Conversion Is LSU Star's Greatest Feat
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THE CATHOLIC PAGE 10 Vietnamese New Year celebration January 31, ommentator2020 Vol. 57, No. 26 2019 LPA GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT thecatholiccommentator.org C RUNNING TOWARD FAITH sophomore year at LSU as he attended Mass with his girlfriend’s family. Conversion “Clyde would come regularly,” said Deacon Dawson. “What I noticed is that he would come up during Com- munion with his arms crossed over his is LSU star’s chest. Even when she (the girlfriend) and the family wouldn’t come he came by himself. Reflecting about what drew him to greatest feat Mass and the Catholic faith, Edwards- Helaire said it was an “escape from ev- eryday life so I could pray.” By Debbie Shelley “When I was at Mass, it was as if the The Catholic Commentator weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. It eased my burdens and I LSU running-back Clyde Edwards- was able to reflect on my life,” he said. Helaire was considered the “heart and “One day after Mass,” Deacon Daw- soul” of the LSU offense during the Ti- son said “he walked out and I asked, gers’ run to the national championship ‘Clyde, you’re not Catholic?’ He said, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in ‘No sir.’ I said, “ ‘Do you want to be be- New Orleans on Jan. 13. come Catholic?’ ” Edwards-Helaire was a spark in the Edwards-Helaire said he did but Tiger’s 42-25 title victory over Clem- explained that his football practice son, rushing 16 times for 110 yards schedule conflicted with the RCIA and catching five passes for 54 yards. Deacon David Dawson, left, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the 2018 Easter Vigil Mass class schedule. He has entered the NFL draft and is at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge, where Edwards-Helaire entered the Deacon Dawson received permis- considered one of its top running back Catholic faith. Photo provided by Deacon David Dawson sion from pastor Father Miles Walsh to prospects. privately instruct Edwards-Helaire in But what Edwards-Helaire consid- in mind. Seminarian Deacon David Church in Baton Rouge. his home. ers his best move is not entering the Dawson helped usher the star running Deacon Dawson was deacon assis- Having graduated from Catholic endzone for a touchdown but entering back in for that victory through the tant at Sacred Heart when he first came High School in Baton Rouge, Edwards- the Catholic faith with a goal of heaven RCIA program at Sacred Heart of Jesus to know Edwards-Helaire during his SEE EDWARDS-HELAIRE PAGE 12 Glow restored to historic church By Richard Meek floor. Additionally, a platform was constructed The Catholic Commentator to raise the high altar, making it visible for the entire congregation. Previously, the view of the Historic Assumption of the Blessed Vir- high altar was obstructed by the altar facing gin Mary Church in Plattenville is shining a the congregation. bit brighter, courtesy of a recently concluded Hardwood floors were replaced throughout makeover. the church, giving it a fresh, welcoming decor. Bishop Michael G. Duca celebrated Mass on A fresh coat of paint has also given the sanctu- Dec. 15 to commemorate the renovation, bless- ary a much more radiant look. ing the sanctuary and the walls. “The sanctuary is definitely much, much Work included tearing up the gritty old brighter,” said parishioner Cathy Landry of the sanctuary carpet and replacing it with a marble remodeling. “The church and the work they did is beau- Renovations at Assumption of the Most Blessed tiful,” said parochial administrator Father Ed- Virgin Mary Church in Plattenville including re- die Martin, who was appointed to the parish in placing the worn carpet in the sanctuary and early December. replacing hardwood floors throughout the Landry said the work was spearheaded by church. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator SEE PLATTENVILLE PAGE 19 2 The Catholic Commentator January 31, 2020 | DID YOU KNOW Your light must shine By Dina Dow strive for holiness, setting aside self-love for love of other. It is when God and others are The readings for the 4th and 5th Sundays placed before oneself that we present our- in Ordinary Time reveal the importance of selves to God freely and without reservation, presenting ourselves to God, as well as an- embracing faith with trust in the “power of swering the call to holiness while being salt the Holy Spirit and reliance on God’s pow- and light to the world through er and not human wisdom” sacrifice and praise. (1 Cor 2:5). From this time Presented to God Life-Giving forward, we can present our The Gospel of St. Luke de- FAI H children and ourselves to God scribes Mary and Joseph’s lawful vis- each day. Our extended hands it to the temple approximately 40 days of trust are crucial for growth after Jesus’ birth. The Mosaic Law required in holiness and faithfulness to God. How can the first-born son of each Jewish family to be I present myself to the Lord each day? What presented in the Jerusalem temple and con- am I asking of God? How am I offering sac- secrated to God. They also offered a sacrifice, rifices for the glory of God and the sake of in this case a pair of turtle doves, indicating another? their commitment and sheer poverty. Much Salt and light to their surprise while presenting Jesus they Salt and light are two of the fundamental received a message from Simeon, who, filled elements for life. Salt contains sodium which Messiah: priest, with the Holy Spirit, would not die until he supports the function of various systems saw the Christ (Lk 2:26). Immediately tak- and adds flavor to food. Here in south Loui- ing Jesus into his arms, Simeon proclaimed siana, salt is a noted staple. Gumbo without prophet & king the good news, stating this child (Jesus) is “a salt is like ice cream without sugar. Light light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory is a source of heat, necessary for growth of for your people Israel” (Lk 2:32). vegetation and crucial for the movement of The term “messiah” comes from priest, prophet and king. Simeon added that Jesus’ life would not weather patterns. Think for a moment of life the Hebrew word meaning “anoint- The most famous biblical proph- be without strife, and the heart of his mother on earth without salt and light. Tasteless and ed one.” This term was applied to ecies of the future Messiah referred would also experience suffering for the reve- dark. Unimaginable. priests, prophets and kings in the to the kingship aspect of his domin- lation that was to come for the glory of God Jesus uses these two words to describe Old Testament. The people given ion. The Messiah would be like the (Lk 2: 34-35). Affirming the fulfillment was how we are to share his message of salva- these titles were first anointed with once-great King David and would the prophetess, Anna, a devout worshipper tion. We read in the Gospel of St. Mark, water or oil to consecrate them for even descend from his lineage. Both in the temple who also recognized Jesus as “You are the salt of the earth … You are the their specific mission. Sometimes evangelists Matthew (Mt 1:1-17) and the one who will bring “redemption to Jeru- light of the world” (Mk 5:13-14). How are even the Spirit of God anointed Luke (Lk 3:23-38) make a great ef- salem” (Luke 2:38). Imagine for a moment we salt and light of the world in our mis- someone to their role. fort to trace Jesus’ lineage back to what Joseph and Mary might have pondered sion as disciples of Christ? The prophet Isa- According to the Catholic Bi- King David to show that he fulfills as they left the temple that day. iah details how “light shall rise for you in ble Dictionary, kings were most that part of the prophecy. Presenting ourselves to God the darkness” (Is 58:10) as we serve others frequently called “messiahs” or The greatest prophet of the Old As Christians we are called to present our through works of mercy, such as feeding, “anointed ones.” There are several Testament was considered to be Mo- families to God. Upon conception there is clothing and caring for the down trodden. instances throughout the Old Tes- ses. Moses even promised that God gratitude for the gift of new life. This is a per- “Your light must shine before others,that tament where men are anointed as would send a prophet like him one fect time to consecrate the infant to God as they may see your good deeds and glorify kings. These kings are even referred day in the future, and this became he or she grows in the womb. Upon birth the your heavenly father” (Mk 5:16). to as “anointed ones” or “messiahs.” part of the prophecy of Jesus, the family offers their newborn to God in prayer In addition, the “flavor” of life is boosted Prophets were occasionally called great Messiah. Jesus became the and through the sacrament of baptism, when when we decide to turn away from “oppres- “messiahs” or “anointed ones,” “new Moses” in many ways. He gave the entire family and extended faith commu- sion, lies, maliciousness of speech” (Is 58:9) but those are rare. One instance, a new law and brought all people to a nity embrace the child who is set apart for and turn to the origin of the light, Christ Je- though, recounts how Elijah anoints new promised land when he opened God, as all are through our baptismal prom- sus.