. He developed by the church over time -- with ple brain tumors was healed when loved Q. I would very much like to know the is neither man nor woman. God is pure increasing rigor. The first Christian saints ones pleaded to Mother Teresa on his church's official position on whether God spirit in which there is no place for the dif- were martyred for their faith in persecutions behalf. Page 18 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus U.S. bishops unraveling post-election animus

By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service

BALTIMORE — Like many others, the U.S. Catholic bishops are trying to figure out how to deal with a president-elect who's different from anyone they've dealt with in the past and one involved in one of the most rancorous elections in modern times. As a candidate, Republican Donald Trump, said some things that proved hurt- Then-presidential candi- ful and worrisome to groups of Latino and date Donald Trump black Catholics, but also gave hope to attends a campaign Catholics concerned about religious free- event in Wilmington, Ohio, Nov. 4. Trump won dom and abortion. the presidency in the At the fall general assembly of the U.S. Nov. 8 election. (CNS Conference of Catholic Bishops in photo/Carlo Allegri, Baltimore in mid-November, church lead- Reuters) ers tried to urge calm, caution and promote unity following an election season fueled by vitriol, name-calling and fear. "The dust hasn't settled on the election yet," said Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Burlington, Vermont, during a Nov. 14 news conference, adding that as a group of bishops, "we've just begun a conversation about how we're going to move forward." This election, Bishop Coyne said, "it's so beyond the pale of what we've faced before." "We knew the lay of the land when we "I have to admit at this point I'm not sure Gregory of Atlanta, addressing a question matter who you voted for, or (where you) approached a Democratic presidency or a where the new administration is coming about Trump's campaign promise to repeal are in the political spectrum, would be able Republican presidency, you'd go into from," he said."My hope would be that we the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits to come together in Eucharist and say, Congress and approach them in (certain) can sit down with the administration or certain tax-exempt organizations from 'There is one Lord, there is one Eucharist, ways," he said. "This election has thrown meet with them in some fashion, perhaps endorsing and opposing political candi- there is one church, and it's big enough to all that out the window." even in terms of Congress, relative to some dates, said there was an important distinc- embrace all of us,'" said Archbishop "I think we need to talk about how we as pro-life things. I would certainly think tion to make. Gregory. "I am more worried about the bishops maintain the good news, maintain some aspects of the Affordable Care Act "There's a big difference between politi- nature of our society that seems to have the things that we stand for as Catholics, would be great if we could sit down and cal promises and political action," he said. taken in such violence and venom. ... If seeking always the common good, in ways see them worked out, relative to, let's say, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating." we're going to survive as a nation, we have that serve the best way forward for all of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and analo- What concerns him most, said to treat one another much more civilly." us," he said. gous things." Archbishop Gregory, is finding a peaceful He also issued a reminder that no politi- At the fall general meeting, bishops were The Little Sisters of the Poor have been way forward, not just for Catholics divided cal party or political candidate embraces peppered with questions about how they'll in the forefront of several Catholic entities over the elections, but for the nation. the full range of human life issues that the work with or approach a Trump adminis- fighting a mandate that would require them "One of the things we're grappling with Catholic Church teaches. tration that made promises to anti-abortion as employers to cover contraceptives in now is not just bringing Catholics together, "I've looked and I can't find any," he Catholic constituencies yet insulted ethnic their employee health plans over their but bringing America together," he said. said. "There has been no political platform groups and threatened mass deportations, moral objections to such coverage. "We, in the life of the church, are united by that has been proposed that coincides per- which some bishops have publicly Cardinal DiNardo added: "We would like our faith, by our religious conviction in fectly with Catholic Social Teaching on the opposed. to see the Hyde Amendment extended, as it liturgical life. This past election was so dignity of human life ... That's why it was In a Nov. 15 news conference, Jesuit has always been every year and not with unusual in its hostility that it lay the foun- so difficult for people to vote ... (there was) Father Thomas Reese asked Cardinal the difficulties that were apparently dation for this kind of unusual reaction." some dimension of human dignity and the Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, attached earlier this year to its passage ... In any election, he said, there are winners respect of life on one political party, and who had just been elected president of the appointments of judges are important." The and losers, but when the climate has been another part on another. But there is no conference, whether, as USCCB president, Hyde Amendment prevents federal funds so inflamed, there were bound to be one cohesive expression of Catholic Social he saw opportunities for dealing with a from being used to pay for abortion except protests, no matter who won "because of Teaching can be identified with any politi- new Trump administration on pro-life in cases of rape or to save the life of the the animus that marked the entire elec- cal party." issues and religious freedom issues, such mother. tion," he said. as the contraceptive mandate in the The day before, Archbishop Wilton D. "I would hope that we, as Catholics, no Affordable Care Act. The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 19 OBISPO

(Para 3) Confesión bolismo de esta corona ayuda a enseñar también la realeza de Cristo nuestro Rey. Prepararen un lugar para Jesús en su sobre el significado espiritual de la tempo- Las velas moradas se añaden en la primera, venida de Cristo son como los dos corazón por medio de hacer una buena rada de Adviento. segunda y cuarta semana, mientras que la extremos de un puente. El puente que se Confesión sacramental. De esta manera se La base de la corona es un círculo de hoja vela color de rosa se añade en la tercera extiende entre ellos es la presente venida de estará limpiando la basura de los pecados perenne, que simboliza la vida eterna de semana. El color de rosa es un símbolo de Cristo. Cada día caminamos ese puente, que bloquean la entrada de él de manera Dios en Cristo. El color verde es un símbo- la alegría. El tercer domingo de Adviento es tratando de actuar con justicia y amor en más completa en sus vidas. Una lista de los lo de la vida, y la forma circular representa tradicionalmente conocido como Domingo todo lo que hacemos. El Adviento es un Servicios de Penitencia de Adviento espe- la eternidad, ya que la línea de un círculo Gaudete, que es una celebración de una tiempo para observar atentamente por su ciales que se ofrecen en todas partes de la no tiene principio ni fin. El Adviento cele- espera alegre, ya que hemos llegado a presencia en las experiencias concretas de Diócesis de San Ángelo se puede encontrar bra el hecho de que Cristo, quien vive en la mediados de Adviento, cuando el tiempo de la vida, y para comprometernos al traer su en la página web diocesana en www.sanan- eternidad, se hace presente en nuestra histo- preparación ya esta por terminar y la presencia en nuestro mundo. gelodiocese.org. Siéntanse libres de asistir a ria humana. Navidad está cerca. Me gustaría invitarlos a vivir el Adviento cualquiera de estos servicios, ya sea en su En la corona se encuentran cuatro velas, También es aceptable que una corona de de una nueva forma este año. Pónganse su propia parroquia o en otro lugar, dependien- que proclaman que Cristo es la luz del Adviento utilice cuatro velas blancas en gorra de pensar y consideren algunas man- do de su horario. mundo. Las cuatro velas representan las lugar de las velas moradas y color de rosa, eras diferentes para darle vida a esta tempo- muchas generaciones de seres humanos que especialmente en aquellos casos cuando rada, y para descubrir la presencia de Cristo Tarjetas navideñas vivieron antes del nacimiento de Cristo, que velas moradas y color de rosa no se pueden todos los días. He aquí sólo algunas sug- Si van a enviar tarjetas Navideñas, estaban esperando la llegada del Mesías. El encontrar. Cuatro velas moradas también se erencias para considerar: piensen en el mensaje en sus tarjetas, y el número de velas encendidas cada semana pueden usar. sentido Cristiano de la fiesta, y traten de corresponde al número de la semana en Para aquellos que están en búsqueda de Pesebre que sus tarjetas reflejen la importancia de curso de Adviento. Comenzando con cada oraciones para usar con la corona de Con la costumbre de la escena de nativi- Jesús, no solamente de Rudolph, Santa, o uno de los cuatro domingos de Adviento, Adviento en casa, un ejemplo se puede dad o pesebre, preparen un lugar para los duendes. Con cada tarjeta Navideña que una vela adicional se enciende, hasta que encontrar en la página web de la Diócesis recibir al Niño Jesús en la Navidad. escriban y cada mensaje de Navidad que las cuatro están iluminadas durante la cuar- de San Ángelo en sanangelodiocese.org. Comiencen la temporada de Adviento con envíen electrónicamente, digan una oración ta semana de Adviento. Por lo tanto, con Mas muestras se pueden encontrar en los el pesebre vacío, y no pongan la figura de por el recipiente. cada semana consecutiva de la temporada, libros de oraciones Católicas, en las tiendas Jesús en la escena hasta la Navidad. Hay la luz aumenta, empujando afuera a la Católicas, y en el Internet. una hermosa costumbre que comenzó en Corona de Adviento oscuridad. Jesucristo es la luz que entra en En este Adviento, seamos todos con- Francia, donde se coloca un poco de paja Recomiendo encarecidamente el uso de la oscuridad de nuestro mundo con el fin de scientes de las tres venidas de Cristo, y hag- en el pesebre para cada buena acción o acto una corona de Adviento en los hogares y en conquistar la oscuridad. amos espacio en nuestro corazón para su de bondad hecho durante el Adviento, con las parroquias. Esta costumbre se inició en Por lo general, hay tres velas moradas y llegada - en la historia, en el misterio, y en el fin de preparar un lugar suave y acogedor el siglo16 en Alemania, y con el tiempo se una vela color de rosa. El color morado la majestad. en el que Jesús se acostará. extendió por todo el mundo. El rico sim- simboliza arrepentimiento del pecado como BISHOP

(From 3) attend any one of these services, whether nity, for the line of a circle has no begin- the weeks one, two, and four, while the at your own parish or elsewhere, depend- ning or end. Advent celebrates the fact rose candle is added in week three. Rose Nativity scene ing on your schedule. that Christ, who lives in eternity, makes is a symbol of joy. The Third Sunday of With the custom of the Nativity scene or himself present in our human history. Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete crèche, prepare a place to receive the baby Christmas cards On the wreath are found four candles, Sunday, which is a celebration of joyful Jesus at Christmas. Start the Advent sea- If you are sending Christmas cards, think which proclaim that Christ is the light of expectation, since we have arrived at the son with the manger empty, and don’t put of the message in your cards, and the the world. The four candles represent the midpoint of Advent, when the time of the figure of Jesus in the scene until Christian meaning of the feast, and try to many generations of human beings who preparation is now half over and we are Christmas. There is a beautiful custom that let your cards reflect the importance of lived before the birth of Christ, who were close to Christmas. began in France, where a few strands of Jesus, not just Rudolph, Santa, or the elves. waiting for the arrival of the Messiah. It is also acceptable for an Advent hay or straw are placed in the manger for With every Christmas card you write and The number of candles lighted each week wreath to use four white candles instead each good action or act of kindness done every Christmas message you send elec- corresponds to the number of the current of the purple and rose candles, especially during Advent, in order to prepare a soft tronically, say a prayer for the recipient. week of Advent. Beginning with each of in those cases when purple and rose can- and welcoming place where Jesus will lie. the four Sundays of Advent, an additional dles cannot be found. Four purple candles Advent wreath candle is lit, until all four are lit during may also be used. Confession I highly recommend the use of an the Fourth Week of Advent. Thus, with For those who are looking for prayers to Prepare a place for Jesus in your heart Advent wreath in homes and parishes. each successive week of the season, the use with the Advent wreath at home, an by making a good sacramental This custom began in the 16th century in light increases, pushing out the darkness. example can be found on the Diocese of Confession. In this way you will be clear- Germany, and it eventually spread Jesus Christ is the light who comes into San Angelo web site. More samples can ing away the trash of your sins that blocks throughout the world. The rich symbolism the darkness of our world in order to con- be found in Catholic prayer books, at him from entering more fully into your of this wreath helps to teach about the quer that darkness. Catholic stores, and on the Internet. life. A list of the special Advent Penance spiritual meaning of the Advent season. Most commonly, there are three purple This Advent, let us all be conscious of Services offered throughout the Diocese The base of the wreath is a circle of ever- candles and one rose candle. The purple the three comings of Christ, and make of San Angelo can be found on Pg. 4 of green, which symbolizes the eternal life color symbolizes repentance from sin as room in our hearts for his arrival – in his- this Angelus, on the diocesan website at of God in Christ. Green is a symbol of well as the royalty of Christ our King. tory, in mystery, and in majesty. www.sanangelodiocese.org. Feel free to life, and the circular shape represents eter- The purple candles are added in each of Page 20 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus BRIDGES (From 2) Msgr. Bridges says aside from the Msgr. Bridges has been gifted with the What’s more, Bridges calls the prison Eucharist, Jesus Christ is more present in ability to gather others for a common to find out who isn’t being written to, now provides the poor of Midland the least than anywhere else this side of good. Some people sing. Some write. who could use a little money for hygiene $2,000,000 of help each year with all heaven. Some act. Msgr. Bridges inspires others items, or to learn whose mother or chil- volunteers. The more St. Stephen’s Plus, “giving to the needed is a sort of into action. dren are sick. Only then does he pick up helped the poor, the more it grew and heavenly insurance,” he says with a wry On a recent Sunday, his gaze upon the his pen and begin to write to each of blossomed. St. Stephen’s is now the smile. Crucifix at the back of the St. Stephen’s them. largest parish in the diocese. Helping Hands is not Msgr. Bridges’ sanctuary never left as he recited the “Helping the indigent prisoners makes “Everyone who gives to the poor bene- only contribution to the poor population Eucharistic prayer. His eyes do not ven- them feel more worthy of God’s love and fits. It always happens,” Msgr. Bridges of West Texas: He was instrumental in ture downward to the Sacramentary. forgiveness,” Msgr. Bridges said. said. “I always tell people to try it. If it the founding of both Catholic Charities Seeing him see Christ impacts Mass This falls in with his core belief: Take doesn’t work, we’ll give them their of Odessa and the West Texas Food goers. The vision of Christ working care of the poor and God will take care money back. And it is not that God’s Bank. The food bank, which recently through him is a moving experience. of you. blessings might return if they give to the moved into its new $20,000,000 facili- His love of the poor is backed up by Bridges says, “Helping the poor, the poor. They will return.” ties in Odessa has a bronze bust of him action. He ends each day by writing 10 indigent, the least among us, is actually Trust in God, Msgr. Bridges empha- as its founder in the entrance. He insists letters to indigent prisoners — offenders touching Jesus where he loves to hide sizes, must be an integral part of giving he had nothing to do with the bust, but who have been behind bars for 2-5 years, most.” to the poor. The one thing God wants did become suspicious when food bank who have never received a letter or a dol- from us, he said, is trust. supporters kept asking for photos of him. lar and often still have 10 years or more “Trust and faith are about the same “No one wants a picture of an 87-year- remaining on their sentence. thing,” he said. “I don’t know why trust old,” he said. He refers to the organiza- “If those people aren’t the least among is so important to God. But it is.” tions he helped form as his babies. us, I don’t know who is,” he said. RETREAT CENTER (cont’d), ORDINATIONS, NECROLOGY KNICKERBOCKERS CHRIST THE KING RETREAT (From 7) ized, but we can love God and our brothers Holy Spirit at Baptism. We can make acts of CENTER and sisters forever. these virtues every day: "O my God, I intellects to the truths revealed by God not A living tree has been used as a symbol for believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee. JANUARY 2017 (cont’d) because we comprehend them, but only on the theological virtues. Faith is the root, hope To Thee be honor, praise, and glory forev- 8-13 — Holy Trinity Silent Retreat the authority of God. In his Proslogian, St. is the trunk, and love/charity is the fruit. Faith er." By your grace, O Lord, and by the 13-15 — Deacon Formation 16 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group Anselm wrote of "faith seeking understand- nourishes hope, hope sustains love, and love intercession of Blessed Mother Mary and St. 20-22 — Engaged Encounter ing," i.e. "an active love of God seeking an bears the fruit of faith and hope. Faith has Joseph, strengthen these virtues in us by 22 — Natural Family Planning understanding of God." been depicted as a cross, hope as an anchor, enabling us to live them. 23 — Heart of Mercy What is hope? Hope is the virtue by which and charity as a burning heart. 23 — Deacon Quarterly 26 — DOSA Staff Mass/Lunch we firmly trust that God, who is all-power- We revere our holy Mother Mary and ask Mary Sanctified 29 — CKRC Confirmation Retreat ful, merciful, and faithful to His promises, her grace, prayers, and assistance to grow in (Immaculate Conception of Mary) 30 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group will give us eternal life with Him and the the virtues of faith, hope, and love that she means to obtain it. In His promise is our embodied and lived: in her "yes" to God in Our perfect human virtues seen in her FEBRUARY 2017 hope. "For you are my hope, O Lord; my her fiat, whose promises she believed; when Who bore God's Son, whose presence 3-4 — First Central Presbyterian Church Women’s Retreat trust, O God, from my youth" (Ps 71:5). she informed Jesus that the wine had run out sanctified 6 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group "...hope does not disappoint, because the at the wedding feast in Cana; as she stood at Her heart in Anna's womb, a fragrant 10-12 — Deacon Formation love of God has been poured out in our the foot of the Cross, her heart pierced; as myrrh 12 — St Ambrose First Communion Retreat hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been she held a lifeless Jesus in her arms, shed- In Mary blown from Calvary where He 13 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 16 — DOSA Staff Mass/Lunch given to us" (Rom 5:5). "Blessed be the ding tears of love; as she gathered in the died. 17-19 — Engaged Encounter God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Upper Room with the disciples; as she His Spirit in first Adam's clay once who in his great mercy gave us a new birth rejoiced in Jesus resurrection and ascension breathed, to a living hope through the resurrection of into heaven. Now blows again--eternity in time. NECROLOGY Jesus Christ from the dead" (I Pet 1:3). St. Joseph, too, lived the virtues of faith, Humility from garden Mary wreathes; JANUARY 10-Rev. Francis Beazley, OMI (1992) What is love? Love or charity is the virtue hope, and love: in his trust in God's message A human crown they share, "Not mine but 13-Rev. Joseph Walter (1989) by which we treasure God supremely above in a dream to take Mary as his wife; in his thine." 16-Rev. Cyril Lange (1971) all things for His own sake and our neighbor acceptance that the child Mary carried was Her arms of love in hope her Baby holds, 16-Msgr. Timothy Murphy (2004) as ourselves, for the love of God. Charity of the Holy Spirit and was to be named The fruit of faith revealed when she said 18-Rev. Patrick Ryan, O.M.I. (1975) 19-Fr. Robert Kelly (1999) has been called the queen of virtues. In love Jesus; in his journeying far and near as led "yes"; 23-Deacon Jose Esparza (2011) we are united with God through Jesus Christ by God; in his lifelong care and protection Faith grown in Anna's home, her virtue's 24-Bishop Thomas Tschoepe (2009) and with our neighbor. "Therefore, you shall of Mary and Jesus; in his provision for them mold, 26-Deacon D.J. Goetz (2003) love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, as a working man; as the foster father of Shaped by the One she welcomed as her 26-Deacon Jack Peterson (1987) and with all your soul, and with all your Jesus. guest. strength" (Deut 6:5). Jesus said, "This is my In our Advent preparation for the birth of May Mary's virtues lead us to her Son; PRIEST ORDINATION DATES commandment: love one another as I have Jesus, our Savior, and throughout the With Him through her we say, "Thy will JANUARY 2017 loved you" (Jn 15:12). In 1 John 4:19 we Christmas season, let us be prayerful and be done." 14-Fr. Emilio Sosa (2016) read, "We love him because he first loved intentional about growing in the virtues of 27-Fr. Chinnapureddy Pagidela (2002) us." In heaven, faith and hope will be real- faith, hope, and love infused in us by the — W. E. Knickerbocker 28-Fr. Knick Knickerbocker (2009) The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 21 LETTER PATTERSON (From 6) (From 11) child migrants. they are recruited by criminal organizations. Furthermore, we need to work towards pro- In such cases they are usually sent to deten- directions to the shop in Hobbs, a good 20 ing, the exploitation and abuse of minors and, tection, integration and long-term solutions. tion centres. It is not unusual for them to be miles up the road. generally, the depriving of rights intrinsic to We are primarily concerned with adopting arrested, and because they have no money to Then I saw Duane’s assistant hop on a back- childhood as sanctioned by the International every possible measure to guarantee the pro- pay the fine or for the return journey, they can hoe and cut a path across the street. He sifted Convention on the Rights of the Child. tection and safety of child migrants, because be incarcerated for long periods, exposed to through the repair center’s salvage pile and Childhood, given its fragile nature, has “these boys and girls often end up on the various kinds of abuse and violence. In these retrieved a part. A run to Hobbs was averted. unique and inalienable needs. Above all else, street abandoned to themselves and prey to instances, the right of states to control migra- An hour later, Duane walked up to me. there is the right to a healthy and secure fami- unscrupulous exploiters who often transform tory movement and to protect the common “We’ll get you fixed up,” he told me. “Help’s ly environment, where a child can grow under them into the object of physical, moral and good of the nation must be seen in conjunc- gotta go to lunch. We’ll get her finished when the guidance and example of a father and a sexual violence” (Benedict XVI, Message for tion with the duty to resolve and regularize he gets back. You’re welcome to come in the mother; then there is the right and duty to the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the situation of child migrants, fully respect- garage and sit down if you like.” receive adequate education, primarily in the 2008). ing their dignity and seeking to meet their I saw his assistant cross the same street and family and also in the school, where children Moreover, the dividing line between migra- needs when they are alone, but also the needs crawl inside a 20-year-old Explorer, unwrap a can grow as persons and agents of their own tion and trafficking can at times be very sub- of their parents, for the good of the entire fam- sandwich and make quick work of it. future and the future of their respective coun- tle. There are many factors which contribute ily. Inside, I sifted through email, trying the one- tries. Indeed, in many areas of the world, to making migrants vulnerable, especially if Of fundamental importance is the adoption finger reply method, which has never really reading, writing and the most basic arithmetic they are children: poverty and the lack of of adequate national procedures and mutually worked all that well for me, but did pass a good is still the privilege of only a few. All chil- means to survive – to which are added unreal- agreed plans of cooperation between countries amount of time. dren, furthermore, have the right to recreation; istic expectations generated by the media; the of origin and of destination, with the intention Another hour crept by. I watched people walk in a word, they have the right to be children. low level of literacy; ignorance of the law, of of eliminating the causes of the forced emi- in and out of the garage. A young man walked And yet among migrants, children constitute the culture and frequently of the language of gration of minors. a dog down the street outside. Teenagers drove the most vulnerable group, because as they host countries. All of this renders children Thirdly, to all I address a heartfelt appeal by in their mostly older-model cars. Two physically and psychologically dependent. that long-term solutions be sought and adopt- face the life ahead of them, they are invisible women walked out of the office of the garage and voiceless: their precarious situation But the most powerful force driving the ed. Since this is a complex phenomenon, the talking about someone who had suffered a deprives them of documentation, hiding them exploitation and abuse of children is demand. question of child migrants must be tackled at from the world’s eyes; the absence of adults to If more rigorous and effective action is not its source. Wars, human rights violations, cor- tragedy. accompany them prevents their voices from taken against those who profit from such ruption, poverty, environmental imbalance “Infant death in their family,” one said. “Had being raised and heard. In this way, migrant abuse, we will not be able to stop the multiple and disasters, are all causes of this problem. to drive all the way to Austin this week to bury children easily end up at the lowest levels of forms of slavery where children are the vic- Children are the first to suffer, at times suffer- the baby.” human degradation, where illegality and vio- tims. ing torture and other physical violence, in “Oh dear,” the younger woman said, mois- lence destroy the future of too many inno- It is necessary, therefore, for immigrants to addition to moral and psychological aggres- ture rimming her red eyes. The deceased child, cents, while the network of child abuse is dif- cooperate ever more closely with the commu- sion, which almost always leave indelible it seemed, was a member of Duane’s extended ficult to break up. nities that welcome them, for the good of their scars. family. How should we respond to this reality? own children. We are deeply grateful to It is absolutely necessary, therefore, to deal I glanced at my watch for the first time in Firstly, we need to become aware that the organizations and institutions, both ecclesial with the causes which trigger migrations in probably an hour, and I thought to myself how phenomenon of migration is not unrelated to and civil, that commit time and resources to the countries of origin. This requires, as a first Duane and his assistant should probably be salvation history, but rather a part of that his- protect minors from various forms of abuse. step, the commitment of the whole interna- wrapping things up. It was coming on three. tory. One of God’s commandments is con- It is important that evermore effective and tional community to eliminate the conflicts Sure enough, Duane popped up like clock- nected to it: “You shall not wrong a stranger incisive cooperation be implemented, based and violence that force people to flee. work again, coming out of the office. or oppress him, for you were strangers in the not only on the exchange of information, but Furthermore, far-sighted perspectives are “Need you to sit here for me,” he said. "Keep land of Egypt” (Ex 22:21); “Love the sojourn- also on the reinforcement of networks capable called for, capable of offering adequate pro- an eye on the garage if you would." er therefore; for you were sojourners in the of assuring timely and specific intervention; grammes for areas struck by the worst injus- Not what I was expecting. land of Egypt” (Deut 10:19). This phenome- and this, without underestimating the strength tice and instability, in order that access to “Got to run down the highway, help some- non constitutes a sign of the times, a sign that ecclesial communities reveal especially authentic development can be guaranteed for body that’s broke down. Should be back before which speaks of the providential work of God when they are united in prayer and fraternal all. This development should promote the long.” in history and in the human community, with communion. good of boys and girls, who are humanity’s And he left. a view to universal communion. While Secondly, we need to work for the integra- hope. Forty-five minutes passed. Duane returned appreciating the issues, and often the suffering tion of children and youngsters who are Lastly, I wish to address a word to you, who again, undetected, and went back to work on and tragedy of migration, as too the difficul- migrants. They depend totally on the adult walk alongside migrant children and young our rig. Several minutes later he walked into ties connected with the demands of offering a community. Very often the scarcity of finan- people: they need your precious help. The the garage. dignified welcome to these persons, the cial resources prevents the adoption of ade- Church too needs you and supports you in the “Got you fixed up,” he said. Church nevertheless encourages us to recog- quate policies aimed at assistance and inclu- generous service you offer. Do not tire of I went inside to pay the bill, not nearly as nize God’s plan. She invites us to do this pre- sion. As a result, instead of favouring the courageously living the Gospel, which calls much as I had expected. The owner’s daughter, cisely amidst this phenomenon, with the cer- social integration of child migrants, or pro- you to recognize and welcome the Lord Jesus who also served as the garage cashier, talked tainty that no one is a stranger in the Christian grammes for safe and assisted repatriation, among the smallest and most vulnerable. about her weekend. About her relatives that had community, which embraces “every nation, there is simply an attempt to curb the entrance I entrust all child migrants, their families, lost a baby. About her long drive to Austin and tribe, people and tongue” (Rev 7:9). Each of migrants, which in turn fosters illegal net- their communities, and you who are close to back. person is precious; persons are more impor- works; or else immigrants are repatriated to them, to the protection of the Holy Family of Then she asked me if I’d had a nice weekend. tant than things, and the worth of an institu- their country of origin without any concern Nazareth; may they watch over and accompa- For a moment, I thought I might say, “Well, I tion is measured by the way it treats the life for their “best interests”. ny each one on their journey. With my did til I broke down outside of town yesterday.” and dignity of human beings, particularly The condition of child migrants is worsened prayers, I gladly impart my Apostolic But I didn’t. when they are vulnerable, as in the case of when their status is not regularized or when Blessing. “Yes. Yes ma’am, I did.” Page 22 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus MARTINEZ (From 5) of Mary consists in this: she, who was in that is to say, Mary’s consideration for her person to the saving plans of the all her being a gift for her Son, has also human beings, her coming to them in the Most High. John Paul asks, is not Mary become a gift for the sons and daughters wide variety of their wants and needs. At the first of “those who hear the word of of the whole human race. Here we see the Cana event there is shown only one God and do it?” Already at the very clearly that service to another and concrete aspect of human need, apparent- Annunciation she accepted the word of “self-gift” are identical. ly a small one of little importance. But it God, because she believed it, because she John Paul believed that Mary's mater- has symbolic value: this coming to the was obedient to God, and because she nal heart, open to all human misfortune, aid of a human need means at the same “kept” the word and “pondered it in her reminds women that the development of time bringing those needs within the heart” and by means of her whole life the feminine personality calls for a com- range of Christ’s mission and salvific accomplished it. mitment to charity. More sensitive to the power. Following in Mary’s footsteps, The Church sees in Mary the highest values of the heart, women show a high women bring the human person and their expression of the “feminine genius” and capacity for personal self-giving. Indeed, needs to Christ. It can thus be said that she finds in her a source of constant he says “to all in our age who offer self- women, by looking to Mary, find in her inspiration. Mary called herself the ish models for affirming the feminine the secret of living their femininity with “handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38); personality, the luminous and holy figure dignity and of achieving their own true through obedience to the Word of God of the Lord's Mother shows how only by advancement. she accepted her lofty, yet not easy voca- self-giving and self-forgetfulness towards Lisa Martinez is the founder and exec- tion, as wife and mother in the family of others is it possible to achieve fulfillment utive director of the greenhouse for Nazareth. Putting herself at God's serv- of the divine plan for one's own life.” women, a Catholic women’s ministry ice, she also put herself at the service of John Paul taught that Mary’s presence based on the teaching of St. John Paul II. others: a service of love. Precisely and words at the wedding feast in Cana This center for women will be launching through this service Mary was able to (“They have no wine”) actually reveals a later next year in the Diocese of San experience in her life a mysterious but new kind of motherhood according to the Angelo. Further information can be authentic “reign.” The maternal “reign” spirit and not only according to the flesh; found at thegreenhouseforwomen.org. CALDAROLA (From 15) in the U.S., you've likely been assigned you will go from. He was telling the stu- "Tattoos" in some class at some point, dents -- and all of us -- that we are one. and many kids had their books with called, we're sent, to be the boundless It was on another airplane trip years them to be autographed. compassion that can change lives. ago that I encountered "Tattoos on the Father Boyle told the crowd about I sent a copy of Father Boyle's book to Heart." Reading Father Boyle's tale recent funerals. No project serving the one of the people to whom I'd said good- about gang members, the people he has marginalized is going to be successful all bye at the Philadelphia airport. It's a tale buried, love's ability to redeem, had me the time. If we're caught up in measure- that bridges separation. It's a story of chortling and sobbing by turns. I'm sure ments of "success," we often forget true maintaining humor, faith and compas- my fellow passengers thought they'd mission. sion in life's darkest moments. It's a been seated next to a crazy lady. Addressing his young audience, Father story that goes beyond the mean streets The Creighton crowd was heavy with Boyle told them several times that of East L.A. It's a story of the best of students. If you go to a Jesuit university Creighton is not a place to be but a place being Catholic. BARRON (From 16) at a sort of way station to the real thing. namely that God is a personal power, As does Star Wars, which also features a who can never, even in principle, be ing, not unlike, his master explains, the young man going through a needed manipulated by us and who reigns formation he went through to become a apprenticeship, Doctor Strange initiates supreme and victorious over any and all neurosurgeon. But now he has to leave us into a fundamentally Gnostic space, a powers of evil at work in the cosmos. his ego aside and surrender to something realm of spiritual powers, both good and The point of the spiritual life, on the he can’t entirely understand. This disci- evil, engaged in a relentless and never- Biblical reading, is not to control the plining of the grasping self, of course, is ending struggle. Dark and light side of powers through knowledge, but to sur- at the heart of monastic and spiritual tra- the Force, anyone? And its basic game is render in faith to the purposes of God ditions the world over. Therefore, in the the learning of spells and incantations— and to accept from God a mission to measure that it reminds young people secret gnosis—that will enable one to incarnate his love in the world. that there is more to reality than meets manipulate the higher powers to a good I’m sure it’s asking too much to expect the eye and in the measure that it encour- purpose. To be sure, there are elements escapist popcorn movies to get Biblical ages them to embark upon a properly of the Biblical story in Doctor Strange, spirituality right. And if Doctor Strange spiritual path, Doctor Strange performs, I as there are in Star Wars, for instance the can beguile young people out of a dead- would argue, an important service. theme of salvific suffering and embrace ening and self-contradictory scientism, However, all is not well with this film of mission on behalf of others. But opening them to a world beyond ordi- from a spiritual point of view, for it Gnostic visions always miss the essential nary experience, I say “two cheers for stops, as many contemporary movies do, teaching contained in Biblical revelation, it.” The Angelus DECEMBER 2016 Page 23

EDICTAL SUMMONS FOUNDATION November 28, 2016 (From 7) CASE: MENDOZA (BROWNING) – KNUTH ciated stocks, bonds, IRA’s, or real NO.: SO/16/70 estate. All gifts require approval of the There is a real need for additional Board of Trustees. The Tribunal Office of the Catholic Diocese of San as Case: MENDOZA (BROWNING) -- KNUTH; Unrestricted Funds that can be given It is also very helpful if Catholics Angelo is seeking Edgardo Cristobal Freire Protocol No.: SO/16/70., on the Tribunal Docket out in grants each year especially to will remember the Catholic Charitable Knuth. of the Diocese of San Angelo. small parishes and missions where the Foundation in their last will and testa- You are hereby summoned to appear before the You may communicate with the Tribunal in per- needs are very great. Funding was ment or as a beneficiary of insurance Tribunal of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, at son or in writing. Failure to communicate within only available to meet approximately policies. 804 Ford Street, San Angelo, Texas 76905, on or the prescribed period of time will be considered one half of all grant requests received Additional information can be before the 31st day of December 2016, to your consent for the Tribunal to continue its pro- last year. Please prayerfully consider obtained by visiting www.catholicfoun- answer to the Petition of Cinthia Fatima Duran ceedings in the above-named case. establishing an endowment fund or dationsanangelo.org or contacting Mendoza (Browning), now introduced before the Given at the Tribunal of the Diocese of San Diocesan Tribunal in an action styled, “Cinthia Angelo on the 28th day of November 2016. making a donation to one already Kathy Webster, President, at 325-698- Fatima Duran Mendoza(Browning) and Edgardo established to assist meeting needs of 7206 or [email protected] or Cristobal Freire Knuth, Petition for Declaration of Rev. Tom Barley, MSW, MBA, M. Div.,JCL your parish and others throughout the Steve McKay, Treasurer, at 325-651- Invalidity of Marriage.” Said Petition is identified Judicial Vicar diocese. The Foundation can accept 7500 or [email protected] gifts of money, mineral interests, appre- ADVIENTO

(Para 14) dinero en regalos que no recordaremos. experimentan la pobreza. También dinero en una causa que es dando la vida. Hay otras maneras de honrar las rela- podemos dar nuestro tiempo con los que Como dice la página web de "Advent en los regalos -- sin embargo, a menudo ciones que tiene como dar su tiempo y están solos durante esta temporada. Conspiracy", la Navidad es una temporada olvidamos el regalo más grande que jamás presencia a sus seres queridos. Eso podría Los feligreses de Virginia explicaron que en la que "estamos llamados a disminuir se nos ha dado: el amor incondicional de ser entradas para un partido de futbol o en lugar de dar regalos ese año, habían nuestras cargas y elevar una canción a nue- Dios. ¿Cuál fue el regalo que recuerdas béisbol o el teatro, una noche de cine, donado ese dinero a una organización sin stro Dios. ... Entrar en la historia de haber recibido el año pasado para aprender algo juntos o un regalo que usted fines de lucro que proporciona agua Adviento significa entrar en esta tempora- Navidad? ¿Y el tercero o cuarto regalo? mismo hizo. Se trata de la calidad del potable a la gente de los países en desarrol- da con una pasión abrumadora de adorar a La Federación Nacional de Vendedores tiempo que pasamos con ellos, no la canti- lo. Esto es algo muy necesario teniendo en Jesús al máximo". Minoristas estima que la gente en los dad. cuenta que, según la Organización Orar, gastar menos y dar más tiempo y Estados Unidos gastará alrededor de $656 También podemos incluir a aquellos que Mundial de la Salud, 2.400 millones de amor a los demás puede ayudarnos a mil millones en noviembre y diciembre o están en necesidad en nuestras donaciones personas siguen sin instalaciones de preparar nuestras mentes y corazones para más de $800 por persona -- y gran parte de de Navidad. Todo lo que tenemos es un saneamiento y 663 millones no tienen celebrar la temporada de Navidad en su eso va a la deuda de las tarjetas de crédito. don que nos ha sido dado por Dios, que no acceso a fuentes de agua limpias. verdadera dimensión. Gastar menos no es un llamado a dejar de espera nada a cambio, y en acción de gra- Este Adviento y Navidad puede ser una Maria-Pia Negro Chin is bilingual asso- dar regalos; es un llamado a dejar de gastar cias, damos generosamente a aquellos que oportunidad para gastar nuestro tiempo y ciate editor at Maryknoll Magazine. CHIN (From 14) ater, a movie night, learning something The Virginia parishioners explained that cause that is life-giving. together or a gift that you made your- instead of giving presents that year, they As the "Advent Conspiracy" website States will spend about $656 billion in selves. It is about the quality of the time had donated that money to a nonprofit that says, Christmas is a season where "we are November and December or more than $800 you spend, not the quantity. provides clean water for people in devel- called to put down our burdens and lift a per person -- and much of that goes onto We can also include those who are in oping countries. Something much needed song up to our God. ... Entering the story credit card debt. Spending less isn't a call to need in our Christmas giving. Everything considering that, according to the World of Advent means entering this season with stop giving gifts; it's a call to stop spending we have is a gift that has been given to us Health Organization, 2.4 billion people are an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus money on gifts we won't remember. from God, who expects nothing in return, still without sanitation facilities and 663 to the fullest." There are other ways to honor the rela- and in thanksgiving, we give generously million do not have access to clean and Praying, spending less and giving more tionships you have, like giving your time to those experiencing poverty. We can also safe water sources. time and love to others can help us to pre- and presence to your loved ones. That give our time to those who are lonely dur- This Advent and Christmas can be a pare our minds and hearts to celebrate the could be tickets to a ballgame or the the- ing this season. chance to spend our time and money on a Christmas season to the fullest. SAINTS (From 10) sions were often dramatic and have often struggled with poor health and an anx- the General Roman Calendar. The been described as a spiritual earthquake. ious spirit and apparently suffered from Missionaries of the Precious Blood cele- But Gaspar and his missionaries continued He also founded charitable institutions for insomnia all his life. brate it on October 21. to preach missions throughout central Italy. young and old, men and women. Gaspar died on December 28, 1837 There are now four provinces of the He encouraged his followers admonishing It is a remarkable achievement that during the cholera epidemic. His remains Society in the United States. Members them to “be ready for anything: like sol- Gaspar opened 15 new houses during his are buried at Santa Maria in Trivio. He work in parishes, schools, hospitals and diers and sailors, they must never surren- life time. One biographer credits him was beatified by Pope Pius X in 1904 clinics. They preach missions and retreats der.” David Farmer writes in the “Oxford with accomplishing so much and doing it and canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1954. and minister to those who have experi- Dictionary of Saints” that Gaspar's mis- with so little. Throughout his life, Gaspar His December 28th feast day is not on enced family violence. Page 24 DECEMBER 2016 The Angelus

Member Catholic News Service Catholic Press Association Texas Catholic News Published the first Monday following the 1st Saturday of each month and delivered to all registered parishioners in A Blessed Advent and the San Angelo Diocese. Subscription rate for all oth- ers: Merry Christmas from $10 per year THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT SAN ANGELO, TEXAS Printed by the San Angelo Standard Times A Scripps-Howard Company The Angelus Submissions: Story suggestions, calendar items, parish briefs and all other submissions should be emailed to Jpatterson@ sanangelodiocese.org COPY, PHOTO DEADLINE: Third Friday of every month. Photos should be in jpeg for- Christmas at Holy Redeemer mat. Catholic Church, Odessa Letters to the editor are wel- come, and should be emailed to Jpatterson@ sanangelodiocese.org. Letters to the editor are print- ed at the discretion of the edi- tor and identities of the writer are subject to verification. Please include name, address and phone number when submitting letters.

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Jimmy Patterson Media Relations Director Editor

The West Texas Angelus Official Newspaper of the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to: WEST TEXAS ANGELUS P.O. Box 1829 SAN ANGELO, TX 76902-1829 ______