Kick-Off Weekend April 28-29 Love Focus of Diocesan Appeal

ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 83 | No. 20 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018

Kick-off Weekend April 28-29 Love Focus of Diocesan Appeal

By Amanda Hudson News Editor DIOCESE—“Love One Another” is this year’s theme for the 2018 Rockford Diocese Annual Appeal. Ministries supported by the Diocesan Appeal include Catholic education provided through Catholic schools, religious education programs and adult formation. That includes the diocesan-wide Ministry Formation Program, which has educated and certified 1,380 lay men and women over the years to serve in their parishes with greater effectiveness. Education of seminarians is essential to the future of our diocese; that education and formation is made possible by this appeal. Classes of permanent diaconate candidates also are taught and formed through a multi-year program provided at the diocesan level. Laity of all ages benefit from programs (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) offered through diocesan offices such as Staff members Susan Joseph (left), Courtney Rippon, and director of the Office of Charitable Giving, Denise Dobrowolski, share a marriage preparation provided by the lighter moment as they package parish materials for the annual Diocesan Appeal. The annual request for ministry support begins the Life and Family Evangelization Office, weekend of April 28-29 in the Rockford Diocese. which also oversees the annual Youth need extra assistance. try Formation gradu- Summit for young people in the diocese. Learn More about the Appeal College campus ministry receives From the Long Term ate Carla Odahowski, funding from the diocese along with Care Ombudsman Of- Inside this issue, find an overview of the many ways money raised and SPRED program smaller ministries such as the Deaf fice to Adolescent Out- through this annual appeal is used to benefit the diocese, its parishes, advocate Karen Brad- individual Catholics and their communities. Apostolate. The diocese also helps sup- reach to Refugee Re- shaw-Zagorski. pages 19-21 port SPRED (Special Religious Devel- settlement and more, “With your help, the Catholic Charities as- opment) ministries in a growing num- Rockford Diocese can ber of parishes. sists our neighbors in Diocese of Rockford that supports its continue to share the love of (Jesus’) Sa- Efforts to share the love of Jesus with our pews and in our neighborhoods. parishes and communities. Those fea- cred Heart,” says Bishop Malloy in his others are found in significant, hands- English and Spanish videos about tured include Bishop of Rockford Da- on ministries provided by the diocesan the diocesan appeal will be shown at vid Malloy, Father Richard Rosinski appeal letter, “and shine His light into Catholic Charities Office, which serves parishes the weekend of April 28-29. It of Elgin in English and Father William the world.” everyday people as well as those who will highlight some of the work of the Vallejo of Rockford in Spanish, Minis- Info: www.rockforddiocese.org/donate

This Issue Inside Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Personal Visits Help Millennials Present Millennials Seminarian Helps Put Apostolic Exhortation Guide Seminarians Poor Clares Online ...... 2, 25-27 Four young adults share ways to reach their peers. Headliners...... 3 Both the bishop and vocations director Jack Reichardt practices web design skills pages 11-12 Diocesan...... 4-18 take time to see how our priests-in- he started to hone at Boylan Central Annual Appeal ...... 19-21 training are doing. Freezing on the Catholic High School. pages 4-5 Around the Diocese .... 22-24 Outside, Fire page 18 Nation/World ...... 28-30 Art in Our Churches on the Inside Playing St. Paul Media/Arts ...... 31, 33 The decorations in Catholic churches are Sister Linda Koontz More than a ‘Gig’ The Junior Observer ...... 34 more than just something to make the speaks of the fire of the British actor James Our Catholic View ...... 35-37 spaces pretty. First in a series. Holy Spirit at Catholic Faulkner talks of his page 6 For the Record ...... 38 Charismatic Day of preparation, rewards From Feeding Renewal in Rochelle for playing “Paul, Quick News Bodies To April 14. Apostle of Christ.” page 14 Feeding Souls page 33 Go Golfing on Us Father “Chef John” Elgin Women Invited to Help Peter has Vision, Win two golf passes and McNamara takes an With Mother’s Day Gift Packing Baptizes Gentiles a cart to use at a Rockford unusual path to the Elgin Deanery Council of Catholic Women St. Peter has a dream. What does it tell Park District course in The priesthood. are preparing gift baskets for women in him to do? Observer’s spring give-away. pages 8-9 need. The Junior Observer, page 34 page 39 page 16 2 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Annual Appeal Funds our The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, Ministry to Ful ll the Gospel except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. n the Gospel of John Jesus seek out opportunities to love religious education programs. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 told His disciples, and told others in imitation of how Christ Through those gifts teachers Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax us, to “Love one another” loves us. That is His direct are trained, administrators 815/399-6225. (Jn 13:34). command. And our response can supported, and most importantly, Periodical postage paid at I The Lord spoke those words take many forms. our young people are taught their Rockford, Ill., and additional on Holy Thursday night before It should begin in our families Catholic faith. mail offi ces. leaving the supper room to walk and with those closest to us in The Diocesan Appeal funds our POSTMASTER: send address BY BISHOP to the Garden of Gethsemane. this life. We should off er others eff orts to foster and support the changes to The Observer, 555 DAVID J. There, as we know, Jesus would a share in our faith as well as family and especially the heart of Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 MALLOY show the world for all time the lived acts of kindness, patience, the family — marriage. meaning of loving others. forgiveness and sacrifi ce. Through marriage preparation For ADVERTISING information: With this in mind we take We need then to be seeking and programs to honor and Contact The Observer at the e can to heart Jesus’ next words that further opportunities to love assist married couples, we work address above or call 815/399- completed His instruction to others in the world. Jesus has to strengthen this foundational 4300; fax 815/399-6225, bring Email: kmccarthy@ W those who believe in Him. given us the particular example of relationship of faith and life. our faith to rockforddiocese.org. He said, “As I have loved you, loving the poor, the needy and the Your contributions show your Send information to those who so you also should love one stranger. love for the poor by assisting NEWS The Observer at the address or fax do not know another. This is how all will We can bring our faith to those Catholic Charities in a wide array number above; send email to Jesus or know that you are my disciples, who do not know Jesus or those of works. You also support our Observer@rockforddiocese. those who, if you have love for one another.” who, for some reason, have lost seminarians and our eff orts to org; or fi ll out a form at (Jn 34-35). faith. Our presence with the promote vocational awareness http://observer.rockforddiocese. for some These words of Jesus are lonely, the aged or the imprisoned and discernment leading to the org/contact-us. reason, have purifying and liberating. In is what Jesus tells us constitutes next generation of priests. Subscription rate $28.00 per lost faith. modern society, love is often the lived faith He seeks in us. In short, the Diocesan Appeal year (48 issues); Canadian reduced to a feeling, an emotion This week we will introduce is a concrete and assured means and Pan American $29; other foreign: surface mail $37, air that we seek but do not control. once more the means by which of living our Catholic faith. It is a mail $97; single copies $1. Consequently, what we are told the Diocese of Rockford invites way to spread our love for others. is love comes and goes. And we us to share our faith and Christ’s I am always deeply grateful for The Observer Online digital subscriptions are also available. feel the underlying heartache and love with others. We will begin the generosity of the faithful of Publisher: mistrust generated by love that is the 2018 Diocesan Appeal. the Diocese of Rockford. I ask, if Most Reverend David J. Malloy not real, not enduring. Its theme is the command of you can, to be generous again this Penny Wiegert In contrast, the love that Jesus Jesus — Love One Another. year. If you haven’t given before, Editor: calls us to is deep and eternal. I take this opportunity to invite can you begin this year? If you News Editor: Amanda Hudson We are to share His love by fi rst you to join me in my ministry have been a regular contributor, Features and Multimedia receiving it for ourselves, then as Bishop of the Diocese of could you be even more generous Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld extending it to others. Rockford and our collective this time? Circulation/Proofreading: Instead of diminishing our eff orts to off er that love. Whatever you can prayerfully Susan Sabrowski, Keith nature, this love makes us more Your generous contribution contribute is a great blessing, and Ludolph like Christ. Step by step, it makes shares our faith by supporting the I am personally grateful. Please Accounting: Jill Bonk us to be what God intended for work of our education department be assured of my prayers for you, Advertising and Marketing: us. which ensures the excellence especially as we seek to Love One Kevin McCarthy As a matter of faith, we should of our Catholic schools and our Another. Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton Contributing Writers: Father Kenneth Wasilewski, Father Keith Romke, Keith Ludolph, Apostolic Exhortation Lynne Conner, Father Ronald Gaudete et Exsultate Rolheiser, Tony Carton, Pat Szpekowski, Margarita From Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be holy and blameless before Him in tercession of the martyrs: “I saw Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick Glad) on the Call to Holiness in Today’s World, love” (Eph 1:4). under the altar the souls of those Winn the Vatican March 19 who had been slain for the word Publication Dates: Weekly CHAPTER ONE except that in 2018 there will be 1. “Rejoice and be glad” (Mt THE CALL TO HOLINESS of God and for the witness they had borne; they cried out with a no issues on Jan. 5, March 30, 5:12), Jesus tells those persecuted THE SAINTS WHO ENCOURAGE June 29, Aug. 31, Nov. 30 and

(CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS or humiliated for His sake. The AND ACCOMPANY US loud voice, ‘O sovereign Lord, Dec. 28. holy and true, how long will it BY POPE Lord asks everything of us, and News Deadlines: Usually, 10 FR ANCIS in return He off ers us true life, 3. The Letter to the Hebrews be before you judge?’” (6:9-10). days before publication date. presents a number of testimonies Each of us can say: “Surrounded, the happiness for which we were Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 created. He wants us to be saints that encourage us to “run with led and guided by the friends days before publication date. e wants and not to settle for a bland and perseverance the race that is set of God ... I do not have to carry Offi cial information on the poli- Hus to mediocre existence. The call to before us” (12:1). It speaks of alone what, in truth, I could never cies, activities, and positions be saints holiness is present in various Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Gideon carry alone. All the saints of God of the Diocese of Rockford is and not to ways from the very fi rst pages and others (cf. 11:1-12:3). Above are there to protect me, to sustain released only in the pages of of the Bible. We see it expressed all, it invites us to realize that “a me and to carry me.” The Observer, or in state- settle for a ments from the Diocesan in the Lord’s words to Abraham: great cloud of witnesses” (12:1) 5. The processes of beatifi ca- bland and impels us to advance constantly Offi ce of Communications and “Walk before me, and be blame- tion and canonization recognize towards the goal. These witness- Publications. mediocre less” (Gen 17:1). the signs of heroic virtue, the 2. What follows is not meant es may include our own mothers, The Observer uses recycled existence. sacrifi ce of one’s life in martyr- paper and is recyclable. to be a treatise on holiness, con- grandmothers or other loved ones dom, and certain cases where a taining defi nitions and distinc- (cf. 2 Tim 1:5). Their lives may Our Mission is the mission life is constantly off ered for oth- of the Church itself — to tions helpful for understanding not always have been perfect, yet ers, even until death. This shows spread the Gospel through this important subject, or a dis- even amid their faults and fail- contemporary means of cussion of the various means of ings they kept moving forward an exemplary imitation of Christ, communications. sanctifi cation. My modest goal is and proved pleasing to the Lord. one worthy of the admiration of to repropose the call to holiness 4. The saints now in God’s the faithful. We can think, for ex- Member of: in a practical way for our own presence preserve their bonds ample, of Blessed Maria Gabriel- time, with all its risks, challenges of love and communion with us. la Sagheddu, who off ered her life and opportunities. For the Lord The Book of Revelation attests for the unity of Christians. has chosen each one of us “to be to this when it speaks of the in- Continued on page 25 Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 3 Msgr. Thomas Bales, 72, Dies on April 21 in Sterling STERLING—Msgr. Thomas school year. ministrator for St. Mary Parish (Malcolm) Schmitt of Sterling E. Bales died April 21, 2018, He served as chaplain at Ro- in Tampico from September and Lisa Bales of Dixon; nieces in the home of his sister, here, sary High School in Aurora 1999 until June 2000. and nephews, Elizabeth (Jeff) where he lived. Msgr. Bales was from August 1975 to July 1979, He was a diocesan consultor Mark of Fox Point, Wis., Kath- born on Sept. 20, 1945, in Dix- then as parochial vicar at St. from 2000-2015, and a member erine (Jarod) Brown of Mono- on, to James E. and Elizabeth A. Patrick Parish in St. Charles of the priests’ health committee na, Wis., Kevin (Samantha) (Moerschbaecher) Bales. from 1979 to 1982. from 2001-2013. Schmitt of Dixon, Laura (Na- He attended Dixon High He was associate director of He returned to Holy Family than) Wright of Oak Park, An- School, St. Ambrose University the Diocesan Family Life Of- Parish as its pastor in 2001 and drew (Kathryn) Bales of Oak in Davenport, Iowa, and Illinois fice from July 1982 to January served there until 2010 when Park, Thomas Bales of Boston, State University in Normal. 1983, then served as its director he became pastor at St. Patrick Mass., and James Bales of Se- He completed his theology until July 1983. Parish, Amboy, St. Flannen attle, Wash.; and several great studies at St. Francis Seminary He then served as priest con- Parish in Harmon and St. Mary nieces and nephews. in Milwaukee and was ordained sultant for Family Life until Parish in Walton. Visitation was 2-7:30 p.m. to the priesthood by Bishop Ar- 1986. He also was parochial Also while serving those Wednesday, April 25 at Holy thur J. O’Neill on June 1, 1974. vicar at Holy Family Parish, three parishes, he was pastor (Observer file photo) On June 14, 1998, Msgr. Rockford, from July 1983 to of St. Patrick Parish in May- Msgr. Thomas Bales Family Parish, 4401 Highcrest Bales was named a Prelate of July 1986. town from June 2010 to Octo- Road, Rockford, with a prayer Honor with the title of monsi- He was pastor at St. Joseph ber 2011 and administrator at avid fan of the Chicago Bears. service at 7:30 p.m. Visita- gnor from Pope John Paul II. Parish, Lena from July 1986 Holy Cross Parish in Batavia Msgr. Bales is predeceased tion was also 9-10:45 a.m. at He began his service in to August 1987, then served from April to July 2014. by his parents and brother, the church before the funeral the priesthood as parochial as pastor at St. Mary Parish He retired from active minis- James. He is survived by two Mass, which was on Thursday, vicar for the summer at Holy in Sterling until July 2001. He try June 15, 2015, but continued brothers, Patrick (Victoria) April 26, 2018, at 11 a.m. Angels Parish in Aurora, then also was dean of the Sterling to assist at parishes throughout Bales of Hinsdale, and Michael Private burial will be at Oak- became campus minister at Deanery from June 1998 to the Rockford Diocese. He willl (Karen) Bales of Grand Junc- wood Cemetery, Dixon, at a Aurora College for the 1974-75 July 2001, and served as ad- be remembered by many as an tion, Colo.; two sisters, Rebecca later date.

Bishop Malloy’s a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of p.m., Confirmation, Church of a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of ROCKFORD — May 8, 11 a.m., St. Peter Holy Apostles St. Peter Clergy Relief Meeting, Diocesan Public Schedule Administration Center LOVES PARK — April 29, 1 CRYSTAL LAKE — May 3, 5:30 CARPENTERSVILLE — AURORA — May 6, 1 p.m., p.m., Confirmation, St. Bridget p.m., Confirmation, St. Thomas Confirmation, Sacred Heart ROCKFORD — May 8, 2 p.m., April 28, 8 a.m., Diocesan “V Presbyteral Council Meeting, Church the Apostle Church Church Encuentro” Workshop, St. Diocesan Administration Center Monica Church ROCKFORD — May 1, 11 a.m., ST. CHARLES — May 5, 10 NORTH AURORA — May 7, 6 WOODSTOCK — May 8, 5:30 Jubilee Mass for Priests of the a.m., Confirmation, St. John BATAVIA — April 28, 10 a.m., p.m., Aurora Deanery Knights of p.m., Confirmation for St. Mary, Diocese, St. Rita Church Neumann Church Confirmation, Holy Cross Church Columbus Clergy Night, Blessed Woodstock and St. Patrick, ROCKFORD — April 29, 7:30 MCHENRY — May 1, 5:30 ROCKFORD — May 6, 7:30 Sacrament Church Hartland at St. Mary Church 4 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Diocesan Bishop and Vocations Director Travel to Seminaries Don’t Miss Bishop Malloy’s Personal Visits Help TV Messages BY AMANDA HUDSON the seminarians an opportunity Weekday Refl ection News Editor to get to know their bishop bet- meet with each of the guys individually, (about 6:58 a.m.) ter, and the diocese.” on WREX-TV, Channel 13, ROCKFORD—Periodically, His visits are well planned. ‘I and we usually end up with a gathering Rockford Bishop David Malloy’s public “When I’m there I have a schedule lists visits to seminar- meeting with the rector and ... . If I’m there overnight we often have Mass Top o’ the ians at their respective semi- seminary faculty,” he says. “I together.’ naries, something he has done meet with each of the guys in- Morning since his fi rst year as Bishop of dividually, and we usually end — Bishop David Malloy Rockford. up with a gathering — often I He makes those visits once a with take them out to dinner. If I’m As director of vocations, He attends St. Paul Seminary year, he says, calling each “an there overnight we often have Bishop opportunity to see them in the Father Romke has diverse re- in St. Paul, Minnesota. He says Mass together.” sponsibilities, including ac- he appreciates getting to know context of their formation ... an Seminary visits are a regular Malloy opportunity for the bishop to companying “our seminarians Bishop Malloy from his visits. part of Father Keith Romke’s from their fi rst day in seminary “By coming all the way out Listen to archives anytime at get to know (them), and it gives annual schedule also. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. all the way through the day that to see us, see how we’re do- Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left they are ordained priests in the ing and taking us out to eat, I side of the page. Cathedral,” he says. can see (Bishop Malloy) really “One important role of a vo- cares about us,” he says, add- Brought to you by cation director is to visit the ing that “Father Romke’s visits  Savant Capital seminarians at their respective are great too. It’s always nice Management seminaries. This means I’m on to have him  Fitzgerald Funeral Homes the road a lot!” check in with  Illinois Bank & Trust Like the bishop, Father us and see  Diocesan Offi ce of Romke meets with the priests how we’re do- Communication and who are in charge of the semi- ing.” narians’ formation and educa- Whether in Publications  The Observer tion. Rome or the  Offi ce of Charitable Giving, “In these meetings I’m able States, semi- Diocese of Rock ford to hear what they are doing narians ap- well and where they still need preciate the to grow,” he says. “I then meet personal con- individually with each to talk nection with with them about their joys and someone from struggles, and to help them see back home. how they continue to become “It’s great having either of the priest whom God is calling them (come),” McFadden says, them to be.” “because it’s like a little piece “Our seminarians are great, of the Diocese of Rockford has by the way!” he adds. “It is tru- come to give us a break from ly a joy to see the growth our the normal schedule of forma- seminarians experience and tion. Each visit is truly a gift.” achieve each year.” A class of 2023 seminarian Seminarian Nicholas Sen- is fi nding that visits from the tovich attends Pontifi cal North bishop are helpful to him in a American College in Rome. slightly-diff erent way. He is scheduled to be ordained “Visits from Bishop Malloy a transitional deacon there in give us the opportunity to get Weekly in October. to know our shepherd on a per- “When you’re in Rome, it sonal level,” says Jacob Timm, THE can be easy to feel disconnect- who is in his third year of col- ed about what’s going on back lege at St. Gregory the Great OBSERVER home,” Sentovich says, “so Seminary in Nebraska. “This having the bishop and vocation allows me to envision making director come is a wonderful the promise of obedience to the reminder of the reason we’re bishop, which is a great help to Subscribe studying and who we’re study- my discernment.” ing for. Their visits are always Robert “Bobby” Blood also Today! encouraging times of fraternity! attends St. Paul Seminary. He (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) I feel very blessed that both of is one of three diocesan semi- Select print, digital Seminarians from the Rockford Diocese lead the recessional at the them make time in their busy narians who are scheduled to or both for just Holy Thursday Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford. schedules to meet with us.” become transitional deacons on Bishop David Malloy (in gold vestments) waits in front of the altar as John McFadden is a member June 2. $28 per year. deacons and priests fall into line behind the seminarians. of the seminarian class of 2021. “We are very blessed as Call 815/399-4300, ext. 383 or go online at http://observer. Detroit E ort Aims to Spiritually 'Adopt' Local Priests rockforddiocese.org DEARBORN, Mich. (CNS)— ner of Divine Child Parish in adopt, and the adoptions are Parishioners need their priests. Dearborn, Mich., launched the done anonymously — a sys- But priests need their parishio- eff ort on Palm Sunday 2017. tem DeWitt thinks works well. ners. “I felt priests really need to When a person adopts a That’s the spirit behind Pa- be prayed for,” DeWitt told priest, they have the option rishioners for Priests, a move- The Michigan Catholic, the to send him a “spiritual bou- ment that encourages Catho- newspaper in the Archdiocese quet,” a postcard DeWitt de- lics to give local priests the one of Detroit. signed so the parishioner can thing they need most: prayers. Parishioners can’t select fi ll out details about what they (CNS photo/Dan Meloy, The Michigan Catholic) Mindy DeWitt, a parishio- which priest they are going to are doing for the priest. Mindy DeWitt Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 5 Better Than Postcards Guide Seminarians

seminarians of the Diocese of the Father’s Vineyard, to mix Rockford to be visited so con- metaphors. sistently both by our vocation “He knows us: what we are director and our bishop,” he working to grow in, what our says. gifts and talents are, and he “When Father Romke vis- even has a joke or two from its, it’s a reminder that we are previous visits. Meeting with working towards something him one on one each (time) while in the seminary — the calls us deeper into our dis- priesthood yes, but also ho- cernment (and reminds us liness,” he adds. “He shares to) remember the depth and with us the happenings of the mystery of the priesthood and diocese and encourages us to never take that for granted. ‘keep up the great work!’ He speaks to us from a wealth “Bishop Malloy visiting is al- of knowledge and time spent ways an honor, as we recognize with our Lord.” (Photos provided) he is very busy doing God’s Blood also calls it a blessing With Father Keith Romke (front left) at dinner during a visit to St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Lincoln, work back home. His pres- that other priests of the diocese Neb., are Joshua Moore, Scotty Girolamo, Ben Pfundstein, Timothy Schroeder, Theodore Pfundstein, Max- ence reminds us ... that we are “check in on us, and if at all well Oswalt and Jacob Timm. not alone. We have a shepherd possible come to visit and break who is gently guiding us into bread with us. In each visit, sharing a meal brings about who, too, are journeying to the diocese is good, Bishop Malloy the greatest memories. We are place we hope to call home.” says, noting simply that, “Ev- brothers — pilgrims on a jour- Interacting with seminar- ery opportunity to meet with ney home — led by holy Fathers ians in a setting outside of the them is always valuable.”

In St. Paul, Minn., seminarians at- e are very blessed as seminarians of tend either at St. John Vianney College or at St. Paul Seminary, ‘Wthe Diocese of Rockford to be visited so depending on their class. Joining Father Keith Romke (not shown) consistently both by our vocation director and are Ryan Nooraee, John McFad- den, Bobby Blood, Nathan Pacer, our bishop.’ Rev. Mr. Jhonatan Sarmiento, and Aaron Downing. — Seminarian Robert “Bobby” Blood

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335 Locust Street, Elgin, IL 60123 (847)741-7535 www.stedhs.org 6 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Diocesan Art in Our Churches Bishop Malloy Says Love, Care At Heart of Church Decorations

By Louise Br ass Observer Correspondent This is the first in a series of articles by correspondent Fine artwork can be a statement, a signpost, or a guide to un- Louise Brass discussing derstanding a message. art in Catholic churches. Art in our churches should be a link directing us to the Divine, and the message of Jesus, according to the 2000 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) liturgical guidelines. “It has always been the cus- Each work of art in a church—statue, glass work, or oil paint- tom and the tradition that we ing—can lead us to the Divine, because Christian beauty mani- focus on the cross, because it is fests itself as an echo of God’s own creative act, the guidelines the death of Christ that opens state, and therefore should reflect the best of our artistic heritage. the way to Easter and the res- Many churches in the Rockford Diocese contain dramatic and urrection,” Bishop Malloy said. beautiful artwork for the edification of parishioners and visitors, The Church considers art- said Bishop David Malloy during a recent Northern Illinois News- work a constitutive element of paper Association gathering of journalists, students and religious the sacred liturgy. So it has to leaders in DeKalb. be sacred art, opening the mind “I think that’s been demonstrated especially by the historical of the viewer to truth. and ethnic churches that are scattered throughout the diocese, “People in our contemporary particularly those with the magnificent stained glass windows culture have the phrase ‘beauty that not only convey the story of faith and the Scriptures, but they is in the eye of the beholder’ also have that attraction and beauty that we are so aware is an which makes the beauty or opening to faith and the truth,” Bishop Malloy said. goodness of a piece of art sub- (Observer photo/Louise Brass) The bishop is no stranger to churches in the “old world” as well. jective,” said Father Jonathan The crucifix is among the most important elements in the decoration “I spent many years in Eu- Bakkelund, director of the Of- of a Catholic church. This one is suspended from the ceiling in St. Pat- rope and Rome and some time fice for Divine Worship and rick Parish in Rochelle. A smaller crucifix is placed on or near the altar in France, and the ability to go pastor at St. Peter Parish in Ge- for every Mass (see photo at left). into some of those churches, neva. even if you are not a Catholic, “But our Church has never taught that. For us, beauty is objec- or not a believer, to observe the tive,” Father Bakkelund said. love and the care and the beau- To determine if something is sacred or not sacred, he said, the ty that is put together is some- question is, “Does the image represent accurately the ontological thing to observe.” reality or the fundamental being of the thing it is representing? If The lesson is the same here it does that well, it is beautiful. If it does not, then it is not,” Father as it is there, he added. Bakkelund said. The USCCB guidelines ti- Ultimately it is up to the bishop, as the chief liturgist, to decide tled, “Built of Living Stones: appropriateness of a work of art. And that ensures continuity. Art, Architecture, and Wor- When it comes to artwork, everyone has preferences. One pas- ship,” states: “The place where tor may want certain decorations or artwork, and the next priest God gathers this people power- to come to a parish may want something different. (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) fully draws them more deeply “Then the next guy comes and changes everything back. To When Bishop David Malloy offers into communion and expresses ensure it is not a matter of personal preference, in the Diocese holy day Masses at the Winneba- in beauty God’s profound holi- of Rockford — because the Church thinks in centuries — the go County Jail, he brings a small ness.” crucifix (front left) to place on the Church’s understanding of changes in the sacred liturgy go Lay persons can find direc- altar. through the Office of Divine Liturgy,” Father Bakkelund said. tion when creating art for sa- The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” is really the cred spaces through The Cath- governing document for liturgical art and architecture, he added. olic Art Guild, an all-volunteer, 501c3 non-profit organization Pope St. John Paul II, in his letter on the Eucharist, said that created to support Catholic art and artists. Catholics understand the liturgy as a banquet and a feast, a me- The mission of the guild is to catalyze artists towards partici- morial and a celebration, but amidst all those things it is most pation in the new evangelization, answering the call of Pope St. fundamentally a sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Paul VI, all A small crucifix is placed on or near the altar during Mass to of whom called artists to use their gifts in aid of the Church and help keep the sacrifice of Christ in the forefront of the mind of the for the greater glory of God. celebrant when saying the Mass, Father Bakkelund added.

In almost every church, stained glass windows display many Artwork, whether of glass, canvas, wood or stone, helps add a (Observer file photo) scenes from the life of Christ and images of saints, creating a deeper understanding of what is happening on the altar, he said, This stained glass window de- kaleidoscope of color. However, the crucifix is usually the most and can guide the congregation into an appropriate state of mind picting the Ascension of the Lord dramatic and symbolic of all the art in a Catholic church, and for participating in the liturgy. is from Sacred Heart Parish in typically is placed prominently above or behind the altar. “We believe the liturgy is literally heaven on earth,” he said. Marengo.

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Still only $28 a year! Select print, digital or both for one payment! Renew with the envelope you received by mail, with the envelope provided by your parish, by phone or online at our secure website. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300, ext. 383 8 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Diocesan From Feeding Bodies to

Bread, salt, fish and wine are just some of the foods that Jesus uses in teaching His followers about the Christian faith. Using the same ingredients, Father John McNamara followed an uncommon path to the priesthood.

By Lynne Conner mara was an on-tour chef for Observer Correspondent several musicians, including Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, LOVES PARK—The fusion John Mellencamp and Alicia of food and faith played a pow- Keys. His first celebrity cook- erful role in leading one young ing experience, though, was man to his priestly vocation. in the early 2000s when he During his teens, Father John cooked for members of the McNamara said he gravitated World Wrestling Federation. to the kitchen during family “The wrestlers ate a ton,” he gatherings. After finishing a said. degree in hospitality manage- Celebrities, he said, had ment at Harper College in Pala- varying dietary demands. tine, Father McNamara went to “Rascal Flatts band members work as a corporate chef. would tend to eat what every- A former boss offered a then- body else was eating, but they 20-something Father McNama- always wanted to have special ra a rare opportunity. sub sandwiches … at the end of “He told me that there was a a show. gig coming up where I could “Kenny Chesney would tend cook for the country group to eat healthier; so for every Rascal Flatts. … I decided I show we would cook him a would give it a shot,” Father grilled chicken breast, steamed McNamara said. carrots, steamed broccoli and From January of 2007 to late brown rice. Sometimes he summer of 2008, Father McNa- would splurge and have whole

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To view the itinerary and other pilgrimage information, visit www.myfaithjourneys. com. Once there, click “Log In”. Then enter the Group Number 18021 and click “Enter” Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 9 Feeding Souls wheat pasta with turkey meat- “On the road, I was treated that people have in their lives. balls,” he said. very well, I was making good It’s been a grace for me to take “On some occasions, I re- money and it was an excit- my background in hospitality member hunting through local ing lifestyle, but with the long into ministry.” stores for the specific kind of hours came stress. … I started Father McNamara still finds candy or alcohol that one of the to think that there is more to uses for his culinary talents, performers wanted,” he said. life than this,” Father McNa- such as making pretzels dur- “During one tour, there was a mara said. ing Lent with the St. Bridget complaint that we weren’t us- After the tours, Father Mc- School second graders, auc- ing Heinz ketchup. Hearing Namara managed a busy res- tioning off his culinary skills that can be tough when you are taurant in northern Wisconsin for parish fundraisers and working 17 to 18 hours a day.” until his vocation became ap- pitching in on parish dinners. Even in the fast-paced life- parent. He also cooks at least once a style of a celebrity tour, Father “Many things started coming week for his brother priests at McNamara said he found time together and I started thinking St. Bridget, where he is a paro- to practice his Catholic faith, that the Lord was calling me to chial vicar. although attending Mass regu- the priesthood,” he said. “What I have discovered is larly was difficult. Father McNamara was or- that the Lord takes those gifts “Faith was always important dained in June 2015 but says and talents that He blesses us to me. I was raised in a Catholic his career in the hospitality with and uses them even in a family. We went to Mass every industry has helped him serve call to a (priestly) vocation or (Photo provided) Sunday. But when I was on the others. the religious life,” he said. “I’ve Father John McNamara acknowledges a youngster from St. Bridget road, it got very challenging,” “I saw how life is lived and seen God’s hand in my journey School in Loves Park during a Lent pretzel-baking project. he said. the wide range of experiences and I am very grateful.”

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Blessed and prepared by the monks of New Melleray Abbey Pray for Vocations 10 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer D iocesan Rockford Parish Readies to Improve Campus for Its Second 50 Years

By Amanda Hudson A detail from a News Editor plan by Larson and Darby ROCKFORD—Holy Family Architects Parish here continues to wel- shows come gifts and pledges for an Rockford’s expansion of its facilities and to existing Holy make needed maintenance up- Family church dates to its existing school and in gray-blue parish office building. tones at Father Phillip Kaim, pastor, the top of announced the campaign on the sketch. Feb. 25. A team of 80 volun- Proposed teers visited several hundred additions on the bottom of parish families to invite them the image will to participate. be in the front Nearly 2,200 appeal letters of the existing were mailed to potential sup- church. porters in February. Estimated to The “Honoring Our Past ... cost about Building Our Future” capi- $8 million, tal campaign has now raised fundraising for $6.5 million in gifts and the addition pledges. and other Hopes were to raise $8 mil- work begun lion over three years to ac- in February complish four milestones: has garnered maintenance; an addition of $6.5 million a fellowship hall, upstairs re- in gifts and strooms and a multi-purpose pledges. room; parking lot repairs; and an enhanced worship space. Top priority: repairs

The highly-inefficient school (Illustration provided) boiler is original, dating back to 1962. leaks and a new air condition- A few maintenance items tries and is at or near capacity itself instead of showing the Bathrooms are old and need ing system is needed in the will be undertaken for the par- for meeting space, particularly Mass on a television in that upgrading, the gym skylight gym and school cafeteria. ish offices. on weekday evenings. room. The new hall, to be attached “We have a lot of exciting Plans for the parking lot in- to the church building, to the new ministries recently started, clude reconstruction, providing Redemptorist Retreat Center right as one enters the building, and we hope with this building adequate drainage and possi- Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066 will allow for weekend events campaign we can start even bly adding a few more parking to build community among pa- more, especially retreats and spots. Retreat Schedule 2018 rishioners. small groups,” Father Kaim “The building campaign is The new construction also says. a long time in coming,” Father — 14th Annual Spring Retreat for Members of will bring restrooms to the “Our mindset should be to Kaim says. “Our campus is ag- Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon — main floor of the church in ad- grow this church — that’s the ing and needs to be updated and May 18 – 20, 2018 dition to those already located Great Commission Jesus gives modernized. Our mission state- in the lower, basement level of us — and so I don’t want to say ment is ‘Building Community This is not a silent retreat. The program consists of the church. ‘yes’ to a new club, only to find ... Making Disciples.’ By ex- discussion meetings covering some of the twelve steps A multi-purpose room will them struggling to get meeting panding our footprint for meet- and corresponding topics. There will be plenty of time be available for wake services space,” he adds. ing and gathering space we can to enjoy the area and the fellowship of other recovering and meetings. Additional plans are for the fulfill that mission better.” individuals. Partial scholarships are available. Holy Family is home to sev- current hospitality and cry Info: http://holyfamilyrockford. Contact: Br Gerry Patin, C.Ss.R. eral parish groups and minis- room to look into the church org/building-capital-campaign. — 5 Day Preached Retreats for Women Religious and Associates — Bishop Visits Nursing Students at ‘St. E’s’ Center in Rockford Bishop David Malloy May 29 – June 3, 2018 — June 11 – 16, 2018 visits with students from July 23-28, 2018 St. Anthony College of Nursing and Rockford Theme: “Religious Life: A Spring of Water Welling School of Medicine last up to Eternal Life” fall. Third year students Presenter: Fr Donald Willard, C.Ss.R. nearing graduation come to St. Elizabeth Catholic Community — 7 Day Preached Retreats for Center twice a month Women Religious and Associates — to provide basic health screenings and July 9 – 16, 2018 information about Theme: “Religious Life: A Spring of Water Welling community health challenges such as up to Eternal Life” diabetes and strokes. Presenter: Fr Donald Willard, C.Ss.R. They are also available to answer guests’ questions. Such screenings are just Contact the Redemptorist Retreat Center to register one way the Catholic or for more information. Charities’ center helps Rockford residents. Redemptorist Retreat Center Learn more about how to help the diocesan Oconomowoc, WI organization at http:// 262-567-6900 catholiccharities. rockforddiocese.org. www.redemptoristretreat.org (Observer file photo/Amanda Hudson) Diocesan T he Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 11

(Observer photos/Penny Wiegert) Cheerleaders from Boylan Central Catholic High School were on hand to surprise Bella Meyer and her family. Classmates Give Beach-bound Bella

Big Send-off Bella gets one of many hugs at her March 23 send-off party at Cathedral of St. Peter School in Rockford.

By Penny Wiegert the Bahamas for spring break. Editor Bella was greeted with gifts, sunglasses, balloons and cheers ROCKFORD—Cathedral of as she came down the stairs St. Peter students gave a class- and was told she was going to mate who is battling leukemia spend a week at the Atlantis a huge surprise. Paradise Island Resort in the The students, some of their Bahamas where she wanted to family members, teachers, “go on the water slides, maybe friends and representatives ride a jet-ski and swim with the from Make-A-Wish Illinois dolphins.” gathered March 23 for a sur- “We were all so surprised prise send-off for 11-year-old and this means so much to us,” Bella Meyer and her family to said Bella’s mom, Becki Meyer. Classmates hold a sign wishing Bella and her family a good trip. Bella’s classmates also surprised her with an indoor beach party where they all wore sunglasses, drank tropical punch and enjoyed cupcakes. LEFT: Bella holds a microphone as she stands among gifts for her Make-A-Wish vacation while she waits for local TV sta- tions to talk to her during her send-off party.

Bella Meyer (far left) poses for pictures with her brother, Dad Noah (holding the basket) and mom Becki and lots of well wishers.

Cathedral of St. Peter classmates stand in silly sunglass solidarity as they help Bella Meyer , who suffers from leukemia, get ready for a surprise vacation thanks to Make-A-Wish. 12 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Diocesan Millennials Present Pete Burds, (left) opens the conference by introducing himself and the other presenters. They are his wife, Emily Burds, Sarah Kaczmarek and Pete Burak. The Burds are Rockford natives who now live in Milwaukee. The Millennial Church Conference in Huntley was only the third such conference the group has led. (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) Speakers Share Insights, Ideas to Draw Peers Back to Church

BY AMANDA HUDSON others to some of the ins and nial generation, are the devel- ily Life for the News Editor outs of millennials — young opers of the conference. They Archdiocese of people age 17 or 22 to 34 or 37, presented entertaining and of- Milwaukee and HUNTLEY—They approve depending on the source. ten-insightful talks along with her husband; of craft beer, fruit-fl avored wa- The day-long event at St. a few photos and videos, two of  Pete Burds ter, eye contact, elegant envi- Mary Parish included elements which poked fun at stereotypes is director of ronments, clean and beautiful that modeled what millennials of their generation. College Cam- designs, and a sense of belong- like including fl avored water, Members of the foursome pus Ministry ing. for the archdio- However, the type font “Pa- gluten-free options for break- are: fast and make-your-own tacos  Pete Burak is director of cese. pyrus” and any kind of clip art Burak began are among several huge turn- for lunch, refl ective worship i.d.9:16, a young adult ministry; music, sculptural elements on-  Sarah Kaczmarek is the as- by exhorting off s for millennials. his audience stage and the option to continue sociate director of Alpha Cath- (Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza On April 17, The Millen- to deepen their the conversation afterwards at olic Content; Slides outlined traits common to many millennials, nial Church Conference intro- own faith in or- an area pub and restaurant.  Emily Burds is associate each with a contrasting “but” attached. duced a crowd of more than der to impress Four members of the millen- director of Marriage and Fam- 200 priests, parish staff s and millennials The diff erence between spiri- with authentic joy in Christ. tually feeding people and the Claiming that millenni- universal call to mission, he als “have a high ‘BS’ meter,” said, is giving away what is re- Burak recommended “being a ceived. witness to the truth” by not just “We have the most compel- sharing “what we do” but also ling narrative,” Burak said, “why we do it.” calling for a “balance” of “grow

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Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 13 Millennials calling for a “balance” of “grow compromise your own identity. and go” and “go and grow.” Don’t off er (them) Mountain “Let today be a day of hope Dew!” in Jesus Christ,” Pete Burds But do push through any feel- (Observer photo/Margarita Mendoza) said in his talk, which listed ings of rejection, striving for At the end of the day, conference attendees willingly raise their hands seven traits of his generation. warm, transparent interactions, for a bit of stretch. she said, adding millennials are Millennials, he said, show: Millennials, she added, are tant lessons for Annette Gar- “starved” for eye contact.  a sense of entitlement, generous in diff erent ways. rison, liturgy coordinator at “Don’t look like Youth Group  impatience, They prefer, for example, giv- St. John Neumann Parish in St. (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) 2.0 ... treat them like adults!”  idealism, ing to people they personally Charles. Millennials, including seminarian she said to laughter and a few  extended adolescence, know are in need, and they “Helping them understand ... Jack Reichardt (left) chat during cringes from her audience as  low self-esteem, how to step through the doors” an icebreaker. they realized their common “want to know how what they  being non-committal and give will change lives.” of the Church, she said, “that’s  being collaborative. things they thought would be mistakes. Kaczmarek spoke of the im- At lunch break, Father Leon- going to be big in our parish.” All of these traits have roots more gratifying. ard Jacobs, pastor of St. James Jerry Turczynski from St. in the society where they’ve They are confi dent — but portance of forms of communication in her talk, pointing Church in Rockford, refl ected Thomas the Apostle Parish in grown up, he said. also anxious and overwhelmed. on the morning sessions. Crystal Lake attended the con- As a result, millennials have They want to work with others to options in the use of words, in life and in actions. They’ve “I’m surprised and excited ference so he could understand been hit with realities of work and see power in numbers — grown up in our post-Christian to know the defi nitions, the his grandchildren. they fi nd unexpectedly harsh but their many connections can culture, she said. characterizations of the mil- After listening to all the pre- and with dissatisfaction in be shallow. She challenged her audience lennials,” he said. “I have sentations, Turczynski told “The fi rst thing to do,” Burds to “directly address them” and some idea and begin to under- the crowd that “This weekend said, “is to try to establish asked, “Are we trying to have stand them.” when we all get together, I’m trust” and then help millenni- real conversations with them? Terry Torrez, who is involved Continued on page 15 als belong, fi nd their identity ... Invite them out for coff ee ... in RCIA at St. James, said, and their purpose in God and Love them and listen to them.” “What I’m learning (is) there’s His Church. “I ask you not to She encouraged parishes to a lot of diff erence in the way give up on my generation,” he provide “spiritual mothers and that I think and the way that concluded. fathers” and to create safe spac- they think.” His wife Emily Burds cov- es where millennials can ask He added that he could see ered much diff erent ground in questions, express their opin- the diff erences even in interac- (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) her energetic and amusing talk. ions and be accepted by people tions at the conference. (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) Nearly every generation was rep- Her do’s and don’ts included, who exude joy and are “burst- “The sense of belonging,” Two participants chuckle while resented at the conference. “Don’t be mean (to them), don’t ing with (Jesus’) love.” millenials seek, was an impor- watching one of the slides.

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Sister Linda Koontz speaks of the fire of the Learn more Holy Spirit at Catholic Charismatic Day of The office of Catholic Renewal in Rochelle April 14. Charismatic Renewal Servic- es regularly sponsors Days ROCHELLE—Freezing many today … do not have of Renewal and other events rain, snow and gusty winds clear understanding of what the to help people become could not prevent the fire of the Gospel message is, she said. more enriched and aware of Holy Spirit from falling upon God is not angry with us. As in the presence, purpose and featured speaker Sister Linda Isaiah 58:9, when we cry out to power of the Holy Spirit. Koontz and those gathered at God, He comes running. Additional information for the Catholic Charismatic Day “Our problem is unbelief,” the office of Catholic Charis- of Renewal on April 14, in the she continued. “We do not be- matic Renewal Services may St. Patrick Parish Center, here. lieve God will help us. To be- be found at rockforddiocese. The event was sponsored by lieve is to put all your weight org/charismaticrenewal/. the diocesan office of Catholic on Him, to lean on Him.” Sister Linda Koontz’s Spirit Charismatic Renewal Services. Sister Linda, a Sister of of the Lord International Nor could the shocking cold, the Holy Names of Jesus and Mission is located at 8900 Mary, has worked for more blustery, April weather pre- A-N Viscount, No. 260, El vent Sister Linda, who traveled than 40 years ministering to Paso, Texas 79925-5897; from the warm climate of El the “poorest of the poor” in email [email protected]. Paso, Texas, from bringing her the garbage dumps of Juarez, message of God’s love, heal- Mexico. There, she said, they she didn’t know what the docu- ing, mercy and the power of the glean the “hot, smelly garbage” (Observer photo/Ron Bergman) ment contained,” she said. Holy Spirit to excited Rockford for enough food to feed their Sister Linda Koontz, SNJM Holding up her Bible for all Diocese residents and at least families. when we have a heart of stone. Sister Linda then further il- one couple from the Minneap- In 1986, she founded Spirit to see she said, “Many of us in God needs to take that heart of lustrated her point with a story. olis, Minn., area, who traveled of the Lord International Mis- the Church are living like that stone and break it and soften it. A minister, she said, visited to listen to her message. sion in El Paso, whose focus is because we have not read and She described that her first en- an old lady who was living in “Don’t be drunk with wine, “evangelization: bringing the studied God’s document. We counter with the “person” of the poverty, was cold and malnour- but be filled with the Holy Spir- Good News of Jesus Christ to do not know what it says. it,” she said, referring to Ephe- the world,” she said. Holy Spirit was through a group ished and couldn’t get out of “We don’t truly know and un- sians 5:18. “Bringing the kingdom in- of young people who helped her bed. As he spoke with her, he derstand the Gospel message.” “Without the fire (of the Holy volves healing the sick, preach- understand and experience the noticed that she had a framed Throughout the day, Sister Spirit) we are like a beautiful ing the Gospel, casting out de- fire of the Holy Spirit. document on the wall, but since Linda spoke of God’s unfail- lamp without electricity,” she mons, praise and worship, and A member of her religious or- she couldn’t read, she didn’t ing love, the Holy Spirit, the continued. “God has given us persecution,” she added. der for more than eight years by know what it said. Paraclete — not the parakeet the Holy Spirit to produce the Through her mission, she pro- that time, she said, “I thought He saw that it was a letter of she quipped — who is a per- fire of God in our hearts. We vides education for the poorest I deserved what they had, be- appreciation written by a for- son, our helper who always is need to know the Holy Spirit children. She also has provided cause I lived in a chapel. But mer employer for whom she by our side. as a person; He’s not just a con- houses for those who lived in they told me, ‘You can live in had worked for more than 50 The day was intermingled cept. He is a person who dwells cardboard shacks, and food, a chicken coop, but that doesn’t years and read that through it with prayer and songs of praise inside of us. He needs to be our medicine and care for families. make you a chicken.’ ” he was giving her a home, in- and worship. Her powerful, en- best friend.” “But we need to be sensitive They prayed for her to receive come, food and care for life. couraging message culminated Sister Linda continued to em- to His promptings,” she says. the “Baptism in the Holy Spir- Yet, she still was living in pov- with a 45-minute prayer ses- phasize our need to know the We can’t feel the presence and it.” That encounter and experi- erty with an orphan mentality. sion and healing service. person of the Holy Spirit: “But promptings of the Holy Spirit ence changed her life, she said. “Because she could not read, — Ron Bergman Busy Bishop Lane Retreat Center Ready to Serve More ROCKFORD—Bishop Lane Rockford Dioicese. director Kristen Sapoznik. is “really busy,” Sapoznik says. Retreat Center, west of Rock- “We always like to say out The center, with its acres of “We have dates all the way ford, has changed its style of here we connect the Word of woods, prayerful walking areas through 2020.” service over its 51 years in the God to the world of God,” says and variety of housing options, But, she adds, “We welcome new groups.” A DeKalb native, she re- members coming to the retreat center for “Catholic and Cool” kids retreats and Newman Cen- ter NIK retreats from her student days at Northern Illinois University. Sapoznik describes the center staff’s job as making sure their guests’ retreats run smoothly. Years ago, when the old Fam- ily Life Office was headquar- tered at the retreat center, there were more diocesan-developed retreats. Over the years, that (Observer photo/Sharon Boehlefeld)) has changed. Kristen Sapoznik “We’re really just like a host,” is serving more diocesan than she says. Parishes, schools and non-diocesan groups. other groups who use the fa- Despite their busy schedule, cilities “do the program, bring Sapoznik encourages diocesan their own speakers and priests groups to “Remember we’re (for Masses).” here.” For the occasional non-dioc- Info: http://www.bishoplane. esan Catholic group, Sapoznik org, 815/965-5011, bishoplane@ says, “Sometimes we help them rockforddiocese.org. find a priest.” Right now, though, the center — Sharon Boehlefeld Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 15 EWTN Radio Host Speaks to Rockford Legatus Members ROCKFORD—Father Larry Richards, nationally known speaker, preacher, retreat master, author and host of the EWTN radio show, “The Reason For Our Hope” was the featured speaker at the Rockford Chapter of Legatus during its March meeting. Father Richards’ message focused on “How To Get More Out of Confession.”

(Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) Legatus member Judy Thompson said his Enthusiastic conversations between members of multiple generations message “was passionate and a no-nononsense pop up around the room at the Millennial Church Conference, April 12. approach and a lively discussion followed his message as he connected with everyone in at- tendance.” Millennials Present ... Bishop David Malloy celebrated Mass for the group and said in his homily that when Lega- From page 13 out to millennials; and “Two tus members stand together with the Church in going to take two six packs of Significant Impacts” that witnessing the Catholic faith, they “stand with La Croix water and ask them if might take a bit longer to ac- Christ.” they’ve been adulting.’ ” complish; and finally “One “We’re going to be asked to be faithful wit- Turczynski said there are 10 Game Changer.” nesses,” he continued, adding the world needs millennials in his family. The challenges generated the the truth of Christ. “Our task is to be faithful, to Several representatives of last several minutes of enthusi- be joyful … to keep our eyes on Christ,” he said. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in astic discussion among partici- The Rockford Legatus Chapter is one of three Freeport attended the confer- pants. in the diocese. Monthly meetings share insight, ence. Jennifer Collins, director of (Photo provided) experience, and perspectives. Meetings begin “I learned ... if we treat them the diocesan office of Life and Father Larry Richards, who hosts the EWTN radio with confession, rosary and Mass followed by with love in hearts, they will Family Evangelization, which show called “The Reason For Our Hope,” spoke to dynamic speakers, dinner and fellowship. come back,” said Julie Dorsney, co-sponsored the conference, Rockford Legatus members in March. Legatus member Mike Thompson said, “One a coordinator of religious edu- was “absolutely” pleased with of the reasons I enjoy Legatus is because it’s a to hold hands, talk and pray together, graced by cation. the turnout. unique date night with my spouse. ... a moment the Holy Spirit.” Barb Hemesath, who works “It was so exhilarating,” she with liturgy, said, “We have to said. “It filled me with so much personally invite them and find hope to see so much parish What is Legatus? out what their interests are.” leadership, school leadership, leaders and spouses nationwide. Gabby Williams, herself a ... come to be part of this con- Legatus members are business leaders — Legatus members also have access to re- millennial who is active in versation.” men and women with varying interests and sources, including a website, directories, and youth ministry at the parish, Collins said she looks for- diverse talents who all share one overriding newsletters. said, “It was very encouraging. ward to “continuing this con- goal: to become better Catholics and, in turn, Business leaders who wish to deepen their What a way to change our lives versation” throughout the dio- influence their business and personal lives. relationship with Christ, and experience how and ministries and flip them cese. The goal of Legatus is to study, live and that can make a difference in all aspects of life upside down in a good way.” At the end, as at the begin- spread the faith in business, professional and may apply for membership in Legatus online It’s important to reach out “to ning of the day, all four pre- personal lives. Legatus now has over 90 chap- at www.Legatus.org the current and future Church senters encouraged the men ters that includes over 5,000 Catholic business Info: Joann Kress, [email protected], 815/885-9009. ... in a way that will bring peo- and women before them to ple back to Christ, which is our “pray intentionally” for millen- goal as the Church,” she said. nials and believe in “the power As the afternoon session of intercessory prayer” and the wound down, those gathered work of the Holy Spirit. were asked to come up with — Penny Wiegert and Sharon “Three Quick Hits” that they Boehlefeld contributed to this could do right away to reach story.

Millennial resources Sites to help millennials reach out to each other or to help anyone interested in learning more about millennials, how to reach them, and how to talk to them about the faith, include: i.d.9:16 — The organization aims to help young adults (20s- 30s) become active disciples of Christ. “Game Changer” is an i.d.9:16 publication. Info: www.id916.com/ Alpha Catholic Context — In addition to active evangelization through conversations in cafés, churches, universi- ties and homes, the group also provides a variety of pamphlets to help millennials and those who want to reach them learn about (Observer photo/S. Boehlefeld) the Catholic faith. Info: https://alphausa.org/ catholic Brew City Catholic — An Archdiocese of Milwaukee program for 20s and 30s, the website is full of information. Info: www.archmil.org/Brew-City-Catholic.htm 16 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Diocesan Elgin Women Invited to Help with Mother’s Day Gift Packing Session By Pat Szpekowski items such as: wash cloths, Siena in West Dundee. gift to every Rite of Christian Elgin Deanery whose women Observer Correspondent soap, toothbrushes and tooth- The bags will be assembled Initiation of Adults (RCIA) parisioners are eligible to join paste, combs, razors, small on May 10 at St. Catherine of candidate in the Elgin Dean- EDCCW are St. Joseph and St. ELGIN—Catholic women shaving cream, hygiene prod- Siena in the McKinstra Room. ery. Gifts have included a Mary in Elgin and St. Monica are filling Mother’s Day gift ucts, purse-size tissue, small EDCCW members and oth- small crucifix, rosary, finger in Carpentersville. bags for less fortuate women notepads, pens and pencils. ers interested in helping to rosary, pamphlet on how to The council is one of seven for the 15th time this spring. Items can be dropped off pack the bags should bring a pray the rosary and the mirac- deanery Councils of Catholic Members of the Elgin Dean- through May 6 at St. Laurence dish to pass, salad, and des- ulous medal. Women that are active in the ery Council of Catholic Wom- and St. Thomas More parish- serts to share after the gift “This year we gave a special diocese. en (EDCCW) are seeking does in Elgin, St. Patrick in St. bags are filled. RCIA coin and a laminated “Since my retirement, I nations of essential personal Charles and St. Catherine of Non-member volunteers are prayer of the Holy Spirit,” wanted to get involved in an welcome to assist and get to Tynor said. organization that truly makes know the members and about In June the women treat cur- a difference,” said Paula Da- the EDCCW’s mission. rent and retired religious sis- vidson of St. Patrick, who The gift bags are distributed ters from the Elgin Deanery serves as secretary. to local women’s shelters in to a lunch or dinner and in the “It’s about the great people, the Fox Valley area including fall they collect back to school too,” said President Linda the Community Crisis Center supplies for distribution at Meyer of St. Laurence Parish and TLC Pregnancy Center in F.I.S.H. Food Pantry in Car- in Elgin. Elgin; Corbella Clinic in South pentersville and Hosanna Lu- “We would like to grow our Elgin; and Lazarus House in theran Church in St. Charles. membership and are happy to St. Charles. welcome new members,” adds Additional items are also Why join EDCCW Vice President Mary Danyluk taken to F.I.S.H Food Pantry The reasons women have be- of St. Catherine of Siena Par- in Carpentersville and the St. come involved in the EDCCW ish. Vincent de Paul office at St. include the simple but power- The council meets six to Patrick Church in St. Charles. ful focus on faith and fellow- eight times a year on the sec- “We have assembled any- ship to do good and help oth- ond Tuesday of the month at where from 100 to 200 bags ers. each year,” said treasurer Mar- Current members of the one of the Elgin Deanery par- ilyn Tynor of St. Catherine of EDCCW are from St. Cath- ishes and is flexible with day Siena parish. “It’s such a good erine of Siena, West Dundee; or evening meetings. feeling to help women in our St. John Neumann and St. Pat- Membership is open to any own communities.” rick, St. Charles; St. Laurence woman who is a member of an The group does other acts of and St. Thomas More, Elgin; Elgin Deanery parish. kindness throughout the year. and St. Mary, Gilberts. Info: President Linda Meyer at In the spring it provides a Additional parishes in the [email protected]

(Observer photos/Dan Szpekowski) Over 100 Mother’s Day gift bags filled with donated essential items were distributed by the Elgin Deanery Council of Catholic Women to area women’s shelters in 2017. On May 10, women will be packing bags to be delivered this year.

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Rome & Ireland ...... June 10-22, 2018 Budapest to Prague ...... June 2019 Oberammergau Passion Play & Holy Land ...... June 2020 CINDY NICOLOSI TRAVEL .....serving all your travel needs Cindy Nicolosi, CTC Officers of the Elgin Deanery Council of Catholic Women were surprised to find boxes of toothpaste and 1340 Dresden Rd., Davis, IL 61019 [email protected] hand sanitizers donated for this year’s 15th annual Mother’s Day gift bag project. Officers are (from left) Cell: (815) 298-7460 Home/Ofﬁ ce: (815) 248-3106 Mary Danyluk, secretary; Paula Davidson, vice president; Linda Meyer, president and Marilyn Tynor, treasurer. D iocesan T he Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 17 Hundreds Confirmed at St. Joseph Parish in Elgin By Margarita Sanchez del Rio. to be a better Christian in her group, which provide “follow- of young people next year. Mendoza “When the soldiers told him life,” said her sponsor Estefanía up with the young people so That’s the biggest blessing,” El Observador Editor that if he did not renounce his Sánchez. they continue growing in the Father Dominguez said. faith they would kill him, (his) “I feel happy, grateful to God faith, and continue with the dy- In addition to the mega-cer- ELGIN—Fifteen young answer was ‘Long live Christ that it is another moment for namics, with the games, with emony in Elgin, St. Nicholas people with special needs were the King,’ ” said the bishop. Lupita, another sacrament that the themes (because) part of Parish in Aurora had a group of among a group of about 300 Even when the 14-year- is being fulfilled in her life,” those young people will be- 250 people receiving confirma- from St. Joseph Parish, here, old was tortured and forced said Guadalupe’s mom, Jose- come the leaders for the group tion on April 21. who were confirmed at St. Pat- ‘to walk to the cemetery and fina Vargas. rick Parish in St. Charles on the soldiers gave him the last Having such a big number is April 20. chance (to) renounce Jesus a challenge that about 20 people It is not the first time that Christ and (his) Catholic faith helped to coordinate, according St. Joseph in Elgin hosts mega ... , his answer was, ‘Broth- to Sister Carmen Trejo, MRF, events for confirmation, first ers I’m going to pray for you who works with the parish. Communion or matrimony. because I want all of us to be The event took “a lot of com- “That is the reality of our par- united together in heaven be- mitment and (provided) a great ish,” said Father Jesus Domin- fore God.’ And he died. We see satisfaction because at the end guez, pastor. “We are many, we how the gift of the Holy Spirit everyone was calm, (because Saturday, May 5, 2018 are very blessed in St. Joseph, is true,” the bishop said. of) the work God is going to where (parishioners) feel wel- Young women attended in ‘pay’ us,” she said. 9:00 AM—2:00 PM come, at home, and we have to white dresses while boys wore For her, “the biggest chal- St. Peter Catholic Church attend to those we have. We do white shirts with ties, some lenge was to educate (the chil- 1891 Kaneville Road it with a lot of love and love for even in suits. dren’s) parents because the Geneva, IL 60134 the kingdom of God.” One of the confirmands with education has to start from par- Dr. Peter Kreeft, known as During his homily, Bishop special needs was Guadalupe ents.” one of the world’s foremost 9:00—9:20 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast McLoughlin Hall experts in Christian 9:25 AM Welcome, Prayer and Introductions Church David Malloy spoke about Sanchez, 15. While many come for the apologetics, is a professor of philosophy at Boston College . 9:30-11:00 AM Dr, Kreeft Keynote Address Part 1 Church one of the darkest times of the Dr. Kreeft’s witty writing “I feel happy because I’m sacrament, not all realize the 11:00-11:30 AM Eucharistic Adoration Church covers a variety of subjects Catholic Church in Mexico, the part of her journey, in this goal meaning of the sacrament, she from moral relativism to 11:30 AM—12:30 PM Lunch (McLoughlin Hall) McLoughlin Hall angels and demons to 12:30-2:00 PM Dr, Kreeft Keynote Address Part 2* Church Cristero War and of a young that all us have of being con- said. surfing. Dr. Kreeft is a man from those times, St. Jose firmed… and teaching her how She recognizes that “the convert to the Catholic 2:00 PM Dismissal Church from *At the completion of Part 2, we plan to have a Q & A session as time allows. most satisfying thing is to see Reformed Protestantism. all these young people taking Evangelization & Discipleship Seminar Registration—Saturday, May 5, 2018 the sacrament because many Registration Fee: $35

are left halfway. We were very Name: ______How did you hear about this event? sad because one of the boys Parish/City: ______was in the hospital” and had Email: ______Dietary Considerations for Lunch? to miss the confirmation. His Phone: ______Cut out and return with your check (payable to “St. Peter Church”) to the Adult Formation Department , ATTN: Melinda at mother spoke to Sister Carmen St. Peter Catholic Church • 1891 Kaneville Road • Geneva, IL • 60134 that morning. (630) 232-0124, ext. 126 Father Domínguez said confirmation is “great blessing for our Hispanic community, great work of the sisters, catechists, support of the bishop. “The challenge is to keep all this group immersed in the Bishop David Malloy confirms one of the nearly 300 young members faith,” he added. of St. Joseph Parish in Elgin at a ceremony April 20 at St. Patrick Parish In the parish, there are both in St. Charles. a Saturday and a Sunday youth At HomeStart, we are committed to providing FREE financial capabilities classes and one-on- one counselling to help support communities with housing stability and financial wellness. Whether it is buying a new home or increasing your financial fitness, we want to help you learn how to make your money work for you.

(Observer photos/Margarita Mendoza) — Core Services — Father Jesus Dominguez, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Elgin, blesses nearly 300 confirmands on April 20. The group included 15 young people with special needs. Community Building and Engagement Financial Capabilities Diocesan CCW Homeownership Services Officers Installed After the April 7 business meeting in Rockford, Msgr. Thomas Dzielak celebrated Mass and installed the new Diocesan Council of Catholic Women officers. They are (from left) Cathy Call our office if you have questions, to find out Vendemia, president; Sharon Schindler, vice president; more about HomeStart’s counseling, financial Carol Linkenheld, secretary; workshops, or if you would like to support our and Jean Nosek, treasurer. mission to create sustainable homeownership. To find out more about the Diocesan Council of 803 N. Church St. Rockford IL Catholic Women contact 815.962.2011 President Cathy Vendemia 27 W. Stephenson St. Freeport IL at 815/765-3384 or email her at c.vendemia@yahoo. 815.232.6197

(Observer photo/Penny Wiegert) com or ask at your parish. www.nwhomestart.org 18 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | T he Observer Diocesan Seminarian Helps Put Poor Clares Online By Penny Wiegert uate Kyle Beckett. Beckett is a Editor professional artist who gave his time and sketches for the site. ROCKFORD—Seminar- Reichardt said he received ian Jack Reichardt says he was great technical assistance from called in prayer to do some- Joe Schneider of the Rockford thing for the Poor Clare nuns. Diocese’s Information Tech- He decided to use a hobby of nology Department and he his to benefit not only the nuns received advice and direction but also the outside world. from Caroline Frame. Now his project is “live” for Reichardt said it took about the world to see and share at two weeks to build the site, then www.rockfordpoorclares.org. took additional time to make Last fall, Reichardt ex- sure all details were correct changed letters with the Poor and “functioning properly.” Clares Mother Abbess, Mother Especially now that Abbie Maria Dominica Stein, seeking Reese’s documentary, “Chosen permission to build a new web- (Custody of the Eyes)” is be- site for the local monastery. He ing seen, the young seminarian met with her in January. wanted a “beautiful, inviting Together they built a site that and prayerful” place for people serves two important purposes, Reichardt says: to find out more about the life n To appeal to an audience of and vocation of the Poor Clares. those women who may be dis- Reichardt said news from the cerning a call to the consecrat- Poor Clares is in the “ ‘Latest’ ed life as a Poor Clare nun, and section of the site, such as some n To appeal to the faithful public events they are having who would like to visit with the starting on April 28.” Poor Clares in prayer. One of the sisters, who gen- Reichardt took a web design erally try to remain anonymous course as a student at Boylan as individuals, left a phone Central Catholic High School in message for The Observer. Rockford. “We were grateful when “I loved it so much that I did Rockford seminarian Jack independent study,” he said. Reichardt offered his time and “I continue in that hobby and talents to update our website,” now when I help out at a parish, she said. “His deliberation and that’s one of the first things I do prayerfulness ... impressed … work on their websites,” he us very much. And his com- said, laughing. petence to create a site that is Reichardt also loves the Poor simple but beautiful and which Clares and wanted to build effectively reflects our way something that reflected their of life has been crowned with “beautiful life, that was chaste success. We are grateful to him and pure and prayerful.” and to those who contributed He said Mother Dominica valuable feedback as well as to helped him complete the prayer the patrons of the monastery (Observer photo) portion of the site, which he and the assistance of the Dio- The home screen of www.rockfordpoorclares.org features rotating mages from the monastery across the top. considered the hardest part. cese of Rockford in maintain- Reichardt said he got “im-LENTing the - 2015 site on our behalf. May mense help” from a long-time God reward you all and Mary Hear the Poor Clares in Song friend and fellow Boylan grad- crown all your efforts.” One of several “byproducts” of the decade-long collaboration between the Poor Clare Colettines of Rockford and independent researcher Abbie Reese is a CD featuring the sisters in song. All proceeds from the sale of the CD’s, which cost $15 each, go to the Poor The Catholic Clares. The CD is available at the monastery at 2111 S. Main St. in Rockford. Other outcomes of the collaboration is the film, “Chosen Gift Store (Custody of the Eyes),” which had two sold out performances in Rockford and is scheduled for three showings in Chicago. For dates

and details, visit www.chosenthefilm.com. (Observer photo) Quality Traditional Catholic The Catholic Women’s League is inviting diocesan women Gifts & Books to experience spiritual growth, volunteerism and social interaction.

Any woman or girl who is a practicing Catholic or Lent  Easter supports the philosophy and goals of the League Rosaries  Bracelets  Statues  Medals  Cruciﬁ xes is eligible to become a member. Conﬁ rmation  Communion  Baptism Formed in 1909, it was the vision of then-Bishop Peter J. Music  Video  Books  Medjugorje Muldoon to provide opportunities for Catholic women to come together for spiritual growth, volunteerism and social M-F 10A-6P SAT 11A-3P SUN CLOSED interaction. Activities include LaPromesse lunch and silent auction fundraiser, www.thecatholicgiftstore.com blanket workshop, Sewing and Reachout guilds, Day of Re ection 1-815-787-0802 and the Easter Basket Project. DeKalb, Illinois For information call 815-282-4933. The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 19

ROCKFORD DIOCESE 2018 DIOCESAN APPEAL

ONE ANOTHER

, 12ENROLLED IN CATHOLIC000 SCHOOLS LGRADES PRE-K TO 12 ove

22SEMINARIANS STUDYING FOR THE DIOCESAN PRIESTHOOD , 106PEOPLE AND MORE ASSISTED000 BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES LAST YEAR , 1LAY MINISTERS380 CERTIFIED SINCE THE LAY MINISTRY FORMATION PROGRAM BEGAN IN 1987

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” , –JOHN 15:12 25STUDENTS ENROLLED000 IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS www.rockforddiocese.org/donate 20 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer

ROCKFORD DIOCESE 2018 DIOCESAN APPEAL

MY DEAR BROTHERS CHANCERY AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, Bishop’s and Priests’ Household In the Gospel of John, Jesus commands from education and ideas for their Chancery Administration Chancery Buildings us to “Love One Another.” parish programs for young people. Legal and Auditing Services

Love One Another is a challenge in Loving outreach beyond parish DEPT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES a world where Christ’s love is greatly boundaries happens through our Campus Ministry needed and at times rarely seen. But Catholic Charities offices in its work Catholic Education Office this call to give hope and forgiveness, on behalf of people whose lives can Ministry Formation Office comfort and support as Jesus gives improve with professional counseling, them is possible, especially once we emergency services, advocacy and DEPT OF FINANCIAL AND draw from the great love that Jesus life instruction. ADMIN SERVICES has for us. Charitable Giving Office A handful of other Internal Audit Office The Diocese of Rockford ministries to help us Research and Planning Office provides ministries and “Love One Another is all love one another Retired Priests’ Health Insurance programs that share a challenge in a world are provided Retired Priests’ Pension Christ’s love with others. through this appeal Health Insurance Program Your generous support including prison DEPT OF PASTORAL SERVICES of the 2018 Diocesan greatly needed…” and jail ministry, the Deaf Apostolate Appeal will help Jesus’ deaf apostolate, LiFE Office/ Youth Ministry love to be known and imitated in college campus ministry, lay ministry Bishop Lane Retreat Center the Rockford Diocese. Funds raised formation and assistance to our through this appeal serve people retired priests. DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES of all ages through a number of Catholic Charities/ Immigration With your help, the Rockford Diocese St. Elizabeth Catholic Comm Center parish-based and diocesan-wide can continue to share the love of His ministries and programs. Sacred Heart and shine His light into DIOCESAN CURIA Your support allows us first of all to the world. Diocesan Clergy Ministry-Vicar for Clergy educate and prepare our seminarians Thank you for your generosity, Diocesan Tribunal for ordination to the priesthood. These Divine Worship Office young men will help ensure the future Hispanic Ministry-Vicar’s Office availability of the sacraments of Jesus’ Hispanic Regional Ministries love, including baptism, confession and Permanent Diaconate Office Most Reverend the unsurpassable gift of the Eucharist. Seminarian Education David J. Malloy Vocations Office This appeal instructs and trains BISHOP OF ROCKFORD permanent deacons. It supports the DIOCESAN AFFILIATIONS many programs for engaged and Vatican Assessment married couples through the LiFE Office. U.S. Conference of Youth ministers and catechists benefit Catholic Bishops Catholic Conference of Illinois

25,000 STUDENTS are involved in religious education through THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD recruits, trains, and forms our their parishes and high schools. The Catholic Education Ofﬁce 22 seminarians who will be our future priests serving in our supports parish youth ministers through gatherings, catechetical parishes. We are also grateful for our 118 Active and 55 leader training and more. SPRED (Special Religious Education Retired Priests that serve all of us in the Diocese. Development) provides faith formation for those with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 21

HOW YOUR GIFT TO THE 2018 APPEAL IS USED THROUGHOUT THE DIOCESE

DIOCESAN AFFILIATIONS Ways toGive: 4%

22% ONLINE GIVING 19% CHANCERY DIOCESAN CURIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT WITHDRAWAL 17% BANK BILL PAY DEPT OF FINANCIAL AND APPRECIATED STOCK 15% ADMIN SERVICES DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES MUTUAL FUND EMPLOYER 8% MATCHING GIFT DEPT OF 15% PASTORAL DEPT OF SERVICES EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

It is through your generous gift to the 2018 Diocesan Appeal that we can continue to bring the love of Jesus to those in need and teach the faith to young and old alike. That work takes form in many different diocesan ministries. www.rockforddiocese.org/donate

THE LAY MINISTRY FORMATION PROGRAM started in 1987. OVER 106,000 PEOPLE were assisted by Catholic Currently there are eighty-one enrolled in the two year program. Charities last year. Programs include Adolescent Outreach, 1,380 have completed the program and so many continue to Refugee Resettlement, Immigration, Counseling, Job offer their time and gifts to parishes throughout the Diocese. Training, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, St. Elizabeth Center, and more. 22 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Diocesan Sterling Students Earn Poster Honors For Kids Students at St. Mary School in BATAVIA Holy Cross, 2300 Main St. Sterling who earned honors in Totus Tuus the Optimist Club’s annual post- June 24-28, 7- 9:15 pm; seventh-12th grade. er contest are (from left) Sam June 25-29, 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; first-sixth grade. Francque, second place boys; Cost: $25 per child; $50 family maximum. Scholarships Sam Mauch, first place boys; and available. Olivia Clark, second place girls. Info: https://holycross-batavia.org/summer- programs Their art teacher is Jim Duis. Sam Mauch’s poster will advance to BELVIDERE St. James School, 320 Logan Ave. district competition. (Photo provided) Totus Tuus June 11-15, 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m., first through sixth graders. June 10-14, 7-9 p.m., seventh through 12 th graders. ATD News in Brief Cost: $30 per child. Info: Barbara Graybiel, b.graybiel@stjamesbelvidere. CWL invites members, reminisce. This celebration is open to all St. Peter alumni, org, 815/544-3698 parishioners, students and friends. Those with memora- ROCKFORD plans spring event Bishop Lane Retreat Center, 7708 McGregor Road bilia, pictures, stories or more may bring them to share. ROCKFORD—A membership drive, a Mass for peace Sponsor: Diocesan Vocations Office Old school trophies, athletic jerseys, and other items will June 24-27 and a spring luncheon are all on the agenda for the be auctioned. RSVPs requested. St. Therese camp: For girls entering seventh grade Catholic Women’s League. Activities include LaPromesse through college (programs vary by age). Cost: $90 lunch and silent auction fundraiser, blanket workshop, Info: 630/892-1283 per person. Info: https://www.rockforddiocese.org/ Sewing and Reachout guilds, Day of Reflection and an vocations/vocation-camps/ Easter Basket Project. Rockford Carmelites traveling to July 8-11 Any woman or girl who is a practicing Catholic or sup- Holy Hill in Wisconsin July 16 Jeremiah Days camp: For boys entering junior high through ninth grade. Cost: $90 per person. ports the philosophy and goals of the Catholic Women’s ROCKFORD—Adult Catholics in good standing with Info: https://www.rockforddiocese.org/vocations/ League may become a member. Fees are: one-year — the Church who are 21 to 65 and interested in explor- vocation-camps/ $15; $10, 65 and older; $50, patrons. Send a check pay- ing the possibility of a vocation as a secular member of able to Catholic Women’s League along with name, the Discalced Carmelite Order are welcome to join the Elsewhere address, phone number and home parish to Catholic Community of the Holy Innocents on their annual trip Women’s League, 1030 N. Second St., Rockford, Il 61107. May 5 to Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wis., on July 16. Visitors to their Info: 815/282-4933 DEPERE - CHAMPION, WIS. monthly Rockford meetings will be welcome August- 6th Walk to Mary: Old St. Joseph Church at St. Mass and luncheon: On May 9, the annual Mass for October. Members come from throughout the diocese. Norbert College, 316 Third St., DePere, to National peace will be celebrated by Bishop David Malloy at 10 Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help, 4047 Chapel Dr., The Discalced Carmelites’ “Rule of Life” is at www.ocd. a.m. at the Poor Clares Corpus Christi Monastery chapel, Champion. Info: http://www.walktomary.com/ pcn.net/ocds_Aen.htm. 2111 S. Main St., Rockford. The spring luncheon will fol- May 25-27, 31 low at 11:30 a.m. at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club, Info: [email protected]; 815/395-0566 CHICAGO 5151 Guilford Road, Rockford. Luncheon cost is $20 per “Chosen” screenings: 8:15 p.m. May 25, 5 p.m. May Sycamore mission trip has openings 26, 7:30 p.m. May 27, 8 p.m. May 31; Gene Siskel Film person. Registration deadline is May 4. Center,164 N. State St. Chicago premier of “Chosen Info: Joanne Heckinger, 815/397-6933 SYCAMORE—The Mission Team from St. Mary Parish (Custody of the Eyes),” a film about the Poor Clares has room for more participants to join them for a Catho- of Rockford in collaboration with independent St. Peter School celebrates lic Heart Work Camp in New Orleans, June 9-16. Students researcher Abbie Reese. Cost: $11 per person. Info: www.facebook.com/Chosenfilm/ or http://www. 87 years May 20 entering ninth- through 12th-grades, young adults 21 siskelfilmcenter.org/chosen AURORA—On May 20, St. Peter School, 915 Sard Ave., and younger, and adults of all ages may attend. Cost is June 8-10 is celebrating its 87-year legacy before it closes its doors $595 and includes travel on a charter bus. Fundraising MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL in June and prepares to become part of Pope St. John opportunities are available. The week is filled with ser- Singles conference: times vary; Hilton Airport Mall vice, daily Mass, praise and worship and new friends. of America, Minneapolis/St. Paul. National Catholic Paul II Catholic Academy. The day will begin with Mass at Singles Conference. Cost: $279; lodging extra. Info: St. Peter Church at 9:30 a.m. After Mass, participants will Info: http://heartworkcamp.com; Carolyne Schoen, http://www.nationalcatholicsingles.com/ share memories, laughs, and perhaps a few tears as they [email protected] June 22-28 CHICAGO ECHO: times vary; St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. A Theology of the Body Camp. Young adults: June Experience St. Joseph Catholic School Tradition 22-28; teens: June 25-28. Cost: $399. Info: http:// dumboxministries.com/echo/ July 8-10 SPRINGFIELD Faith camp: Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St. For up to 25 girls entering sixth- through ninth- grade. Register by June 22. Cost: $50. Info: from Sister Teresa Marron, OP, 217/787-0481 or SrTeresa@ spdom.org July 20-22 St. Joseph School continues its tradition as a leader in education offering DIOCESE OF PEORIA an exceptional educational experience enhanced with: Rachel’s Vineyard retreat: Confidential retreat 3 Year Old Preschool through Kindergarten including Full Day Programs • for Spanish-speaking women and men recovering • Challenging Academics and Gifted Programs • Small Student to Teacher Ratio after abortion. Info: Cathy Trowbridge, 309/264- • Music, Gym, Computers, Spanish, Art and Drama Classes 1489, [email protected], www.cdop.org/rachels- • Before and After School Care vineyard • Extra Curricular Activities: Basketball, Volleyball (4th-8th) and Clubs • Weekly Mass and Service Buddy Activities July 27-28 LA CROSSE, WIS. Registration is ongoing for the 2018-2019 School Year Marian Conference: Shrine of Our Lady of 3 year-old Preschool thru Grade 8 Guadalupe, 5250 Justin Road. Sponsor: Queen of Schedule a tour to appreciate all that St. Joseph has to offer your (Photo provided) the Americas Guild. Speakers: Cardinal Raymond child because…great beginnings last a lifetime! Burke, Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Bishop Crystal Lake Students Help Arturo Cepeda, Msgr. Eduardo Chavez and others. Others with Crayon Collection Cost: $115 per person (lodging separate). Info: www. queenoftheamericasguild.org Andrew Hay (left), a second-grader at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Crystal Lake, accepts a large Sept. 29-30 DES MOINES, IOWA donation of crayons from Ella and Colin Piedmonte Christ Our Life conference: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 to his service project, The Crayon Initiative. Andrew Center St. Regional conference. Speakers: Cardinal is collecting used crayons to donate to the Crayon Thomas Collins, Bishop Robert Barron, Father Leon Initiative, which will then recycle the crayons and Pereira, OP, and others. Cost: $25 adult; $15 student 274 Division Street, Elgin, IL donate to children staying at Children’s Hospitals age 6 through college; free, children 5 and younger. 847-931-2804 across the country. Info: www.christourlifeiowa.com Around the Diocese The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 23

June 1-4 Easter Clip and save BELVIDERE Triduum DIOCESE Rummage sale: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June Servers Project Rachel: Program to 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 2, 11:30 a.m.- help those suffering after3 p.m. June 3, 8-10 a.m. June 4; Young men of abortion. Info: 815/387-3379, St. James School gym, 320 Logan all ages were [email protected]; Ave. Donation drop off 4-7 p.m. servers during May 29; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 30. Info: hopeafterabortion.com, 888/456- the Easter Monce Vazquez, 815/547-7633, 4673 [email protected] Triduum at St. Patrick Parish June 2 in Rochelle. Going on Now SOMONAUK Corpus Christi procession: 6 p.m.; BATAVIA St. John the Baptist, 320 S. Depot 6th Car raffle: Knights of Columbus St. Info: www.stjbsom.org, info@ Council 2191 are selling raffle stjbsom.org tickets for a 2018 Ford or $25,000. Drawing will be June 9. Cost: $100 June 13 Deadline: For June 22 What’s Up per ticket. Info: www.kc2191.org (Photo provided) (for events June 25-July 9; note two- week listing. Watch for updates at Save the Date What’s Up+plus at http://observer. rockforddiocese.org/whats-up+plus) May 9 What’s Up LOVES PARK June 14-16 MCHENRY Made for More: 7-9 p.m.; St. ROCKFORD doors open, 2 p.m. auction; St. 56th Rummage sale: 9 a.m.- Bridget, 600 Clifford Ave. Sponsors: Wed May 2 6 p.m. June 14 and 15, 9 a.m.- Golf outing: 1 p.m.; Westlake Golf Mary of the Assumption Novak St. Bridget, Loves Park; St. Rita and noon June 16; St Mary, 1405 N. Course, 3820 Westlake Village Dr., Center, 125 S. County Line Road. Holy Family, Rockford. Speakers: Deadline for May 11 What’s Up Grand Ave. Sponsor: St. Mary Additional paddles and quarters, Christopher West and Mike (for events May 14-20) Winnebago. Sponsor: Knights CCW. Info: Ann Schmidt, 815/575- food and beverages also on sale. Mangione. Topic: Life, love and of Columbus. Proceeds for a 1013, [email protected]; New items will be auctioned. human destiny. Cost: $20. Info: church or school in the Rockford stmarymchenryil.org Msgr. Dan Deutsch or Father Ryan Thu May 3 Diocese. Best Ball dinner, 6 p.m., Cost: $5 includes one bidding June 15 paddle and door prize entry. Info: Browning, 815/633-6311 or fr.ryan. ELGIN St. James, 428 N. Second St. Cost: [email protected] BATAVIA $60 for golf; $25 for dinner only. [email protected] 16th Golf outing: Orchard Valley Pro-life banquet: 6:30 p.m.; ROCKFORD Info: Peter Smith, 815/227-4616, MCHENRY Golf Course, Sponsor: Holy Cross CWL Mass and luncheon: 10 a.m. Stonegate Conference Center, Parish. Proceeds for St. Vincent [email protected] Touch a Heart in Haiti: 6-9 p.m.; Mass, Poor Clares Corpus Christi 2401 Higgins Road, Hoffman de Paul Society. 18 holes, cart, ST. CHARLES Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 Monastery, 2111 S. Main St.; 11:30 Estates. Proceeds for TLC dinner, beer and “flamingo punch,” W. Bull Valley Road. 11th annual a.m. luncheon, Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Pregnancy Services. Speaker: Garden market: 8 a.m.-12:30 $10,000 hole-in-one prize. Info: Country Club, 5151 Guilford Road. spring fundraiser to support https://squareup.com/store/svdp- Melissa Ohden, abortion p.m.; St. Patrick, 6N491 Crane Sponsor: Catholic Women’s League. Haitian mountain village school, holycross survivor. Free; donations Road. Sponsor: Knights of Mass for Peace celebrated by Bishop Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. homes, and more. Evening June 18-19 requested. Info: 847/622-1235, David Malloy. Luncheon RSVP due www.tlcpregnancyservices.com Perennials, full and half flats of breakfast, Haitian-style activities May 4. Cost: $20 per person. Info: BELVIDERE annuals; bird feeders and houses, for all ages, brick sale, 50/50 Joanne Heckinger, 815/397-6933 Parish mission: 6:30-9 p.m.; St. ROCKFORD painted garden chairs and more. raffle, silent auction, handmade James School gym, 320 Logan 36th Rosary-making day: 9 rosaries and artwork. Cost: in May 11 Ave. Speaker: John Kippley. Topic: Kids’ can paint and assemble a.m.-3 p.m.; St. Edward, 3004 11th advance — $20 adult, $10 for ELGIN Humanae Vitae. Free; donations Mother’s Day gifts. Order Mother’s Day flower sale: accepted. Info: Cathy Vendemia, St. Rosary, Mass and 11:30 a.m. annuals before sale at www. children 5 and younger; at the Proceeds for TLC Pregnancy Care [email protected], lunch break. Veteran and new door — $25 adults; $10 children. Center. Info: 847/622-1235 stcgardenmarket.com. Cost: 815/547-6397 volunteers welcome. Donations varies. Info: Julia Fitzpatrick- Info: Lynette Reid, 815/ 451-3432; catholicassistancemissions.org May 12 July 4 requested to pay for materials. Cooper, 630/248-0413 HUNTLEY Independence Day Info: 815/229-0282 Find more events at http://www. End of life seminar: 9 a.m.-noon; Diocesan Administration Center Women’s Cursillo: (through May rockforddiocese.org/calendar.php or St. Mary Parish Hall, 10307 Dundee closed Sun May 6 on The Observer Catholic Newspaper Road. Topics: Church teachings 6) Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Facebook page and on our blog, about end of life; legal issues; July 28-29 7708 E. McGregor Road. Retreat MAPLE PARK What’s Up+plus at http://observer. funeral pre-planning. Free. Info: BELVIDERE in Spanish. Cost: $100. Info: Parish festival: 5-9 p.m. July 28; Quarter Craze auction: 1 p.m. rockforddiocese.org/whats-up+plus Mary Lou Manion, 847/669-3137, Marisela Garcia, 630/853-9202; [email protected] 7-11 a.m. and 1-6 p.m. July 29; https://sites.google.com/view/ St. James School, 320 Logan Ave. cursilloenespanolrockford/cursillo, JOHNSBURG Activities in gym and side parking Magnificat breakfast: 8:30 a.m.- lot. July 28 alumni cookout. July cristocuentacontigorockford@ Considering life as a Sister? 12:30 p.m.; St. John the Baptist 29 KC breakfast in morning; gmail.com Parish Center, 2302 W. Church St. Kermas in the afternoon. Cost: The Sisters of the Living Word, the (Note new location.) Speaker: Msgr. $1 tickets for food and games. Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Martin Heinz, pastor of St. Joseph Info: Cathy Vendemia, cathy.v@ Sat May 5 Association (CAVA), and Sacred Parish, Richmond. Cost: $20 per stjamesbelvidere.org Heart Southern Missions (SHSM) person in April; $30 per person in ELGIN July 29 are jointly hosting: May (service fee added to online Cinco de Mayo fest: 5-10 p.m.; tickets). Info: MagnificatBreakfast. MCHENRY Taste of Nigeria festival: noon- St. Laurence, 225 Jewett St. BrownPaperTickets.com; 815/271- Sponsor: Hispanic Ministry. Live Hands-ON + Hearts-IN 0883; magnificatmchenry.com 4 p.m.; St. Patrick rectory, 3425 Washington St. Celebrating music, folk dancers, Mexican food A discernment experience for women in Holly Springs, Mississippi May 15 ImaBridge Africa’s 10th anniversary. and beverages. Dinner, 5:30-8:30 ELGIN Featuring Nigerian food, music and p.m. Proceeds benefit parish. Mom’s program: 3-4:30 p.m; 2018 Dates: dancing for kids and adults. Cost: Tickets on sale after Masses. May 7-11 American Legion Post, 820 N. varies depending on activity. Info: Cost: $10 adults, $5 children 10 May 21-25 Liberty St. Volunteers needed to Christine Carrington, 815/669- and younger until April 30; $15 August 20-24 bake, babysit, serve, set up, tear 0384, [email protected], September 10-14 down. Info: 847/622-1235, www. www.imabridge.org adults, $10 children May 1-5. Info: Rosey Valencia, 847/710-4250, tlcpregnancyservices.com Aug. 10 Accompanied by Vocation Ministers, the Monday through Friday [email protected]; experience provides a hands-on opportunity to assist those in need May 20 BATAVIA while discerning life as a sister. Attendees will reside with sisters AURORA Golf outing: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; www.stlaurencechurchelgin. from various communities. Service projects include: St. Peter celebration: 9:30 a.m.; Hughes Creek Golf Course, 1749 com

St. Peter School, 915 Sard Ave. For Spring Valley Dr, Elburn. Proceeds GENEVA • tutoring children; friends, alumni and parishioners. for Stephen Woodcock Memorial • A celebration of 87 years of Scholarship and Holy Cross School Evangelization seminar: 9 a.m.- assisting at a food pantry; • school history and a preview of Guardian Angels funds. Info: 2 p.m.; St. Peter, 1891 Kaneville cleaning homes for the elderly; Pope St. John Paul II Catholic https://holycross-batavia.org/ Road. Speaker: Dr. Peter Kreeft, • repairing damaged homes; • serving meals at a soup kitchen. Academy. Begins with Mass at Aug 15 Boston College. Continental church, then moves to the school The Assumption (Holy Day of breakfast, lunch, presentations, for refreshments, memories and The only costs to attend are the travel to and from Mississippi. Obligation) eucharistic adoration and auction of school items. Info: Applicants need to book a spot one month prior to the start of a Deadline: for Aug. 24 What’s Q&A. Topic: Evangelization 630/892-1283 week-long event. To learn more about this opportunity to discern life Up (for events Aug. 27-Sept. 9; and Discipleship. Register by as a sister, contact: May 28 note two-week listing [includes May 1. Cost: $35. Info: Melinda Sister Sharon Glumb, SLW Memorial Day observed Labor Day]. Watch for updates at Bernhard, 630/232-0124 ext. [email protected]; Diocesan Administration Center What’s Up+plus at http://observer. 126, afcoord@stpetergeneva. 847-577-5972 ext. 233 (office); 601-291-6738 (cell). closed rockforddiocese.org/whats- org; www.stpeterchurch.com

24 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Around the Diocese Aurora’s St. Joseph 8th Grade Girls Finish Season Undefeated Save the Date The eighth grade girls basketball team at St. Joseph Aug 19 School in Aurora ended an undefeated league sea- HUNTLEY son with a victory over Annunciation BVM in the Silver and Gold Mass: 2:30 p.m.; St. Mary, 10307 Dundee Aurora Catholic League Gold Ball game. This sea- Road. For diocesan couples son, the Hillmen girls were undefeated in the Au- marking 25, 50, 55, 60, 65 or more rora Catholic League and won the Aurora Catholic years of marriage. Reception League Tournament. The members of the last Hill- after Mass with Bishop David men girls basketball team leave the school with Malloy. Sponsor: Family Life and several honors. They were 2017 seventh grade City Evangelization Office. Register by of Lights champions and eighth grade Catholic Aug. 3 to receive commemorative League and tourney champs. Team members are certificate. Seating limited. Info: Izabel Valadez, Jocelyn Garza, Luna Cuevas, Dali- LiFE Office, 815/399-4300, www. lah Perez, Kristy Hermosillo, Hlawn Kap, Karla Ro- rockforddiocese.org/anniversary, driguez, Olivia Hernandez, Danielle Rodriguez and [email protected] Vianni Duarte. The team is coached by Gerard Tobin ROCKFORD and Betty Chandler. Polish fest: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; St. Stanislaus Kostka, 201 Buckbee (Photo provided) St. Info: 815/965-3913, church@st- stanislaus.org, www.st-stanislaus. org Sep 3 Don’t Labor Day Diocesan Administration Center closed See Your Sep 15 GENEVA Parish picnic: noon-10:30 p.m.; St. Event Peter, 1891 Kaneville Road. Faith, food and fun for the family. 4:30 p.m. Mass between picnic lunch Here? and evening dinner; dancing, raffles and prizes. Co-sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council Volunteer 2191. Cost: to be determined. Info: Melinda Bernhard, 630/232-0124 to fix that ext. 126, afcoord@stpetergeneva. org; www.stpeterchurch.com Parish, school and Catholic Sep 19 (Photo provided) organization publicists may ROCKFORD St. Bridget Volunteers Serve Lunch send news and photos LaPromesse: 10:30 a.m.; about upcoming and recent Giovanni’s, 610 N. Bell School Volunteers from St. Bridget Parish in Loves Park serve lunch to the homeless at The Carpenter’s Place, a Road. Sponsor: Catholic Women’s homeless shelter in Rockford, on April 17. activities. Submissions will be forwarded to El Observador League. Silent auction, lunch and to the diocesan calendar. and entertainment. Cost: to be announced. Info: 815/633-5232 Dog and The deadline is 10 days before publication. Sep 20 Donuts ROCKFORD Online: Use the interactive Recently Eucharistic Holy Hour: 3 p.m.; form at The Observer Poor Clares Corpus Christi Chapel, Brinkley, the website at http://observer. 2111 S. Main St. Exposition, prayers Sterling Police with the Poor Clares, talk by Father Department’s rockforddiocese.org/ Nicholas Federspiel about St. Pio contact-us. Click on Submit K9 Community and benediction. Marking the Comfort Dog, Events and News. (You may centennial of the appearance of paid a visit attach one picture per form.) the saint’s stigmata. to Rebecca By Mail: Send submissions Billiet’s third to The Observer, P.O. Box grade students Summer Camps 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. at St. Mary School in Ask your pastor or AURORA Sterling. She principal if there’s a need for June 4-8, 11-15 brought along volunteer publicists for your Academic camps: times vary; Rosary High School, 901 Edgelawn some of her parish or school. If there is, Dr. Camp options: Theatre/Choral friends from we’d be happy to help you Arts, Cartooning, Creativity is the police get started. Just call The Contagious, CSI Rosary Forensic department Observer at 815/399-4300 Science, Photography, Creative and a big box for help. Writing, Painting, Draw Closer to of donuts. Jesus through His Mother Mary, (Photo provided) and Leadership Development. Cost: $100 for two-hour camps, discounts available for multiple camps; day-long camps differ. Info: Watch www.rosaryhs.com/camps Serving Children from Preschool through Eighth Grade June and July Catholic Athletic camps: times vary; Rosary High School, 901 Mass Edgelawn Dr. Camp options: girls Sunday, 6:30 a.m., basketball; girls volleyball; co-ed WREX-TV Channel 13 cheerleading, July (at Marmion Rockford Academy); co-ed conditioning camp, June; girls conditioning, Anytime at June-July; and co-ed golf and girls Registration now open for www.rockforddiocese.org/tvmass golf, June (at Bliss Creek Country 2018-2019 Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of Club, Sugar Grove). Cost: $45 to Communications and Publications $125 for most camps; $225 six- week conditioning camp. Info: www.rosaryhs.com/sports_camps Additional info: www.rosaryhs. 845 W. Main St., West Dundee, IL www.st-cath.net (847) 426.4808 Write to us at [email protected] com/summer Apostolic Exhortation The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 25 Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate

From page 2 all the faithful, whatever their condition grandparent? Be holy by patiently teach- Nguyên van Thuân was imprisoned, he His people. or state, are called by the Lord — each ing the little ones how to follow Jesus. refused to waste time waiting for the day 22. To recognize the word that the THE SAINTS “NEXT DOOR” in his or her own way — to that perfect Are you in a position of authority? Be he would be set free. Instead, he chose Lord wishes to speak to us through holiness by which the Father Himself is holy by working for the common good “to live the present moment, filling it to one of His saints, we do not need to get 6. Nor need we think only of those al- perfect.” and renouncing personal gain. the brim with love.” He decided: “I will caught up in details, for there we might ready beatified and canonized. The Holy 11. “Each in his or her own way” the 15. Let the grace of your baptism bear seize the occasions that present them- also encounter mistakes and failures. Spirit bestows holiness in abundance Council says. We should selves every day; I will ac- Not everything a saint says is completely among God’s holy and faithful people, not grow discouraged be- complish ordinary actions faithful to the Gospel; not everything he for “it has pleased God to make men fore examples of holiness in an extraordinary way.” or she does is authentic or perfect. What and women holy and to save them, not that appear unattainable. 18. In this way, led by we need to contemplate is the totality of as individuals without any bond between There are some testimonies God’s grace, we shape by their life, their entire journey of growth them, but rather as a people who might that may prove helpful and many small gestures the in holiness, the reflection of Jesus Christ acknowledge Him in truth and serve inspiring, but that we are holiness God has willed that emerges when we grasp their overall Him in holiness.” In salvation history, not meant to copy, for that for us, not as men and meaning as a person. the Lord saved one people. We are never could even lead us astray women sufficient unto our- 23. This is a powerful summons to all completely ourselves unless we belong from the one specific path selves but rather “as good of us. You too need to see the entirety of to a people. That is why no one is saved that the Lord has in mind stewards of the manifold your life as a mission. Try to do so by alone, as an isolated individual. Rather, for us. The important thing grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). listening to God in prayer and recogniz- God draws us to Himself, taking into is that each believer dis- The New Zealand bishops ing the signs that He gives you. Always account the complex fabric of interper- cern his or her own path, rightly teach us that we are ask the Spirit what Jesus expects from sonal relationships present in a human that they bring out the very capable of loving with the you at every moment of your life and in community. God wanted to enter into the best of themselves, the most Lord’s unconditional love, every decision you must make, so as to life and history of a people. personal gifts that God has because the risen Lord discern its place in the mission you have 7. I like to contemplate the holiness placed in their hearts (cf. shares His powerful life received. Allow the Spirit to forge in you present in the patience of God’s people: 1 Cor 12:7), rather than with our fragile lives: “His the personal mystery that can reflect Je- in those parents who raise their children hopelessly trying to imi- love set no limits and, once sus Christ in today’s world. with immense love, in those men and tate something not meant given, was never taken 24. May you come to realize what that women who work hard to support their for them. We are all called back. It was unconditional word is, the message of Jesus that God families, in the sick, in elderly religious to be witnesses, but there and remained faithful. To wants to speak to the world by your life. who never lose their smile. In their daily are many actual ways of love like that is not easy Let yourself be transformed. Let your- perseverance I see the holiness of the bearing witness. Indeed, because we are often so self be renewed by the Spirit, so that this Church militant. Very often it is a holi- (CNS photo) when the great mystic, St. weak. But just to try to love can happen, lest you fail in your precious ness found in our next-door neighbors, John of the Cross, wrote his as Christ loved us shows mission. The Lord will bring it to ful- those who, living in our midst, reflect Spiritual Canticle, he preferred to avoid fruit in a path of holiness. Let everything that Christ shares His own risen life with filment despite your mistakes and mis- God’s presence. We might call them “the hard and fast rules for all. He explained be open to God; turn to Him in every sit- us. In this way, our lives demonstrate His steps, provided that you do not abandon middle class of holiness.” that his verses were composed so that ev- uation. Do not be dismayed, for the pow- power at work — even in the midst of hu- the path of love but remain ever open to 8. Let us be spurred on by the signs of eryone could benefit from them “in his er of the Holy Spirit enables you to do man weakness.” His supernatural grace, which purifies holiness that the Lord shows us through or her own way.” For God’s life is com- this, and holiness, in the end, is the fruit and enlightens. the humblest members of that people YOUR MISSION IN CHRIST municated “to some in one way and to of the Holy Spirit in your life (cf. Gal which “shares also in Christ’s prophetic ACTIVITY THAT SANCTIFIES others in another.” 5:22-23). When you feel the temptation office, spreading abroad a living witness 19. A Christian cannot think of his or 12. Within these various forms, I to dwell on your own weakness, raise to Him, especially by means of a life of her mission on earth without seeing it as 25. Just as you cannot understand would stress too that the “genius of your eyes to Christ crucified and say: faith and charity.” We should consider a path of holiness, for “this is the will of Christ apart from the kingdom He came woman” is seen in feminine styles of ho- “Lord, I am a poor sinner, but you can the fact that, as St. Teresa Benedicta of God, your sanctification” (1 Thess 4:3). to bring, so too your personal mission liness, which are an essential means of work the miracle of making me a little bit the Cross suggests, real history is made Each saint is a mission, planned by the is inseparable from the building of that reflecting God’s holiness in this world. better.” In the Church, holy yet made up by so many of them. As she writes: “The Father to reflect and embody, at a specific kingdom: “Strive first for the kingdom Indeed, in times when women tended to of sinners, you will find everything you greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity moment in history, a certain aspect of the of God and His righteousness” (Mt 6:33). be most ignored or overlooked, the Holy need to grow towards holiness. The Lord step forth out of the darkest night. But for Gospel. Your identification with Christ and His Spirit raised up saints whose attractive- has bestowed on the Church the gifts of the most part, the formative stream of the 20. That mission has its fullest mean- will involves a commitment to build with ness produced new spiritual vigor and scripture, the sacraments, holy places, mystical life remains invisible. Certainly ing in Christ, and can only be under- Him that kingdom of love, justice and important reforms in the Church. We living communities, the witness of the the most decisive turning points in world stood through Him. At its core, holiness universal peace. Christ Himself wants to can mention St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. saints and a multifaceted beauty that history are substantially co-determined is experiencing, in union with Christ, the experience this with you, in all the efforts Bridget, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Te- proceeds from God’s love, “like a bride by souls whom no history book ever mysteries of His life. It consists in unit- and sacrifices that it entails, but also in resa of Avila and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. bedecked with jewels” (Is 61:10). mentions. And we will only find out ing ourselves to the Lord’s death and res- all the joy and enrichment it brings. You But I think too of all those unknown or 16. This holiness to which the Lord about those souls to whom we owe the urrection in a unique and personal way, cannot grow in holiness without com- forgotten women who, each in her own calls you will grow through small ges- decisive turning points in our personal constantly dying and rising anew with mitting yourself, body and soul, to giv- way, sustained and transformed families tures. Here is an example: a woman goes lives on the day when all that is hidden Him. But it can also entail reproducing ing your best to this endeavor. and communities by the power of their shopping, she meets a neighbor and they is revealed.” in our own lives various aspects of Jesus’ 26. It is not healthy to love silence witness. begin to speak, and the gossip starts. 9. Holiness is the most attractive face earthly life: His hidden life, His life in while fleeing interaction with others, 13. This should excite and encourage But she says in her heart: “No, I will not of the Church. But even outside the community, His closeness to the outcast, to want peace and quiet while avoiding us to give our all and to embrace that speak badly of anyone.” This is a step Catholic Church and in very different His poverty and other ways in which He activity, to seek prayer while disdaining unique plan that God willed for each of forward in holiness. Later, at home, one contexts, the Holy Spirit raises up “signs showed His self-sacrificing love. The service. Everything can be accepted and us from eternity: “Before I formed you of her children wants to talk to her about of his presence which help Christ’s fol- contemplation of these mysteries, as St. integrated into our life in this world, and in the womb I knew you, and before you his hopes and dreams, and even though lowers.” St. John Paul II reminded us that Ignatius of Loyola pointed out, leads us become a part of our path to holiness. We were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5). she is tired, she sits down and listens “the witness to Christ borne even to the to incarnate them in our choices and at- are called to be contemplatives even in with patience and love. That is another shedding of blood has become a common FOR YOU TOO titudes. Because “everything in Jesus’ the midst of action, and to grow in holi- sacrifice that brings holiness. Later she inheritance of Catholics, Orthodox, An- life was a sign of His mystery,” “Christ’s ness by responsibly and generously car- experiences some anxiety, but recalling glicans and Protestants.” In the moving 14. To be holy does not require being whole life is a revelation of the Father,” rying out our proper mission. the love of the Virgin Mary, she takes her ecumenical commemoration held in the a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are “Christ’s whole life is a mystery of re- 27. Could the Holy Spirit urge us to rosary and prays with faith. Yet another Colosseum during the Great Jubilee of frequently tempted to think that holiness demption,” “Christ’s whole life is a mys- carry out a mission and then ask us to path of holiness. Later still, she goes out the Year 2000, he stated that the martyrs is only for those who can withdraw from tery of recapitulation.” “Christ enables abandon it, or not fully engage in it, so onto the street, encounters a poor person are “a heritage which speaks more pow- ordinary affairs to spend much time in us to live in Him all that He Himself as to preserve our inner peace? Yet there and stops to say a kind word to him. One erfully than all the causes of division.” prayer. That is not the case. We are all lived, and He lives it in us.” are times when we are tempted to rel- called to be holy by living our lives with more step. 21. The Father’s plan is Christ, and egate pastoral engagement or commit- THE LORD CALLS love and by bearing witness in every- 17. At times, life presents great chal- ourselves in Him. In the end, it is Christ ment in the world to second place, as if thing we do, wherever we find ourselves. lenges. Through them, the Lord calls us who loves in us, for “holiness is noth- these were “distractions” along the path 10. All this is important. Yet with this Are you called to the consecrated life? Be anew to a conversion that can make His ing other than charity lived to the full.” to growth in holiness and interior peace. Exhortation I would like to insist primar- holy by living out your commitment with grace more evident in our lives, “in order As a result, “the measure of our holi- We can forget that “life does not have a ily on the call to holiness that the Lord joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving that we may share His holiness” (Heb ness stems from the stature that Christ mission, but is a mission.” addresses to each of us, the call that He and caring for your husband or wife, as 12:10). At other times, we need only find achieves in us, to the extent that, by the 28. Needless to say, anything done out also addresses, personally, to you: “Be Christ does for the Church. Do you work a more perfect way of doing what we are power of the Holy Spirit, we model our of anxiety, pride or the need to impress holy, for I am holy” (Lev 11:44; cf. 1 for a living? Be holy by laboring with already doing: “There are inspirations whole life on His.” Every saint is a mes- others will not lead to holiness. We are Pet 1:16). The Second Vatican Council integrity and skill in the service of your that tend solely to perfect in an extraor- sage which the Holy Spirit takes from challenged to show our commitment in stated this clearly: “Strengthened by so brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or dinary way the ordinary things we do in the riches of Jesus Christ and gives to such a way that everything we do has many and such great means of salvation, life.” When Cardinal François-Xavier

The full text including footnotes of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Guadete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) is available at http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_constitutions.index.html in English, Spanish and other languages. Printed copies are availble in English and Spanish for $10.95 from http://www.usccb.org/. 26 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Apostolic Exhortation Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate evangelical meaning and identifies us yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. perfectly comprehensible. They absolu- replace the trinitarian and incarnate God they speak warmly of God’s grace, “ul- all the more with Jesus Christ. We often Holiness does not make you less human, tize their own theories and force others to with a superior Unity, wherein the rich timately trust only in their own powers speak, for example, of the spirituality since it is an encounter between your submit to their way of thinking. A healthy diversity of our history disappeared. and feel superior to others because they of the catechist, the spirituality of the weakness and the power of God’s grace. and humble use of reason in order to re- 44. In effect, doctrine, or better, our observe certain rules or remain intran- diocesan priesthood, the spirituality of For in the words of León Bloy, when all flect on the theological and moral teach- understanding and expression of it, sigently faithful to a particular Catholic work. For the same reason, in Evangelii is said and done, “the only great tragedy ing of the Gospel is one thing. It is an- “is not a closed system, devoid of the style.” When some of them tell the weak Gaudium I concluded by speaking of a in life, is not to become a saint.” other to reduce Jesus’ teaching to a cold dynamic capacity to pose questions, that all things can be accomplished with spirituality of mission, in Laudato Si’ of and harsh logic that seeks to dominate doubts, inquiries… The questions of our God’s grace, deep down they tend to give an ecological spirituality, and in Amoris CHAPTER TWO everything. people, their suffering, their struggles, the idea that all things are possible by the Laetitia of a spirituality of family life. their dreams, their trials and their wor- TWO SUBTLE ENEMIES OF A doctrine without mystery human will, as if it were something pure, 29. This does not mean ignoring the ries, all possess an interpretational value 40. Gnosticism is one of the most sin- perfect, all-powerful, to which grace is need for moments of quiet, solitude and HOLINESS that we cannot ignore if we want to take ister ideologies because, while unduly then added. They fail to realize that “not silence before God. Quite the contrary. the principle of the incarnation seriously. 35. Here I would like to mention two exalting knowledge or a specific experi- everyone can do everything,” and that The presence of constantly new gadgets, Their wondering helps us to wonder, false forms of holiness that can lead us ence, it considers its own vision of real- in this life human weaknesses are not the excitement of travel and an endless their questions question us.” astray: gnosticism and pelagianism. ity to be perfect. Thus, perhaps without healed completely and once for all by array of consumer goods at times leave 45. A dangerous confusion can arise. They are two heresies from early Chris- even realizing it, this ideology feeds on grace. In every case, as St. Augustine no room for God’s voice to be heard. We We can think tian times, yet taught, God commands you to do what are overwhelmed by words, by superfi- that because they continue to you can and to ask for what you can- cial pleasures and by an increasing din, we know some- plague us. In our not, and indeed to pray to Him humbly: filled not by joy but rather by the dis- thing, or are able times too, many “Grant what you command, and com- content of those whose lives have lost to explain it in Christians, per- mand what you will.” meaning. How can we fail to realize the certain terms, haps without re- 50. Ultimately, the lack of a heartfelt need to stop this rat race and to recover we are already alizing it, can be and prayerful acknowledgment of our the personal space needed to carry on saints, perfect seduced by these limitations prevents grace from working a heartfelt dialogue with God? Finding and better than deceptive ideas, more effectively within us, for no room that space may prove painful but it is the “ignorant which reflect an is left for bringing about the potential always fruitful. Sooner or later, we have masses.” St. anthropocentric good that is part of a sincere and genuine to face our true selves and let the Lord John Paul II i m ma nent ism journey of growth. Grace, precisely be- enter. This may not happen unless “we warned of the disguised as cause it builds on nature, does not make see ourselves staring into the abyss of a temptation on Catholic truth. us superhuman all at once. That kind of frightful temptation, or have the dizzy- the part of those Let us take a thinking would show too much confi- ing sensation of standing on the preci- in the Church look at these two pice of utter despair, or find ourselves who are more dence in our own abilities. Underneath forms of doctri- completely alone and abandoned.” In highly educated our orthodoxy, our attitudes might not nal or disciplin- such situations, we find the deepest mo- “to feel some- correspond to our talk about the need for ary security that tivation for living fully our commitment how superior to grace, and in specific situations we can give rise “to a end up putting little trust in it. Unless to our work. itself and becomes even more myopic. It other members of the faithful.” In point narcissistic and authoritarian elitism, we can acknowledge our concrete and 30. The same distractions that are om- can become all the more illusory when of fact, what we think we know should whereby instead of evangelizing, one always motivate us to respond more fully nipresent in today’s world also make us it masks itself as a disembodied spiri- limited situation, we will not be able to analyses and classifies others, and in- to God’s love. Indeed, “you learn so as tend to absolutize our free time, so that tuality. For gnosticism “by its very na- see the real and possible steps that the stead of opening the door to grace, one to live: theology and holiness are insepa- we can give ourselves over completely ture seeks to domesticate the mystery,” Lord demands of us at every moment, exhausts his or her energies in inspect- rable.” to the devices that provide us with en- whether the mystery of God and his once we are attracted and empowered by ing and verifying. In neither case is one 46. When St. Francis of Assisi saw tertainment or ephemeral pleasures. As grace, or the mystery of others’ lives. His gift. Grace acts in history; ordinar- really concerned about Jesus Christ or that some of his disciples were engaged a result, we come to resent our mission, 41. When somebody has an answer for ily it takes hold of us and transforms us others.” in teaching, he wanted to avoid the temp- our commitment grows slack, and our every question, it is a sign that they are progressively. If we reject this historical tation to gnosticism. He wrote to St. An- generous and ready spirit of service be- CONTEMPORARY not on the right road. They may well be and progressive reality, we can actually thony of Padua: “I am pleased that you gins to flag. This denatures our spiritual GNOSTICISM false prophets, who use religion for their refuse and block grace, even as we extol teach sacred theology to the brothers, experience. Can any spiritual fervor be own purposes, to promote their own psy- it by our words. provided that… you do not extinguish sound when it dwells alongside sloth in 36. Gnosticism presumes “a purely chological or intellectual theories. God 51. When God speaks to Abraham, the spirit of prayer and devotion during evangelization or in service to others? subjective faith whose only interest is a infinitely transcends us; He is full of sur- he tells him: “I am God Almighty, walk study of this kind.” Francis recognized 31. We need a spirit of holiness ca- certain experience or a set of ideas and prises. We are not the ones to determine before me, and be blameless” (Gen 17:1). the temptation to turn the Christian ex- pable of filling both our solitude and our bits of information which are meant to when and how we will encounter Him; In order to be blameless, as He would perience into a set of intellectual exer- service, our personal life and our evan- console and enlighten, but which ulti- the exact times and places of that encoun- have us, we need to live humbly in His cises that distance us from the freshness gelizing efforts, so that every moment mately keep one imprisoned in his or her ter are not up to us. Someone who wants presence, cloaked in His glory; we need of the Gospel. St. Bonaventure, on the can be an expression of self-sacrificing own thoughts and feelings.” everything to be clear and sure presumes to walk in union with Him, recognizing other hand, pointed out that true Chris- love in the Lord’s eyes. In this way, every An intellect without God and to control God’s transcendence. His constant love in our lives. We need tian wisdom can never be separated from minute of our lives can be a step along 42. Nor can we claim to say where God to lose our fear before that presence without flesh mercy towards our neighbor: “The great- the path to growth in holiness. is not, because God is mysteriously pres- which can only be for our good. God is 37. Thanks be to God, throughout the est possible wisdom is to share fruitfully ent in the life of every person, in a way the Father who gave us life and loves us MORE ALIVE, MORE HUMAN history of the Church it has always been what we have to give ... . Even as mercy that He Himself chooses, and we cannot greatly. Once we accept Him, and stop clear that a person’s perfection is mea- is the companion of wisdom, avarice is exclude this by our presumed certain- trying to live our lives without Him, the 32. Do not be afraid of holiness. It will sured not by the information or knowl- its enemy.” ... “There are activities that, ties. Even when someone’s life appears take away none of your energy, vitality edge they possess, but by the depth of united to contemplation, do not prevent anguish of loneliness will disappear (cf. completely wrecked, even when we see or joy. On the contrary, you will become their charity. “Gnostics” do not under- the latter, but rather facilitate it, such as Ps 139:23-24). In this way we will know it devastated by vices or addictions, God what the Father had in mind when He stand this, because they judge others works of mercy and devotion.” the pleasing and perfect will of the Lord created you, and you will be faithful to based on their ability to understand the is present there. If we let ourselves be (cf. Rom 12:1-2) and allow Him to mold your deepest self. To depend on God sets complexity of certain doctrines. They guided by the Spirit rather than our own CONTEMPORARY us like a potter (cf. Is 29:16). So often we us free from every form of enslavement think of the intellect as separate from preconceptions, we can and must try to PELAGIANISM say that God dwells in us, but it is bet- find the Lord in every human life. This is and leads us to recognize our great digni- the flesh, and thus become incapable of ter to say that we dwell in Him, that He part of the mystery that a gnostic mental- 47. Gnosticism gave way to another ty. We see this in St. Josephine Bakhita: touching Christ’s suffering flesh in oth- enables us to dwell in His light and love. ity cannot accept, since it is beyond its heresy, likewise present in our day. As “Abducted and sold into slavery at the ers, locked up as they are in an encyclo- He is our temple; we ask to dwell in the control. time passed, many came to realize that it tender age of seven, she suffered much paedia of abstractions. In the end, by dis- house of the Lord all the days of our life is not knowledge that betters us or makes at the hands of cruel masters. But she embodying the mystery, they prefer “a The limits of reason (cf. Ps 27:4). “For one day in your courts us saints, but the kind of life we lead. But came to understand the profound truth God without Christ, a Christ without the 43. It is not easy to grasp the truth is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Ps this subtly led back to the old error of the that God, and not man, is the true Master Church, a Church without her people.” that we have received from the Lord. 84:10). In Him is our holiness. gnostics, which was simply transformed of every human being, of every human 38. Certainly this is a superficial con- And it is even more difficult to express rather than eliminated. An often overlooked Church life. This experience became a source of ceit: there is much movement on the it. So we cannot claim that our way of 48. The same power that the gnos- teaching great wisdom for this humble daughter of surface, but the mind is neither deeply understanding this truth authorizes us tics attributed to the intellect, others Africa.” moved nor affected. Still, gnosticism to exercise a strict supervision over 52. The Church has repeatedly taught now began to attribute to the human 33. To the extent that each Christian exercises a deceptive attraction for some others’ lives. Here I would note that in that we are justified not by our own works will, to personal effort. This was the grows in holiness, he or she will bear people, since the gnostic approach is the Church there legitimately coexist or efforts, but by the grace of the Lord, case with the pelagians and semi- greater fruit for our world. The bishops strict and allegedly pure, and can appear different ways of interpreting many as- who always takes the initiative. The pelagians. Now it was not intelligence of West Africa have observed that “we to possess a certain harmony or order pects of doctrine and Christian life; in Fathers of the Church, even before St. that took the place of mystery and grace, are being called in the spirit of the New that encompasses everything. their variety, they “help to express more Augustine, clearly expressed this funda- but our human will. It was forgotten that Evangelization to be evangelized and 39. Here we have to be careful. I am clearly the immense riches of God’s mental belief. St. John Chrysostom said everything “depends not on human will to evangelize through the empowering not referring to a rationalism inimical to word.” It is true that “for those who long that God pours into us the very source or exertion, but on God who shows mer- of all you, the baptized, to take up your Christian faith. It can be present within for a monolithic body of doctrine guard- of all His gifts even before we enter into cy” (Rom 9:16) and that “He first loved roles as salt of the earth and light of the the Church, both among the laity in par- ed by all and leaving no room for nuance, battle. St. Basil the Great remarked that us” (cf. 1 Jn 4:19). world wherever you find yourselves.” ishes and teachers of philosophy and the- this might appear as undesirable and the faithful glory in God alone, for “they 34. Do not be afraid to set your sights ology in centers of formation. Gnostics leading to confusion.” Indeed, some cur- A will lacking humility realize that they lack true justice and are higher, to allow yourself to be loved and think that their explanations can make rents of gnosticism scorned the concrete 49. Those who yield to this pelagian justified only through faith in Christ.” liberated by God. Do not be afraid to let the entirety of the faith and the Gospel simplicity of the Gospel and attempted to or semi-pelagian mindset, even though 53. The Second Synod of Orange Apostolic Exhortation The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 27 Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate taught with firm authority that nothing Spirit in the way of love, rather than be- CHAPTER THREE who are poor in spirit, those who have a they may, but so be it. It is always better human can demand, merit or buy the gift ing passionate about communicating the poor heart, for there the Lord can enter to be meek, for then our deepest desires of divine grace, and that all cooperation beauty and the joy of the Gospel and IN THE LIGHT OF THE MASTER with His perennial newness. will be fulfilled. The meek “shall inherit with it is a prior gift of that same grace: seeking out the lost among the immense 69. This spiritual poverty is closely the earth,” for they will see God’s prom- 63. There can be any number of theo- “Even the desire to be cleansed comes crowds that thirst for Christ. linked to what St. Ignatius of Loyola ises accomplished in their lives. In every ries about what constitutes holiness, about in us through the outpouring and 58. Not infrequently, contrary to the calls “holy indifference,” which brings situation, the meek put their hope in the with various explanations and distinc- working of the Holy Spirit.” Subsequent- promptings of the Spirit, the life of the us to a radiant interior freedom: “We Lord, and those who hope for Him shall tions. Such reflection may be useful, but ly, the Council of Trent, while emphasiz- Church can become a museum piece or need to train ourselves to be indifferent possess the land… and enjoy the fullness nothing is more enlightening than turning the importance of our cooperation the possession of a select few. This can in our attitude to all created things, in all of peace (cf. Ps 37:9.11). For his part, the ing to Jesus’ words and seeing His way for spiritual growth, reaffirmed that dog- occur when some groups of Christians that is permitted to our free will and not Lord trusts in them: “This is the one to of teaching the truth. Jesus explained matic teaching: “We are said to be jus- give excessive importance to certain forbidden; so that on our part, we do not whom I will look, to the humble and con- with great simplicity what it means to be tified gratuitously because nothing that rules, customs or ways of acting. The set our hearts on good health rather than trite in spirit, who trembles at my word” holy when he gave us the Beatitudes (cf. precedes justification, neither faith nor Gospel then tends to be reduced and con- bad, riches rather than poverty, honor (Is 66:2). Mt 5:3-12; Lk 6:20-23). The Beatitudes works, merits the grace of justification; stricted, deprived of its simplicity, allure rather than dishonor, a long life rather Reacting with meekness and humil- are like a Christian’s identity card. So if for ‘if it is by grace, it is no longer on the and savor. This may well be a subtle form than a short one, and so in all the rest.” ity: that is holiness. anyone asks: “What must one do to be a basis of works; otherwise, grace would 70. Luke does not speak of poverty of pelagianism, for it appears to subject good Christian?” the answer is clear. We “Blessed are those who mourn, no longer be grace’ (Rom 11:6).” “of spirit” but simply of those who are the life of grace to certain human struc- have to do, each in our own way, what Je- for they will be comforted” 54. The Catechism of the Catholic “poor” (cf. Lk 6:20). In this way, he too tures. It can affect groups, movements sus told us in the Sermon on the Mount. 75. The world tells us exactly the op- Church also reminds us that the gift of invites us to live a plain and austere life. and communities, and it explains why so In the Beatitudes, we find a portrait of posite: entertainment, pleasure, diver- grace “surpasses the power of human in- He calls us to share in the life of those often they begin with an intense life in the Master, which we are called to reflect sion and escape make for the good life. tellect and will” and that “with regard to most in need, the life lived by the Apos- the Spirit, only to end up fossilized — or in our daily lives. The worldly person ignores problems God, there is no strict right to any merit tles, and ultimately to configure our- corrupt. 64. The word “happy” or “blessed” of sickness or sorrow in the family or on the part of man. Between God and us selves to Jesus who, though rich, “made 59. Once we believe that everything thus becomes a synonym for “holy.” It all around him; he averts his gaze. The there is an immeasurable inequality.” Himself poor” (2 Cor 8:9). depends on human effort as channelled expresses the fact that those faithful to world has no desire to mourn; it would His friendship infinitely transcends us; Being poor of heart: that is holiness. by ecclesial rules and structures, we God and His word, by their self-giving, rather disregard painful situations, cover we cannot buy it with our works, it can unconsciously complicate the Gospel gain true happiness. “Blessed are the meek, for they them up or hide them. Much energy is only be a gift born of his loving initia- and become enslaved to a blueprint that will inherit the earth” expended on fleeing from situations of tive. This invites us to live in joyful GOING AGAINST THE FLOW leaves few openings for the working of 71. These are strong words in a world suffering in the belief that reality can be gratitude for this completely unmerited grace. St. Thomas Aquinas reminded us that from the beginning has been a place concealed. But the cross can never be gift, since “after one has grace, the grace 65. Although Jesus’ words may strike that the precepts added to the Gospel by of conflict, disputes and enmity on all absent. already possessed cannot come under us as poetic, they clearly run counter to the Church should be imposed with mod- sides, where we constantly pigeonhole 76. A person who sees things as they merit.” The saints avoided putting trust the way things are usually done in our eration “lest the conduct of the faithful others on the basis of their ideas, their truly are and sympathizes with pain in their own works: “In the evening of world. Even if we find Jesus’ message become burdensome,” for then our reli- customs and even their way of speak- and sorrow is capable of touching life’s this life, I shall appear before you empty- attractive, the world pushes us towards gion would become a form of servitude. ing or dressing. Ultimately, it is the reign depths and finding authentic happiness. handed, for I do not ask you, Lord, to another way of living. The Beatitudes of pride and vanity, where each person He or she is consoled, not by the world count my works. All our justices have The summation of the Law are in no way trite or undemanding, quite thinks he or she has the right to dominate but by Jesus. Such persons are unafraid stains in your sight.” 60. To avoid this, we do well to keep the opposite. We can only practice them others. Nonetheless, impossible as it may to share in the suffering of others; they 55. This is one of the great convictions reminding ourselves that there is a hier- if the Holy Spirit fills us with His power seem, Jesus proposes a different way of do not flee from painful situations. They that the Church has come firmly to hold. archy of virtues that bids us seek what and frees us from our weakness, our self- doing things: the way of meekness. This discover the meaning of life by com- It is so clearly expressed in the word of is essential. The primacy belongs to the ishness, our complacency and our pride. is what we see Him doing with His disci- ing to the aid of those who suffer, un- God that there can be no question of it. theological virtues, which have God as 66. Let us listen once more to Jesus, ples. It is what we contemplate on His en- derstanding their anguish and bringing Like the supreme commandment of love, their object and motive. At the center with all the love and respect that the trance to Jerusalem: “Behold, your king relief. They sense that the other is flesh this truth should affect the way we live, is charity. St. Paul says that what truly Master deserves. Let us allow His words is coming to you, humble, and mounted of our flesh, and are not afraid to draw for it flows from the heart of the Gospel counts is “faith working through love” to unsettle us, to challenge us and to de- on a donkey” (Mt 21:5; Zech 9:9). near, even to touch their wounds. They and demands that we not only accept it (Gal 5:6). We are called to make every mand a real change in the way we live. 72. Christ says: “Learn from me; for I feel compassion for others in such a way intellectually but also make it a source of effort to preserve charity: “The one who Otherwise, holiness will remain no more am gentle and humble of heart, and you that all distance vanishes. In this way contagious joy. Yet we cannot celebrate loves another has fulfilled the law… for than an empty word. We turn now to the will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:29). they can embrace St. Paul’s exhorta- this free gift of the Lord’s friendship un- love is the fulfilment of the law” (Rom individual Beatitudes in the Gospel of If we are constantly upset and impa- tion: “Weep with those who weep” (Rom less we realize that our earthly life and 13:8.10). “For the whole law is summed Matthew (cf. Mt 5:3-12). tient with oth- 12:15). our natural abilities are his gift. We need up in a single ers, we will end Knowing how to mourn with others: “to acknowledge jubilantly that our life commandment, up drained and that is holiness. is essentially a gift, and recognize that ‘You shall love weary. But if “Blessed are those who hunger our freedom is a grace. This is not easy your neighbor as we regard the and thirst for righteousness, for today, in a world that thinks it can keep yourself’ ” (Gal faults and limi- something for itself, the fruits of its own they will be filled” 5:14). tations of others creativity or freedom.” 77. Hunger and thirst are intense ex- 61. In other with tenderness 56. Only on the basis of God’s gift, periences, since they involve basic needs words, amid the and meekness, freely accepted and humbly received, and our instinct for survival. There are thicket of pre- without an air those who desire justice and yearn for can we cooperate by our own efforts in cepts and pre- of superiority, righteousness with similar intensity. Je- our progressive transformation. We must scriptions, Jesus we can actually sus says that they will be satisfied, for first belong to God, offering ourselves clears a way to help them and sooner or later justice will come. We can to Him who was there first, and entrust- stop wasting our cooperate to make that possible, even if ing to Him our abilities, our efforts, our seeing two faces, energy on use- we may not always see the fruit of our struggle against evil and our creativity, that of the Father less complain- efforts. so that His free gift may grow and de- and that of our ing. St. Thérèse 78. Jesus offers a justice other than velop within us: “I appeal to you, there- brother. He does of Lisieux tells that of the world, so often marred by pet- fore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to not give us two us that “perfect ty interests and manipulated in various present your bodies as a living sacrifice, more formulas or charity con- ways. Experience shows how easy it is to holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1). two more com- sists in putting become mired in corruption, ensnared in For that matter, the Church has always mands. He gives us two faces, or better up with others’ mistakes, and not being the daily politics of quid pro quo, where taught that charity alone makes growth yet, one alone: the face of God reflected “Blessed are the poor in spirit, scandalized by their faults.” everything becomes business. How in the life of grace possible, for “if I do in so many other faces. For in every one for theirs is the kingdom of 73. Paul speaks of meekness as one of many people suffer injustice, standing not have love, I am nothing” (1 Cor 13:2). of our brothers and sisters, especially the heaven” the fruits of the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal 5:23). by powerlessly while others divvy up least, the most vulnerable, the defense- 67. The Gospel invites us to peer into New pelagians He suggests that, if a wrongful action of the good things of this life. Some give up less and those in need, God’s very im- the depths of our heart, to see where we 57. Still, some Christians insist on one of our brothers or sisters troubles us, fighting for real justice and opt to follow age is found. Indeed, with the scraps of find our security in life. Usually the rich taking another path, that of justification we should try to correct them, but “with in the train of the winners. This has noth- feel secure in their wealth, and think by their own efforts, the worship of the this frail humanity, the Lord will shape a spirit of meekness,” since “you too ing to do with the hunger and thirst for that, if that wealth is threatened, the human will and their own abilities. The His final work of art. For “what endures, could be tempted” (Gal 6:1). Even when justice that Jesus praises. whole meaning of their earthly life can result is a self-centered and elitist com- what has value in life, what riches do not we defend our faith and convictions, we 79. True justice comes about in peo- collapse. Jesus Himself tells us this in the placency, bereft of true love. This finds disappear? Surely these two: the Lord are to do so “with meekness” (cf. 1 Pet ple’s lives when they themselves are just parable of the rich fool: he speaks of a expression in a variety of apparently un- and our neighbor. These two riches do 3:16). Our enemies too are to be treated in their decisions; it is expressed in their man who was sure of himself, yet fool- connected ways of thinking and acting: not disappear!” “with meekness” (2 Tim 2:25). In the pursuit of justice for the poor and the ish, for it did not dawn on him that he an obsession with the law, an absorption 62. May the Lord set the Church free Church we have often erred by not em- weak. While it is true that the word “jus- might die that very day (cf. Lk 12:16-21). with social and political advantages, a from these new forms of gnosticism and bracing this demand of God’s word. tice” can be a synonym for faithfulness 68. Wealth ensures nothing. Indeed, punctilious concern for the Church’s pelagianism that weigh her down and 74. Meekness is yet another expres- to God’s will in every aspect of our life, once we think we are rich, we can become liturgy, doctrine and prestige, a van- block her progress along the path to ho- sion of the interior poverty of those who if we give the word too general a mean- so self-satisfied that we leave no room for ity about the ability to manage practical liness! These aberrations take various put their trust in God alone. Indeed, in ing, we forget that it is shown especially God’s word, for the love of our brothers matters, and an excessive concern with shapes, according to the temperament the Bible the same word — anawim in justice towards those who are most and sisters, or for the enjoyment of the programmes of self-help and personal and character of each person. So I en- — usually refers both to the poor and vulnerable: “Seek justice, correct op- most important things in life. In this way, fulfilment. Some Christians spend their courage everyone to reflect and discern to the meek. Someone might object: “If pression; defend the fatherless, plead for we miss out on the greatest treasure of time and energy on these things, rather before God whether they may be present I am that meek, they will think that I am the widow” (Is 1:17). all. That is why Jesus calls blessed those than letting themselves be led by the in their lives. an idiot, a fool or a weakling.” At times Hungering and thirsting for righteous- 27a | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Apostolic Exhortation Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate ness: that is holiness. says that “now we see in a mirror, dimly” 16:25). In fidelity to the Master important matters, or the only thing that “Blessed are the merciful, for (1 Cor 13:12), but to the extent that truth 91. In living the Gospel, we cannot 96. Holiness, then, is not about swoon- counts is one particular ethical issue or they will receive mercy” and love prevail, we will then be able to expect that everything will be easy, for ing in mystic rapture. As St. John Paul II cause that they themselves defend. Our see “face to face.” Jesus promises that the thirst for power and worldly interests defence of the innocent unborn, for ex- 80. Mercy has two aspects. It involves said: “If we truly start out anew from the those who are pure in heart “will see often stands in our way. St. John Paul II ample, needs to be clear, firm and pas- giving, helping and serving others, but contemplation of Christ, we must learn to God.” noted that “a society is alienated if its sionate, for at stake is the dignity of a it also includes forgiveness and under- see Him especially in the faces of those Keeping a heart free of all that tar- forms of social organization, production human life, which is always sacred and standing. Matthew sums it up in one with whom he Himself wished to be nishes love: that is holiness. and consumption make it more difficult demands love for each person, regard- golden rule: “In everything, do to others identified.” The text of Matthew 25:35-36 to offer this gift of self and to establish less of his or her stage of development. as you would have them do to you” (7:12). “Blessed are the peacemakers, is “not a simple invitation to charity: it is this solidarity between people.” In such Equally sacred, however, are the lives of The catechism reminds us that this law is for they will be called children a page of Christology which sheds a ray a society, politics, mass communications the poor, those already born, the desti- to be applied “in every case,”especially of God” of light on the mystery of Christ.” In this and economic, cultural and even reli- call to recognize Him in the poor and the tute, the abandoned and the underprivi- when we are “confronted by situations 87. This Beatitude makes us think of gious institutions become so entangled suffering, we see revealed the very heart leged, the vulnerable infirm and elderly that make moral judgments less assured the many endless situations of war in our as to become an obstacle to authentic of Christ, His deepest feelings and choic- exposed to covert euthanasia, the vic- and decision difficult.” world. Yet we ourselves are often a cause human and social development. As a re- es, which every saint seeks to imitate. tims of human trafficking, new forms of 81. Giving and forgiving means repro- of conflict or at least of misunderstand- sult, the Beatitudes are not easy to live 97. Given these uncompromising slavery, and every form of rejection. We ducing in our lives some small measure ing. For example, I may hear something out; any attempt to do so will be viewed demands of Jesus, it is my duty to ask cannot uphold an ideal of holiness that of God’s perfection, which gives and for- about someone and I go off and repeat it. negatively, regarded with suspicion, and Christians to acknowledge and accept would ignore injustice in a world where gives superabundantly. For this reason, I may even embellish it the second time met with ridicule. them in a spirit of genuine openness, some revel, spend with abandon and live in the Gospel of Luke we do not hear the around and keep spreading it. And the 92. Whatever weariness and pain we sine glossa. In other words, without any only for the latest consumer goods, even words, “Be perfect” (Mt 5:48), but rath- more harm it does, the more satisfac- may experience in living the command- “ifs or buts” that could lessen their force. as others look on from afar, living their er, “Be merciful, even as your Father is tion I seem to derive from it. The world ment of love and following the way of Our Lord made it very clear that holiness entire lives in abject poverty. merciful. Judge not, and you will not be of gossip, inhabited by negative and de- justice, the cross remains the source of cannot be understood or lived apart from 102. We often hear it said that, with judged; condemn not, and you will not be structive people, does not bring peace. our growth and sanctification. We must these demands, for mercy is “the beating respect to relativism and the flaws of our condemned; forgive, and you will be for- Such people are heart of the Gos- present world, the situation of migrants, given; give, and it will be given to you” really the ene- pel.” for example, is a lesser issue. Some (6:36-38). Luke then adds something not mies of peace; in 98. If I en- Catholics consider it a secondary issue to be overlooked: “The measure you give no way are they counter a per- compared to the “grave” bioethical ques- will be the measure you get back” (6:38). “blessed.” son sleeping tions. That a politician looking for votes The yardstick we use for understanding 88. Peace- outdoors on a might say such a thing is understandable, and forgiving others will measure the makers truly cold night, I can but not a Christian, for whom the only forgiveness we receive. The yardstick we “make” peace; view him or her proper attitude is to stand in the shoes use for giving will measure what we re- they build peace as an annoy- of those brothers and sisters of ours who ceive. We should never forget this. and friendship ance, an idler, an risk their lives to offer a future to their 82. Jesus does not say, “Blessed in society. To obstacle in my children. Can we not realize that this is are those who plot revenge.” He calls those who sow path, a troubling exactly what Jesus demands of us, when “blessed” those who forgive and do so peace Jesus sight, a problem he tells us that in welcoming the stranger “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22). We makes this mag- for politicians we welcome him (cf. Mt 25:35)? St. Bene- need to think of ourselves as an army of nificent promise: to sort out, or dict did so readily, and though it might the forgiven. All of us have been looked “They will be even a piece of have “complicated” the life of his monks, upon with divine compassion. If we ap- called children refuse cluttering he ordered that all guests who knocked proach the Lord with sincerity and listen of God” (Mt a public space. at the monastery door be welcomed “like carefully, there may well be times when 5:9). He told His Or I can respond Christ,” with a gesture of veneration; the we hear His reproach: “Should not you disciples that, with faith and poor and pilgrims were to be met with have had mercy on your fellow servant, wherever they charity, and see “the greatest care and solicitude.” as I had mercy on you?” (Mt 18:33). went, they were never forget that when the New Testa- in this person a human being with a 103. A similar approach is found Seeing and acting with mercy: that is to say: “Peace to this house!” (Lk 10:5). ment tells us that we will have to endure dignity identical to my own, a creature in the Old Testament: “You shall not holiness. The word of God exhorts every believer suffering for the Gospel’s sake, it speaks infinitely loved by the Father, an image wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you to work for peace, “along with all who “Blessed are the pure in heart, precisely of persecution (cf. Acts 5:41; of God, a brother or sister redeemed by yourselves were strangers in the land of call upon the Lord with a pure heart” for they will see God” Phil 1:29; Col 1:24; 2 Tim 1:12; 1 Pet Jesus Christ. That is what it is to be a Egypt” (Ex 22:21). “When a stranger re- (cf. 2 Tim 2:22), for “the harvest of righ- 83. This Beatitude speaks of those 2:20, 4:14-16; Rev 2:10). Christian! Can holiness somehow be un- sides with you in your land, you shall not teousness is sown in peace by those who whose hearts are simple, pure and unde- 93. Here we are speaking about inevi- derstood apart from this lively recogni- oppress him. The stranger who resides make peace” (Jas 3:18). And if there are filed, for a heart capable of love admits table persecution, not the kind of perse- tion of the dignity of each human being? with you shall be to you as the citizen times in our community when we ques- nothing that might harm, weaken or en- cution we might bring upon ourselves by 99. For Christians, this involves a among you; and you shall love him as tion what ought to be done, “let us pursue danger that love. The Bible uses the heart our mistreatment of others. The saints constant and healthy unease. Even if yourself; for you were strangers in the what makes for peace” (Rom 14:19), for to describe our real intentions, the things are not odd and aloof, unbearable be- helping one person alone could justify land of Egypt” (Lev 19:33-34). This is unity is preferable to conflict. we truly seek and desire, apart from all cause of their vanity, negativity and bit- all our efforts, it would not be enough. not a notion invented by some pope, or a 89. It is not easy to “make” this evan- appearances. “Man sees the appear- terness. The Apostles of Christ were not The bishops of Canada made this clear momentary fad. In today’s world too, we gelical peace, which excludes no one but ance, but the Lord looks into the heart” like that. The Book of Acts states repeat- when they noted, for example, that the are called to follow the path of spiritual embraces even those who are a bit odd, (1Sam 16:7). God wants to speak to our edly that they enjoyed favor “with all the biblical understanding of the jubilee year wisdom proposed by the prophet Isaiah troublesome or difficult, demanding, hearts (cf. Hos 2:16); there He desires to people” (2:47; cf. 4:21.33; 5:13), even as was about more than simply performing to show what is pleasing to God. “Is it not different, beaten down by life or simply write His law (cf. Jer 31:33). In a word, some authorities harassed and persecut- certain good works. It also meant seek- to share your bread with the hungry and He wants to give us a new heart (cf. Ezek uninterested. It is hard work; it calls for ed them (cf. 4:1-3, 5:17-18). ing social change: “For later generations bring the homeless poor into your house; 36:26). great openness of mind and heart, since 94. Persecutions are not a reality of to also be released, clearly the goal had to when you see the naked, to cover him, 84. “Guard your heart with all vigi- it is not about creating “a consensus on the past, for today too we experience be the restoration of just social and eco- and not to hide yourself from your own lance” (Prov 4:23). Nothing stained paper or a transient peace for a content- them, whether by the shedding of blood, nomic systems, so there could no longer kin? Then your light shall break forth by falsehood has any real worth in the ed minority,” or a project “by a few for as is the case with so many contempo- be exclusion.” like the dawn” (58:7-8). Lord’s eyes. He “flees from deceit, and the few.” Nor can it attempt to ignore or rary martyrs, or by more subtle means, rises and departs from foolish thoughts” disregard conflict; instead, it must “face Ideologies striking at the heart The worship most acceptable by slander and lies. Jesus calls us blessed (Wis 1:5). The Father, “who sees in se- conflict head on, resolve it and make it a of the Gospel to God when people “utter all kinds of evil cret” (Mt 6:6), recognizes what is impure link in the chain of a new process.” We 100. I regret that ideologies lead us 104. We may think that we give glory against you falsely on my account” (Mt and insincere, mere display or appear- need to be artisans of peace, for building at times to two harmful errors. On the to God only by our worship and prayer, 5:11). At other times, persecution can ance, as does the Son, who knows “what peace is a craft that demands serenity, one hand, there is the error of those or simply by following certain ethical take the form of gibes that try to carica- is in man” (cf. Jn 2:25). creativity, sensitivity and skill. Christians who separate these Gospel norms. It is true that the primacy be- ture our faith and make us seem ridicu- 85. Certainly there can be no love Sowing peace all around us: that is demands from their personal relation- longs to our relationship with God, but lous. without works of love, but this Beatitude holiness. ship with the Lord, from their interior we cannot forget that the ultimate crite- Accepting daily the path of the Gos- union with him, from openness to his reminds us that the Lord expects a com- “Blessed are those who are rion on which our lives will be judged pel, even though it may cause us prob- grace. Christianity thus becomes a sort mitment to our brothers and sisters that persecuted for righteousness’ is what we have done for others. Prayer lems: that is holiness. of NGO stripped of the luminous mysti- comes from the heart. For “if I give away sake, for theirs is the kingdom is most precious, for it nourishes a daily cism so evident in the lives of St. Francis commitment to love. Our worship be- all I have, and if I deliver my body to be of heaven” THE GREAT CRITERION burned, but have no love, I gain noth- of Assisi, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Teresa comes pleasing to God when we devote 90. Jesus himself warns us that the ing” (1 Cor 13:3). In Matthew’s Gospel 95. In the 25th chapter of Matthew’s of Calcutta, and many others. For these ourselves to living generously, and al- path He proposes goes against the flow, too, we see that what proceeds from the Gospel (vv. 31-46), Jesus expands on the great saints, mental prayer, the love of low God’s gift, granted in prayer, to be even making us challenge society by the heart is what defiles a person (cf. 15:18), Beatitude that calls the merciful blessed. God and the reading of the Gospel in no shown in our concern for our brothers way we live and, as a result, becoming a for from the heart come murder, theft, If we seek the holiness pleasing to God’s way detracted from their passionate and and sisters. nuisance. He reminds us how many peo- false witness, and other evil deeds (cf. eyes, this text offers us one clear criterion effective commitment to their neighbors; 105. Similarly, the best way to discern ple have been, and still are, persecuted 15:19). From the heart’s intentions come on which we will be judged. “I was hun- quite the opposite. if our prayer is authentic is to judge to simply because they struggle for justice, the desires and the deepest decisions that gry and you gave me food, I was thirsty 101. The other harmful ideological what extent our life is being transformed because they take seriously their com- determine our actions. and you gave me drink, I was a stranger error is found in those who find suspect in the light of mercy. For “mercy is not mitment to God and to others. Unless we 86. A heart that loves God and neigh- and you welcomed me, I was naked and the social engagement of others, seeing only an action of the Father; it becomes wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, bor (cf. Mt 22:36-40), genuinely and not you clothed me, I was sick and you took it as superficial, worldly, secular, mate- a criterion for ascertaining who his true let us not long for an easy life, for “who- merely in words, is a pure heart; it can care of me, I was in prison and you vis- rialist, communist or populist. Or they children are.” Mercy “is the very founda- ever would save his life will lose it” (Mt see God. In his hymn to charity, St. Paul ited me” (vv. 35-36). relativize it, as if there are other more tion of the Church’s life.” In this regard, Apostolic Exhortation The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 27b Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate

I would like to reiterate that mercy does sonal sacrifices, different forms of devo- course, and people look to compensate ing to bear an injustice so as to offer it torious is He” (Zech 9:9). Nor should we not exclude justice and truth; indeed, tion, spiritual direction, and many others for their own discontent by lashing out to the Lord. “If when you do right and forget Nehemiah’s exhortation: “Do not “we have to say that mercy is the fullness as well. Here I will speak only of certain at others. It is striking that at times, in suffer for it, you have God’s approval” (1 be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your of justice and the most radiant manifes- aspects of the call to holiness that I hope claiming to uphold the other command- Pet 2:20). This does not mean walking strength!” (8:10). tation of God’s truth.” It is “the key to will prove especially meaningful. ments, they completely ignore the eighth, around with eyes lowered, not saying a 124. Mary, recognizing the newness heaven.” 111. The signs I wish to highlight are which forbids bearing false witness or word and fleeing the company of others. that Jesus brought, sang: “My spirit re- 106. Here I think of St. Thomas Aqui- not the sum total of a model of holiness, lying, and ruthlessly vilify others. Here At times, precisely because someone is joices” (Lk 1:47), and Jesus himself “re- nas, who asked which actions of ours are but they are five great expressions of love we see how the unguarded tongue, set on free of selfishness, he or she can dare to joiced in the Holy Spirit” (Lk 10:21). As noblest, which external works best show for God and neighbor that I consider of fire by hell, sets all things ablaze (cf. Jas disagree gently, to demand justice or to He passed by, “all the people rejoiced” our love for God. Thomas answered un- particular importance in the light of cer- 3:6). defend the weak before the powerful, (Lk 13:17). After His resurrection, wher- hesitatingly that they are the works of tain dangers and limitations present in 116. Inner strength, as the work of even if it may harm his or her reputation. ever the disciples went, there was “much mercy towards our neighbor, even more today’s culture. There we see a sense of grace, prevents us from becoming car- 120. I am not saying that such humili- joy” (Acts 8:8). Jesus assures us: “You than our acts of worship: “We worship anxiety, sometimes violent, that distracts ried away by the violence that is so much ation is pleasant, for that would be mas- will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will God by outward sacrifices and gifts, and debilitates; negativity and sullen- a part of life today, because grace defus- ochism, but that it is a way of imitating turn into joy ... . I will see you again and not for His own benefit, but for that of ness; the self-content bred by consumer- es vanity and makes possible meekness Jesus and growing in union with Him. your hearts will rejoice, and no one will ourselves and our neighbor. For He does ism; individualism; and all those forms of heart. The saints do not waste energy This is incomprehensible on a purely take your joy from you” (Jn 16:20.22). not need our sacrifices, but wishes them of ersatz spirituality — having nothing complaining about the failings of oth- natural level, and the world mocks any “These things I have spoken to you, that to be offered to Him, in order to stir to do with God — that dominate the cur- ers; they can hold their tongue before the such notion. Instead, it is a grace to be my joy may be in you, and that your joy our devotion and to profit our neighbor. rent religious marketplace. faults of their brothers and sisters, and sought in prayer: “Lord, when humilia- may be full” (Jn 15:11). Hence mercy, whereby we supply others’ PERSEVERANCE, PATIENCE avoid the verbal violence that demeans tions come, help me to know that I am 125. Hard times may come, when the defects, is a sacrifice more acceptable to and mistreats others. Saints hesitate to following in your footsteps.” cross casts its shadow, yet nothing can AND MEEKNESS him, as conducing more directly to our treat others harshly; they consider others 121. To act in this way presumes a destroy the supernatural joy that “adapts neighbor’s well-being.” better than themselves (cf. Phil 2:3). heart set at peace by Christ, freed from and changes, but always endures, even as 112. The first of these great signs is 107. Those who really wish to give 117. It is not good when we look down the aggressiveness born of overween- a flicker of light born of our personal cer- solid grounding in the God who loves glory to God by their lives, who truly on others like heartless judges, lording ing egotism. That same peacefulness, tainty that, when everything is said and and sustains us. This source of inner long to grow in holiness, are called to it over them and always trying to teach the fruit of grace, makes it possible to done, we are infinitely loved.” That joy strength enables us to persevere amid be single-minded and tenacious in their them lessons. That is itself a subtle form preserve our inner trust and persevere brings deep security, serene hope and a life’s ups and downs, but also to endure practice of the works of mercy. St. Teresa of violence. St. John of the Cross pro- in goodness, “though I walk through the spiritual fulfilment that the world cannot hostility, betrayal and failings on the part of Calcutta clearly realized this: “Yes, I posed a different path: “Always prefer valley of the shadow of death” (Ps 23:4) understand or appreciate. of others. “If God is for us, who is against have many human faults and failures ... . to be taught by all, rather than to desire or “a host encamp against me” (Ps 27:3). 126. Christian joy is usually accom- us?” (Rom 8:31): this is the source of the But God bends down and uses us, you teaching even the least of all.” And he Standing firm in the Lord, the Rock, we panied by a sense of humor. We see this peace found in the saints. Such inner and me, to be His love and His compas- added advice on how to keep the devil at can sing: “In peace I will both lie down clearly, for example, in St. Thomas More, strength makes it possible for us, in our sion in the world; He bears our sins, our bay: “Rejoice in the good of others as if and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make St. Vincent de Paul and St. Philip Neri. fast-paced, noisy and aggressive world, troubles and our faults. He depends on us it were your own, and desire that they be me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8). Christ, in Ill humor is no sign of holiness. “Remove to give a wit- to love the world and to show how much a word, “is our vexation from your mind” (Eccl 11:10). ness of holiness He loves it. If we are too concerned with peace” (Eph We receive so much from the Lord “for through patience ourselves, we will have no time left for 2:14); he came our enjoyment” (1 Tim 6:17), that sad- and constancy in others.” “to guide our ness can be a sign of ingratitude. We can doing good. It is 108. Hedonism and consumerism can feet into the get so caught up in ourselves that we are a sign of the fidel- prove our downfall, for when we are ob- way of peace” unable to recognize God’s gifts. ity born of love, sessed with our own pleasure, we end up (Lk 1:79). As He 127. With the love of a father, God for those who being all too concerned about ourselves told St. Faus- put their faith in tells us: “My son, treat yourself well... and our rights, and we feel a desperate tina Kowalska, God (pístis) can Do not deprive yourself of a happy day” need for free time to enjoy ourselves. “Mankind will also be faithful (Sir 14:11.14). He wants us to be posi- We will find it hard to feel and show any not have peace to others (pistós). tive, grateful and uncomplicated: “In the real concern for those in need, unless we until it turns They do not des- day of prosperity, be joyful... God cre- are able to cultivate a certain simplicity with trust to ert others in bad ated human beings straightforward, but of life, resisting the feverish demands of my mercy.” So times; they ac- they have devised many schemes” (Eccl a consumer society, which leave us im- let us not fall company them in 7:14.29). Whatever the case, we should poverished and unsatisfied, anxious to into the tempta- their anxiety and remain resilient and imitate St. Paul: “I have it all now. Similarly, when we allow tion of looking distress, even have learned to be content with what I ourselves to be caught up in superficial for security in though doing so have” (Phil 4:11). St. Francis of Assisi information, instant communication and success, vain may not bring lived by this; he could be overwhelmed virtual reality, we can waste precious pleasures, pos- immediate satis- with gratitude before a piece of hard time and become indifferent to the suf- given precedence over you in all things; sessions, power over others or social sta- faction. bread, or joyfully praise God simply for fering flesh of our brothers and sisters. this you should do wholeheartedly. You tus. Jesus says: “My peace I give to you; 113. St. Paul bade the Romans not to the breeze that caressed his face. Yet even amid this whirlwind of activity, will thereby overcome evil with good, I do not give it to you as the world gives repay evil for evil (cf. Rom 12:17), not 128. This is not the joy held out by the Gospel continues to resound, offer- banish the devil, and possess a happy peace” (Jn 14:27). to seek revenge (v. 19), and not to be today’s individualistic and consumerist ing us the promise of a different life, a heart. Try to practice this all the more overcome by evil, but instead to “over- JOY AND A SENSE OF HUMOR culture. Consumerism only bloats the healthier and happier life. with those who least attract you. Realize come evil with good” (v. 21). This atti- heart. It can offer occasional and passing * * * that if you do not train yourself in this tude is not a sign of weakness but of true 122. Far from being timid, morose, pleasures, but not joy. Here I am speak- 109. The powerful witness of the way, you will not attain real charity or strength, because God Himself “is slow acerbic or melancholy, or putting on a ing of a joy lived in communion, which saints is revealed in their lives, shaped by make any progress in it.” to anger but great in power” (Nah 1:3). dreary face, the saints are joyful and full shares and is shared, since “there is more the Beatitudes and the criterion of the fi- 118. Humility can only take root in The word of God exhorts us to “put away of good humor. Though completely real- happiness in giving than in receiving” nal judgement. Jesus’ words are few and the heart through humiliations. Without all bitterness and wrath and wrangling istic, they radiate a positive and hopeful (Acts 20:35) and “God loves a cheerful straightforward, yet practical and valid them, there is no humility or holiness. and slander, together with all malice” spirit. The Christian life is “joy in the giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Fraternal love increas- for everyone, for Christianity is meant If you are unable to suffer and offer up a (Eph 4:31). Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17), for “the neces- es our capacity for joy, since it makes us above all to be put into practice. It can few humiliations, you are not humble and 114. We need to recognize and combat sary result of the love of charity is joy; capable of rejoicing in the good of others: also be an object of study and reflection, you are not on the path to holiness. The our aggressive and selfish inclinations, since every lover rejoices at being united “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Rom but only to help us better live the Gospel holiness that God bestows on His Church and not let them take root. “Be angry but to the beloved… the effect of charity is 12:15). “We rejoice when we are weak in our daily lives. I recommend reread- comes through the humiliation of His do not sin; do not let the sun go down on joy.” Having received the beautiful gift and you are strong” (2 Cor 13:9). On the ing these great biblical texts frequently, Son. He is the way. Humiliation makes your anger” (Eph 4:26). When we feel of God’s word, we embrace it “in much other hand, when we “focus primarily on referring back to them, praying with you resemble Jesus; it is an unavoidable overwhelmed, we can always cling to the affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy our own needs, we condemn ourselves to them, trying to embody them. They will aspect of the imitation of Christ. For anchor of prayer, which puts us back in Spirit” (1 Thess 1:6). If we allow the Lord a joyless existence.” benefit us; they will make us genuinely “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an God’s hands and the source of our peace. to draw us out of our shell and change BOLDNESS AND PASSION happy. example, so that you might follow in His our lives, then we can do as St. Paul tells “Have no anxiety about anything, but in steps” (1 Pet 2:21). In turn, He reveals the us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say it 129. Holiness is also parrhesía: it is everything, by prayer and supplication humility of the Father, who condescends CHAPTER FOUR again, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). boldness, an impulse to evangelize and with thanksgiving, let your requests be to journey with His people, enduring 123. The prophets proclaimed the to leave a mark in this world. To allow SIGNS OF HOLINESS IN made known to God. And the peace of their infidelities and complaints (cf. Ex TODAY’S WORLD God, which surpasses all understanding, times of Jesus, in which we now live, as us to do this, Jesus himself comes and 34:6-9; Wis 11:23-12:2; Lk 6:36). For this a revelation of joy. “Shout and sing for will guard your hearts...” (Phil 4:6-7). reason, the Apostles, after suffering hu- tells us once more, serenely yet firmly: 110. Within the framework of holiness 115. Christians too can be caught up joy!” (Is 12:6). “Get you up to a high “Do not be afraid” (Mk 6:50). “I am with miliation, rejoiced “that they were count- mountain, O herald of good tidings to offered by the Beatitudes and Matthew in networks of verbal violence through ed worthy to suffer dishonor for (Jesus’) you always, to the end of the world” (Mt 25:31-46, I would like to mention a few the internet and the various forums of Zion; lift up your voice with strength, 28:20). These words enable us to go forth name” (Acts 5:41). O herald of good tidings to Jerusalem!” signs or spiritual attitudes that, in my digital communication. Even in Catholic 119. Here I am not speaking only and serve with the same courage that the opinion, are necessary if we are to under- media, limits can be overstepped, defa- (Is 40:9). “Break forth, O mountains, Holy Spirit stirred up in the Apostles, about stark situations of martyrdom, but into singing! For the Lord has comforted stand the way of life to which the Lord mation and slander can become com- about the daily humiliations of those who impelling them to proclaim Jesus Christ. calls us. I will not pause to explain the monplace, and all ethical standards and His people, and He will have compas- Boldness, enthusiasm, the freedom to keep silent to save their families, who sion on His afflicted” (Is 49:13). “Rejoice means of sanctification already known respect for the good name of others can prefer to praise others rather than boast speak out, apostolic fervor, all these to us: the various methods of prayer, the be abandoned. The result is a dangerous greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, are included in the word parrhesía. The about themselves, or who choose the O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your inestimable sacraments of the Eucharist dichotomy, since things can be said there less welcome tasks, at times even choos- Bible also uses this word to describe the and reconciliation, the offering of per- that would be unacceptable in public dis- king comes to you; triumphant and vic- freedom of a life open to God and to oth- 27c | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Apostolic Exhortation Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate ers (cf. Acts 4:29, 9:28, 28:31; 2 Cor 3:12; door of our hearts to Jesus, who stands Living or working alongside others is the Lord’s love, we are granted, amid ticate the power of the face of Christ.” So Eph 3:12; Heb 3:6, 10:19). and knocks (cf. Rev 3:20). Sometimes surely a path of spiritual growth. St. John these little details, consoling experiences let me ask you: Are there moments when 130. Blessed Paul VI, in referring to I wonder, though, if perhaps Jesus is of the Cross told one of his followers: of God. “One winter night I was carrying you place yourself quietly in the Lord’s obstacles to evangelization, spoke of already inside us and knocking on the “You are living with others in order to be out my little duty as usual ... . Suddenly, presence, when you calmly spend time a lack of fervor (parrhesía) that is “all door for us to let Him escape from our fashioned and tried.” I heard off in the distance the harmoni- with Him, when you bask in His gaze? the more serious because it comes from stale self-centeredness. In the Gospel, 142. Each community is called to cre- ous sound of a musical instrument. I then Do you let His fire inflame your heart? within.” How often we are tempted to we see how Jesus “went through the cit- ate a “God-enlightened space in which pictured a well-lighted drawing room, Unless you let Him warm you more and keep close to the shore! Yet the Lord calls ies and villages, preaching and bringing to experience the hidden presence of brilliantly gilded, filled with elegantly more with His love and tenderness, you us to put out into the deep and let down the good news of the kingdom of God” the risen Lord.” Sharing the word and dressed young ladies conversing togeth- will not catch fire. How will you then our nets (cf. Lk 5:4). He bids us spend our (Lk 8:1). After the resurrection, when the celebrating the Eucharist together fos- er and conferring upon each other all be able to set the hearts of others on fire lives in His service. Clinging to Him, we disciples went forth in all directions, the ters fraternity and makes us a holy and sorts of compliments and other worldly by your words and witness? If, gazing are inspired to put all our charisms at the Lord accompanied them (cf. Mk 16:20). missionary community. It also gives remarks. Then my glance fell upon the on the face of Christ, you feel unable to service of others. May we always feel This is what happens as the result of true rise to authentic and shared mystical poor invalid whom I was supporting. In- let yourself be healed and transformed, compelled by his love (2 Cor 5:14) and encounter. experiences. Such was the case with SS. stead of the beautiful strains of music I then enter into the Lord’s heart, into His say with St. Paul: “Woe to me if I do not 137. Complacency is seductive; it Benedict and Scholastica. We can also heard only her occasional complaints ... . wounds, for that is the abode of divine preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16). tells us that there is no point in trying to think of the sublime spiritual experi- I cannot express in words what happened mercy. 131. Look at Jesus. His deep compas- change things, that there is nothing we ence shared by St. Augustine and his in my soul; what I know is that the Lord 152. I ask that we never regard prayer- sion reached out to others. It did not make can do, because this is the way things mother, St. Monica. “As the day now ap- illumined it with rays of truth which so ful silence as a form of escape and rejec- Him hesitant, timid or self-conscious, as have always been and yet we always proached on which she was to depart this surpassed the dark brilliance of earthly tion of the world around us. The Russian often happens with us. Quite the oppo- manage to survive. By force of habit we life, a day known to you but not to us, it feasts that I could not believe my happi- pilgrim, who prayed constantly, says that site. His compassion made Him go out no longer stand up to evil. We “let things came about, as I believe by your secret ness.” such prayer did not separate him from actively to preach and to send others on be,” or as others have decided they ought arrangement, that she and I stood alone 146. Contrary to the growing consum- what was happening all around him. a mission of healing and liberation. Let to be. Yet let us allow the Lord to rouse leaning in a window that looked onto a erist individualism that tends to isolate “Everybody was kind to me; it was as us acknowledge our weakness, but allow us from our torpor, to free us garden ... . We opened wide our hearts us in a quest for well-being apart though everyone loved me ... . Not only Jesus to lay hold of it and send us too on from our inertia. Let us rethink from others, our path to holiness did I feel (happiness and consolation) mission. We are weak, yet we hold a trea- our usual way of doing things; can only make us identify all the in my own soul, but the whole outside sure that can enlarge us and make those let us open our eyes and ears, and more with Jesus’ prayer “that world also seemed to me full of charm who receive it better and happier. Bold- above all our hearts, so as not to all may be one; even as you, Fa- and delight.” ness and apostolic courage are an essen- be complacent about things as ther, are in me, and I in you” (Jn 153. Nor does history vanish. Prayer, tial part of mission. they are, but unsettled by the 17:21). because it is nourished by the gift of God 132. Parrhesía is a seal of the Spirit; it living and effective word of the IN CONSTANT PRAYER present and at work in our lives, must testifies to the authenticity of our preach- risen Lord. always be marked by remembrance. The ing. It is a joyful assurance that leads 138. We are inspired to act by 147. Finally, though it may memory of God’s works is central to the us to glory in the Gospel we proclaim. the example of all those priests, seem obvious, we should re- experience of the covenant between God It is an unshakeable trust in the faithful religious, and laity who devote member that holiness consists in and His people. God wished to enter his- Witness who gives us the certainty that themselves to proclamation and a habitual openness to the tran- tory, and so our prayer is interwoven nothing can “separate us from the love of to serving others with great fi- scendent, expressed in prayer with memories. We think back not only God” (Rom 8:39). delity, often at the risk of their and adoration. The saints are dis- on His revealed Word, but also on our 133. We need the Spirit’s prompt- lives and certainly at the cost of tinguished by a spirit of prayer own lives, the lives of others, and all that ing, lest we be paralyzed by fear and their comfort. Their testimony and a need for communion with the Lord has done in his Church. This is excessive caution, lest we grow used to reminds us that, more than bu- God. They find an exclusive con- the grateful memory that St. Ignatius of keeping within safe bounds. Let us re- reaucrats and functionaries, the cern with this world to be narrow Loyola refers to in his “Contemplation member that closed spaces grow musty Church needs passionate mis- and stifling, and, amid their own for Attaining Love,” when he asks us to and unhealthy. When the Apostles were sionaries, enthusiastic about concerns and commitments, be mindful of all the blessings we have tempted to let themselves be crippled by sharing true life. The saints they long for God, losing them- received from the Lord. Think of your danger and threats, they joined in prayer surprise us, they confound us, selves in praise and contempla- own history when you pray, and there to implore parrhesía: “And now, Lord, because by their lives they urge tion of the Lord. I do not believe you will find much mercy. This will also look upon their threats, and grant to your us to abandon a dull and dreary in holiness without prayer, even increase your awareness that the Lord is servants to speak your word with all mediocrity. though that prayer need not be ever mindful of you; He never forgets boldness” (Acts 4:29). As a result, “when 139. Let us ask the Lord for lengthy or involve intense emo- you. So it makes sense to ask Him to they had prayed, the place in which they the grace not to hesitate when the tions. shed light on the smallest details of your to drink in the streams of your fountain, were gathered together was shaken; and Spirit calls us to take a step forward. Let 148. St. John of the Cross tells us: life, for He sees them all. the source of life that is in you ... . And as they were all filled with the Holy Spirit us ask for the apostolic courage to share “Endeavor to remain always in the pres- 154. Prayer of supplication is an ex- we spoke of that wisdom and strained af- and spoke the word of God with bold- the Gospel with others and to stop try- ence of God, either real, imaginative, or pression of a heart that trusts in God ter it, we touched it in some measure by ness” (Acts 4:31). ing to make our Christian life a museum unitive, insofar as is permitted by your and realizes that of itself it can do noth- the impetus of our hearts ... . eternal life 134. Like the prophet Jonah, we are of memories. In every situation, may the works.” In the end, our desire for God ing. The life of God’s faithful people is might be like that one moment of knowl- constantly tempted to flee to a safe ha- Holy Spirit cause us to contemplate his- will surely find expression in our daily marked by constant supplication born edge which we now sighed after.” ven. It can have many names: individual- tory in the light of the risen Jesus. In this lives: “Try to be continuous in prayer, of faith-filled love and great confidence. 143. Such experiences, however, are ism, spiritualism, living in a little world, way, the Church will not stand still, but and in the midst of bodily exercises do Let us not downplay prayer of petition, neither the most frequent nor the most addiction, intransigence, the rejection of constantly welcome the Lord’s surprises. not leave it. Whether you eat, drink, talk which so often calms our hearts and important. The common life, whether in new ideas and approaches, dogmatism, with others, or do anything, always go to helps us persevere in hope. Prayer of in- IN COMMUNITY the family, the parish, the religious com- nostalgia, pessimism, hiding behind God and attach your heart to him.” tercession has particular value, for it is an munity or any other, is made up of small rules and regulations. We can resist leav- 140. When we live apart from others, 149. For this to happen, however, some act of trust in God and, at the same time, everyday things. This was true of the ing behind a familiar and easy way of it is very difficult to fight against concu- moments spent alone with God are also an expression of love for our neighbor. holy community formed by Jesus, Mary doing things. Yet the challenges involved piscence, the snares and temptations of necessary. For St. Teresa of Avila, prayer There are those who think, based on a and Joseph, which reflected in an exem- can be like the storm, the whale, the the devil and the selfishness of the world. “is nothing but friendly intercourse, and one-sided spirituality, that prayer should plary way the beauty of the Trinitarian worm that dried the gourd plant, or the Bombarded as we are by so many entice- frequent solitary converse, with Him be unalloyed contemplation of God, free communion. It was also true of the life wind and sun that burned Jonah’s head. ments, we can grow too isolated, lose who we know loves us.” I would insist of all distraction, as if the names and fac- that Jesus shared with his disciples and For us, as for him, they can serve to our sense of reality and inner clarity, and that this is true not only for a privileged es of others were somehow an intrusion with ordinary people. bring us back to the God of tenderness, easily succumb. few, but for all of us, for “we all have to be avoided. Yet in reality, our prayer 144. Let us not forget that Jesus asked who invites us to set out ever anew on 141. Growth in holiness is a journey in need of this silence, filled with the pres- will be all the more pleasing to God and his disciples to pay attention to details. our journey. community, side by side with others. We ence of Him who is adored.” Trust-filled more effective for our growth in holi- The little detail that wine was running 135. God is eternal newness. He im- see this in some holy communities. From prayer is a response of a heart open to en- ness if, through intercession, we attempt out at a party. pels us constantly to set out anew, to pass time to time, the Church has canonized countering God face to face, where all is to practice the twofold commandment The little detail that one sheep was beyond what is familiar, to the fringes entire communities that lived the Gospel peaceful and the quiet voice of the Lord that Jesus left us. Intercessory prayer is missing. and beyond. He takes us to where hu- heroically or offered to God the lives of can be heard in the midst of silence. an expression of our fraternal concern The little detail of noticing the widow manity is most wounded, where men all their members. We can think, for ex- 150. In that silence, we can discern, in for others, since we are able to embrace who offered her two small coins. and women, beneath the appearance of ample, of the seven holy founders of the the light of the Spirit, the paths of holi- their lives, their deepest troubles and The little detail of having spare oil for a shallow conformity, continue to seek Order of the Servants of Mary, the seven ness to which the Lord is calling us. Oth- their loftiest dreams. Of those who com- the lamps, should the bridegroom delay. an answer to the question of life’s mean- blessed sisters of the first monastery of erwise, any decisions we make may only mit themselves generously to interces- The little detail of asking the disciples ing. God is not afraid! He is fearless! the Visitation in Madrid, the Japanese be window-dressing that, rather than ex- sory prayer we can apply the words of how many loaves of bread they had. He is always greater than our plans and martyrs St. Paul Miki and companions, alting the Gospel in our lives, will mask Scripture: “This is a man who loves the The little detail of having a fire burn- schemes. Unafraid of the fringes, He the Korean martyrs St. Andrew Taegon or submerge it. For each disciple, it is brethren and prays much for the people” ing and a fish cooking as he waited for Himself became a fringe (cf. Phil 2:6-8; and companions, or the South American essential to spend time with the Master, (2 Mac 15:14). the disciples at daybreak. Jn 1:14). So if we dare to go to the fring- martyrs St. Roque González, St. Alonso to listen to His words, and to learn from 155. If we realize that God exists, we 145. A community that cherishes the es, we will find Him there; indeed, He Rodríguez and companions. We should Him always. Unless we listen, all our cannot help but worship Him, at times in little details of love, whose members is already there. Jesus is already there, also remember the more recent witness words will be nothing but useless chatter. quiet wonder, and praise Him in festive care for one another and create an open in the hearts of our brothers and sisters, borne by the Trappists of Tibhirine, Al- 151. We need to remember that “con- song. We thus share in the experience of and evangelizing environment, is a place in their wounded flesh, in their troubles geria, who prepared as a community for templation of the face of Jesus, died and Blessed Charles de Foucauld, who said: where the risen Lord is present, sancti- and in their profound desolation. He is martyrdom. In many holy marriages too, risen, restores our humanity, even when “As soon as I believed that there was a fying it in accordance with the Father’s already there. each spouse becomes a means used by it has been broken by the troubles of this God, I understood that I could do noth- plan. There are times when, by a gift of 136. True enough, we need to open the Christ for the sanctification of the other. life or marred by sin. We must not domes- ing other than to live for Him.” In the Apostolic Exhortation The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 27d Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate life of God’s pilgrim people, there can be 161. Hence, we should not think of the self-deception that easily leads to cor- striving untrammelled for all that is is most fruitful for the “today” of salva- many simple gestures of pure adoration, devil as a myth, a representation, a sym- ruption. He spoke of a person freed from great, better and more beautiful, while tion. It is not a matter of applying rules as when “the gaze of a pilgrim rests on bol, a figure of speech or an idea. This the devil who, convinced that his life was at the same time being concerned for the or repeating what was done in the past, an image that symbolizes God’s affec- mistake would lead us to let down our now in order, ended up being possessed little things, for each day’s responsibili- since the same solutions are not valid in tion and closeness. Love pauses, con- guard, to grow careless and end up more by seven other evil spirits (cf. Lk 11:24- ties and commitments. For this reason, all circumstances and what was useful in templates the mystery, and enjoys it in vulnerable. The devil does not need to 26). Another biblical text puts it bluntly: I ask all Christians not to omit, in dia- one context may not prove so in another. silence.” possess us. He poisons us with the ven- “The dog turns back to his own vomit” (2 logue with the Lord, a sincere daily “ex- The discernment of spirits liberates us 156. The prayerful reading of God’s om of hatred, desolation, envy and vice. Pet 2:22; cf. Pr 26:11). amination of conscience.” Discernment from rigidity, which has no place before word, which is “sweeter than honey” (Ps When we let down our guard, he takes also enables us to recognize the concrete the perennial “today” of the risen Lord. DISCERNMENT 119:103) yet a “two-edged sword” (Heb advantage of it to destroy our lives, our means that the Lord provides in His mys- The Spirit alone can penetrate what is 4:12), enables us to pause and listen to families and our communities. “Like a terious and loving plan, to make us move obscure and hidden in every situation, 166. How can we know if something the voice of the Master. It becomes a roaring lion, he prowls around, looking beyond mere good intentions. and grasp its every nuance, so that the comes from the Holy Spirit or if it stems lamp for our steps and a light for our path for someone to devor” (1 Pet 5:8). newness of the Gospel can emerge in from the spirit of the world or the spirit A supernatural gift (cf. Ps 119:105). As the bishops of India another light. Alert and trustful of the devil? The only way is through 170. Certainly, spiritual discernment have reminded us, “devotion to the word 162. God’s word invites us clearly to discernment, which calls for something does not exclude existential, psycho- The logic of gift and of the cross of God is not simply one of many devo- “stand against the wiles of the devil” more than intelligence or common sense. logical, sociological or moral insights 174. An essential condition for prog- tions, beautiful but somewhat optional. (Eph 6:11) and to “quench all the flam- It is a gift which we must implore. If we drawn from the human sciences. At the ress in discernment is a growing under- It goes to the very heart and identity of ing darts of the evil one” (Eph 6:16). ask with confidence that the Holy Spirit same time, it transcends them. Nor are standing of God’s patience and His time- Christian life. The word has the power to These expressions are not melodramatic, grant us this gift, and then seek to devel- the Church’s sound norms sufficient. table, which are never our own. God does transform lives.” precisely because our path towards holi- op it through prayer, reflection, reading We should always remember that dis- not pour down fire upon those who are 157. Meeting Jesus in the Scriptures ness is a constant battle. Those who do and good counsel, then surely we will cernment is a grace. Even though it in- unfaithful (cf. Lk 9:54), or allow the zeal- leads us to the Eucharist, where the writ- not realize this will be prey to failure or grow in this spiritual endowment. cludes reason and prudence, it goes be- ous to uproot the tares growing among ten word attains its greatest efficacy, for mediocrity. For this spiritual combat, we yond them, for it seeks a glimpse of that the wheat (cf. Mt 13:29). Generosity too there the living Word is truly present. In An urgent need can count on the powerful weapons that unique and mysterious plan that God has is demanded, for “it is more blessed to the Eucharist, the one true God receives 167. The gift of discernment has be- the Lord has given us: faith-filled prayer, for each of us, which takes shape amid so give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Dis- the greatest worship the world can give come all the more necessary today, since meditation on the word of God, the many varied situations and limitations. cernment is not about discovering what Him, for it is Christ Himself who is of- contemporary life offers immense possi- celebration of It involves more more we can get out of this life, but about fered. When we receive Him in holy Mass, Eucha- than my tempo- recognizing how we can better accom- Communion, we renew our covenant ristic adoration, ral well-being, plish the mission entrusted to us at our with Him and allow Him to carry out sacramental my satisfaction baptism. This entails a readiness to make ever more fully His work of transform- reconciliation, at having accom- sacrifices, even to sacrificing everything. ing our lives. works of char- plished some- For happiness is a paradox. We experi- CHAPTER FIVE ity, community thing useful, or ence it most when we accept the mysteri- life, missionary even my desire ous logic that is not of this world: “This is SPIRITUAL COMBAT, outreach. If we for peace of our logic,” says St. Bonaventure, point- VIGILANCE AND become care- mind. It has to do ing to the cross. Once we enter into this DISCERNMENT less, the false with the mean- dynamic, we will not let our consciences promises of evil ing of my life be numbed and we will open ourselves 158. The Christian life is a constant will easily se- before the Father generously to discernment. battle. We need strength and courage to duce us. As the who knows and 175. When, in God’s presence, we withstand the temptations of the devil sainted Cura loves me, with examine our life’s journey, no areas can and to proclaim the Gospel. This battle Brochero ob- the real purpose be off limits. In all aspects of life we can is sweet, for it allows us to rejoice each served: “What of my life, which continue to grow and offer something time the Lord triumphs in our lives. good is it when nobody knows greater to God, even in those areas we find most difficult. We need, though, to COMBAT AND VIGILANCE Lucifer promis- better than He. es you freedom Ultimately, dis- ask the Holy Spirit to liberate us and to 159. We are not dealing merely with and showers you cernment leads expel the fear that makes us ban Him a battle against the world and a worldly with all his ben- to the wellspring from certain parts of our lives. God asks mentality that would deceive us and efits, if those benefits are false, deceptive of undying life: to know the Father, the everything of us, yet he also gives every- bilities for action and distraction, and the leave us dull and mediocre, lacking in and poisonous?” only true God, and the one whom He has thing to us. He does not want to enter our world presents all of them as valid and enthusiasm and joy. Nor can this battle 163. Along this journey, the cultiva- sent, Jesus Christ (cf. Jn 17:3). It requires lives to cripple or diminish them, but to good. All of us, but especially the young, be reduced to the struggle against our tion of all that is good, progress in the no special abilities, nor is it only for the bring them to fulfilment. Discernment, are immersed in a culture of zapping. human weaknesses and proclivities (be spiritual life and growth in love are the more intelligent or better educated. The then, is not a solipsistic self-analysis or We can navigate simultaneously on two they laziness, lust, envy, jealousy or best counterbalance to evil. Those who Father readily reveals Himself to the a form of egotistical introspection, but or more screens and interact at the same any others). It is also a constant struggle choose to remain neutral, who are satis- lowly (cf. Mt 11:25). an authentic process of leaving ourselves time with two or three virtual scenarios. against the devil, the prince of evil. Jesus fied with little, who renounce the ideal 171. The Lord speaks to us in a variety behind in order to approach the mystery Without the wisdom of discernment, we himself celebrates our victories. He re- of giving themselves generously to the of ways, at work, through others and at of God, who helps us to carry out the can easily become prey to every passing joiced when His disciples made progress Lord, will never hold out. Even less if every moment. Yet we simply cannot do mission to which he has called us, for the trend. in preaching the Gospel and overcoming they fall into defeatism, for “if we start without the silence of prolonged prayer, good of our brothers and sisters. 168. This is all the more important the opposition of the evil one: “I saw Sa- without confidence, we have already lost which enables us better to perceive God’s * * * when some novelty presents itself in our tan fall like lightning from heaven” (Lk half the battle and we bury our talents… language, to interpret the real meaning 176. I would like these reflections to lives. Then we have to decide whether 10:18). Christian triumph is always a cross, yet of the inspirations we believe we have be crowned by Mary, because she lived it is new wine brought by God or an il- the Beatitudes of Jesus as none other. More than a myth a cross which is at the same time a vic- received, to calm our anxieties and to see torious banner, borne with aggressive lusion created by the spirit of this world the whole of our existence afresh in His She is that woman who rejoiced in the 160. We will not admit the existence tenderness against the assaults of evil.” or the spirit of the devil. At other times, own light. In this way, we allow the birth presence of God, who treasured every- of the devil if we insist on regarding life the opposite can happen, when the forces of a new synthesis that springs from a thing in her heart, and who let herself be by empirical standards alone, without a Spiritual corruption of evil induce us not to change, to leave life inspired by the Spirit. pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint 164. The path of holiness is a source supernatural understanding. It is precise- things as they are, to opt for a rigid re- among the saints, blessed above all oth- Speak, Lord ly the conviction that this malign power of peace and joy, given to us by the sistance to change. Yet that would be to ers. She teaches us the way of holiness is present in our midst that enables us to Spirit. At the same time, it demands that block the working of the Spirit. We are 172. Nonetheless, it is possible that, and she walks ever at our side. She does understand how evil can at times have so we keep “our lamps lit” (Lk 12:35) and free, with the freedom of Christ. Still, even in prayer itself, we could refuse to not let us remain fallen and at times she much destructive force. True enough, the be attentive. “Abstain from every form He asks us to examine what is within us let ourselves be confronted by the free- takes us into her arms without judging biblical authors had limited conceptual of evil” (1 Thess 5:22). “Keep awake” — our desires, anxieties, fears and ques- dom of the Spirit, who acts as He wills. us. Our converse with her consoles, frees resources for expressing certain realities, (Mt 24:42; Mk 13:35). “Let us not fall tions — and what takes place all around We must remember that prayerful dis- and sanctifies us. Mary our Mother does asleep” (1 Thess 5:6). Those who think cernment must be born of a readiness to and in Jesus’ time epilepsy, for example, us — “the signs of the times” — and not need a flood of words. She does not could easily be confused with demonic they commit no grievous sins against listen: to the Lord and to others, and to thus to recognize the paths that lead to need us to tell her what is happening in possession. Yet this should not lead God’s law can fall into a state of dull reality itself, which always challenges complete freedom. “Test everything; our lives. All we need do is whisper, time us to an oversimplification that would lethargy. Since they see nothing seri- us in new ways. Only if we are prepared hold fast to what is good” (1 Thess 5:21). and time again: “Hail Mary ... ” conclude that all the cases related in the ous to reproach themselves with, they to listen, do we have the freedom to set 177. It is my hope that these pages Always in the light of the Lord Gospel had to do with psychological dis- fail to realize that their spiritual life has aside our own partial or insufficient will prove helpful by enabling the whole 169. Discernment is necessary not orders and hence that the devil does not gradually turned lukewarm. They end up ideas, our usual habits and ways of see- Church to devote herself anew to pro- only at extraordinary times, when we exist or is not at work. He is present in the weakened and corrupted. ing things. In this way, we become truly moting the desire for holiness. Let us need to resolve grave problems and make very first pages of the Scriptures, which 165. Spiritual corruption is worse than open to accepting a call that can shatter ask the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us crucial decisions. It is a means of spiri- end with God’s victory over the devil. the fall of a sinner, for it is a comfort- our security, but lead us to a better life. a fervent longing to be saints for God’s tual combat for helping us to follow the Indeed, in leaving us the Our Father, able and self-satisfied form of blindness. It is not enough that everything be calm greater glory, and let us encourage one Lord more faithfully. We need it at all Jesus wanted us to conclude by asking Everything then appears acceptable: and peaceful. God may be offering us another in this effort. In this way, we will times, to help us recognize God’s time- the Father to “deliver us from evil.” That deception, slander, egotism and other something more, but in our comfortable share a happiness that the world will not final word does not refer to evil in the subtle forms of self-centeredness, for table, lest we fail to heed the promptings inadvertence, we do not recognize it. be able to take from us. abstract; a more exact translation would “even Satan disguises himself as an an- of His grace and disregard His invitation 173. Naturally, this attitude of listen- Given in Rome, at St. Peter’s, on March 19, be “the evil one.” It indicates a personal gel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). So Solomon to grow. Often discernment is exercised ing entails obedience to the Gospel as the the Solemnity of St. Joseph, in the year being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ended his days, whereas David, who in small and apparently irrelevant things, ultimate standard, but also to the Magis- 2018, the sixth of my Pontificate. ask daily for deliverance from him, lest sinned greatly, was able to make up for since greatness of spirit is manifested terium that guards it, as we seek to find his power prevail over us. disgrace. Jesus warned us against this in simple everyday realities. It involves in the treasury of the Church whatever Francis 28 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief Film aims to help young singles reclaim ‘social script’ for how to date BOSTON (CNS)—Going out on dates to get extra credit might sound like an easy way to boost your grade in professor Kerry Cronin’s class at Jesuit-run Boston College. But the extra-credit assignment is a serious attempt to help college students understand what dating really is and the need to develop meaningful relationships in a day and age when the “hookup culture,” slang for brief sexual encounters, has become prominent on college campuses and in society at large. A few years ago the popular professor of philosophy at Boston College noticed the decreased dating trend among her undergraduate students. The Dating Project was born, and a film later was created. The film follows Cronin and five single people, ages 20 to 40, in their own quest to find authentic love and meaningful relationships. Its website, https://www.thedatingprojectmovie.com, has the film’s trailer and promises it is “coming soon” to digital and DVD. Be fruitful and multiply: Threatened trees planted in Vatican Gardens (CNS photo/Vatican Media) VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The Vatican Gardens has branched out Benedictines Meet in Rome and added a small orchard to its hillsides, becoming a safe haven Pope Francis meets with about 400 members of the Benedictine Confederation at the Vatican April 19. He for a number of endangered native Italian fruit and nut tree spe- asked them to continue to offer oases of peace and silence to a busy and distracted world. In this hectic cies. If all goes well with weather world, Benedictine monasteries and abbeys “become like oases where men and women of all ages, ori- and pollination, the eight new gins, cultures and religions can discover the beauty of silence” and regain their bearings so they can be saplings planted behind St. Pe- “in harmony with creation, letting God re-establish a proper order in their lives,” he said. ter’s Basilica should be bear- Pope Leo XIII created the confederation in 1893 to help promote unity among the various autonomous ing fruit in just a few years. The Benedictine monasteries and congregations. The confederation is led by Illinois-born Abbot Gregory Polan, who led Conception Abbey in Conception, Mo., before being elected in 2016 abbot primate and Italian tree conservation asso- head of the Benedictine university of St. Anselm in Rome. ciation, “Patriarchi della Natura,” made the donation as part of its (CNS photo/Vatican Media) national effort to protect biodi- Sergio Guidi, president of the Ital- versity by collecting and propa- ian tree conservation association, gating native tree species that Mother Killed on Southwest Flight “Patriarchi della Natura,” presents are threatened or in danger of a potted tree to Pope Francis at extinction in their natural habi- his general audience April 18. Was Firm Believer in Catholic Schools tats. “The Pope’s Orchard” will WASHINGTON (CNS)— School were two decades living in Albu- be a small “field gene bank” or collection of living plant species in Tributes from business lead- issued by her querque. Michael is a former need of protection, the association said in a written press release. ers and politicians alike de- family, who chief operating officer for the scribed Jennifer Riordan — the called her city of Albuquerque and Jen- English, Welsh bishops raise concerns 43-year-old passenger who their “bed- nifer was a vice president for over rise of gender ideology died April 17 from injuries suf- rock,” and community relations with fered on Southwest Flight 1380 her children’s Wells Fargo bank. MANCHESTER, England (CNS)—The bishops of England and (CNS photo/Marla Brose, when its engine exploded — as school, which Albuquerque Journal) She was returning from a Wales have raised concerns over the rise of gender ideology, say- a devoted mother, community described Jennifer business trip in New York ing it is creating confusion among people about the truth of hu- leader, mentor and volunteer. Riordan as Riordan when the plane was forced to man nature. In a statement issued at the end of their April 16-19 Riordan was a “thoughtful an “integral make an emergency landing bi-annual plenary meeting in Leeds, the bishops acknowledged leader who has long been a part member of our school commu- in Philadelphia after its engine some people did not “accept their biological sex” but said they, of the fabric of our communi- nity.” exploded in midair and shrap- as pastors, were “committed to their pastoral care.” “As we con- ty,” said Tim Keller, mayor of Riordan, who grew up in nel hit the plane breaking the tinue to reflect on these issues, we hope for a renewed apprecia- Albuquerque. Vermont, married her high window beside her. tion of the fundamental importance of sexual difference in our But statements about Riordan school sweetheart, Michael Riordan was pronounced culture and the accompaniment of those who experience con- that were closer to home for the Riordan, in 1996 at Christ the dead at a hospital from blunt flict in their sense of self and God-given identity,” they said. “We parishioner of Our Lady of the King Church, according to the trauma to her head, neck and all have a duty to protect the most vulnerable.” In the U.K., in- Annunciation Catholic Church Burlington Free Press daily torso, a spokesman for the Phil- creasing numbers of young people have been “self-declaring” in in Albuquerque and mother of newspaper. adelphia Department of Health one or more of dozens of new genders over the last three years. two children at Annunciation The couple had spent nearly announced April 19.

FRIDAY NIGHT FAVORITES AT FARANDA’S Conference Looks at How to Casual Dining in a very relaxed environment. Friday’s Dinner Menu Not sure on what to order? Preserve Religious Orders’ Archives (4:30 pm to 7:30 pm) Make your own Combo WASHINGTON (CNS)— Or to put it more simply, Fried Cod ...... $12.95 Recorded history typically is “what are the options?” asked Baked Cod ...... $13.95 $15.95 the privilege of the famous, Malachy McCarthy, province $ powerful and wealthy, and archivist of the Chicago-based Fried Chicken ...... 13.95 Children’s Meal — $8.95 Shrimp Basket ...... $14.95 that’s the same for institutions Claretian Missionaries USA- Chicken Tenders and French Fries, as for individuals. Canada Province and co-chair ...... $ Lemonade & Dessert 1/2 Slab of Ribs 14.95 For American religious or- of the July 11-13 conference. Dinners includes choice of side: French Fries, Baked Potato, ders, an upcoming conference The “Envisioning the Future White Cheddar Mac & Cheese or Potato Salad. at Jesuit-run Boston College of Catholic Religious Archives” — Add a Side of Fried Shrimp $4.95 — will address a pressing need — conference will bring together the preservation and archiving leaders of religious commu- Ask about our Bring this ad of their history, typically of nities, archivists and histori- Mothers’ Day Brunch grass-roots assistance of the ans to discuss solutions to the to save 10% neediest in rural as well as ur- challenge faced by religious (CNS photo/courtesy Maryknoll Mission Archives) ban areas. The focus is on doc- communities “in preserving Mother Mary Joseph Rogers, 302 Grove Street uments going back as far as the and providing access to their foundress of the Maryknoll Sis- Downtown DeKalb early 18th century, as well as archival legacies.” More infor- ters, center right, visits with other www.farandas.com Maryknoll sisters in 1925 at work audio and visual records from mation is available at https:// in their art room. 815-981-3304 just decades ago. catholicarchives.bc.edu. Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 29 Pope Calls German Cardinal to Rome News in Brief To Discuss Eucharistic Sharing In Henan, Chinese Catholics warned to follow rules on religious affairs VATICAN CITY (CNS)— Pope Francis has asked the pres- HONG KONG (CNS)—Catholics in China’s Henan province have ident of the German bishops’ been warned that venues will be closed if they do not adhere conference to come to Rome to to the revised regulations on religious affairs. Ucanews.com re- discuss pastoral guidelines for ported that a clampdown on religious freedom has intensified possibly allowing some non- in the province in recent months, with crosses removed from Catholics married to Catholics churches, minors banned from entering churches, church-run to receive the Eucharist, the kindergartens closed and children expelled from Mass. Now conference spokesman said. Henan Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and Henan Catholic Reports that “the document Administration Commission have jointly issued a circular, warn- was rejected in the Vatican by the ing worshippers to take the new rules seriously. It warned people Holy Father or by the dicasteries to follow “the principle of religion and education separation” and are false,” said Matthias Kopp, the revised regulations on religious affairs. It said no religious the conference spokesman. venue should hold training sessions and no children should be For one thing, Kopp said April brought to church by parents.

19, the guidelines still have not (CNS photo/Thomas Frey, EPA) been finalized and, therefore, German bishops proceed into Trier Cathedral in this 2013 file photo. they have not been reviewed Irish pro-lifers launch ‘vote no’ campaign by the Vatican. Members of the to church together can receive In general, Catholic teaching for referendum on unborn German bishops’ conference the Eucharist together. insists that sharing the sacra- DUBLIN (CNS)—Pro-life activists have launched a campaign were asked to submit proposed The possibility, he had said, ment of Communion will be urging citizens to vote no in a forthcoming referendum to re- amendments to the draft docu- would require a discussion a sign that Christian churches ment by Easter; the heads of with the pastor or a designated have reconciled fully with one move the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution. That the conference’s doctrinal and member of the parish staff to another, although in some pas- amendment provides legal protection for unborn children “with ecumenical committees and the ensure that the non-Catholic toral situations, guests may be due regard to the equal right to president of the conference were receiving Communion “could invited to the Eucharist. life of the mother.” Launching to formulate a final draft and confess the eucharistic faith of During Pope Francis’ visit their outreach in Dublin April present it to the conference’s the Catholic Church.” to Sweden in 2016, Cardinal 18, Caroline Simons of the Love permanent council April 23. “This assistance will give Koch, the Vatican’s chief ecu- Both campaign group warned Cardinal Reinhard Marx, help in concrete cases of mixed- menist, was asked about the sit- that if the Irish Constitution is amended, “Ireland will go conference president, had an- denomination marriages and uations in which such sharing (CNS photo/Cathal McNaughton, Reuters) nounced Feb. 22 at the end create a greater clarity and se- would be permitted. In reply, he Pro-Life campaigners demon- from being a country that pro- of their plenary meeting that curity for pastors and married said a distinction must be made strate outside the Irish Parliament tects unborn babies to one of three-quarters of the German people,” the cardinal had said. between “eucharistic hospital- in Dublin. the most extreme abortion re- bishops approved the devel- About a month later, howev- ity for individual people and gimes in the world.” Minister for opment of pastoral guidelines er, seven German bishops, in- eucharistic communion.” Health Simon Harris has said that if the amendment is repealed, for determining situations in cluding Cardinal Rainer Maria The term hospitality is used he will propose legislation to provide for abortion without re- which a non-Catholic spouse Woelki of Cologne, sent a let- to refer to welcoming guests striction up to 12 weeks’ gestation. However, the proposal would married to a Catholic could re- ter to Archbishop Luis Ladaria, to the Eucharist on special oc- permit abortion at any time throughout the pregnancy if there is ceive Communion. prefect of the Congregation for casions or under special cir- a risk to the life or health of the mother or if the unborn child is The cardinal said that “the the Doctrine of the Faith, and cumstances, as long as they diagnosed with a condition that means they are not expected to background is the high propor- Cardinal Kurt Koch, president recognize the sacrament as the live for long after birth. tion of mixed marriages and of the Pontifical Council for Pro- real presence of Christ. Eucha- families in Germany, where moting Christian Unity, asking ristic communion, on the other we recognize a challenging and for confirmation of their belief hand, refers to a more regular Father of Alfie Evans meets pope, urgent pastoral task” to deter- that a bishops’ conference does situation of the reception of begs for help to save his son mine if and under what circum- not have the authority to expand Communion by people recog- stances couples of different de- permissions for non-Catholics nized as belonging to the same VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Begging Pope Francis to help his son, Al- nominations who regularly go to receive Communion. church family, he had said. fie, Tom Evans met with the pontiff, pleading for “asylum” in Italy so his seriously ill son may receive care and not be euthanized in England. “If Your Holiness helps our child, Your Holiness will be potentially saving the future for our children in the U.K., espe- Iceland’s Catholic Leaders Condemn cially the disabled. We pray the problem we are facing is solved peacefully and respectfully as no child deserves this,” Evans said Circumcision Law as Anti-Semitic in a statement he personally delivered to the pope April 18. The REYKJAVIK, Iceland (CNS) parliament who is sponsoring private meeting came before —The Catholic Church in Ice- the bill. the pope appealed publicly yet land is speaking out against a Bishop David Tencer of Reyky- again for appropriate care and popular proposed law that could avik wrote a letter expressing his respect for 23-month-old Alfie land Jewish and Muslim parents solidarity with the Muslim and Evans. “I would like to affirm in prison for up to six years for Jewish communities. and vigorously uphold that the circumcising their infant boys. (CNS photo/Mikko Pihavaara, EPA) (Cutline -credit) Msgr. Duarte da Cunha, gen- only master of life — from its The new bill, presented by People walk outside the Icelandic eral secretary of the Council Tom Evans kisses Pope Francis’ beginning to natural end — is seven members of the Icelandic parliament building in the coun- of European Bishops’ Confer- hand during a private audience God,” the pope said at the end parliament in February, seeks try’s capital, Reykjavik, in 2017. ences, issued a statement con- April 18. of his weekly general audience to ban nonmedically indicated demning the proposed law as an April 18. “Our duty is to do everything to safeguard life,” he said circumcision of male children be subject to unnecessary op- attack on religious freedom and before leading the thousands of people in the square in a mo- under age 18. erations without their consent,” assuring the support of the Eu- ment of prayer and reflection. He asked those at the audience “We see this as a question of said Dr. Olafur Thor Gunnars- ropean Catholic Church of the to pray that the lives of all people, especially Alfie, be respected. human rights. No person should son, a member of the Icelandic rights of Jews and Muslims. 30 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief London council sets up buffer zone around abortion clinic YORK, England (CNS)—A London council has become the first local authority in the UK to approve a buffer zone around an abortion clinic. Members of Ealing Council, in the west of the capital, voted April 10 to establish a public space protection order, which would ban public prayer and offers of assistance to women within 100 meters of a clinic run by Marie Stopes UK. The decision means Britain will become the second Western democ- racy to ban pro-life activities in the vicinity of abortion clinics. It follows Canada, where in February 50-meter exclusion zones were enforced around eight Ontario facilities. Marie Stopes UK sought the ruling because it claimed that members of the Good Counsel Network, a largely Catholic group, were harassing its cli- ents, a charge the pavement counselors have strongly denied. ‘Is my dad in heaven?’ little boy asks pope ROME (CNS)—After circling a public housing complex on the outskirts of Rome, Pope Francis had an encounter with the (CNS photo/Debbie Hill) neighborhood’s children. At St. Paul of the Cross Parish April 15, there were the usual questions. But then it was Emanuele’s turn. Historic Tatoos in the Holy Land The young boy smiled at the pope as he approached the micro- Wassim Razzouk, 44, smiles after finishing tattoos of a Jerusalem Cross and a fish with a cross on the phone. But then he froze. Msgr. Leonardo Sapienza, a papal aide, neck of a Christian pilgrim in his family’s shop in the Old City of Jerusalem April 9. The Razzouk fam- encouraged the boy, but he kept saying, “I can’t.” “Come, come ily has been tattooing Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land for 500 years, and 200 years before that in to me, Emanuele,” the pope said. “Come and whisper it in my Egypt. The art of tattooing was passed down through the generations, with the methods adapting themselves to the times. The tradition of Christian tattooing began among the Coptic Christians of ear.” Msgr. Sapienza helped the boy up to the platform where the Egypt hundreds of years ago, with tiny crosses on the right wrist to identify themselves as Christians. pope was. Emanuele was sobbing, and Pope Francis enveloped him in a big embrace, patting his head and speaking softly to him. With their heads touching, European Court Ruling Complicates the pope and the boy spoke to each other before Emanuele returned to his seat. Pope Francis German Church Employment said he had asked Emanuele if he could share the boy’s ques- WARSAW, Poland (CNS)— ops welcomed the court’s con- country’s 1949 constitution, or tion and the boy agreed. “’A lit- Germany’s Catholic Church firmation that churches were Basic Law. tle while ago my father passed said it would review its employ- still entitled to consider a job However, church institutions away. He was a nonbeliever, but ment system after top European candidate’s “attitude to reli- have faced lawsuits over al- he had all four of his children judges warned it could violate gion,” and that state courts leged discrimination against baptized. He was a good man. anti-discrimination laws by re- could not “disregard their reli- non-Christian staffers, notably Is dad in heaven?’ How beauti- quiring staffers to be religious. gious ethos.” at church-owned hospitals and However, he noted that Cath- ful to hear a son say of his father, On April 17, the Luxem- charities. bourg-based European Court olic conditions for professional The director of Germany’s (CNS photo/Paul Haring) ‘He was good,’” the pope told of Justice ruled that demands involvement in ministry could federal anti-discrimination Pope Francis embraces Emanu- the children. “And what a beau- for church employees to have a now be legally challenged. agency, Christine Landers, ele, a boy whose father died, as tiful witness of a son who inher- “religious affiliation” should be The Catholic and Protestant told the Catholic news agency, he visits St. Paul of the Cross Par- ited the strength of his father ... ish in Rome April 15. subject to judicial review. churches are among Germa- KNA, the ruling meant church- That man did not have the gift Jesuit Father Hans Langen- ny’s largest employers and have es would now have to “be able of faith, he wasn’t a believer, but he had his children baptized. He dorfer, the German bishops’ been allowed wide-ranging to explain every employment had a good heart ... God is the one who says who goes to heav- conference secretary-general, self-administration under re- decision comprehensively in en.” The next step in answering Emanuele’s question, he said, said Germany’s Catholic bish- ligious freedom clauses in the court.” would be to think about what God is like and, especially, what kind of heart God has. “God has a dad’s heart. And with a dad who was not a believer, but who baptized his children ... do you think God would be able to leave him far from Himself? ... Does Caritas Syria: Air Strikes Reopened God abandon his children when they are good?” The children shouted, “No.” “There, Emanuele, that is the answer,” the pope Wounds, But Agency Still Able to Help told the boy. “God surely was proud of your father, because it is easier as a believer to baptize your children than to baptize them AMMAN, Jordan (CNS)—Caritas Syria said when you are not a believer. Surely this pleased God very much.” the recent massive missile strikes by the United States, Britain and France, intended to weaken Syria’s chemical weapons capability, have not hindered its assistance to the country’s poor and PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND AND internally displaced. EASTERN EUROPE “We have enough pain in our lives, we don’t need any more,” said Sandra Awad, communica- 12 Days: November 5 - 16, 2018 tions director for the Catholic aid agency Caritas

Warsaw * Czestochowa * Wadowice * Krakow Syria.

Auschwitz * * Budapest * Vienna * Prague “Those (strikes) won’t help. It’s the opposite. (CNS photo/Ali Hashisho, Reuters) They are opening the wounds of our hearts. We A displaced man from Ghouta, Syria, sits on a wheel- Hosted By don’t want to live in war anymore,” Awad told chair in a Herjelleh shelter April 15. Fr. Godwin Asuquo Catholic News Service by telephone from Da- (Pastor, St. Patrick, McHenry) mascus April 19. country. It provides food and nonfood necessities Awad explained that those “living in the areas to a large number displaced throughout the coun- ONLY $3179 FROM CHICAGO close to the targeted points were very afraid.” try due to fighting. (Air/land price is $2729 plus $450 gov’t taxes/airline surcharges) Pope Francis sharply criticized the inability of Medical assistance is also provided in Damas- Tour Includes: Roundtrip Airfare from Chicago First Class/Select world leaders to find a nonviolent means to re- cus, Aleppo, Hasakeh, Homs and the Houran. Hotels, Most Meals, Professional Tour Director, Comprehensive store peace to Syria after the April 14 attack. Caritas is also providing psychosocial support Sightseeing and much more!! Caritas Syria is the country’s branch of Cari- to children in Damascus and Aleppo most affect- tas Internationalis, the Catholic Church’s inter- ed by the grinding conflict. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL national network of charitable agencies. Awad Caritas also assists some 150 elderly in Aleppo Carleen Murphy said Caritas is doing what it can to meet the huge and helps to pay for tuition, uniforms, and statio- Tel: (815) 385-0025 Email: [email protected] needs of many suffering the violence, now in its nery used by Syrian university and other students eighth year, which has engulfed the beleaguered still in school. Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 31 Great Caesar’s Ghost! Superman Turns 80

By Mark Judge costs $7.99, while the book is The stories in both volumes Catholic News Service priced at $30. Both are suitable celebrate Superman and his for readers of all ages. commitment to fighting evil, NEW YORK (CNS)—Look! Action Comics No. 1,000 is telling the truth and being a Up in the sky! It’s Superman! a series of short comics stories good friend and husband (he And he’s 80! by popular DC writers such as and Lois Lane were married in The year 2018 marks eight Scott Snyder, Geoff Johns, Tom 1996). decades since the first appear- King and Peter J. Tomasi. Not for nothing is he called ance of Superman in Action The art is provided by Olivier “the big blue boy scout,” al- Comics No. 1. It also sees the Coipel, Rafael Albuquerque, though in the modern world of arrival of issue 1,000 of the Clay Mann, Patrick Gleason dodgy politicians and celebri- “Action” series. DC Comics is and superstar Jim Lee, among ties, Superman seems deeply celebrating these milestones others. countercultural. with a special expanded edition of Action Comics as well as a (CNS photo/DC Comics) book, “80 Years of Superman: Read reviews of this and more books at This is a still of DC Comics series “Superman in Action Comics No. The Deluxe Edition.” http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/book- 1,000.” 2018 marks eight decades since the first appearance of Super- Action Comics No. 1,000 club-blog. man in Action Comics No. 1.

At the Movies

material, and Christopher Rouse’s churning score also hints at sensationalism. But overall the tone is respectful

and sober minded. (Observer photo/www.youwereneverreallyhere.movie) PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- (CNS photo/LD Entertainment) TAINS mature themes, po- You Were Never The Devil and tentially disturbing images, a Really Here St. Thomas More Catholic School Father Amorth rude gesture. (Amazon) O Writer-director (The Orchard) A-II R Lynne Ramsay’s Now Enrolling William Friedkin, di- adaptation of the For the 2018 - 2019 School Year Not Rated rector of 1973’s “The Jonathan Ames novella about Exorcist,” helmed a stressed-out, self-loathing Choose More for your child! and narrates this brief, mostly hitman (Joaquin Phoenix)  NEW 3 Year Old Preschool, half-day program straightforward documentary gets lost in a quagmire of im-  4 Year Old Preschool, half and full-day programs about demonic possession. th (CNS photo/STXfilms) morality.  State accredited K through 8 Grade curriculums He follows the case of an Ital- PARENTS: THIS FILM CON-  After-care program available ian woman who was minis-  I Feel Pretty TAINS skewed values, gory Extracurricular programs include sports, art, music, tered to by Pauline Father technology, and Scouts physical and gun violence, Gabriele Amorth, chief exor- (STX) A-III nudity, mature references to Come see how we’re building BRIGHT FUTURES cist of the Diocese of Rome A thump to the PG-13 suicide and sexual exploita- with faith-based education. from 1986 until his death in head during a Soul tion of underage girls, rough 2016, at age 91. The film’s Cycle workout (847) 742- 3959 www.stmcentral.org gives a young, ambitious but language 1625 W. Highland Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60123 selling point is the fact that — CNS. For the latest reviews, http:// Friedkin obtained permission out-of-shape woman (Amy Schumer) the illusion that she observer.rockforddiocese.org, scroll to tape the rite itself, with to the bottom and click on Movie predictably unsettling results. is suddenly slim and beautiful. Reviews or visit The Observer Catholic Pray for Vocations Though there’s an intrusive This supercharges her self- Newspaper on Facebook. feeling about this apparently confidence, transforming her unique footage, it will cer- failing romantic life as well as her career at a cosmetics firm tainly fascinate at least some GALENA - FREEPORT - STERLING - ROCKFORD - DEKALB - CRYSTAL LAKE - ELGIN - AURORA viewers. What surrounds it is (led by Lauren Hutton and a look back at William Pe- Michelle Williams). The girl- ter Blatty’s fact-based 1971 fable is marred by a sequence novel, the source of Friedkin’s in which the protagonist’s The Observer, famous feature, interviews sudden boldness extends with, among others, Los An- to sexual matters, however, is your source for local & geles Auxiliary Bishop Robert which may have the parents Barron, neurosurgeons and of teen girls hesitating to give regional advertising! psychiatrists and a sketchy them the green light. portrait of Father Amorth that PARENTS: THIS FILM CON- asserts but does not explore TAINS an implied nonmarital Website ~ Newspaper ~ Television his sanctity. At times, Friedkin sexual encounter, nudity, appears slightly breathless scatological and anatomical humor. The Observer is the perfect place to help with enthusiasm for his own generate tra c to your business! CNS classifications MPAA ratings Landscaping - Financial Institutions - Restaurants - Banquet Facilities - Bridal Shops (Catholic News Service) (Motion Picture Association of America) A-I — general patronage G — general audiences, all ages admitted Gift and Floral - Insurance - Health Care/Retirement -Travel Agencies A-II — adults and adolescents PG — parental guidance suggested, some Health and Fitness - Automobile Sales/Repair - Legal Services - Veterinary/Pet Care A-III — adults material may not be suitable for chil- L — limited adult audiences, films dren Medical/Dental Services - Jewelers - Food Stores - Funeral Homes whose problematic content many PG-13 — parents are strongly cautioned. adults would find troubling Some material may be inappropriate — Contact — O — morally offensive for children under 13 For complete movie reviews, visit R — restricted, under 17 requires accom- Kevin McCarthy @ 815-399-4300 ext. 385 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org, scroll panying parent or adult guardian to the bottom and click on Movie Reviews or email The Oﬃ cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford or visit The Observer Catholic Newspaper NC-17 — no one 17 and under admitted [email protected] on Facebook. (age limit may vary) 32 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer

THE Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings OBSERVER http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300 May 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Key to listings 1 2 3 4 5 Daily Scripture Readings Fly the Flag St. Joseph the Worker Athanasius, bishop, doctor of Philip and James, Apostles Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57:8-12; Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100:2, 3, May 4 — International † Pray for the priests who the Church Fire ghters Day Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145:10- 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn Jn 15:12-17 5; Jn 15: 18-21 have served the Rockford May 13 — Mother’s Day 13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 14:6-14 † Father Albert J. Neidert, Father Joseph Naill Diocese and who died this May 15 —Peace O cer’s Pope Francis 15:1-8 † Father Sylvester J. 1949 month on the days listed. Memorial Day (half-sta ) Father Dean Russell Bishop David J. Malloy O’Hara, 1922 Father Salvatore May 21 — Armed Forces Day Father Alejandro del Toro Father Max Lasrado Guagliardo Please pray for these men May 28 — Memorial Day and women who have a (half-sta ) religious vocation.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 6th Easter Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b- Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3, Acts 17:15, 22-18:1; Ps Damien de Veuster, priest Acts 18:9-18; Ps 47:2-7; Jn Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs; Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44- 6a, 9b; Jn 15:26-16:4a 7c-8; Jn 16:5-11 148:1-2, 11-14; Jn 16:12- Acts 18:1-8; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 16:20-23a Pancras, martyr 48; Ps 98:1-4; 1 Jn 4:7-10; † Father James F. † Father Francis J. Antl, 15 16:16-20 Father Richard Russo Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, Jn 15:9-17 McGuire, 1992; † Father 1926 † Father Adolph H. Priests of the DeKalb 8-10; Jn 16:23b-28 Priests of the Aurora Dorrance E. Tranel, 2007 Father William Budden Weideman, 1976 Deanery Father Arturo Mallari Deanery Father Jerome Koutnik Father Nicholas Federspiel

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Ascension of the Lord Matthias, Apostle Isadore Acts 20:28-38; Ps 68:29- Acts 22:30, 23:6-11; Ps John I, pope, martyr Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Ps Mother’s Day Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Acts 20:17-27; Ps 68:10- 30, 33-36b; Jn 17:11b-19 16:1-2a, 5, 7-11; Jn 17:20- Acts 25:13b-21; Ps 11:4-5, 7; Jn 21:20-25 Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Ps 113:1-8; Jn 15:9-17 11, 20-21; Jn 17:1-11a Priests of the Freeport 26 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20b; Jn Pentecost Vigil: Gn 11:1-9; Ps Eph 1:17-23 (or Eph 4:1- Father Joseph Jaskierny † Father Raymond P. Deanery † Father Anton 21:15-19 33:10-15; Ex 19:3-8a, 16-20b; (Ps) Dn 3:52-56 (cont. under 13); Mk 16:15-20 Gordon, 1996 Baumgarten, 1919 Msgr. William Schwartz Holy Father’s intetions below) Priests of the Elgin Transitional deacons Father Michael Fuller Father Patrick Gillmeyer, † Father Joseph J. Deanery OSB Weitekamp, 1963 Priests of the McHenry Deanery 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Pentecost Christopher Magallanes, Rita of Cascia, religious Jas 4:13-17; Ps 49:2-3, Jas 5:1-6: Ps 49:14-20; Mk Bede the Venerable, priest, Philip Neri, priest Acts 2:1-11; Ps 104:1ab, priest, and his companions, Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-11, 23; 6-11; Mk 9:38-40 9:41-50 doctor of the church; Gregory Jas 5:13-20; Ps 141:1-3, 8; martyrs VII, pope; Mary Magdalene 24ac, 29bc-30, 31, 34; 1 Mk 9:30-37 † Father William H. † Father Nicholas J. Mk 10:13-16 Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; de’ Pazzi, virgin Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 (or Gal Father Bernard Sehr Regnier, 2003 Schwarz, 1921; † Father † Father John T. Smith, Mk 9:14-29 Jas 5:9-12; Ps 103:1-4, 8-9, 5:16-25) Jn 20:19-23 (or Priests of the Sterling Thomas P. Lynam, 1982 1957 Priests of the Rockford 11-12; Mk 10:1-12 Jn 15:26-27, 16:12-15) Deanery Missionaries of the Franciscan Sisters of the Deanery Father Josue Lara Father Anthony VuKhac Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Father Andrew Mulcahey Long

27 28 29 30 31 Join the Holy Father in praying for this special intention this month: Most Holy Trinity Memorial Day 1 Pt 1:10-16; Ps 98:1-4; Mk 1 Pt 1:18-25; Ps 147:12-15, Visitation of the Blessed Dt 4:32-34, 39-40; Ps 1 Pt 1:3-9; Ps 111:1-2, 5-6, 10:28-31 19-20; Mk 10:32-45 Virgin Mary Evangelization — The Mission of the Laity: That 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22; Rom 9, 10c; Mk 10:17-27 Father Jared Twenty † Father Henry J. Hauser, Zep 3:14-18a (or Rom the lay faithful may fulfil their specific mission, by 8:14-17; Mt 28:16-20 † Father Patrick D. 1929 12:9-16); (Ps) Is 12:2-3, responding with creativity to the challenges that face the world today. †Father Henry Bangen, Corbally, 1995 Msgr. Robert Willhite 4bcd, 5-6; Lk 1:39-56 —http://www.apostleshipofprayer.org 1921 Retired religious Father Zdzislaw † Father Alphonsus L. Father Robert Garrity Wawryszuk Fitzgibbons, 2002 Pentecost Vigil: (from May 19) (or Ps 19:8-11); Ez 37:1-14; Ps Women religious serving 107:2-9; Jl 3:1-5; Ps 104:1-2a, 24, 35c, 27-28, 29bc-30 (62); in the diocese Rom 8:22-27; Jn 7:37-39

Blessed Thomas Pickering Pancras c. 1620-1679 — feast day May 9 died c. 304 — feast day May 12 This English Benedictine lay brother was a martyr of the Popish Plot. He According to an early legend, the Roman martyr Pancras was a native of Syria professed vows in France in 1660 and was sent to London in 1665 as procura- or Phrygia (now Turkey) brought to Rome by an uncle after he was orphaned. tor of a small community celebrating liturgies in the chapel of Queen Cath- They converted to Christianity there and were martyred during the persecution of erine of Braganza. Though other monks were banished, he was allowed to Emperor Diocletian. Pancras reportedly was only 14, the likely reason for his be- stay. Because of the ﬁ ctitious plot, in which Titus Oates alleged that King ing a patron saint of children. A strong cult of Pancras developed in Rome and in Charles II would be assassinated and the French king would re-establish England from the time of St. Augustine of Canterbury, who dedicated a church to Catholicism in England, three Jesuits, Pickering and a layman were found him around 600. Pancras is also mentioned in St. Bede’s martyrology and in most guilty of conspiracy. medieval English calendars, and the famous north London train station takes its name from an ancient church there dedicated to St. Pancras.

Watch on Sunday, 6:30 a.m., WREX-TV Channel 13 in Rockford or any time at www.rockforddiocese.org/tvmass Brought to you by the Diocesan O ce of Communication and Publications Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 33 Playing St. Paul More Than A ‘Gig’

BY PENNY WIEGERT (Observer photo) Margarita Mendoza (upper right Editor corner) is among women who tell ST. CHARLES—“People their stories in the fourth volume before the product” is the phi- of “Today’s Inspired Latina.” losophy of ODB Films and its CEO, Eric Groth. El Observador Does that philosophy come with a cost? The answer is yes but not in a (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) Editor Part of way that you might expect. Father David Peck (back left), pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles, watches as Eric Groth (front Just ask actor James Faulkner. left) talks to the audience for a discussion with Groth, T.J. Berdon, James Faulkner, who plays the lead in Faulkner played the title role “Paul, Apostle of Christ,” and Doug Tooke. ‘Latina’ Book in the ODB Film “Paul, Apos- tle of Christ,” made in partner- an actor. It’s what I do. It’s a more” that a religious faith af- knows that Faulkner in turn ROCKFORD—Margarita ship with Affi rm Films, a Sony gig. But this,” he said, “this fords. brought Paul to the table in his Mendoza, editor of El Obser- Company. was something else.” Faulkner’s experience is ex- portrayal. vador, the Rockford Diocese’s Faulkner was the featured What he meant, he went on to actly in line with the goal of After his experience with Spanish-language newspa- guest during a question and say, was that he was treated not ODB Films, which is to “fos- the production, Faulkner re- per, and diocesan translator is answer session held at St. John just as an actor but as a person ter an encounter with Christ ally enjoyed the company of all among Latina women who tell Neumann Parish here in late in the person of Paul. through artfully made, spiritu- those associated with ODB and their stories in the fourth edi- March immediately after the “It just became more than ally rich fi lms,” said Groth. was happy to be part of par- tion of the book “Today’s In- fi lm made its national box of- a portrayal really,” Faulkner But how did a local fi lm mak- ish events promoting the fi lm, spired Latina.” fi ce debut. said. “It was the story I felt and er like Groth land such actors Groth said. Writing as Margarita Mendo- The Observer met with became to understand.” as Jim Caviezel who played Je- “We are so blessed to have za-Escobar, she says “I’m tell- Faulkner before his introduc- Faulkner also talked about sus in the Passion of the Christ James in the role of Paul. But ing part of my life, particularly tion. He had a quick, dry wit how all the people associated and Faulkner, best known for we are also blessed to have his the transition from Colombia,” and a low and soft, measured with the fi lm, no matter if they his roles in “Game of Thrones” friendship and see new sprouts to the U.S. British tone. were catering or part of the and “Downton Abbey”? of faith in his life,” he said. “I know there are people After introducing his wife of cast, were treated with respect “James Faulkner’s U.S. Groth said he expected a with experiences more diffi cult 43 years and joking with oth- and “genuine kindness.” agent, Jeff Goldberg, brought nice intimate crowd at St. John than mine,” she says. “I just ers, he explained how it felt to And the cost to Faulkner was him to the table,” Groth said. Neumann for the question and want to tell that no matter the play an apostle. a new found appreciation and And anyone who has seen answer session with Faulkner, obstacle you have in life, with He got serious and said, “I’m hunger for that “something “Paul, Apostle of Christ,” Continued on page 39 faith in God and hard work you can fulfi ll any dream if that is God’s will.” She says part of her inspira- tion comes from her mother Congratulate Your Graduate who has always encouraged her to remember all God’s gifts of any age — eighth-grade, high school, college, post-grad — in our annual graduation issue to her. Although she writes for both Alice E. Richards CLASS OF 2018 Use this form to order your Graduation Greeting. El Observador and The Ob- Deadline for order and payment is May 30. server, writing about her own Kishwaukee Community Limit one student per greeting; for additional students copy this form. life was diff erent. College, Malta Graduate’s Name ______“It drove me back to the sad- From: Your Golf Buddies dest moment of my life,” she CONGRATULATIONS 18 School ______said. Greeting A ...... $10 City ______Mendoza has a bachelor’s de- “From” lines must be 15-17 characters, including spaces. gree in social communication Greeting A — 1-2 lines; Greeting B —1-4 lines; Greeting C1 — 1-2 lines. CONGRATULATIONS and journalism and graduate From: ______studies in organizational communication and experience in a Maria Garcia ______Aquin High School, variety of media. Joseph R. Bianchi ______Freeport Beside her service with the Marian Central Catholic High diocese, she operates a public From: Dad, Mom, Elise, Joe, School, Woodstock ______relations company and brought Grandma, Grandpa, From: Grandpa and Grandma My check is enclosed for: Aunt Jen and Uncle Paul (Albert and Evelyn) Bianchi the Chicago Latino Film Festi- 2018 GRADUATE A:$10 _ B:$20 ___ C1: $40 ___ Photo enclosed (for C) ___ val to Elgin six years ago and to Greeting C ...... $40 Aurora this year. Greeting B ...... $20 Greeting C includes a color photo Graduate’s school colors: ______With her husband, Enrique My name: ______Mendoza, they are the parents of Cristina, Valentina and Me- Greeting order forms and payment Phone ______lissa Grace. must be received by May 30. Mail to: The Observer, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Book launches are slated in- three cities, Rolling Meadows, New York and Amsterdam. The local launch will be May Greetings will appear in the June 8 issue of 24 at Meadows Club 2950 W. Golf Road. Tickets are $20 Reserve your space now with Kevin McCarthy at each. 815/399-4300, ext. 385, or email [email protected] Info: 630/335-5229 34 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer The Junior Observer Vol. 32, No. 8 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]

A Good News Story Q Peter Has Vision, Baptizes Gentiles Catholic News Service them without discriminating,” Peter & ord reached the Apostles explained. and other believers in Ju- So Peter and six other believers W dea that the Apostle Peter went with the three gentiles to the did something outrageous while visit- home of Cornelius, a gentile who A ing the town of Joppa. had found favor with God. Peter Not only had Peter agreed to enter learned that an angel of God had What was the home of a gentile in Caesarea, but visited Cornelius and told him to “What God has he also preached the Gospel to the summon Peter, who would speak man’s family and friends and baptized made clean, you the vision the word that would save Cornelius them! are not called to and his household. Peter The Apostles and the other believ- profane.” “As I began to speak, the Holy ers were shocked. Jews were not al- (CNS) Spirit fell upon them as it had upon had? lowed to associate with gentiles. Peter’s Peter said he refused “because noth- us at the beginning,” Peter said, “and friends demanded an explanation. ing profane or unclean has ever entered Peter said that he had been praying I remembered the word of the Lord, how Whose my mouth.” while he was visiting in Joppa when he he had said, ‘John baptized with water The voice said in reply, “What God house did had a vision. He described seeing a large but you will be baptized with the Holy sheet in the sky. has made clean, you are not to call pro- Spirit.’ If then God gave them the same Peter go “Looking intently into it, I observed fane.” gift He gave to us when we came to be- After hearing this three times, the to? and saw the four-legged animals of the lieve in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles and vision ended, Peter said. Then the Holy I to be able to hinder God?” Read more about the birds of the sky,” Peter said. “I also Spirit told him to go with the men who Peter’s friends began to glorify God. it in Acts 11 heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter. were coming to see him. “God has then granted life-giving Slaughter and eat.’ ” “The Spirit told me to accompany repentance to the gentiles too,” they said.

Puzzle Unscramble the words and arrange them in the correct order to make a sentence from the Good News Story. Words: lacl uyo nelac ogd ______sha ot neafrop ______dame rae ton htwa

(Photos provided) ______East Dubuque Students Sentence: Travel to Rockford for Holy Week Mass and Visits ______Students from St. Mary School in East Dubuque took a field trip to Rockford on Holy Thursday. First the students attended ______the Chrism Mass to receive the blessed oils for St. Mary in East Dubuque and Nativ- ity BVM in Scales Mound at the Cathedral ______of St. Peter. After the reception at the cathedral, the students were invited to take left-over food to St. Mary Oratory, where ______they also visited the church grotto (above).

Then they took food to the Poor Clare Co-

not to call profane. call to not lettines at Corpus Christi Monastery before

Sentence:

What God has made clean, you are are you clean, made has God What heading back to the far northwest corner

profane made are not what not are made profane of the Rockford Diocese. Words: Words: Answer: call you clean God has to to has God clean you call Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 35

Di erent View CNS/Joe Heller Love Needs Help

Every family in the Rockford Diocese is receiving this issue of The Observer. It is the time of year when we reach out to all Catholics in our 11-county diocese in order to help educate you on the good that goes on in our little corner of this universal Church all year thanks to your generosity. This issue of the paper highlights the annual diocesan appeal which you can read more about on pages 19-22 of this issue. However, there is more to this issue. The stories we hope, help illustrate what the contributions to annual appeal accomplish. For instance, they help those with vocations like the seminarians on pages 4-5 and Father John McNamara on pages 8-9. The annual appeal helps us From the Editor understand and eff ectively minister to young people by Penny like those of the millennial Wiegert generation featured in a story Editor The Observer starting on page 12. So we hope you enjoy this [email protected] large and jam-packed edition of The Observer and hope its content will compel you to subscribe to a paper that draws its content right from the root and source of our faith, which is Scripture. And of course, there is much, much, more. Now, let’s think a moment about this annual appeal and its theme ... Love One Another. Takeaways from Presynod Gathering That’s a tall order, especially if we do it the way the Gospel instructs. It’s impossible to love everyone in the way they need The very fact that more In Light of Faith While the process of to be loved by us. And on our own we can’t begin to know what than 300 young people — fi nding and identifying love means to each person. joined by another 15,000 by Elise Italiano mentors is both personal Parishes do a good job of off ering the love of Christ in virtual participants via Founding Executive and local, dioceses and ministries. But they can’t do it alone either. Parishes are not social media — came Director, The Given parishes would do well islands. They are integral parts of a geographic family called Institute together to produce a to consider how they can your diocese. The diocese needs the parishes and they need the document is no small feat. better aid in this process. diocese. Diocesan-level ministries help provide priests, programs That it was to be read and Christopher Second, the document and development for staff at our parishes and schools. We share and studied by bishops White calls for the Church to a connectedness just as we are connected to the Church in our around the world in Director, Catholic Voices confront the questions state, in our country and in our world. Some of our contributions preparation for the USA raised by secularism head- help the bishops in this state and around the country guide the Vatican’s 2018 synod on and recognizes that the Church as it serves its people. We also have an obligation to help on “Young people, the inlighto [email protected] challenges posed by an age our Holy Father in his ministry of love and guidance to all of us, faith and vocational of unbelief are coming at and we are privileged to assist in that as well. discernment” is no less remarkable. an increasingly rapid pace. Sometimes love means helping a young child prepare for The near-unanimous consensus on a “There is still an opportunity for the the sacraments. Sometimes it means making sure our elderly range of issues facing young people in the Church to propose another ‘way’ for young citizens are cared for with respect and dignity no matter if they church also is a small miracle and off ers an people to live their lives, but this needs to are at home or in long-term care. example to the rest of the Church at a time be done so within often-complicated social Sometimes love means helping young women fi nd a when some of its more established leaders, frameworks,” stated the document. community where they can work and live and serve God in continuing to fi ght old battles, are adding The participants asked for the Church consecrated life. Sometimes it means helping young men discern to the climate of polarization rather than to proclaim teachings that are diffi cult to a call to the priesthood. And sometimes love means just opening overcoming it. understand and sometimes challenging to the conversation about what a life of service might be like as a There’s much to be gained from the live “with greater depth of teaching.” Saying nun, priest or permanent deacon. document, but for now we’ve identifi ed three the same thing in the same way or more Sometimes love means helping young people prepare for a themes that we believe make this document loudly isn’t moving young people toward vocation in married life and helping them take time to plan for — and the potential for this synod — a a better understanding and appreciation of marriage and not just a wedding. signifi cant moment in the life of the Church. the Church’s approach to polemical issues Sometimes love means celebrating Mass behind the bars of a First, we couldn’t help but sympathize like homosexuality, contraception and prison and letting those incarcerated know that Christ is waiting with the call for Christian companions, or cohabitation. and His forgiveness is free for the asking. mentors, who walk alongside young people Finally, we think it’s a blessing to the Sometimes love is gathering young people together to affi rm to help shape our vocations. entire Church that the process engaged non- their faith and help them stay connected to Christ through the For starters, this recognizes the essential Catholics and nonbelievers in crafting the sacraments and give them the strength to resist the temptations role that many laypeople have in shaping presynod document. This is precisely what of secular culture. the vocational calling of young people — Pope Francis talks about when he begs the Love can be all these things. And even though none of us something we both have been fortunate to Church not to become self-referential. can do all these things, we have the power to assure they are benefi t from in our own lives and something If the Church is serious about its done. And that means that sometimes love comes in the way we believe makes for a deeper, more honest evangelizing mission, it has to better of sharing our money so acts of charity and Christian love can experience of faith that can be shared understand the experience of those who take place. Every time we contribute to the Diocesan Annual between generations. are lost and searching, those who have Appeal, we make it possible for our local diocese to respond to “Mentors should not lead young people been hurt, and the way that the Church is the needs of the poor and the refugee, to encourage, grow and as passive followers but walk alongside perceived — both positively and negatively. support vocations, to promote life and marriage, to inspire young them, ... . They should respect the freedom That creativity and vigor were on full people, to provide Catholic education in schools, parishes and that comes with a young person’s process display in Rome last month — something special education programs, to care for the elderly, to assist those of discernment and equip them with tools we believe the rest of the Church would do in troubled marriages, to educate and form people for parish to do so well. A mentor should believe well to emulate and embrace in preparation ministry and to allow our bishop to continue his ministry and wholeheartedly in a young person’s ability to for the months ahead. shepherd all of us. participate in the life of the Church,” said the Join the conversation. Submit a proposal for a guest Prayerfully consider assisting in the call to love one another presynod document. column to inlighto [email protected]. and be generous if you can.

To send letters to us please use one of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Mail: The Observer, Email: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of The Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 555 Colman Center Drive (Please put Letter to the Editor in speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, address, Fax: 815/399-6225 and phone number. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 36 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer Our Catholic View Necessary Work on Sunday

In order to come to a better Ethically Speaking parish or in my town?” If the understanding of the Church’s answer is yes, then we have an teaching regarding work by Father obligation to do what we can on Sunday and the Third Kenneth to make it to Mass, even if it is Commandment, the Catechism of somewhat of an inconvenience. the Catholic Church highlights the Wasilewski Diocesan Ethicist We would only be exempted effects of work (or other activities) from the obligation to attend [email protected] on us. Mass if it was either impossible or It lists four categories to guard against. Namely, unreasonable (if there were no Masses offered at a that which: time we could attend or if, for example, it entailed n hinders our worship of God, driving a long distance to attend). An inconvenience n keeps us from the joy proper to the Lord’s day, doesn’t necessarily exempt one from an obligation, n prevents works of mercy, or but impossibility or unreasonableness do. n doesn’t allow for adequate relaxation of mind If there is no choice but to miss Sunday and body (CCC 2185). (Observer file photo) Mass, there can still be ways to honor the Third Some of these we’ve already touched upon to Commandment. It might mean attending Mass Bishop David Malloy greets a couple at the 2017 some degree, but regardless, we can look at any of Silver and Gold Mass at St. Mary in Huntley. The whenever we are able to. Or at least offering what these categories and discover some basic principles annual celebration honors couples who have prayer and worship we can, when we can. Maybe which are applicable to the others as well. reached milestone years of marriage. The 2018 someone even takes another day of the week as Clearly, if our work or activity interferes with Mass will be Aug. 19. a day more fully dedicated to all that the Third our ability to worship God properly (like attending Commandment calls us to. Mass), then we need to pay particular attention to Food for Thought While far from ideal or the norm, these are ways what that work entails. We can think of “work” in in which we still strive to fulfill the Commandment this context as employment (but it could include given the legitimate obstacles we may face. On the Sacraments: other forms as well). From the outset, an important distinction needs to Hopefully, such situations would only be temporary Matrimony be made. This is the difference between necessary or occasional and that an alternative schedule could and unnecessary work. How truly essential is the be worked out eventually. Christian marriage takes the human dimen- work in question? It might also require, if possible, that the sions of attraction, emotion, friendship and If individuals are supporting themselves or employee try to negotiate with the employer so that he or she can at least attend Sunday Mass even sacrificial service spoken by the couple in their family through a job that requires such a work schedule, then clearly it would fall into the when required to work. their daily life together and makes them a “necessary” or the “required” category. Apart from the work or activity that interferes language that communicates the nuptial love If, however, the job wasn’t essential (perhaps it with our worship of God, we can look at the other of Christ for the Church. was a part-time job taken by a teenager to afford three categories of concern the catechism points out expensive clothing or video games), then he or she in much the same light. Marriage points us to the best kind of may not be morally justified in missing Mass in If we know that something will hinder us in any friendship: a friendship that is based on order to work it. In such cases, it can become simply of those ways, asking ourselves the simple question, shared sacrifice and helping each other be- a matter of priorities. “Is it really necessary that I do this now? Today?” can be a useful way to examine how well we are come more holy and virtuous. Assuming, however, that the work in question is necessary and does interfere with attending honoring the Lord’s Day. The marriage relationship can be a source Sunday Mass, we are still obligated to fulfill the Whether it’s a job, laundry or homework, unless of great joy and comfort, but it also entails Commandment insofar as we are able. it’s a form of true recreation for us, asking that difficulty and sacrifice, just as does Christian First, ask the question, “Is it realistically possible question might help us to see ways in which we can to attend Mass somewhere — even if not at my live the commandment more fully. life more generally. A new Catholic storytelling podcast, “Made for Love,” launched Jan. 8. Produced and nar- rated by Sara Perla, program specialist for the Scripture Reflection for April 29, 5th Sunday of Easter Promotion and Defense of Marriage at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the podcast explores themes of marriage and family The Fundamental Call to Action life by telling the stories of Catholics who are “living out the call to love.” By Kevin Perrotta readings is just the reverse. Catholic News Service John urges us to obey God’s law of love not so Perla created the podcast because she that we might have a relationship with God but “saw a unique opportunity to make the Our bundle of Scripture texts today so that we might be reassured that we are in a stories of Catholics come alive” and plans to communicates various calls to action. relationship with Him. Loving in deed and truth “is “Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and highlight the stories of lay Catholics as well as how we shall know that we belong to the truth” (1 truth,” St. John counsels in the second reading. We Jn 3:19). hear from bishops, priests and religious. should keep God’s commandments and “do what Jesus declares that we can bear fruit only because The first episode, “The Baptism Role pleases Him,” that is, “love one another just as He we are already united with Him, only by being Reversal,” tells the tale of a priest who, in an commanded us” (1 Jn 3:18-24). branches of the vine that He is. Bear fruit, Jesus tells us, unusual turn of events, baptizes his parents. The psalmist and warns that the Father offers thanks for In the second episode, “When Love Meets “takes away every branch what God has done he way we know Silence,” listeners hear the story of Terri and in me that does not bear for him. that He remains Vince, a married couple challenged by Vince’s fruit” (Jn 15:2). And Paul didn’t T The psalmist invites us become a bold rare and debilitating illness. in us is from the to share in his commitment proclaimer of Jesus The third episode, “When Love Is Not to liturgical action, “I will because he wanted Spirit He gave us. Love,” discusses the complexities of annul- praise you, Lord, in the to gain a secure ment in the Catholic Church through the true assembly of your people” place among his — 1 John 3:24 (Ps 22:26). disciples. Rather, story of Stacy and Nabil. And, challenging us to take action in the world, Jesus revealed Perla said previous episodes covered “the the first reading holds up the example of St. Paul, Himself to Paul, after which Paul couldn’t stop power of the family table,” that is, families who “spoke out boldly in the name of the Lord” in talking about Him. city after city (Acts 9:28). eating together, and domestic abuse. The logic of the readings is to love, bear It would be easy to conclude that if we keep God’s fruit, praise and testify not in order to get into a Find the podcast online at www.marria- commandments, have good results to show for our relationship with Jesus but in order to go on being geuniqueforareason.org/podcast/ and on efforts, engage in vigorous prayer and make God in the relationship with Him that He has given us. iTunes under USCCB Clips. known to other people, then we will be close to God Thus Jesus’ fundamental call to action: “Remain and God will be close to us. But the logic of the in me,” He says, “as I remain in you” (Jn 15:4) Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 37 Di erent View CNS/Harley Schwandron Come Play for Charities’ Team Occasionally an outbreak of good news grabs national attention. It’s been nearly a month since Loyola of Chicago charged into the fi nal four of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, a Cinderella story, an appropriate remembrance of the “Game of Change” that altered the racial makeup of intercollegiate teams. The 1963 Ramblers built a team by playing the best players, enduring Charitably Speaking racial epithets along the way and staying true to Catholic by Patrick Winn values. Director, Rockford Diocese Catholic Charities Similarly, 2018’s squad won the hearts of a country that loves an underdog and its most [email protected] endearing chaplain. For those who were in hibernation in March, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt is part of the Catholic order of Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, out of Dubuque, Iowa, a Catholic town that is home to Clarke University and Loras College, popular Catholic campuses for A Hispanic Cardinal Question students from the Rockford Diocese. Dubuque blends A cursory look at the Journeying are especially outstanding old and new rather Together well, with values f you surnames and biographies by Hos man in doctrine, morals, piety of current U.S. cardinals, and prudence in action” as timeless as its Ospino don’t have active and retired, yields (Canon 351). Mississippi River I Professor of theology the following list (in and religious education, We need to trust that and the BVM’s. confidence alphabetical order): Burke, Boston College the Holy Spirit has given Longstanding Cupich, DiNardo, Dolan, the Church in the United houses, churches, in faith, Catholic News Service Farrell, Harvey, Levada, States many Hispanics schools; enduring Mahony, Maida, McCarrick, O’Brien, who fi t this specifi c profi le. neighborhoods then you O’Malley, Rigali, Staff ord, Tobin and Wuerl. Three, I understand that the selection of with their eateries might as What do they have in common? None cardinals has little to do with demographic and shops; home of them is Hispanic. How many Hispanic representation. to riverfront well not be cardinals has the Catholic Church in the Pope Francis’ actions in recent years, redevelopment, new U.S. ever had? Zero! however, suggest a welcomed desire to casinos, and major playing. In many respects, cardinals serve as the diversify the college of cardinals worldwide employers like John — Sister Jean public face of local Catholic communities to ensure a rich variety of voices from Deere and IBM. Dolores Schmidt, and play an important role in conversations throughout the ecclesial world. This body Sister Jean has (CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic) of global character regarding church aff airs. could welcome the wisdom and experience served her convent BVM This is evident when they advise the pope of U.S. Hispanic voices. and students well, and through their service aff ect the lives of Why ask the Hispanic cardinal question? with a history of Catholics everywhere. Their global impact is For nearly 14 months, Catholics engaged in collegiate leadership in Chicago during the protests of the most evident at the time of papal elections. the process of the Fifth National Encuentro late 1960s and early 1970s. Now her bobble head dolls sell If cardinals are de facto visible signs of a of Hispanic/Latino Ministry have been out in souvenir stores, and she has national prominence as the local Church on the global stage, it is likely naming key concerns about their experience unoffi cial new patroness of the elderly. that for most of the 1.2 billion Catholics in Church and society. Meaningful Forgotten, or maybe just ignored, is the fact that she, at age outside the United States being Hispanic leadership is at the top of such concerns. 98, is not representative of all the elderly. More than half the has little to do with being American A Hispanic cardinal or two — why people over 75 live alone, often among others in a long-term care Catholic. There is no obvious connection. not? — would embody the presence, facility, but still alone. In a country where more than 40 percent Now that much of the country thinks it knows Sister Jean, her of all Catholics and 60 percent of Catholics contributions and hopes of the largest body visage may persuade us that everyone 98 years young, and in under the age of 18 are Hispanic, it seems transforming U.S. Catholicism. He (they) suitable to ask, “When will the Church in would have the potential to inspire more a wheelchair only since a recent broken hip, must be as loved the United States have its fi rst Hispanic vocations to pastoral service at all levels in by their own families as she is visibly loved by a network of cardinal?” the life of the church with the conviction 20-year-old athletes. Before objecting to the question, allow that Hispanics will excel in top level offi ces But most of our elderly do not spend their days as a chaplain me to make three clarifying points. and responsibilities. for a university, or travel across the country to pray with their One, I am aware that the Code of Canon He (they) would bring their own U.S. teams. Many travel only to a doctor’s offi ce, a cafeteria or a group Law stipulates that the pope is the one Hispanic voice and that of the particular activity, hoping someone will visit, that someone still cares. who “freely selects men to be promoted as Hispanic Catholic family and faith Catholic Charites has been providing support for seniors cardinals” (Canon 351). I am sure that the community to serve the pope and the larger in nine of the 11 counties of the diocese for nearly 30 years. pope makes these decisions in prayerful church throughout the world. Ombudsmen advocate for seniors’ care, not for a college team as discernment followed by careful advice. He (they) would embody the hope of a chaplain. We advocate for the forgotten, the ignored. Considering who we are as a Catholic community that will see itself as a cradle We have no pre-game pep talk to cure the loneliness that body, more intentional conversations at the nurturing leaders of such caliber and many elderly experience every day. But our game plan mirrors appropriate level about Hispanic candidates potentially — why not? — the next Latino the 1963 Loyola team: treat everyone with dignity and respect, seem necessary. pope. especially our seniors. Two, it is clear that ethnicity/race and U.S. Catholics practically take for granted We could use some Sister Jeans as volunteers to see and culture are not formal requirements to that our cardinals are Euro-American, advocate for residents in the 125-plus facilities we visit. Many identify cardinals. Current Church law states white. It is time that we do likewise when residents could use a quick hello or visit, a pre-game prayer. that those selected are to be “ordained at speaking about a U.S. Hispanic or black or Please consider joining our team, and pray for our Long-Term least into the order of the presbyterate and Asian-American cardinal. Care Ombudsman staff and volunteers.

To send letters to us please use one of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Mail: The Observer, Email: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of The Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 555 Colman Center Drive (Please put Letter to the Editor in speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, address, Fax: 815/399-6225 and phone number. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 38 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer For the Record

Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. You AURORA—Holy Angels: Mar- may also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815/399- lene M. Fatout, 79, April 8; Letitia 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as soon as “Ita” Copp, 73, April 12; Betty M. you receive it. Thank you. Symmers, 94, April 15; BELVIDERE—St. James: Sara Apostle: Eugene E. Chropkowski, the question rests not with what Tyson Wolf, 87, March 22; Teresa 83, April 15; churches do, but with what indi- R. Aguado, 71, April 6; Frank J. TAMPICO—St. Mary: Shirley viduals do to face the problems of Herdzina, Jr., 82, April 13; the world in which we live. (Verdick) Forward, 92, April 8. CRYSTAL LAKE—St. Thomas Courtesy of Parish Publications the Apostle: Lucille Smith, 83, Weddings “Stewardship” newsletter Jan. 9; DIXON—St. Patrick: Shirley HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Karolina Mass Meditation Ann Fane, 81, April 8; Lernacinska and Patrick Treanor, April 14; Angela Dugan and Rich- Sunday, April 29 (5th Sunday of DURAND—St. Mary/St. Pat- ard Starr, April 14; Easter): In Sunday’s Gospel, Je- rick: Judith Stender, 81, April 10; sus says that God is glorified when ST. CHARLES—St. Patrick: Myrta Jeanne Smith, 94, April 12; a disciple, grafted in Christ, pro- Margaux M. Deutsch and Joseph HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles duces abundantly and bears much M. Morrone, Feb. 9. Borromeo: William G. Cramsey, fruit. The disciple must then be a 68, Feb. 20; John T. Gannon, 85, Stewardship Moment good steward of that abundance. March 12; Lloyd P. Seyller, 92, Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel March 19; Robert L. Proffitt, 89, Taking care of our resources: April 8; The stewardship of this world Life Moment HUNTLEY—St. Mary: John is our responsibility. Christians Montwicki, 47, April 11; Charles have to be concerned with what Pray: That the Church may con- Geheren, 13, April 12; Kimberlee goes on at home as well as abroad. tinue to make Jesus known to the Mianulli, 55, April 14; Margaret We cannot sit back and watch the world through words of hope and Perrone, 87, April 14; squandering of resources, human works of love. SANDWICH—St. Paul the or natural. The final resolution of Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org

Aquin Students of the Shield Honored Aquin Catholic Schools in Freeport honor Students of the Shield monthly. Nominated by staff and faculty, then selected If you or someone you know by the administration, has been the victim of sexual the March students abuse by an employee or mem- were honored for their ber of the clergy of the Rockford service. They are (from Diocese, report the matter to left) Kelsey Kramer, senior Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service law enforcement in the county high; Megan Miller, junior Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred high; and Brant Carlson, 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line elementary school. 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815/293-7540. (Photos provided)

The Observer accepts paid obituaries from funeral homes for members of parishes in the Diocese of The Observer also accepts paid engagement, wedding, anniversary and other congratulatory notices Rockford. Notices will be edited for style. Parishioners may ask funeral homes with which they work from members of parishes in the Diocese of Rockford. Notices will be edited for style. Parishioners may to call 815/399-4300 for information. call 815/399-4300 for information. The Observer | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | 39

win 2 passes Go Golfing on Us and cart for a

ROCKFORD—Thank God round of golf for beautiful weather — when it gets here — and enjoy it on Fill out this form and mail it to one of the Rockford Park Dis- The Observer Golf, PO Box trict golf courses. 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. The Observer has several sets of passes to give away for Mailed entries must be post- two rounds of golf and a cart. marked by May 15, 2018. The passes can be used at Winners will receive two golfing Elliot, Ingersoll, Sandy Hol- passes and a cart pass to use low or Sinnissippi golf courses (Observer photo/ ©Rockford Park District by Jesse Fox) at any time during the 2018 at one of four Rockford Park Dis- season. trict courses.

Just fill out the entry form (Photo provided) (above right) and mail it to The Win passes for two rounds of golf and a cart so you can spend a sunny Please: One entry per family. Winners will receive tickets in the mail. Observer Golf, PO Box 7044, afternoon this year at one of the Rockford Park District’s courses in The Name ______Rockford, IL 61125. Observer’s “Go Golfing on Us” contest. Entries must be postmarked Address ______rockforddiocese.org/golf to fill per family. no later than May 15. ______If you prefer to enter out your form by May 17. And maybe you’ll enjoy a online, go to http://observer. Please enter just one time round of golf on The Observer. Town, State, Zip ______Parish and Town ______Email ______Playing Phone ______Online entries are open until May 17, 2018, at http://observer. St. Paul rockforddiocese.org/golf. Look for “Click here” to fill out the entry form.

More Than PART TIME OFFICE RECEPTIONIST Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford Hours during the school year are 1 pm – 4 pm in the afternoon Monday through Thursday. Applicant will need to have A ‘Gig’ excellent communication skills and strong computer skills. Willing to learn new computer skills and data bases.

(Observer photo/Penny Wiegert) Training will consist of 2 days a week until the end of May. From page 33 People gathered at St. John Neumann Parish stretch out their hands Groth and T.J. Berden, produc- A summer schedule will be established, tentatively 1 day a in blessing for the men who were involved in the production of the week, until school starts in the fall. er of the film, and Doug Tooke, movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ.” director of marketing. But he Send resume and references to: Cathedral of St. Peter was overwhelmed with a crowd ever it is, it will be about the Info: To learn about becoming of more than 750 people, some 1243 N. Church Street — Rockford, IL 61103 people. “The film is just the way a partner with ODB Films visit 815-965-2765 or email [email protected] of whom drove hours to attend. to reach them,” Groth says. odbfilms.com Groth, who also produced “Mary Full of Grace,” wanted to really appeal to the Catholic audience. Part-time Youth Minister When he signed on with Mary’s Mantle St. Gall Catholic Church in Elburn, IL is looking to hire a part- time youth minister to work with our middle and high school Sony and Affirm Films he 16 S. Chicago Ave. — Freeport Il. 61032 students. knew their film “Risen” had an 11 percent Catholic atten- The ideal candidate will have a missionary approach with the ability to go out and encounter our youth where they are and dance. Going out of business sale invite them into a life of discipleship within our Catholic parish. “Our goal for ‘Paul’ was 15 This position would be 20-30 hours. The wage would be percent,” he said. “Opening determined based upon experience and ability. This position weekend ‘Paul’s audience was Everything Must Go! does not come with insurance benefits. 34 percent Catholic, and 57 percent Hispanic. I was blown Please send a resume and any inquiries to Hours: Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat-10-2 Pastor, Fr. Christopher DiTomo away,” Groth said. or call for appointment [email protected] What’s next at ODB Films? Groth said there are two fea- 815-801-6279 ture films currently in development, and he and his team are Coordinator of Youth Ministry currently deciding what to do in the way of short films. What- Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, (1300 households) Beloit, WI in the Madison Diocese is looking for an energetic person as part of our Faith Formation and Pastoral staff to coordinate parish and diocesan youth events for Middle & High School, and Young Adults. Please take NOW HIRING — PRINCIPAL Duties include programming retreats, Confirmation preparation, social and service opportunities, and assisting ST. ANNE SCHOOL, DIXON, ILLINOIS Faith Formation classes and Vacation Bible School, and the time to (PRE K -8) diocesan youth activities such as “Love Begins Here” and Applications are currently being accepted for a faith-filled, “Frassati Fest.” passionate, and dedicated educator to serve as Principal of St. thank our Anne School, located in Dixon, Illinois, beginning on or before Applicants must be a practicing Catholic, with a religious July 1, 2018. Candidates must possess an advanced degree studies, education, or related degree. Experience with social advertisers. in educational leadership; hold a current Illinois Professional media and Spanish language skills are a plus. This job requires Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative flexible hours, with some evening and weekend hours. Salary Endorsement; and have five years of successful teaching and/ and benefits commensurate with education and experience. The or administrative experience, preferably in a Catholic school. Send resume to: Rob Olsen, OLA Parish To apply, please visit www.ceorockford.org and click the 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit, WI, 53511 Observer 608-362-1231 — [email protected] “Careers” tab to start the application process. 40 | FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2018 | The Observer