bit.ly/Bananas2018 The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Savannah Vol. 98, No. 11 —­ Thursday, May 24, 2018 Put Faith in Your Opinions southerncross.diosav.org $.75

Thirteen men, diaconate candidates, lay prostrate on the floor before the altar in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, during the Ordination liturgy and Mass offered by BIshop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. May 19. Photograph by Paul H. Camp. See video at bit.ly/Diaconate18.

Thirteen men ordained to the Order of Deacon

Bishopfor Hartmayer’s ministry homily for the ingoes on the to say, “the parishes Word of God con- ofand the the Church an dioceseopportunity to benefit ofresolve Savannah on our own terms. Diaconate Ordination 2018 tinued to spread, while at the same time from the Grace of the Sacrament. My brothers, the Servant of Jesus y dear brothers and sisters, the number of disciples in Jerusalem The Church needs your diaconal is not primarily a psychologist, social M today, the Diocese of Savannah enormously increased.” ministry just as it required that of St. worker or counselor. The Servant of is blessed to have 13 candidates pre- And as you know, Stephen, one of the Stephen and the other deacons in the Jesus is one who, like his master, goes senting themselves to be ordained to the seven deacons, was stoned to death out- early days of the Church. out to the poor, the lowly, the rejected, Order of Deacon. side the walls of Jerusalem because he The diaconal ministry of Stephen those in the shadow of death. I welcome Bishop Boland, the priests, was a disciple of Jesus Christ. helped to prevent the exclusion of the And he does so, not at a distance, but deacons, consecrated religious, semi- The Apostles assured the first deacons poor widows and children, an exclusion through identification: He becomes poor narians, family and friends of these can- that when they act out of love, the Spirit that was taking place on the basis of a with the poor; he suffers with those who didates and all who have come here to of God will be with them in their strug- difference in culture and language in suffer; he enters into the hopelessness of witness this joyful celebration. gles to find the words and the courage society, and it was affecting the life of the desperate in order to convince them I would like to especially welcome to confront evil and hurt, to challenge the Church through unawareness and that ‘nothings can ever come between Father Gabriel, of St. John the those who threaten to harm them and insensitivity of its human membership. them and the love of Jesus Christ. Baptist Cathedral in Gboko Diocese in those they loved. My dear Sons, we are faced with the As Pope Francis reminds us in Nigeria and Father Augustine, Secretary All of us have seen this kind of per- same challenge and the same need for Evangelii Gaudium: of Catholic Education for the same severance: in parents who continue to diaconal ministry where the busyness “Any Church community, if diocese in Nigeria who have come love their sons and daughters despite the of our society often propels us towards it thinks it can comfortably go its own here as the representatives of Bishop messes they make of their lives; in cou- basic insensitivity and unawareness. way without creative concern and effec- William Avenya, the bishop of Gboko, ples who will not quit on each other but This, too, often leads to our own adop- tive cooperation in helping the poor to Nigeria. Also, I welcome Father Alfredo work together to mend their marriages; tion of a passive attitude whereby peo- live with dignity and reaching out to Hernandez, the Academic Dean of St. in those quiet, committed souls who do ple become simply problems that are everyone, will also risk breaking down, Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in their jobs conscientiously not because insoluble on their own terms. however much it may talk about social Boynton Beach, Florida. of the money or demanding supervi- Jesus uses diaconal ministry to save issues or criticize governments. It will My dear candidates, at first there were sors but because they know their work us from abandoning people because easily drift into a spiritual worldliness seven who were first prayed over and matters. they are misunderstood by us as prob- See Ordination on page 3 then had hands imposed on them. Luke The Order of Deacon provides you lems that are too difficult for us to Southern Cross, Page 2 Headline Hopscotch Thursday, May 24, 2018 young adults. The summit, coor- ithout its feminine dimension, the dinated by the U.S. Conference of WCatholic Church risks becoming Catholic Bishops’ National Advisory an old boys club and incapable of love, Team on Young Adult Ministry, was Pope Francis said. The church must described by one young adult leader “remain female” and “have this attitude as “a unique moment in the history of of a wife and mother” who nurtures her the church” leading up to the October children, the pope said in his homily Synod on Young People, the Faith May 21 during a morning Mass com- and Vocational Discernment. Jonathan memorating the feast of Mary, Mother Lewis, the event’s chair and the of the Church. “When we forget this, executive director of evangelization, it becomes a masculine church; with- young adult ministry and chaplaincies out this dimension, it sadly becomes a in the Archdiocese of Washington, church of old bachelors, who live in this said there has historically been a isolation, incapable of love, incapable of strong culture of youth ministry in fruitfulness,” the pope said. The feast, the life of the church, but there hasn’t which was decreed by Pope Francis in been the same investment in profes- March, is celebrated on the Monday Pope Francis prays as he arrives for a 2017 consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica sional ministry to young adults. after Pentecost. According to the decree, at the Vatican. The pontiff announced May 20 that he will create 14 new the pope approved the Marian feast day cardinals at a June 29 consistory. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) after “having attentively considered how Church is a mother, not greatly the promotion of this devotion a bachelor, pope says at might encourage the growth of the Cardinal says separating “We want to announce that all bishops maternal sense of the church in the pas- present in , in writing, have placed morning Mass abortion from Title X VATICAN CITY (CNS) tors, religious and faithful, as well as a our positions in the Holy Father’s hands growth of genuine Marian piety.” funds ‘greatly needed’ so that he may freely decide regarding WASHINGTON (CNS) each one of us,” Bishop Juan Ignacio he U.S. bishops’ pro-life chairman Gonzalez Errazuriz of San Bernardo Tpraised the Trump administration’s said May 18 in a statement on behalf of move to reinstate Reagan-era regula- the country’s bishops. The unprecedent- Need tions banning any family planning clinic ed decision was made on the final day that receives Title X federal funds from of their meeting May 15-17 with Pope someone making abortion referrals or sharing Francis. Auxiliary Bishop Fernando space with abortion providers. “The Ramos Perez of Santiago, secretary-gen- news that the Trump administration will eral of the Chilean bishops’ conference, that speaks be issuing new regulations to separate said the pope had read to the 34 bishops abortion from the federal Title X fam- a document in which he “expressed fluent ily planning program is greatly needed his conclusions and reflections” on and deeply appreciated,” New York the 2,300-page report compiled by insurance? Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta May 18 statement. “Abortion always and his aide, Father Jordi Bertomeu, takes the life of a child and often harms during a visit to Chile to investigate the the mother, her surviving children, and scandal. “The pope’s text clearly showed a series of absolutely reprehensible acts Pat W Parker, Agent I’m your agent for that. other family and friends as well,” said 930A Morgan's Corner Road the chairman of the U.S. Conference of that have occurred in the Chilean church Pooler, GA 31322 No one wants to pay for Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro- in relation to those unacceptable abus- Bus: 912-330-9191 unnecessary extras and with my es of power, of conscience and sexual [email protected] Life Activities. Other U.S. pro-life lead- help, you won’t have to. I’ll help ers around the country and several mem- abuse that have resulted in the lessening bers of Congress echoed his remarks, of the prophetic vigor that characterized make sure you understand your prompted by the administration’s release her,” Bishop Ramos said. Parishioner- Church of the options, and that you have the of the “Protect Life Rule” through the Most Blessed Sacrament best coverage at the best price. U.S. Department of Health and Human Catholic young adult Like a good neighbor, Services. ® ministry leaders discuss State Farm is there. ‘unique moment’ in church CALL ME TODAY. All of Chile’s bishops WASHINGTON (CNS) offer resignations after bout 130 leaders of young adult meeting pope on abuse Aministries from more than 60 VATICAN CITY (CNS) dioceses across the country gathered at very bishop in Chile offered his the St. John Paul II National Shrine in Eresignation to Pope Francis after a Washington May 15-17 for the National three-day meeting at the Vatican to dis- Young Adult Ministry Summit to talk cuss the clerical sexual abuse scandal. about the best ways to reach out to 1001183.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

Southern Cross (USPS 505-680) is published bi-weekly, Publisher: Most Rev. Gregory J. Hartmayer, ofm conv., dd Editor: 912-201-4054 26 issues per year, by Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer Director of Communications: Barbara D. King Editorial email: [email protected] 2170 East Victory Drive, Videography/Production: Timothy L. Williams Content Deadline: ten days prior to publication Savannah, GA 31404. Editor: Michael J. Johnson Web Address: http://southerncross.diosav.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Savannah, GA and at Assistant to the Editor: Jessica L. Marsala Subscription changes: Contact your parish additional mailing offices. Editorial/Business Office: Subscription Price: $15.00 per year Southern Cross 2170 East Victory Drive Office for the Protection of Children and Young People: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah, GA 31404-3918 Toll free reporting hot line: (888) 357-5330 Southern Cross, 2170 East Victory Drive, ©Southern Cross/Diocese of Savannah Savannah GA 31404. Thursday, May 24, 2018 Permanent Diaconate Ordinations, May 19 Southern Cross, Page 3 love but be strong and chaste. Call upon indispensable support. If, throughout People of God is the same love that Ordination on page 1 Mary, the virgin mother of God and your life, you want to be a minister who Christ offered you in giving you a voca- Joseph, her most chaste spouse, and do radiates the message of the Gospel... tion. Never doubt that it is Christ who camouflaged by religious practices, not forget their example of faith and never stop praying. has called you, it is He who has chosen unproductive meetings and empty talk.” courage. Mary simply said, even in her You are called to proclaim the Gospel you... not you who has first chosen Him. Peter and Theodore, while today you moment of doubt and uncertainty, “I am and help people hear the story as their This love you know intimately...He are ordained a deacon so that you might the servant of the Lord”. own, using the particular gifts God offers it to you on a daily basis through make the transition towards priesthood, All 13 of you will become minis- has given you. Connect life to faith. the Grace of your ordination. the diaconal quality of your ministry, ters of the altar. You will proclaim the Proclaim the gospel from your heart, May God who has begun this good namely, care for the poor, care for those Gospel, prepare the sacrifice and distrib- your strength and your experience. Saint work in you, bring it to fulfillment. persons in the margins, care for those ute the Lord’s Body and Blood to the Paul reminds us “to use our different persons overlooked, care for those who faithful. gifts in accordance with the Grace that See pages 8&9 for more photographs suffer violence, concern for those with- Furthermore, it will be your duty, at God has given us.” from the Ordination. out a clear voice, care for persons threat- the bishop’s direction, to exhort believ- The love that you share with the ened by isolation and exclusion from ers and unbelievers alike and to instruct the common good because of existing them in holy doctrine. You will preside differences in language and culture is over public prayer, administer Baptisms not transitional in the sense that it never and assist and bless Marriages, bring goes away. the Eucharist to the dying and conduct Despite its transitional character, your funeral rites. diaconal ordination has its own unique During the ordination rite, you will integrity that will be necessary for your promise to celebrate the Liturgy of future priestly ministry. The diaconal Hours ‘for the Church and for the whole ordination will strengthen you in the world.’ You cannot be a servant in the command of Our Lord “to serve and not spirit of Jesus unless you ‘pray constant- be served” that must imbue your per- ly,’ unless you give yourself to a regular sonal character, your human formation contemplation of the beauty that has and your priestly identity so that Christ’s appeared in the incarnation. Grace more clearly might be seen in In praying the Liturgy of Hours, day the administration of the sacraments in and day out, you will be drawn into and not obscured by the seduction of intimacy with the Lord. You will find entitlement. yourself more and more conformed to Today, Peter and Theodore, you will the image of Christ. also make a solemn vow to live a celi- My dear Sons, prayer is not optional bate life: to share your love with Christ for Jesus’ minister. It is your lifeblood, and his Church. Be generous with your your source of inspiration; it is an

Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer’s Schedule

JUNE 2018 Bishop Hartmayer presented the Book of the Gospels to each deacon and 1 Savannah: Catholic Foundation of South charged them to “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what 3 Savannah: St. Benedict the Moor Confirmation you teach.” Photograph by Paul H. Camp. 4 Savannah: Carmelites 60th Anniversary 5 Savannah: Council of Priests 5 Savannah: Catholic Night at the Ballpark The Office of the Permanent Diaconate is accepting appli- 6 Savannah: Pastoral Center Staff Meeting and Recognition cations for the next diaconate formation class, scheduled Luncheon to begin in fall of 2019. Applications will be accepted until 8 Savannah: Diocesan Finance Council September 30, 2018. 9 Columbus: Fr. Jeremiah McCarthy’s 40th Ordination Anniversary Information meetings for those interested in applying for the permanent diaconate will be held throughout the dio- 0 1 Macon: Holy Spirit Parish’s 50th Anniversary cese in the month of June. The schedule for these meetings 11-15 Fort Lauderdale, FL: USCCB Spring Meeting is as follows: 17 Sandhill: Our Lady of Guadalupe Confirmation June 4, 2018 June 19, 2018 7 1 Claxton: St. Christopher Confirmation St. Joseph, Macon St. Francis Xavier, Brunswick 8 1 Savannah: Grace Scholars 419-2 Buffalo, NY: Priestly Ordination June 5, 2018 June 20, 2018 4 2 Collins: Mass at Vocation Camp St.Teresa, Albany Sacred Heart, Savannah 725-2 Charlotte, NC: Province Bishops’ Meeting June 6, 2018 All meetings will begin at 28 Augusta: Disciples Together in Mission-Alleluia St. Anne, Columbus 7:00 p.m., and will be held Community Mass at the church. Information 28 Savannah: Knights of Columbus Clergy Appreciation Dinner June 12, 2018 and application forms for 29 Savannah: Ordination Rehearsal at Cathedral St. Teresa of Avila, Grovetown the permanent diacon- 29 Savannah: Monsignor P. James Costigan’s 50th Ordination ate program are avail- Anniversary June 13, 2018 able at: http://diosav.org/ 30 Savannah: Ordination to the Priesthood at Cathedral St. Matthew, Statesboro permanent-diaconate-Formation Southern Cross, Page 4 Comentario en Español Thursday, May 24, 2018 La disminución de relaciones sociales By Moises Sandoval (CNS) Vivíamos en una cabaña pequeña, Cuando uno de los rancheros se relaciones sociales. o me crie durante la Gran dividida en dos piezas: la cocina y el enfermaba, los vecinos hacían sus Hambre de estas relaciones sociales YDepresión de los 1930 en dormitorio. Cuando nuestra familia tareas hasta que regresara. Y para existe en todas las generaciones, un hogar sin electricidad, sin creció y llegó a incluir cinco hijos la temporada de la cosecha todos se pero es especialmente triste entre alcantarillado, sin radio, televisión, varones, mi padre construyó otra reunían para triar el trigo, los varones los ancianos. Yo camino todos los sin ningún tipo de teléfono, menos cabaña del mismo tamaño, hecha de con la trilladora y las hembras en la días y converso con gente que me un celular. No recibíamos periódicos, piedra, para servir de dormitorio. cocina preparando algo de comer. encuentro. ni revistas ni lo que hoy llamamos Durante las noches, nos Éramos una comunidad. Pero mi esposa, echando de menos correo basura. Teníamos sólo unos reuníamos todos alrededor de la Es irónico que hoy, con las relaciones con otras mujeres, pocos libros. mesa en la cocina, cerca de la tanta ubiquidad de medios de se reúne con representantes de los No teníamos camión o auto, lámpara de queroseno, la única comunicación, carecemos de Testigos de Jehovah, quienes le entonces no podíamos asistir a la iluminación. ¿Qué hacíamos? Pues, parentesco, de estas relaciones tocaron la puerta ofreciendo instruirla Misa regularmente, aunque la iglesia conversábamos, hacíamos las tareas sociales. David Brooks, columnista en las Escrituras, aunque les aseguró estaba apenas a siete millas de nuestra de la escuela, y Mamá y Papá nos favorito del periódico The New York que no tenía intención de convertirse casa. Vivíamos en un mundo insular leían o nos contaban cuentos y Times, dice que la calidad de las a su fe. Ya llevan varios años de de pequeñas fincas en los estribos de leyendas de antiguos tiempos. relaciones sociales ha disminuido a reunirse semanalmente. la cordillera Sangre de Cristo. Estábamos, para utilizar una palabra lo largo del tiempo. Como resultado, También anticipa con gusto hablar Aunque éramos pobres en bienes clave, construyendo solidaridad, el porcentaje de norteamericanos por teléfono con Beverly, una prima materiales, éramos ricos en nuestras estableciendo relaciones perdurables. que sufre soledad aumentó de un de 92 años quien vive en Carolina del relaciones sociales con otros, y como La familia extendida vivía en 20 por ciento en 1980 a 40 por Norte y es la última que sobreviviente escribió Robert Hall en su libro “La la vecindad. Si necesitábamos ciento actualmente. La depresión ha de su familia. Así, entre las dos, Tierra de Extranjeros” (“The Land un caballo, le pedíamos a uno de aumentado diez veces desde 1960. visitan de nuevo las memorias de sus of Strangers”), “la verdad es que las los abuelos o tíos. Visitábamos a Los celulares y las redes sociales familiares. relaciones (sociales) es el recurso que menudo. Cuando íbamos a la Misa, aparentemente no ayudan. Jean No sé cómo solucionar esta crea más valor en cualquier sociedad. no teníamos prisa en regresar y nos Twenge escribió en la revista The debilitación de relaciones sociales. Es nuestra cuerda para sobrevivir, quedábamos charlando un rato. Atlantic que por el uso excesivo de Pero sí sé que amar al prójimo como desarrollar y prosperar”. Cuando una mujer tenía que ir al celulares, la tristeza y la depresión a si mismo se trata de relaciones Todo lo de nuestra vida aislada nos hospital, una vecina, a menudo una ha aumentado entre los jóvenes, y sociales. Cuando no las tenemos, invitaba a establecer estas relaciones. joven, venía para ayudar a cocinar. hace menos probable que desarrollen somos realmente pobres.

TheBy M oideclineses Sandoval (CNS) in relationshipsthat would endure. grew up during the Great Our extended families lived I Depression of the 1930s in a nearby. If we needed a horse or home without electricity, radio, a farm implement, we borrowed TV, any kind of telephone, much one from one of the grandparents less a smart one. We received no or uncles. We visited all the time. newspapers, magazines or even When we were able to get to Mass what today we call junk mail. We on Sunday, everyone tarried after- had only a handful of books. ward in fellowship, in no hurry to Lacking a car or truck, we could get home. not even get to church on a regu- When a woman had to go to the lar basis, though it was just seven hospital, a neighbor dropped by miles away. We lived in an insu- to help cook. When a farmer was lar world of small farms in the sick, neighbors did his chores foothills of the Sangre de Cristo until he got well. At harvest time, Mountains. the men gathered to thrash the Yet, although poor in materi- wheat on each farm. We were a al goods, we were rich in rela- community. tionships, and as Robert Hall Ironic then that with all the ubiq- A family prays before dinner at their home in Centreville, . Pope wrote in his book, “This Land of uity of media today, we are poorer Francis' postsynodal apostolic exhortation on the family, "Amoris Laetitia" Strangers,” “the truth is, relation- in relationships. David Brooks, ("The Joy of Love"), spoke of the importance of family in forming the society. ships are the most valuable and a favorite New York Times col- (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) value-creating resource of any umnist, writes that the quality of society. They are our lifelines to our relationships has been declin- survive, grow and thrive.” ing for decades. As a result, the generations, especially the elderly. Carolina and visited our home Everything about our isolated percentage of Americans who I walk around my neighborhood only once decades ago. They lives then invited us to form rela- are lonely has increased from 20 daily and chat with people on the have been in contact ever since. tionships. We lived in a small log percent in the 1980s to 40 per- street. Beverly, 92, is the only surviving cabin, with only two rooms: kitch- cent today. Depression rates have But my wife, missing relation- member of her family. It is a way en and dining area, and a large increased tenfold since 1960. ships with other women, agreed to revisit in memory those no lon- bedroom. As our family grew to Smartphones and social media to meet weekly with Jehovah’s ger here. five sons, Dad added another bed- apparently do not help. Jean Witnesses who knocked on the I do not know how to reverse the room about the same size. Twenge wrote in The Atlantic door offering to instruct her in social decline we are experienc- Night found all of us around our last year (“Have Smartphones the Scriptures, although she has ing. But I do know that loving our kitchen table with a single kero- Destroyed a Generation?”) that made it clear to them that she has neighbor as our self is all about sene lamp for light. So what did heavy use increases teenagers’ no intention of converting to their relationships. If we do not have we do? We talked, did homework, unhappiness and makes them less faith. They have been doing this them, we are poor indeed. and Mom and Dad read to us and likely to form relationships and for years. regaled us with tales of times past. more likely to be depressed. Similarly, she looks forward to We were, to use today’s word, The unfulfilled hunger for talking via phone with her cous- bonding, forming relationships relationships exists among all in Beverly, who lives in North Thursday, May 24, 2018 Catholic Communi cation Campaign Southern Cross, Page 5

Brunswick celebrates mothers, Our Blessed Mother, and those who labor on the sea Top left, Birginia Bautista, a mother of three, dances to music during St. Francis Xavier Church’s Mother’s Day celebration May 12. The celebration was orga- nized by the parish Hispanic community. Above right, members of the Portuguese community process through Hanover Square in Brunswick May 13 carrying a statue of the Our Lady of Fatima to commemorate her apparition in Portugual that same day 101 years previously. Above left, acompanied by members of the Knights of Columbus, Father Chris Ortega, parochial vicar of St. Francis Xavier Church, blesses the shrimp boats in the Oglethorpe Bay as part of a 80-year-old tradition in the Portuguese community. Photographs by Jessica L. Marsala. Southern Cross, Page 6 Feature Thursday, May 24, 2018 Join in the Fun Catholic Night at the Ballpark June 5th, 2018 - 7 pm Supporting the Social Apostolate of Savannah WATCH Bishop Hartmayer throw out the first pitch! ENJOY bottomless sodas and all-you-can-eat concessions all night long!

TICKETS INCLUDE: $5 Donation to the Social Apostolate of Savannah All you can eat concessions & bottomless sodas An evening of family fun with your Catholic friends and neighbors

diosav.org/baseball-2018 Thursday, May 24, 2018 Feature Southern Cross, Page 7

Thee had what Quietmight be called theBuilder: have spent over aBishop million dollars on Michaelat the Marist College J. and Keyes,at the Father SM Michael J. Keyes was con- H“misfortune” of following one construction projects. Remarkably, Catholic University of America. secrated bishop of the Savannah dynamic, colorful Savannah he left the diocese in good shape Michael Keyes was ordained to Diocese on October 18, 1922 at (Bishop Benjamin J. Keiley) and financially. the priesthood on June 21, 1907. Savannah’s Cathedral of Saint of preceding yet another equally The eighth bishop of the Diocese Always a scholar, Father Keyes John the Baptist. Archbishop of memorable one, Bishop Gerald P. of Savannah, Michael J. Keyes, was appointed professor of moral Baltimore, Michael J. Curley O’Hara. A lesser man might have was born in the town of Dingle in theology and canon law at Marist served as his . Bishop felt challenged. County Kerry, College. Well- Patrick J. Barry of St. Augustine Instead, Bishop Michael J. Keyes, Ireland, on respected for and Bishop Denis J. O’Connell of a Marist, and bishop of the Diocese February 28, By the end of his learning, Richmond acted as co-. of Savannah from 1922-1935, saw 1876. Keyes his tenure, the and obvi- Surprisingly, five sisters and two to it that much-needed churches obtained an ous humility, brothers of the new Savannah bish- were constructed during his episco- education in bishop would Michael Keyes op were present for the ceremony. pacy. Despite the Great Depression classical train- had other vir- Dotting Bishop Keyes’ resume, as that hit the country in 1929 and ing in Ireland have spent over tues and tal- noted, was the building of churches hung around until the early to mid- and, at one a million dollars ents — among and other facilities in the Diocese 1930s, Bishop Keyes moved for- point, taught in them, his of Savannah. Certainly something ward with his goal of providing for national schools on construction proficiency in this unassuming bishop could the needs of his diocese. in his home- projects. the Gaelic lan- have boasted of was construction Toward the end of his time as town. After guage. In 1922, of St. Joseph’s Home for Boys bishop of Savannah (1922-1935) emigrating to Remarkably, he left Father Keyes in Washington, Georgia. Another Georgia Catholics were beginning the U.S., the was named achievement during his administra- to understand the quiet tenacity of young Irishman the diocese in good president of tion was the renovation of Atlanta’s this prelate who just went on with became a shape financially. Marist College St. Joseph’s Infirmary and the addi- his work, spreading and reinforcing professor at at Catholic tion of a chapel there. St. Joseph’s Catholicism. During his episcopacy, All Hallows University Hospital in Savannah likewise ben- Bishop Keyes kept a tight control College, a which he had efited by his obtaining a home for of finances, but — somehow — Marist university located in Salt entered 21 years earlier as a stu- nurses. managed to oversee the building Lake City. In 1901, Keyes’ affilia- dent and where he had later taught. In 1935, Bishop Keys resigned of nine churches, seven rectories, tion with the Marist Order was con- Soon, another important change the See of Savannah because of four schools, and three convents as firmed when he entered their novi- in Keyes’ life would take place: health problems. Pope Pius XI well as an orphanage. Not bad for a tiate in Washington, D.C. Professed his appointment as bishop of the accepted the bishop’s resignation. time when money was tight. By the there in 1905, he continued his Diocese of Savannah. When the former bishop’s health end of his tenure, the bishop would studies in philosophy and theology improved he returned to his earlier FOR SALE: profession, teaching moral theology at Marist College in Washington, Diocese of Savannah • Vocations Summer Camps 2018 Eight (8) burial sites in D.C. — surely a suitable and sat- the Savannah Catholic isfying profession for this quiet Cemetery’s OLD Section. and scholarly former bishop of Savannah. Despite intermittent con- Total of 8 spaces together. cerns for Bishop Michael J. Keyes’ health, he was able to continue teaching until 1958. He died on $1,800 each. July 31, 1959 at age 83.

Please call: 912-335-2244 Columnist Rita H. Delorme is a volunteer in the Diocesan Archives.

ASSET MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING SERVICES High Net Worth Individuals • Endowments & Foundations Estate Planning Services VOCATIO DEI CALL TO HOLINESS ...managing Diocesan investments since 2004! Boys Camp Girls Camp PATRICK J. DOUGLAS Drop off: Saturday, June 23, 3 p.m. Drop off: Tuesday, June 26, 3 p.m. Managing Director, Investments Pick up: Tuesday, June 26, 11 a.m. Pick up: Friday, June 29, 11 a.m. Parishioner // St. Mary’s On-The-Hill Georgia Primitive Baptist Youth Camp • 7159 Hillview Road • Collins, GA 30421 Raymond James // Augusta, Georgia 706.821.2640 // 888.409.2640 Space is very limited, so register soon!

All Rising 7th - 12th Grade Teens Invited $70 per child, each additional child from the same family $50 Registration: www.diosav.org/vocations or email [email protected] Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC Southern Cross, Page 8 Diaconate Ordination 2018 Thursday, May 24, 2018

The diaconate candidates kneel in prayer prior to the investiture of their stoles as fam- ily, friends and supporters look on and join them in prayer in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist May 19. Photograph by Michael J. Johnson.

Henry Nieves, a parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in St. Marys, pledges fealty to Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., and all his sucessors as the ordination liturgy begins. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala. Thursday, May 24, 2018 Diaconate Ordination 2018 Southern Cross, Page 9

Those ordained May 19 as permanent deacons were Ray Adriano (Grovetown), Bernard Bosse (Americus), Daniel Craig (Augusta), Timothy Hughes (St. Marys), Jason Lanham (Augusta), Michael Leach (Albany), Steven Mancuso (Ray City), Henry Nieves (St. Marys), Francisco Penela III (Bainbridge), Brian Rollock (Moultrie) and Reginald Russell (Macon). Additionally, ordained as transitional deacons were Theodore Terdue Agba and Peter Shimaver Lanshima.

Top, the newly ordained deacons pose on the steps of Cathedral of St. John the Baptist for a group photograph following their ordination May 19. Photograph by Michael J. Johnson. Left, During the Prayer of Consecration, Bishop Hartmayer lays his hands on Brian Rollock, a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Moultrie. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala. Above, Theodore Terdue Agba, joins the diaconate class in prayer during the ordination liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist May 19. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala.

Southern Cross, Page 10 Kids Chronicles Thursday, May 24, 2018 A rich man asks Jesus about eternal life CHILDREN’S STORY: READ MORE ABOUT IT: By Jennifer Ficcaglia(CNS) Mark 10 ne day, as Jesus was getting Oready to go on a journey, a man Q&A rushed up to him and knelt down. 1. Who asked Jesus a question? “Good teacher, what must I do to 2. What did Jesus tell the man to inherit eternal life?” he wanted to do? know. Jesus studied the man for a few moments. BIBLE ACCENT: “You know the commandments,” In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus used anoth- Jesus replied, “’You shall not kill; you er example of a rich man to teach his shall not commit adultery; you shall followers a lesson. not steal; you shall not bear false Jesus told the parable of a wealthy witness; you shall not defraud; honor man who lived a luxurious life, dress- your father and your mother.’” ing in fine clothes and eating deli- The man nodded his head in cious meals every day. agreement. And every day a poor man covered “Teacher, all of these I have with sores lay outside his door. The observed from my youth,” he said. man, named Lazarus, would have Jesus looked at the man with love. loved to have a few scraps of food “You are lacking in one thing,” from the rich man’s table, but the rich he told the man. “Go, sell what you and then turned to the apostles, who Jesus looked at them. man did not pay any attention to him. have, and give to the poor and you had been watching the exchange. “For men it is impossible, but not One day, both the rich man and will have treasure in heaven; then “How hard it is for those who have for God. All things are possible for Lazarus died. come, follow me.” wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” God,” he told his friends. Lazarus was carried away by angels The man’s face fell. He sadly and Jesus exclaimed. “It is easier for a “We have given up everything and to Abraham in heaven, while the rich slowly got up and walked away from camel to pass through the eye of a followed you,” Peter pointed out. man was sent to the netherworld to be Jesus without saying another word. needle than for one who is rich to Jesus looked at Peter. tormented for eternity. He was a very wealthy man, and he enter the kingdom of God.” “Amen, I say to you, there is no When the rich man saw this, he was not willing to part with his pos- Jesus’ friends were astonished. one who has given up house or broth- begged Abraham to have pity on him. sessions in order to follow Jesus. “Then who can be saved?” they ers or sisters or mother or father or Abraham reminded the rich man Jesus watched the man walk away wondered. children or lands for my sake and for that he had a good life on Earth while the sake of the Gospel who will not Lazarus had suffered a bad life, which receive a hundred times more now in was why Lazarus had found comfort this present age: houses and brothers in heaven. and sisters and mothers and children This parable — along with the story and lands, with persecutions, and of the rich man and Jesus in Mark eternal life in the age to come,” Jesus 10 — warns us that loving wealth and said. “But many that are first will be possessions more than God and our last, and (the) last will be first.” neighbors is wrong and can have neg- ative consequences.

A perfect gift for the perfect mom!

www.saintsandshamrocks.com 309 Bull Street Savannah, GA 912 233-8858 Thursday, May 24, 2018 Faith Alive Southern Cross, Page 11 Parish ministry in a multicultural church: Where are we? By Brett C. Hoover (CNS) ask how things are going. life — sharing meeting rooms, planning as beautiful as they were, were arranged n Dallas, a speaker at a Catholic min- On the one hand, the number of min- multicultural liturgies, even navigating the by an all-Anglo committee according to Iistry conference asks the assembled istries for underserved groups and the parking lot between Masses. Euro-American Christmas traditions; that crowd how many people attend parishes number of Catholic parishes serving Societal tensions and inequalities had to change. with Mass in more than one language. multicultural congregations has steadily intrude on these negotiations. People Third, successful shared parishes make Almost the entire room raises their hands. increased. On the other hand, research come to church carrying hurt from dis- room for people’s grief over demographic In the early 21st century, this is a snapshot shows that most of the nation’s parishes crimination. They assume that difficulties, and other changes, but they do not resist of the Roman in the still primarily serve white and English- for example, in securing a job or a favor- change. . speaking Catholics; a smaller percentage able home loan will translate into difficul- Finally, research on shared parishes U.S. Catholicism has always included do the “multicultural heavy lifting.” ties in obtaining meeting space for their shows that the vision and authority of the substantial cultural diversity, but more On the one hand, for many U.S. ministries. parish’s pastor makes a real difference. In than a half century ago, when the Rev. Catholics, journeying alongside other Recent immigrants often feel intimi- one parish, for instance, the pastor worked Martin Luther King Jr. described Sunday cultural groups has begun to feel normal. dated and powerless trying to negotiate hard to confuse people as to which group morning as the most segregated hour of On the other hand, many nonimmigrant parish life with longtime residents. Aging he favored. He never missed an opportu- the week, Catholic parishes also operated Catholics complain vociferously about the ethnic or racial communities, including nity to talk about the parish as a commu- as separate (but unequal) communities. signs of cultural diversity in their midst, many white Catholics, feel outnumbered nity of communities, and he (or his staff) By the 1980s, however, in the so-called about Masses in Spanish or Vietnamese, and therefore aggrieved, leading them to would intervene when a group tried to “gateway cities” where immigrants about Day of the Dead “ofrendas” or the hold on to privileges within their parishes. dominate or needed more attention. began their journey in the United States, smell of unfamiliar food in the parish Even so, not a small number of com- While the pastor’s role matters, research many Catholics had begun to worship in kitchen. munities have found relative success in suggests that Catholics should be wary parishes with multiple cultural groups, Political polarization and noisier forms sharing parish life. Among those who do, of placing too much on pastors and their often known as “shared parishes.” By of opposition to the presence of undocu- there appear to be four factors that make a authority to adjudicate multicultural ten- the 1990s, as new immigrants from mented immigrants (most of whom are difference. sions. Many priests are already overbur- Latin America and Asia settled across Catholic) has exacerbated these tendencies First, such parishes learn to balance dened, and Pope Francis reminds us that the nation, such parishes proliferated in our time. Sensitive to such divisions, the need for “safe space” for the different all the baptized have a responsibility for everywhere. church authorities sometimes downplay groups with opportunities to experience parish life. According to a 2014 study of Catholic the overwhelming reality of demographic parish life together. They do not insist on Especially in these more contentious parishes with Hispanic ministry across change, so much so that many Catholics quick assimilation (which is not possible times, Catholics need to work together the United States, 43 percent of parishio- have unrealistic ideas about the size or anyway). Parishioners regularly pray and to form parish communities where every ners in parishes with Hispanic ministry influence of groups other than their own. minister according to their own language person, regardless of race, ethnicity or cul- are actually Anglo Catholics. In places Even where parishes have embraced and culture, but they also work together ture, has a place at the eucharistic table. like Los Angeles and Miami, up to three- the diversity of their communities, selling tamales or hamburgers at the par- fourths of parishes in a diocese hold Mass parishioners routinely avoid one another. ish festival. Brett C. Hoover teaches pastoral theol- in more than one language; in Midwestern In one parish, parishioners would park Second, successful shared parishes ogy and directs the graduate program in and Southern dioceses, often one-fifth to on the street just to avoid negotiating work to be fair and just in the relation- theology at Loyola Marymount University one-half of parishes do. the parking lot between the English and ships between communities. In one parish, in Los Angeles. He is the author of “The After decades of cultural, ethnic and Spanish Masses. Eventually, however, a white Knight of Columbus was the one Shared Parish: Latinos, Anglos, and the racial groups sharing parishes, we might groups must negotiate the details of parish who noted that the Christmas decorations, Future of U.S. Catholicism.” Southern Cross, Page 12 Columns Thursday, May 24, 2018 Inviting Jesus in ur son Charlie is graduating the midst of it all. to have peace in the journey. The I was praying recently about all Ohigh school in a few days Little by little I would see things peace doesn’t have to stay hidden of these worries and concerns and I and we are in the throes of col- that set my heart at ease. The until we have it all figured out; the had this image of a glass mason jar. lege decisions. While many high school he plans to attend has a peace is there for it all. Inside the jar were beautiful stones, school seniors have likely known thriving Catholic community, and But here’s how I’m learning to and while I was looking at that a for months what their freshman the priest who ministers to the stu- maintain peace: I recognize that liquid filled the jar and covered all year will look like, we are dealing dents is someone I grew up with. peace is something I go after. I the different areas of those stones. with a young man who tends to fig- Charlie found a summer job that don’t sit back and passively wait Each of us is that mason jar. We ure things out a little closer to the is the kind of full-time manual for peace to flood my soul. I have are made up of different parts. The deadline. labor that is good for an 18-year- to invite it in, and invite Jesus in stones are the different aspects of The last few weeks have involved old young man and will help him along with it. who we are, and they are the mov- working through a thousand details financially. He’s done a good job Finding peace and sanity in the ing parts of our busy lives. God concerning his plans. He’s been of being proactive in the ways he midst of the abundant life is an wants to flood us with his peace accepted to the school of his choice needs to be. active act of giving back to God and wisdom and joy. We welcome (the only place he applied) and And just as I was really getting all the things that enter my spirit, him in and he saturates every part we are making plans from here. excited about the idea, Charlie wanting to rob me of that peace. of each of these rocks — the parts Charlie has earned his own subsec- and Paul had a conversation that When I’m thinking about praying of our heart, our personality, and tion on my To Do list — a com- involved the possibility of maybe and trying to figure out what I our practical lives. pletely separate slip of paper with waiting a year to proceed with all need to do and what my son needs He’s here for all of it, ready and all the things Charlie needs to do these plans. I found myself frus- to do and what Paul and I need to willing to touch every single part. (that I need to keep track of). trated, and a little disappointed. It do — well, things can get pretty He brings peace in the process and At one point in the decision mak- had taken me so much energy to stirred up in my spirit. To Do lists in the end result. Remember to ing process, as we were moving in get excited about all this and just are good and necessary but I have invite him in. a good forward-motion, I was start- as it felt like everything was com- to make sure they don’t make me ing to find peace in the midst of it ing together, they switched gears so aware of all there is to do that I Rachel Swenson Balducci is a freelance all. Charlie going away to school on me. lose track of God’s presence in my writer and member of Most Holy Trinity wasn’t on our radar earlier in the Of course, none of this is about midst. Church, Augusta. She can be reached at year, and in fact I had assumed he me, but about what will be best for God is an ocean of peace, and he [email protected] would spend his first year home. our son. And what I realized in the offers that peace to all the moving And then he got excited about this midst of that moment, the whiplash parts of our busy lives. He wants to school and this opportunity and I of having to stay free of my selfish cover every part of every aspect of found myself praying for peace in clingings, was that God wants me all the things. He really does.

Forming positive ambassadors for the Church he kids’ Lego TV show had Anytime I had the tournament Catholic revelation). Or, for that future apostles: Paul. Tconcluded, signaling their bed- on, any speaking age child would matter, Tom Brady? “When Saul arrived in Jerusalem time was around the corner and, invariably ask, “Is that one of our They even started liking players he tried to join the disciples, but seizing my moment, I grabbed the teams?” referring to our courtside they used to abhor like Chargers’ they were all afraid of him,” Acts remote and switched over to the Catholic brothers and sisters. In the quarterback, Philip Rivers. (9:26). Much in the same way our NBA playoff matchup about to tip off chance it wasn’t, they would “Dad, did you know Philip kids grew to respect Philip Rivers off. typically throw a hand at the TV Rivers has eight kids? That’s one (quoted as saying, “Appreciate the Out of the corner of my right eye, in indifference and return to dolls, more than us” Noah said upon the faith. Appreciate what we have and I noticed Eli nonchalantly meander Legos or their evening chores. discovery. what a great gift the sacraments beside me in the sofa—red stuffed As the tournament continued, In rural South Georgia, it would are. If you’re going to be a Catholic frog in hand—just before he looked teams fell off one by one, leaving be easy to misconstrue God’s prom- man, be it all the way.”), so too did me squarely in that same right eye only Sister Jean’s Ramblers and ise to Abraham that he actually the early Church come to appreci- and asked the most important ques- Nova in the men’s Final Four, and meant he would make Baptist and ate Paul: a man who would connect tion of the evening: “Daddy, is the Notre Dame on the women’s side. non-denominational churches “as the farthest corners of the Church gray team Catholic?” “We could still have an all-Catho- numerous as the stars in the sky.” together better than any of his “Well, no son,” I said. lic final,” Noah said smiling, hope- That being said, we are always predecessors. “What about the red team, are ful for the outcome. Sadly, those looking for ways to connect our As our children get older, our they Catholic?” he continued. pesky Michigan Wolverines—ever children to the broader faith com- hope is they will grow to become “Nope. Don’t believe they are, the Catholic competitor (just ask munity, and show them that kindred similar positive ambassadors for the either. Some of the players may be, Notre Dame)—sent Sister Jean spirits exist in all walks of life. Church, whether as priests, the next but the team isn’t.” home, leaving just Nova on the One opportunity has presented Sister Jean or soccer stars, and help “Well, then I don’t care who men’s side and Notre Dame on itself in the form of the big boys’ to continue to grow the church’s wins.” the women’s side. The Wildcats weekly post-daily Mass lunch date influence just as Paul did two mil- This conversation was the prod- won wire-to-wire, while the Lady with Grandma Mary Louise, a lennia ago. uct of the recent success of several Irish claimed the crown on a fan- handful of retirees, Father Stephen Now I just have to hope nobody Catholic colleges and universities in tastic buzzer-beater by star, Arike and Father Jacob. In others, it has asks if Steph Curry or James the NCAA men’s and women’s bas- Ogunbowale. been sending Noah to the annual Harden are Catholic, or else I’ll be ketball tournament. “Daddy, we swept them both,” vocation’s camp sponsored by the forced to trade in the NBA Finals It all began with Sister Jean Simon said. diocese, or having our whole crowd for more Lego reruns. and her lovable underdog Loyola- So just imagine the excitement watch Bishop Hartmayer preside Chicago Ramblers, but expanded when the kids learned that their over the Diaconate Formation Jason Halcombe has five sons and two to include: Iona, St. Bonaventure, favorite quarterback, Matt Ryan, Installation. daughters. He and his wife, Magan, Providence, Seton Hall, Creighton, likely does the sign of the cross The early hurch faced a simi- are members of Immaculate Conception Gonzaga, Xavier and Villanova. On during his pre-game warmups? The lar potential problem of isolation, Church, Dublin. the women’s side, we were all in same for soccer star Clint Dempsey sometimes even showing fear with title contender, Notre Dame. (Simon’s favorite even before his toward one of its most famous Thursday, May 24, 2018 Feature Southern Cross, Page 13 St. Joseph’s/Candler and military training exercise provide

By Jessica L. Marsala healthwe’ve caughtcare a lot ofservices high blood to the Lowcountry SAVANNAH and GARDEN CITY pressure and a lot of diabetes. They ver the course of nine days, didn’t know,” Sister Baber said. “We Omore than 9000 patients have a man who we think is probably received free medical, dental, oph- soon to have a heart attack…” thalmological and/or veterinary care As Major John O’Brien, a nurse as part of Operation Empower Health with the National Guard —Greater Savannah. suggested, so many of the patients The true impact that the initia- who came for treatment belong to tive— a joint effort between the what he described as “the hidden St. Joseph’s/Candler health system, population of folks” : those in local Georgia Southern University and communities who are often left the U.S. Department of Defense behind or overlooked in their com- (DoD)— had on the surrounding munities, perhaps because of a lack community can’t, however, solely be of insurance or inability to pay for accessed by the number of patients necessary care. and animals examined or even by the “I’ve been waiting a long time, 26,000–plus procedures performed some years just to get to this on them. point,” said Savannah resident Rather, even more telling are the Connie Green, who first learned Col. Dan Perala examines a patient’s eyes at the Civic Center in Savannah physical and emotional impacts the about Operation Empower Health May 16. Perala serves with the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift program had — and will continue to through the Garden-city based Good Wing. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala. have — not only on its patients but Samaritan clinic, operated in partner- also on those who served them. ship with the Georgia Department of administrator and Spanish translator people just as they helped her. “The hardest part for us is we have Community Health and Our Lady of with the Delaware National Guard “But for me it’s overwhelming to to turn people away,” said Mission Lourdes Church in Port Wentworth. who served at the Garden City see everybody come together with Officer in Charge Lt. Col. Andrew Green added that she came to site. Vaughan described Operation a smile on their face and take care Magnet, noting the finite number of Operation Empower Health because Empower Health, her first foray with of all these people,” Magnet said of physicians, dentists, optometrists, she doesn’t have insurance and was the DoD’s Innovative Readiness how Operation Empower Health has veterinarians and equipment avail- told by her provider at the clinic that Training (IRT) programs, as a personally affected him. “I’ve had able as well as the rapidity with it would be a “good chance to get rewarding experience, one which she people come up to me as I walk out which available time slots filled up. everything done.” hopes she will be able to repeat. “She of here saying ‘this has been a god- th A physician with the 165 Airlift Other unique situations shared with says she was just really lonely, and send.’ I just can’t believe it.” Wing based in Savannah, Magnet the approximately 400 “boots on I was the daughter she never had. A parishioner of the Cathedral of added that while he and his peers had the ground” involved in the opera- She’s a Spanish speaker, and so we St. John the Baptist in Savannah, expected to receive patients from as tion like Lt. Col Janice Weixelman, plan to keep in touch after I leave Magnet also explained how the pro- far away as Jacksonville, Atlanta or a family medicine physician with here.” gram impacted his faith: “I mean this South Carolina, they were surprised the Wyoming Air National Guard, Aside from various kinds of health just shows the goodness in everyone. when even patients from Orlando included health issues impacted by care professionals, also on hand I mean it really does. It really doesn’t showed up. the death of family members and for Operation Empower Health matter who you are or what religion Sister Pat Baber, RSM, director of difficulties renewing necessary was a physician of the soul: Father you are. But I mean this is just so the St. Joseph’s/Candler St. Mary’s prescriptions like the water pills Matthew Ericksen, who serves as strong. You want to just keep doing Community Center and Health that patient Herbert H. Woodley Jr. a chaplain at St. Joseph’s/Candler it. You want to keep doing it, and Center, said that had it not been for said he needed for his high blood Hospital and is also parochial vicar then it’s sad when you can’t do it for the program, some illnesses and con- pressure. at Sacred Heart Church in Savannah. everyone.” ditions wouldn’t been detected. “I have one lady that has adopt- “I’ve been told that by a priest Though limited in duration, “You get two services automati- ed me as her daughter,” shared being present it helps to improve Weixelman suggested that Operation cally, and it’s a good thing because Capt. Livier Vaughan, a health care the level of comfort and trust among Empower Health was never intended those who are coming as patients,” to only be of benefit to patients while Father Ericksen said. Magnet later under their care. said that having a priest available “Our big goal is to teach people may have also helped assuage the how to take care of themselves some- anxieties of those without documen- what because a little prevention goes tation who needed care. a long ways,” she said, giving as According to Magnet, Operation an example the importance of prop- Empower Health was also designed er foot care, diet, and blood sugar as an exercise in refining both management. civil-military relationships and Sister Baber also urged local med- intra-military relationships — learn- ical facilities to follow their lead and ing each other’s jargons, insignias assist with follow up and specialty and capabilities — and training for care, based on the overwhelming the possibility in which an exten- number of patients — especially den- sive military-wide medical response tal — they diagnosed and treated. might be needed. “We’re just going to need the med- Because of the role the Air Force ical community to step up and help played in her treatment — extracting because we know these doctors have her wisdom teeth — Maeli Cruz, a said ‘This is the issue. This is what Capt. Elizabeth Crook, a veterinarian who serves with the U.S. Army’s 422 17-year-old student at John Paul II needs to be done,’” Sister Baber said. Medical Detachment based in Rockville, , checks a dog’s vitals May Catholic School in Okatie, South “Now we have to find people who 17 at the Garden City Department of Recreation as part of Carolina, remarked that she’d con- will pick up the mantle and run with Operation Empower Health. Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala. sider joining up a means of helping it.” Southern Cross, Page 14 Commentary Thursday, May 24, 2018 Following in St. Isidore’s footsteps Mary C. Uhler to be taken up in the U.S. House of e had a vegetable garden in our Representatives in May. Wbackyard at home, and I assisted Family farm, sustainable agriculture with that. Planting the flowers (from and church groups have expressed their seed) was my specialty. I still remem- concern about many of the provisions ber watching the alyssum, zinnias, in the House bill. The consensus is that snapdragons and other flowers come to it currently lacks sufficient improve- life. ments to strengthen “safety nets” for My husband and I had a small garden farmers, cuts back nutrition assistance when our children were young. Two programs for food insecure families, of our neighbors also had gardens, and upends conservation programs that we ended up with too much produce to improve sustainability, and comes up share, so we stopped raising vegetables. short on rural development programs However, I still enjoy planting and for struggling rural communities. tending flowers to this day. As Robert Gronski, policy coordi- My rural background makes me nator for Catholic Rural Life, writes: realize the importance of farmers in the “This is a crucial time for our nation to world. I appreciate the hard work and Abdul Malone, 62, and his son, Ahmad, 6, walk through the vegetable gar- put poor and hungry people first, sup- dedication it takes to raise animals and den at Hope House in Deteroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood June 30. Both port small and moderate-sized family grow produce. Farmers contribute so volunteer with Voices for Earth Justice, an interfaith urban garden program in farms, promote sustainable stewardship much to society in providing the food partnership with the Dominican sisters of Adrian, Michigan. of the land, and help vulnerable farmers we eat and other products which sustain (CNS photo/Dennis Sadowski) and rural communities both at home our lives. and in developing countries. Your voice As the Catholic Rural Life organiza- a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and He had a great concern for the proper can help amend the 2018 Farm Bill.” tion has pointed out frequently, farming worked faithfully on his estate out- treatment of animals. To find out more, go to the Catholic is indeed a vocation, that is, a calling side the city for the rest of his life. He He died May 15, 1130, and was Rural Life website (www.catholicrural- from God. married a young woman as simple and declared a saint in 1622. life.org) and consider contacting your On May 15, we celebrated the feast upright as himself who also became a How can we follow in St. Isidore’s House representatives about the Farm of St. Isidore, the farmer. He has saint — Maria de la Cabeza. They had footsteps? We can stay close to the Bill. become the patron of farmers and rural one son, who died as a child. earth ourselves by tending our gardens Let’s all do what we can to support communities. In particular, he is the Isidore had deep religious instincts. or perhaps volunteering in a community the farmers who do so much for us. patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the He rose early in the morning to go to garden. We can help farmers by sup- U.S. Catholic Rural Life conference. church. All day long, as he walked porting farmers’ markets, or community Reprinted from the May 10 issue of the Franciscan Media’s website (www. behind the plow, he communed with supported agriculture (CSAs). Catholic Herald, newspaper of the Diocese franciscanmedia.org) tells us about the God. We can also pay attention to what’s of Madison, Wisconsin. It was written by life of St. Isidore. When he was bare- He was known for his love of the happening legislatively. Catholic Rural Mary C. Uhler, editor. ly old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore poor, and there are accounts of Isidore’s Life has reported on reactions to the entered the service of John de Vergas, supplying them miraculously with food. 2018 Farm Bill, which is expected Thursday, May 24, 2018 Commentary Southern Cross, Page 15 My therapy dog from heaven n June 2013, not long after I first Marjorie, had asked to see me one last name, “Leo.” That Iarrived in Statesboro, as pastor of time. My brother-in-law Carl picked turned out to be Saint Matthew Parish, I met Debby me up at the airport and drove me to the last word that Kruk, a parishioner who served on Westminster Village North, where I heard my mother the board of directors of the Bulloch Mother had resided since 2009. I found say to me. I often County humane society. The board had her having difficulty seeing, unable to told Leo, “My been meeting at Saint Matthew’s for hear and barely able to speak. She has Mommy knew a number of years, and Debbie asked been unable to walk, even with a walk- who you are.” But if the board could continue to do so. er, for over a year. She was so unre- his command of I replied enthusiastically, “Yes! I love sponsive that I asked if I might anoint English was poor, dogs!” Her kind reply was, “Then we’ll her with the sacrament of the sick, in so I doubt that get you a dog!” I said, “That would periculo mortis. I did so and kept vigil he understood, be wonderful. This rectory even has a for several hours, until we realized that although he always fenced-in backyard.” She then asked a her breathing was normal and that she wagged his tail simple question, “What kind of dogs do would probably not pass away that when I said it. I you like?” I responded rather sheepish- night. considered him my ly with one word: “Poodles.” The next morning, Diane went to therapy dog sent My sister Diane loved poodles and work and called the nursing home. She from heaven. used to draw black poodles as a hint to was surprised to hear that mother had In the early my parents about a possible Christmas awakened and was alert and chipper. morning of August present. In 1959, her wish was granted, She then called Carl, who was about to 31, some hours and Mimi, the first of three successive drive me to the airport. We decided to after I had I had Clark poodles arrived in our home—the visit mother on the way. I was amazed returned from a others were Gigi and Fifi. They lived a that she had rallied so dramatically. “Fifth Sunday” total combined total of 42 years. She smiled at me and said, “I love ecumenical I explained this to Debby, who may you.” I told her that I loved her and service at First have thought, but did not say, “Of she asked me to kiss her. So I did. And Presbyterian course, you would like poodles!” What she said, “Again.” I kissed her again Church, I met up she did say was this “Poodles are smart and then she surprised me by saying with Father John and expensive dogs, so we don’t often fairly clearly, “You were in a band.” Johnson, pastor of have a poodle dropped off. But we’ll By recalling the garage band that I was St. Christopher’s Students greet Bo, the therapy dog, Jan. 10 at St. keep an eye out for one and call you if in, in junior high and high school, after Catholic Church in James/Seton School in Omaha. As a therapy dog, one becomes available.” the Beatles had come to this country, Claxton, at the din- he brings joy and stress relief to students every Two years and two months went by, she was letting me know that she knew ner for the students Wednesday. and then on August 8, 2015, Debby exactly who I was, her “Dougie boy.” after the University CNS photo/Mike May, Catholic Voice) called with the welcome news, “Your I asked, “You mean the band I was in Mass that he had cel- dog is here!” She brought over Leo, a with Steve?” She said, “Yes. What was ebrated in my stead. shortly before. We were blessed to have 5 -year-old white Bichon Frise-Poodle it called?” I said, “The Invaders.” She I had invited him to spend the night her in this world for 92 years, 7 months mix with a beautiful smile and distinc- smiled in recognition. Then I told her away from the hustle and bustle of his and 13 days since her birth on January tively curly tail. We bonded at once. that I now had a “puppy” (her usual parish and two missions. As a result, 17, 1923. Nine days later, I flew to Indianapolis word for any dog). “A puppy?” she Father John and Leo were both with me On February 26, 2018, I underwent a on August 17, because my sister had asked. “What’s he called?” I told her, when Carl called to break the news that total replacement of my left knee. The told me that my 92-year-old mother, “Leo.” She smiled and repeated the my mother had died in my sister’s arms surgery took only an hour. The recovery is ongoing. For the first two weeks, I was back home in my rectory, cared for my friends and parishioners—and by Leo, who would lie curled up on my right as a machine raised, extended, retracted, and lowered my left leg for four hours each day. He had remained MISSIONARY my therapy dog from heaven. On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, Leo got sick. I took him to Westside Veterinary Clinic, where Dr. Stan Lee took person- al care of my sick puppy. He diagnosed Leo with canine pancreatitis and did everything humanly possible to save his life. On Sunday, May 20, I received a DISCIPLES call from Dr. Lee that we had lost Leo, my therapy dog from heaven. With Job, I said, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” I continue to thank the Giver of All Good Gifts for the nearly three years that I had with my therapy dog from heaven.

Father Douglas K. Clark is pastor of St. Matthew Church in Statesboro. Southern Cross, Page 16 Feature Thursday, May 24, 2018

Catholic group The Vigil Project concludes Lenten tour with two-day stop in Savannah for parish retreat By Jessica L. Marsala – Sacred Heart Church being the again,” Boudreaux invited the con- revolved around drawing people to SAVANNAH last – on their Seeking and Saving gregation to approach their worship prayer and giving them the resourc- t the invitation of its pastor, Lenten tour, Andrea Thomas, one and relationships with God with es to help them dive deeper into ASacred Heart Church invited of the Vigil Project’s vocalists freshness, as if for the first time. prayer,” Landry said, explaining The Vigil Project to Savannah to and songwriters, said she had not Other members of the group why they often post free lyrics, lead the parish’s Pentecost retreat expected to experience so many dif- including: Boudreaux’s wife Lizzy, chord sheets, videos, artwork and May 17-18. (Above, The Vigil ferent cultures. another vocalist and songwriter; written reflections on their web- Project performs at Sacred Heart.) “We were down in El Paso which singer, songwriter and pianist John site. “With the music being online, After hearing about the impact – their spirituality and the way they Finch; drummer Ryan Landry; and with having the videos, it kind Vigil Project member Greg express their faith – is so different violinist, producer and audio engi- of ties back a little bit to kind of Boudreaux had on some of Sacred from the Chaldean Iraqi community neer Shawn Williams arrived on offering worship in a format that Heart’s young adults during the dio- [Detroit], which is so different from Friday and together they presented fits everyone, everyone no matter cese’s fall campus ministry retreat, when we were in Cincinnati with much of their debut Lenten and how you choose to personally dive Father John Lyons said that he saw the Midwesterners – and which is Easter album while accompanying deeper into prayer and encounter an opportunity to not only cele- where I’m from—or even being in lyrics flashed behind them on a God—having a way to offer that so brate the conclusion of the parish’s Louisiana,” Thomas said. “It’s so large projector. that everyone can have that closer Living the Eucharist program but different here. I feel like this tour Additionally, they played two encounter.” also provide a unique perspective more than any other has expressed new songs: “Hosanna,” which was Thomas noted their vision of on their parish missions, which typ- and shown me the universal released in Holy Week and “Fire of using authentic beauty to engage the ically feature priests or religious. Church.” your Love,” which was released in senses, encounter God and convey “But I thought we have these Their first night in Savannah, anticipation of Pentecost. absolute truth amid the confusion of young lay men and women who Thomas accompanied Boudreaux, Thomas and Landry suggested what she described as our relativis- are on fire for the Lord and who who not only composes music for that, from the very beginning, the tic culture. have a love for worship, a love for the group and sings but also plays collaborative musical and artistic “But it’s an attractive thing. It’s music—which I have,” Father John acoustic guitar, as they strived to minds behind The Vigil Project not offensive,” Thomas said of Lyons said. “And so I thought they create an atmosphere for adoration. – named for the idea of being in authentic beauty. “Yeah it’s some- might inspire other young people Citing theologian G.K. constant vigil, “keeping watch thing that permeates all belief sys- just to strive to utilize their talents Chesterton, who once wrote, “Our and praying for the Lord’s coming tems and so we’ve seen that be a and gifts, whatever God has given perennial psychological and spiri- again” – intended to do more than huge tool.” them.” tual task is to look at things famil- simply perform. Reflecting on the many stops iar until they become unfamiliar “So much of what we do is Photograph by Jessica L. Marsala.