ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 85 | No. 16 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020

Stay updated For the latest information on how virus, bookmark the diocesan website the Rockford Diocese is responding at https://www.rockforddiocese.org/ the threats of COVID-19 corona- and look for this banner there (left). Holy Week Alone: A Cross We Bear Under the threat of COVID-19 spreading, Bishop Malloy and Pope Francis cancel public Holy Week services.

BY OBSERVER STAFF DIOCESE—As orders from the federal and state governments changed al- most daily, Bishop David Malloy of the Rockford Diocese, changed his guid- ance to parishes to comply. Both he and Pope Francis have cancelled public Holy Week services. In a letter he sent March 20 to priests of the diocese he explained changes through Holy Week. It reads, in part:

I write to you once more given more guidance that has come to us about how to respond to the coronavirus outbreak

and its rapid spread. (Observer screen grab) At this time, health authorities have an- Bishop David Malloy offers for the 4th Sunday of Lent live tinue the practice through the Illinois Stay at Home orders. As of nounced the need for a strict limit of ten online at the diocesan website and on Facebook. He plans to con- this printing, the order extends until April 7. persons maximum for any gathering. ... Given this guidance, all parish ful for the time being. Do not gather an priests except for the cathedral rector ing present. Priests should do the same churches are to adhere to this limit at informal group for a private Mass as we and masters of ceremonies. ... The oils at the time chosen for the parish, again all times. ... Please note, as previously seek to limit the spread of the virus. will be blessed and held for subsequent with no faithful present. indicated, the distribution of holy Com- In addition, the Congregation for Di- distribution when possible. No other gatherings of any sort will munion and the administration of the vine Worship and the Discipline of the Holy Thursday: I will celebrate the be celebrated such as Stations of the sacrament of the sick should be only for Sacraments has today issued instructions Mass of the Lord’s Supper again with Cross or any sort of distribution of the emergency situations at this time fol- for celebration of Holy Week. ... Please Msgr. Nelson, Father (Stephen) St. Jules sacraments except in the case of an in- lowing the guidance of the health au- note that the Congregation stresses that and masters of ceremonies. It will be live- dividual emergency. thorities. That means any other efforts, the celebrations should take place only streamed from the cathedral at 7 p.m. The Easter Vigil: Again I will cele- including proposals for communion for in the cathedral or parish churches, not Priests are given the faculty to cel- brate the Vigil Mass in the manner out- people in cars should not be utilized. in rectory chapels or other venues. Given ebrate this Mass in the parish church lined by the Congregation at St. Peter Please observe that directive strictly this guidance, the Diocese of Rockford without the presence of the faithful. Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. and ask your faithful to make a spiritual will respond as follows: That condition is to be observed. Priests are again given the exception- union at this time when physical partici- The Chrism Mass: The Chrism I would urge where possible that your al faculty to celebrate this Mass without pation is not possible. Mass for the Diocese of Rockford will faithful be given the opportunity to fol- the people and that is to be observed. ... As noted previously, no public Mass- be celebrated as originally scheduled on low the liturgy by some element of live- Again, brothers, I stress the urgency es on weekdays or Sundays are to be Holy Thursday at 11 a.m. from St. Peter streaming. Only one Mass is to be cel- of following the directives contained celebrated until further notice. While Cathedral Parish. I will celebrate this ebrated by all the priests of the parish. here as a response to the health emer- priests are to celebrate Mass privately Mass along with Msgr. Glenn Nelson as Good Friday: Under the same con- gency we are facing. At the same time, daily, especially in the current situa- Vicar General. ditions outlined above, I will celebrate in a way different than any of us has tion of great spiritual need, this must be The Mass will be live-streamed with- the Good Friday liturgy at St. Peter Ca- ever experienced, we need to enter done without the presence of the faith- out the presence of other faithful or thedral at 2 p.m. without the faithful be- Continued on page 4

This Issue Quick News Inside

Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Read The Observer Online Free Stones Bring Headliners...... 3 Around the Diocese ...... 4 The Observer has dropped its paywall until Saintly Remains The Junior Observer ...... 6 further notice. Anyone in the Rockford to Churches Diocesan ...... 6 Diocese may read it free at http:// Gary Bakkelund seals Ashes to Ashes ...... 7 observertoo.rockforddiocese.org/. the altar stone into Our Catholic View ...... 8-9 We will continue to publish our print place in the altar at For the Record ...... 10 St. James Church in edition for paid subscribers who have Media/Arts...... 10 Belvidere opted to receive it. Nation/World ...... 11 page 3 (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) 2 | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | The Observer This is the Time to Deepen

The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, Your Love For Christ except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, he Lent of 2020 is one calls us to look at this challenge Mass as often as we are able to 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. we will never forget. In and indeed at the whole of life attend. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 the midst of our 40 days with the eyes of Christ Himself. Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax A moment like this, with the 815/399-6225. of chosen penances and He has told us that He is with us unavailability of the sacraments, Periodical postage paid at Textra prayers, God has allowed always, even to the end of the age gives us a chance to refl ect Rockford, Ill., and additional into the world and into our (Mt. 28:8). He has said, “I will not deeply. Have I taken Mass, Holy mail offi ces. midst the physical and spiritual leave you orphans” (Jn 14:18). Communion or confession for send address challenge of the coronavirus. POSTMASTER: BY BISHOP Our task at this moment is granted? This can be a moment, changes to The Observer, 555 DAVID J. Because of that virus, for the to live that conviction. We are like Lenten fasting, to deepen my Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box MALLOY fi rst time in generations, many people of faith and people of hope. love and appreciation for these 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 are faced with very fundamental And we truly trust that even in gifts. For ADVERTISING information: questions about life. How could the face of this unseen aggressor, Above all, the current moment Contact The Observer at the e are address above or call 815/399- something like this happen in our Christ walks with us and knows is a time when society needs us to people modern and hygienic culture? 4300; fax 815/399-6225, W what we need. witness. We need to foster and to Email: kmccarthy@ How will I live in a situation That conviction will not remove of faith and refl ect in our words and actions rockforddiocese.org. where it seems I have little control any sadness from the loss of people of a sense of calm and even joy that over the life and circumstances of routine, savings, health or even Send NEWS information to The hope. And others, especially those who have Observer at the address or fax my family? And perhaps lurking the loss of a loved one, should that lost their faith or never had any, number above; send email to we truly beyond all other considerations occur. But the knowledge that will see. 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It is an inestimable value, we are also needs and worries. Above all, now is a time to The Observer Online digital evil that we can acquire or give part of the Church of all times subscriptions are also available. knows what pray. Alone, in our families, to others without knowing it. that has gathered in the catacombs Publisher: we need. perhaps by social media, prayer And so to avoid the spread of the for Mass when they could. Others Most Reverend David J. Malloy virus even more widely in society, waited months or years for a will help us stay rooted in faith, Penny Wiegert for the moment we cannot even missionary to come and off er the the real answer to this and every Editor: access the consolation of the Mass sacraments again. Oppressive challenge. News Editor: Amanda Hudson and perhaps the other sacraments. regimes even in our present day Please know of my prayers for Features and Multimedia All of this could seem quite dire keep some of our brothers and all of you. I ask for your prayers Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld except for one thing. Our faith sisters from the privilege of the in return. Circulation/Proofreading: Susan Sabrowski Accounting: Jill Bonk On the Beatitudes Advertising and Marketing: Kevin McCarthy Production and Web Be Strong, Ask for Forgiveness Administrator: Gary Haughton From the General Audience, Paul VI Audience must be mentioned (is this): to the poor in spirit. There are Contributing Writers: Hall, Feb. 5, Part 2 we do not have to transform those who have kingdoms in Father Kenneth Wasilewski, ourselves to become poor in this world, they have goods and Lynne Conner, Tony Carton, We always make mistakes, one spirit. We do not have to undergo comforts. But we know how they Pat Szpekowski, Margarita slips: “I am sorry.” And usually any transformation because we end. Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick couples, newlyweds, those Winn

(CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS already are! who are here and are numerous Only those who know how to We are poor ... or more clearly: Publication Dates: Weekly BY POPE tell me: “The third one is the love what is truly good more than we are “wretched” in spirit! We except that in 2020 there will FR ANCIS hardest,” saying sorry, asking for themselves, reign. And this is the are in need of everything. We are be no issues on Jan. 3, May forgiveness. power of God. all poor in spirit, we are beggars. In what way did Christ show 29, July 31 and Oct. 30. he Lord Because proud people cannot It is the human condition. do this. They cannot say they His power? It was by doing what News Deadlines: Usually, 10 ... never The Kingdom of God is of the the kings of the earth do not do days before publication date. T are sorry. They are always right. poor in spirit. There are those grows tired They are not poor in spirit. — giving His life for mankind. Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 who have kingdoms in this world. And this is true power. The of forgiving. The Lord, instead, never grows They have goods and comforts. days before publication date. power of fraternity, the power ... It is we tired of forgiving. Unfortunately, But they are kingdoms that end. Offi cial information on the poli- of charity, the power of love, the it is we who get tired of asking The power of men and women, cies, activities, and positions who get power of humility. This is what for forgiveness. The tiredness of even of the greatest empires, pass of the Diocese of Rockford is tired of Christ did. released only in the pages of asking for forgiveness, this is a and disappear. asking for Herein lies true freedom: those The Observer, or in state- bad state! Often we see on the television ments from the Diocesan who have this power of humility, forgiveness. Why is it diffi cult to ask news or in newspapers that Offi ce of Communications and for forgiveness? Because it that strong, powerful leader or of service, of fraternity, are Publications. humiliates our hypocritical that government that existed free. The poverty praised in the The Observer uses recycled image. And yet, constantly yesterday and no longer exists Beatitudes is at the service of this paper and is recyclable. seeking to hide one’s weaknesses today, has fallen. The wealth of freedom. Our Mission is the mission is tiring and distressing. this world fades away and so does There is a poverty that we have of the Church itself — to Jesus Christ tells us being poor money. to accept, that of being alive, and spread the Gospel through a poverty that instead we have contemporary means of is an opportunity for grace and The elderly used to teach us communications. He shows us the way out from that shrouds have no pockets. It is to seek, the practical one, in the this diffi culty. We are given the true. I never saw a removal truck things of this world, in order to Member of: right to be poor in spirit because behind a funeral procession. No be free and to be able to love. this is the path to the Kingdom of one takes anything with them. We should always seek freedom God. This wealth stays here. of the heart, the freedom that has But a fundamental thing that The Kingdom of God belongs its roots in our own poverty. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | 3 Altar Stones Bring Saintly Remains to Churches

BY AMANDA HUDSON A staff member at St. Nicho- News Editor las Church in Aurora says, “We have an altar stone in the nce they were ev- parish with St. Nicholas erywhere, but now in the center of the stone.” it is harder to find Father Christopher DiTomo, church com- pastor of St. Gall Church in El- Oplete with altar stones. burn, notes that the new parish An altar stone is a piece of church, dedicated in June 2017, natural stone containing the has a relic of St. Maria Goretti of a or in a in its altar. cavity. They are consecrated Father Robert Jones says by a bishop, as is shown here that his also-quite-new parish at St. James Church in Belvi- church, St. dere. Bishop Katharine David Malloy Drexel in consecrated Sugar Grove, both the altar does not have and its stone an altar stone on Dec. 18, per se, but 2014, after the adds, “We do church was have a relic expanded and box under our remodeled. altar with a Some of the second class churches in relic of St. the Rockford Katharine Gary Bakkelund seals the altar stone into place in the altar at St. James Church in Belvidere. The altar was Diocese have Drexel. The dedicated on Dec. 18, 2014, after major renovations were completed on the church building. altars with box is part of altar stones our altar.” Father Thomas Doyle at St. into the walls of the wider and some Other dioc- From the beginning Anne Church in Dixon says spaces in the catacombs over a do not. For esan parishes The Catholic Encyclopedia/ their altar stone “was clearly grave or sarocophagus, which example, we have altar New Advent website explains are told that taken from a stone altar in the contained the remains of one stones, but the the history of altar stones. Sacred Heart names of the original church and set inside or several martyrs. On that the current wooden altar. The In primitive times there were niche was a horizontal marble Church in (Observer file photos/Amanda Hudson) saints whose two kinds of (Catholic) altars, Sterling has Bishop David Malloy consecrates remains are church also had an extra altar slab on which Mass was cel- a first class the new altar at the remodeled within have stone in storage, which I have it says. One kind was formed ebrated. relic in its al- St. James Church in Belvidere, been lost or since moved to the rectory by cutting an arch-like niche Continued on page 6 tar of a piece which has an altar stone. the papers chapel. As far as I can tell, the of St. Teresa with those parish has no documentation of Calcutta’s names perhaps are sealed on which relics are contained “hair-excapillaris.” into the altar with the stone. in the stones.” Father Grismer and Father “We obtained this on May Father Max Lasrado at Blessed Father Brian Grady at St. 12, 2017 from the Mission- Sacrament in North Aurora Elizabeth Ann Seton Church ME ary of Charity,” says a parish joins other priests in express- in Crystal Lake received an Koutnik invite you to RO staffer. ing a wish to know these altar altar stone from diocesan Two great Priests invite you to experience “St. Thomas Aquinas Parish stone saints, and some of them archives when the parish the best of Rome from November 12-19, 2020! does indeed have an altar stone have made efforts to find out, replaced its main altar a few Attend Mass everyday at a glorious Roman with a relic,” says its pastor, without success. years ago, “I was able to Church, along with Wednesday Audience and Father Kenneth Anderson. “It Some of the churches with obtain an altar stone from the Sunday Angelus with Pope Francis. You will is my understanding, from mystery-saints in their altar Diocesan Archive through take a day trip to Assisi to visit the home of some of the older parishioners, stones include St. Mary Church Msgr. (John) Fritz and Bishop this is a relic from St Thomas St. Francis. There will also be guided tours in Byron, St. John the Baptist (Thomas G.) Doran,” he says. of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Aquinas. The stone, and the in Somonauk, St. Patrick in “I am not sure whose relics are altar itself, are from the origi- Catacombs, the Vatican Museums, the Dixon, three in altars at St. interred in the altar stone, and Sistine Chapel, and more! nal church on Harlem Ave. in Anthony of Padua in Rockford, unfortunately the Diocese does Freeport.” and St. Mary Church in Aurora. not know as well.”

Bishop Malloy’s Public Schedule ONLINE—Sunday, March 29 at 9 a.m., ONLINE—Wednesday, April 1, 12 noon, Mass, https://www.rockforddiocese.org/ a devotion, reflection, https://www. and https://www.facebook.com/Diocese-of- rockforddiocese.org/ and https://www.facebook. Rockford-107823162598914/ com/Diocese-of-Rockford-107823162598914/

THANK YOU Thank you to the faithful priests of our Diocese for their untiring attention to our needs. Many of us only see a small part of what they do each and every day, week, month or year. For many of them, the day starts with morning Mass, and may not end until our $3,150 spiritual needs have been met at the end of the day. During Based on double occupancy this Lenten season please take the opportunity to thank the truly dedicated priests who help us in our spiritual lives. JOHN F. AND FRAN MORRISSEY 4 | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | The Observer Around the Diocese Pope Says If You Can’t Go to Confession, What’s Up The calendar will resume at a Take Your Sorrow Directly to God later date. Online Masses VATICAN CITY (CNS)— serious reason can go to God ness, Pope Francis said. souls will become white like People who cannot get to con- directly, be specific about their “This is the right time, the the snow,” the pope said March DIOCESE 20 during his livestreamed Bishop Malloy: 9 a.m., Mass, fession because of the coro- sins, request pardon and expe- opportune moment. An act of https://www.rockforddiocese. morning Mass. navirus lockdown or another rience God's loving forgive- contrition done well, and our org/ and https://www. Pope Francis began the Mass facebook.com/Diocese-of- by praying again for doctors, Rockford-107823162598914/ especially in northern Italy, where the COVID-19 pandem- On TV, online: Sundays at ic still is infecting thousands 6:30 a.m., WREX Channel 13 in Rockford; anytime at https:// and leading to the deaths of www.rockforddiocese.org/ hundreds of people each day. The pope said if people tell MCHENRY him they cannot leave the Church of Holy Apostles house, his response would be, online: Every Sunday at 10 a.m.; also during the virus "Do what the Catechism (of restrictions Sundays at 8 a.m. the ) says. and 11:30 a.m. (Spanish) at It is very clear: If you can- https://www.youtube.com/user/ not find a priest to confess to, churchofholyapostles speak directly with God, your LOS ANGELES Father, and tell Him the truth. Cathedral of Our Lady of Say, ‘Lord, I did this, this, this. Angels: daily—7 a.m. Spanish,10 Forgive me,’ and ask for pardon a.m. English; on YouTube or on with all your heart.” https://www.facebook.com/ Make an act of contrition, the (Observer photo/Amanda Hudson) lacatholics/ pope said, and promise God, Holy Family Briefly Offers Drive Through Confessions “ ‘I will go to confession after- Cancellations In a spirit of mercy doused with creativity, Holy Family Parish in Rockford briefly offered Drive Through Con- ward, but forgive me now.’ And fessions before the state of Illinois went to its “Stay at Home” policy to fight the spread of COVID-19. With immediately you will return to April 4 that option closed, the advice of Pope Francis (see story above) should be remembered. a state of grace with God.” ROCKFORD Biennial Convention: sponsored by the Rockford Diocesan Council Holy Week Alone: A Cross We Bear of Catholic Women April 4, 5, 10 From page 1 Sincerely yours in Christ, Additional restrictions attendance that meets Illinois GENOA into Holy Week in a manner Most Rev.David J. Malloy restrictions or be postponed. Weddings, baptisms and fu- The Mystery of the Passion that offers the spiritual riches of Bishop of Rockford The information was sent to of the Christ: St. Catherine of the liturgy for our faithful and Read the full letter at https://www. nerals and graveside services funeral homes in the diocese. Genoa Parish for the world. rockforddiocese.org/ may only be celebrated with Quinceneras are postponed. April 18 ALBANY Spaghetti dinner: St. Patrick Cousins Seek Worldwide Prayer April 11 at Noon Parish April 21 ST. CHARLES—As the droth said. “At the same time took it as a sign,” Abendroth this moment to “Look to the ROCKFORD coronavirus impact grew, Lin- during the conversation (we) said. Heavens and ask God for His da Abendroth, a parishioner at remembered what her Mom And so they began what much-needed help!” Clergy Night: sponsor, Bishop St. Patrick Parish here, and her and mine said whenever there they call a Global Moment of The women ask everyone Peter J, Muldoon 4th Degree cousin Janice Nasuti felt they was some tragedy, ‘God is Prayer, to take place on April to forward this call to prayer Assembly190 needed to do something to en- trying to tell us something!’ ” 11 at exactly 12 noon. to friends around the world of Submit News courage prayer. Both women’s mothers are de- The concept is simple, and any and all faiths. “We were prompted to be- ceased. it is something that persons of And at noon on April 11, to Deadline: 10 days before come active (one) Saturday “They both have been with any faith — Christian, Mus- lift their hearts to God and ask publication. lim, Jewish, or other — can for His saving help. when we were talking,” Aben- Him a long time now so we Online: Use the form at http:// do. And in fact, Abendroth Join them on Twitter at observer.rockforddiocese.org/ said, she and Nasuti hope #worldmomentofprayer. contact-us. Click on Submit people of all faiths will join in — Amanda Hudson, news editor Events and News. Pilgrimages for By Mail: Send to The Observer, Catholics and MTNCW 20,000 Gallon African Water Project P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. MTNCW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to dig- ging wells and building overhead water tanks across Your Catholic Tour Company people of all faiths various rural communities in West African Countries. Say ‘Thank Oberammergau Passion Play 2020 Our goal is to make water freely available to rural com- $ 00 12 days 5,999. May through September munities as to help alleviate the suffering burden of you, Father! Once in a lifetime experience sign up now. people travelling on foot for miles to obtain purified Watch for drinking water. Our goal is to complete 25 proj- this logo Several trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; ects annually at approximately on The France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, $15,000.00 each. All gifts are tax Observer & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, deductible. & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Budapest; Prague; Our To give or be part of this human- Catholic Lady of Guadalupe; Domestic Destinations; etc. itarian effort, you could make Newspaper an annual or monthly pledge or make your checks payable to: Facebook MTN Community Wells page and join 208 N. Pine Street — Villa Grove, Illinois. us in praying for www.proximotravel.com For more information, email us at [email protected] [email protected] Annette Phillips Director/Sec. our priests. The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | 5 The Junior Observer Vol. 34, No. 7 Published by The Observer, Official Catholic Newspaper of the Diocese of Rockford [email protected]

A Old Testament Story Q&A Samuel Anoints David King Whom did Catholic News Service “There is still the youngest, who Eliab, would be chosen by God. he Israelites wanted to have a is tending the sheep.” “Do not judge from his appearance God regret king to rule over them, so God or from his lofty stature, because I have T anointed Saul as the first king rejected him. Not as man sees does God making king of Israel. see, because man sees the appearance, But Saul wound up doing what was of Israel? but the Lord looks into the heart,” God evil in God’s sight, and God regretted told Samuel. making Saul king. “Are these all the sons you have?” So, God sent the prophet Samuel on Samuel asked after meeting seven of Which of a mission. (CNS) “Fill your horn with oil, and be on Jesse’s sons, none of whom God chose. Jesse’s your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bible Trivia “There is still the youngest, who is Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king What Philistine champion did David tending the sheep,” Jesse replied.

sons did from among his sons,” God told the defeat? (Hint: 1 Samuel 17) “Send for him; we will not begin the Goliath

prophet. Answer: sacrificial banquet until he arrives here,” God want “How can I go? Saul will hear of it the prophet said. Samuel to and kill me,” Samuel said. to be a peaceful one. David was brought before Samuel. “Take a heifer along and say, ‘I have “Yes! I have come to sacrifice to David was a handsome youth and made come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite the Lord. So, purify yourselves and cel- anoint? a splendid appearance. Jesse to the sacrifice, and I myself will ebrate with me today,” Samuel told the “There ­— anoint him, for this is the tell you what to do; you are to anoint elders. He also had Jesse and his sons one!” God told Samuel. Read more for me the one I point out to you,” God purify themselves and invited them to replied. the sacrifice. Samuel took the horn of oil and about it in Samuel traveled to Bethlehem. As he At the sacrifice, Jesse presented anointed David in the midst of his broth- 1 Samuel 16 entered the city, the elders came up to his sons to Samuel one by one. Samuel ers, and from that day on, the spirit of him to ask whether his visit was going thought for sure that Jesse’s eldest son, the Lord rushed upon David. Saints Can Help When People are Sick Puzzle You are probably home from According to He is a patron saint of hospitals Using the hints from 1 school this week because of the coro- Paul’s letters and and of nurses, so you can ask him to Samuel, circle the correct navirus. You may also wonder how the Acts, Luke was intercede for everyone who cares for answer to each question you can make a difference in such a a doctor who trav- people who are ill or who work in about David. big problem. (CNS photos) eled with Paul and hospitals, like nurses. Of course, you’ve already heard St. Luke was with Paul in Archangels Michael, Gabriel 1. Which of Saul’s how important it is to wash your hands prison in Rome. and Raphael are messengers sent by daughters was in love — a lot — and to stay away from other He is the patron of physicians and God. They are the only ones named with David? people for a while. surgeons. You can pray to him to ask in the Bible. Merob or Michal But no matter where you are, that the doctors taking care of people Michael, called “the great prince,” (18:20) you can always pray for people who with coronavirus and other illnesses is patron of the sick so you can ask him are ill and those who take care of stay well themselves. to intercede for people with coronavi- 2. Who was jealous of David and wanted to them. Perhaps your family has al- St. Camillus de Lellis was an rus and anyone who is sick. kill him? ready started to say the rosary at Italian who lived from 1550 to 1614. Raphael is patron of physicians home. (Don’t forget you can pray He had a leg wound that made it hard and travelers. Since many travel- Saul or Jonathan with our own Bishop David Malloy to get around. Even with his injury, he ers are being asked (19:1) online at http://observer.rockford worked as a hospital to self-quarantine 3. Whose sword did diocese.org/junior-observer.) servant and a soldier praying to Raphael David receive from But you can also pray to saints to in Venice, Italy. to intercede for them Ahimelech the priest? intercede, which means to ask them to He became a la- and for doctors is a St. Raphael pray to God for us. We pray to saints borer at the Man- good idea. Abner’s or Goliath’s like this because we know they are St. Camillus fredonia Capuchin Quarantine means to stay away (21:9-10) with God in heaven. monastery and in from other people. You may pray to your favorite 1575 tried to join the Capuchins. But 4. Who refused to Gabriel is the patron of messen- saint, whoever that is. But you also his leg wound returned, and he was in give provisions to gers, telecommunications and postal may want to say prayers to these and out of the hospital, He decided to David and his men? workers Since these people are help- three saints who are patrons in times devote his life to caring for the sick. ing to get the word about coronavirus Samuel or Nabal of illness. Camillus was ordained in 1584 and to others, you might want to pray to (25:4-11)

St. Luke, one of the writers of the founded the Order of the Servants of

Gabriel, too. Nabal 4. Goliath’s;

1. Michal; 2. Saul; 3. 3. Saul; 2. Michal; 1. Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, the Sick, more generally known as the Answers: became a Christian in the first century. Camillians. — Sharon Boehlefeld and CNS 6 | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | The Observer Diocesan Altar Stones Bring Saintly Remains to Churches From page 3 Last century changes The other kind of altars were Farley’s article explains how detached from the wall, used “ever since the reforms of as places of worship in the Vatican II in the early 1960s, catacombs and in churches relic veneration has virtually erected above ground after the disappeared from the official time of Constantine. Those landscape of Catholicism, par- consisted of a slab of stone or ticularly in the United States. marble resting on columns or “Relics weren’t actually on a masonry structure that mentioned during the three- enclosed relics of martyrs. year council, but Church lead- In private oratories, the ers did address the way new New Advent website adds, churches should be designed. altars were sometimes made By the time Vatican II was of wood on a wooden support over, iconography was out in and “within this support were favor of a lighter, more airy placed the relics of martyrs, atmosphere, uncluttered by and in order to be able to images and, apparently, relics. expose them to view, folding “In 1969, the Church official- doors were fixed in the front.” ly laid to rest the 787 ruling at It adds that for centuries Nicaea by no longer requiring “Mass may (have been) cel- Catholic churches to possess a ebrated outside a sacred place, holy remnant at their altars.” but never without an altar, or at Farley rather humorous says, (Observer file photos/Amanda Hudson) least an altar stone. In eccle- “Though holy relics may still Gary Bakkelund finishes sealing the relics into the new parish altar at St. James Church, Belvidere. Bakke- lund is the father of diocesan priest Father Jonathan Bakkelund. Father Brian Geary is pastor at St. James. siastical history we find only have their place in modern two exceptions: St. Lucian spirituality, they represent a (312) is said to have celebrated time when saints were post- relics or altar stones as they crypt in the catacombs,’” Fisch prentice makes wooden altars Mass on his breast whilst in humous medieval rock stars, sought to preserve, improve said. and is a proponent of altar prison, and Theodore Bishop pilgrims their devout groupies and reform the Sacred Liturgy. The same article says that stones. of Tyre on the hands of his and monks their roadies… They advocated for the altar according to the Rite of Dedi- “Part of our mission state- deacons.” “For the faithful, pray- to be viewed as a table and cation of a Church and an Al- ment here at St. Joseph’s Ap- An article by David Farley ing to a saint’s relic was like as a place of sacrifice. They tar, relics still play a role: “For prentice is to put as many altar at slate.com and a Google site a direct line to saints who retained the custom of plac- it is altogether proper to erect stones back into the service of both note that relics became acted as intercessors for God, ing relics under altars if their altars over the burial place of Our Lord as we can,” says the ingrained in Catholic Church VIP residents of heaven who authenticity was verified. martyrs and other saints or website. “Of the 300-plus al- orthodoxy at the Second could cause miracles and help “The Council clarified, and to deposit their relics beneath tars I have built thus far, prob- Council of Nicaea in 787 when prayers be answered.” said, yes, relics are important, altars as a mark of respect and ably 95% have altar stones. Church authorities passed a In her article, Klemond notes we should honor them, and this as a symbol of the truth that Many of these stones are from law stating that every church that her source, Thomas Fisch, is a noble custom, but it should the sacrifice of the members the basements of churches or should have a relic at its altar. says that during Vatican II the be a recognizable part of the has its source in the sacrifice backrooms in rectories.” One description of the idea Council fathers changed the human body and not some dust of the Head (Jesus).” It adds, “Because it was of altar stones comes from requirement that altars contain that someone gathered out of a so hard to find suitable altar the Catholic Spirit website in Relics galore stones, with much discussion an article by Susan Klemond. The Church has a system in and encouragement of sev- “Before Vatican II, the altar place for classifying relics: A eral priests, I started making stone was really the altar,” she first-class relic is a body part simple altar stones with empty quotes Thomas Fisch, associ- of a saint; a second-class relic sepulchers. These altar stones ate professor of sacramental is a saint’s possession; a third- are not consecrated, so a priest theology and liturgy at St. Paul class relic is an object that had will either have to get permis- Seminary School of Divinity touched a first-class relic; and sion from his Diocesan Offices in St. Paul. He adds, “When a fourth-class relic — the least you had a wooden table or a valuable but the easiest to pro- (Bishop) to consecrate his wooden altar against the wall, duce — is an object that had own stone, or he will have to the altar stone was always touched a second-class relic. ask his Bishop to consecrate consecrated. The priest would Relics have long been col- it himself. I am also willing kiss the altar stone and place lected, sometime obsessively. to sell my altar stones to those the gifts on it. Most people Slate.com states: “There were priests who only want a stone, didn’t think about it that way, On Dec. 18, 2014, Gary Bakkelund finishes sealing relics into the altar also private relic collections not a complete altar.” but fundamentally that’s what at St. James Church in Belvidere. He also did the stone work on the in the Middle Ages. Char- An altar stone story it was.” lemagne, as pious as he was powerful, had a vast collec- St. Joseph Church in Aurora tion of relics … Charles IV, recently devoted a full page of the 14th-century Holy Ro- its bulletin to “The Relics in The Observer’s Guide to Lenten Dining man emperor, held an an- the Altar Stone of St. Joseph nual relics show at his home Church.” Lincoln Inn / Farandas Drive thru Menu base in Prague to show off It includes a brief descrip- March 26 – April 11 his collection … A couple of tion of the 1954 groundbreak- Thursday (4:30 – 6:30 pm) — Roast Turkey & Dressing - Succulent hand carved turkey with homemade centuries later, Renaissance ing and of the April 11, 1957 dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetable, garden salad, fresh baked bread & butter. Prince Albrecht of Branden- of the main altar Friday (4:30 – 6:30 pm) — Drive Thru Fish Fry - Your choice of Fried Cod, Baked Cod, or Fried Shrimp burg had a stock of saintly by Bishop Loras T. Lane. (5) served with tartar sauce, coleslaw, potato, garden salad & fresh baked bread and butter. remains so huge that a tireless Bishop Lane returned on May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Saturday (9:30 am – 1:00 pm) — Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Box - farm fresh eggs. applewood pilgrim could have accrued a smoked bacon, savory hash browns, melted cheese on a freshly baked bagel or Breakfast Burrito remission from purgatory of Worker, to dedicate the church Box - farm fresh eggs. juicy sausage, savory hash browns, melted cheese loaded inside a laarge 39,245,120 years.” and place the relics of St. tortilla shell. Both served with cup of fruit and freshly baked Cinnamon roll. Relics, some of which do Beata and St. Amadeo in the Barbecue Beef Brisket sandwiches ( 11:30 am – 1:00 pm) - our tender sliced beef brisket with grilled mensa (Latin for ‘table’) of the peppers and onion on a fresh baked bun served with white cheddar mac & cheese, coleslaw and our not include the evidence of homemade kettle chips. their authenticity, can be found altar. It also explained that St. — Every Day Special — Be sure to ask about online. A quick search of the Beata of Ribnitz (died 1399) Monday thru Wednesday menus! Chicken Parmesan Italian American Classic Comfort Internet also turned up a few was a Poor Clare nun of the Meal (Feeds a family of 4-5) Includes salad and freshly monastery in Mecklenburg, baked French Bread. $32 altar stones for sale, mixed in with some ads for new age-y Germany. St. Amadeo was one 302 Grove Street — Downtown DeKalb crystals and rocks. of the Seven Founders of the 815-981-3304 — www.farandas.com One company in northern Servants of Mary (Servites) in Idaho called St. Joseph’s Ap- 1233, in Florence, Italy. Ashes to Ashes The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | 7 Lent Activities Cancelled Hope, a Promise from God Remaining Lent activities in the Rockford Diocese and its par- ishes and schools have been cancelled. Please continue to offer prayers and to fulfill your personal Lenten promises based on the promise can Lent Reflection for hope in their lives, pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting and almsgiving. be a beauti- simply because they have Pray especially for the many suffering from COVID-19 corona- ful thing. by Father Bernard witnessed too many broken virus and its effects in the larger society. Promises Sehr promises. Agive us hope. A prom- Pastor, St. Paul the Apostle, While this is sadly true ise fulfilled is a reward Sandwich for far too many people, we Online Stations of the Cross twice given. as Christians must never Not only do we receive give up on hope. Hope is Online Stations of the Cross include: the thing promised, but that great theological virtue University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein: https://usml. we are also reminded of our worth because we that reminds us that we are not God and thus edu/digital-stations-of-the-cross-online/ were promised something in the first place. must trust in a power greater than our own. No Catholic Online: https://www.catholic.org/prayers/station.php As wonderful as a promise fulfilled is, a matter who may have let us down or given us Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.: https://onlineministries. broken promise can be more devastating than reason to doubt that promises are worth holding creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/stations.html we even realize. One broken promise can undo preciously in our hearts, we should never Congregation of the Holy Cross: https://www.holycrossusa. all of previous good work that we might have underestimate God’s promises. org/article/stations-of-the-cross/ done, and leave someone to worry not just The first reading from Ezekiel this Sunday about future promises we give, but all future states clearly that God has promised and God promises regardless of their source. will deliver on His promise. And that is a hope Perhaps we can remember the first time we should never let go. The Observer’s Sandwiches, Soups and Pastas we experienced a promise broken, or just God has never failed to keep His promises. remember a harsh betrayal of our hope in a Although sometimes we think that God is Egg Drop Soup promise unfulfilled. There is an easy temptation bound to the deals we make with Him, that is for us to want to not trust again after we not the same as the promises He gives us in experience such a terrible moment in our lives. Sacred Scripture. Hear these words from God Some have even lived through repeated and feel them strengthen your hope. betrayals of trust, to the point that one might “I have promised, and I will do it, says the become convinced that there is no more room Lord” (Ez 37:14). Try Meditation, an Old Form of Prayer Various forms of prayer are presented in the liturgical texts, spiritual writings, or “the great Catechism of the Catholic Church (2623-2649). book of creation,” we come to make our own These include prayers of blessing or adoration, that which is God’s. “To the extent that we are of petition, of intercession, of thanksgiving, and humble and faithful, we discover in meditation of praise. the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern them. It is a question of acting What is meditation? truthfully in order to come into the light: ‘Lord, (Observer photo/Sharon Boehlefeld) Meditation is a Christian practice of prayer what do you want me to do?’ ” (CCC 2705-2706). dating back to the early Church. As the Meditation is an essential form of Christian Ingredients catechism states: “Meditation is above all a prayer that is recommended by the Church at any 4 cups vegetable stock 1/2 tsp. toasted sesame oil quest. The mind seeks to understand the why time, but especially during Lent. It is also widely 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional) and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere considered a form of prayer that helps calm the 1 tsp. ground ginger 3 green onions, thinly and respond to what the Lord is asking.” mind, which can be helpful in times of stress. 1/4 tsp. garlic powder sliced By meditating on the Gospels, holy icons, Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops 2 eggs, beaten Salt and pepper to taste Directions Mix 3 1/2 cups stock, ginger, was so easy. This doesn’t take garlic, salt and pepper in a much longer to make than saucepan over medium-high opening and heating some heat. Stir cornstarch into kind of canned soup. remaining 1/2 cup stock and We didn’t use much salt and Lenten Fish Fry Buffet set aside. pepper, but some of us like to When stock boils, add add a few drops of soy sauce cornstarch mixture. Stir to to our egg drop soup. All You Can Eat Baked combine. Add sliced green We tried a couple of recipes onions. before settling on this one. If and Fried quality Cod Bring broth to rolling you want a little more protein, boil, then stir slowly in one or just love those egg ribbons, direction. Pour in eggs slowly, use a third egg. and all the trimmings stirring continuously. Top with We generally buy vegetable Serving extra green onions, if desired. stock for Lent recipes. For Cooks’ notes: If you haven’t this one, though, we made Adults — $13.00 V Children (5-12) — $5.00 5-7 p.m. made this staple of Chinese our own. That recipe is in restaurants, it can only be The Observer Lent Foods Children (under 4) — FREE February 28th because you didn’t know it Cookbook. March 6th Carry-outs are available! March 13th Call ahead for carry-outs or Watch additional information. March 20th Catholic (815) 732-7383 March 27th Cancelled due Mass Handicapped Accessible! toApril COVID-19 3rd Sunday, 6:30 a.m., WREX-TV Channel 13 Rockford St. Mary Parish Center Anytime at Rt. 64 West — Oregon, IL www.rockforddiocese.org/tvmass — MASTERCARD & VISA DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED — Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications Bring this ad and receive $1.00 off one adult meal. 8 | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | The Observer Our Catholic View COVID-19 and the Common Good Although the last several Ethically Speaking as few people as possible will columns have been dedicated to have their lives, or the lives looking at issues falling under by Father of those around them, put in the Eighth Commandment, Kenneth jeopardy. given the COVID-19 pandemic, Wasilewski Even though some of these it seems appropriate to look Diocesan Ethicist measures are difficult and instead at some of the moral [email protected] inconvenient at the least, they issues these new circumstances represent a much smaller threat present us with. proportionally to society’s long term health and Even though the situation evolves everyday, well-being. In this way, they represent the best some of the ethical concerns and, indeed the known way to protect the Common Good. Church’s ethical principals, remain constant While many of these decisions are outside of (even if they must now be applied in new ways). our control, each of us has the ability to abide by While there are some moral issues which will them or not. Granted, in some cases choosing to

(CNS illustration/Tyler Orsburn) have to be faced primarily by certain individuals ignore them may carry particular civil penalties, (such as those in the medical community), others but in every case ignoring them might well Faith Alive effect us all. One such issue has to do with the represent an ethical violation. Not taking them to Church’s teaching on “The Common Good.” heart demonstrates a failure to contribute to what Understanding This is one that every believer, every citizen, the Common Good requires of us at this time. not only can Likewise, Fear of the Lord play a role in, t is irresponsible and unethical to act as though things haven’t downplaying but must. This their The late Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh, is true in the Ichanged for the time being. importance, longtime president of the University of Notre best of times, refusing to take Dame, said that the prayer he found most effec- but can become more critical in difficult times. necessary precautions, or taking unnecessary tive was simply, “Come Holy Spirit.” In fact, the Common Good has often been cited risks might also demonstrate a degree of This underscores the importance of the gifts by both ecclesial and civil leaders as a motivation selfishness or pride. behind some of the actions that have been taken Those on the front lines caring for those of the Holy Spirit. But even if we have a devotion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. affected, especially medical personal, display to the Spirit, we may have questions about one The Common Good can be defined as: “The an example of heroism by putting themselves in gift: “Fear of the Lord” may seem off-putting and sum total of social conditions which allow a place which carries with it added risk. This is confusing. people, either as groups or as individuals, to their contribution to the Common Good, and it What does it mean to fear the Lord? reach their fulfillment more fully and more demonstrates both sacrifice and courage. For many older Catholics, a real fear of punish- easily.” On the other hand, those who may put ment hung over their spirituality. God could seem The Common Good is not only about creating themselves or others at risk because of on the one hand loving and merciful, but a vision a just society, but also about keeping society irresponsible and unnecessary choices, functioning as well as possible long term. My demonstrate a failure in basic human virtue and of hell seemed to compete with this vision of a choices, be they public or private, can be seen as hence, a failure to contribute what they owe to God who was a loving parent. my personal contribution to the Common Good. the Common Good. Since the , we have Under normal circumstances, many of my It is understandable that people want to been strengthened by a deeper appreciation of choices can seemingly have little noticeable continue to do the things that they were doing the overwhelming love and mercy of God and effect on society as a whole. But in the current everyday not long ago, but it is irresponsible and what true fear of our omniscient God means. circumstances even choices that once were unethical to act as though things haven’t changed The idea of fear, the great medieval thinker St. routine and normal take on a greater gravity and for the time being. Thomas Aquinas said, is that we fear separation can even pose a threat to the Common Good. The more we recognize that in the current Given the dangers that this new virus poses to circumstances even simple choices can have from God. Fear of punishment, he said, is a “ser- humanity, the shutdowns, closures, quarantines serious effects on the Common Good, the more vile fear” but fear of committing a fault is a “filial and other such actions, all are aimed at keeping motivated faithful Catholics should be to abide fear” as a child fears offending its father. the spread of the virus to a minimum so that as by the recommendations given to the best of our Although both the Hebrew and Christian Scrip- few people as possible are infected — and hence, ability. tures describe judgment, the overriding message of both is that of a loving and merciful Father who invites us into relationship and advises us Scripture Reflection for March 29, 5th Sunday of Lent not to fear. In reality, “Do not be afraid,” or “Fear not,” are Something for after Confession? the most used phrases in Scripture. Angels say don’t fear when they visit Mary or BY KEVIN FERROTTA kernel for such a prayer. appear to shepherds or visit Zechariah. Catholic News Service Not that the reading is easy to understand. Paul uses terms such as “flesh” and “spirit” — or is it Prophets say it when they speak in God’s name. Recently I got into a conversation with a few “Spirit”? — and “body” and “dead” in subtle ways “Do not fear, I am with you,” Isaiah tells us. Even fellow Catholics about confession. Someone that have led to disagreements about his meaning. the Book of Deuteronomy urges us not to fear remarked on how hard it is to maintain the sense But his final statement makes this clear point: “for it is the Lord, your God, who marches with of restored innocence “If Christ is in you ... because of righteousness ... you; he will never fail you or forsake you.” very long after exiting the one who raised Christ from the dead will give And Jesus frequently cautioned his disciples the confessional. life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit “Heck,” one man said, against fear. “It is I,” he tells the disciples as he dwelling in you” (Rom 8:10-11). “I just pray to the Lord walks to them across the water and tells them not The “righteousness” Paul speaks of is God that he’ll help me get setting us right with Himself through Jesus — to be afraid. With his presence, there is no room to the car before I start forgiving our sins, restoring us to friendship with for fear. sinning again.” This was Him, changing us within. That’s what God does For many, our vision of God as parent is shaped followed by general “I every time we go to confession. Along with this, know exactly what you by our earliest experience of parents. We are all His Spirit living in us is renewed. mean” laughter. the products of parents. Well, that means that the power of God that There are guides for preparing for confession Perhaps we had two stable and loving parents. raised Jesus from the dead, and will ultimately with lists of possible sins to examine yourself Perhaps we had an absent parent, a parent who raise us from the dead too, is living in us. And that about and prayers for approaching the sacrament same power — think how great it is! — already succumbed to addiction or illness and left us too with sincerity. And, of course, prayers after soon. Perhaps we had adoptive parents, or single confession are the staple penance assigned by living in us can enable us to remain in friendship parents, wise parents or abusive parents. Mothers confessors. with God in the midst of whatever temptations and fathers come in all varieties and each shapes But we could use a post-confession prayer or we have to deal with, not only as far as the church our own vision of parenting and perhaps our vi- two to buoy us up afterward, given the realistic parking lot, but on into the rest of our life. That’s worth thinking and praying about. sion of God as parent. concern that all too soon we’re going to give way — Effie Caldarola, Catholic News Service to our typical weaknesses to sin in thought, word Prayer: Lord, I believe your Holy Spirit lives in Next: God as Parent or deed in what we do or in what we don’t do. me. Let your Spirit be at work in me to keep me Today’s second reading contains a possible in your will. Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | 9 Di erent View CNS/Joe Heller What Will We Learn?

This a time like no other. We are all, not just some, part of an entire world living through an unreal and invisible enemy commonly now known as the coronavirus. Who would have thought weeks ago, as we prepared for Lent, that we would come to Lent’s end in our homes away from the From the Editor places where we gather around a common table to be one with by Penny Christ? Wiegert First our schools closed. Editor Then our work places slowly The Observer began to shorten hours, put new

[email protected] precautions in place and then fi nally closed. And then, sadly, our churches for common concern closed as well. And even those people who called early precautions an overreaction began to take the numbers and daily body counts seriously. The war with a virus was waging, and everyone was needed to get in the fi ght. Our diocese began to look at ways to feed the faithful. We have worked very fast and tirelessly to fi nd ways to keep our parishes, staff s and Catholics informed. And as I write this, that task continues. We appreciate the understanding and prayers. But I would also like to take a moment to share some thoughts for those who remain The Bene ts of Intermittent Fasting, upset because churches are closed. I would like to speak to those, who have been deeply critical and at times, downright nasty about the bishop’s decision to close churches to the public and grant Good Counsel for the Lenten Season dispensations from Mass. When the decision to stop public Masses was made, it was Just in time for Lent, Seeking Life struggle with hunger, devastating. It seemed like someone was putting a hole in the The New York Times posts including 11 million lifeboat that was meant to save us all. No church? No homilies? No a persuasive article by by Moises children and 5.5 million friends to pray with? No Christ in the ? What!? personal health columnist Sandoval people 60 and older, a But then reality kicked in. Good Friday was coming early for us. Jane E. Brody on the number that has more Our sacrifi ce was needed to help keep people alive. I decided to benefi ts of intermittent than doubled since 2001. replace my sadness with lessons learned. fasting. She focused Catholic News Service Upon refl ection, I began to recall in my mind’s eye, the thousands of folks in on research by Mark P. it seems that for our Haiti, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana and Peru that I have Mattson, a neuroscientist at the National fasting to be of spiritual benefi t, we must, had the privilege to pray with. I remember being in those countries Institute on Aging, and his colleague, to use an analogy from rocketry, burn out when a journalist priest traveling with us celebrated impromptu Rafael de Cabo. It seems like a win-win the stage of our self-concern before we can Mass. Without any notice or fanfare, people started to gather. No proposition, achieving a more svelte self ignite the stage of our concern for others. matter where or what country, it seemed like people came from while fulfi lling Lent’s counsel to fast nowhere by the dozens to pray. I remember seeing tears on so many Only then can those of us who eat too much during this holy season. faces because it had been months since they had a Mass said. I help feed those who are hungry. Indeed, The researchers found benefi ts of remember thinking how can that be? Why were people getting so intermittent fasting on “a wide range that transition must occur, for as Matthew’s emotional? I also began to question my own faith. Did I love the of chronic disorders, including obesity, Gospel (Chapter 25) tells us, only the elect Lord as deeply as these folks? What I learned from those moments diabetes, cardiovascular disease and will hear on the last day: “I was hungry and is that I took the access to Mass for granted. I learned that from neurodegenerative brain diseases.” Their you gave me food.” these good people that deep faith matters in between Masses. review of both animal and human studies We live at a time when we have a pill for I remembered too, my fi rst Communion. I fi rst received the found improvements in a variety of health everything. And to supplement all that, we Eucharist as an adult convert to the Catholic faith. I remember indicators and a reversal or slowing of the have drugs, licit and illicit, to help us deal clearly the anticipation of preparing to receive the Lord for the fi rst aging and disease processes. with our anxieties, depression and a host time with the new knowledge that this was the source and summit They said people trying to lose weight of other maladies. If we can’t sleep, we of faith and not just bread. What a beautiful moment it was. I had should strive for 16 calorie-free hours. My take a pill. If we are depressed, there is a learned there was something more to faith. daughter Rose, an account executive in medication for us. One goes to the doctor So now that we all will be away from the Eucharist, rather than health insurance, told me she stops eating at and, more often than not, comes home with be angry or resentful or feel sorry for ourselves, perhaps we can use 7 p.m., and does not eat again for 14 hours. new prescriptions. this time to learn something about our faith and about ourselves. “It takes 10 to 12 hours to use the calories Yet, I marvel that the rituals and practices I began to ask the question: What will the coronavirus teach us? in the liver before a metabolic shift occurs that have come down to us from the faith of My grandmothers always talked about the lessons they learned in to using stored fat,” Mattson told Brody. our ancestors often have the remedies we living through World War II and the Great Depression. What will we “After meals, glucose is used for energy, need, without the side eff ects of drugs. tell our grandchildren about our lessons? but fat is stored in fat tissue, but during Because I often wake up at night and Will we learn to take only what we need? fasts, once glucose is depleted, fat is broken Will we learn that family is our most precious jewel? sometimes can’t go back to sleep, I once down and used for energy.” Will we fi nally learn that life really is a precious gift? asked my mother what she did when that We Americans should need no persuasion Will we never again take for granted teachers, grocery baggers, about the health benefi ts; the National happened to her. She said: “I pray the sales clerks, truck drivers, and food delivery drivers? Center for Health Statistics estimates that rosary.” I tried it, and it worked then and Will we learn new respect for our freedom to go wherever we in 2015-2016 in the U.S., 39.8% of adults 20 does now, many decades later. Similarly, want, whenever we want? and over were obese. Another 31.8% were the cures for many of our anxieties lie in Will we learn a new appreciation of the luxury of having food on overweight. By 2030, projections show that meditation, solitude, prayer and stillness. our shelves, gas in our cars and a workplace to go to? one in two of us will be obese and one in Henry David Thoreau wrote about his Will we recognize Christ outside of the Mass? four will be severely obese. Overindulgence reveries: “For the most part, I minded not And will we relearn and truly experience the unbridled joy of could well describe this age, not just in food how the hours went. The day advanced as being with our Lord when we fi nally receive Him once again in the but also alcohol, drugs and hallucinogens. if to light some work of mine. ... I silently Eucharist? At the same time, 37 million Americans smiled at my incessant good fortune.” What will we learn?

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Death Parish offices may forward death and wedding information AURORA—St. Therese of Je- using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on sus: Lucillo Medrano, 87, Feb. 29; Contact Us , then click on the death or wedding form. You may also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815-399- FREEPORT—St. Thomas 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as Aquinas: Stephen L. Gerbode, 61, March 16; soon as you receive it. Thank you. SAVANNA—St. John the Bap- Courtesy of Parish Publications ourselves. (See Jn 11:14) tist: JoAnn "Lena" Hernandez, 84, “Stewardship” newsletter March 13; Virginia Schnitzler Kol- Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel wey, 82, March 17. Mass Meditation Life Moment Stewardship Moment Sunday, March 27 (5th Sun- Pray: That we who believe in Je- What stewardship is: Steward- day in Lent): When Jesus heard sus, the Resurrection and the Life, ship is not primarily money. It is about the illness of His friend, time, talent and treasure, given to Lazarus, He responded, “This ill- may defend life and help bring an God in thankful recognition of all ness is not to end in death; rather end to abortion and other forms of that He has first given to us. The it is for God’s glory, that through injustice. Church is a mission, not a busi- it the Son of God may be glori- Courtesy of www.priestsforlife. ness. Stewardship is ministry to fied.” Every aspect of our lives — the world, sharing the Gospel of our gifts as well as our sufferings org (also visit https://www. the life, death and resurrection of — can, if surrendered to Christ, priestsforlife.org/pro-life- Jesus Christ. lead to blessing for others and reflections/)

Media/Arts Church, World Need St. Joseph’s Spiritual Care in Tough Times

Marian Father Donald Cal- was some difficulty the Church loway believes the Holy Spirit was involved in, popes and wants to draw Catholics’ at- saints would turn to Our Lady tention to St. Joseph, husband as a remedy,” Father Calloway of Mary and earthly father of added. Jesus, “in a major way.” In his new book, “Consecra- “We need to entrust ourselves tion to St. Joseph: The Wonders to his spiritual care at this very of Our Spiritual Father,” Father If you or someone you know difficult time in the world and Calloway outlines a program to has been the victim of sexual in the Church,” the priest said. make that dedication. abuse by an employee or mem- “In ages past whenever there — Julie Asher, CNS

ber of the clergy of the Rockford (CNS photo) Diocese, report the matter to Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service “Consecration to St. Joseph: The law enforcement in the county Read about this and more books at Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” by Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures in which the conduct occurred http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/ Father Donald Calloway. Marian Press 815-758-5484 and then please call the hot-line book-club-blog. (Stockbridge, Mass.) 320 pp., $14.95 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 number: 815-293-7540. (e-book, $9.95; shopmercy.org) Nation/World The Observer | FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020 | 11 Pope Announces Extraordinary News in Brief Papyrus fragments at D.C. museum not ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Blessing March 27 authentic pieces of Dead Sea Scrolls VATICAN CITY (CNS)— In WASHINGTON (CNS)—Long before the response to the ongoing corona- privately owned Museum of the Bible virus pandemic, Pope Francis opened near the U.S. Capitol in 2017, there said he will give an extraordi- were published doubts about the authen- nary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to ticity of its 16 papyrus fragments suppos- the city and the world) at 6 p.m. edly from the Dead Sea Scrolls. In 2018, Rome time March 27 (12 noon the museum announced that after five Central Time). fragments had been tested at Germany’s The formal blessing — usu- Federal Institute for Materials Research, (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn) ally given only immediately the pieces were likely forgeries. On March A bound book is after a new pope’s election and 11 of this year, the museum confirmed seen at the Mu- on Christmas and Easter — car- the fakery of all of them. Independent seum of the Bible Nov. 15, 2017. ries with it a plenary indulgence researchers concluded, in a report that for all who follow by television, spans more than 200 pages, that the internet or radio, are sorry for (CNS photo/Paul Haring) fragments were probably made of ancient Roman leather — their sins, pray for the intentions The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is seen through trees in the Vatican Gardens. from sandals — artificially aged even more with chemicals, of the pope, and promise to go with the script added in the 20th century. to confession and to receive the down to prevent further spread said that at a time “when hu- Eucharist as soon as possible. Nun, security guard among those of the virus. With the public manity trembles” because of After reciting the Angelus killed in Nigerian gas explosion prayer March 22 from the li- joining him only by television, the COVID-19 pandemic, he brary of the Apostolic Palace, internet or radio, “we will listen was asking Christians of every LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS)—The principal of a Catholic girls’ Pope Francis announced his to the word of God, raise our denomination to join together school was among 15 people killed in the impact of an explo- plans for the special blessing, prayer (and) adore the Blessed at noon (6 a.m. Central Time) sion at a gas processing plant in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial which, he said, would be given Sacrament,” he said. March 25, the Feast of the An- capital. Sister Henrietta Alokha, a Sister of the Sacred Heart in an “empty” St. Peter’s Square In addition to announcing the nunciation, to recite the Lord’s of Jesus, and a woman who worked as a security guard were because all of Italy is on lock- special blessing, Pope Francis Prayer. rescuing students from a chapel that had caught fire and “died in the process of ensuring that the students were safe,” Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos said in a March New K of C Investment Fund 16 statement. The roof of the chapel at Bethlehem Girls’ Col- lege in the Lagos suburb of Abule Ado caved in and fell on the two women, the statement said. The March 15 explosion Follows USCCB Guidelines destroyed about 50 buildings.

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THE Prayer Intentions and Scripture Readings OBSERVER http://observer.rockforddiocese.org 815/399-4300 April 2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Key to listings Watch the Mass with Bishop David Malloy 1 2 3 4 at 9 a.m. April 5 and 12 at Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; (Ps) Francis of Paola, hermit Jer 20:10-13; Isidore, bishop, doctor of the Daily Scripture Readings http://rockforddiocese. Church org. Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9; Jn Ps 18:2-7; † Pray for the priests who Pope Francis 8:51-59 Jn 10:31-42 Ez 37:21-28; (Ps) Jer 31:10- have served the Rockford Hear his messages Father Johnson Lopez Bishop David J. Malloy † Father Herman 13; Jn 11:45-56 Wednesdays at 12 noon, at Diocese and who died this Father Max Striedl A. Porter, 1986; †Msgr. †Msgr. Sylvester J. Eye, http://rockforddiocese. month on the days listed. Michael A. Binsfeld, 2001 1996; † Father James J. org. Please pray for these men Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Murphy, 2006 Pray the rosary with him anytime and women who have a Father Juan Arciniegas Msgr. Daniel Deutsch at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/ religious vocation. junior-observer 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6th Lent Palm Sunday Is 42:1-7; Ps 27:1-3, 13-14; Is 49: 1-6; Ps 71:1-4a, 5ab- Is 50:4-9a; Ps 69:8-10, 21- Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Holy Week Jn 12:1-11 6ab, 15, 17; Jn 13:21-33, 22, 31, 33-34; Mt 26:14-25 Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Ps The Lord’s (1) Gn 1:1-2:2; Ps 104:1-2, Mt 21:1-11 (procession); †Father William A. 36-38 † Father Thomas P. Kane, 89:21-22, 25, 27; Rv 1:5-8; Passion — 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35 (or Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, O’Rourke, 1950; † Father March 10: † Father Robert 1984; March 9: † Father Lk 4:16-21; Mass of the Is 52:13-53:12; Ps 33:4-7, 12-13, 20, 22; 19-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Hubert V. McGinn, 1994 J. Carse, 1950; † Father Ivon A. Esser, 1967 Lord’s Supper — Ex 12:1- Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, (2) Gn 22:1-18; Ps 16:5, 15-17, 25; Heb 4:14-16, Mt 26:14-27:66 Father Ervin Caliente Thomas E. Brantman, Priests of the Sterling 8, 11-14; Ps 116:12-13, 8-11; (3) Ex 14:15-15:1; 5:7-9; Jn18:1-19:42 † Father Robert A. Balog, 2014 Deanery 15-16bc, 17-18; 1 Cor (Ps) Ex 15:1-6, 17-18; cont. Clergy and religious 2018 Order of St. Benedict 11:23-26; Jn 13:1-15 after April 30 readings around the world Father Jonathan Holy Land Franciscans Retired diocesan priests Bakkelund 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Easter Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1- Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-4, Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2ab, Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2, 4, Acts 4:13-21; Ps 118:1, 14- Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Ps 2a, 5, 7-11; Mt 28:8-15 18-20, 22; Jn 20:11-18 6-9; Lk 24:13-35 5-9; Lk 24:35-48 22-27a; Jn 21:1-14 15b, 16-21; Mk 16:9-15 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; Col Priests of the McHenry † Father Patrick A. † Father Henry M. † Father John C. Holdren, † Msgr. John F. Schmitt, Priests of the Elgin 3:1-4 (or 1 Cor 5:6b-8), Deanery McMahon, 1919; † Father Schmitz, 1975 2018 1940; † Father Donald J. Deanery Jn 20:1-9 (or 41; or Lk John P. Dolan, 1977; Father James Keenan Congregation of the Wagener, 2004 24:13-35) † Father J. Philip Reilly, Humility of Mary Father James Canova Priests of the 1990 Rockford Deanery Priests of the Freeport Deanery

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2nd Easter Divine Mercy Acts 4:23-31; Ps 2:1-9; Jn Anselm, bishop, doctor of the Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn George, martyr Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, Mark, Evangelist Acts 2:42-47; Ps 118:2-4, 3:1-8 Church 3:16-21 Adalbert, bishop, martyr martyr 1Pt 5:5b-14; Ps 89:2-3, 6-7, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Pt 1:3-9; Jn Priests of the DeKalb Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; † Father Frank J. Miller, Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27: 1, 4, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20 20:19-31 Deanery Jn 3:7b-15 1965; † Father Emmet W. 17-20; Jn 3:31-36 13-14; Jn 6:1-15 Springfield Dominicans † Father Francis P. † Father Stephen Murphy, 1973 Adrian Dominicans † Father James M. Weber, Heckinger, 1946; † Father Wolfgarten, 1935; † Msgr. Priests of the Aurora 1995; † Father Frank C. C. A. Meehan, 1947 Thomas E. Bales, 2018 Deanery Draude, 1999 Father Karl Ganss Permanent deacons Father Robert Jones

26 27 28 29 30 Holy Saturday Easter Vigil From April 11: (4) Is 54:5-14; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; (5) 3rd Easter Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, Peter Chanel, priest, martyr Catherine of Siena, virgin, Pius V, pope Is 55:1-11; (Ps) Is 12:2-3, 4-6; (6) Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ps Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1- 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Louis Grignion de Montfort, doctor of the Church Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66: 8-9, priest 19:8-11; (7) Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28; Pss 42:3, 5, 43:3-4 (or 2, 5, 7-11; 1 Pt 1:17-21; Lk † Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill, Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 when baptism is celebrated, (Ps) Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 or Acts 7:51-8:1a; Ps 31:3cd- 24:13-35 2013 4-7a; Jn 35-40 Franciscan Sisters of Our Ps 51:12-15, 18-19); (8) Rom 6:3-11; Ps 118:1-2, 16ab- Father Bruce Ludeke Transitional deacons 4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn † Msgr. Joseph A. Lady of Perpetual Help 17, 22-23; (9) Mt 28:1-10 6:30-35 Rzeszotko, 1985 Join the Holy Father in praying for this special † Father Paul Bourke, Lay people of Secular intention this month: 1926 Orders Freedom from Addiction: We pray that those Sinsinawa Dominicans suffering from addiction may be helped and accompanied. — http://popesprayerusa.net/ Zita c. 1218 - 1278 — April 27

At age 12 Zita began working as a domestic in the household of a wealthy weaver in Lucca, Italy, and remained there her entire life. Initially, the devout and punctilious Zita antagonized her fellow servants, and drew the ire of her employers for lavish gifts of food to the poor. But she gradually won over everyone by her goodness, and was put in charge of the house. Later in life, Pray the Stations of the Cross online anytime she spent much time visiting the sick and imprisoned. At her death, she already was acclaimed a at https://usml.edu/digital-stations-of-the- saint in Lucca and her cult spread to England through Lucchese merchants in London. cross-online/

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