September 25, 2020 In This Issue ESSENGER M Serving the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky since 1926

2 ’s Letter: Peter’s Pence collection Annual pro-life extended to parishes due to

Coronavirus report limited in-person capacity at the Cathedral Allegra Thatcher Monthly Holy Hour for Assistant Editor Victims of Abuse Respect Life month normally brings the faithful of the Diocese of Invitation to Pontifical Covington in October together to cel- ebrate a diocesan-wide Mass in honor Honors of the dignity of human life. Like most events, it’s looking a little differ- 3 St. Vincent de Paul thanks ent this year — and possibly reaching volunteers a different and wider audience. The Pro-Life Mass is not only Installation of Father Eric being celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Boelscher: Covington on Oct. 13, but also at each St. Joseph’s new pastor, of the parishes in the diocese at the Crescent Springs same time. Bishop Roger Foys will celebrate 8 New cleaning machines to Mass in the Cathedral Basilica at 7 p.m. with representatives from each parish present. Due to the provide safe environment COVID-19 pandemic, the Mass is not open to all those who would to learn normally attend. However, every parish will be simultaneously cel- ebrating a Mass at 7 p.m. and the faithful are invited to join at their Celebrate safely and 9 Gardener donates flowers parish to pray in union with the entire diocese. simultaneously with Cathedral Mass to senior residents Faye Roch, director of the Pro-Life Office, said the diocese has come together as a community every October since 1996 to kick off You are invited participate in the annual Respect Life month. “While our gathering to celebrate is different Diocese of Covington Pro-Life Mass this year, my prayer is that these beautiful celebrations of the sanc- tity and dignity of life at our diocesan parishes will touch hearts October 13, 2020 7 p.m. and convert minds,” she said. at your home parish The opportunity to celebrate Mass closer to home and with a Moving? Wrong address? to kick off Respect Life month Call the circulation desk, greater seating capacity than usual is one high point amid the (859) 392-1570 changing times, and the Pro-Life Office hopes that more lives may be altered for the better by this year’s changes.

Bishop’s Schedule ...... 3 Commentary ...... 4 Fall Diocesan Pastoral Planning meeting focuses People and Events ...... 11 Classifieds ...... 12 on completing previous goals Did You Know? ...... 13 Allegra Thatcher Shopper’s Guide ...... 14 Assistant Editor News Briefs ...... 15 The first of three annual Deanery Pastoral Council meetings was held Sept. 17 in the Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium. The meeting consisted of diocesan department directors instead of the entire Curia staff due to COVID-19. Jamie Schroeder, chancellor, opened the meeting by explaining this year’s Missed an edition? Current and back process. Normally, the directors would discuss the 2021-2022 objectives for issues of the Messenger are available each department — goals for improving the productivity so as to continue to online at covdio.org/messenger. further the Gospel. They also planned to evaluate the success of the 2019-2020 objectives. Instead of developing new objectives, departments looked at the previous five years to identify objectives that were “incomplete or delayed.” Looking forward, they hope to bring about those projects which may have been put to the side over those years. Bishop Roger Foys thanked everyone for their dedication and help in being flexible during this unpredictable year. “I want to thank you for your service to the Church and especially for your ministry alongside me,” he said. He also prepared staff mem- bers for the possibility that their Thatcher photos objectives might be changed with the arrival of a new bishop for the diocese, since in July he had sub- mitted his retirement letter to Francis. He urged the staff to be open to (Continued on page 12)

(above) Bishop Foys addresses the direc- tors, thanking them for their hard work. (below) Mike Clines, superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Alan Pickett, director, Catholic Charities, take notes on the plans for upcoming department projects. 2 September 25, 2020 Messenger

Coronavirus Report (as of Monday, Sept. 21) September 2020 Positive Cases Active positive cases: 9 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Recovered positive cases: 14 Total ever positive cases: 23 The Peter’s Pence Collection, conducted throughout the Diocese of Covington on the weekend of Self-quarantined October 3 and 4, is an opportunity for the Church around the world to stand in solidarity with victims of war, natural Contacts: 22 disaster and oppression in their time of need. In September and October 2018, violent earthquakes and a tsunami in Close Contacts: 85 Indonesia killed 1,500 and injured thousands more. On the island of Sulawesi, the Mount Soputan volcano erupted

hours after the earthquake, further endangering people already affected by the first disaster. Returned to class after quarantine/self-quarantine: Your generosity to the Peter’s Pence Collection facilitated much-needed support for victims of the Indonesian From Sept. 15– Sept. 21: catastrophes. responded with a contribution of $100,000 to be distributed to those in areas most 44 students (including 20 from affected by the disaster, with a prayer that “the Lord comfort them and support those working in the rescue efforts” St. Thomas School) (Angelus, September 30, 2018). Your contributions help Pope Francis fulfill his prayer that the Church will reach out Total ever: 263 students with acts of mercy. Schools reporting quarantines and self-quarantines: (25 of 39 schools) Please prayerfully consider supporting this year’s collection as an act of mercy and charity. Join with our brothers and Bishop Brossart High School sisters in faith from around the globe to help Pope Francis reach the most marginalized in our world. For more information about the collection, please visit www.usccb.org/peters-pence. Covington Catholic High School Holy Cross Thank you, and may God bless you abundantly. Please, pray for me. Holy Cross District High School Holy Family Devotedly yours in Christ, Newport Central Catholic High “The Christian exists to serve, School Notre Dame Academy not to be served.” St. Henry District High School St. Agnes Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, D.D. — Pope Francis, homily of the Mass at St. Augustine, Covington Bishop of Covington Santa Marta, April 26, 2018 St. Cecilia St. Edward St. Henry St. Joseph, Cold Spring For more information, visit www.usccb.org/peters-pence. St. Joseph, Crescent Springs Thatcher photo St. Mary Holy Hour St. Patrick (left) Father Daniel Schomaker, St. Paul vicar general, led a Holy Hour St. Pius X for Victims of Abuse and for St. Therese the Sanctification of Priests St. Thomas Sept. 17 at the Cathedral St. Timothy Basilica of the Assumption. The priests of the diocese Sts. Peter and Paul gathered to pray and receive Villa Madonna Academy the sacrament of reconcilia- (Schools without students in quarantine tion. The next holy hour will or self-quarantine do not need to report.) be Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.

His Excellency the Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, D.D. and the Diocese of Covington cordially invite you to attend Solemn Vespers celebrating

The Bestowal of Pontifical Honors

on Sunday, 27 September, 2 p.m.

at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption,

Covington Due to COVID-19 protocols, attendance is by ticket admittance only. The general public is invited to virtually join the ceremony via live-stream from the Diocesan website, www.covdio.org. Messenger September 25, 2020 3

St. Vincent de Paul Society thanks dedicated volunteers for service Allegra Thatcher Leardon served the Mass. Assistant Editor After Mass, Bishop Foys installed George The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Everett as Eastern District vice president and Northern Kentucky held its annual Kristen Hildebrand as treasurer. All Vincentians feast day Mass and commitment cere- then renewed their promises to assist the poor. mony Sept. 19 at St. Augustine Parish, Casey Guilfoyle, board president, and Karen Covington. Members gathered to cele- Zengel, executive director, presented awards to brate the Eucharist and be honored for six deserving recipients. They honored jubilari- their years of service, as well as renew ans Norbert DeJaco for 25 years of service and their commitment to helping those in Bill Theis for 20 years. Outgoing board need. members Maria Eichelberger, former secretary The Mass was celebrated by Bishop and Eastern District vice president, and Laurie Roger Foys and concelebrated by Iglesias, former treasurer, were recognized for Father Daniel Schomaker, vicar gener- their service as well. al and pastor, St. Augustine, Father The Norbert F. DeJaco Vincentian Service Ryan Maher, vicar general and Father Award, recognizing a Vincentian who has con- Michael Grady, parochial vicar. sistently gone above and beyond in their service Mike Lyman and John to neighbors in need, went to Dawn Groneck of the St. Thomas Conference. A surprise Thatcher photos award was given to Dennis Coyne, second vice president and former board president, to recognize him for his continued dedicated servant leadership to the Society as he con- tinues to work tirelessly for those in need. Bishop Foys concluded the Mass and service with a blessing of the participants with a relic of St. Vincent de Paul. “I am very grateful to all the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for what they do for God’s people both spiritually and materially,” said Bishop Foys. “They have always been a great help to those in need but never more than now during the pandemic. They give great witness to the Gospel mes- (above) Bishop Foys blesses the congregation with a relic of St. Vincent de Paul. (left) Executive Director Karen sage and give a good example for all of us to Zengel gives awards to recipients. (right) The Vincentians renew their promises to faithfully serve those in need. follow.”

Keener photos New pastor Parishioners of St. Joseph Parish, Crescent Springs, cele- brated, Sept. 19, the installation Bishop’s of their 12th pastor — Father Schedule Eric Boelscher. During the instal- lation ceremony Bishop Roger Foys presented the new pastor Sept. 25 Sept. 30 with symbols of the sacred sta- COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. tions of the church. As Bishop Sept. 26 Episcopal Council meeting, Foys handed Father Boelscher the Mass, Cathedral Basilica of 11 a.m. Gospels, he said, “Father the Assumption, Covington, Oct. 1 Boelscher, at this church’s ambo 4:30 p.m. you will proclaim Christ the way, Diocesan Review Board the truth and the life, in this way Sept. 27 meeting, 10 a.m. Mass, Cathedral Basilica, feeding the faithful of Christ Confirmation, St. Catherine 10 a.m. from the table of His word. Parish, Ft. Thomas, 7 p.m. Believe what you read here, teach Investiture of Papal Honors, Oct. 2 what you believe, and practice Vespers, Cathedral Basilica, COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Covington, 2 p.m. what you teach.” Permanent deacons Sept. 28 rededication, Cathedral Before the final blessing, Father COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Boelscher thanked Bishop Foys Basilica, 6 p.m. for asking him to consider a Sept. 29 Oct. 3 priestly vocation, nurturing that COVID-19 briefing, 9:30 a.m. Mass, Cathedral Basilica, vocation throughout seminary St. Elizabeth Hospital Cancer 4:30 p.m. studies, ordaining him to the Center dedication, 11 a.m. Oct. 4 priesthood and now installing Deans meeting, 1:30 p.m. Mass, Cathedral Basilica, him to his first pastorate. 10 a.m.

The annual Cemetery Visitations, Which normally take place during the month of September, have been restructured due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Instead of public prayer services, Bishop Roger Foys will hold private ceremonies at each cemetery to honor the dead in November. In the publication before the Feast of All Souls, the Messenger will publish a list of names of the dearly departed from the last year. 4 September 25, 2020 Messenger

Truth and the ‘contents of democracy’ — Pope Benedict XVI On April 18, 2005 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the Earlier, in “What is Truth? The Significance of Religious Advocates of this positivist conception of law propose , preached the homily on the opening and Ethical Values in a Pluralistic Society” published in that “humanity or society or indeed the majority of citizens day of the conclave that was convened after the death of 1992, the then Cardinal Ratzinger had observed an in-built is becoming the ultimate source of civil law.” The search for Pope John Paul II. When tension in modern society “between freedom as the existen- power, then, tends to displace the search for the moral good. the conclave closed, tial form of democracy and the contents of democracy (i.e., Pope Benedict XVI traced the roots of this political and Cardinal Ratzinger had law and the good) ...” The ensuing efforts “to discover the legal trend to “ethical relativism, which some see as one of been elected successor to right form of democracy, and indeed of political life as a the principal conditions for democracy since relativism is Pope John Paul II and whole, are struggles to find the right balance in this ten- supposed to guarantee tolerance of a mutual respect for chose the name Benedict sion.” people.” XVI. If such were the case, “the majority of the moment would “Battling a become the ultimate source of law.” ‘Dictatorship of On the contrary, Pope Benedict XVI firmly stated the Relativism’” is the of necessity for grounding civil law and policy in the moral a chapter in John L. Relativism: law: “When the fundamental requirements of human dig- Allen’s “The Rise of nity, of human life, of the family institution, of a fair social Benedict XVI” (2006). order, in other words, basic human rights, are at stake no That phrase was taken ‘The position that law devised by human beings can subvert the law that the from Cardinal Creator engraved on the human heart without the indis- Ratzinger’s homily at the pensable foundations of society itself being dramatically Msgr. Ronald Ketteler conclave. there is no objective truth, affected.” The noted Catholic Without the moral law as a foundation of rights, respect writer and journalist understands then Cardinal Ratzinger’s for the inherent dignity of men and women cannot be ade- concept of “a dictatorship of relativism” as “... a carefully quately defended against “all ideological manipulation and chosen expression of his own theological legacy.” only subjective opinions.’ every kind of arbitrary or abuse by the stronger.” In “Pope Benedict XVI: The Conscience of Our Age: A The thought of Pope Benedict XVI stands in continuity Theological Portrait” (2007), Father Vincent Twomey, S.V.D., Glossary, “U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults,” p. 525. with the teaching of his predecessor Pope John Paul II who constructs an overview of Benedict’s theological corpus. declared in “Centesimus Annus” (“On the Hundredth During the decades after Vatican II, the now Pope- Anniversary of ‘Rerum Novarum,’’” 1991): “As history Emeritus became pastorally and theologically engaged with As a result, the concept of “truth” de facto “has moved demonstrates, a democracy without values easily turns into the rise of secularism and modern political and religious into the zone of anti-democratic intolerance.” The implica- open or thinly disguised totalitarianism.” (CA, n. 46) conditions. In particular, his thought focused on the place of tions of that shift are profound, for the “public good” is Over a decade ago, the Catholic of Kentucky pub- Christianity in modern democratic societies of the West. It reduced to a private matter and the identification of the lished “Reverence for Life ... a Need for ‘A Heart That Sees.’” specifically targeted “the breakdown of society in Europe as good of some groups is “not the truth of society as a whole.” That October 2007 pastoral letter on the right to life opens it collapses into the hole created by the denial of the The fact that modern democratic society is wedded to “a with the comments of Pope Benedict XVI delivered on the Absolute in public life.” relativism” that guarantees civil liberties (especially reli- occasion of his September 2007 visit to Austria. Thus, his theological scholarship over the decades gious freedom) has been a historically positive development His address, “The Fundamental Human Right,” criticized addressed “the pervasive moral relativism that undermines in the political sphere. Nevertheless, a significant question the widespread ethical blindness to the evil of abortion as “a human well-being and erodes human communities” as a cor- about the substance of liberty still remains unresolved: deep wound in society.” In a prophetic defense of the funda- rective to the political and cultural pluralism developing in a “Must there not be a nonrelativistic kernel in democracy mental right to life, the Holy Father states: “I am acting as post-Christian era. too?” After all, democracy has the responsibility to uphold an advocate for a profoundly human need, speaking out on Again, George Weigel of the Ethics and Public Policy the inviolable human rights of its citizens, rights that consti- behalf of unborn children who have no voice. I do not close Center penned a trenchant commentary on the Holy Father’s tute “the very substance of tolerance and freedom.” my eyes to the difficulties and conflicts that many women theological writings in “God’s Choice: Pope Benedict XVI Ethical truth must be an essential component of demo- are experiencing, and I realize that the credibility of what and the Future of the ” (2005). In particular, cratic life. In effect, the nub of the tension between a legiti- we say also depends on what the Church is doing to help the author refers to Cardinal Ratzinger’s 2005 homily in the mate relativism needed for democratic co-existence and “the women in trouble.” “Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff.” contents of democracy” revolves around setting limits to tol- In that address to diplomats and government leaders, the In this regard, Weigel’s exegesis clearly unpacks the erance. Holy Father also identified threats against human life in meaning of “a dictatorship of relativism”: “For if there is Cardinal Ratzinger concluded that the purpose of govern- movements which advocate “actively assisted death” only ‘your truth’ and ‘my truth’ and nothing we can under- ment is not to establish “a freedom without contents.” (euthanasia). stand and share as the truth, then how are we to defend the Rather, if a state is to sustain viability and good order, there At the same time, as the pastoral letter points out, the civilizational accomplishment of the West, particularly in its must exist “a minimum of truth, of knowledge of the good, Holy Father in his closing remarks acknowledged “an eccle- public expressions ...?” that cannot be manipulated.” sial task of service to the needs of women and their children Weigel sums up key factors essential to public expres- In this regard, an insight of St. Augustine is invoked, as well as the pursuit of justice in the political order — a jus- sions of Western civilization, namely, “the rule of law and namely, that a society which lacks the foundation of substan- tice inspired by charity.” equality before the law; tolerance and civility; religious free- tive truth at its core “will sink to the level of a smoothly In this context, “Reverence for Life: A Need for ‘A Heart dom and the legitimate rights of conscience; [and] the functioning band of robbers.” Without such a core, the polit- That Sees’” set forth the distinctive teaching of Pope method of persuasion in politics and self-governance.” ical community would be defined on purely functional Benedict XVI on the mission of the Church in the socio- Undoubtedly, in recent decades, Pope Benedict XVI had terms, “not on the basis of that justice which is good for political order. In his inaugural , “Deus Caritas become a prominent voice in the defense of religious and everyone.” Est” (“God is Love,” 2005), Benedict XVI conceives the ethical values as the foundation of democracy. In a similar vein of thought, Cardinal Ratzinger’s theo- Church’s ecclesial mission to promote a just ordering of For example, Cardinal Ratzinger participated with logical vision upheld the link between authentic democratic society not as an immediate but as indirect political task, Jurgen Habermas in a 2004 academic dialogue which freedom and ethical values in other chapters of his 2006 that is, by providing an “understanding of the requirements explored the implications of secularization and the role of “Values in a Time of Upheaval” — “Freedom, Law, and the of justice” and the political embodiment of those moral reason and faith. His paper was entitled “That Which Holds Good: Moral Principles in Democratic Societies” and “To demands by means of “the purification of reason and the World Together,” a treatment of the theme of “the pre- Change or to Preserve? Political Visions and Political through ethical formation.” (DCE, n. 28) political moral foundations of a free state.” Praxis.” [Note: George Weigel’s current study, “The Irony of The enactment of unjust laws by “majority principle” or On Oct. 5, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the Modern Catholic History” (2019), synthesizes Pope “majority rule” is problematic. Unjust laws trigger questions Vatican’s International Theological Commission at its annu- Benedict’s theme of “the dictatorship of relativism” as the about the ethical foundations of the civil law, namely, al plenary meeting. The natural moral law is an area of Church’s challenge to modernity in the third millennium: a whether “there is something that can never become law but Church teaching to be studied by the ITC. call “to live up to its highest aspirations by strengthening its always remains an injustice.” In other words, issues arise as His speech, “The Primacy of the Natural Moral Law,” moral and cultural foundations, which were beginning to to whether there are human values and rights which by stressed the significant implications of the natural moral crumble.” … (pp. 214-224)] nature constitute an inalienable law, “something that is law for the civil and social order. Legal positivism denies Msgr. Ronald Ketteler is director of ecumenism, episcopal antecedent to every majority decision and must be respected accountability to “a higher law”; it is an ideology which liaison to the Messenger and professor of theology at Thomas by all such decisions.” equates morality with the civil law. More University. Messenger September 25, 2020 5

Obedience is THE … The providential demise of the unpopular way Evelyn Waugh’s Catholic traditionalism was so deep, to protect the pope’s independence) created by the 1929 Very few people are willing to consider that the “unpopu- broad and intense that self-identified “traditional . larity” — and thus the multitudes currently not practicing Catholics” today might seem, in comparison, like the edi- About a year ago, I was lecturing on my book, “The their discipleship of — of Christianity in the affluent torial staff of the National Catholic Reporter. Yet the Irony of Modern Catholic History,” and suggested that Western world is simple to understand, if not easy to remedy. greatest of 20th century English prose stylists held what the loss of the Papal States had been the best thing to While we can point to many discouraging events that have some Catholic traditionalists (notably the “new integral- happen to the papacy in an often-brutal 19th century. It wounded the credibility of ists”) would regard as had liberated the pope to be a powerful voice of moral the Church and damaged unsound views on the witness and persuasion in the world, unencumbered by her integral witness, let us demise of the Papal States the sometimes shabby compromises inherent in govern- not forget just how passé the — a lengthy historical ing a state and playing European power politics. That virtues of humility and obe- drama on which the cur- moral power had been demonstrated in many ways, I dience — virtues intrinsic tain rang down 150 years said, not least by John Paul II’s pivotal role in the collapse to discipleship — are. To ago this month. of European communism: a role he certainly could not sum up, humility and obedi- In the third volume of have played as the autocratic ruler of a large swath of ence are out — self-will and Waugh’s “Sword of Honor” central . preference fulfillment are trilogy, the novels’ protago- There were a few of the new integralists in the audi- in. nist, Guy Crouchback, ence that night. I noticed them quietly nudging each I was pondering the makes Italy’s surrender in other, perhaps whispering behind their hands, “There he thought offered by the psy- World War II and King goes again.” chologist and public intel- Victor Emmanuel III’s Well, here I go again, again. lectual, Jordan B. Peterson, flight from the occa- The loss of the Papal States was a great boon to the sion to lament, to his papacy and to the Church’s evangelical mission, and for Father Phillip DeVous when he said: “If you act in George Weigel truth, the order you produce father, the papacy’s acqui- several reasons. Civil governance of a considerable terri- is good regardless of how it appears.” escence to its loss of the Papal States: “[This] looks like tory by a clerical caste had, over time, proven an obstacle I believe Dr. Peterson to be making an eminently Christian the end of the Piedmontese usurpation. What a mistake to Catholicism’s evangelical, catechetical, and sanctifying point, a thought put before us by the Gospel wherein we the Lateran Treaty was … How much better would it have missions. In the popular mind, an authoritarian political encounter an obstinate son who does not “feel” like working been if the had sat it out and then emerged saying, regime — the Papal States — was identified with “the in the vineyard as his father commanded and his people- ‘What was that all about? Risorgimento? Garibaldi? Church.” That was not only theologically dubious; such a pleasing sibling who lies for the purposes of vainglory. Cavour? The House of Savoy? Mussolini? Just some close identification had corrosive spiritual effects, as cler- The first son brusquely refuses to do as his father com- hooligans from out of town causing a disturbance…’” ical corruption and incompetence made preaching the mands, but later repents and gets to work. Whatever his To which Gervase Crouchback, a man of insight Gospel in an increasingly secular environment even weaknesses, clearly this man believes in doing what is right informed by deep piety, replies in a letter: “Of course in more difficult. Moreover, the very fact of clerical mayors and eventually gets around to rolling up his sleeves and doing the 1870s and 1880s every decent Roman disliked the and governors undercut the Church’s teaching that the what is commanded. Because his father says so. His pride — Piedmontese … And of course most of the [Catholics] we priest is an icon of the eternal priesthood of Jesus “I will do as I feel and what I want” — is overcome with know kept it up, sulking. But that isn’t the Church. The Christ, who, in John 6:15, flatly rejected temporal king- humility. That humility spurs him on to obedience to the good Mystical Body doesn’t strike attitudes and stand on its ship. To make matters worse, the pope, as absolute order that it is his father’s right to announce and enforce. The dignity … When you spoke of the Lateran Treaty did you monarch of a Grade-D European power, too often found churlish son — turned humble and obedient servant of his consider how many souls may have been reconciled and himself in the position of having to make an internation- father — receives the reward for conforming to what is true have died at peace as a result of it? How many children al alliance with one Catholic country against other and doing what is good in this matter — the will of his father. may have been brought up in the faith who might have Catholic countries — thereby compromising his primary How often do we as Catholics experience moments where- lived in ignorance?” mission as universal pastor of the Church. in we do not want to do what the Gospel commands? Or live The “Piedmontese” — the forces of the Kingdom of Catholicism is blessedly rid of all that. The sesquicen- what the Church teaches authoritatively? How often do we Italy led by the House of Savoy — seized control of Rome tennial of the end of the Papal States is a moment to pon- initially say “no” because we find some teaching too demand- on September 20, 1870, and Pope Pius IX retired behind der the workings of divine providence in history, includ- ing, inconvenient or “out-of-step” with the times and our pref- the Leonine Wall as the “prisoner of the Vatican.” As a ing the divine capacity to write straight with what may erences and fleeting feelings? I suspect we all have these result, many of Europe’s great and good thought seem, at the time, crooked lines. It certainly isn’t an occa- “obstinate son” moments, but to adapt a thought from St. Catholicism finished as a force in human affairs. More sion for grief. John Henry Newman, 10,000 temptations to disobedience do fools they — and more foolish still those who, today, George Weigel is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public not make one disobedient. mourn the loss of papal sovereignty over a much larger Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Then we have the other son — a people pleaser, who tells territory than the micro-state of (essential his father what his father wants to hear in order to get a short-term gain — the immediate approval of his father. Though he has no intention of doing his father’s will, he ‘Just be there’ wants the reward of appearing to do his father’s will. This Somewhere along the way, I ran across a fascinating the night noises of the hospital — the clanking of the oxy- son is one of those people who believes the “truth” is what story about a marine, a caring nurse and a dying man. gen tank, the laughter of the night staff members exchang- gets you what you want — a pragmatist! “Sometimes things happen that just make you wonder.” So ing greetings, the cries and moans of the other patients. I have heard quite a few Catholics indicate to me that they said “Tommy,” the internet author, in his introductory Now and then she heard him say a few gentle words. The were going through some form of the “motions” of the faith, piece. Here is the story: dying man said nothing, only held tightly to his son all but they no longer really believed what we understand to be “A nurse took the tired, through the night. Along towards the dawn, the old man the core doctrinal and moral teachings of the Gospel and anxious serviceman to the died. The Marine released the now lifeless hand he had taught by the Church. Very often they expressed some ver- bedside. ‘Your son is here,’ been holding and went to tell the nurse. While she did what sion of the feeling of “just not getting anything out” of what she told the old man. She she had to do, he waited. the Church teaches anymore. had to repeat the words sev- “Finally, she returned. She started to offer words of That puts me in mind of the thought expressed by the emi- eral times before the sympathy, but the Marine interrupted her. nent Italian theologian, Father Mauro Gagliardi, in his book, patient’s eyes opened. ‘Who was that man?’ he asked. ‘He was your father,’ she “Truth is a Synthesis.” He writes, “the Faith needs to be Heavily sedated because of answered. ‘No, he wasn’t,’ the Marine replied. ‘I never saw preached for the Faith — for the enjoyment and the need to the pain of his heart attack, him before in my life.’ ‘Then why didn’t you say something make the Divine Truth known …” I am also reminded of that he dimly saw the young, when I took you to him?’ she asked. ‘I knew right away clear statement of then-Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 to the uniformed Marine standing there had been a mistake, but I also knew he needed his members of the International Theological Commission, “… outside the oxygen tent. He son, and his son wasn’t here. When I realized that he was the Church is at the service of truth and Her guidance is an reached out his hand. The too sick to tell whether or not I was his son, knowing how education in truth.” Marine wrapped his tough- much he needed me, I stayed.’ I came here tonight to find a To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to do what the Lord Ray Smith ened fingers around the old Mr. William Grey. His son was killed in Iraq today and I commands and what his Church teaches as essential to salva- man’s limp ones, squeezing was sent to inform him. What was this gentleman’s name?’ tion because they are true and good in themselves. We do it a message of love and encouragement. The nurse, with tears in her eyes, answered, ‘Mr. not “out of selfishness or vainglory … not for one’s own inter- “The nurse brought a chair so that the Marine could sit William Grey.’” ests” but because it is true and holy. As the Psalmist forth- beside the bed. All through the night the young Marine sat If there is a moral to this remarkable story, try this on rightly reminds us, “Good and upright is the Lord; thus he there in the poorly lighted ward, holding the old man’s for size. The next time someone needs you — just be there. shows sinners the way. He guides the humble to justice and hand and offering him words of love and strength. Stay. teaches the humble HIS way.” Occasionally, the nurse suggested that the Marine move In mid-1995, while still in my three-times-a-week aero- Father Phillip W. DeVous is the pastor of St. Charles Parish, away and rest awhile. He refused. Whenever the nurse Flemingsburg, and St. Rose of Lima Parish, Mayslick, Ky. came into the ward, the Marine was oblivious of her and (Continued on page 12)

Messenger September 25, 2020 7

Vatican reaffirms, clarifies Church teachings on end-of-life care Carol Glatz should avoid any gesture, such as remaining until the euthanasia “On the other hand, in some health care settings, concerns Catholic News Service is performed, that could be interpreted as approval of this have recently arisen about the widely reported abuse of such pro- VATICAN CITY — With the legalization of assisted suicide action.” tocols viewed in a euthanistic perspective with the result that nei- and euthanasia in many countries, and questions concerning Chaplains, too, must show care “in the health care systems ther patients nor families are consulted in final decisions about what is morally permissible regarding end-of-life care, the where euthanasia is practiced, for they must not give scandal by care,” it said. Vatican’s doctrinal office released a 25-page letter offering “a behaving in a manner that makes them complicit in the termina- “This happens above all in the countries where, with the moral and practical clarification” on the care of vulnerable tion of human life,” the letter said. legalization of euthanasia, wide margins of ambiguity are left patients. open in end-of-life law regarding the meaning of obligations “The Church is convinced of the necessity to reaf- to provide care.” firm as definitive teaching that euthanasia is a crime The Church, however, “is obliged to intervene in order to against human life because, in this act, one chooses exclude once again all ambiguity in the teaching of the mag- directly to cause the death of another innocent human isterium concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide, even being,” the document said. where these practices have been legalized,” it said. Titled, “‘Samaritanus bonus,’ on the Care of Euthanasia involves “an action or an omission which of Persons in the Critical and Terminal Phases of Life,” itself or by intention causes death, in order that all pain may the letter by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the in this way be eliminated.” Faith was approved by Pope Francis in June, and Its definition depends on “the intention of the will and in released to the public Sept. 22. the methods used,” it added. A new, “systematic pronouncement by the ” The letter reaffirmed that “any formal or immediate was deemed necessary given a growing, global trend in material cooperation in such an act is a grave sin against legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide, and chang- human life,” making euthanasia “an act of homicide that no ing attitudes and rules that harm the dignity of vulner- end can justify and that does not tolerate any form of com- able patients, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, congregation pre- plicity or active or passive collaboration.” fect, said at a Vatican news conference Sept. 22. For that reason, “those who approve laws of euthanasia It was also necessary to reaffirm Church teaching and assisted suicide, therefore, become accomplices of a regarding the administration of the sacraments to and grave sin that others will execute. They are also guilty of pastoral care of patients who expressly request a med- scandal because by such laws they contribute to the distor- ical end to their life, he said. tion of conscience, even among the faithful.” “In order to receive absolution in the sacrament of The letter also underlined a patient’s right to decline penance, as well as with the anointing of the sick and aggressive medical treatment and “die with the greatest pos- the viaticum,” he said, the patients must demonstrate sible serenity and with one’s proper human and Christian their intention to reverse their decision to end their life dignity intact” when approaching the natural end of life. and to cancel their registration with any group appoint- “The renunciation of treatments that would only provide ed to grant their desire for euthanasia or assisted sui- a precarious and painful prolongation of life can also mean cide. respect for the will of the dying person as expressed in In the letter’s section on “Pastoral discernment advanced directives for treatment, excluding however every toward those who request euthanasia or assisted sui- CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz act of a euthanistic or suicidal nature,” it said. A patient is pictured in a file photo chatting with a nun at Rosary Hill Home, a cide,” it said a “priest could administer the sacraments However, it also underlined the rights of physicians as Dominican-run facility in Hawthorne, N.Y., that provides palliative care to people to an unconscious person ‘sub condicione’ if, on the never being “a mere executor of the will of patients or their with incurable cancer and have financial need. basis of some signal given by the patient beforehand, he legal representatives, but retains the right and obligation to can presume his or her repentance.” Another warning in the letter regarded medical end-of-life withdraw at will from any course of action contrary to the moral The Church’s ministers can still accompany patients who protocols, such as “do not resuscitate orders” or “physician good discerned by conscience.” have made these end-of-life directives, it added, by showing “a orders for life-sustaining treatment” and any of their variations. Other aspects of end-of-life care the letter detailed included: willingness to listen and to help, together with a deeper explana- These protocols “were initially thought of as instruments to the obligation to provide basic care of nutrition and hydration; tion of the nature of the sacrament, in order to provide the oppor- avoid aggressive medical treatment in the terminal phases of life. the need for holistic palliative care; support for families and hos- tunity to desire and choose the sacrament up to the last moment.” Today, these protocols cause serious problems regarding the duty pice care; the required accompaniment and care for unborn and It is important to carefully look for “adequate signs of conver- to protect the life of patients in the most critical stages of sick- newly-born children diagnosed with a terminal disease; the use sion, so that the faithful can reasonably ask for the reception of ness,” it said. of “deep palliative sedation”; obligation of care for patients in a the sacraments. To delay absolution is a medicinal act of the On the one hand, it said, “medical staff feel increasingly “vegetative state” or with minimal consciousness; and conscien- Church, intended not to condemn, but to lead the sinner to con- bound by the self-determination expressed in patient declara- tious objection by health care workers. version,” it said. tions that deprive physicians of their freedom and duty to safe- However, it added, “those who spiritually assist these persons guard life even where they could do so.” Religious voters’ support for 2020 nominees mirrors past elections Kurt Jensen While the economy led Utah. Catholic News Service all concerns, closely relat- But Trump’s campaign, in her view, is doing the better job WASHINGTON — Support for ed to abortion is the issue with voters who identify as religious, hammering home the mes- Republican President Donald Trump of the appointment of sage “that this man is going to defend you. Either in court, or and Democratic presidential nominee Supreme Court justices — with policies. “He’s truly lived up to his promises of the last four Joe Biden from voters who identify as a bigger issue for years on issues such as religious freedom,” Dallas said. religious appears to adhere to earlier pat- Catholics (69 percent), Faith outreach “probably played a big role on why Biden is the terns, a Pew researcher told a Georgetown University panel Sept. closely followed by white evangelicals (67 percent), Hispanic nominee to begin with,” said Jack Jenkins, a national reporter 15. Catholics (64 percent) and Black Protestants (58 percent). for Religion News Service. After hiring an outreach director According to recent Pew Research Center polling, 59 percent Carl Cannon, the Washington bureau chief of specifically to address Black Protestants, “it’s why he won of white Catholics say they’re voting for Trump, with 40 percent RealClearPolitics, described Trump as “unchurched — in a very resoundingly” in the South Carolina primary, which made him supporting Biden. Hispanic Catholics shift the other direction, literal way.” the presumptive nominee long before the Democratic National favoring Biden 65 percent. Biden, by contrast, “doesn’t have to do much to remind people Convention. Ninety-two percent of Black Protestants say they’re voting he’s Catholic. He is Catholic. He crosses himself, he makes these Biden’s “faith as a person” is something likely to be “trumpet- for Biden, and as for Trump, 83 percent of white evangelicals say religious allusions, and Donald Trump wants to say, ‘But he’s not ed” until Election Day, he predicted. they’re either voting for him or leaning in his direction. really a Christian.’” “We’ve never had a president quite like this president when it Abortion, survey results indicate, is a more important issue Cannon pointed out, “Trump knows, at least his campaign came to his own personal faith journey,” Cannon said. “This is a for white evangelicals (61 percent) than for white Catholics (38 knows, strongly religious Christians favor the Republican Party,” guy who said he doesn’t forgive his enemies. He said that recently percent), Hispanic Catholics (39 percent) or Black Protestants (33 and further, “knows that devout Catholics back him.” at the National Prayer Breakfast. Think about that for a minute.” percent). The response on abortion trailed the COVID-19 pandem- From that standpoint, he said, the bad news for Biden is, even The Republicans, as a result, aren’t trying to portray Trump ic, foreign policy, immigration and climate change as top election though that group identifying as “devout” — daily Mass atten- as a man of faith, but rather are saying to evangelicals and con- issues. dance, regular recitation of the rosary — may be a minority of servative Catholics, “he’s your champion,” Cannon said. Former Vice President Biden and his running mate, Sen. Catholics, “they’re the most motivated voters.” “From evangelicals,” he added, “you could conclude that 90 Kamala Harris, both support legalized abortion. Trump and Vice Although both campaigns are dedicated to religious outreach, percent of people make their decision based on abortion, and we President Mike Pence both oppose abortion and would like to see unlike Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2016, the Democrats are know that’s not true.” the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized “clearly very dedicated to their religious outreach work,” said “I would argue that character, perhaps, is one of the biggest abortion on demand, reversed. Kelsey Dallas, national religion reporter for the Deseret News in issues on the ballot right now,” Scott said. 8 September 25, 2020 Messenger

New cleaning machines to provide safe environment to learn Allegra Thatcher ed to help as many schools as possible and staff to get the common areas better,” he Assistant Editor included in the grant a provision that the said. The solution is only applied once a Diocesan schools are taking extra measures to ensure equipment and solution would be shared month, which will allow each school the confidence in sanitization this year, with a little help from with nine other neighboring schools. HCF time to use the equipment effectively. “It the grant committee. St. Cecilia School, Independence, provided the diocese with $4,209.30 to pur- will give us even more confidence that our recently applied for a grant that will allow not only them but chase the machines and solution. building is even more sanitized than it has also nine other Catholic schools in the diocese access to two The schools benefiting include: been.” electrostatic sprayers and 10 cases of solution for quick and Blessed Sacrament School, Ft. Mitchell; “We’re extremely thankful to Horizon long-lasting disinfection of the school building. Covington Latin School, Covington; Holy for their providing the grant and their sup- Kenny Collopy, principal, St. Cecilia School, said opera- Cross School, Latonia; Holy Family port of our school, helping keep us safe,” he tionally everything is taking longer this year. “We’re sani- School, Covington; Holy Trinity School, said. “We’re also very grateful for our tizing rooms between class periods and it’s constant clean- Bellevue; Prince of Peace School, school board, which is made up of parents, ing of surfaces,” he said. Covington; St. Agnes School, Ft. Wright; and Karen Schultz and her efforts with our Their maintenance crew is one person, which led Mr. St. Anthony School, Taylor Mill; St. grant writing … keeping our students and Collopy and his staff searching for ways to save time and Augustine School, Covington and St. staff as safe as possible.” make cleaning easier. Their school board has a new branch Cecilia School. this year that focuses on grant writing. It’s a sub-committee Mr. Collopy said so far, St. Cecilia Schools in the Diocese of Covington have been using machines like of the school board that researches grants and looks for School has been using two different solu- this one to disinfect surfaces and provide a safe and healthy environ- opportunities. tions: one that is spray and leave on, and ment. (left) Mrs. Hatter works hard to ensure that surfaces are disin- The branch, led by Karen Schultz, found that the school one that requires a wipe down. The fected and that students have a great experience in the cafeteria at qualified for a grant from Horizon Community Fund for the machines will eliminate the need for the Holy Cross School, Latonia. With the new electrostatic sprayer sprayers, and they applied and were chosen. The HCF want- wipe down, “so it allows our maintenance machines, staff will save time cleaning or wiping down surfaces. Vatican-China agreement: Secretary Pompeo enters the debate Cindy Wooden process and walking away from the table because the other The Vatican, which tried repeatedly over decades to Catholic News Service side does not give you everything you want at the beginning begin an official dialogue with China, has never pretended VATICAN CITY — About 10 days before he was expected is more akin to attempting a business transaction than dia- the country had a sterling human rights record. in Rome, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that logue. “With China, our current interest is to normalize the life the Vatican “endangers its moral authority” by considering “This agreement is the fruit of 30 years’ work; we’re not of the church as much as possible, to ensure that the church an extension of its 2018 agreement with China on the nomi- going to just rip it up,” another Vatican official said, asking can live a normal life, which for the Catholic Church means nation of bishops. that his name not be used. also having relations with the Holy See and the pope,” Pompeo’s tweet Sept. 19 linked to an article he wrote for He said the Vatican was surprised that Pompeo’s article Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, told the magazine First Things asking the Vatican to use its in First Things was “so substantial,” detailing situations of reporters Sept. 14. “moral witness and authority in support of China’s reli- alleged violations of human rights. Although the Vatican also is concerned with issues such gious believers.” But even more, he said, “we were surprised given that as “peaceful coexistence and overcoming tensions,” the cur- “Vatican diplomats are meeting this month with their he’s coming here at the end of the month and we expected to rent agreement is focused on the “ecclesiastical issue” of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) counterparts to negotiate have substantial discussions on this. It’s not the approach bishop appointments, the cardinal said. the renewal of a two-year-old provisional agreement most diplomats would take” when setting an agenda for a The Vatican official who spoke to CNS said the Vatican between the Holy See and China. The terms of that pact have high-level meeting. believes, “quite seriously, that ours is a technical agreement never been publicly disclosed; but the church’s hope was Calling Pompeo’s article and tweet “megaphone diploma- on the appointment of bishops. We hope it would help the that it would improve the condition of Catholics in China by cy,” he said that it was not completely unusual for the Trump Catholics there.” reaching agreement with the Chinese regime on the appoint- Administration. “Dialogue — that’s the only tool at our disposal,” he said, ment of bishops, the traditional stewards of the faith in local At the same time, he said, the Vatican does not believe it contrasting the Vatican’s position with that of nations who communities,” Pompeo wrote in the article. is “just rhetoric,” citing Pompeo’s allegations of the forced can use weapons or financial deals to sway another country. He summarized his point in the tweet, saying “the CCP’s sterilization of Muslims in Xinjiang, a region where there The Vatican negotiators do “raise the various human abuse of the faithful has only gotten worse. The Vatican are few Catholics, so the Vatican has no direct information. rights issues that impact the Catholic Church,” including endangers its moral authority, should it renew the deal.” Many observers in the Italian press saw Pompeo’s tweet the mistreatment or detainment of priests and bishops but The Vatican did not publicly respond to Pompeo’s tweet and article as more partisan politics than diplomacy. have not had great success in that area, he said. However, the or article. The Italian journalist Gianni Riotta tweeted in Italian, agreement about bishops was built over decades and the “If the Holy See made such a comment about U.S. rela- “How does Secretary of State Pompeo prepare for a summit Vatican plans to persist, even if the going is slow. tions with a state, I can’t imagine Secretary Pompeo would at the Vatican with @Pontifex? Attacking him on China. Will In the to a 2019 book on the agreement, Cardinal be happy,” a former Vatican official, not authorized to speak this muscular approach work with the church of Francis? Parolin quoted retired Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 letter to on the record, told Catholic News Service Sept. 21. No.” Chinese Catholics: “The solution to existing problems can- He also pointed out that the Holy See’s negotiations and Australian Mark Coleridge of Brisbane not be pursued via an ongoing conflict with the legitimate agreement are with the Chinese government, not the replied to Riotta’s tweet by saying, “Nor will an attempt to civil authorities; at the same time, though, compliance with Chinese Communist Party, as Pompeo suggested. Arguing pressgang the Holy See into a questionable domestic politi- those authorities is not acceptable when they interfere they are one and the same would be like claiming treaties cal/electoral agenda playing itself out on the international unduly in matters regarding the faith and discipline of the negotiated with the Trump administration “were with the stage.” church.” Republican Party. It makes no sense.” Maria Antonietta Calabro, writing in the Italian “This is the path followed today as well in relations with As for the heart of Pompeo’s argument — that the agree- HuffPost, said that in his run for reelection, Trump “has tar- the People’s Republic of China,” Cardinal Parolin wrote. ment has not ended persecution of Catholics in China — the geted the Catholic electoral base, which could make the dif- The Vatican has initiated “historic processes that may not former official agreed, but pointed out that the situation for ference,” especially because part of U.S. Catholicism, she immediately bring the desired results,” but it knows “the Catholics varies “depending on the province they live in. For wrote, “is often strongly critical of Pope Francis.” definitive solution to complex problems requires time and some, it is better. For others, it’s the same. And, unfortunate- But the heart of Pompeo’s article in First Things was trust.” ly, for some, it’s worse.” China’s ongoing violations of human rights and, especially, But the Vatican always has insisted that dialogue is a of religious freedom. Messenger September 25, 2020 9

‘You are my beauty’ gardener tells seniors Allegra Thatcher even then it’s hard for her to pick whom to see Assistant Editor because she loves them all. She’s called to say hello, Eight flower arrangements and a cardboard sign but she always feels bad walking away without — it wasn’t your average nursing home delivery. sharing anything with them. Bonnie Rust, a cultivator of exquisite flowers, “I was really depressed this year, missing those enters flower displays every year in the Alexandria people and missing the fair,” she said. So she Kentucky Fair. She enters all the categories and has brought her fair flowers to the home, accompanied a wonderful time bringing joy to others by her hard by a sign that read: “Flower Exhibit, Brought to you work gardening. by Bonnie Rust. To all my friends that work and live Mrs. Rust, who attends St. Joseph Parish, Cold at the Ft. Thomas CareSpring Nursing Home. Look Spring, knew she’d have to do something different for the beauty — you are my beauty.” this year since she couldn’t enter them in the fair. So “It about broke my heart, they put the sign up she gathered up eight flower arrangements and and all the flowers on display in the activity room,” took them to her friends at Highlandspring Nursing she said. “After I left there, I thought ‘If there’s noth- Home, Ft. Thomas. ing else I do good in my life, at least I enjoyed that.’” It wasn’t simply an act of goodwill to strangers Mrs. Rust’s flowers are much more than a hobby — Mrs. Rust knows all the residents and workers to her. She said there’s so much more involved in because she has been visiting the home once or growing the flower than the flower it produces, twice a week since her sister-in-law came to live because “behind every flower is a story and behind there. She lets them know what’s going on in the everything that comes out of the earth is a story. world, brings her flowers to them and tells them “Sharing these stories with these people… some- gardening stories. body could have given me a million dollars and the “I tell them everything I do in the outside world,” stories that we share… I could never get out of said Mrs. Rust. “I bring the stories in because money what I get from them,” she said. they’re confined there most of the time. They love Mrs. Rust makes it her mission to touch the stories.” the hearts of others by the work of her hands Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United in the garden, and she’s doing that one bou- States in March, Mrs. Rust hasn’t seen most of quet at a time. “The beauty of these flowers, I them. She has done a few of the window visits, but want to give them to the world,” she said. The mystery of the interesting weed Bonnie Rust usual flower, I thought I would still enter you Mrs. Rust grows a large garden of flowers every and a couple paragraphs about you into the year and enters them in the Alexandria Kentucky fair. (above and below) Bonnie Rust grows Fair. She tells stories like this one to the residents of Along came August and the Alexandria flowers to create bouquets for others to Highlandspring Nursing Home, Ft. Thomas every Kentucky Fair. Pulling into the field to park, share the joy of their beauty. week to give them an idea of what gardening is like I was excited to check on my entries. The sun (left) Mrs. Rust at the Alexandria for her. was beaming down on the shiny red metal Kentucky Fair in 2019. Weed, I found you in my garden as a seedling in roof of the exhibit hall. There I could see early spring. I thought you could be an interesting rows of fresh vegetables, giant pumpkins, wild flower so I transferred you to a pot and began fresh baked goods, quilts and more. Then, of caring for you. I covered your roots with the best course, the rows of beautiful flowers: dahlias, soil, watered you and gave you plant food. When the zinnias, sunflowers and roses in colorful lines. I sun would get too hot, I moved your pot under the then came upon the potted plant section and there shade of my old oak. I enjoyed watching you grow sat my Mugwort plant amongst all the other distin- and thought depending on what flower you turn guished entries — with a shiny ribbon hung from into, maybe I could enter you into the Alexandria the pot. Kentucky Fair. Being an avid gardener over the years, I have In an effort to figure out what kind of plant you entered many beautiful flowers, and I have to say were, I took you to the Campbell County Extension that you, Mugwort, brought more joy, laughter and Garden Center. They referred me to horticulturalist history into people’s lives than most flowers. This Dr. Maggie Whitson from Northern Kentucky mysterious plant taught me something special: that University, and she identified you as a Mugwort in the corners of the garden there’s all sorts of plant. With some research, she and I (along with my interesting things to be learned. We have to discover son) discovered your rich but diverse and unique the beauty in those nooks and crannies of the gar- history. den and share it. You might appear as boring com- Possibly an herb, or maybe a weed, or maybe a pared to the flowers, but you and I both know that little of both. In Roman times you were planted near beauty is within and it’s what’s inside that we hold roadsides and worn in the shoes of weary travelers dear. It’s our job to look for and uncover beauty that for their long journeys. St. John the Baptist was exists in the world, to find something interesting even renowned to have worn you during his life. and moving. Your common name originates from Old English Thanks for the memory, Mugwort plant. What’s and from being used to flavor mugs and their in store for you now that the fair is over? I guess drinks, most notably beer before the use of hops. we’ll take you home and plant you under the oak So even though, Mugwort, you were far from the tree and see what we can find next spring. Rust and Thatcher photos

“Specializing in residential and commercial plumbing repair parts” Specialized Plumbing Parts Supply Inc.

921 Dudley Road Edgewood, KY 41017 (859) 341-6666 We now stock a complete line of home health aides that include elevated toilet seats, grab bars and personal showers.

Messenger September 25, 2020 11

The October prayer intention for evangeliza- tion, as recommended by Pope Francis, is for Newsworthy the laity’s mission in the Church — that by the virtue of baptism, the laity, especially women, Seventy recent graduates from diocesan high schools have been Holy Cross High School: Luke Dreas, Allison Ehlman, Emma may participate more in areas of responsibility named Senator Jeff Green Scholars by the Kentucky Higher Lehmkuhl, Evah-Marie Lemma, Grace Martin. in the Church. Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). To earn this honor, a stu- Newport Central Catholic High School: Grace Kessen, Jonah dent must achieve a 4.0 grade point average each year of high Krebs, Olivia Whitehead. St. Elizabeth annual Infant Memorial Service, school and score at least a 28 composite on the ACT. These students Sept. 27, 2 p.m., will be a virtual event this year. have also earned Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship Notre Dame Academy: Olivia Allender, Caroline Barlage, Ellen For information or to register for the virtual (KEES) awards, which they can use to continue their education Barlage, Kirsten Carle, Erin Cody, Chloe Collins, Ella David, event, visit stelizabeth.com/infantloss or call beyond high school. Julia Day, Kyla Graves, Katherine Hail, Grace Kramer, Kathryn Magary, Laura Neltner, Serena Paterno, Madeline St. Elizabeth Pastoral Care, (859) 301-2095. Students who earned this honor were: Prospero, Alana Ratterman, Maleah Rensing, Lucy Teller, Bishop Brossart High School: Abby Cook, Lily Cropenbaker, Gabrielle Weber, Grace Winstel, Gracyn Wyman, Lauren Zalla. Youth Rosary Day, Oct. 3, Our Lady’s Farm, Maggie Finn, Michelle Goderwis, Hannah Phirman, Kalista Falmouth. Rosary at 11 a.m., Mass follows. St. Henry District High School: Maria Blasingame, Brady Cline, Smiley, Trey Spoonamore, Jacob Wolfe. Zoe Epplen, Katherine Evans, Sophia Laudenslayer, Emma All college-aged students in school or the work Covington Catholic High School: Matthew Allison, Paul Allison, Neiheisel, Zachary Owen. force are invited to join The Catholic Newman Anthony Cao, William Clark, Nicholas Collins, Christopher Center at Northern Kentucky University for St. Patrick High School: Anna Porter. Fitz, John Garvey, Nolan Kamer, Joseph Kiely, Truman virtual Bible Study, Tuesdays, at 7 p.m.; Book Pierson, Jacob Schulte, Hunter Sommerkamp. Villa Madonna Academy: Neema Adley, Yamaan Ahmad, Study at 8 p.m.; and in-person Mass, Thursdays, Corrina Borchers, Madeline Dickman, Lyla Graf, Katelyn at 7 p.m. at St Joseph Church, Cold Spring. Covington Latin High School: Paige Graf, Elysse Hermes, Roland Moore, Michael Schlueter, Audrey Smith. E-mail Donna Heim, campus minister, at Long, Christopher Macke. [email protected] to receive weekly informa- tion.

Locks of love History speaks A student at St. Patrick School, Maysville, decided to The students at St Edward School, Cynthiana enjoyed their visit to Cynthiana’s Old Cemetery. They turn something he could have seen as a negative into a are studying family history and primary sources. Tombstone rubbings provided first-hand informa- positive. He cut his hair to shirt collar length, a require- tion for some of the town’s earliest citizens. ment of the dress code at St. Patrick, and is donating Happy birthday, Mary the hair to the Locks of Love Foundation, which accepts Third grade students in Mrs. Daly’s class donations of human hair to make wigs for Canadian celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin and American children in need due to medical condi- Mary, Sept. 8, by creating paper Mary statues, tions, such alopecia or cancer, that have caused them to practiced writing the Hail Mary, enjoyed a permanently lose their hair. birthday treat and sang Happy Birthday. 12 September 25, 2020 Messenger

received my doctor’s “cancer-free” confirmation. Yearly ‘Just be there’ scopes continue as a precaution. Fall planning meeting (Continued from page 5) Now, the ironic tie-in between me, the nurse, the old (Continued from page 1) bics era and preparing to dress and go home after a strenu- man and the marine. During one of my bladder scopes, my new ideas and priorities from the new bishop, who will be ous workout, I noticed minor bleeding while in the rest- former urologist detected a kidney stone fragment in my appointed sometime in the near future. “Support him, room. Since that era had also introduced me to nagging urethra, which, if not removed, would create a painful he’ll need a lot of support, and be encouraging to carry out kidney stones, I concluded that a teeny-tiny stone was prob- blockage. Normally done with anesthesia, but not possible his vision,” he said. ably planning its escape, moved ever so slightly and caused to administer for a few days, my doctor expressed a willing- Each department presented some past initiatives that the slight bleeding. ness to try to push the fragment into the bladder and “fish” had not been completed and proposed ways to implement After about a month of occasional, not so noticeable it out — a long shot. Fine with me. them. All departments also reported successes from the bleeding, I told my urologist, who immediately scheduled a A veteran, an experienced nurse, had been present 2019-2020 year. Catholic Charities, for example, implement- bladder scope. The scope and biopsy of material “no bigger throughout the routine part of the scope. Aware of my con- ed their Mobile Food Pantry in one southern county in than a match head,” my doctor said, confirmed that it was cern and tenseness as the “fishing” expedition got under- spite of a late start and many adjustments due to the pan- malignant and the verdict was bladder cancer. He also said way, she took my right hand and arm in her hands and demic. The Office of Catechesis and Evangelization chose the vigorous exercise caused the lesion to bleed the first spoke gentle words of encouragement throughout the testy new textbooks and had them approved, one of their many time. The normal protocol for that malady is a scope of the procedure. I relaxed and stayed calm until the fragment goals of the last year. whole bladder every three months for two years, then every was finally removed from my urethra and the normal blad- Some of the department objectives include better filing six months for three years. Then, if all is clear, yearly der scope completed. I won’t let myself think about how systems or greater collaboration between departments to scopes may be in order until a “cancer free” decision is ren- things might have gone if that wonderful nurse had not further access to resources. dered. In my case, a recurrence of bladder cancer was stayed. “Sometimes things happen that just make you won- The next meeting will take place in January, when detected in my last scope at the end of the fifth year, so the der.” department directors will present their proposals and whole two-year and three-year routine had to be resumed Ray Smith is a commissioned Lay Pastoral Minister for objectives to the Deanery Pastoral Council, who can raise for another five years. In 2016, after 21 years of scopes, I the Diocese of Covington. concerns, ask questions and provide support from the parishes.

Call Kim at the Messenger for information on placing your ad in the Classified Advertisements. (859) 392-1500 Messenger September 25, 2020 13

Did you know? when the chief shepherd appears, you may deserve to receive from him an unfad- ing of glory.” The significance of clerical Pope Francis has granted the title “,” or Saturno: The saturno is “Chaplain to ” on four men in the Diocese of a wide-brimmed worn Covington. With the bestowal of these pontifical honors, by clerics with a . given at a ceremony with “The Cross Pro Ecclesia et The hat is named for the Pontifice” awards on Sept. 27, Bishop Roger Foys will give rings of the planet Saturn each of the newly appointed a zuccheto. This and it has no liturgical func- hat is part of an ancient tradition of in the tion. It is always black Church, which denote the rank of a clergyman. The except for the Holy Father, Messenger asked Father Joseph Shelton, pastor, St. who wears a red saturno. Augustine Parish, Augusta and St. James Parish, Brooksville, to find out more. Below are some helpful descrip- : The galero is tions of these hats and by whom they are used. like a saturno except that it Zuchetto: Until just a few years ago, a man was admit- is wider and has tassels that ted into the clerical state through a ceremony called ton- hang down from both sides. sure, where a bishop would cut the hair on the top of the It is no longer worn but is head. During the Middle Ages the cleric would keep this used is ecclesiastical her- part of his head shaved for his entire life. The aldry (coats of arms). It is developed as a hat to cover this spot, but also to serve as a black for deacons and reminder that the man who wore it was set apart for serv- priests, for monsi- Photo from Needpix.com ice to God. Its color is a sign of the rank of the one who gnors, green for bishops and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wears a red saturno in this file photo. Other may wear a wears it; black for deacons and priests, black with purple and red for car- black one, but only the pope may wear a red saturno. thread for a monsignor, purple for a bishop, red for a cardi- dinals. nal and white for the Holy Father. board graduation worn at high school and college graduations. As with the zucchetto, the color is a sign of People often question why we would need these hats, : A biretta is a square hat with three peaks that rank of the wearer. what meaning they have, and what purpose they serve. In can be worn by any cleric with a cassock for liturgies. a world where hats are worn less often by the general pop- People are likely most familiar with the worn by : The Mitre is a liturgical hat worn by bishops ulation, they can seem arcane and meaningless. However, cardinals – who receive the “red hat” from the Holy Father during the public prayer of the Church. It is made of two badges worn by police officers, and hats worn by pilots and as a sign of their new role in the Church. It was a common parts that rise to a peak and are sewn together on the sides. white coats that are knee length worn by doctors don’t hat during the Middle Ages that the clergy retained as a These peaks are often seen to symbolize the two testa- serve a purpose either. But they do serve as public, unmis- sign of their rank. Nearly everyone has worn a version of ments that the bishop who wears it is called to proclaim. It takable markers of the one who wears them. And that’s the a biretta that has survived in academia, such as the mortar is also thought of as a type of crown and when the bishop purpose of these hats — to be a public reminder of the receives it at his consecration he is told “Receive the miter, truth that God lives among his people in the person of and may the splendor of holiness shine forth in you, so that priests.

LANDSCAPING DESIGN, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming and Removal Stump Removal — Drainage & Grading Seeding & Sodding — Retaining Walls Walks & Patios — Decks

(859) 781-1562 Excellence Since 1979

The Cincinnati Club, The Gardens, The Grand, The Pinnacle Preferred Caterer at Drees Pavilion Partner Venues Cincinnati Music Hall, Contemporary Arts Center, Devou Event Center, Fort Thomas Armory, Freedom Center, The New Riff Distillery, Rhinegiest Brewery, The Center at Fountain Square, Prickel Barn 14 September 25, 2020 Messenger

Creation must be protected, not exploited, pope says at audience Junno Arocho Esteves rulers of all other creatures,” the pope said Sept. 16 during pilgrims to sign autographs, speak directly to them or Catholic News Service his weekly general audience. “Exploiting creation — this briefly swap his signature zucchetto for one brought as a VATICAN CITY — Human beings must change their is sin,” he said. “We believe that we are at the center, claim- gift. relationship with nature and view it not as an “object for ing to occupy God’s place and thus we ruin the harmony of Continuing his series of talks on “healing the world,” unscrupulous use and abuse” but as a gift they are charged creation, the harmony of God’s design. We become preda- the pope reflected on the theme of “caring for the common by God to care for and protect, Pope Francis said. tors, forgetting our vocation as guardians of life.” The home and contemplative attitude.” Contemplation, he said, is the best “antidote against the disease of not taking care of the common home” and falling “into an unbalanced and arrogant anthropocen- trism,” in which humans place themselves and their needs “at the center of everything.” “It is important to recover the contemplative dimen- sion, that is, to look at the earth, at creation as a gift, not as something to be exploited for profit,” the pope said. “When we contemplate, we discover in others and in nature some- thing much greater than their usefulness.” Departing from his prepared remarks, the pope warned that those who are incapable of contemplating nature and creation, are often incapable of contemplating their fellow human beings. “Those who live to exploit nature, end up exploiting people and treating them like slaves,” the pope said. “This is a universal law: if you do not know how to contemplate nature, it will be very difficult for you to contemplate peo- ple, the beauty of people, your brother, your sister.” Recalling a Spanish proverb, the pope also cautioned that exploiting creation brings costly consequences because “God always forgives; we forgive sometimes; (but) nature never forgives.” Citing a recent report that the Pine Island and Thwates glaciers in Antarctica are collapsing due to global warm- ing, Pope Francis said the consequential rising sea levels “will be terrible,” and he called on people to “guard the inheritance God has entrusted to us so that future genera-

CNS photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters tions can enjoy it.” Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives for his general audience in the San Damaso courtyard at the Vatican Sept. 16, 2020. “Each one of us can and must become a guardian of the common home, capable of praising God for his creatures People are called to contemplate creation as a reflection audience was held in the San Damaso courtyard of the (by) contemplating them and protecting them,” the pope of “God’s infinite wisdom and goodness” and not act as if . While the pope maintained his distance said. people are the “center of everything” and the “absolute when greeting most of the faithful, he approached several

Call Kim at the Messenger to place your ad in the SHOPPER’S GUIDE. (859) 392-1500 118 Pleasant Ridge Ave., Ft. Mitchell Chuck – 567-1500 Messenger September 25, 2020 15

knew her — a tireless and resolute champion of justice,” said Chief Social Justice and Respect Life called on National Catholic Prayer National/World Justice John Roberts in a statement released by the court. Breakfast officials to withdraw its plans to honor U.S. Attorney Ginsburg was surrounded by her family at her home in General William Barr with a special award at its Sept. 23 event Washington when she died from complications of metastatic pan- because he is a Catholic who supports the death penalty. At the creatic cancer. The second woman appointed to the court, who breakfast, being held virtually this year because of the pandemic, Global biotech company ends use of served there for more than 27 years, is primarily remembered for Barr is scheduled to receive the Christifideles Laici Award, which aborted fetal cell lines for vaccines her pioneering work for gender equality and for writing pointed is named for St. John Paul II’s postsynodal exhortation. The award dissents and asking tough questions. In anti-death penalty and pro- is given “in honor and gratitude for fidelity to the church, exempla- WASHINGTON — Catholic pro-life leaders say they are seeing immigrant opinions, she sided with Catholic Church leaders, but ry selfless and steadfast service in the Lord’s vineyard.” The arch- some progress in the development of vaccines with the use of ethi- she differed with them in her support for legalized abortion, same- diocesan office said it was “appalled” the group will honor him “in cal animal cell lines instead of cell lines derived from abortions. A sex marriage and the mandate that contraception be covered in all light of the fact he just recently began executions of federal prison- case in point is the decision by Sanofi Pasteur to no longer use an health insurance plans. ers; something that has not been done since 2003. Catholic teaching aborted fetal cell line in producing its polio vaccines, a move on capital punishment — the death penalty — is clear,” it said in a recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Two Catholic women judges top short Sept. 18 statement, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Sanofi Pasteur, the largest biotech company in the world devoted “The Church teaches that ‘the death penalty is inadmissible entirely to vaccines, requested the agency’s approval for switching list as possible Supreme Court nominees because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the per- from using an aborted fetal cell line called MRC-5 to using an ethi- WASHINGTON — Two Catholic women judges are on the short son, and she works with determination for its abolition world- cal animal cell line to produce its polio combination vaccines list of possible candidates to fill the vacant Supreme Court justice wide.’” The Office of Social Justice and Respect Life statement fol- Pentacel and Quadracel. The vaccines division of the French seat after the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The lows the same plea the organization withdraw the award from Barr multinational pharmaceutical company Sanofi is one of the com- judges are Amy Coney Barrett, a federal appellate court judge in issued by the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests and the Catholic panies currently developing a COVID-19 vaccine by utilizing “cell Chicago, and Barbara Lagoa, a federal appeals court judge in Mobilizing Network in statements released earlier in September. lines not connected to unethical procedures and methods.” Inovio Atlanta. President Donald Trump told reporters the afternoon of and the John Paul II Medical Research Institute are other such Sept. 19, and rallygoers later that evening, that he intended to pick Cardinal likens fading Christian pres- companies. Sanofi Pasteur also recently ended production of its a Supreme Court nominee in the coming days, and it would likely stand-alone polio vaccine, Poliovax, which also had been manufac- be a woman. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R- ence in Middle East to a sinking ship tured using MRC-5, according to the president of the National Kentucky, pledged hours after Ginsburg’s death that he would hold BEIRUT — Lebanese Cardinal Bechara Rai warned that the Catholic Bioethics Center, based in Philadelphia. The corporation a vote on Trump’s nominee to fill the court vacancy despite block- Christian presence in the Middle East is shrinking and church will retain another stand-alone polio vaccine, IPOL, that is ethical- ing President Barack Obama’s nominee in 2016, after Justice leaders “are called to face the winds that blow in our homelands.” ly produced. Joseph Meaney, in a recent statement posted on the Antonin Scalia’s death that February, because it was an election The assessment by the patriarch of Maronite Catholics during a centers’ website, www.ncbcenter.org, congratulated the company year. McConnell and other Republicans have said the situation is meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches executive commit- for its recent initiatives. “The NCBC is pleased to see that progress different this time because the same party, Republicans, control tee Sept. 18 underscored the dire reality facing Christians in the is being made in this area.” both the Senate and the White House. To move Trump’s nominee tumultuous region. “The ship threatened by strong winds and

through the Senate would require a simple majority vote. waves” that is sinking symbolizes “the witnessing church in the Ruth Bader Ginsburg is remembered Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has said that if he sea of our Middle Eastern countries troubled by the winds of con- as ‘jurist of historic stature’ wins the election, he should be the one to nominate Ginsburg’s suc- flicts and wars, political, economic, financial and livelihood crises, cessor. and the corona epidemic,” Cardinal Rai said. The cardinal also WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, explained at the meeting he hosted at Bkerke, the Maronite patriar- who died Sept. 18 at age 87, has been described in countless tributes Santa Fe archdiocesan justice office chate north of Beirut, that the threat “reached its climax” in as a cultural icon and a giant despite her small size. “Our nation Lebanon with the catastrophic double explosion in the port of has lost a jurist of historic stature. We at the Supreme Court have urges no honor for Barr at breakfast Beirut Aug. 4. The disaster left nearly 200 people dead, injured lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence ALBUQUERQUE N.M. — The Santa Fe Archdiocese’s Office of another 6,000, and displaced more than 300,000 people. that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we

**Voted “Best Doctors” 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Michael S. Jean Saif Chris D. Joseph T. Halpin, MD Noll, MD Jaweed, MD Thon, OD Mando, MD