THE CATHOLIC

PAGE 5 Invitation to Catholics October 12,ommentator 2018 Vol. 56, No. 18 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C REUNITED Sesay family together again after 16 years

By Richard Meek that would eventually land Sesay and The Catholic Commentator his wife, Alima, with the assistance of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Amid the chaotic setting of Louis Baton Rouge through its resettlement Armstrong New Orleans Internation- program, in Baton Rouge. But there al Airport on a busy Thursday night, was no way of knowing the length of Dauda Sesay was encased in his own such an anguishing separation, and emotional cocoon. for a long time he was even unaware of While taxi drivers were picking up their whereabouts. fares, and passengers were scram- “Seeing them for the first time was bling to make flights, Sesay was silent tough; it was a mixed emotion,” said among the flurry of activity, corralling Sesay, who works at Dow Chemical. a preponderance of emotion that was “I shed tears, but this time the tears I 16 years in the making. Eventually, the shed were not the same as the ones I gates opened and tears of joy flowed as did 16 years ago. he embraced his children, not wanting “These were tears of joy.” to release them from his grasp ever “I was very happy to see him,” said again. Bai Sesay, Dauda’s 17-year-old soft- The roots of this family reunion go spoken son whom he had never met. back 16 years, when Sesay was forced Nearby, 20-year-old Mariama to leave his native Sierra Leone, which could not stop smiling, barely leaving was in the midst of what would be a his side as if to reassure herself this Overcome with emotion, Dauda Sesay is embraced by his children, Bai, left, and Maria- decades-long civil war, after witness- was no dream and that indeed she was ma, shortly after arriving at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Dauda ing the brutal murder of his father. home for good. Sesay had not seen his children since fleeing Sierra Leona 16 years ago. Photo by Richard Meek He would embark on a long journey SEE DAUDA PAGE 24 | The Catholic Commentator Well formed conscience should guide vote

By Debbie Shelley “Forming Consciences for Faithful ple of faith need to be able to take that The Catholic Commentator Citizenship: A Call to Political Re- seriously and act out our faith even in sponsibility,” by the U.S. Conference the voting booth, even in the political Mid-term elections on Nov. 6 can of Catholic Bishops, said Rob Tas- world where many times it’s messy, be the time to “throw the rascals man, executive director of the Loui- it’s confusing and it’s certainly not out” and send a message to the na- siana Conference of Catholic Bishops. clear in terms of candidates reflecting tion’s leaders on how they are doing “I think it’s important for all Cath- their own faith with in the way that as Republicans and Democrats battle olics to keep in mind that as the docu- they pursue issues.” for control of the U. S. Congress. By ment from the bishops states, partici- Tasman reminded people to refer researching candidates and issues, pating in the political process is not to the seven principles of Catholic educating themselves on Catholic just a responsibility but it is an obli- social teaching when deciding which GROUND BREAKING—St. Margaret, social teachings and praying, people gation,” said Tasman. “And I find that candidates and issues to support: life Queen of Scotland pastor Father Jamin can be sure they are voting with a to be a very strong statement. and dignity of the human person; the David and Deacon Tim Messenger well-formed conscience, according to “I think it’s strong intentionally call to family, community and partic- break ground on a substantial renova- clergy and lay leaders of the Diocese because I think it’s reflective of the ipation; rights and responsibilities; tion and addition on Sept. 30. For the of Baton Rouge. fact that we are blessed enough to live option for the poor and vulnerable; complete story and pictures, please A resource Catholics can use when in a democracy where our voice and the dignity of work and the rights of turn to pages 12-13. Photo by Richard Meek | deciding how to cast their ballot is our vote matters. And so we as a peo- SEE VOTING PAGE 23 The Catholic Commentator 2 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018 | DID YOU KNOW Prudence & wisdom By Dina Dow possible. We have a choice to make. Relying upon the virtue of prudence and the gift of “Indeed the word of God is living and ef- wisdom, we have the ability to obey, serve and fective” (Heb 4:12). We begin the 28th Sunday follow Jesus each day as we journey to eter- in Ordinary Time with an awakening. The au- nity. thor of the Book of Wisdom, through prayer Servants of mercy and pleading, receives prudence and wisdom, The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls resulting in a preference for these rather than to mind the power of being a servant. As earthly riches. “Prudence guides the oth- disciples of Jesus, we are called to serve oth- er virtues by setting rule and measure. It is ers, even when it is most inconvenient. Our prudence that immediately guides capacity to love expands as the judgment of conscience” we respond to the call of ser- (The Catechism of the Catholic Life-Giving vice. The more we serve, the Church #1806). This is the first greater we love. The greater of the cardinal virtues, that which FAI H we love, the more we serve. Our instills shrewdness so we can see or model of service comes directly anticipate difficulties and thus be enabled to from Jesus. His three-fold mission as priest, choose good as opposed to evil. Wisdom fol- prophet and king is a roadmap for our life. We lows predominately as “a spiritual gift which serve with our hands, our voice and our heart. enables a person to know the purpose and The Letter to the Hebrews explains Jesus’ plan of God” (CCC #120). Thus prudence sets role as “high priest,” that being the one and our compass as wisdom aligns us to do God’s only one who sacrificed all he had for all of will. Prayer fortifies both. us. He was tempted, tested, tortured and tor- Guardian angels With this in mind we turn to the Gospel, mented, yet he NEVER abandoned his mis- where a man runs up to Jesus as he is leaving sion of his role in our redemption. His mercy Who has never prayed to their the entire nation of Israel was pro- town and asks, “Good teacher, what must I do and “timely grace” saves us from ourselves. guardian angel, whether it’s help tected by an angel. to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ response seems Jesus’ entire body was for the service of others to pass a test, perform well in a job Of course, one of the most pop- obvious, as he recalls the Ten Command- to the point to death. The same hands which interview or help us get through the ular Scripture passages involves the ments, to which the man responds, “I obey served to heal were the same hands pierced difficulties of life? angel St. Gabriel announcing the those!” He knows he is doing what God has on the cross. The same feet, which walked for Guardian angels were even once birth of Jesus. commanded. hundreds of miles to reach the many, were the featured in one of the most beloved According to Scripture, angels Yet, Jesus calls this man (and us) into the same feet pierced on the cross. He served with Christmas movies of all time. protected Jesus in his infancy, deep mystery of the life and effectiveness mercy, died with mercy and rose with mercy. So exactly who is our guardian served him in the desert and even of his word. “You are lacking in one thing. How far are we willing to serve with love and angel and does everyone actually helped him find strength in the Ag- Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor sacrifice for the good of another? have a heavenly protector? ony in the Garden. and you will have treasure in heaven; then Jesus’ piercing word resounds through According to The Catechism of Devotion to angels began with come, follow me.” First, do we ask the same prophets of old. Yet from Christ, those ancient the Catholic Church, an angel is the birth of the monastic tradition, question of our Lord? Are we ready for his words become lifesaving. Do our words serve a spiritual, personal and immor- and it was St. Benedict that origi- response? Are we willing to abandon self, as powerfully as our actions? tal creature, with intelligence and nally gave it some impetus. St. Ber- serve others and follow Jesus? What riches Finally, Jesus’ preaching, teachings and free will, who glorifies God without nard of Clairvaux, a noted 12th cen- (material and spiritual) are we holding on to miracles provide a clear reality of his kingly ceasing and who serves God as a tury reformer, was so eloquent in that will better serve others who are with- reign. We are called to a share in this king- messenger of his saving plan. The his praise of guardian angels that it out? Are we aware of the poverty around ship as we follow the way of Jesus. We share catechism also states a guardian helped develop the angelic devotion us, both material and physical? Are we in- with others the joy of the Gospel amidst the angel is assigned to protect and in- in his day. vesting “goods” for the good of others, and struggles in life to provide hope to the hope- tercede for each person. A guardian angel, of which each following Jesus? Do we walk away from the less, freedom to the imprisoned, rest to the St. Augustine once wrote that an person has one even if that person demands of discipleship? weary and consolation to the despairing. If “angel” is the name of their office, is not baptized, is assigned to help The apostles expand the question to “who Jesus came to serve, then we are here to serve not of their nature. He said if one them avoid spiritual harm, physi- can be saved.” Through Jesus, we have hope. through faith, sacraments, prudent choic- seeks the name of their nature, it is cal dangers and also achieve sal- “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For human es and persistent prayer. Calling upon these “spirit,” if seeking the name of their vation. beings it is impossible, but not for God. All foundations by the power of the Holy Spirit, office it is “angel.” He explained Always operating from heaven, things are possible for God.’” We alone can- may we serve others in as great of love and “spirit” is from what they are and guardian angels can also help in- not save ourselves, but for God ALL things are mercy as Jesus has done for us. “angel” is what they do. dividuals in meditation, mainly by He said angels are servants and placing holy images in one’s mind, messengers of God, because they especially if that person asks for as- are the “mighty ones” who herald sistance. Angels can also help pro- his voice to the world. tect demons from one’s mind during Angels are believed to have intel- meditation. thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator ligence and will, and more perfect It is also believed that when the than any visible creatures. last angel is sent from heaven, it will Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager The catechism said angels have be assigned to the last man created Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Bonny Van Staff Writer been present since creation and by God. Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation have announced salvation. They The only three angels mentioned Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer have played significant roles in in Scripture are St. Gabriel, St. Ra- Scripture including an angel deliv- phael and St. Michael. The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, ering St. Peter from prison in the So when we rest our heads down Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must New Testament. for the night, and our evening reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- It is also believed, as written in prayer is complete, we can rest easy, MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. Exodus in the Old Testament, that knowing someone is protecting us. October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 3

Saturday, Nov. 10 North Boulevard Town Square, Downtown Baton Rouge 7:30 Runner sign-in/registration 8:30 1-mile Fun Run/Walk begins 9:00 5K begins 5K RUN Post-race "Birth"day party & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk with food, music & fun Bishop Edward K. Braxton, bishop for the Diocese of Belleville, Illinois and former bishop of the Diocese of Lake Charles, speaks to a full house at the Westerfield Center in Baton Rouge on Sept. 27 about the Catholic www.womansnewlife.com/borntorun Church and the racial divide in the United States. Bishop Braxton was a guest speaker for the Diocese of Baton Rouge Commission forum on Racial Harmony. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator Questions? Call 225-218-4862.

Hope for harmony lies in prayer Luxury River Cruising By Bonny Van Racial Harmony Commission Braxton, who previously served The Catholic Commentator of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, as bishop in the Diocese of Lake at its BEST on cited past examples of the racial Charles. The Catholic Church has divide with segregated churches; During his one-hour talk ti- erred in the past in effectively not allowing “people of color” to tled “Listen! Learn! Think! Pray! AMA WATERWAYS addressing racism in the Unit- join religious communities; and Act! The Catholic Church and ed States, but there are signs of how the Jesuit order sold almost the Racial Divide in the United Join AMA Waterways representative progress and hope for the future, 300 “enslaved free human be- States,” the bishop said there is Shelia Bielich on according to Bishop Edward K. ings” to construct buildings at hope for the future and that hope Braxton, bishop of the Diocese of Georgetown University. lies in prayer. Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Belleville, Illinois. “Georgetown continues an Adhering to the teachings of Bishop Braxton, speaking to ongoing aggressive program to Jesus and listening to the word at 2:00 p.m. a packed house at the Wester- acknowledge the fact that while of God during Mass are the first Special booking incentives for all new cruises field Center on the campus of this horrible past cannot be un- steps to achieving racial harmo- the Catholic Life Center in Baton done, the present and the fu- ny, Bishop Braxton said. booked with deposit Rouge at a forum hosted by the ture can be better,” said Bishop SEE HARMONY PAGE 19 Please RSVP 225-926-3752 Pearson’s Travel World Bishop Muench issues statement on health 7949 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge • 225-926-3752

By Richard Meek “Please know I am at peace, in The Catholic Commentator good spirits and without any chronic pain. I am especially grateful to God For when In a statement released Sept. for the early discovery of this condi- 25, Bishop Emeritus Robert W. tion after my retirement from office Muench said he has been diag- had already begun. I plan to honor you get nosed with bladder cancer but em- the liturgical and other commit- phasized the outlook is positive. ments I have made since my retire- buffalo’d. “Two weeks ago Bishop (Michael ment from office. The Lord be with G.) Duca graciously administered and bless each of you.” the sacrament of the anointing of Bishop Emeritus Bishop Duca, in a statement re- the sick to me before an out-patient Robert W. Muench leased shortly after Bishop Muench’s surgery I had to remove a growth statement, asked the people of the Joe Skibinski, Agent We’ve got an agent for that. in my bladder,” Bishop Muench said in the state- Diocese of Baton Rouge to join him in prayer. 1953 Perkins Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70808 ment. “After laboratory analysis, I was diagnosed “I know the faithful of the Diocese of Baton Bus: 225-387-0201 Toll Free: Sometimes you just never know with ‘localized, superficial, non-invasive, treatable Rouge and Bishop Muench’s many friends join me 888-387-0201 what’s going to cross your path. cancer of the bladder.’ This meant the cancer was in praying for his speedy and complete recovery,” Just know I have your back. discovered in an early stage, was only topical in Bishop Duca said. “We also extend our thoughts So when accidents happen, depth, had not spread to any other part of the body, and prayers to his dear sister during her illness.” you have a real person who and can be treated locally. In late October I will be- A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Bishop can get the job done right, and gin a prescribed, out-patient series of treatments Muench, 75, was raised in New Orleans and served right away. Like a good neighbor, at my physician’s office. No radiation or systemic for 28 years as a priest and bishop in the Arch- State Farm is there.® chemotherapy will be used. diocese of New Orleans. He was ordained to the CALL ME TODAY. “All the more during this time will I keep you, priesthood May 18, 1968 and to the episcopacy as my brother ordained, in special prayer to God for auxiliary bishop in the archdiocese June 29, 1990. your valued friendship and inspired ministry. May He was installed as bishop of Covington, Ken- I also ask that you include me in your prayer inten- tucky on March 19, 1996 and installed as bishop tions as well as my youngest sister, Marsha Morse, in the Diocese of Baton Rouge on March 14, 2002. who for more than eight years has received aggres- He served as bishop in the diocese until June, 1101160.2 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL sive treatments for Multiple Myeloma. when Bishop Duca was appointed his successor. 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL October 12, 2018 U.S. bishops find ‘honest, hopeful’ young adults at V Encuentro

GRAPEVINE, Texas (CNS) sister from Aguascalientes, Mex- herself buzzing with excitement Grapevine. told the Texas Catholic Herald, – When Sister Lucero Espitia ico, didn’t see many other habit- as they sat down for dinner with Sharing her perspective as a newspaper of the Archdiocese of looked around the ballroom, she ed consecrated women religious a cross section of the 150 bish- religious sister, she said she felt Galveston-Houston. “The bish- saw other people like herself. like herself, she did see some 750 ops attending the V Encuentro, encouraged and happy to see the ops need to know their young While the Disciple of Jesus other Catholic young adults like or National Fifth Encuentro, in bishops meeting with the young people because they closely people. share the needs and thoughts of “It has been enriching to me,” all those who are in their diocese Diocese of Baton Rouge she said, “to see the many reali- and are sometimes not as visi- ties of the young people living in ble as the older people, however, the each of these (bishops’) dio- they have strong concerns and High School Open Houses cese. The young people need to important needs to address.” be taken into account. They have Bishop Michael G. Duca of the Information: www.csobr.org very important ideas, very bright Baton Rouge Diocese, found the ideas. Their concerns are good, young adults at his table to be St. JoSeph’S AcAdemy Thursday, October 18, 2018 you have to guide them, but they “honest, hopeful.” Baton Rouge 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. are good.” He acknowledged the slight 225-388-2236 Open to 6th – 8th grade girls The current papal nuncio awkwardness at the beginning of sjabr.org and their parents to the U.S., Archbishop Chris- the conversation, even the panel tophe Pierre, joined Cardinal noted that many Catholic young St. John high Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Daniel N. DiNardo of Galves- adults only meet bishops at their Plaquemine 6 p.m., begins in St. Clement Chapel ton-Houston, current presi- confirmation. Still, conversation 225-687-3056 Open to 7th – 12th graders dent of the U.S. Conference of eventually flowed freely at every Catholic Bishops, and Arch- dinner table, with even at least a stjohnschool.org and their parents bishop Jose Gomez of Los An- dozen tables sharing two bishops geles, USCCB vice president, at in the dialogue. St. michAel high Thursday, October 25, 2018 the special invite-only event, Various conversations at Baton Rouge 4:30 – 7 p.m. (last tour) which featured a panel discus- each table could be heard, with 225-753-9782 Open to 6th – 8th graders and sion about the Hispanic and some asking how a bishop was Latino young adult church. appointed, or how parish pas- smhsbr.org their parents The panel included Bishop tors were chosen, while others Jaime Soto of Sacramento, Cal- brought up the current sexual criSto rey BAton rouge Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 ifornia; Bishop Alberto Rojas abuse crisis and asked how they frAnciScAn high 4:30 – 7 p.m. of Chicago; Bishop Edward J. were handling the issues. 225-615-7479 Open to 7th and 8th graders Burns of Dallas; and several Despite the geographic dis- young adults from across the tances from the young adults’ cristoreybr.org and their parents country involved in campus and homes, Bishop Duca found “Sur- young adult ministry. prisingly similar concerns and cAtholic high Thursday, November 8, 2018 “These bishops have been needs and desires and hopes.” Baton Rouge 4:30 – 7 p.m. entrusted a very strong and im- He said he appreciated the 225-383-0397 Open to 6th – 8th grade boys portant mission,” Sister Espitia SEE ENCUENTRO PAGE 16 catholichigh.org and their parents

St. thomAS AquinAS high Thursday, November 8, 2018 Hammond Beginning 6 p.m. 985-542-7662 Open to 7th – 8th graders stafalcons.org and their parents

AScenSion cAtholic high Thursday, January 31 Donaldsonville From 9 – 11 a.m. 225-473-9227 Open for K-12th grades acbulldogs.org and their parents

cAtholic of pointe coupée Wednesday, February 6 New Roads Beginning 5:30 p.m. 225-638-9313 Open for PreK -12th grades catholicpc.com and their parents

Bishop Michael G. Duca and Father Robert Halter CSSR, chaplain to the Hispanic Apostolate for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, joined a diocesan team in attending the national V Encuentro conference in Grapevine, EVANGELIZING HEARTS Texas on Sept. 20. The four-year, nationwide consultations with the Hispanic Catholic community culminated with the conference as dele- EDUCATING MINDS gates from around the United States gathered to form a collective His- ENCOURAGING TALENT panic Catholic voice – one that will be imperative to the future of the EMBRACING THE FUTURE church. Pictured with Bishop Duca and Father Halter, back row, from left, are Ana Sierra and Erika Romero; front row, are Yeni Benítez, Rocio Catholic Schools Office • P. O. Box 2028 • Baton Rouge, LA 70821 • 225-336-8735 Coto and Secilia Blanco. Photo provided by Bishop Michael G. Duca October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 5 Father Johnson issues invitation to all Catholics

By Richard Meek who was ordained to the priest- book for reaching Catholics who faith on their own levels, recall- Although the book was writ- The Catholic Commentator hood in 2014. “And whenever we were feeling marginalized by ing a time when he was distant ten before the most recent rev- can have that kind of intimacy the church. In February, Father from his faith. elations of clergy abuse, Father Father Joshua Johnson ad- with God, we can have that kind Johnson begin writing and the During his ministerial life Johnson calls his work “pro- mittedly never enjoyed writing, of intima- ideas imme- Father Johnson continues to phetic” because he addresses not as a high school student, nor cy with our diately be- direct people to Jesus for guid- “the scandals of the church, in- as a seminarian. brothers and gan to tum- ance, whether it is to resolve a cluding the sex abuse scandal, As someone who once shud- sisters. We’re ble onto the personal conflict or a doctrinal racism and slavery.” dered at the thought of even going to see page. or moral issue. “I had no idea that the scan- writing a term paper, the idea of the church is He altered “They would eventually come dals were going to come to the becoming a best-selling author not a muse- his morning around and say ‘I get it now be- surface again but this book is a appeared ludicrous. Yet, Father um for saints schedule, cause Jesus helped me,” he said. perfect response to help people Johnson, pastor at Holy Rosary but recognize a w a k e n i n g “That has inspired me to contin- right now,” he said. Church in St. Amant, recently it as a hospi- at 4:30 a.m. ue to do my ministry that way The book is currently avail- reached the pinnacle of Ama- tal for sinners to pray and and to remember when I (meet) able on Amazon and Ascension- zon’s best selling list with the like you and I work out, and people who are in difficult situa- Press.com but should also be release of “Broken + Blessed, An and that we’re then write. tions in their faith to trust that if available in bookstores in the Invitation to My Generation.” broken. We’re By 7:30 he I pointed them to Christ that he near future. The book rapidly rose to the all there for was in the would do the work because he’s Bitten by the writing bug, top spot on Amazon’s Christian the same confessional a living God. He will bring them Father Johnson said he is plan- book list. reason, to be at Holy Ro- to where they need to be. ning a second book, although “I never thought there would healed over sary admin- “Give it to Jesus over time the exact topic remains under be a day when I would write a time. And istering the and he will work it out.” discernment. book until it started coming up that healing sacrament of in prayer,” he said. “It gives me happens.” reconciliation. joy to know that God can use Father Johnson said the “I didn’t want to do any writ- me.” Holy Sprit initially invited him ing during hours of operating Using personal experiences to write a book several years here at Holy Rosary,” he said. as the foundation, Father Jon- ago, so he began to pray about By April the book was at the son said the book is an invita- the possibility. But he also publisher, an amazingly short tion for Catholics who are strug- added the caveat with the Lord time for an author to complete a gling with their faith or perhaps that “I’m not going to approach work, especially a novice. have left the church. He noted anybody about writing a book, Father Johnson said writ- that people are “broken and so if you want me to write a ing helped him recall his own blessed,” hence the title. book, I want a publishing com- experiences in the church, sig- “We’re all imperfect, we’re pany to reach out to me and nificant events that he had for- all sinners, hopefully striving to ask me.” gotten. He said when he was be saints,” he said. “If you and He soon had his answer. writing “things would just come I can receive the love of Jesus, When praying before celebrat- out, and I was able to process Join our Marian Pilgrimage then when we receive the gift, ing a wedding in Lake Charles, them and bring the spiritu- the proper thing is to share that he received an email that As- al direction. And some of the in May 3-14, 2019 gift with other people as well.” cension Press was interested in connections I was able to make The book offers practical tips him writing a book. have been really helpful.” on how to love the church the “And so that’s when I first Through writing, he came to same way “Christ loves us in the started the conversation,” Fa- realize Jesus is enough, recalling midst of all of the mess.” ther Jonson said. “I put it on the many experiences in his rather “The Lord invites us to the backburner and worked on some short ministerial life when he messiness of the cross, and he other projects in the meantime.” was able to witness Jesus work- enters into the messiness of (our) During this past fall, dia- ing in the lives of others. He was lives, and that’s where intimacy logue with Ascension Press also able to meet with people happens,” said Father Johnson, spawned the idea of writing a who were struggling with their

with Stephen J. Binz & Fr. Charles Landry Deacon Thomas Labat dies = Begin the month of Mary in Lourdes, France Deacon Thomas Edward Labat, Bishop Michael G. Duca and con-cel- = Journey to Segovia and Avila, dedicated to St. Sr., 80, of Gonzales, passed away ebrated by St. Gabriel pastor Father John of the Cross and St. Teresa Sept. 22. Charlie Landry.

Deacon Thomas was ordained a Deacon Thomas is survived by his = Explore the cathedral of Santiago de deacon in May of 1996 and was the wife of 60 years, Mary Ann Schexnay- former director of the Permanent der Labat, daughter Ann Marie Labat Compostela in Spain and tomb of St. James Diaconate of the Diocese of Baton of Ft. Collins, Colorado and son Thom- = End your pilgrimage in Fatima, Portugal, with Rouge. He served as a deacon at St. as Labat Jr. and wife Melanie Simon Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales Labat of Gonzales. Deacon Thomas is the vigil procession and Mass on the Feast of from 1999 to 2010 and as a deacon also survived by three grandchildren. Our Lady of Fatima, May 13, 2019. at St. Gabriel Church in St. Gabriel He was preceded in death by daugh- from 2011 to 2017. ter Jacinta Cecile Labat. Thomas was For brochure and details, see Deacon Thomas Ed- A Mass of Christian Burial was a member of the Knights of Columbus www.Bridge-B.com or call 800-842-4842 ward Labat. Sr. celebrated at St. Theresa Church by Council #2657 in Gonzales. 6 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018 Thoughts while praying the rosary/ Should Sunday Mass be obligatory

I would appreciate your help decade at a time; I have a “ring rosary” Christ’s risen body. They continued to do this through with a question I’ve had for a with just 10 beads, and, often, when I’m years and years of persecution and at the risk of their Qlong time. When I am saying driving, I put it on my finger and it helps jobs and even their lives. the rosary, should I be thinking of the me to focus on Jesus and Mary. It was only in the fourth century that there began to words to the Hail Mary or about the be any written rules about church attendance, and this particular mystery I am then on? (Mor- I have always thought it would be happened first through regional church councils. Much rilton, Arkansas) better that if the church undid the later, when the first Code of Canon Law was written in I think it’s a matter of personal Qrule by which we are obliged to 1917, that obligation was defined as a universal rule. choice. Whatever best helps to attend Sunday Mass under pain of mortal St. John Paul II, in his 1998 apostolic letter “Dies Do- Amake these moments a time of sin. That way, I believe, more people mini,” noted that at first no written rule was necessary prayer and of peace, whatever makes would come to church. due to the “inner need felt so strongly by the Christians you more aware of the presence of God I myself attend weekly, but attendance of the first centuries,” and that “only later, faced with and his love, that is the way to go. I in our parish has dropped so drastical- the halfheartedness or negligence of some,” the church myself like to change it around. ly that we have cut back on the number felt it necessary to make explicit the duty to attend Sun- Sometimes I fashion a mental pic- Question Corner of weekend Masses. I know people who day Mass (No. 47). ture of the mystery I’m on – with the would be active members if it were not for To be sure, over the 52 years I have been ordained a resurrection, for example, I imagine Father Kenneth Doyle the rule of mandatory attendance. (Som- priest, Sunday Mass attendance has fallen sharply. But the women arriving at the tomb early erset, New Jersey) it seems unlikely to me that church leaders would cede on Easter morning, their confusion on finding it empty The obligation for Catholics to attend Sunday to this trend by lifting the obligation – especially since and their excitement, later in the day, as the realization Mass under penalty of grave sin is a precept of the original reason for the rule was that some had fallen dawns that their friend Jesus is, somehow, once again Athe church, a specification of the Third Com- away from regular practice. alive. mandment to “Keep holy the Sabbath.” It could there- To your belief that more Catholics would come to Other times particularly if I’m tired and creative fore be changed by competent church authority, but I Mass if the obligation were lifted, I have not seen any thought eludes me, I think about the words of the Hail believe that is unlikely to happen. studies that would document this or refute it. Mary: the angel Gabriel’s greeting to the faith-filled A bit of history is helpful. In the earliest centuries I would hope, though, that Catholics who do attend girl of 14 or 15, or Elizabeth’s praise of the one “blessed of the church, there was no stated rule making Sunday now are motivated not as much by a mandate but among women.” Eucharist mandatory because there didn’t need to be. more by the good things that happen at Mass: They I don’t pretend that my technique is fail-safe; often This was what Christians did: As a matter of course, can be instructed by the word of God, inspired by the enough, my thoughts drift to the phone calls I need to they gathered on the first day of the week in the begin- presence of other Catholic Christians at prayer and make, the homily still to be written. Distractions are ning in homes, later on in simple church structures – in – most of all – strengthened by receiving the Lord in always the challenge, and so sometimes I pray just a celebration of the resurrection and to be nourished by the Eucharist.

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Persecution for Christ a blessing The Beatitudes Blessed are the poor in spirit, By Debbie Shelley they are blessed who are persecuted for tion for an alleged crime against a Muslim for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The Catholic Commentator being like him. What’s more, those who girl by a Christian man. If that was the are like him will always be persecuted. reason, the retaliation was not targeted Blessed are those who mourn, Catholics may consider Jesus’ final be- “To become like him we have to be- at the man who committed the crime but for they will be comforted. atitude, “blessed are those persecuted for come light. Light always exposes dark- at Christians because of their association righteousness sake,” to also be the final ness, and the darkness therefore always through religion.” Blessed are the meek, challenge. But the glory of heaven waits hates the light. Father Jamhoury also signaled out for they will inherit the earth. on the other side of it, according to Father “We are not to be offensive; we are not Dutch Jesuit Father Frans van der Lugt Charbel Jamhoury, pastor of St. Agnes to be foolish; we are not to be unwise; we as living out this beatitude. Father van Blessed are those who hunger and thirst Church in Baton Rouge. are not even to parade the Christian faith. der Lugt considered himself Syrian and for righteousness, for they will be filled. “The beatitudes are revolutionary,” We do not do anything that calls for per- refused to leave the Syrian city of Homs said Father Jamhoury “… as he (Jesus) is secution. But by just being like Christ per- during the more than three years he Blessed are the merciful, as a person. He presents a model of hap- secution becomes available.” worked there during the Syrian war. In for they will be shown mercy. piness completely contrary to the world, On an encouraging note, Father Jam- 2017 he was beaten and then shot to death Blessed are the pure in heart, to what is usually communicated to us. houry said, “But that is a glorious thing. by a masked gunman in his monastery. He challenges us to follow him and trav- ‘Rejoice in this’ say St. Peter and St. Father van der Lugt’s life mission for they will see God. el with him the path that leads us to his James. And our Lord himself says, ‘Bless- spread the message to “Go forth by com- Blessed are the peacemakers, kingdom to eternal life.” ed are you, happy are you’ if you are like ing back home,” emphasized to Father that. Because if you ever find yourself per- Jamhoury. It also shows God’s mission is for they will be called children of God. Part 8 of 8 secuted for Christ and for righteousness’ unstoppable. Blessed are those who are persecuted sake, you have, in a sense, got the final Father Jamhoury, a native of Beruit, because of righteousness, for theirs is The beatitude concerning persecu- proof of that fact that you are a Christian, Lebanon, witnessed persecution’s after- tion is not an appendix to the others and that you are a citizen of the kingdom of math of death and destruction during his the kingdom of heaven. is as positive as any one that precedes heaven.” ministry in that country. He said people it, though it may be indirect, Father Jesus also tells us to rejoice over rejec- living out the challenging beatitude are Jamhoury said. But it is one of the most tion, said Father Jamhoury. willing to suffer or die so God’s mission prefer to be persecuted, rejected and even searching tests Christians will ever face. “Rejection is a mark of blessing only can “go forward.” killed, but not my mission … because it’s “He (Jesus) was not afraid to ask the when it is for the sake of righteousness,” “No one wishes to be persecuted or sacred,” said Father Jamhoury. “It’s God’s disciples and us today if we wanted to said Father Jamhoury … “When does to be killed. But if my mission is for the mission to love and serve his people and follow him and be persecuted and killed Jesus say that insults, persecutions and sake of God’s kingdom ...Yes, in this case, I not mine.” as he was persecuted and killed or if we slander are a reason to rejoice? When it’s prefer another path,” he said. for his sake. This is a very important point Father Jamhoury emphasized Jesus of clarification. There is a danger that we said, “Blessed are you ‘when’, not ‘if’, they will misapply Jesus’ words. Without this insult you and persecute you and utter clarification we might be tempted to think We’re more than a bank every kind of evil against you falsely be- that it is a blessing anytime someone in- cause of me.” sults us.” Some would say there is more perse- “If we fail to listen carefully to this be- We’re your cution of Christians today than there has atitude, we may draw the false conclusion been since the first centuries of the Chris- that every nasty thing someone says about tian era, according to Father Jamhoury. us is a blessing,” said Father Jamhoury. Business Partner “I think a good case can be made for “Sometimes things people say about us that statement,” said Father Jamhoury. aren’t a blessing at all – they’re just the “There have been grievous periods of per- truth. What’s more, (what we sometimes secution at various epochs in the long his- call persecution) is just a natural rea- Let us help your school tory of the church, but they have generally sonable reaction to our bad behavior. In ✔ Competitive Deposit Services been more or less localized. Now, howev- such instances people reject us for good ✔ Simple Tuition Management er, persecution has been spread through- reasons. They don’t reject us because we ✔ Unmatched Service and out the world.” are followers of Christ – they reject us be- There are roughly 100 million Chris- cause we are surly; they reject us because Community Support tians living in nations with persecution, we are petulant; they reject us because we such as China, Nigeria, India, North Ko- are hyper sensitive and hard to get along Katie Tricon rea, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and with.” Senior Relationship Officer Soamlia. And more than 170,000 Chris- Jesus uses the language of grace, 7235 Jefferson Hwy tians are put to death each year for their stressed Father Jamhoury. Those perse- Baton Rouge, LA 70806 faith, according to The Catholic Source cuted are not paid for their troubles, they [email protected] Book. are blessed. 225-757-4404 The different kinds of persecution in- From the time St. Stephen became clude verbal mockery, public shaming, the first martyr for speaking the truth of discrimination, shunning, loss of prop- Christ, people have died for proclaiming THEME erty, loss of basic human rights, physical God’s kingdom, said Father Jamhoury. beatings, torture and death. In most recent times, on the night of Father Jamhoury noted that the beat- Jan. 7, 2010, a group of eight Egyptian itude does not say, “Blessed are they that Christians were killed as they left their are persecuted for being good, or noble, or church after celebrating a Christmas even self-sacrificing. Mass in Nag Hammdi, Egypt. “What then does this beatitude mean?” “The motive behind the massacre is asked Father Jamhoury. “Being righteous, disputed, but it was carried out by mili- Let us help you reach your goals. Learn more by visiting practicing righteousness, really means be- tant Islamic believers,” said Father Jam- GULFBANKTUITION.COM or call 855-335-2068. ing like the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore houry. “It may have been done in retalia-

GCB_BIZPartnerEDad_KTricon8409.indd 1 10/3/18 1:10 PM 8 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018 Federal court upholds state law regarding admitting privileges Staff Report three-judge panel recognized a similar Louisiana, separating it from the Tex- the same standard as all outpatient sur- The Catholic Commentator law struck down by the U.S. Supreme as-based facts presented in the Supreme gical facilities. Court in 2016, but by a 2-1 decision they Court’s 2016 Whole Woman’s Health v. “Louisiana Right to Life commends A federal appeals court ruling uphold- said the Louisiana Unsafe Abortion Pro- Hellerstedt decision. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry ing a 2014 Louisiana law requiring abor- tection Act (Act 620) does not impose the The ruling reverses the 2017 ruling of and Solicitor General Elizabeth Murrill tion providers to have admitting privi- same “substantial burden” on women as federal district court Judge John deGrav- for their persistent leadership in defend- leges at a nearby hospital was praised by the Texas law. elles, who blocked the law. ing Louisiana’s bipartisan 2014 law, espe- pro-life officials. Judge Jerry Smith and Judge Edith “Louisiana Right to Life celebrates cially in the face of other states choosing The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Clement analyzed the law’s impact on today’s 5th Circuit decision upholding to dismiss their defense of similar admit- Louisiana’s Unsafe ting privileges laws.” Abortion Protection Dorinda Bordlee, Act as a victory for Our law should senior counsel of Bio- women’s health and ethics Defense Fund, Join us! safety,” said Benja- never create special added, “In light of a min Clapper, execu- U.S. Supreme Court tive director of Lou- loopholes so that opinion that unjustly isiana Right to Life. struck down a similar ST. JOHN HIGH SCHOOL “Ever since we began abortion facilities Texas admitting priv- working with State ileges law, today’s 5th OPEN HOUSE Rep. Katrina Jack- can operate in a sub- Circuit ruling is a huge son to introduce HB win. The abortion in- 388 in 2014, the goal standard manner. dustry has failed in its Tuesday, October 23 of requiring abortion attempt to use the fed- providers to have ad- Benjamin Clapper eral courts to under- 6 pm mitting privileges at Executive Director, Louisiana Right to Life mine customary health St. Clement Chapel local hospitals was standards for women always about protect- who are physically in- information sessions campus tours ing women by ensuring the continuity jured by the known medical risks of abor- of care in cases of emergency. Our law tion, such as uterine puncture or cervical www.stjohnschool.org should never create special loopholes so tearing. This pro-woman, pro-life legisla- that abortion facilities can operate in a tion recognizes the reality that abortion sub-standard manner. These facilities endangers the lives of both women and and their physicians should be held to children.” Living with Loss A special section of The Catholic Commentator, Living with Loss will present end-of-life topics that can help our readers prepare for their own mortality. Also included in this section will be a list of All Saints’ Day/All Souls’ Day blessings. Publication date: October 26, 2018 Deadline: Monday, October 15

Living with Loss is the perfect place to advertise... • Funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories • Medical and hospice care • Grief counseling • HIGHEST HONOR – Father Tom Ranzino, vicar general for the Diocese of Baton Financial and inheritance planning Rouge and pastor at St. Jean Vianney church in Baton Rouge, was presented the prestigious Alleluia Award during the annual Federation of Diocesan Liturgical THE CATHOLIC Commissions 2018 Banquet Awards and Recognition Program in Atlanta. Father Ranzino, who was elected chairman of the FDLC board in 2014, was praised for his strong but gentle voice and his clear vision of the role of the board and the mission Month xx, xxxx Vol. Cxx, No. xx ommentatorSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 www.diobr.org/tcc of the federation. “I love being a part of this great federation,” Father Ranzino said. 225-387-0983 • [email protected] Submitted photo October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 9

Spreading Christmas joy to inmates LEARN ROSARY MAKING LIVING By Bonny Van A Catholic Tradition The Catholic Commentator Contact us for WITH LOSS It’s almost that time of year, a catalog and SPECIAL SECTION the time for reaching out to introductory offer. friends and relatives during the LEWIS & COMPANY COMING Christmas season. For more Dedicated to Rosary Making! than 500 inmates in the Tan- rosaryparts.com OCTOBER 26TH gipohoa Parish Jail in Amite, (800) 342 - 2400 making those connections is es- pecially important. Deacon Nat Garofola, who visits those incar- cerated at the jail regularly, be- Join the STM Senior Ministry gan distributing the Christmas cards 11 years ago. 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise “The inmates asked me for aboard the Carnival Dream toiletries stuff, like soap, which March 24, 2019 I can’t give them because the jail has a commissary,” said Dea- You are invited to attend con Garofola of Mater Dolorosa an informative meeting Church in Independence. “So, Mon., October 22 I came up with the idea for the Christmas cards because it’s 6:30 p.m. something that, think about St. Thomas More Church it, if you’re an inmate and you Coffee Shop want to send out five Christ- Tootie Bonacorso from Pearson’s Travel World mas cards, you’re not going to Deacon Nat Garofola sorts through some of the Christmas cards donat- have the money to buy stamps. ed for inmates at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Deacon Garofola collects will be available to answer all your questions. And where are you going to get cards from parishioners at several churches to distribute to more than Limited number of cabins available, the cards? So, they don’t have to 500 inmates. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator so don’t miss the BOAT! worry about it.” According to Deacon Garofo- “Those inmates and their re- ‘Man, this guy’s got Christmas la, the Christmas card collection sponse is incredible and they’re cards so don’t worry about it.’ So, Pearson’s Travel World has grown to include all of the waiting on the cards,” said Dea- it’s a good deal. It makes every- 7949 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge • 225-926-3752 Catholic churches in Tangipa- con Garofola. “Word gets out, body happy.” hoa Parish and some in Living- ston Parish: St. Helena Church in Amite; Mater Dolorosa; St. Dominic Church in Husser; Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Tick- faw; St. Albert the Great Chapel and Catholic Student Center in Hammond; Holy Ghost Church in Hammond; St. Joseph Church in Pontchatoula; St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Al- bany; and St. Thomas Church in Springfield. “The church will decorate a nice little box with Christmas wrap and I’ll put a sign on it that says, ‘cards and stamps for in- mates,’ ” explained Deacon Ga- rofola. “Last year, I collected like 6,500 cards and right at 2,000 had stamps on them, so that’s a lot.” Deacon Garofola said the col- lection runs from late October to early December. Then, he and his wife, Jeanette, spend hours each night sorting the cards and preparing them in packs of 50 to distribute. At times, the work has been overwhelming and the couple has enlisted the help of students from St. Thomas Aqui- nas High School in Hammond. But, it’s a labor of love for the Garofolas. 10 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018

PASTOR INSTALLATION – Pictured left, Bishop Michael G. Duca, right, presents Father Pat Broussard with the keys to St. Mary of False River Church in New Roads during a pastor installation ceremony on Sept. 30. Following the Mass, Bishop Duca and Father Broussard are pictured above with Deacon Thomas Robinson, deacon assistant at St. Mary. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

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October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 11 Giffin’s call to youth ministry came at an early age

By Debbie Shelley director for MBS School. He lat- casion any time they get that op- He added, “With young The Catholic Commentator er became full-time director of portunity,” said Giffin. adults, especially ‘the nones,’ youth ministry. He noted during the flood of meeting them where they are is West Giffin, the new proj- Giffin said his call to youth 2016 youth responded to the call very important. You have to as- ect coordinator for the Office of ministry began in the summer to gut houses and other types of sess where they are in today’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry of his eighth-grade year at St. volunteer relief efforts. culture.” of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, George Church in Baton Rouge. Concerning the troubling Giffin and wife, Lauren, have is utilizing his administration He attended youth conferences, question about how to reach a son, Mason, 6 months old. Be- skills honed by working with retreats and other events. out to young Catholics who are ing a father has crystalized his athletic organizations and ex- Alongside that, as a youth he leaving the faith or classifying view of the type of youth min- periences as a youth participant enjoyed camping and going hik- themselves as “none” in regards istry that he would like his son and director of parish youth ing. to their religious affiliation, Gif- to be involved in one day that ministry to help young Catholics “Those kind of events devel- fin and Olivia Gulino, associate would encourage, support and encounter and serve Christ. oped in me a certain level of director for youth and young challenge him to live to his full- Giffin, who was raised in openness to God in the beauty adult ministry of the Diocese est potential. the Shenandoah area of Baton and serenity of nature,” said of Baton Rouge, are working to “The world I would like to see Rouge, graduated from LSU in Griffin. encounter them, listen to them, for Mason is one that, first, is a 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in “Even before I served at Most pray with them and help meet place where inclusive relation- administration. time and resources to make one Blessed Sacrament I was called their needs to bring them home ships are developed with other “I really had a fun job in col- football game operate,” said Gif- to come back and to share,” said to the faith. people in a positive community lege,” said Griffin. “I worked with fin. Giffin. “That developed a pas- “You have to focus on rela- and, second, a place where he the LSU football department. I “It was a very educational ex- sion of what I do in serving in tionships and building relation- can have an encounter and be- worked for Coach Les Miles quite perience – how to operate at a youth ministry.” ships with young people,” said come a disciple of Christ,” said a bit as one of his student work- professional and fast pace,” add- His service at MBS inspired Giffin. Giffin. ers. It was very eye opening.” ed Griffin, who said he “learned him to serve at the diocesan lev- Giffin had many game-day how to roll with the punches.” el. Giffin said his call to deepen responsibilities, which “didn’t After graduating, Giffin en- his involvement in youth min- leave much time for tailgating.” tered the working world and istry also deepened his call to From there, Giffin went on volunteered in different minis- continue his education. He is to serve a six-month internship tries. In 2014 he learned about pursuing a master’s degree in with the New Orleans Saints cor- the need to create a youth min- pastoral leadership at Notre porate sponsorship department. istry at Most Blessed Sacrament Dame Seminary in New Or- Through his experiences in Church in Baton Rouge and was leans. He likewise encourages athletic administration, Giffin part of a volunteer team estab- youth to have a lifelong love of said he learned a lot about what lishing a youth ministry pro- learning about their faith. it takes to plan an event. gram at MBS. Giffin finds that the youth he “I was completely blown away At first he worked part-time has been working with are intu- with the amount of manpower as the youth ministry director itive, perceptive and intelligent. (staff and volunteers), effort, and part-time assistant athletic “I’ve seen them rise to the oc- Pearson’s Travel World Right Doctor. 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More than 300 volunteers pitched in to help remove pews, hym- nals, the altar, tabernacle and vestments from the church, paving the way for the renovations.

Father David said he was impressed by the number of young peo- ple that pitched in to help clean out the church.

By Richard Meek a much-needed increase for a church where attendance the church and still has a large presence. The Catholic Commentator is often standing room only. The additional seating will New pews will be purchased, marking the fourth gen- create a capacity of 320 people for a parish that has ex- eration of pews to fill the church. The original pews were An unusual late September calescent sun blistered panded from 450 families to 750 in the past several years. slated, the second came from an old church in New Or- a multigenerational volunteer corps that totaled The expansion will also include a separate vesting leans and the third were from Our Lady of Mercy Church nearly 300 men, women and children at St. Marga- area for priests and deacons, a working sacristy, a in Baton Rouge. ret, Queen of Scotland in Albany on a recent early bathroom in the church for the first time, a new con- The front of the church will also be restored to its fall morning. fessional and a covered drop off area in the rear of the original integrity, replicating the original 1910 design. But complaints were scarce, for the volunteers building, which will enable handicapped and others to A piazza is being added that will feature a statue of St. knew each drop of sweat represented preservation of be dropped off and escape the elements. Margaret. the rich history of their ancestors while planning for Additionally, the old carpet is being pulled up and the Perhaps equally as important as the interior renova- the future. existing hardwood floors will be restored. tion, at least from a practical standpoint, is the parking The volunteers gathered to strip the church of its “We’re overdue by about 60 years,” said Father David, lot will be paved and striped. Parking is currently scat- contents and create a temporary place of worship noting that little has been done to the church since 1910 tered across two gravel lots and not particularly struc- in the parish hall, the first steps in what is a major except for a structural modification in the 1960s and a tured. Workers took down the covered walkway, helping restore the orig- renovation and expansion of the building originally few post Vatican II changes. Father David said the idea for the volunteer Sunday inal architectural integrity to the church. completed in 1910. He said the building is overall structurally sound, al- arose from conversations with parishioners, as well as to “I think (the large turnout of volunteers) speaks to St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany broke ground though the electrical wiring will be replaced and brought save a few dollars. He noted that many parishioners have the same type of volunteerism that was present from up to code. However, he labeled the condition of the sac- a personal attachment to the church because it was hand the parish’s establishment in 1910,” said St. Marga- on a church expansion Sunday, Sept. 23. Pastor Father Jamin risty “deplorable,” noting a busted waterline that went built by many of their ancestors. ret pastor Father Jamin David. “That church is more undetected for years rotted the floors. “They wanted to help in any way they could, to make than a building; it’s actually the people that are there David blessed the grounds and led the ceremonial groundbreaking. Father David said the church will also receive some ar- sure the building is preserved and taken care of,” Father and their willingness to contribute not only finan- tistic upgrades, with the highlight being new stations of David said, adding that 95 percent of the funding has cially but also their time and talent. It tells you about Following the 10 a.m. Mass, parishioners cleared the current the cross. Father David said the custom made scenes will come from parishioners and no outside sources. the spirit of the community.” be unique to St. Margaret and will also feature Louisiana “The turnout was phenomenal,” he added. “It was in- The $2.5 million project will add 20 feet to the rear church of pews and other items, as well as removed the dated backdrops. teresting to see the amount of young people involved.” of the church, and configuration of the current sanc- The name of each station will be painted in Hungarian Father David said construction is expected to take tuary will create seating for an additional 65 people, carpet. The expansion is expected to take about one year. to honor the Hungarian community that originally built about one year.

The church was a flurry of activity following a Sunday morning Main: Father Jamin David, pastor at St. Margaret, nial groundbreaking marked the beginning of a major Center: Father David was joined by Deacon Tim Messen- bers, parish trustees, the architect and contractor for the Mass. While some volunteers took down the old breezeway, others Queen of Scotland Church in Albany, blesses the prop- renovation and expansion of the church, which was ger, to Father David’s right, as well as parish council mem- groundbreaking. staged furniture on the grounds for it to be moved to the parish erty where a new piazza will soon be built. The ceremo- built in 1910. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator hall, where Mass will be celebrated for the next year. 14 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018 Mentoring among students

By Bonny Van beamed. The scenario played her own kids were part of the The Catholic Commentator out over and over, older students senior-first grade program when finding their spots among the they were students at the school Early on the morning of younger children and greeting more than 15 years ago. She said Sept. 19, the campus of St. John their young buddies with smiles, they remember their own first- School in Plaquemine was just hugs and more hand slaps. graders and seniors from that beginning to buzz with activ- It was only the second meet- time, “so it’s kind of a fun thing ity from cars filled with teens ing of the seniors and first-grad- to remember your days here at pulling up to park on one side of ers but there would be many school.” campus, to carpool lines of par- more to come. “The seniors love it,” stated ents dropping off younger stu- “The senior-first grade pro- Orcino. “Sometimes they come dents in another area. gram has been going for years,” up with little projects, like a A special Mass to celebrate said coordinator and teacher Su- pumpkin project for Halloween, homecoming week was being sie Murray. “Each year, a senior where they (seniors and first- held in St. Clement Chapel, which is paired up with a first-grader. graders) get to work together is also on the massive campus of Sometimes the first-grader has as a team. They work with each St. John School. First-graders two seniors depending on the other and they with others at were the first to arrive in the classes. The kids love it. They their table, so it’s kind of a team- Father Gregory Daigle, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in chapel and were seated in sev- love spending time with their building thing and a friendship- Plaquemine, gives blessings to St. John School first-grader Reid Migli- eral front row pews, spaced out seniors.” building thing.” acio and his buddy, high school senior Peter Anderson, after they to make room for others. Just Students were paired up Another positive, according brought up the gifts during a special homecoming week Mass at St. before 8 a.m., students began at the beginning of the school to Murray, is the way it helps Clement Chapel. The two students are participating in the senior-first- pouring into the chapel, quickly year and since then relation- the younger students overcome grade buddy program at the school. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commenta- filling up the pews, but the old- ships have been flourishing. Ac- their shyness around older stu- tor est students headed straight for cording to Murray, some of the dents. the front rows. seniors will visit their younger “Sometimes little kids are up to them so they’re going to do “It’s good,” said senior stu- One first-grade boy, sitting buddy’s classroom or see them shy and they don’t want to come what’s right.” dent Peter Anderson, who car- near the aisle, looked up and at recess and say “hi” or even out of their shells,” said Murray. “It creates the opportunity ried up the gifts during Mass smiled when he saw a senior give the little ones a hug in the “And, also for the big kids, it’s for the first-graders to thrive with his buddy Reid Migliacio. boy walk up and hold out a hand hallway. good for them to be positive role to want to be in school and to “The kids look up to us. And, it’s for a hand slap. When the older Tonya Orcino, St. John librar- models. They know that they’re be like the seniors,” said senior fun doing activities with them.” boy sat down, the younger one ian and senior class adviser, said going to have someone looking Gracie Romero. SEE MENTOR PAGE 15 October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 15

HIGHEST HONOR – St. Michael the Archangel High School in Baton Rouge students Tanner Pike, 10th-grade and Conner Pike, ninth grade, received the Ad Altere De, one of the highest religious emblems awards a Boy Scout can earn. Pictured with Bishop Michael G. Duca are Pike, left, Matthew Johnson and Pike, with their spon- sor, Olga Johnson. Photo provided by Leighann King | SMHS

EXCLAMATION! – Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge first-grade teacher Amy Pickenheim gets assistance from her puppet, Ms. J. Kelly, to explain the impor- tance of punctuation to first-graders William Boudreaux and Madison Johnson, while classmate Addison Massey looks on. Photo provided by Lisa Cossè | Sacred Heart School

Now AcceptiNg orders For the 2018-19 Baton Rouge TOP TALENT – Several seventh-grade students at St. Jean Vianney School in Baton Diocese DiRectoRy Rouge qualified to participate in the highly selective Duke Talent Identification Pro- gram (TIP). The students scored at the 95th national percentile or higher on their Order yourWhen should copy you consider of inpatient the hospice 2018-19 care? standardized testing and can take the ACT or SAT as a seventh-grader. Those stu- Baton Rouge Diocese Directory dents who qualified, from left, are Cole Mogharrebi, Kaylen Teno, Elise Cormier, Jeanne Warren, Lily Zeringue, Audrey Hair, Henry Breeden and Lizzy Brumfield. Pho- with all of the current listings and to provided by Eliska Dumas | St. Jean Vianney School information on churches, clergy,

schools, diocesan departments Diocese of Baton Rouge Directory 2017 – 2018 – 2017 Directory Rouge Baton of Diocese ones just before Halloween. They’ll also and personnel, religious, retreat MENTOR  get together for a Christmas project, ex- centers, deaneries, The Carpenter House staff is ready to intervene if you or a loved one are facing clinical problems that From page 14 cannot be addressed at home with traditional hospice care. If the patient meets criteria, we can help changing handcrafted Christmas orna- manage uncontrolled symptoms from the comfort of our inpatient facility, institutionsSt. Joseph Hospice and organizations.The Carpenter House. The Carpenter House provides is a home-like theconfi denceatmosphere and security where patientsof a hospital and family with the members comforts can of receive a home ments. In the spring, the seniors will pull assistance with symptom management and, when appropriate, their stay is covered by Medicare. You can feel confi dent knowing your loved one is cared for by our experienced team . professionals. “It allows us to teach the values and the first-graders in decorated wagons Most common uncontrolled symptoms: of healthcare  Uncontrolled pain traditions of St. John,” said student Clay around the campus grounds for the an- To place Pain requiring your use of IV-administered order, medications fill out the form  Unresolved dyspnea or shortness of breath  Uncontrolled nausea/vomiting  Uncontrolled anxiety or agitation LeBlanc. “So, when they’re in our spot nual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. And, at the below  Terminal and agitation mail to The CatholicT S ®  Uncontrolled or unresolved pruritis JOSEPH  Uncontrolled constipation or diarrhea H O S P I C E they know all the things about St. John end of school, the first-graders will host a Commentator, P. O. BoxQuestions? 3316, Let us help. Call 225-769-4810. Baton and they can pass it on to their first-grad- send-off party for the seniors. Rouge,Replace LA fear 70821-3316 with confi dence. Call The Carpenterwith House a check today. ers one day.” “It’s what St. John is all about, car- or money order for $9.50 for each D I O C E S E O F B A T O N R O U G E “It gives the kids someone to look rying on traditions from the young to directory ordered. up to,” said senior football player Adam the old,” said principal Cherie Schlatre. Blanchard, who gave a smaller version of “There is a legacy here and many of these his No. 4 jersey to his buddy Ladd Miller kids’ parents have had first-graders, so it’s to wear to the upcoming homecoming a big deal.” Number of Directories Ordered game. “It helps the future of the school,” said “We get a chance to tell them about all senior Justin Rivet, whose mother, Debbie Name the great stuff they can look forward to,” Rivet, also participated in the program as said Devin Romig. a student at St. John and remembers her Address Besides homecoming week and the first-grade buddy. buddies joining each other for the school “It’s just a great opportunity for your City State Zip pep rally, the seniors will also host a kid to be a role model for somebody else,” Trunk or Treat event, decorating their said Debbie Rivet. “Everybody wants that Phone including area code cars and handing out treats to the little for their children.” 16 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018

ENCUENTRO  when we were asked to pray with the bishops From page 4 and actually lay our hands on the bishops,” he said. “I think the bishops themselves were encounter with young adults. probably surprised. When I think of the early “As a bishop, you’re not able to get in con- church and first Christians, I couldn’t help tact with youth very often,” he said. “(The) job but think that maybe they asked to be prayed moves you in a certain direction. You have for in that way. to consciously kind of break out sometimes “We really need to be able to put those per- just to get in contact with ... many different sonal stories and that personal prayer with age groups. So this was a time to really break the realities that our church is facing today,” through some of those constraints and really he added. sit down and have some quality time with Runyan, who works to bring college stu- young people in the church.” dents on mission trips both local and abroad, Gabriela Karaszewski, who was seated sees God’s work moving in the Hispanic and next to Cardinal DiNardo, said he was “ener- Latino church. gized” by the meeting with the young people. “I think God’s moving through everything, At her table, the young people shared their and it’s very encouraging to see and hear the realities with the cardinal, including a young language of the new evangelization, especial- adult in the U.S. without documents, who ex- ly being spoken in the Hispanic community. pressed his gratitude to the cardinal for his It’s the same language that’s being spoken in efforts to support the “Dreamers,” the recipi- every community these days, so that’s very ents of Deferred Action for Childhood Arriv- exciting.” als. Zulay Carvajal of the Southeast Pastoral Karaszewski, the director of the Office Institute in Miami spoke on the panel. of Young Adult and Campus Ministry of the “It was great to have the opportunity to sit Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, said down with the bishops and the leaders that “this moment, with the bishops and young have been walking with us all this time and people, is the most exciting moment of the really have this conversation where they’re whole weekend. Young peoples are privi- really listening one by one,” she said. “The fact leged to sit with bishops and I think bish- that they created a space for us was amazing, GRINDING SEASON – Father Matthew Graham, pastor of St. Elizabeth ops value the time that they had listening it felt really good.” Church in Paincourtville and St. Jules Church in Belle Rose, recently cele- to them.” She said she was inspired by the meeting brated Mass at the Westfield Sugar Mill in Paincourtville in preparation for Jeff Runyan, director of the Fellowship of and encouraged that “the bishops are think- the start of the grinding season. Following the Mass, Father Graham went Catholic University Students’ Missions divi- ing about us and that we’re not alone.” through the plant blessing the equipment that will be used during the sea- sion, said the meeting helped make the bish- “There’s a lot of young people working to son. Photo provided by Father Matthew Graham ops seem more human. bring the other young people that are not in “I was particularly moved this evening the church, so we have hope.” Save on Medicare Supplement Insurance BUY DIRECT/NO AGENT

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MSAD 05/18 LA This advertisement applies to form series MSDTC 4-18 (or state-specific variation thereof). October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 17 Father Clair Cazayoux dies

Father Clair M. Cazayoux SJ, a native 30, 1949 at St. Charles College. Following of Baton Rouge, died Sunday, Sept. 30 in first vows he studied humanities in Grand Grand Coteau. He was 88 years old, a Je- Coteau, then attended Spring Hill Col- suit for 69 years and a priest for 56 years. lege in Mobile, Alabama, earning a B.S. in A scientist by training but a pastor by chemistry and completing the philosophy nature, he was remembered in a Mass of courses required by the Jesuits. He then Christian Burial on Oct. 6, at St. Charles volunteered for the former New Orleans College Chapel in Grand Coteau. Province Mission in what is today Sri Clair M. Cazayoux was born to James Lanka. He completed a master’s degree in Numa Cazayoux and Mable Inez Decuir chemistry in 1970 at LSU. Cazayoux, on Jan. 5, 1930, in Baton Rouge. He was ordained to the priesthood In addition to his parents, he was preceded March 25, 1962, at St. Michael’s College in in death by his brothers James Numa Jr. Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. and Joseph Eugene (Brother Cosmas SC) His assignments included teaching at and his sisters, Vivian Blanche Cazayoux, Jesuit High School in New Orleans, chap- Olivia H. O’Connor and Clara Adelaide lain at Southeast Louisiana State Hospital 165TH ANNIVERSARY– A special Mass marking 165 years of Catholic education in Bondy. He is survived by his brothers, in Mandeville and serving at Holy Name of the city of Plaquemine was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church in Francis Trudeau and Robert Vincent Ca- Jesus Parish in New Orleans. Plaquemine on Sept. 23. Concelebrating the Mass were, from left, Deacon Alfred zayoux. Memorial gifts may be made to the Ricard, pastor Father Greg Daigle, Msgr. Earl Gauthreaux and Father Cleo Milano, After graduation from Catholic High USA Central and Southern Province of former pastor of St. John. Msgr. Gauthreaux is a native of Plaquemine and attend- School in Baton Rouge, he attended Loui- the Society of Jesus at 4511 W. Pine Blvd., ed St. John. He serves in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Photo provided by Donna Carville siana State University for two years be- St. Louis, MO 63108 or online at jesuits fore entering the Society of Jesus on July centralsouthern.org.

“For He is our God, we are the people He shepherds, the sheep in His hands.” Psalms 95:7

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THE CATHOLIC Issues from 1962-2018 archived & available at ommentator THECATHOLICCOMMENTATOR.ORG CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 18 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT October 12, 2018

Motion Picture Association of America endorsed by Jessica Sharzer’s script, is (parents Sergio Peris-Mencheta and Laia MOVIE ratings: not condemned either. Instead, the taboo- Costa and son Alex Monner) through a G – General audiences; all ages admitted breaking is treated as spice to lure jaded fateful visit they pay to her native New PG – Parental guidance suggested; some viewers. Gunplay and other violence York. Instead of allowing the sometimes- REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting with little gore, drug use, strong sexual melodramatic events, in which Antonio PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned to classifications: content, including a semi-graphic scene Banderas also figures in the guise of a give special guidance for attendance of A-I – General patronage of incest and an off-screen aberrant act, wealthy gentleman farmer, to speak for children under 13; some material may be A-II – Adults and adolescents brief rear female and partial nudity, about themselves, Fogelman heavy-handedly inappropriate for young children A-III – Adults a half dozen uses of profanity, pervasive tries to drive home a message about what R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian rough and frequent crude language. O; R they mean. Along the way, he includes a L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted few plot developments with which even O – Morally offensive Assassination Nation some adult viewers may be uncomfort- Neon able. Brief scenes of suicide and accidental The House With a Clock in Its Walls screenplay. Occult themes, considerable Writer-director Sam Levinson’s messy death with gore, mature themes including Universal peril, some scatological humor, a few mild teen-age satire devolves into a heavy- abortion, drug use, a premarital situation, After his parents are killed in an acci- oaths. A-II; PG handed morality tale about our online an ambivalent treatment of marriage, a dent, a 10-year-old boy (Owen Vaccaro) lives, dark sexual secrets, scapegoating, few uses of profanity, a couple of milder goes to live with his eccentric uncle (Jack A Simple Favor public shaming and mass mayhem. The oaths, pervasive rough and much crude Black), who turns out to be a warlock. Lionsgate film, which evokes the witch trials in language. A-III; R Having mastered some of the rudiments Lurid thriller in which a mild-man- 17th-century Massachusetts, stops short of his new guardian’s craft, the lad assists nered young widow (Anna Kendrick) of being exploitative, but not by much. Night School him and his best friend (Cate Blanchett), strikes up an unlikely friendship with the The leader (Odessa Young) of a jaded Universal a nice witch, in trying to locate and stop sophisticated, hard-bitten mother (Blake group of teen girls (Hari Nef, Suki Wa- The purpose of this fitfully funny come- the timepiece of the title, a doomsday de- Lively) of one of her son’s classmates. But terhouse and Abra). is blamed for a series dy from director Malcolm D. Lee is to allow vice with the capacity to turn the calendar when her new pal mysteriously disap- of hackings that expose her town’s seamy Kevin Hart, playing a high school dropout back before the advent of humanity. For pears and she tries to track her down, she side and becomes the target of mob rage. seeking to pass the GED exam to secure a all its spells and incantations, director Eli discovers just how little she really knew Considerable violence with some gore, in- promising job, to trade barbs with Tiffany Roth’s adaptation of the first in a series about her. Director Paul Feig’s glossy volving gunplay, torture and suicide, drug Haddish in the role of his feisty teacher. A of books by John Bellairs lacks magic, screen version of Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel, use, strong sexual content, including two few of their exchanges work. But when at- though some of the humor works. Too which also features Henry Golding as the implied nonmarital encounters, aberrant tention shifts to his predictably eccentric scary for tots, the film is acceptable for missing woman’s husband, is undeniably behavior and an adultery theme, a porno- classmates (Rob Riggle, Romany Malco, most others, despite the quasi-profanities ingenious. Yet the dark doings, both past graphic image, explicit dialogue, frequent Al Madrigal and Mary Lynn Rajskub that occasionally and, given the target au- and present, that drive the plot involve rough language. L; R among them), his ongoing rivalry with an dience, needlessly crop up in Eric Kripke’s repellent behavior that, while not exactly old high school adversary (Taran Killam) Life Itself or his romance with his fiancee (Megalyn Amazon/Stage 6 Echikunwoke) laughs and interest both Pretentiousness and sentimentality lag. Given the unpleasant nature of some weigh down this drama from writer-di- of the gags and the abundance of vulgar rector Dan Fogelman. It’s a collection of talk in the script, which Hart co-wrote interlocking, intergenerational stories with five others, viewers may want to play that begins with a couple (Oscar Isaac hooky instead. Much sexual and some and Olivia Wilde) happily expecting the scatological humor, partial nudity, about arrival of a daughter, then follows the a dozen profanities, several milder oaths, baby’s life as both a child (Kya Kruse) pervasive crude and crass language, ma- and a grown-up (Olivia Cooke) and links ture references, including to homosexual- her destiny to that of a Spanish family ity. L; PG-13

PET BLESSINGS – Deacon Minos Ponville Jr., deacon assistant at Holy Family Church in Port Allen, blesses pets during the annual Blessing of the Pets on Sept. 27 at the school. Many parishes and schools hold a blessing of the pets ceremony to coincide with the Oct. 4 feast day of St. Francis. Photo provided by Annette Fitzgerald | Holy Family School October 12, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 19

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LADIES OF GRACE LUNCHEON – The second Annual La- 14 15 16 dies of Grace luncheon by Knights of Peter Claver, Meritori- 1178 19 ous Ladies of the fourth Degree, Constance Butler Chapter 9 was held recently. The guest speaker was Dr. Tiffanie 20 221 2 Postell, pastor of Camphor Memorial United Methodist 243 25262 27 Church. Attendees gathered for spirit-filled words of wis- dom and harmonious fellowship. They were served a meal 28 209 3 and numerous door prizes were awarded. Pictured, from 31 32 343 353 left are, Faithful Navigator Janet St. Cyr Moore and Dr. Tif- fanie Postell. 36 387 3 39

40 41 42 Below, also pictured during the luncheon, from left, are St. Cyr Moore, Postell, Niloufer Mohamed and Yasmeen Khan. 443445

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com ACROSS 3 Ages and ages 1 Reverence 4 Explosive stuff 6 Docs for canines? 5 Hungered 10 Egyptian Christian 6 A member of the clergy 14 Lying flat 7 An evangelist 15 Apiece 8 601, to Julius Caesar 16 Amo, ___, amat 9 St. Patrick’s symbol 17 Flagship of Columbus 10 Catholic actor of gangster movie 19 “___ job!” fame 20 “…on this ___ I will build my 11 Alpha and ___ church…” (Mt 16:18) 12 Saucer for the Eucharist HARMONY  Dr. David Widden III, assistant professor of the- 21 Crib for Baby Jesus 13 Nicholas and Peter, for example From page 3 ology at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Uni- 23 Souvenir 18 Witty remark versity, which sponsored Bishop Braxton’s visit, 27 The Maid of ___ 22 Catholic actor, Robert ___ 28 Biblical food 23 The root of all evils is the love of this “Ask yourself, ‘How does this apply in my daily said it’s important for FranU to be a part of the dia- 29 Nonentity (1 Tim 6:10) life, especially the challenges of the racial divide logue on racial harmony. 31 Microwaved 24 Evade here in Baton Rouge … and even all through Loui- “Our goal as an institution is to be the center of 32 12-point type 25 Amplifies siana?’ ” he said. Catholic intellectual life of the Baton Rouge area 33 Keyboard key 26 Tied, as a score The bishop also encouraged listening to holy men which means we’ve got to be willing to talk about 36 The Garden 27 Off-Broadway theater award 37 Language of the New Testament 30 Unfolds and women, family members, community leaders, everything; the things that are good news, the bad 39 “…thy will be ___…” 33 A metric ton church teachings, Pope Francis and “the voice of news, difficult and so on. And, so we thought this 40 “…be ___ and your no…” (Jas 5:12) 34 Father-in-law of Caiaphas (Jn 18:13) conscious deep with you, nudging you to do what was just the kind of thing the university should be 41 Catholic actor Connery 35 Hem in is right.” participating in. We want our students to think 42 The ___ of matrimony 37 Patron saint of actors “When you listen, you learn at the deepest level about these issues, and we want to think about 43 Into thin air 38 Communion banister 45 Forearm bones 39 Catholic Surrealist painter possible,” he said. “Listen; learn; then, think criti- these issues as a university as well. This is the kind 46 Fall apple treat 41 Unchanging cally.” of dialogue we want to support,” said Widden. 49 Most weird 42 University office He told those in attendance they must pray, in- Bishop Michael G. Duca said Bishop Braxton’s 51 Hardens 43 Diverse cluding alone and with others and to meditate on talk was powerful and provided concrete ways to 52 Gets the bug 44 Catholic female lead of “Everybody the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. After lis- approach every issue. 53 Lucy’s husband Loves Raymond” 54 Rite of Christian ___ 46 Apple juice tening, learning, thinking and praying, according “He laid a pallet out of very diverse ideas all 60 If not 47 Administer extreme unction to the bishop, then one is ready to act “by the power meant to try to dispel this kind of barrier we have 61 Golden Rule preposition 48 Charlotte’s dessert? of the Holy Spirit.” within our culture between blacks and whites, of 62 You can get hi-tech stuff at this 50 Center starter “Only then are you able to discern what you can course, but Hispanics, blacks and whites; Asians, shack 52 Patron saint of servants and cannot do and what you should and should not blacks and whites; and, all these ways in which 63 Grass 55 Wind dir. 64 Stately aquatic bird 56 Theology on ___ program do as a transformative agent here in the Diocese of we tend to separate ourselves and so I thought 65 Inferior wheat 57 Chemical suffix Baton Rouge,” said Bishop Braxton. his model of approaching the issue in a way that 58 Symbol of Confirmation The bishop mentioned the “great effort on the moved toward action was good,” said Bishop Duca. DOWN 59 Commandment word part of the Catholic Church, priests, sisters and lay “My takeaway was the realization of how lan- 1 Letter letters 2 SS supplement people, working and marching for racial integra- guage does make a difference, what we say and Solution on page 22 tion in the north and in the south.” He also noted how we say it, the meaning behind it. That was an the “tremendous” impact of Catholic schools in ur- eye-opener for me,” said Betty Bickham, a parish- ban communities to contribute to the “intellectual ioner of St. Francis Xavier Church in Baton Rouge. and moral formation of African-American youth.” “One of the gifts of this particular talk was that He credited the Catholic Church for being at the the bishop inspired us all to do what we can do,” “forefront of programs to confront the sources of said Father Joshua Johnson, a member of the Ra- poverty” and for providing health care, through cial Harmony Commission. “Everybody can do hospitals, to serve “the poorest.” something to help heal hearts and minds and work “In conclusion, everybody can do something,” towards a more just world. So, we’re grateful for Call Blocker Tree and Landscape today! said Bishop Braxton. “You choose to do nothing is the wisdom he shared with us, which hopefully Fully Licensed and Insured • Free Estimates to maintain the racial divide and to not cooperate will inspire many people in our diocese and our Licensed Arborist #17-2227 • Licensed Irrigation #17-0691 with the vision of the Commission on Racial Har- community in general to just collaborate with each mony.” other to build the kingdom of God.” Owners Trey Blocker and Brant Fox 20 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT October 12, 2018 | LETTER TO THE EDITOR Finding Jesus in the breaking Time to of the bread be brave mother sent her two sons to crucified. All their hopes denly a light from the college, and as sometimes and joy were shattered. sky flashed around Paul. I appreciate that you do not believe that Ahappens, she discovered a few It all seemed for noth- He fell to the ground and children should not be used as political years later that they were no longer ing. They had their own heard a voice saying to pawns and I do agree with you. However, going to church. To her questions they ideas about who Jesus him, ‘Saul, Saul! Why please get your facts straight. The children only answered, “We don’t get anything was and what he should do you persecute me?’ who were taken away from their parents out of it; it is not important in our lives have done for them. The ‘Who are you, Lord?’ he number closer to 4,000. They were not now.” She prayed and prayed, and one way it turned out was asked. ‘I am Jesus whom housed with foster families, they were Sunday, without warning, they sat not what they expected. you persecute,’ the voice housed in office buildings without showers, down next to her at Mass. “What made So they left Jesus in an said.” in tents without air conditioning. They were you come back?” she asked later that unmarked tomb and We cannot separate molested. evening. They told her the story. returned to their former Jesus from the church, They were subjected to racial slurs and A few weeks before, they had ways. But as they listened which is the community ridicule. planned to go hiking on a Sunday to the man they met on of his followers. It would Many were seeking asylum from gang morning. As they drove along a country the road and received Another be, as St. Paul says to the violence and horrible situations at home. road to their hiking path, clouds built the bread he broke later Colossians (1:18), like This is all the result of a policy instituted by up, and they were soon caught in a at table with them, they Perspective separating the head from one man, Donald Trump. Instead of calling downpour. Cursing their bad luck, they understood who he really the body. The church is out Democrats for shouting the truth, you saw an old man limping along in the was and began to see that Father John Carville the presence of Christ seem to be sugar coating this atrocity. rain alongside the road. They offered he offered much more in his people as they We should be guardians not exploiters of him a ride, and he said that he was go- than they had ever expected. worship, celebrate his sacraments and children. But when they have been trauma- ing to church about two miles further That Gospel passage has a lot to tell care for each other in his name. It is the tized and abused, this should be shouted on. They took him to a little Catholic us, just as it did to the two boys who home to which we must return from out from the mountain tops and not be church and decided to wait and take picked up the old man. Sometimes we all our journeys to find God. He is as called exploitation. I quote for you from a him home, since the rain increased and too feel like people who say, “I believe close to us as the person next to you at flyer that was in the church bulletin at there would be no hiking that day. in God, in Jesus too, but I don’t need Sunday Mass. St Jean Vianney, my parish. “Tell the truth The boys waited in the back of the church. Especially now when our “Then they recounted what had hap- with love. What is right and wrong is not church and heard the reading of the church, the Catholic Church, looks so pened on the road and how they had decided by popular vote.” This editorial has Scriptures and the homily. Tired of bad in the news. It’s now an embarrass- come to know him in the breaking of told half truths and I was taught that a standing, they sat through the eucha- ment, added to the fact that it has too the bread.” The church is, in the words half truth is a lie. We are part of a church, ristic prayer and the breaking of the many rules that don’t make sense to of Vatican II, “The people of God” with the Catholic Church that has caused bread. Something moved them deeply. me, and in today’s world it just doesn’t all our failings and with all our forgive- untold trauma and abuse to children for The only way they could later explain fit into my schedule.” Yes, the church is ness and love. Don’t leave it, especially decades and sought to cover the truth. It it was: “You know, Mom, it felt so right. a human institution trying to convey now, when Jesus needs you to be his is time to be better than this. It is time to Like getting home after a long trip.” a divine message, a message that even body in a world that is wounded. be brave and call out those who perpetrate That story reminded me of St. Luke’s Jesus’ disciples did not always under- trauma and violence to children. That is Gospel story of the two disciples on the stand. But the church is more than just FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the NOT exploitation. road to Emmaus. They had once found programs and rules. Diocese of Baton Rouge and writes on meaning and joy in following Jesus. We may recall another traveler on current topics for The Catholic Com- Elizabeth Larose Then came the arrest of Jesus and the another road, the road to Damascus. mentator. He can be reached at johnny Baton Rouge stormy hours of Good Friday as he was The Acts of the Apostles says, “Sud- [email protected].

| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Mission Statement Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. The mission of The Catholic Commentator is to provide news, information and commentary to the people of the Diocese Oct. 17 Rev. Jason P. Palermo Oct. 24 Rev. Alexander J. Sheldon of Baton Rouge, Catholics and their neighbors alike. In doing Dcn. Ricky P. Oubre Dcn. Mauricio Salazar OP Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Sr. Norma Nunez SOM so, The Catholic Commentator strives to further the wider Oct. 18 Rev. Amrit Raj IMS Oct. 25 Rev. Philip F. Spano mission of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, to Dcn. Stephen Paul Ourso Dcn. Eliazar Salinas Jr. educate and to give the Catholic viewpoint on important Sr. Ann Catherine Nguyen FMOL Br. James Burns SC issues of the present day. Oct. 19 Rev. Thomas C. Ranzino Oct. 26 Rev. Robert F. Stine Dcn. Ricky A. Patterson Dcn. Mario (Sam) Sammartino Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Sr. Ruth Nwokike SOM Oct. 20 Rev. Rubin Reynolds Oct. 27 Rev. Martin N. Thanh ICM Dcn. Minos J. Ponville Jr. Dcn. Joseph M. Scimeca Letters to the Editor Sr. Huong Nguyen ICM Br. William Cawley SC Oct. 21 Rev. Anthony J. Russo Oct. 28 Rev. Frank M. Uter Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited to 350 Dcn. Curles P. Reeson Jr. Dcn. Rudolph W. Stahl words and should contain the name and address of the Br. Paul Montero SC Sr. Johanne Pedersen CSJ writer, though the address will not be printed. We reserve Oct. 22 Rev. Amal Raj Savarimuthu IMS Oct. 29 Rev. Henry C. Vavasseur the right to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, Dcn. Alfred J. Ricard Jr. Dcn. Michael F. Thompson Sr. The Thi Nguyen ICM Br. Eldon Crifasi SC The Catholic Commentator, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA Oct. 23 Rev. Michael J. Schatzle Oct. 30 Rev. John the Baptist Do Minh Vu ICM 70821-3316, or to [email protected]. Dcn. Thomas M. Robinson Dcn. J. Thomas Traylor Br. Marcus Turcotte SC Sr. Cielo Pesigan DM October 12, 2018 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 21 LCCB issues letter supporting unanimous juries

The Louisiana Conference rend, and a time to sew; a time wrong as a unified and empow- first degree murder and second- The inability to do so, there- of Catholic Bishops strongly to be silent, and a time to speak” ered whole – without division, degree murder. The punishment fore stands as a barrier to our affirms the Nov. 6th ballot (Eccl 3: 1, 7). reaching a conclusion that then for such crimes is life without obligation to participate in the initiative to return Louisiana to In our Catholic faith, pru- provides their neighbor with his parole. Acknowledging that democratic process. Currently, a state possessing unanimous dence is the first of the car- due. humanity itself is flawed, should a non-unanimous jury could juries, and therefore enabling its dinal virtues and is naturally The case for non-unanimous Louisiana not have unanim- stand in the way of this obliga- legal practices to become more concerned with the intellect. juries has been ity among those tion. truly reflective of justice. Louisi- Prudence allows us to judge expressed in the Most simply juries that decide It is for the reasons articulat- ana must return to the wisdom what is right and what is wrong false and even whether or not ed above – striving for a purer of its origins within this matter in any given situation. Justice is erroneous expres- stated justice is, an individual will sense of justice where prudence and bring its practice in line the second of such virtues and sion of the “effi- spend the rest of is present, deferring to careful with the 48 states that require concerns the will. Most simply ciency” of justice. “giving God his life in prison? deliberation and discernment unanimous jury verdicts for all stated justice is, “giving God Neither prudence Additionally, as opposed to efficiency, and felony convictions. During her and neighbor their due.” The nor justice favors and neighbor given that non- protecting our obligation to founding in 1803, Louisiana re- responsibility of a jury is to be efficiency over unanimous juries participate in our great democ- quired unanimous juries. How- an impartial body of peers that their foundation their due.” make felony con- racy – that we as the Catholic ever, unanimity was abandoned acts prudently to ensure justice of love, mercy, soli- victions easier to bishops of Louisiana support the in 1880, and this abandonment to all parties involved. The una- darity, and forgive- obtain by requiring return of Louisiana’s criminal was subsequently codified in nimity of a jury does not simply ness. As we are all too aware, less than total agreement, this justice system to one requiring 1898 by way of Article 116 of her ensure that the legal standard efficiency can lead to haste and practice also calls into ques- unanimous juries for all felony Constitution. The opportunity of “beyond a reasonable doubt” haste can lead to wrongful con- tion the impact a ruling has on convictions. Justice must always and time are ripe for Louisiana has been met, but it also brings victions in the case of decisions an individual’s right to vote. dictate a true legal construct to move beyond such abandon- our legal system into much by non-unanimous juries. The We hold the right to vote to be and as St. Augustine has pro- ment, and fully embrace the closer accord with the cardinal effects of such error are only ex- reflective of our call to commu- claimed, “an unjust law is no law justice of unanimity. “There is virtues of prudence and justice. acerbated by the seriousness of nity and participation as well as at all.” The time is indeed ripe to an appointed time for every- Unanimity does so by provid- the crimes that non-unanimous the rights and responsibilities right Louisiana’s history on this thing, and a time for every affair ing the jury with the ability to juries currently apply to within articulated with the themes issue and to re-institute unani- under the heavens. A time to decide what is right and what is Louisiana, such as non-capital of Catholic Social Teaching. mous juries on Nov. 6th. The search for an indubitable truth

n a book, “12 Rules for Life – An “Nihilists cannot undermine it with skepti- chapter within which he highlights the importance of Antidote to Chaos,” that’s justifiably cism. Totalitarians cannot banish it. Cynics sacrifice, of delaying private gratification for a greater Imaking waves in many circles today, cannot escape its reality.” Suffering is real good long-range. His insight here parallels those of Rene Jordan Peterson shares about his own beyond all doubt. Girard and other anthropologists who point out that the journey towards truth and meaning. Moreover, in Peterson’s understanding, only way of stopping unconscious sacrifice to blind gods Here’s that story: the worst kind of suffering isn’t that which (which is what happened in the atrocities of Hitler and At one point in his life, while still is inflicted upon us by the innate contingen- what happens in our own bitter slandering of others) is young and finding his own path, he cies of our being and our mortality, nor by through self-sacrifice. Only when we accept at the cost reached a stage where he felt agnostic, the sometimes blind brutality of nature. The of personal suffering our own contingencies, sin and not just about the shallow Christian- worst kind of suffering is the kind that one mortality will we stop projecting these on to others so to ity he’d been raised on, but also about person inflicts upon another, the kind that make them suffer in order to feel better about ourselves. most everything else in terms of truth one part of humankind inflicts upon anoth- Peterson writes as an agnostic or perhaps, more ac- and trust. What really can we believe in? er part, the kind we see in the atrocities of curately, as an honest analyst, an observer of humanity, What’s ultimately to be trusted? the 20th century Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and who for purposes of this book prefers to keep his faith Too humble to compare himself to In Exile countless others responsible for the torture, private. Fair enough. Probably wise too. No reason to one of the great minds in history, Rene rape, suffering and death of millions. impute motives. It’s where he lands that’s important, and Descartes, who, 500 years ago, struggled Father Ron Rolheiser From this indubitable premise he where he lands is on very solid ground. It’s where Jesus with a similar agnosticism, Peterson submits something else that too cannot be lands in the Sermon on the Mount, it’s where the Chris- nonetheless could not help but employ Descartes’ ap- disputed: This kind of suffering isn’t just real, it’s also tian churches land when they’re at their best, it’s where proach in trying to find a truth that you could not doubt. wrong! We can all agree that this kind of suffering is the great religions of the world land when they’re at their So, like Descartes, he set off in search off an “indubi- not good and that there is something that is (beyond best, and it’s where humanity lands when it’s at its best. table” (Descartes’ term), that is, to find a premise that dispute) not good. And if there’s something that is not The medieval mystic, St. Theresa of Avila, wrote with absolutely cannot be doubted. Descartes, as we know, good, then there’s something that is good. His logic: “If great depth and challenge. Her treatise on the spiritual found his “indubitable” in his famous dictum: “I think, the worst sin is the torment of others, merely for the sake life is now a classic and forms part of the very canon of therefore, I am!” Nobody can be deceived in believing of the suffering produced then the good is whatever is Christian spiritual writings. In the end, she submits that that since even to be deceived would be indisputable diametrically opposed to that.” during our generative years the most important ques- proof that you exist. The philosophy that Descartes then What flows from this is clear: The good is whatever tion we need to challenge ourselves with is: How can I be built upon the indubitable premise is left for history stops such things from happening. If this is true, and it more helpful? Peterson, with a logic and language that to judge. But history doesn’t dispute the truth of his is, then it is also clear as to what is good, and what is a can be understood by everyone today, offers the same dictum. good way of living: If the most terrible forms of suffering challenge. So Peterson sets out with the same essential question: are produced by egotism, selfishness, untruthfulness, What single thing cannot be doubted? Is there some- arrogance, greed, lust for power, willful cruelty and OBLATE FATHER RON ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher and thing so evidently true that nobody can doubt it? For insensitivity to others, then we are evidently called to the award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School Peterson, it’s not the fact that we think which is indisput- opposite: selflessness, altruism, humility, truth-telling, of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted able, it’s the fact that we, all of us, suffer. That’s his indu- tenderness and sacrificing for others. through his website ronrolheiser.com and facebook. bitable truth, suffering is real. That cannot be doubted: Not incidentally, Peterson affirms all of this inside a com/ronrolheiser. 22 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS October 12, 2018

St. Jude Mission – Father Simeon Gallagher OFM Cap day. For more information, visit hgchurch.org. and director of intellectual formation at Notre Dame will present a parish mission Monday, Oct. 15 – Thurs- Seminary in New Orleans, will speak at the Pro-Vita day, Oct. 18. The morning presentations will start with Magnificat Breakfast – Kathleen Beckman, president benefit dinner and silent auction, “Let There Be Light” an 8:15 Mass followed by a talk in the parish hall, and and co-founder of the Foundation of Prayer for Priests, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m., at the St. Michael High the evening presentations will include prayer at 7 p.m. an international apostolate for prayer and catechesis for School gym, 17521 Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge. Tickets followed by a talk in the church. For more information, the holiness of priests, will speak at the breakfast meet- are $75 per person and $500 for a table of eight. Pro- call 225-766-2431. ing of Magnificat on Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. – noon, at ceeds will provide scholarships for seminarians, reli- the Oak Lodge Reception Center, 2834 S. Sherwood For- gious and youth to attend the March for Life Pilgrim- Men’s Retreat – A men’s retreat, “Five Hour Spiritual est Blvd., Baton Rouge. Tickets are $22 each and must be age in January. Register by visiting youthmarchforlife. Energy Boost for Men,” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 purchased before Wednesday, Oct. 24 by mailing a check org or mail registration to St. Michael High School, at Columbus Club Hall, 230 S. Irma St., Gonzales. Regis- to Kathy Simoneaux, Magnificat, 9650 Victory Lane, P.O. Box 86110, Baton Rouge LA, 70879. For more in- tration will be from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. and the presentation, Denham Springs, LA 70726-5858. formation, call 225-620-5291 or email youthmarch featuring Deacon Jodi Moscona, deacon assistant at St. [email protected]. Theresa of Avila Church in Gonzales, will take place from Women’s Retreat – Jean Gatz, author and parishio- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Donations will be accepted. Required ner of St. Jude Church in Baton Rouge, 9150 Highland FranU Benefit– Franciscan Missionaries of our registration must be made by email st.theresakc2657@ Road, Baton Rouge, will present “Focusing on God Lady University will host their annual fundraiser, eatel.net. to Survive the Stress of the Holidays and the Stress of “Fete des Fideles,” on Saturday, Nov. 10, noon, at Life” on Saturday, Oct. 27 at St. Jude. Registration will L’Auberge Casino and Hotel, 777 L’Auberge Ave., Baton Women in Spirit – Desireé Honore Thomas, assis- take place from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the parish hall, and Rouge. Social hour and raffle will begin at 11 a.m. Tick- tant commissioner of the Louisiana Division of Admin- the retreat will take place from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in ets are $50 each or $500 for a table of ten. For more istration, will present “Make Me an Instrument of Your the church. There will be a $20 registration fee at the information, visit franu.edu/fete or call Elaine Crowe Peace” at the meeting of Women in Spirit on Thursday, door. RSVP Charmaine Biossat at 225-766-2431 or email at 225-490-1637. Oct. 25, noon, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and Main charmaineb@stjude catholic.org by Monday, Oct. 22. streets, Baton Rouge. Women in Spirit is an opportuni- Humanae Vitae Symposium – A symposium, “Sci- ty for women to grow in their faith and fellowship. The Grand Day – St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and ences Embraces ‘Humanae Vitae’: How Current Evi- meeting will include a complimentary lunch. To RSVP Main streets, Baton Rouge, will host a Grand Day cel- dence Supports Restorative Reproductive Medicine,” email [email protected] or call the cathedral office at ebration on Sunday, Oct. 28 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. will be held Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at St. 225-387-5928. There will be food, music, face painting, caricatures, Agnes Church, 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge. Speakers ice balloons, a petting zoo, pony rides, a “round the will include Father Todd Lloyd, pastor of Immaculate Holy Ghost Fall Fest – Holy Ghost Church, 507 N. block train” and more. For more information, call 225- Conception Church in Lakeland, Dr. Rob Chasuk, Dr. Oak Street, Hammond, will hold its Fall Fest Friday, Oct. 387-5928. Kim Hardey and Dordina Bordlee Esq. Admission is 26 – Sunday, Oct. 28. There will be food, entertainment free. For more information, call 225-383-4154, email and a trick-or-treat village from 5 – 6:30 p.m. on Satur- Pro-Vita Dinner – Dr. Tom Neal, academic dean [email protected] or visit stagnesbr.com.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classified ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are prepaid. Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 Classifieds Credit cards are now accepted. Announcements Business service Business service Business service Help WAnted While we at The Catholic Commentator Allan’s Tree Service Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Mr. D’s Tree Service In sales employment advertisements, the do our best to bring reliable advertisers Specializes in large and dangerous tree pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- 3 Licensed Arborists advertiser must name the product or ser- to our readers, we are not responsible removal. Licensed and insured. Senior pert economical repair on all brands. Free Estimates vice to be sold. Ads must state how wag- for any claims made by any advertiser. citizen and law/military discounts. Allan Call 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicycle Fully Insured es will be paid (salary, commissions, etc.) Johnson 225-241-8789. repair. com. Don Decell owner if money is mentioned. The ad must also Offering a small grand piano (Brambach) 225-292-6756 state if there is an investment required. to any parish church or school in need. Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We re- LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP Must be able to pickup. Free to anyone REMOVAL, INC. Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Upholstery. St. Alphonsus School in Greenwell store hurricane damaged furniture. If it's Springs is seeking a 5th grade ELA teach- interested. 225-275-8696 or 225-892-4737. furniture, we do it all! Refinishing, re-up- Prompt service–Free estimates We do refinishing, repairs, caning, FULLY INSURED painting of furniture and upholstery. er for the 2018-2019 school year. Interest- holstery, pick up and delivery, etc. 2263 ed applicants should send a resume to Dr. Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc In business 43 years. Pick up and de- Phone 383-7316 livery. 10876 Greenwell Springs Road. Cynthia Ryals, [email protected] 225-272-2577. See our showroom. HOUSEKEEPER CALL TYRONE Business service MATURE DEPENDABLE “WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING” TURNING 65? For sAle 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, TOILETS MEDICARE QUESTIONS? THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA HAVE REFERENCES AND GARBAGE DISPOSALS WE CAN HELP Greenoaks Memorial Park. Promise Accounting and taxes for businesses, CALL DEBBIE PLUS OTHER REPAIRS JOE GOODSON – 225-572-2275 Garden. Single plot. $3000. Call 225- non-profits and individuals; business, 225-266-7655 CALL 225-802-4522 OR 225-346-6246 JOHNNY STUART – 225-907-3619 926-7110 computer, financial and management BROUSSEAU'S Painting services. 30 years experience; profes- Interior and exterior painting. Experi- sional, prompt and personal attention. enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call PLACE YOUR AD HERE. CALL 225-387-0983. Credit cards accepted. Call 225-296-0404. 225-241-8488.

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VOTING  the process. And I think that cially when it comes to poli- THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR From page 1 it’s important to remember we tics, according to Father Bay- Next Issue Deadline ... OCTOBER 17 are a nation in which we are hi. People’s values, therefore, workers; and solidarity for truly blessed to have the abil- may be based on things other God’s creation. ity to go to the polls, to par- than the Gospel and Catholic “When individuals look at ticipate in the political process Christian values. Magnolia House these different political issues that we have and truly feel it “I think one of the prob- I think it’s very important that in the knowledge that our vote lems is people have voted they view those through the counts,” said Tasman. with their wallets,” said Fa- Estate Sales lens of the principles of Catho- With problems plaguing the ther Bayhi. “If finances are lic teaching as opposed to par- world, the church and so many the basis of our decisions 225-383-6923 tisan politics,” said Tasman. issues weighing on people’s then we run the risk of being It’s easy to get caught with minds as they prepare to go prosperous in a world that is Estate Liquidation various media coverage and the to the polls, Father Jeff Bayhi, completely devoid of morals Rex Ransome constant coverage of politics to pastor of St. John the Baptist or justice.” www.MagnoiaHouseEstateSales.com say “I’m a Republican,” “I’m a Church in Zachary, recalled the He also urged voters to not Democrat,” “I’m a conserva- prophetic words St. John Paul base their vote on a candi- tive,” or “I’m progressive,” ac- II, then Cardinal Karol Wojty- date’s personality. cording to Tasman. la, spoke in an address during The sanctity of life should “And I like to remind folks the 1976 Eucharistic Congress be the top concern of voters, Mr. D’s Tree Service that from a faith perspective in Philadelphia: said Father Bayhi. ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE we’re really called to be Catho- “We are now standing in “Unless the created hu- Don Decell, owner lics first,” Tasman said. the face of the greatest his- man life, from conception to “What that might mean is torical confrontation human- natural death, do not belong carl BaBin, owner • Economical that it doesn’t really fit very ity has ever experienced. I do to God, then none of our lives • Fully Insured • Quality Work neatly into either political par- not think that the wide circle are safe,” Father Bayhi said. ty at times. But we do need to of the American society, or He further encouraged CALL TODAY! be able to pursue these issues the whole wide circle of the people to look at how candi- 225-292-6756 from a faith perspective. Christian community realize dates address issues such as “Going back to the notion this fully. We are now facing religious liberty and justice. of forming consciences, it does the final confrontation be- Justice includes having take a pretty fair amount of tween the church and the an- fair immigration laws that Anthony ’s Italian Deli work for the well informed ti-church, between the Gospel do not ignore justice for tax- voter to be able to look at a and the anti-gospel, between paying people already living BEST MUFFOLETTAS IN TOWN! candidate and know whether Christ and the antichrist. The in this country, according to he or she supports certain is- confrontation lies within the Father Bayhi. Fresh Made sues and what those issues plans of divine providence. People may be disgusted might be, whether they be pro- It is, therefore, in God’s plan, with the states of politics, Party Trays life, whether they be a fair and and it must be a trial which but Father Bayhi stressed the Cheese & Meat living wage for individuals, the church must take up, and power of casting the vote in Sandwiches whether it be their policy on face courageously.” making changes. things like immigration. All of With so much Internet and “In a democracy we change the issues that the church cov- media saturation, as one tries things one vote at a time. ers are very broad and they’re to discover what “the truth” Rather than being quiet, varied. And for that reason it is, there can be five different make your voice known,” said 5575Great GOVERNMENT for ST., JUST WESTTailgating! OF JEFFERSON HWY. does take some work on the versions of “the truth,” espe- Father Bayhi. PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! 225-272-6817 OPEN MON.-SAT. 9:30 - 6:00 PM part of the Catholic voter to be Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN DELI Since 1978 able to understand.” One place people can go to for information includes the candidates’ websites, which Tasman conceded people have Hospice is About Living to put a level of trust into each candidate that he or she is be- • We rely upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother to assist us in imitating the healing ministry of Jesus ing honest with how he or she Christ as we care for terminally ill patients and their families. represents him or her self. •We call forth the compassion and kindness of our staff, who serve in this health care ministry, to respond to If a candidate is an elected the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families. official, people can consult •We believe in the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and we devote ourselves to their voting record on issues. supporting patients and families through the dying process at the end of life’s journey on this earth and They can also look at outside new life in eternity. sources. When looking for a person’s stance on pro-life is- sues, for example, one can visit Louisiana Right to Life’s web- site prolifelouisiana.org Unfortunately, recent elec- tions have involved a lot of neg- ativity and conflict rather than The right people, compromise and collegiality, doing the right thing according to Tasman. for the right reason. SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS “But I wouldn’t want folks to be able to lose the sense of www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org • (225) 243-7358 their own responsibility and Notre Dame Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, ability to pay, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. the value of their own voice in 24 The Catholic Commentator October 12, 2018

DAUDA  ket with candy bars and ice cream, as well From page 1 as chips on their early visits to the grocery store. “I was so happy; I feel like crying and “I’m looking forward to ice cream,” shouting,” she said of seeing her dad for said Mariama with a broad smile, adding the first since she was four years old. “I her favorite flavor is strawberry. was missing my dad so much. I am happy The challenges obviously extend far to be united with my family again.” beyond ice cram and social media and in- Dauda recalled those painful memo- cludes such fundamentals as learning to ries of separation. After escaping his drive, the appropriate way to interact with native country he was sent to a refugee others and the proper respect to be shown camp, and it was not until several years to law enforcement officials. later he learned of his children’s where- Dauda said the first priority is getting abouts. them settled in school, with Bai enrolling In 2015 the decision was made to bring in a local junior high. He will be enrolled Bai and Mariama, who had been living in the eighth grade. with Dauda’s mother in Sierra Leone, to Although he played soccer in his home the United States. Because navigating the country, Bai is hoping to be able to run often perilous waters of bureaucracy, a cross country or track, and perhaps learn process that was originally scheduled to be ”American football.” completed in one year, stretched into two. Mariama hopes to enroll in LSU and “Right now, it’s not how long have we eventually study law so she can help her been separated but how to build our lives native homeland. together,” Dauda added. “I want to bring justice to my country, Although separated in miles, the dis- Bai Sesay, left, plays with his younger brother, Adam while Daude Sesay looks on at their to my society,” she said “I believe if I be- tance between hearts was simply a phone Baton Rouge home. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator come a lawyer, I can bring justice. call away, and so Dauda was able to keep “So many people are being denied of so up, although on a limited basis, with his the adjustment for the Sesay children, tive in Sierra Leone, costing about $1 in a many things. That is my goal (in becom- children. Calls averaged about $10 for 20 beginning such basics of how to access country where most families are forced to ing a lawyer). It’s not about money.” minutes. email, as modern technology is limited survive on $2 per day. Neither of the young Despite the changes, Mariama said the “I have all of those bills,” Dauda said in Sierra Leone. But the transition does people have ever had a malt or milk-shake, transition will be easy. with a smile. “We talked sometimes once bring certain advantages, topping off and the same was true for Dauda when he “With love anything is possible,” she a week. And they sent photos.” with, of all things, ice cream. first arrived in the United States. said. “I love them so much and they love Fitting into a new society will be quite The dreamy dessert is cost prohibi- He recalls he and Alima filling the bas- me so much.”

Can you imagine what a homeless child would Homelessness is a Nightmare for a Child dream about if they had to sleep in a car tonight? Would they dream of a cozy place with soft beds and fluffy blankets, where there are three good meals a day and no one goes hungry? Or would they dream of scary things that lurk in the dark just outside the windows? We know what homeless parents dream about: a better future, a safe place to stay until they can find a job, save money, and start over. At St. Vincent de Paul, our Sweet Dreams Shelter is making dreams come true every day: big dreams, little dreams, and everything in between. We provide the Sarah cozy home, the nourishing meals, and the soft beds that homeless children dream about. But just as important, we provide the safe haven and the time parents need to Sweet Dreams Prayer get back on their feet, so they can take care of themselves and their families. Lord God, Giver of Life, Audrey Meg and Chris Jackie Sianne and Tina Our shelter is more than just a home. Fill us with your Spirit. It is also the first step toward a brighter future. Children like those in Use our hands to shelter the homeless; the photos – Sarah, Audrey, Meg, Use our hearts to enable sweet dreams; Chris, Jackie, Sianne and Tina – have had difficult lives, and their needs are very simple: love and security. Their mothers give them plenty of love, and we give them security. Use our voices to end homelessness.

In 2001, a St. Vincent de Paul dream came true when we opened our Sweet Dreams Shelter May our actions improve life for others for women and children. That dream grew over the past year as we expanded this facility, And reflect your abundant love. increasing our bed capacity from 36 to 82. In addition to homeless women and children, we can now accept intact families and single-parent families headed by fathers. Through Christ our Lord, AMEN.

This expanded facility is proof that, when people work together, dreams can come true. Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thousands of prayers laid the foundation for this effort before the first concrete was Bishop Ott Sweet Dreams Shelter poured. So, please keep praying! We need your prayers and financial support, so we can say "yes" to so many more who are facing the nightmare of homelessness. See the enclosed www.svdpbr.org envelope insert to see how you can help or visit us online at www.svdpbr.org.

We need your help more than ever. Every year, through our Sweet Dreams effort, we ask people to pray for those we serve. Please save this Sweet Dreams Prayer and make it a regular part of your spiritual life. Pray for all those we serve!