NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN JUAN, TX PERMIT NO. 40

Volume 12, Issue 9 Serving More Than A Million Catholics in the Diocese of Brownsville January/February 2021 Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday will be a little different this year By PAUL BINZ The Valley Catholic The changes were mandated Jan. 12 by the Congregation for Divine SAN JUAN — The imposition Worship and the Discipline of the of ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, Sacraments (Latin: Congregatio de will be different this year due to the Cultu Divino et Disciplina Sacramen- COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of the torum), the Vatican office overseeing usual cross marked on the foreheads the Church’s liturgical practices. Its of the faithful, the blessed ashes will functions were originally exercised be sprinkled lightly over their heads, by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, thereby eliminating direct physical set up in January 1588 by Pope Sixtus contact. V. Another change is that before Ash Wednesday is not a holy distributing the ashes, the priest will day of obligation, but receiving ashes address those present with one of the usually draws many Catholics in the Ash Wednesday formulas from the diocese and elsewhere to church on Roman Missal, “Repent, and believe that day. For those unable to attend in the Gospel,” or “Remember that in person, Ash Wednesday Mass fol- you are dust, and to dust you shall lowed by imposition of ashes at the return.” He will say the phrase only Immaculate Conception Cathedral once, instead of repeating it with will be livestreamed on Facebook and each recipient. YouTube at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17.

Guidance Fasting and »EN ESPAÑOL for Lent Abstinence Páginas 12-14 Page 2, 6 Made Delicious Bishop Daniel E. Page 5 Flores advises the faithful on what New cookbook Meatless to do for Lent this Recipes for Lent filled For video and more year as pandemic with great seasonal meal Visit the Diocese threat persists. ideas now on sale. of Brownsville on its social media pages. 2 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 Mensaje de »From our Lenten Message shepherd Cuaresma Lent: A preparation by grace Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas en Cristo, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the parishes, but with less movement of people in Hace poco, alguien me traditional processions. I can assure you, however, comentó: “Ay, Señor Obispo, Some time back, someone commented to me: that this does not mean they will be celebrated with parece que estamos viviendo "Bishop, it seems that we are going through a Lent less fervor. una Cuaresma que nunca va that will never end." The person was referring to I encourage everyone to seek the grace of a terminar.” Obviamente se the pain and suffering that we have all seen and the Sacrament of Confession during Lent. I have refería a las penas y sufrimientos experienced in the context of the pandemic. As a encouraged our priests to offer more hours for the que todos hemos visto y people of Faith, we know that God does not forget Sacrament of Reconciliation during the weeks of experimentado en el contexto the poor, and we are all poor before God during Lent, and thus, avoid long lines and crowded spaces. de la pandemia. Como pueblo this pandemic. But we also know that we live a Also, to those who, for good reasons, have not been de Fe, sabemos que Dios no se Most Reverend resurrection every time we reach out to comfort, able to go to Mass in a long time, I invite you to olvida de los pobres, y todos Daniel E. Flores encourage and help another person who is suffering. seek a Mass during the week to reestablish contact somos pobres delante de Dios The living Christ gives life, and this life has the savor with the Lord at the Sacrifice of the Altar and renew durante esta pandemia. Pero Bishop of of his love and puts it into practice. It is true that contact with the company of the faithful. también sabemos que vivimos Brownsville in a certain sense we have lived a long Lent, and I would like to encourage family prayer: una resurrección cada vez que God knows that many are tired and burdened, but The Holy Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and nos extendemos a confortar, we have also seen signs of the Resurrection in the readings from the Scriptures, especially the Gospel animar y ayudar a otra persona charity of his people. of the day. To these moments of prayer, we can add que está sufriendo. Cristo vivo Lent involves preparation by grace for Easter, petitions for the sick and for those who care for da vida, y esta vida sabe de su The human and at the same time, it puts us in touch with God’s them. amor y la pone en práctica. Es struggle“ strength operating within us, leading us to Easter. It is engraved in my memory, as one of the most verdad que en cierto sentido is nothing We depend on God, not as bystanders, but as painful decisions I have made as a bishop, when on hemos vivido una Cuaresma other than servants blessed by the active presence of Christ’s the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, 2020, for the larga, y Dios sabe que muchos charity in our lives. serious and pressing reasons of the pandemic, we están cansados y agobiados, the effort During this Lent 2021, the health protocols that suspended the public celebration of Holy Mass in pero también hemos visto we make in we have used in the diocese will continue in force our parishes. The tears that were shed that day bore señales de la Resurrección en la grace to act in all parishes. I do not anticipate any time soon to witness to the great love of the faithful for the Mass, caridad de su pueblo. announce a change in the required measures. One the treasure entrusted by God to the Church. This La Cuaresma implica in charity. day we will be able to live the life of the parishes and year the Solemnity of St. Joseph is observed Friday, preparación por gracia para God asks apostolic groups without the restrictions that are still March 19. According to the tradition of the Church, la Pascua, y al mismo tiempo us to be necessary. But this is not the time to leave behind even if it is Friday in Lent, fasts or abstinence from nos pone en contacto con las agents of his the disciplines that have promoted so effectively the meat are not practiced on major solemnities. So, on fuerzas de Dios operando common good of all. Let us be clear, the pandemic Friday, March 19, we will not practice penance. dentro de nosotros, las cuales love in the continues to affect the entire community, and it will Nevertheless, as bishop of the diocese, I ask nos conducen a la Pascua. world. Our affect the way we live Lent and Easter this year. "The those who are able to join me in observing the day Dependemos de Dios, pero movement charity of Christ urges us" (2 Cor 5,14). prior, Thursday, March 18, as a SPECIAL DAY no como espectadores sino as a people This Lent will focus not so much on what we OF FASTING in the Diocese of Brownsville. This como siervos bendecidos por la want to do in order to live the spirit of penance, but simple fast will be a corporeal and spiritual sacrifice presencia activa de la caridad de towards rather it will focus more on consciously embracing offered for an end to the pandemic; for those Cristo en nuestras vidas. the final the limitations and weaknesses that we face because affected by illness, and for those who care for them; Durante esta Cuaresma resurrection of the pandemic, embracing them with greater for those who mourn the loss of a loved one; and for 2021 los protocolos de salud que charity, greater generosity and greater trust in the the other intentions that we all have in our hearts. It hemos utilizado en la diócesis is by the path grace of the Lord. will also be a day to remember when public Masses seguirán en vigor en todas las of charity. ” The essential thing is that we prepare ourselves were suspended and ask the Lord for a greater parroquias. No anticipo pronto as families and in our parish communities to appreciation of the greatness of the sacrifice of the poder anunciar un cambio participate more conscious of the grace that is lived Mass as the primordial fount of grace in the Church en las medidas requeridas. in these days. We remember well that last year we and in the world. Un día vamos a poder vivir could not gather in our churches for the days of Holy In this spirit of appreciation for the source of la vida de las parroquias y Week and Easter. We must appreciate what God grace, the Crucified and Risen Christ, I would like grupos apostólicos sin las offers us, and participate with deep gratitude in the to emphasize that Lent is closely linked to the 50 restricciones que aún siguen ways he provides us. days of Easter. The entire cycle of Lent and Easter siendo necesarias. Pero este Yes, the ashes will be imposed to start Lent, culminates on the Solemnity of Pentecost and is no es el momento de dejar but in an adapted form, approved by the Holy lived within the mystery of "God's love that has been atrás las disciplinas que tanto See, minimizing contacts that may cause risk of poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Romans han promovido el bien común infection. The devotions of the Way of the Cross will 5, 5). de todos. Que quede claro, la be celebrated, although in more limited conditions, Lent is noted for the practice of charity, which pandemia sigue afectando a la for example, through social networks. The great is both motive and fruit of fasting and prayer. "Love comunidad entera, y afectará la ceremonies of Holy Week will be celebrated in manera de vivir la Cuaresma y la » Please see Lenten Message p. 9 Pascua esté año. “La caridad de Cristo nos urge” (2 Cor 5,14). Esta Cuaresma no se a causa de la pandemia, participar más conscientes de durante las semanas de día dieron testimonio del gran enfocará tanto en lo que abrazándolas con más caridad, la gracia que se vive durante Cuaresma, y así evitar largas amor de los fieles hacia la Santa deseamos hacer para vivir algo más generosidad y más estos días. Recordamos bien filas, y espacios concurridos. Misa, tesoro confiado por Dios a del espíritu de la penitencia, sino confianza en la gracia del Señor. que el año pasado no pudimos También, a los que, por buenas la Iglesia. Este año la Solemnidad abrazar más conscientemente Lo esencial es que nos reunirnos en nuestros templos razones no han podido ir a de San José se observa viernes, las mismas limitaciones y preparemos en familia y en para los días de Semana Santa Misa en mucho tiempo, los 19 de marzo. Según la tradición debilidades que enfrentamos la comunidad parroquial a y la Pascua. Hay que apreciar lo invito a que busquen una Misa de la Iglesia, aún siendo viernes que Dios nos ofrece, y participar entre semana para restablecer de Cuaresma los ayunos o con profunda gratitud en las el contacto con el Señor en el abstinencias de carne no se maneras por Él proveídas. Sacrificio del Altar, y renovar practican en las solemnidades Sí se impondrán las cenizas contacto con la compañía de los mayores. Entonces, el viernes, para iniciar la Cuaresma, pero fieles. 19 de marzo, 2021, no en forma adaptada, aprobada Quisiera animar la practicaremos la penitencia. por la Santa Sede, minimizando oración en familia: El Santo Sin embargo, como obispo 700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan, TX 78589-3042 contactos que puedan causar Rosario, la Corona de la Divina de la diócesis les pido a los que Telephone: (956) 781-5323 • Fax: (956) 784-5082 riesgo de infecciones. Se Misericordia, lecturas de las puedan que se unan conmigo Bishop Daniel E. Flores South Texas Circulation celebrarán las devociones del Vía Escrituras, especialmente el a observar el día anterior, Publisher Circulation Crucis, aunque en condiciones Evangelio del día. A estos jueves, 18 de marzo, como DÍA Brenda Nettles Riojas The Valley Catholic email: más limitadas, por ejemplo, mismos momentos de oración ESPECIAL DE AYUNO en Editor [email protected] a través de las redes sociales. se pueden añadir peticiones la Diócesis de Brownsville. A Paul Binz Las grandes ceremonias de para los enfermos y por los que través del ayuno se ofrecerá un Assistant Editor Follow us on Facebook Semana Santa se celebrarán cuidan de ellos. sacrificio corporal y espiritual Catholic Diocese of Brownsville en las parroquias, pero con Está grabada en mi para pedir por el fin de la www.cdob.org menos movimiento de personas memoria, como una de las más pandemia; para pedir por las Ricardo Treviño Subscription rate Content Developer en procesiones tradicionales. dolorosas decisiones que he personas afectadas por la $15 per year • $17 outside of Les aseguro que no por eso se tomado como obispo, cuando enfermedad y por los que cuidan Texas $25 out of U.S. celebrarán con menos fervor. en la Solemnidad de San José, de ellos; por los que lloran la Member of Animo a todos a buscar 19 de marzo, 2020, por las pérdida de un ser querido; y the Catholic Press Association The Valley Catholic, a publication of the Diocese of Brownsville, is published la gracia del Sacramento de la razones graves y apremiantes por tantas otras intenciones Advertising monthly Confesión durante la Cuaresma. de la pandemia, suspendimos la que guardamos en nuestros Gustavo Morales Gilbert Saenz Paul Binz He animado a los sacerdotes celebración pública de la Santa corazones. También sería in (956) 266-1527 (956) 451-5416 (956) 784-5055 a ofrecer más horas para el Misa en nuestras parroquias. Las Cuaresma Parishes and missions please call Paul Binz at (956) 784-5055 for church rates. Sacramento de la Reconciliación lágrimas que se derramaron ese » Por favor lea p.14 January/February 2021 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 3 Mass for Consecrated Life honors religious

Rick Treviño/ The Valley Catholic Social distancing and masks were the rule during Mass for the World Day for Consecrated Life on Feb. 6 at St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan. The annual Mass honoring the religious priests, sisters and brothers of the diocese was moved to St. John the Baptist provide a more appropriate-sized setting in view of the COVID-19 pandemic precautions. In the photo above, Bishop Daniel E. Flores delivers his homily. In the photo below, Sister Fran Solum, left, and Sister Luella Walsh, Benedictine Sisters of the Good Shepherd, were recognized for their years of service.

By PAUL BINZ M.S.F. (Missionaries of the Holy Family), The Valley Catholic 25 years

SAN JUAN — Bishop Daniel E. • Sister Helena Nunes, S.S.D. (Sisters of Flores celebrated Mass for the World Day St. Dorothy), 60 years for Consecrated Life on Feb. 6 at St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan to honor • Brother Albert Phillipp, F.M.S. (The the many religious priests, sisters and Marist Brothers), 70 years brothers of the Diocese of Brownsville. “I’m very happy that Our Lord • Sister Luella Walsh, O.S.B. (Benedictine has given us this morning to be able to Sisters of the Good Shepherd), 75 years commemorate, in the most noble way we can, the importance of consecrated life,” Sister Walsh and Brother Phillipp he said. were both recognized for serving 50 years World Day for Consecrated Life in the diocese. began in 1997, when Pope St. John Paul Bishop Flores framed his homily on II called for those in religious life to be three points of connection between the recognized throughout the Church. consecrated life and the Presentation. The celebration is attached to the “The scene of the Presentation of Our Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Lord Jesus in the Temple is of particular on Feb. 2, also known as Candlemas significance for consecrated life, which is Day, during which candles are blessed, why the World Day for Consecrated Life “symbolizing Christ, the light of the is centered around that feast. … The first w or l d .” and great thing of course is that Our Lord “So too, those in consecrated life are is the Consecrated One. … As St. John called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ tells us in his Prologue, full of grace and to all peoples,” according to the National truth, from the moment he came into the Religious Vocation Conference. world as a man, conceived in the womb The special Mass is usually celebrated of the Virgin by the Holy Spirit, it was a during a Sunday Mass at the Basilica of consecrated reality. Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National “Because in the great mystery of Shrine, but this year was moved to our redemption, Jesus is the gift of the Saturday at the neighboring parish Father to us through Mary, and Jesus is church due to the COVID-19 pandemic. our gift to the Father through Mary. That “It seemed safer to us both for the is, it is possible for us to offer our hearts people and for the sisters and the brothers sanctified in union with Christ precisely Rick Treviño/ The Valley Catholic to gather in a more discreet way to be able because he has become one of us. … to celebrate with one another,” Bishop “In a certain way, the Presentation Flores said, “… most of all to offer the already enacts the whole mystery of Mass, thanksgiving to God, for the gift of salvation, the gift of the Father to us, and consecrated life and for its tremendous our gift back to the Father. And all of it is aged, those of you who work amongst had received to carry on this fidelity to impact over the years in the Diocese of Christ. In that mystery of the gift received expectant mothers are all giving the sign, G o d .” Brownsville.” and the gift given is the mystery of every the prophetic sign which is part of the “Nobody knows the interior life of vocation in the consecrated life. … from consecration. The gift received, the gift another except for God. … The active A number of those honored are this vocation flowers the consecrated life.” given back: the prophetic word. interior cultivation of that dialogue with marking milestone anniversaries. These “Today is about the gift – the gift “Every Christian life is supposed to the Lord, the Burning Bush, the Holy include: received, the gift returned.” be in its totality a prophetic word in a One. For suddenly the Lord will appear “Secondly, today is about prophecy. world that needs it, lest it forget the word in his temple … also the soul of the one • Sister Anabertha Ortega, OP … the consecrated life is a prophetic act of Christ.” who lives the hidden life. And we’re all (Dominican Sisters of Charity of the in the Church, by the spirit. … Simeon “And finally … after Simeon, there is called to that, the interior word which Presentation of the Blessed Virgin), 25 announces the truth about who Jesus is, the figure of Anna. … She was 84 when is a gift and a response that carries us all years and what his effect will be. she was in the temple … a widow, who the way to the end. The gift, the prophetic • Sister Sharon Horace, D.C. (Daughters “Those of you who work in schools, lived to see the fulfillment of Israel, the word, the hidden life.” of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul), 25 those of you who work in hospitals, those promise. There is the witness to the After Mass, all the religious renewed years of you who work amongst immigrants, hidden life. … only God sees what goes their vows as they do every year on this • Father Franciscus Asisi Eka Yuantoro, those of you who work amongst the on inside, what moved her, the graces she occasion. 4 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January/February 2021 »Women en la Testing positive for COVID-19 Frontera hile everyone was looking forward paying attention to our health, COVID-19 we need. I have also learned the value of to starting a New Year, close to certainly made us more vigilant, vigilant to being gentle with one another, of taking care home the first days of 2021 greeted the point of becoming overly cautious — or of our words — what and how we say to one Wmy family with unwanted news. My husband, maybe paranoid at times — of every cough, another. Sometimes family members speak daughter and 89-year-old mother-in-law test- headache, body ache. without thinking. Pogrebin suggests: “Filter ed positive for COVID-19. I was fortunate my To be good stewards of our body and your remarks before they leave your mouth. health at the time allowed me to care for them mind, we need to be vigilant every day of Ask yourself, “Is what I’m about to say going until I too tested positive. our lives. We have heard it all before but take to be helpful, and would I want to hear this if The experience comes as a roller coaster a minute to think about what you ate this I were in my friend’s situation?” ride of emotions, symptoms, and responses. week, how many hours you slept, how much We need to remember as we look for Naturally, a flurry of questions come exercise did you include. While we have ways to be present and to help one another with testing positive for COVID-19, from taken steps in our family over the years to eat through illness or other challenging mo- Brenda yourself and from others. How can this be healthier, it is easy to get off course, especially ments, kindness is like a salve that is needed Nettles Riojas if we were all being careful? How were we during the holidays. during these times. Editor of exposed? Where did we go? Who did we During our recovery time from COVID, Since its arrival in the world, COVID-19 The Valley Catholic come in contact with? What did I touch? One we stepped up our efforts by including more jolted our everyday lives. Testing positive in does not always have the energy to answer the foods with high antioxidants. And while our January and experiencing the different symp- same questions repeatedly, but they plague responsibilities mounted, we gave ourselves toms certainly made me more mindful that our minds. permission to rest, to let our bodies heal. A our days are counted. In previous months, when more were fol- friend also introduced us to some helpful We do not always know the hour. Are lowing “shelter-in-place” protocols, it would meditation classes. you ready? Do you have a will prepared? It have been easier to determine. But with three While I convalesced at home, I thought sounds morbid, but I have put together a file generations living in the same household, and about how I in turn respond when a loved for my family in case I am not here tomorrow. each coming in contact with different people, one is ill or in a difficult situation. I take this It is still a work in progress, but I am acutely the answer is not always clear. moment to apologize for all the times in the aware that it is necessary. When I started writing this, I remained past I was not a better friend and more pres- I don’t think it coincidence the books in quarantine waiting to find out the results of ent. I hope and resolve to do better moving I read while in quarantine include The Way my second COVID test, praying for a negative forward. by St. Josemaría Escrivá, in which he writes reading so that I could return to work and I am grateful for the friends who checked about surrendering to God’s will and giv- all the pending list of to-dos that grew longer on us regularly and offered help — to deliver ing thanks for the trials we must confront; with each passing day. I continued with some groceries if needed, to pick up a prescription, and The End of Your Life Book Club by Will of the lingering symptoms. Not the best way or suggesting helpful meditation techniques Schwalbe, which illustrates the power of to spend a birthday. to help elevate oxygen levels. I realize how books to engage us in meaningful conver- However, every experience in our lives important acts of kindness are when someone sations about our lives. In his book club of provides some learning moments, and I think is ill. two — the author and his mother who was it may be helpful to share my own in case it The author Letty Cottin Pogrebin, in her dying of pancreatic cancer — we see the joy of helps others. Among the lessons learned: 1. book How to be a Friend to a Friend Who’s accompanying one another. Remain vigilant about our health – physical Sick, suggests not just offering to help, but Even in the darkest hours we can always and mental; 2. Find ways to be present and to offering some specific things that could be find the silver lining in a situation. For me it help one another; and 3. Be mindful of our done that would be helpful and that you are is a heightened empathy, a renewed awareness mortality and our surrender to God. willing to do. of how I can be more present for others. I am Why is it that we wait for illness to strike Ongoing communication is also key as also more mindful and grateful for the gift of us before we pay attention to how we are we need be clear about what we need from each day the Lord gives us. Each breath, each treating our bodies? If we weren’t already people. We can’t assume others know what moment is cause for celebration.

»Formation for Ministry The Year of St. Joseph rowing up, I never knew my dad. It’s my heart is the fact that he was the foster father; 7. a father in the shadows. a painful thing to admit, but it’s the dad to Jesus. In a way, I saw St. Joseph as The aim of the Apostolic Letter is to honest truth. I always wanted to find my foster dad, too. I adopted him as my increase our love for St. Joseph as a great but Ghim but never tried looking for him. My “spiritual father” because I admired the fact humble saint and to encourage us to implore brothers and I grew up across the street from that he dedicated his life to taking care of his intercession while imitating his virtues St. Joseph the Worker Church in McAllen and protecting Mother Mary and Baby Jesus. and his zeal. on South 23rd Street. We were altar boys for The image at the parish was that of St. Joseph When I was in diaconate formation back many years. My brother Father Carlos and I the Carpenter, a man who raised his Son in 2006, I remember the late and beloved always were close to the different priests that Jesus and made an honest living teaching by Jaime Gomez, who coordinated jail ministry served at the parish, and often they became example. for the diocese, sharing with us a study that our “father figure.” The Holy Father, Pope Francis, on the indicated that a high percentage of men When my brother and I were seniors in Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception imprisoned in the United States never knew high school the DRE, Sister Rose Anthony declared the Year of St. Joseph, Dec. 8, 2020 to their fathers or had fathers who were absent McClosky, had us facilitate class for the Dec. 8, 2021, marking the 150th anniversary to their children. I wasn’t so much shocked as Deacon seventh graders on Wednesdays. I remember of the proclamation of St. Joseph as patron of I was saddened by this tragic reality. Luis Zuniga we prepared a lesson on St. Joseph and why the Universal Church. My hope is that this Holy Year dedicated he was called “the Worker” since he was the In his Apostolic Letter published Dec. 8, to St. Joseph may help us, move us and inspire Director, Office patron saint of our parish. 2020 entitled Patris Corde (“With a Father’s us to look deeply at his life and realize that for Pastoral Life We did an overview of his life, focusing Heart”) Pope Francis emphasizes what sort of fatherhood is essential. May he help us to find & San Juan Diego on this episode from the Gospel: “An angel of father Joseph was and the mission entrusted new and creative pastoral ways to minister to Ministry Institute the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, to him by God’s providence, according to the the many children growing up fatherless. son of David,’ the angel said, ‘Do not be Evangelists Matthew and Luke. Throughout the year, I’d like to explore afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child “We know that Joseph was a lowly the different themes and share some within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.’” carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55), betrothed to Mary resources, including consecration to St. Joseph (Matthew 1:20). (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27). He was a “just man” and why he is called “the terror of demons.” Also, we recounted how he protected the (Mt 1:19), ever ready to carry out God’s will as In a tantamount way, I feel my journey Blessed Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus on their revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk 2:22.27.39) to look for my unknown father has ended, for journey to avoid Herod’s persecution and and through four dreams (cf. Mt 1:20; what better father figure than this holy saint, flee to Egypt. Joseph was warned in another 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey St. Joseph! dream to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the The Holy Father ends his Apostolic escape King Herod’s wrath. They escaped by birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there Letter with a special prayer. (We need only night, just before Herod ordered the murder was no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk 2:7). ask St. Joseph for the grace of graces: our of all male newborns (two years and younger) He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds conversion). Let us now make our prayer in and around Bethlehem. (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), to him: “Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, “An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph who represented respectively the people of Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Take the child Israel and the pagan peoples.” (From the God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay Introduction, Patris Corde). placed her trust; with you Christ became man. there until I tell you, for Herod is going to In the Apostolic Letter, the Holy Father Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a search for the child to kill him.’” (Matthew outlines the themes of St. Joseph being: 1. a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain 2:13-18). beloved father; 2. a tender and loving father; for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend What I remember the most about the 3. an obedient father; 4. an accepting father; us from every evil. Amen.” life of St. Joseph that has always touched 5. a creatively courageous father; 6. a working St. Joseph, pray for us! January/February 2021-The Valley Catholic FAITH 5 »Making Sense of Vaccines and other entanglements with abortion

Bioethics s the new COVID-19 vaccines are “I am writing in regard to your hundreds of others." being rolled out, several people have COVID-19 vaccine. It is my understanding To put it another way, each time we told me, “I don’t want a vaccine with that a cell line originally derived from an purchase Tostitos/Frito Lay products, fill Aany connection to abortion.” abortion is being used in the production of our gas tank with ExxonMobil gas or buy This is a valid sentiment that most of your vaccine. I am contacting you to request Pepsi products, our contribution to the us would likely echo. At a minimum, it that your company stop relying on these cells continuation of abortion is significantly should serve as an important “call to action” in the pharmaceutical work that you carry more direct than when we receive a vaccine for each of us during the course of this out. Please understand that as one of your manufactured with abortion-derived fetal pandemic. Even if we decide to get inoculated potential customers, I am very concerned cell lines. Each of these large consumer- with a vaccine that was produced using about these issues. It is my understanding oriented corporations make large financial abortion-derived human cell lines — which that alternative, non-abortion-derived cell contributions to Planned Parenthood, which for a serious reason and in the absence of sources are available or could be made promotes and directly performs the killing of alternatives would not be unethical — we available. It is important for all of us to unborn children in the United States and in Father Tadeusz still face a real duty to push back and make show our respect for the remains of those other countries. Pacholczyk known our disagreement with the continued children whose lives were taken prematurely, Widespread corporate collusion in Priest of the Diocese of use of these cells by researchers in the and one way we can do this is by avoiding the evil of abortion does not, of course, pharmaceutical industry and academia. these cell lines in scientific research and mitigate the ethical concerns about using Fall River, Mass. We can do this in several ways. pharmaceutical development. Thank you.” cell lines taken from fetal cadavers to Director of Education at We can write a letter to the editor Archbishop Joseph Naumann, produce vaccines. But it is does represent The National Catholic to heighten public awareness, or contact Archbishop of Kansas City and Chairman another important area where letter-writing, Bioethics Center in the pharmaceutical companies that make of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life boardroom votes, boycotts, and other Philadelphia. vaccines, urging them to discontinue their Activities, has also prepared a more detailed focused efforts by stockholders, employees See www.ncbcenter.org use of abortion-derived cell lines. If they do letter (available at: https://www.usccb.org/ and customers can make a difference so, we should also thank them. resources/Letter-to-FDA-urging-ethical- when it comes to scaling back the support We can similarly initiate discussions with COVID-vaccines.pdf) that addresses mechanisms that Planned Parenthood and friends or relatives who work in research labs the need to develop vaccines free of other abortion-minded organizations rely on. about whether their company or university entanglements with abortion. As the Vatican emphasized in its recent uses cells derived from abortions. While such entanglements remain a “Note on the Morality of Using Some Anti- One of the “silver linings” of the significant concern, we also need to be aware Covid-19 Vaccines,” the reception of an COVID-19 pandemic is that it affords us how some of our daily activities may have a inoculation made from abortion-derived cells the opportunity to raise awareness about much more direct connection to the abortion “does not in itself constitute a legitimation” these moral concerns and improve the way industry. of the practice of abortion. Receiving the that biomedical research is conducted by Dr. Melissa Moschella recently observed stick of the needle today does not mean we scientists. how getting a vaccine made with the help are somehow cooperating in an abortion As one bishop I was speaking with of an abortion-derived cell line has “less that occurred decades ago and for reasons reminded me recently: “We need to teach, connection to the ongoing evil of abortion independent of vaccine production. educate and confront this issue more widely. than other actions we engage in on a regular Each of us has a serious obligation to It’s everyone’s duty.” Such efforts will help basis, such as doing business with the many witness to the inviolability of human life. build real momentum for change. companies that donate money directly or We need to take the time to speak up so I’m often asked whether sample letters indirectly to Planned Parenthood, including that future vaccines and medicines will be are available to help with writing to vaccine Nike, Heinz, Energizer, Clorox, Facebook, developed without any reliance on abortion- manufacturers who use abortion-derived cell JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, CVS, derived materials. lines. An example would be: Walmart, Liberty Mutual, Aetna, and Meatless Recipes for Lent

Missionaries of Jesus Capirotada Submitted by Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ

Ingredients: 2 sticks of butter 8 cups water 4 piloncillo 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup pecans 4 cinnamon sticks 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup pine nuts 1 ½ - 2 bags French bread, sliced and toasted 1 lg. pkg. sharp cheddar cheese, diced 1 lg. pkg. queso fresco, diced 2 lg. green apples, peeled and diced

Directions: Preheat oven to 350º.

Boil water, butter, cinnamon sticks, piloncillo, brown sugar, and raisins.

In a 15” x 8” (preferably glass) buttered pan, place one layer of the French bread. Make sure you do not leave any empty spaces in pan. If necessary, place smaller pieces of bread to fill in empty spaces. SAN JUAN — Meals during the season of Lent can become a delicious change of pace with Meatless Reci- Sprinkle in pecans, pine nuts, both types of cheese, and apples (be generous with the pes for Lent, a collection of recipes from the Rio Grande cheese and apple, making sure to coat every piece of bread). Valley specially compiled for this season of fasting and abstinence. Remove cinnamon sticks from syrup, and pour enough liquid over the layer of bread so This 104-page cookbook brings to life the motto that all bread is covered in syrup. Make sure you spread some raisins over every piece. of one of its contributors, “Meatless certainly doesn’t Repeat process, making a second layer, then a third (if there’s room in the pan). have to be tasteless,” and features sections on tradition- al dishes, seafood, baked and main dishes, side dish- Pour remainder liquid over top, and make sure all pieces of bread are covered with syrup. es, salads, soups, breads and desserts. Also included You may need to push bread down to make sure it is soaked with liquid. are prayers for the kitchen, prayers for the cook, and prayers for mealtime. Place capirotada in the oven for approximately one hour. (You may need to place Like seafood for Lent? Try a world-class recipe for aluminum foil, or an additional cookie pan, under the capirotada pan to protect your oven oyster soup, “Sopa de Ostiones (a la Lola),” offered by from spill-over liquid.) Maria Elena Beltrán. Ms. Beltrán said she learned to prepare this recipe from her mother, the late Lola Bel- You’ll know it is done when it has a golden-crisp top and most of the liquid has evaporated. trán, superstar singer of Mexico. Meatless Recipes for Lent abounds with shrimp, fish and crab recipes — and more. Meatless Recipes for Lent can be purchased on the diocesan website, www.CDOB.org Try Sister Norma Pimentel’s recipe for Lenten fa- for $10 plus shipping. For more information, contact Paul Binz at the vorite capirotada, which she has dubbed “Missionaries Communications Office by phone at (956) 784-5055 or by email at [email protected]. of Jesus Capirotada” to honor her order. 6 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January/February 2021 Bishop Flores encourages prayer to power through Lent at this difficult time

Rick Treviño/ The Valley Catholic

By PAUL BINZ tired and burdened. But we have seen year anniversary of the suspension of Bishop Flores encouraged Catholics The Valley Catholic signs of the Resurrection in the charity Masses falls on Friday, March 19, the here who have spent much of the past of his people.” Solemnity of St. Joseph. Because of the year in isolation to make an effort to go BROWNSVILLE — Bishop Daniel Even though all the safety protocols solemnity, Church tradition dictates that to confession and even to attend Mass E. Flores has issued a letter to the faith- must remain in place and many spiritual that Friday will not be a day of fasting during this Lent at a safe, convenient ful of the Diocese of Brownsville about activities are still abbreviated, Lent can and abstinence like the other Fridays of time, as during the week when there is this year’s Lent and the pain brought on still be kept, Bishop Flores said. He re- Lent, he wrote. However, to mark the plenty of room for social distancing. He by the pandemic and measures taken to minded everyone that current condi- one-year anniversary of the suspension also urged the faithful to pray and be thwart the spread of the virus. tions are greatly improved from last year, of Masses here, Bishop Flores invited the diligent in practicing charity, which he “Some time back, someone com- when public celebration of Masses was faithful to join him on Thursday, March called the path of “our movement as a mented to me: ‘Bishop, it seems that we suspended; now the churches are once 18 in a special day of fasting for an end people toward the final resurrection.” are going through a Lent that will never again open to Mass attendance, albeit to the pandemic, for those affected by end,’” Bishop Flores wrote. “… It is true with precautions like masks and social illness, and for those who care for the See the complete letter of Bishop Flores that in a certain sense we have lived a distancing. sick, as well as those mourning the loss on Page 2 long Lent, and God knows that many are Bishop Flores noted that the one- of a loved one. Pandemic alters celebration of Rite of Election, Sacraments of Initiation

Rick Treviño/ The Valley Catholic By PAUL BINZ the numbers that the Rite of Election re- “I am directing that the Easter Sacra- tize, confirm, and give Holy Communion The Valley Catholic quires in this diocese, I think it wiser that ments of Initiation ordinarily celebrated to the unbaptized Elect.” the parishes (following the usual health at the Easter Vigil not be celebrated at the Bishop Flores addressed the disap- BROWNSVILLE — The COVID-19 protocols) officially inscribe the names of Vigil this year, so as to avoid the dangers of pointment some might feel at the down- health threat has brought on changes for the Elect in the Book of the Elect accord- spreading the virus,” Bishop Flores wrote. sizing and dispersal of what in ordinary those joining the Church and the steps ing to the prescribed Rite.” “The Rites should be celebrated following years is a large communal event. they are scheduled to take during this Bishop Flores will require that the health protocols for baptism, confirma- year’s Lent and Holy Week. parishes register the names of participat- tion and Communion some time dur- “Remember, that last year at Easter Bishop Daniel E. Flores issued a let- ing catechumens with his office, ensuring ing the Easter Season. Depending on the we were not able to celebrate public Mass- ter Feb. 7 changing the procedures for the that the Diocese of Brownsville will main- number of Catechumens in your parish, es,” he wrote. “And although we will need Rite of Election. The new guidelines move tain an accurate Book of the Elect. you may need to have several celebrations. to adjust to the current circumstances the official inscribing of the names of the “I would ask, as a sign of the com- “All three sacraments should be ad- that require special liturgical protocols, it Elect out to the parishes instead of the rite munion of the local Church, that you send ministered together to the one receiving, is still a great grace that we will be able to being conducted by the bishop at a special to my office the names of those inscribed,” NOT at separate ceremonies,” he wrote. have more immediate participation of our Mass on the first Sunday of Lent. he wrote. “The Rites prescribed in the appropri- people in the celebrations of Lent, Holy “I have decided to delegate to pastors Another important change for the ate Liturgical Books for the initiation of Week and Easter.” the celebration of the Rite of Election for catechumens will involve the Sacraments adults or children of catechetical age must Bishop Flores referred questions on the catechumens this year,” he wrote. of Initiation, which normally occur the be observed. the changes to the Office for Evangeliza- “… Because it is unsafe to gather in night before Easter, on Holy Saturday. “You do not need delegation to bap- tion and Catechesis. January/February 2021 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 7

diocese Of brownsville SpiritAwards Catholic schools 2021

McALLEN — Supporters of Catholic education in the Rio Grande Valley were honored David C. Garza Jan. 29 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church with a special 6 p.m. Virtual Liturgy Mass and Diocese of Brownsville Honoree the 24th Annual Spirit Awards ceremony. Brownsville lawyer David C. Garza is the Diocesan The Spirit Awards were different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which Honoree for 2021 for his dedication and outstanding precluded the traditional banquet in the parish hall. The presentation of the Spirit service to Catholic Education. Garza has served the Awards was made in the sanctuary after the Mass and a video presentation showing Diocese as its attorney for more than 40 years and how diocesan schools have continued to provide education while dealing with the has known all of its bishops personally. A Browns- health crisis. ville native, he has served on parish councils, with the Knights of Columbus, the Serra Club, the Order The Mass and Spirit Awards presentation were livestreamed to the community via of the Alhambra, as well as in the community on social media. numerous state and local boards.

Minerva I. Zamora Diocese of Brownsville Honoree

McAllen lawyer Minerva I. Zamora is the Diocesan Honoree for 2021 for dedication and outstanding service to Catholic education. Zamora is the manag- ing partner of the Ellis, Koeneke & Ramirez law firm. She has been practicing law since 2002 and representing the Church in court and consultation. advocating for the Diocese while assisting with honoring and maintaining the values and morals of Blanca and Rufino Garza the Church. She also serves in various professional organizations in the legal sphere. St. Joseph Catholic School

Yvonne Keller Al Villarreal Rosa E. Ramirez Antoninette B. Connaughton Cristina Plata St. Anthony Catholic School Guadalupe Regional Middle Incarnate Word Academy St. Mary's Catholic School Pharr Oratory of St. Philip Neri School School

Dr. Carlos and Mrs. George Cardenas Kathleen Gavino Sheila Vemu Cassandra & Brad Wolfe Paulina Mohamed San Juan Diego Academy Immaculate Conception School, San Martin de Porres St. Joseph Academy Our Lady of Sorrows Rio Grande City Catholic School 8 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January/February 2021 World Marriage Day Mass goes virtual By PAUL BINZ Rick Treviño/ The Valley Catholic The Valley Catholic Deacon Roman and Maria G. Ramos of Brownsville were among the SAN JUAN — World Mar- couples honored during the World riage Day was celebrated virtu- Marriage Day Mass on Feb. 13. ally by Bishop Daniel E. Flores on Feb. 13 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at the Pas- toral Center of the Diocese of Brownsville in San Juan. World Marriage Day is cel- Link to a recording of the livestream: ebrated in honor of couples who https://fb.watch/3I3NMOpeZ7/ are marking a wedding anniver- sary of 10, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 or more than 60 years during 2021. A total of 114 couples were slat- ed for recognition at this year’s Mass via a Powerpoint presenta- tion. The longest-married cou- ple honored this year are Edgar and Dora Analla Hummert of Harlingen, who are marking 73 years together. World Marriage Day of- ten recognizes as many as 200 couples, but that number was smaller this year due to reduced communication because of the on Facebook and YouTube. The el Sacramento de la caridad; se surrender.) pandemic, Lydia Riojas of the event is usually celebrated at the reconoce en el hecho de entre- “How beautiful this sign of Family Life Office said. Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan garse. El matrimonio cristiano a couple who draws nears to the With so many older cou- del Valle-National Shrine. es un acercarse a esa entrega.” alter to pronounce their vows ples at risk from the COVID-19 At the Mass, Bishop Flores (Christ is the sacrament of char- which means so much because virus, the Mass and ceremony spoke about what it means to ity; he recognizes himself in the they unite themselves to the were downsized and moved exchange the vows while draw- act of surrendering. Christian great sign of God’s love, which is to the smaller venue this year, ing near to the Altar. “Cristo es marriage is an approach to that Christ himself.” from which it was livestreamed

10-Year Anniversary Ignacio & Amelia Verdin Jose Juan & Martha Gabriela Andrade Billy Jack & Monica C. Weaver Kenneth Lee & Sandra Ann Landrum Oscar & Teresa Castillo Jose Luis & Lupita Moreno Congratulations! Raul & Yeny Garcia Gilberto Gil & Ana Maria Logan Alfredo Jesus & Luz Estrella Gonzalez Johnny & Melissa Rodriguez Jose & Maria Sloss Santiago & Edith Tolentino To couples celebrating Oscar & Maricruz Salinas Alfonso & Rosalva Toro Blanco Eduardo Miguel & Yessenia Sada Gerardo M. & Rosalinda Sauceda milestone anniversaries in 2021 Orlando & Pamela Velazquez Javier & Adriana Lara Robert & Rosa Gomez Efrain & Cynthia Garza Rodolfo & Christine Alvarez Adalberto & Olga Lydia Carranza Jose & Angelica Zuniga John & Iris Montemayor Angel & Ashley Barrera Roberto Piña & Delfina Vazquez Edward & San Juanita Rodriguez 61-Year Anniversary Antonio & Maria Del Rosario Martinez Carmelo & Maria Guadalupe Sabedra 25-Year Anniversary Camilo & Mercedes Ramirez Jose Guadalupe & Ana Laura Becerra Hector & Bertha Gutierrez Isaac & Lupita Garza Jose C. & Roxanne Martinez Alfredo Jesus & Rosa Maria Salas Noe & Eva Guerrero Guadalupe & Maria Alicia Sanchez Moises & Fabiola Garcia Danny & Blanca Villarreal Tony & Carmen Talbott Jose Ruben & Juanita Pequeño Pedro Javier Peña & Candida L. Torres Dcn. Felipe & Juanita Almendarez 62-Year Anniversary Daniel & Rosa Isela Moncivais Ambrose & Brenda Warborg Fructoso & Teresa De La Cruz Raymond & Adriana Pedraza 40-Year Anniversary Roberto & Isabel Hinojosa Jorge & Juanita Salazar Salas Leovaldo & Orfelinda P. Peña Oscar & Rosario Parra Jose G. & Maria De La Luz Torres Gabriel & Ivonne Ramos Antonio & Rosa Duron 65-Year Anniversary Lucio & Maria Del Rosario Martinez Juan & Berta Quiroz Adolfo & Adriana Reyna Tiburcio & Guadalupe Rodriguez Oscar & Sylvia Juarez Jesus & Maria Elena Cantu Antonio Santiago & Carmen Cuellar William & Susan Grove Omar & Elvia B. Garza Rafael & Irma Avilés Johnnie & Josephine Thomason German & Graciela Rodriguez Francisco & Lorena Castorena Genaro M. & Tomasa Garcia Bayardo & Thelma Rex Fidel & Margarita Gonzalez 67-Year Anniversary Ruben & Leticia Rodriguez Jose Luis & Teresa Hernandez Robert & Donna Bauer Mike & Lucy Muñiz Raul & Nancy Beltran Roberto & Maria S. Espinoza Ricardo Rene & Maricela Garza Mario R. & Sandra Lopez Guadalupe & Maria De Jesus Moreno Miguel Angel & Maria Del Refugio Sergio & Maria de Jesus Rubio Daniel Federico & Sandra N. Ramirez Garcia Pedro & San Juana Gomez Erasmo & Esther Torres 68-Year Anniversary Dcn. Roman & Maria G. Ramos Carl & Marlene Smith Saul & Benita Zapien Abdala & Alma Kalifa Gilberto Gil & Rafaela Treviño Guerra Francisco Javier & Maria Magdalena Robert & Diamantina Flores 60-Year Anniversary 72-Year Anniversary Diaz Alejandro & Violanda Mascorro Dcn. Al & Yolanda Crixell Adrian & Anna Maria Elizondo Jose G. & Rosa E. Hinojosa Samuel & Olga Lozano Jose G. & Laura P. Sandoval Jose Santos & Ester Guerrero Armando & Maria Isabel Salinas 50-Year Anniversary Ricardo & Jovita Gonzalez 73-Year Anniversary Fernando & Genoveva Quiroz Raymond & Joann Holzhauer Dcn. Rene & Hesmeralda Villalon Achilles & Gloria Avendaño Reynaldo & Angelita Lopez Edgar & Dora Analla Hummert Roberto & Sofia Ortiz Antonio & Natalia R. Martinez 30-Year Anniversary Manuel & Martha Trejo Marquez Juan Jose & Maria Socorro Canul Luis & Janet Hummert Garza Eduardo & Monica Peterson Diego & Paula Torres Eduardo & Maria G. Santana Rene & Lucila Escamilla January/February 2021 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 9 Keep fighting, pro-life advocates told in virtual March for Life By CAROL ZIMMERMANN The message for participants, faces “enormous challenges.” Catholic News Service not muffled by coats, winter gear Smith directed his and crowds moving up and down comments to President Joe Biden WASHINGTON — to stay warm as in previous years, and stressed that the unborn need Although the 2021 March for was a resounding cry to continue the president of the United States Life was far different from the the fight for the unborn and “to be their friend and advocate, previous 47 annual marches to advocate for anti-abortion not another powerful adversary.” to protest the Supreme Court’s legislation. Referring to Biden’s remarks decision legalizing abortion, The virtual rally was free of at his inauguration that “the organizers and rally speakers usual placards, but it included dream of justice for all will be stressed that the smaller, and advertisements from various deferred no longer,” Smith said primarily virtual crowd, delivered sponsor groups. those words can only have true the very same message. It also did not have the back meaning if the lives of unborn It was simply “more somber and forth heated discussions that children are “must be included, and prayerful,” said Jeanne sometimes occur on the sidewalks and their precious lives must be Mancini, president of the March or at the Supreme Court with protected. for Life Defense and Education those on both sides of the issue, Each year many people at Fund, in the livestreamed but snippets of this discussion the March for Life say they are broadcast of a group of pro-life came up in the comments section impressed by the overwhelming leaders making their way to the for those watching the event on youth presence at the march Supreme Court after the virtual the YouTube link. and rally. This year, Elizabeth rally. The comments section CNS screenshot/March for Life Eller, student body president at “We are symbolically also revealed where many of Tim Tebow, two-time national college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner Christendom College, a Catholic marching,” she said of the the viewers were from with and first-round NFL draft pick, is pictured in a screenshot speaking during the virtual college in Front Royal, Virginia, group representing those who comments such as “marching March for Life rally Jan. 29 in Washington. directly addressed younger would have marched in normal with you” from Louisiana, viewers, urging them to do circumstances, adding that this California and Poland. everything they can for the pro- was a “unique moment to build a The rally began and ended building a culture of life. the need for women to seek life movement. culture of life.” with song and prayer with songs He also prayed for pregnant abortions by providing better “We can be the generation The usual in-person march performed by Matthew West, a women and for those who have health care, child care, adoption that sees an end to abortion,” she that typically draws crowds Christian recording artist and been “wounded by abortion,” and social services. She said she said. by the busloads was already songwriter. The opening prayer stressing the need to “walk with is asking pro-life Republicans to Tim Tebow, a former going to be scaled back as many was said by Archbishop Joseph them in their time of need.” also work for “pro-babies and professional football quarterback, groups canceled their plans to F. Naumann of Kansas City, The rally did not have the moms’ legislation.” told his story about how his come to Washington during the Kansas, chairman of the U.S. usual array of dozens of speakers Gabbard urged virtual mother, when she was pregnant pandemic. bishops’ Committee on Pro- from Congress but did include rallygoers to recognize they are with him, had been advised to On Jan. 15, organizers Life Activities, and the closing a handful of them addressing “on a mission together” and to do have an abortion to save her life officially announced the event prayer was said by Cissie Graham participants in pretaped their best to preserve life “with but she chose not to. would primarily be virtual, Lynch, granddaughter of the messages. Two Democrats were love and compassion.” He urged virtual marchers to saying that increased security well-known Southern Baptist among these speakers: Rep. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New be willing to “suffer for and with pressures for law enforcement minister, Rev. Billy Graham. Angie Hatton of Kentucky, who Jersey, who is a regular on the the unborn.” officers around the U.S. Capitol The archbishop prayedis the House minority whip, stage during March for Life “We’ve got to do a better job — since the Jan. 6 assault on the for God’s blessing on the “pro- and state Sen. Mike Gabbard of rallies, pointed out that over the of being all pro-life all the time,” Capitol and threats of subsequent life movement in this nation,” Hawaii. years there have been “significant he said. With a pep talk of sorts violence by domestic terrorist and noted that even though Hatton said there needs pro-life setbacks — but pro-lifers to the crowd, he added: “This is groups — made it impossible its members were separated to be a bipartisan effort to end absolutely refused to quit or go a hard fight and it might get even to ensure security for march by distance, they were united abortion, not just by outlawing away.” He said that same spirit harder but stay in it.” participants. by their use of their talents in the practice but eliminating continues today as the movement Lenten Message Thank you, continued from pg. 2

one another," the Lord says to us. Sin has no Bishop Flores, power over a charitable soul. The Resurrection is lived in the sincere charity that recognizes in for 11 years the neighbor who suffers a sister or a brother with whom we walk in life. It is a salvific grace to recognize in sincere humility those whom as shepherd God entrusts to our care in our daily lives. Charity strengthens our efforts in favor of justice, and anticipates the final victory of life of the Diocese over death. God will grant us to see the final renewal of creation according to the image of the Risen Christ, first through the visible of Brownsville signs of his charity operating in the world, and On the feast of the Presentation of the Lord secondly in the full revelation of what God has and the Feast of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, prepared for us. Bishop Daniel E. Flores celebrated a Mass at In the meanwhile, we live, we struggle the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle- and battle, sustained by this hope for what National Shrine, where 11 years ago on Feb. 2 God prepares for us in the eternal Easter. The human struggle is nothing other than the he was installed as the sixth bishop of effort we make in grace to act in charity. God the Diocese of Brownsville. asks us to be agents of his love in the world. Our movement as a people towards the final The Catholic community and Catholic Schools resurrection is by the path of charity. May sent him messages of well wishes and blessings the mysteries we live in Lent and Easter be a on his anniversary. renewal for the Church, may they make us more effective signs of God's love present in May the Lord continue to give him health and the world, and may these mysteries be a relief, wisdom in ministry here in the Rio Grande consolation, and source of hope for those who Valley. suffer, and may they lead us to eternal life. May the Blessed Virgin accompany us, may St. Joseph help us, and may God the Holy Most Trinity send us his mighty blessing. Amen. 10 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - January/February 2021 Poet Amanda Gorman is a light to us all, parishioner says

CNS photo/Win McNamee, Pool via Reuters Amanda Gorman arrives at the 59th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. The parishioner at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Los Angeles and a youth poet laureate read a poem during the inauguration.

By CAROL ZIMMERMANN is important,” the priest said. “Whatever Hawkins, in her role at the parish self: “Glory be to God. … Look what you Catholic News Service belongs to the parish belongs to every- which numbered 750 families prior to have done in the world!” And she felt the one; in our parish, the success of anyone the pandemic, was impressed by the Gor- strong connection too — that the poet’s WASHINGTON (CNS) — Long is the success of all.” man sisters from the start, saying they description of finding light in dark times before she burst into the public spot- It’s also the pride of all. were brilliant intellectually and socially was something the people of St. Brigid’s light delivering her inauguration poem, “Parishioners are very much proud with quiet but confident personalities. knew all too well. Amanda Gorman got a standing ova- of her,” the priest, from Nigeria, told She also remembered Amanda’s What a time for our Catholic faith tion from fellow parishioners of St. Brig- Catholic News Service Jan. 22, adding speech impairment that caused difficul- and our African American culture, she id Church in Los Angeles for reciting a that he personally knew she would go far. ty in saying certain letters, which the thought. poem she wrote about the parish. “She is a very, very intelligent young lady. poet has overcome and spoken about. She also was pleased that Gorman, And on Jan. 20, at the inauguration The first time I saw her, I knew that one Hawkins once overhead a student asking named the National Youth Poet Laureate ceremony of President Joe Biden, parish- day she was going to be very important.” Amanda why she talked the way she did, in 2017, “didn’t minimize or dismiss” the ioners watching this young woman on This pride is displayed on the parish and Amanda replied that it was just her insurrection at the Capitol just two weeks their TV screens — addressing political website with photos of Gorman and the East Coast accent. before but spoke of not losing hope when leaders and the nation at large about cou- words: “We celebrate and congratulate “I was so happy when I learned she terrible things happen. rageously rebuilding the country — ap- Amanda Gorman: 2021 inauguration had acknowledged publicly that she had Her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” plauded her all the more. poet. Youngest in history.” Similarly, the a speech impediment, what a release for speaks in part of a country “bruised but Floy Hawkins, former director of re- parish Facebook and Instagram accounts her,” Hawkins said. whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and ligious education at the parish for over 20 posted a single photo of Gorman at the Gorman, who had been writing and free” and adds: “We will not be turned years, said her phone did not stop ringing inauguration with the words: “Our very developing her own style since she was around or interrupted by intimidation.” after the inauguration, with friends ask- own Amanda Gorman.” a young girl, was named the Youth Poet It ends with the promise of rebirth ing if she saw, heard or knew about Gor- Hawkins recorded that part of the Laureate of Los Angeles at 16, and it was and reconciliation, saying: “Our people man’s role. inauguration and plans to watch it again. around that time she wrote the St. Brig- diverse and beautiful will emerge, bat- “You see her? Look at that little girl!” She told CNS that when she saw Gor- id’s poem that she recited at the end of tered and beautiful … For there is always fellow parishioners were saying because man approach the podium and begin a Mass commemorating the Rev. Martin light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. as Hawkins put it: “We still see her in a speaking, she was “in awe … to see such Luther King Jr. The parish assistant choir If only we’re brave enough to be it.” very endearing way.” a young African American female be at director, knowing of Gorman’s work, had Father Keke said the poem reflect- There also were plenty of Facebook such a pinnacle point of the world.” She asked her to consider doing it. ed “what we preach here at St. Brigid’s” and Instagram posts about this, but also said it humbled her “from a spiritual That Gorman stepped up to the about liberation and redemption, which Hawkins said her generation doesn’t use perspective of God’s graces and mercies,” plate, then and now, is something he said also is emphasized in the parish’s social media as much, though they’re fine since she knew the national youth poet Hawkins admires. When she saw her on music and art. Her words on unity had with texting. laureate from Gorman’s middle school the Capitol stage in her yellow coat and a strong spiritual connection, the priest And even though they were thrilled days. red headband, she knew Gorman had added. for Gorman, parishioners of the histor- As adolescents, Gorman and her taken “ownership of the opportunity.” The parish is planning to celebrate ically Black church didn’t see her per- sister, went through a two-year training “Sometimes people ask you to do Gorman’s achievement in some small formance as a “solo act,” because Gor- program at the parish and then received something and you say: ‘Oh, I don’t know way soon and in a bigger way once COV- man has always been at the parish with the sacraments of baptism, first Com- if I could do it,'” she said. ID-19 restrictions are lifted. her twin sister, Gabrielle, and her mom. munion and confirmation on the same “I don’t get the sense that was her re- And the country at large is already Hawkins felt that sense of family when day. sponse when the first lady invited her to celebrating her. Just hours after the inau- cameras followed Gorman joining her When she graduated from high speak at the inauguration,” Hawkins add- guration, Gorman’s books jumped to the mother when she finished her delivery. school to attend Harvard University in ed. “I believe she immediately said yes, as top of best-seller lists. St. Brigid’s pastor, Josephite Father Cambridge, Massachusetts, Gorman re- we are encouraged to say: ‘Yes Lord.'” “She is definitely a light, an inspira- Kenneth Keke, also didn’t just see Gor- ceived a scholarship donation from the Hawkins prayed for Gorman before tion to us all,” said Hawkins, who said the man in that moment but felt she repre- parish. The pastor said she always re- the poet introduced herself to the coun- current buzz around Gorman simply val- sented the entire parish in South Central turned to the church when she visited try as the “skinny Black girl, descended idates who she is and will take her further Los Angeles — which is predominantly home. from slaves and raised by a single moth- than she ever imagined. She also has no African American but now also has a In recent months, he hasn’t seen er” who can “dream of becoming presi- doubt Gorman will continue to coura- growing number of Latinos, Filipinos Gorman, who graduated last year, but he dent only to find herself reciting for one.” geously move forward, but not alone. and white parishioners too. also hasn’t seen many of his parishioners But as she listened to the 22-year- “She takes God with her,” she said. “We are a community; everyone here due to coronavirus Mass restrictions. old’s strong, clear voice she said to her- January/February 2021 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 11 Pope establishes World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly

CNS photo/Paul Haring Pope Francis greets people during an encounter with the elderly in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in this Sept. 28, 2014, file photo. During his Jan. 31 Sunday Angelus, the pope announced the establishment of a World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. By JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES “It is important for grandparents elderly today.” event was “a gift to the whole church” Catholic News Service to meet their grandchildren and for “Their voice is precious because it that emphasizes the pastoral care of the grandchildren to meet their grandparents sings the praises of God and safeguards elderly as “a priority that can no longer be VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis because — as the prophet Joel says — the roots of peoples,” he said. “They postponed by any Christian community.” announced the establishment of a World grandparents, before their grandchildren, remind us that old age is a gift and “In the encyclical, ‘Fratelli Tutti,’ Day of Grandparents and the Elderly as a will dream and have great desires, and that grandparents are the link between the Holy Father reminds us that no one reminder of the important role they play young people — taking strength from generations, passing on the experience of is saved alone. With this in mind, we as a link between generations. their grandparents — will go forward and life and faith to the young.” must treasure the spiritual and human During his Sunday Angelus address prophesy,” he said. “Grandparents are often forgotten wealth that has been handed down from Jan. 31, the pope said the day will be Highlighting the Feb. 2 feast of the and we forget this wealth of preserving generation to generation,” he said. celebrated every year on the fourth Presentation of the Lord, the pope said roots and passing on,” he added. Cardinal Farrell added that “today, Sunday of July to coincide with the the recognition of Christ as the Messiah In a statement published shortly after more than ever, we are committed to feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ by the elderly Simeon and Anna is a the pope’s announcement, Cardinal Kevin making every effort to dismantle the grandparents. The first celebration of this reminder that “the Holy Spirit still stirs J. Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for throwaway culture and to enhance the day will be July 25. up thoughts and words of wisdom in the Laity, the Family and Life, said the yearly charisms of grandparents and the elderly.”

Noche de SANACIÓN y DIVINA MISERICORDIA Night of Healing and Divine Mercy Únase a nosotros en línea todos los ultimo sábado del mes en la Basilia de Nuestra Señora San Juan del Valle en San Juan, Texas a las 6:30 PM Join us online every last Saturday of the month from the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, San Juan, Texas at 6:30 PM with Msgr. Juan Nicolau, Ph.D leading us in prayer 12 NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL The Valley Catholic - Enero / Febrero 2021

ACI Prensa del corazón, abierto a la grandeza de Dios que nos ama da la esperanza como inspiración y luz interior, que ilu- antes de que nosotros mismos seamos conscientes de ello. mina los desafíos y las decisiones de nuestra misión: por El Vaticano publicó el 12 de febrero el Mensaje del Esta Verdad es Cristo mismo que, asumiendo plenamente esto es fundamental recogerse en oración (cf. Mt 6,6) y Papa Francisco para la Cuaresma de 2021 titulado “Miren, nuestra humanidad, se hizo Camino -exigente pero abier- encontrar, en la intimidad, al Padre de la ternura. estamos subiendo a Jerusalén... (Mt 20,18). Cuaresma: un to a todos- que lleva a la plenitud de la Vida. Vivir una Cuaresma con esperanza significa sentir tiempo para renovar la fe, la esperanza y la caridad”. El ayuno vivido como experiencia de privación, para que, en Jesucristo, somos testigos del tiempo nuevo, en En el texto dirigido a todos los fieles católicos del quienes lo viven con sencillez de corazón lleva a descubrir el que Dios “hace nuevas todas las cosas” (cf. Ap 21,1- 6). mundo, el Santo Padre invitó a “vivir la Cuaresma como de nuevo el don de Dios y a comprender nuestra realidad Significa recibir la esperanza de Cristo que entrega su vida camino de conversión y oración, y para compartir nues- de criaturas que, a su imagen y semejanza, encuentran en en la cruz y que Dios resucita al tercer día, “dispuestos tros bienes”, así como a vivir “una Cuaresma de caridad Él su cumplimiento. Haciendo la experiencia de una po- siempre para dar explicación a todo el que nos pida una que quiere decir cuidar a quienes se encuentran en condi- breza aceptada, quien ayuna se hace pobre con los pobres razón de nuestra esperanza” (cf. 1 P 3,15). ciones de sufrimiento, abandono o angustia a causa de la y “acumula” la riqueza del amor recibido y compartido. pandemia de COVID- 19”. Así entendido y puesto en práctica, el ayuno contribuye “En la Cuaresma, estemos más atentos a ‘decir pal- a amar a Dios y al prójimo en cuanto, como nos enseña 3. La caridad, vivida tras las huel- abras de aliento, que reconfortan, que fortalecen, que con- Santo Tomás de Aquino, el amor es un movimiento que las de Cristo, mostrando atención y suelan, que estimulan’, en lugar de ‘palabras que humillan, centra la atención en el otro considerándolo como uno compasión por cada persona, es la ex- que entristecen, que irritan, que desprecian’. A veces, para consigo mismo (cf. Carta enc. Fratelli tutti, 93). dar esperanza, es suficiente con ser ‘una persona amable, La Cuaresma es un tiempo para creer, es decir, presión más alta de nuestra fe y nuestra que deja a un lado sus ansiedades y urgencias para prestar para recibir a Dios en nuestra vida y permiti rle “poner esperanza. atención, para regalar una sonrisa, para decir una palabra su morada” en nosotros (cf. Jn 14,23). Ayunar significa que estimule, para posibilitar un espacio de escucha en liberar nuestra existencia de todo lo que estorba, incluso La caridad se alegra de ver que el otro crece. Por este medio de tanta indiferencia’”, advirtió el Papa. de la saturación de informaciones -verdaderas o falsas- y motivo, sufre cuando el otro está angustiado: solo, enfer- A continuación, el mensaje del Papa Francisco para productos de consumo, para abrir las puertas de nuestro mo, sin hogar, despreciado, en situación de necesidad... la Cuaresma de 2021: corazón a Aquel que viene a nosotros pobre de todo, pero La caridad es el impulso del corazón que nos hace salir “lleno de gracia y de verdad” (Jn 1,14): el Hijo de Dios de nosotros mismos y que suscita el vínculo de la cooper- “Miren, estamos subiendo a Je- Salvador. ación y de la comunión. rusalén... (Mt 20,18). “A partir del ‘amor social’ es posible avanzar hacia 2. La esperanza como “agua viva” que una civilización del amor a la que todos podamos sen- tirnos convocados. La caridad, con su dinamismo univer- Cuaresma: un tiempo nos permite continuar nuestro camino. sal, puede construir un mundo nuevo, porque no es un para renovar la fe, sentimiento estéril, sino la mejor manera de lograr cami- La samaritana, a quien Jesús pide que le dé de beber nos eficaces de desarrollo para todos” (FT, 183). la esperanza y la caridad”. junto al pozo, no comprende cuando Él le dice que podría Queridos hermanos y hermanas: La caridad es don que da sentido a nuestra vida y gra- ofrecerle un “agua viva” (Jn 4,10). Al principio, natural- cias a este consideramos a quien se ve privado de lo nece- Cuando Jesús anuncia a sus discípulos su pasión, mente, ella piensa en el agua material, mientras que Jesús muerte y resurrección, para cumplir con la voluntad del sario como un miembro de nuestra familia, amigo, her- se refiere al Espíritu Santo, aquel que Él dará en abundan- mano. Lo poco que tenemos, si lo compartimos con amor, Padre, les revela el sentido profundo de su misión y los cia en el Misterio pascual y que infunde en nosotros la es- exhorta a asociarse a ella, para la salvación del mundo. no se acaba nunca, sino que se transforma en una reserva peranza que no defrauda. Al anunciar su pasión y muerte de vida y de felicidad. Así sucedió con la harina y el aceite Recorriendo el camino cuaresmal, que nos condu- Jesús ya anuncia la esperanza, cuando dice: “Y al tercer cirá a las celebraciones pascuales, recordemos a Aquel que de la viuda de Sarepta, que dio el pan al profeta Elías (cf. 1 día resucitará” (Mt 20,19). Jesús nos habla del futuro que R 17,7-16); y con los panes que Jesús bendijo, partió y dio “se humilló a sí mismo, hecho obediente hasta la muerte, la misericordia del Padre ha abierto de par en par. Esperar y una muerte de cruz” (Flp 2,8). En este tiempo de con- a los discípulos para que los distribuyeran entre la gente con Él y gracias a Él quiere decir creer que la historia no (cf. Mc 6,30-44). Así sucede con nuestra limosna, ya sea versión renovemos nuestra fe, saciemos nuestra sed con termina con nuestros errores, nuestras violencias e injus- el “agua viva” de la esperanza y recibamos con el corazón grande o pequeña, si la damos con gozo y sencillez. ticias, ni con el pecado que crucifica al Amor. Significa Vivir una Cuaresma de caridad quiere decir cuidar abierto el amor de Dios que nos convierte en hermanos y saciarnos del perdón del Padre en su Corazón abierto. hermanas en Cristo. En la noche de Pascua renovaremos a quienes se encuentran en condiciones de sufrimiento, En el actual contexto de preocupación en el que vivi- abandono o angustia a causa de la pandemia de COVID- las promesas de nuestro Bautismo, para renacer como mos y en el que todo parece frágil e incierto, hablar de hombres y mujeres nuevos, gracias a la obra del Espíritu 19. En un contexto tan incierto sobre el futuro, recordem- esperanza podría parecer una provocación. El tiempo de os la palabra que Dios dirige a su Siervo: “No temas, que Santo. Sin embargo, el itinerario de la Cuaresma, al igual Cuaresma está hecho para esperar, para volver a dirigir que todo el camino cristiano, ya está bajo la luz de la Res- te he redimido” (Is 43,1), ofrezcamos con nuestra caridad la mirada a la paciencia de Dios, que sigue cuidando de su una palabra de confianza, para que el otro sienta que Dios urrección, que anima los sentimientos, las actitudes y las Creación, mientras que nosotros a menudo la maltrata- decisiones de quien desea seguir a Cristo. lo ama como a un hijo. mos (cf. Carta enc. Laudato si’, 32-33;43-44). Es esperanza “Solo con una mirada cuyo horizonte esté transfor- El ayuno, la oración y la limosna, tal como los pre- en la reconciliación, a la que san Pablo nos exhorta con senta Jesús en su predicación (cf. Mt 6,1-18), son las mado por la caridad, que le lleva a percibir la dignidad pasión: “Les pedimos que se reconcilien con Dios” (2 Co del otro, los pobres son descubiertos y valorados en su condiciones y la expresión de nuestra conversión. La vía 5,20). Al recibir el perdón, en el Sacramento que está en de la pobreza y de la privación (el ayuno), la mirada y los inmensa dignidad, respetados en su estilo propio y en su el corazón de nuestro proceso de conversión, también no- cultura y, por lo tanto, verdaderamente integrados en la gestos de amor hacia el hombre herido (la limosna) y el sotros nos convertimos en difusores del perdón: al haber- diálogo filial con el Padre (la oración) nos permiten en- sociedad” (FT, 187). lo acogido nosotros, podemos ofrecerlo, siendo capaces Queridos hermanos y hermanas: Cada etapa de la carnar una fe sincera, una esperanza viva y una caridad de vivir un diálogo atento y adoptando un comportami- operante. vida es un tiempo para creer, esperar y amar. Este llama- ento que conforte a quien se encuentra herido. El perdón do a vivir la Cuaresma como camino de conversión y de Dios, también mediante nuestras palabras y gestos, oración, y para compartir nuestros bienes, nos ayuda a re- 1. La fe nos llama a acoger la Verdad y permite vivir una Pascua de fraternidad. considerar, en nuestra memoria comunitaria y personal, a ser testigos, ante Dios y ante nuestros En la Cuaresma, estemos más atentos a “decir pal- la fe que viene de Cristo vivo, la esperanza animada por el abras de aliento, que reconfortan, que fortalecen, que con- soplo del Espíritu y el amor, cuya fuente inagotable es el hermanos y hermanas. suelan, que estimulan”, en lugar de “palabras que humil- corazón misericordioso del Padre. lan, que entristecen, que irritan, que desprecian” (Carta Que María, Madre del Salvador, fiel al pie de la cruz y En este tiempo de Cuaresma, acoger y vivir la Ver- enc. Fratelli tutti [FT], 223). A veces, para dar esperanza, en el corazón de la Iglesia, nos sostenga con su presencia dad que se manifestó en Cristo significa ante todo dejarse es suficiente con ser “una persona amable, que deja a un solícita, y la bendición de Cristo resucitado nos acompañe alcanzar por la Palabra de Dios, que la Iglesia nos trans- lado sus ansiedades y urgencias para prestar atención, en el camino hacia la luz pascual. mite de generación en generación. Esta Verdad no es una para regalar una sonrisa, para decir una palabra que es- construcción del intelecto, destinada a pocas mentes el- timule, para posibilitar un espacio de escucha en medio Roma, San Juan de Letrán, 11 de noviembre de 2020, egidas, superiores o ilustres, sino que es un mensaje que de tanta indiferencia” (ibíd., 224). memoria de San Martín de Tours. recibimos y podemos comprender gracias a la inteligencia En el recogimiento y el silencio de la oración, se nos Francisco Enero / Febrero 2021 - The Valley Catholic NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 13 El Papa instituye la Jornada El Papa invita a reforzar la relación con Dios a Mundial de los Abuelos través de la oración y de los Ancianos By MERCEDES DE LA TORRE cuenta oficial de Twitter @ ACI Prensa Pontifex_es. En esta línea, el Papa VATICAN CITY — añadió que gracias a la oración El Papa Francisco invitó a se descubre que “Dios es un los fieles a reforzar la relación Padre compasivo que cuida con Dios a través de la oración siempre de nosotros”. para comprender mejor sus El Papa Francisco ha planes para la vida de cada dedicado en muchas ocasiones persona. la Audiencia General para Así lo indicó el Santo hablar de la oración, como por Padre este 15 de febrero en ejemplo la serie de catequesis un mensaje enviado con su que dedicó al Padre Nuestro.

cuidar en la vida diaria. La Cuaresma caridad robustece nuestros continúa de pág. 2 esfuerzos a favor de la justicia y anticipa la victoria final de la vida sobre la muerte. Dios nos día para recordar cuando dará a ver la renovación final se suspendieron las misas de la creación según la imagen públicas y pedirle al Señor un del Cristo Resucitado, primero mayor aprecio de la grandeza a través de las señales visibles del santo sacrificio del Altar de su caridad operando en el como la fuente primordial de mundo, y luego en la plena Vatican Media/CNA la gracia en la Iglesia y en el revelación de lo que Dios nos El Papa Francisco visita el hogar de vida asistida San Raffaele Borona en Rieti, Italia, el 4 de octubre de 2016. mundo. ha preparado. En este espíritu de Mientras tanto, vivimos, ACI Prensa experiencia de vida y de fe”. el primer fruto del Año Familia aprecio por la fuente de la luchamos y batallamos El Papa lamentó que “los Amoris Laetitia, un don para toda gracia, Cristo Crucificado y sostenidos con la esperanza VATICAN CITY — abuelos muchas veces son la Iglesia destinado a permanecer Resucitado, quisiera enfatizar de lo que Dios nos prepara El Papa Francisco anunció, olvidados, y olvidamos esta a lo largo de los años”. que la Cuaresma se vincula en la Pascua Eterna. La lucha al finalizar el rezo del Ángelus en riqueza de custodiar las raíces y “La pastoral de las personas estrechamente con los 50 días humana no es otra que cosa el Vaticano este domingo 31 de transmitirlas”. mayores es una prioridad de la Pascua. Todo el ciclo que el esfuerzo que hacemos enero, la institución de la Jornada Por ese motivo, “he decidido inaplazable para toda comunidad de la Cuaresma y la Pascua en la gracia para actuar en Mundial de los Abuelos y de instituir la Jornada Mundial de cristiana. En la encíclica Fratelli culmina en la Solemnidad de la caridad. Dios nos pide los Ancianos, que se celebrará los Abuelos y de los Ancianos, tutti, el Santo Padre nos recuerda Pentecostés, y se vive dentro ser agentes de su amor en el en toda la Iglesia el cuarto que se celebrará en toda la Iglesia que nadie se salva solo. En esta del misterio del “amor de mundo. Nuestro movimiento domingo de julio, “cerca de la cada año el cuarto domingo de perspectiva es necesario atesorar Dios que ha sido derramado como pueblo hacia la conmemoración de San Joaquín julio, cerca de la conmemoración la riqueza espiritual y humana en nuestros corazones por el resurrección final es a través y Santa Ana, los abuelos de Jesús”. de San Joaquín y Santa Ana, los que se fue transmitiendo a lo Espíritu Santo” (Romanos 5,5). del camino de la caridad. Que El Santo Padre explicó que el abuelos de Jesús”. largo de las generaciones”. La Cuaresma se destaca los misterios que vivimos objetivo de esta Jornada Mundial “Es importante que los por la práctica de la caridad, en tiempos de Cuaresma y es promover el encuentro entre abuelos se reúnan con los nietos, No dejar solos a los abuelos que es a la vez motivo y Pascua sean renovación para la generaciones, de los nietos con y que los nietos se reúnan con fruto del ayuno y la oración. Iglesia, que nos hagan señales los abuelos y de los abuelos con los abuelos. Porque, como dice el La insistencia en la “Ámense unos a otros” nos dice más eficaces del amor de Dios los nietos, para “custodiar las profeta Joel, los abuelos ante los importancia de las generaciones el Señor. El pecado no tiene presente en el mundo, que raíces y transmitirlas”. nietos soñarán, tendrán ilusión, más ancianas es una constante en poder sobre un alma caritativa. sean alivio, consuelo y causa de El Pontífice recordó que y los jóvenes, tomando fuerza la predicación del Papa Francisco. La Resurrección se vive en la esperanza para los que sufren, “pasado mañana, 2 de febrero, de los abuelos, saldrán adelante, El pasado 26 de julio, fiesta sincera caridad que reconoce y que nos lleven a la vida celebraremos la fiesta de la profetizarán. Precisamente, el 2 de de San Joaquín y Santa Ana, el en el prójimo que sufre una eterna. Presentación de Jesús en el febrero, es la fiesta del encuentro Santo Padre invitó “a los jóvenes a hermana o un hermano con Que la Santísima Virgen Templo, cuando Simeón y Ana, de los abuelos con los nietos”, realizar un gesto de ternura hacia quien caminamos en la vida. Es nos acompañe, que San José ambos ancianos, iluminados por concluyó el Papa Francisco. los ancianos, sobre todo a los que una gracia salvífica reconocer nos ayude, y que Dios, la el Espíritu Santo, reconocieron en están más solos, en las casas y en en sincera humildad a quienes Santísima Trinidad, nos mande Dios nos encomienda para su poderosa bendición. Amén. Jesús al Mesías”. Primer fruto del Año las residencias, los que desde hace Señaló que “el Espíritu Santo de la Familia muchos meses no ven a sus seres también hoy suscita en los queridos”. ancianos pensamientos y palabras En un comunicado difundido En aquella ocasión, el de sabiduría. Su voz es preciosa por el Dicasterio para los Laicos, Papa invitó a no dejar solos porque canta las alabanzas de la Familia y la Vida difundido tras a los abuelos y recordó a las Dios y custodia la raíz de los el anuncio del Papa Francisco, el generaciones más jóvenes que sus pueblos. Ellos nos recuerdan Prefecto del Dicasterio, Cardenal ancianos “son vuestras raíces. Un que la vejez es un don, y que los Kevin Joseph Farrell, explicó árbol separado de las raíces no abuelos son el eslabón de unión que la Jornada Mundial de los crece, no da flores ni frutos. Por entre las diferentes generaciones Abuelos y de los Ancianos “es esto es importante la unión y la para transmitir a los jóvenes la conexión con vuestras raíces”.

»The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for February

Violence Against Women We pray for women who are vic- tims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded. 14 NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL The Valley Catholic - Enero / Febrero 2021 10 prácticas que pueden ayudar a traer a la Virgen María a tu vida ACI Prensa de las videntes de la Virgen de Fátima, que ofrecerá la posibilidad de no morir Quedarse sin vino en las Bodas de en pecado mortal a todos los que cada Caná no fue un problema de la Santísima primer sábado de mes, durante cinco Madre María, pero lo convirtió en su meses seguidos, realicen diversos actos preocupación. Al traer a la Virgen a de piedad con la intención de reparar los nuestras vidas, ella también llevará pecados contra el Inmaculado Corazón nuestros problemas a su Hijo. de María. Patti Maguire Armstrong, escritora Los actos de piedad que esta devoción galardonada, madre de 10 hijos y coautora propone cada primer sábado de mes son: de Amazing Grace Series y otros libros confesarse (de preferencia ese mismo para ayudar a los católicos a vivir su fe día o unos días antes), comulgar, rezar en la vida cotidiana, escribió en National el Rosario completo y hacerle compañía Catholic Register las claves para poder a María al menos quince minutos, tener a la Madre de Cristo aún más cerca meditando los misterios del Rosario. de nuestras vidas. “La Santísima Virgen María brinda 4. Rezar el Rosario diario simetría divina: A través de ella Dios se En numerosas apariciones marianas, acercó a nosotros y nosotros podemos ir como en Lourdes y Fátima, la Santísima a Dios a través de ella. Si bien ‘hay un solo Madre nos pidió que rezáramos el Rosario mediador entre Dios y los hombres, Cristo todos los días, una práctica devocional Jesús’, ¿cómo puede alguien no entender católica que se centra en la vida de Jesús que el primer milagro que Jesús mostró en unión con su Madre. al mundo responde a las peticiones de su Muchos santos y líderes católicos Madre?”, preguntó. nos enseñan el gran poder y frutos del En ese sentido, Armstrong propone Santo Rosario y nos animan a rezarlo. 10 prácticas marianas que ayudarán a los Por ejemplo, a través de Santo Domingo, católicos a profundizar en su relación con la Santísima Virgen hizo 15 promesas a la Virgen: “Recuerda que hagas lo que los que la rezan diariamente, entre ellas, hagas, habla con Nuestra Madre celestial; dar su “protección especial y las mayores ten una relación con ella, y al igual que en gracias”. Caná, ella se anticipará a tus necesidades e irá a su Hijo para presentárselas ¡Todo por 5. Hacer la consagración Jesús a través de María!”, agregó. a María Una práctica muy recomendada es 1. Realizar peregrinaciones hacer la consagración total a Nuestra marianas Santísima Madre a través del método de En el mundo existen muchos 33 días de San Luis María Grignion de santuarios marianos donde podemos Montfort. ir a visitar y rezar a Nuestra Madre El Papa Pío XII dijo que la consagración Santísima. Cada templo guarda una “tiende esencialmente a la unión con historia particular y está dedicado a una Jesús, bajo la guía de María”. Consagrarse advocación mariana específica bajo la cual completamente a María significa que le nos podemos acoger y a la que podemos confías tu vida y le comprometes el deseo dedicar oraciones y meditaciones de hacer todo en unión con ella. específicas para acercarnos más a Jesús a Muchos santos y beatos se han través del corazón de su Madre. consagrado a María gracias a este método La autora Marge Fenelon hizo una como San Pío X, que lo aprobó, y San Juan novena de peregrinaciones a nueve Pablo II, quien gracias al método encontró The Valley Catholic santuarios marianos en los Estados la respuesta a sus dudas sobre el temor del Un niño en Brownsville coloca flores ante una imagen de la Virgen María encinta. Unidos y escribió sobre ello en My culto excesivo a María que podría dejar de Queen, My Mother: A Living Novena. Los lado la supremacía del culto a Cristo. lectores pueden conocer indirectamente Como María es nuestra madre, conoce su protección y gracias del Cielo a quienes los santuarios marianos y encontrar nuestras necesidades mejor que nosotros; lleven esta medalla con devoción. 9. Lectura espiritual oraciones a María. y como es Reina del Cielo, tiene acceso Se recomienda leer sobre las vidas inmediato al tesoro infinito de gracias en 8. Llevar el escapulario de los santos dedicados a la Santísima 2. Meditar sobre los siete el Reino de su Divino Hijo. de la Virgen del Carmen Madre, las maravillas del Rosario y otras La Virgen del Carmen entregó un devociones marianas. La inspiración dolores de María que sirvió de guía a los autores también Se prometieron siete gracias a través 6. Novena mariana escapulario de color marrón a San Simón ayudará a que el lector profundice su de Santa Brígida por la devoción de los Hay muchas novenas que puedes Stock, religioso carmelita inglés, cuando amor por Nuestra Santísima Madre. Siete Dolores de María que son: la profecía rezar a las distintas advocaciones de la estaba en peligro de muerte. A través del de Simeón, la huida a Egipto, la pérdida Virgen María que hay en el mundo. Una escapulario la Virgen le ofreció protección del Niño Jesús en el Templo, el encuentro de ellas, de la que se dice es especialmente divina “del fuego del infierno”. 10. Oraciones marianas de Jesús y María en el Vía Crucis, la poderosa, es la novena a la Virgen Del mismo modo, todos los fieles que Además del “Ave María” está el crucifixión de Jesús, la bajada del Cuerpo Desatanudos, rezada con el Rosario o tras consagrarse a la Santísima Virgen "Memorare” o “Acuérdate” de Santa de Jesús de la Cruz y el entierro de Cristo. como oración diaria durante nueve días. María por la inscripción en la Orden Teresa de Calcuta, una oración que la Reflexione sobre cada dolor centrado Carmelita, lleven el escapulario, recibirán santa rezaba nueve veces y que cosechó en Cristo y diga un Ave María por cada 7. Medalla milagrosa esta la gracia de no morir en condenación. poderosos resultados. uno. Puede leer las meditaciones AQUÍ. La Medalla Milagrosa fue entregada Quien viste el escapulario debe procurar “Si alguna vez te sientes angustiado a Santa Catalina Laboure, una humilde tener siempre presente a la Santísima durante el día, llama a la Virgen, solo di 3. Seguir la devoción de los religiosa vicentina. En una revelación la Virgen y tratar de copiar sus virtudes, esta sencilla oración: María, Madre de Virgen le dijo que siempre está ofreciendo su vida y obrar como Ella, siguiendo su Jesús, por favor sé una madre para mí 5 primeros sábados respuesta al ángel: “He aquí la esclava del ahora. Debo admitir que esta oración La Virgen le dijo a Sor Lucía, una gracias y bendiciones “a todos aquellos que me invocan como Madre”, y ofreció Señor, hágase en mí según tu palabra”. nunca me ha fallado”, dijo la santa.

¿Qué hacer en la Cuaresma? Limosna, oración, ayuno January/February 2021- The Valley Catholic 15 »Obituaries Sacred Heart priest dies EDINBURG — Father Parish in New Bedford, Massa- missionaries to serve the Catho- Richard Lifrak, SS.CC., 70, an chusetts, where he was appoint- lic Community in Louvain, Bel- ordained member of the Con- ed associate pastor. He remained gium. Father Lifrak returned to gregation of the Sacred Hearts there until 2002. Sacred Heart Parish in Edinburg of Jesus and Mary-United States In 2002 he was asked to in 2015 where he remained until Province, passed away Friday, become a member of the new his death. Feb. 12, 2021, at Edinburg Re- SS.CC. Community in Mission In addition to his SSCC gional Hospital. in Artesia, New Mexico with brothers and sisters, he is sur- Father Lifrak was born other members of the Congre- vived by his brother; Eric (Bru- Sept. 13, 1950 in Fall River, gation from various parts of the hilda Chavez) Lifrak from Cal- Massachusetts. In 1987, after country, where ge served until ifornia, a nephew, and several converting from the Jewish 2008. Returning to Massachu- cousins. faith, Father Lifrak entered the setts, Father Lifrak served as Visitation is set for 4-8 p.m. novitiate of the Congregation of vocation director for the USA Tuesday, Feb. 16 with Holy Ro- the Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven, East Coast Province as well as sary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m. at Massachusetts and professed spiritual director of the Men of Sacred Heart Catholic Church his first vows on Aug. 3, 1988 the Sacred Hearts, a national or- in Edinburg. A celebration of his in Wareham, Massachusetts. He ganization devoted to promot- life and death is scheduled for 2 was ordained to the priesthood ing Enthronement in the home. p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic on June 16, 1995 in Fairhaven. In 2010, Father Lifrak was Church in Edinburg. Principal During his first year of named associate pastor to Sa- celebrant will be Bishop Daniel ministry, Father Lifrak served as cred Heart Parish in Edinburg. E. Flores. a deacon and then associate pas- He remained in Texas until No- Burial will take place at a tor at St. Margaret of Scotland vember 2013 when he was again later date in the Sacred Hearts Parish in Seat Pleasant, Mary- asked by the General Govern- Community Cemetery in Fair- Father Richard Lifrak land. In 1996 he was transferred ment in Rome to become part of haven, Massachusetts. to Our Lady of the Assumption an international group of SS.CC. Sept. 13, 1950-Feb. 12, 2012

“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God” Wisdom 3:1

come a deacon while a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Meatless Meals from Catholic Church in McAllen. In 1989, he and his family moved to Alamo, where he continued Around the World his ministry at Our Lady of Fa- from Catholic Relief Services tima Catholic Church. He was ordained a deacon May 12, 1990, and continued to serve the Ala- mo community at Resurrection Catholic Church until May 2006 when he was assigned to the Ba- silica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine in San Juan. Deacon Galvan is survived Deacon Jose Jesus by one daughter; four grandchil- Galvan dren; four great-granddaughters Oct. 5, 1944 1944-Dec. 6, 2020 and two great-grandsons; and 10 Deacon Juan brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by Valenzuela McALLEN — Deacon Jose his wife, Guadalupe Galvan; and Jan. 24, 1935- Jan. 6, 2021 Jesus Galvan, 76, passed away his parents, Ramon and Guada- FATTET LABAN RECIPE – LEBANON Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 at Solara lupe Galvan. Deacon Galvan’s funeral HARLINGEN — Deacon Specialty Hospitals of McAllen. Makes 6 servings (314 g per serving) Born and raised in Guana- service was Dec. 9 at the Basilica Juan (Johnny) Valenzuela Jr., juato, Mexico, he was an active of Our Lady of San Juan del 85, passed away Jan. 5, 2021 in parishioner of his local church. Valle-National Shrine in San Harlingen. Directions: Juan. Interment was Dec. 11 at St. Born Jan. 24, 1935 in Hidalgo After moving to the United • One 32-ounce container of plain whole milk yogurt States, he began studying to be- Joseph Cemetery in Alamo. to Juan Valenzuela, Sr. and Cruz G. Valenzuela, he served in the U. • Cheesecloth • 1 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped • S Army from 1954 to 1959. 1 teaspoon dry mint • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • Two Born Feb. 22, 1940 in He married Dora Mercado 16-ounce cans chickpeas • Pita bread • Almonds, Brownsville, he was a lifelong July 17, 1960; the couple resident there. He graduated celebrated their 60-year chopped, toasted (optional) • 2 tablespoons FAIR from Brownsville High School anniversary in 2020. TRADE olive oil in 1960, and was honorably Deacon Valenzuela was discharged from the U.S. Army ordained to the Diaconate in May after serving from 1963 to 1965. 1980 and served for many years Place a colander into a bowl, line it with cheesecloth and He met his future wife, in Harlingen at Queen of Peace, place yogurt in it. Cover and place in refrigerator. Allow Esther Moreno, in 1962; they Immaculate Heart of Mary and yogurt to drain for a few hours, or overnight. were married in 1966. Assumption parishes until he Ordained to the diaconate retired in 2018. in May 1985, Deacon Olvera He was the founder and Combine drained yogurt, fresh and dry mint, and served for many years at Good owner of Valenzuela Cabinet crushed garlic in a bowl. In a pan, heat chickpeas in Shepherd parish until moving Shop in Harlingen, a cabinet and their liquid until warm, then drain and set aside. Toast to Our Lady of Good Counsel construction firm. pita bread in oven until golden in color. Break some parish in 2007, where he served Deacon Valenzuela is until retiring in August 2020. survived by his wife and five of the pita bread and place pieces in a large bowl with He is survived by his adult children, as well as several chickpeas. Add yogurt mixture. Top with fresh mint and Deacon Alvino four adult children, three grandchildren and seven great- toasted almonds. Drizzle olive oil over top. Serve with Olvera grandchildren, three brothers grandchildren. He was preceded and five sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and five remaining pita bread. Feb. 22, 1940-Oct. 30, 2020 in death by his wife, parents and sisters. one brother and one sister. His funeral was Jan. 12, 2021 https://www.crsricebowl.org/recipe/fattet- BROWNSVILLE — Deacon His funeral was Nov. 5 at at Queen of Peace Church in laban Alvino Olvera, 80, passed away Good Shepherd Catholic Church Harlingen. Friday, Oct. 30, 2020 at Valley in Brownsville, with interment at Baptist Medical Center in Buena Vista Burial Park. Brownsville. 16 The Valley Catholic - January/February 2021 Lent Calendar Daily Inspiration for your Lenten Journey

Daily Inspiration for Your Lenten Journey | February 17—April 4 Inspiración diaria para tu Jornada de Cuaresma | 17 de febrero—4 de abril

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY DOMINGO LUNES MARTES MIÉRCOLES JUEVES VIERNES SÁBADO February 17 February 18 February 19 February 20 17 de febrero 18 de febrero 19 de febrero 20 de febrero

Ash Wednesday— Begin your journey with Abstaining from meat Begin your day with the Miércoles de Ceniza— Empieza tu jornada con Abstenerte de comer Empieza tu día con la Lent Begins self-reflection and allow and other indulgences Bible. Read or listen to Empieza la Cuaresma una auto-reflexión y carne y otras indulgen- Biblia. Lee o escucha las yourself to experience during Lent is a peniten- the daily readings. permítete experimentar cias durante la Cuaresma lecturas diarias. Ashes are sprinkled on Ashes are sprinkled on La the mercy of the Lord. tial practice. Do you have la misericordia del Señor. es una práctica peniten- our heads so that the fire ceniza se posa sobre nues- How will you renew your questions about fasting? ¿Cómo vas a renovar cial. ¿Tienes pregun- of love can be kindled tras cabezas para que el commitment to prayer, We’ve got answers! tu compromiso con la tas acerca del ayuno? in our hearts. We are fuego del amor se encienda fasting and almsgiving en los corazones. Porque oración, el ayuno y dar ¡Nosotros tenemos las citizens of heaven, and this season? somos ciudadanos del limosna en este tiempo? respuestas! our love for God and cielo y el amor a Dios y al neighbor is our passport prójimo es el pasaporte al to heaven. cielo, es nuestro pasaporte. (Pope Francis, Ash (Papa Francisco, Miércoles Wednesday, 2020) CNS/Nancy Wiechec CNS/Nancy Wiechec de Ceniza, 2020) February 21 February 22 February 23 February 24 February 25 February 26 February 27 21 de febrero 22 de febrero 23 de febrero 24 de febrero 25 de febrero 26 de febrero 27 de febrero

First Sunday of Lent Today is the feast of “If you forgive men Catechumens who “Will we bend down Be patient with yourself Lord Jesus Christ, Son Primer Domingo de ¡Hoy es la fiesta de la “Si perdonan sus faltas a Los catecúmenos, quienes “¿Nos inclinaremos Sé paciente contigo Señor Jesús, Hijo del the Chair of St. Peter! their transgressions, / have been preparing to touch and heal the this Lent. This past year of the living God, have Cuaresma Cátedra de San Pedro! los demás, el Padre que han estado preparándose para tocar y curar las mismo en esta Cuaresma. Dios, ten misericordia de “This is the time of This feast reminds us your heavenly Father for baptism will soon wounds of others? Will has been difficult in many mercy on me, a sinner. Esta fiesta nos recuerda está en el cielo también para el bautismo, pronto heridas de los otros? En muchos sentidos, este mí, que soy un pecador fulfillment. / The “El tiempo se ha cum- of the significance of will forgive you. / But be initiated into the we bend down and help ways. Take your journey el significado del los perdonará a ustedes. / serán iniciados en la ¿Nos inclinaremos para último año ha sido muy kingdom of God is at (USCCA, 536) plido el Reino de Dios (USCCA, 536) the ministry of St. Peter if you do not forgive Church. Say a prayer another to get up? This is one day at a time. ministerio de san Pedro Pero si no perdonan a los Iglesia. Reza una oración cargarnos al hombro difícil. Realiza tu jornada hand. / Repent, and está cerca. Conviértanse and the succession of men, / neither will your for all the elect, whose today’s challenge and we y de la sucesión de papas demás, tampoco el Padre por todos los elegidos unos a otros? Este es el un día a la vez. believe in the gospel.” y crean en la Buena popes who followed Father forgive your journeys of spiritual should not be afraid to que siguieron sus pasos. los perdonará a ustedes. cuyas jornadas de desafío presente, al que Noticia”. (Mk 1:15, Lectionary) in his footsteps. Say a transgressions.” growth have led them face it.” Reza una oración por (Mateo 6:14-15) crecimiento espiritual los no hemos de tenerle (Marcos 1:15) prayer for Pope Francis, (Mt 6: 14-15) to becoming our (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, el papa Francisco, el ha llevado a convertirse miedo”. successor of St. Peter. brothers and sisters no. 70) sucesor del san Pedro. en nuestros hermanos y (Papa Francisco, Fratelli in Christ. hermanas en Cristo. Tutti, no. 70)

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY DOMINGO LUNES MARTES MIÉRCOLES JUEVES VIERNES SÁBADO February 28 March 1 March 2 March 3 March 4 March 5 March 6 28 de febrero 1 de marzo 2 de marzo 3 de marzo 4 de marzo 5 de marzo 6 de marzo

Second Sunday of Lent Jesus said to his disciples: “As each one has received On the memorial of Rededicate yourself to “To receive in truth the “Only by identifying Segundo Domingo Jesús les dijo a sus “Pongan al servicio de En el memorial de santa Dedícate nuevamente a “Para recibir en la verdad “Pero sólo [identificán- “Be merciful, just as a gift, use it to serve one St. Katharine Drexel, prayer. Set aside time Body and Blood of Christ with the least [will we] As one of the three de Cuaresma discípulos: los demás los dones Catalina Drexel, quien la oración. Reserva un el Cuerpo y la Sangre donos] con los últimos your Father is merciful. another as good stewards who gave up her wealth every day, even for just given up for us, we must come at last to be the pillars of Lenten practice, La limosna, uno de los “Sean misericordiosos, que han recibido, como renunció a su fortuna para tiempo todos los días, de Cristo entregados [llegaremos] a ser Stop judging and you of God’s varied grace.” to be a missionary, we a few moments, to sit recognize Christ in the brothers of all. May God convertirse en misionera, almsgiving is “a witness tres pilares de la práctica como el Padre de ustedes buenos administradores aunque solo sea unos por nosotros debemos hermano de todos. Que will not be judged. Stop are reminded, “As a with Jesus. poorest, his brethren.” inspire that dream in se nos recuerda que to fraternal charity” (1 Pt 4:10) de Cuaresma, es “un es misericordioso. No de la multiforme gracia momentos, para sentarte reconocer a Cristo en Dios inspire ese sueño en “Como Iglesia, estamos condemning and you Church, we are called to (Catechism of the Catholic each one of us.” testimonio de caridad juzguen y no serán de Dios”. con Jesús. los más pobres, sus cada uno de nosotros”. and “a work of justice How can you use your llamados a ser discípulos will not be condemned. be missionary disciples Church, no. 1397) (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, fraterna” y “una práctica de juzgados; no condenen hermanos”. pleasing to God.” (1 Pedro 4:10) misioneros quienes (Papa Francisco, Fratelli Forgive and you will time and talents to help who know and live the no. 287) justicia que agrada a Dios”. y no serán condenados; (Catechism of the Catholic Learn more about the conocen y viven la fe y (Catecismo de la Iglesia Tutti, no. 287) be forgiven.” others today? faith and confidently (Catecismo de la Iglesia perdonen y serán ¿Cómo podrías utilizar Church, no. 2462) roots of Catholic Social comparten el Evangelio Católica, no. 1397) (Lk 6:36-37, Lectionary) share the Gospel.” Católica, no. 2462) perdonados”. hoy tu tiempo y talentos Teaching. para ayudar a los demás? con confianza”. Aprende más sobre las Consider making a recur- (Living as Missionary Considera hacer una (Lucas 6:36-37) (Viviendo como Discípulos raíces de la Enseñanza ring gift to your parish. Disciples, USCCB) ofrenda recurrente a Misioneros, USCCB) Social Católica. tu parroquia. March 7 March 8 March 9 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 7 de marzo 8 de marzo 9 de marzo 10 de marzo 11 de marzo 12 de marzo 13 de marzo

Third Sunday of Lent “The Church’s obligation Today is the memorial Heart of Jesus, Son of During Lent we often “When we begin to In Lent, we are called Tercer Domingo “La obligación de la Hoy es el memorial Corazón de Jesús, Hijo Durante la Cuaresma “Cuando en nuestra En Cuaresma estamos to participate in shaping of St. Frances of Rome, the eternal Father, have pray the seven penitential separate people in our to renew our baptismal In today’s first reading, de Cuaresma Iglesia de participar en de santa Francisca del Padre eterno, ten rezamos frecuente- mente empezamos a llamados a renovar the moral character of who organized a women’s mercy on us. psalms, like this one, thoughts for unjust commitment. We recall la formación del carácter Romana, quien organizó misericordia de nosotros. mente los siete salmos separar a las personas nuestro compromiso we are reminded of the La primera lectura de society is a requirement religious order—the “Out of the depths I call reasons, when we start those waters in which moral de la sociedad es una orden religiosa de penitenciales, como este: por razones injustas, bautismal. Recordamos Ten Commandments. (Litany of the Sacred Heart) hoy nos habla de los Diez (Letanía del Sagrado of our faith. It is a basic Oblates of Mary—and to you, LORD; / Lord, to see some people as we were baptized into un requisito de nuestra mujeres—las Oblatas de “Desde lo más profundo cuando empezamos a aquellas aguas en las Which commandment hear my cry! / May your Mandamientos. ¿Cuál Corazón) part of the mission we was known for her great ’them‘ and others as ’us,’ Christ’s death, died to sin fe. Es una parte esencial María—y era conocida te invoco, Señor, / ¡Señor, ver a algunos individuos cuales fuimos bautizados do you struggle with the ears be attentive / to my de los mandamientos oye mi voz! / Estén tus have received from charity. In her honor we fail to love.” and evil, and began new de la misión que hemos por su gran caridad. Hoy, como “ellos” y a otros en la muerte de Cristo, most? Aim for one small cry for mercy.” demanda más esfuerzo oídos atentos / al clamor Jesus Christ.” today, let us pray for life in Christ. recibido de Jesucristo”. en su honor, oremos como “nosotros”, morimos al pecado y al improvement this week. (Open Wide Our Hearts, de tu parte? Esta semana, de mi plegaria”. those in consecrated life. (Ps 130:1-2, NABRE) por aquellos en la vida hemos dejado de amar” mal y empezamos una (Forming Consciences for USCCB) trata de hacer una (Formando la Consciencia consagrada. (Salmos 130:1-2) (traducción libre). nueva vida en Cristo. Faithful Citizenship, no. 9) pequeña mejora. para ser Ciudadanos Fieles, no. 9) (Open Wide Our Hearts, USCCB)

March 14 March 15 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 19 March 20 14 de marzo 15 de marzo 16 de marzo 17 de marzo 18 de marzo 19 de marzo 20 de marzo

Fourth Sunday of Lent “In every act we do, in “A clean heart create Today is the memorial of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Solemnity of St. Joseph Today is the first day Cuarto Domingo “En toda acción, en todo Crea en mí, Dios mío, ¡Hoy es el memorial de San Cirilo de Jerusalén, Solemnidad de San José ¡Hoy es el primer día de every step we take, let for me, O God / and a St. Patrick, the “apostle honored today was of spring! “Leaving an de Cuaresma desplazamiento, la mano un corazón puro, / y san Patricio, el “apóstol a quien honramos hoy, la primavera! “Somos The Fourth Sunday of In celebration of the En celebración del Año de our hand trace the steadfast spirit renew to Ireland”! He wrote, known for his “Catech- inhabitable planet to ha de trazar la señal de renueva la firmeza de de Irlanda”! Él escribió: era conocido por sus nosotros los primeros Lent is the midpoint and Year of St. Joseph, El Cuarto Domingo de San José, hoy oramos por Lord’s cross.” within me.” “Our way to repay God is etical Instructions.” Give future generations is, la cruz”. mi espíritu”. “Nuestra manera de “Lecturas Catequéticas”. interesados en dejar un known as Laetare Sunday. we pray today for all Cuaresma es el punto todos los padres, para que to exalt him and confess thanks for the catechists first and foremost, up recompensar [a Dios] es Da gracias por los cate- planeta habitable para Laetare means “rejoice” (St. Jerome, Letters, 22.37) (Ps 51:12, Lectionary) fathers, that through the medio y se le conoce San Jerónimo, Cartas, 22.37) (Salmos 51:12) mediante el ejemplo de his wonders before every in your community and to us.” de exaltarlo y confesar quistas en tu comunidad la humanidad que nos and the Church expresses example of St. Joseph, como el domingo Laetare. san José, puedan abrazar nation under heaven.” all they do to educate sus maravillas ante cada y por todo lo que hacen sucederá”. hope and joy in the they may fully embrace (Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, Laetare significa “regocijo” plenamente su vocación children and adults alike. nación bajo el cielo”. para educar tanto a niños middle of our penitential (St. Patrick, Confession, 3) their vocation and no. 160) y la Iglesia expresa y aceptar el privilegio y la (Papa Francisco, Laudato como a adultos. Lenten practices. accept the privilege and esperanza y alegría (San Patricio, Confesiones, 3) responsabilidad de cuidar Si’, no. 160) responsibility of caring en medio de nuestras a sus hijos así como san for their children as St. prácticas penitenciales de José cuido a Jesús. Joseph cared for Jesus. Cuaresma.

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY DOMINGO LUNES MARTES MIÉRCOLES JUEVES VIERNES SÁBADO March 21 March 22 March 23 March 24 March 25 March 26 March 27 21 de marzo 22 de marzo 23 de marzo 24 de marzo 25 de marzo 26 de marzo 27 de marzo

Fifth Sunday of Lent Why is the Lenten Today, we mark the “Keep your eyes fixed on Solemnity of the “Forgiveness first sets “My dwelling shall be Quinto Domingo Por qué el tiempo de Hoy es el memorial “Mira los brazos abiertos Solemnity Solemnidad El perdón primero libera “Mi morada estará junto season forty days long? memorial of St. Turibius the outstretched arms Annunciation of free the person who had with them; / I will be de Cuaresma Cuaresma dura cuarenta de santo Toribio de Cristo crucificado, de la Anunciación del a la persona que tuvo la a ellos: / yo seré su Dios / As we journey with Jesus In the Bible, forty is of Mogrovejo, a Spanish- of Christ crucified, let the Lord the courage to grant it.” their God, and they shall días? En la Biblia, de Mogrovejo, un déjate salvar una y otra Señor valentía de concederlo”. y ellos serán mi Pueblo”. towards Holy Week, Mientras caminamos con typically indicative of born evangelizer who yourself be saved over be my people.” cuarenta es generalmente evangelizador español v e z ”. remember all those in Today is the Solemnity (Pope Benedict XVI, Jesús hacia la Semana Hoy es la Solemnidad de (Papa Benedicto XVI, (Ezequiel 37:27) a time of testing, trial, was sent as a missionary and over again.” indicativo de un tiempo quien fue enviado al our world today who of the Annunciation of Address, May 6, 2006) (Ez 37:27, Lectionary) Santa, recordemos a (Papa Francisco, Christus la Anunciación del Señor, Discurso, 6 de mayo del penance, purification, to Peru and opened the de prueba, proceso, Perú en donde estableció carry heavy crosses of (Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, the Lord, celebrating the todos aquellos en nuestro Vivit, no. 123) celebrando la encarnación 2006) and renewal. first seminary in the New penitencia, purificación el primer seminario en poverty, homelessness, no. 123) incarnation of Christ in mundo quienes cargan de Cristo en el vientre World. In his honor, pray y renovación. el Nuevo Mundo. En su and hunger. Mary’s womb. Take time la pesada cruz de la de María. Toma unos for vocations. honor, oremos por las to pray the Hail Mary, pobreza, de la falta de una momentos para rezar vocaciones. taken in part from the vivienda y del hambre. el Ave María, en parte angel’s words to Mary. tomado de las palabras del ángel a María.

March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 1 April 2 April 3 28 de marzo 29 de marzo 30 de marzo 31 de marzo 1 de abril 2 de abril 3 de abril

Domingo de Ramos Jueves Santo Viernes Santo Sábado Santo Palm Sunday of the Holy Week is here. Take time this week Lent officially ends Holy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday La Semana Santa ya está En esta semana, toma La Cuaresma termina Passion of the Lord How have you grown to go to confession. tomorrow as the Mass of de la Pasión del Señor aquí. ¿Cómo ha sido tu unos momentos para ir oficialmente mañana As we mark the day on “Si yo, que soy el Señor y En este día en el cual Mientras te preparas throughout your Lenten Before celebrating the the Lord’s Supper begins. “If I, therefore, the As you prepare for Easter, crecimiento a lo largo de a confesarte. Antes de cuando empieza la Misa In one week, we will which Jesus was crucified, En una semana el Maestro, les he lavado Jesús fue crucificado, ora para la Pascua, reflexiona journey? Sacrament of Penance, Contact your parish to master and teacher, reflect on your Lenten tu jornada de Cuaresma? celebrar el Sacramento de la Última Cena del celebrate Easter Sunday. pray the Stations of the celebraremos el los pies, ustedes también las Estaciones de la Cruz sobre tu jornada de prepare yourself with learn more about how have washed your feet, journey and think about de la Penitencia, Señor. Ponte en contacto Pray that the Lord allow Cross to reflect on Domingo de Pascua. deben lavarse los pies reflexionando acerca de Cuaresma y piensa en an examination of you can participate in / you ought to wash one how you can continue prepárate haciendo un con tu parroquia para you to accompany him Christ’s Passion. Reza para que el Señor unos a otros”. la Pasión de Cristo. cómo podrías continuar conscience, which the moving liturgies of another’s feet.” to grow throughout the examen de consciencia, informarte más sobre serenely during these te permita acompañarlo creciendo a lo largo de involves reflecting the Triduum. Easter season. que incluye reflexionar, cómo puedes participar (Juan 13: 14) Easter mysteries and you (Jn 13: 14, Lectionary) serenamente durante este tiempo de Pascua. prayerfully on one’s en oración, sobre tus en las emotivas liturgias may emerge from them estos misterios pascuales thoughts, words, and pensamientos, palabras y del Triduo. renewed in faith, hope y que emerjas de ellos deeds in order to identify obras a fin de identificar and charity. renovado en la fe, la cualquier pecado. any sins. esperanza y la caridad. April 4 4 de abril “I ask Mary Most Holy to pray that our Lenten celebration will open our hearts to hear God’s “Invoco la intercesión de la Bienaventurada Virgen María sobre la próxima Cuaresma, para que escuchemos el llamado a dejarnos reconciliar con Dios, fijemos la mirada del Easter Sunday of call to be reconciled to himself, to fix our gaze on the paschal mystery, and to be converted Domingo de Pascua the Resurrection of to an open and sincere dialogue with him. In this way, we will become what Christ asks his de la Resurrección corazón en el Misterio pascual y nos convirtamos a un diálogo abierto y sincero con el the Lord disciples to be: the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).” del Señor Señor. De este modo podremos ser lo que Cristo dice de sus discípulos: sal de la tierra y luz del mundo (cf. Mateo 5:13-14)”. “This is the day the Lord —Pope Francis, Message for Lent, 2020 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice has made; let us rejoice —Papa Francisco, Mensaje para la Cuaresma, 2020 This calendar may be printed and distributed without charge in its original format only for personal and institutional use. No other use of and be glad.” and be glad.” the copyrighted content is permitted. Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, copyright © Este calendario puede imprimirse y distribuirse gratuitamente en su formato original únicamente para uso personal e institucional. No se (Ps 118:24, Lectionary) 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, (Salmo 118:24) distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright permite ningún otro uso del contenido protegido por copyright. Todos los derechos reservados. Ni este trabajo, ni ninguna parte del mismo, owner. Scripture excerpts used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, Revised Edition, copyright © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 pueden reproducirse, distribuirse, ejecutarse o mostrarse en medio alguno, incluido el electrónico o digital, sin el permiso por escrito del Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Quotes from Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, copyright © propietario de los derechos de autor. Las citas bíblicas, las del papa Francisco, papa Benedicto XVI, copyright © 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2006, 2008, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020 Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City State. 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Fortify your Lenten journey with the words of the church fathers and Pope Francis featured on this calendar, and contemplate the suggestions for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Print the calendar in English and Spanish and post it in a prominent place to remind you of your commitment to raise up, sacrifice, and offer, during this Lent.