THE AMERICA PROFILE

DECEMBER 24, 2018 THE JESUIT REVIEW OF FAITH AND CULTURE Louisiana’s 2018 CPA MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR John Bel Edwards Matt Malone p18

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2 AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 3 FINAL10.1.18| JRC_America ad.indd 1 9/12/18 8:46 PM The 2018 America Profile

Near as I can tell, the first substantive their faith can and should play in their again, you already know that we don’t mention of a U.S. politician in the pages public lives—rightly intuiting that require individuals to agree with us in of this magazine was in the issue of July faith should have a place in public life order for us to bring you their views. 24, 1909, when the editors addressed while also acknowledging that we live Truth is, though, John Bel Ed- the legislative predicament of President in a pluralistic, democratic society. wards appears to be basically what Taft’s tariff proposals. According to the To help you consider this puzzle, we he says he is: a faithful Catholic who editors, Congress was attempting “to are launching in this issue a new fea- is trying to bring his religious prin- show the president that it is impossible ture, the America Profile. Each year, ciples to bear in a job that requires for him to get what he wants and to America’s editor in chief (yours truly equal parts principle and pragma- cause him to be satisfied with what he in the present instance) will take an tism. That is not easy. I hope you en- can get.” The report could have been in-depth look at a public figure whose joy reading it as much as I enjoyed filed yesterday. In 2018 Americans are Catholic faith plays a meaningful role reporting it. Louisiana is a special still debating the wisdom of tariffs and in his or her life and work. For this first place, and I hope my affection for it members of Congress are still at odds America Profile, I have selected Lou- comes through in the piece. with the White House. Some things isiana’s governor, John Bel Edwards, Also, in the months ahead, I would don’t change. who is a lifelong Catholic and a Dem- welcome your suggestions for future Yet a great deal more has changed ocrat in a largely Protestant and Re- subjects for the America Profile. You since our first editor in chief John publican state. If I do say so myself, it can send your suggestions via email to Wynne, S.J., set up shop at 32 Wash- makes for an interesting story. [email protected]. ington Square. Father Wynne and his The editors deliberated about colleagues would hardly recognize the what to call this new feature. In tradi- *** world we live in today as the world they tional journalism, a profile is under- also inhabited. In addition to observ- stood to be an examination of some- I am also mindful of the fact that ing a century of gargantuan advances one’s life and record, one in which the this issue of America is our Christmas in technology and engineering, they author is expected to dole out praise issue. Like you, I like to take stock of would be pleasantly surprised to learn and criticism as if he or she were things at this time of year. As 2018 that Catholics now occupy prominent some journalistic Judge Judy. That draws to a close, I am grateful to you, positions in every field of public life. approach would make more sense if our faithful readers. Your loyalty and That would have been unimaginable I were a disinterested observer and generous support are why we get out in 1909, when huge swaths of Ameri- the editor of a newsmagazine rather of bed in the morning. It was a tough can society were closed to Catholics. than a priest and the editor in chief year of dizzying highs and crippling (In that same issue, for example, the of a magazine with a definitive reli- lows—you stuck with us through it all. editors decried the anti-Catholic bias gious and philosophical point of view. Thank you. of the secular press.) In other words, when it comes to the I am also grateful to our board At the same time, generally speak- content and quality of the public dis- of directors and benefactors, whose ing, the public square is a less hospita- course, I have a dog in the fight. generosity makes it all possible, and ble place for overtly religious points of I also think that it is more import- to our editors and staff, who are the view than it was a century ago. That is ant in our toxic political climate to finest men and women I know. Father not entirely the fault of secularists. In stress what is positive, to look at peo- Wynne, I am sure, would be proud. the case of the Catholic Church, the ple who might serve as role models for From all of us at America Media: twin crises of sexual abuse and eccle- Catholics in public life. That being said, Merry Christmas! siastical mismanagement have greatly Governor Edwards is not perfect, and enfeebled the church’s public credi- while I admire his faith and his many bility. As a result of this cultural shift, accomplishments, I do not agree with Matt Malone, S.J. U.S. Catholics are asking just what role everything he has said and done. Then Twitter: @americaeditor.

2 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 3 THE ISSUE GIVE AND TAKE DISPATCHES FEATURES

6 12 18 YOUR TAKE AMERICA’S MOST READ, THE AMERICA PROFILE What’s your favorite Christmas film? VIEWED AND TALKED ABOUT A conversation with Gov. John Bel IN 2018 Edwards of Louisiana 8 Matt Malone OUR TAKE Infographic: A year of America by A Christmas prayer; expand the the numbers 26 earned income tax credit THE HEART OF THE As an abuse investigation heats up NEIGHBORHOOD 10 in Texas, Cardinal DiNardo The story of Latino churches in the SHORT TAKE faces questions United States has been marked by Islamophobic and other hateful both joy and pain language calls for conflict In an overcrowded Tijuana shelter, Nichole M. Flores resolution techniques asylum seekers prepare for a long wait Saadia Ahmad Seven are convicted in the assassination of Berta Cáceres in Honduras

4 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster AP Photo/Carolyn

The United States Marine Band plays during the 2018 Christmas preview at the White House in Washington, Nov. 26. THE ISSUE Cover: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster FAITH AND REASON IDEAS IN REVIEW THE WORD

32 40 52 THE PROMISE OF ‘BRIDESHEAD,’ THEN AND NOW Have you discerned the role you will RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Revisiting the BBC adaptation of play in the divine family? Caring for sexual abuse victims and Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel rebuilding Christian communities Rob Weinert-Kendt How do social or political forces Stephen J. Pope draw your attention away from the BOOKS presence of Christ? FAITH IN FOCUS Books on the Bible 2018 Michael Simone 36 CULTURE LAST TAKE THE GOOD INNKEEPER “The Song of Bernadette”; “Silent Night” turns 200 Don’t shut the door on 54 “Christmas Catholics” LEO J. O’DONOVAN Jack Bentz This Christmas, look for the Holy POEM Family in the faces of migrants 43 THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY James Matthew Wilson

DECEMBER 24, 2018 VOL. 219 NO. 14 WHOLE NO. 5207 YOUR TAKE

What is your favorite Christmas film?

The most popular Christmas film among our respondents enjoy “movie-theater-size boxes of candies while we watch was “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which won nearly 30 percent of ‘A Christmas Story.’” Dina MacFarlane, from Dorset, Vt., the vote. “I watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ every year,” wrote said her family watches “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Amanda Haas of Los Angeles, Calif., “and cry at a different “while wrapping and cooking and baking and hanging out.” part every time.” Readers also suggested films that were not included in Presented with 10 films and television specials, read- our survey, such as “Die Hard,” “White Christmas” and the ers had a variety of favorites, including “Miracle on 34th 1984 version of “A Christmas Carol.” Street,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “The Muppet Christmas movies evoke poignant memories. Patrice Christmas Carol.” Notably, “Frosty the Snowman” received Critchley-Menor, from Duluth, Minn., likes “National zero votes. Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” because she used to watch Some respondents mentioned that sharing festive it with her mother. “Even when Alzheimer’s took away her foods was part of their annual movie-watching traditions. memory and speech, she always remembered the Mass Dena Whisler of Des Moines, Iowa, said she and her family prayers and the lines from this movie.”

‘It's a Wonderful Life’ Flickr ‘The Muppet Christmas 4 Carol’

‘A Christmas 5 Story’

Wikimedia Commons

‘A Charlie 1 Brown Christmas’ ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

My gal pals created our own peer-review Flickr process to evaluate new Hallmark/Netflix Christmas specials 2 Aimee Fritsch, Salem, Ore. Every Christmas Eve, we watch ‘The Muppet There are two or three films or shows we always Christmas Carol,’ and sing along to most of watch, including Colbert’s Christmas special. the songs. Anne Deane, Charlottesville, Va. Madeleine Hutchins, Hampton, Conn.

These results are based on reader responses to a poll promoted on Facebook, Twitter and in our email newsletter.

6 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 7 READERREADER COMMENTS COMMENTS

An Opportunity Re “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” by Matt Malone, S.J. My whole concept of the divine is more comfortable (Of Many Things, 12/10): When the law trumps conscience with representation of the male and female roles as and grace, it is never truly right. As Christians, we have the interdependent and entwined. opportunity to experience and to witness this in our own John Bauer faith communities and to allow it to change our lives and to change the world. Questions Remain Mary Phenicie Re “His Healing Love,” by Miriam James Heidland, S.O.L.T. (12/10): Thanks to Sister Heidland for her witness. There Keep Moving Forward are temptations on the road to recovery, no? Even sin? How Re “Seattle University Plans Fossil Fuel Divestment,” do we recover without becoming self-absorbed? by Brandon Sanchez (12/10): Jesuits, perhaps, should Donald McCrabb accelerate their fossil fuel divestment. China leads the world in hydroelectric production and has one-third of the Brings Back Memories world’s wind power capacity. The International Energy Re “John Cheever’s Sad Christmas story,” by Nick Agency expects that by 2022 coal’s share of the world Ripatrazone (12/10): I remember the Christmases energy mix will hit its lowest level since the I.E.A. began of the 1950s in our relatively poor Bronx immigrant collecting data. neighborhood as being rich and wonderful. I had no Chuck Kotlarz expectation of Christmas presents (except maybe socks or underwear wrapped festively), but that did not matter. Not Simple It was family and neighbors (including Jewish people) and Re “Man of War,” by Phil Klay (12/10): Force is the simple guests and breakfasts and feasting that mattered. and illusory solution to religious and political conflict. John Mack It has a place in confronting evil. When and how to use it requires extraordinary human wisdom. Rendering Jesus’ Little Saints lessons into simplistic formulas simply does not work in Re “Intrusions of the Spirit,” by Jeremy McLellan (11/12): the world we live in, and he did not intend his teachings to Mr. McLellan’s focus is right on, and the effects he describes be used naïvely. Our challenge in war is not to be the evil apply not only to people with disabilities but, in my case, we oppose. grandchildren. Three years ago, I returned home from a Frank Pray retreat, expecting to be able to attack my homework list. I was confronted with the care of four grandchildren, ages 5, What Is Owed? 3, 2 and 1. Re “Grappling With an Unholy (Family) History,” by John My day did not go well, as my work list was ignored, W. Miller (12/10): Thank you for publishing the article. and my daughter, upon picking up the four little saints, More important, thank you for recognizing that a lot is told my wife, “He’s stressed.” When my wife relayed that owed to those who are now being called African-Americans. to me, I realized I was not ready for those “intrusions” in And we will and should make the decision about what my life that day. I resolved then to be better prepared to restoration means. forget myself and be as present as I can to my grandchil- Rhonda Johnson dren and to whoever else may come into my life and need my attention. A Beautiful Story That has made all the difference in my life and to the— Re “A Pregnant Pause,” by Vanessa Corcoran (12/10): This now five—little saints we assume care for and love regularly. story is a beautiful illustration of discernment. And I am Daniel J. Rooney thankful we brought a mother into our belief system. Sanford, Me.

Comments drawn from our website, americamagazine.org, and America Media’s social media platforms. Letters to the editor can be sent to [email protected]. Please include the article title, author and issue date, as well as your name and where you are writing from.

6 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 7 OUR TAKE

God’s Christmas Gift

In the issue of Dec. 21, 1918, shortly after the end of World War I, the editors of America prayed that the Christmas celebration of that year would usher in lasting world peace. Our forebears’ prayer, unanswered in their lifetimes, is still our hope today. (The text here is a shortened version of the original editorial and retains the vocabulary, capitalization of the original.)

The whole world had gone astray, ing breast. For if He is God, is she not evated the natural kinship of all in and in our great misery God gave His Mother? He falls asleep, soothed Adam to a relation that is sacred. As us His Son for our comforting. to rest by the sound of her voice, brothers, we are equals; as brothers, Only God could have known the comforted by the caress of her gentle we ought, in St. Paul’s words, to pre- possibility of the Incarnation; hands. With unconcerned eyes the vent one another in charity; and be- only God could have encompassed beasts near the manger look on. Soon cause the Christ Child, God’s Christ- it; only God could have brought our forefathers in faith will kneel be- mas Gift to the world, is our true it to pass with its message of fore the sleeping Child, to adore Him Brother, we are all, in His intention, sweetness, and its ineffably as their God, their Saviour. Soon the children of God and heirs of Heaven. touching humility. song of the Angels, with its glorious For four years, the world was in For He was given to us as one of promise of peace to men of good- arms, nation against nation, broth- ourselves, as one to whom we might will, will announce the coming of the er against brother, and the Prince always look as our Elder Brother, our King. But now all is silence, darkness. of Peace seemed forgotten, with all intercessor with our common Father But God gave His Gift to a heed- that He came to teach. Now that the in heaven. Mary and Joseph could less world, and in the giving a new cannons are silent, after those years find no home for His birthplace, but epoch began. By His coming Jesus of carnage, men are weary and hearts only a stable. He did not come to us Christ transformed the face of the are softened. Today, the whole world like a child of the poor, for even the earth. He forged, first of all, an un- is at peace, as it was when the Christ poor have homes, but like a little Out- breakable bond, uniting all men as Child was born in Bethlehem. May cast. No candle is there and no fire in brethren. He is truly of our race and Christmas, 1918, mark the beginning that rude hut, and her little One shiv- nation; He has taken to Himself our of a new era in which the peace and ers in the cold. frame, our flesh, our nature; He has love borne to the world by the baby But Mary wraps Him in swad- become like to us in all things, save hands of the Child of Bethlehem, dling clothes and before she lays Him only sin. Made the first-born of many shall be firmly established in the in the manger, holds Him to her lov- brethren in the Incarnation, He el- hearts of all men.

Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit

Recent periods of divided notably an expansion of the Earned a universal basic income, another government in the United States Income Tax Credit. idea that has recently been tak- do not offer much hope for grand The E.I.T.C., which was cre- en more seriously, the E.I.T.C. is bargains or complex legislation that ated in 1975, is a tax refund or an incentive to find work, which would tackle major problems in one payment from the I.R.S. equal to operates as why Republicans, swoop. But there are a few simple a certain percentage of a house- including President Ronald initiatives the new Democratic hold’s annual wages, with a cap Reagan, have supported its ex- House and Republican Senate could determined by income level and pansion in the past. Like Social pass and send to the president, number of children. In contrast to Security, it is compatible with

8 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG bipartisan achievement. an easy—and politically popular— seriously considerwhatcould be the new Congress shouldread itand National Review. Every memberof spectrum, from Mother Jones to publications across theideological the authorsconclude. much lower thanthe‘sticker price,’” of lower-income families at a cost poverty, andimprove thewell-being to increase laborsupply, decrease children—would likely continue today—for adultswithorwithout government assistance programs. from theirdecreased useofother cipients enteringtheworkforce and to theincreased taxrevenue from re almost entirely self-financing, thanks Maggie Jones finds thatthecredit is by theeconomists Jacob Bastian and benefit from it.Anda recent study so thatmore low-wage workers can to broaden eligibilityforthecredit than $510. less workers couldreceive nomore no more than$18,340), andchild family withthree children, earning under theprogram was $6,318 (fora 2017, themaximumcredit allowed security, tobesure. For thetaxyear financial security. ute tosociety are entitledtosome the ideathatthosewhocontrib The study has earned praisein “Additional EITCexpansions There are now several proposals It isalimiteddegree offinancial - - -

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We can challenge dehumanizing language—without escalating conflict

In a debate between the candidates ic people in ISIS and al-Qaeda. You’re fective than firing off an arsenal of accu- for Massachusetts attorney general right, that was a harsh word. I should sations or speaking from the standpoint in October, the discussion turned to have said ‘dangerous’ instead.” of “I’m a better person than you because President Trump’s attempts to ban “I appreciate you recognizing I don’t behave or speak this way”— entry to the United States for travelers that,” I responded. “But what I’m con- something that is far too common in our from several Muslim-majority cerned about is the use of the word polarized times. nations. In a heated moment, one of ‘savages’ or even ‘dangerous’ to cate- The phrasing of my concern at the the candidates criticized his opponent gorize an entire group of people.” political debate was rooted in my con- for leading a lawsuit against the ban, His face conveyed a wave of real- flict resolution education and career. exclaiming, “She would leave us at the ization. “You’re right. Thank you for Had I approached the candidate in a mercy of these savages!” bringing that to my attention.” fit of rage or with a slew of indictments As a Muslim and as an Ameri- I thanked him for his openness for being Islamophobic or anti-immi- can, I felt my temperature rise sev- and humility. It is not easy for many of grant or racist, or had I spoken from eral degrees. I was comforted by the us to admit our wrongdoings, particu- a standpoint of moral superiority, his audience’s booing of his language but larly when doing so may prompt oth- response likely would have been to was astonished that neither his op- ers to call us ignorant or prejudiced. turn up the defenses and the barri- ponent nor the hosts condemned his Some of my fellow progressive ers, and our conversation would have word choice. Afterward, I thought of friends have argued that the responsi- looked very different. approaching the candidate but came bility for the elimination of dehuman- Anyone’s concerns when confront- up with a dozen reasons not to: I was izing language should not be placed ed with such rhetoric are understand- too angry; he should be the one reach- upon the targets but should rest with able. What I am troubled by is how so ing out; nothing I say will change his the perpetrators. While I empathize many of us will so quickly cut off any- mind. Every excuse imaginable, I con- with their position, it shifts attention one whose language or viewpoints an- cocted in the span of two minutes. away from what we could do and to- ger and trouble us, whether a friend or Then I thought ahead to the com- ward what others should do, and we a stranger, because we see that person ing spring, when I will be co-teaching have no control over that. As my Jew- as irredeemable or hopeless. Some- a class on conflict resolution at my ish mentor and fellow mediator often times we assume that approaching alma mater, Providence College. I notes, what matters most is what we such matters in a civil way undercuts imagined challenging my students to do with our own feet. the legitimacy of our concerns. do what I was about to dismiss. How Words like savage and dangerous But much of the work of conflict could I stand before them speaking of are used to perpetuate acts of terrorism, resolution entails acting with a cool reaching out across divides precisely like the attack on our Jewish brothers head to understand and ultimately like this one, when I had walked away and sisters in Pittsburgh, in which a address the fears and concerns fuel- from the opportunity? terrorist invaded a synagogue during ing dehumanizing language, without So I approached the candidate a Shabbat service and screamed, “All ever excusing or justifying hateful lan- and introduced myself, still heated Jews must die!” before killing 11 people. guage or acts of violence. Addressing and ready to verbally pounce. But in- It is our responsibility to each other and harmful rhetoric in this way will help stead, I calmly said: “I noticed that you to our democracy to challenge and elim- us all take a preventative approach referred to people in the Middle East inate such dehumanizing rhetoric. I at- against acts of terrorism. as savages. I was wondering why you tempt to do this by voicing the impact used that particular term.” these words have had on me or on oth- He considered my words be- ers and pointing out the violence that Saadia Ahmad is a recent graduate fore responding: “I was just using the can result when we use this language to of the master’s program in conflict resolution at the McCormack Graduate Trump administration’s terminology describe certain groups of people. I have School of Policy and Global Studies at the and their policy for referring to specif- found this approach to be far more ef- University of Massachusetts, Boston.

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10 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 11 DISPATCHES

THE MOST-VIEWED STORIES OF 2018: POLITICS, THE CHURCH IN CRISIS AND SOME MUCH-NEEDED COMIC RELIEF

In late April, we noticed a dramatic jump in visitors to who hosts CBS’s “The Late Show.” America’s website, as our national correspondent Mi- The most-viewed America story of the year, by a wide chael O’Loughlin reported on an attempt—ultimately margin, was an editorial withdrawing the magazine’s en- unsuccessful—to remove James Conroy, a Jesuit, from dorsement of Brett Kavanaugh for a Supreme Court seat, the post of chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives. referring to his confirmation hearings as “a bellwether of How long ago that seems now. the way the country treats women when their reports of The Father Conroy story turned out to be a blip in an harassment, assault and abuse threaten to derail the ca- extraordinarily tumultuous year both in U.S. politics and reers of powerful men.” Mr. Kavanaugh was accused of in the church. Stories from Washington and the Vatican committing sexual assault some 35 years ago, when he brought tens of thousands of new readers to America, but was a student at the Jesuit-run Georgetown Preparatory many other stories also sparked interest, from profiles of School; and in addition to the partisan fight over his nom- cultural figures like the comedian Jim Gaffigan (whose ination, there was a debate over how Catholic schools pre- Catholic family was also the subject of one of our most pare young men to behave in a society that is still marked popular videos) to wry reflections on proper behavior at by sexism and a lack of recognition for women’s achieve- Mass. America’s multimedia offerings also attracted re- ments. Essays from the presidents of both Georgetown cord audiences, led by the new “Faith in Focus” video se- Preparatory School and Fordham Preparatory School on

ries and a conversation between America’s editor-at-large how they work to prevent a culture of “toxic masculinity” Pictures © 2016 Paromount James Martin, S.J., and the comedian Stephen Colbert, at their all-boys Jesuit schools were also among our most

12 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 13 MOST VIEWED DISPATCHES It’s not a surprise that an interview with Stephen Colbert 1. “Report: House chaplain, a Jesuit priest, was forced out by scored the most viewers for Speaker Paul Ryan,” Michael J. O’Loughlin, April 26 America Media in 2018. 2. “Viganò’s accusations: What we know and what questions they raise,” Michael J. O’Loughlin, Aug. 26 popular articles during the fall. The second-most-viewed story, as measured by 3. “Pope Francis appoints three women as consultants to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,” Gerard the total time that all readers spent on each article O’Connell, April 21 (a metric that rewards not only attracting readers, but keeping them engaged) was by Mr. O’Loughlin. 4. “Catholic leaders denounce Sessions’s asylum decision: ‘We He critically examined a letter by Archbishop Carlo have truly lost our moral compass’,” Kevin Clarke, June 13 Maria Viganò, the former Vatican ambassador to the 5. “Cardinal Burke: It is ‘licit’ to call for the resignation of Pope United States, accusing Pope Francis of mishan- Francis,” Gerard O’Connell, Aug. 29 dling allegations of sexual misconduct against for- mer Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. This was only one of many stories by Mr. O’Loughlin and Amer- MOST POPULAR VIDEOS ica’s Vatican correspondent, Gerard O’Connell, 1. Stephen Colbert on faith, God and politics in the age of explaining the sexual abuse crisis and its ramifica- Trump (Faith in Focus), Nov. 15 tions for the church. 2. “Gaudete et Exsultate”: Top five takeaways from Pope Just behind the Viganò story was an essay by Francis’ new apostolic exhortation, April 9 Father Martin explaining church teaching on ho- mosexuality—a topic that gained renewed attention 3. Father James Martin and Ross Douthat discuss religion and as some in the church tried to link a “homosexual civil discourse, Jan. 26 subculture” to the sexual abuse crisis. This was fol- 4. Spiritual insights for L.G.B.T. Catholics, March 7 lowed by a Short Take on criminal justice reform by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, written before she upset 5. Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan on raising five children with faith a 20-year incumbent on her way to the U.S. House of and humor (Faith in Focus), Oct. 18 Representatives as a Democrat from New York. Not far behind was an essay by Jack Bentz, S.J., on the distressing number of Mass-goers who plant them- MOST RETWEETED selves at the end of pews: “We try to sit where we can 1. “While we previously endorsed the nomination of Judge have as little contact with other people as possible— Kavanaugh on the basis of his legal credentials and his choosing our seats at Mass as we would on a cramped reputation as a committed textualist, it is now clear that the trans-Atlantic flight with unpleasant strangers.” nomination should be withdrawn.” Sept. 27 As a way to show the breadth of popular content 2. “Young boy asks Pope Francis: Is my father in heaven?” in America, we have listed the top story for each April 16 of the past 12 months from each of our three major sections: Arts & Culture, Faith, and Politics & So- 3. ““By excluding LGBT Catholics, you are breaking up God’s family. You are tearing apart the body of Christ’: ciety (see graphic on Page 14). In addition to Jim @JamesMartinSJ delivers an address on how the Catholic and Jeannie Gaffigan, the well-known names that Church can welcome L.G.B.T. Catholics at the 2018 World popped up on the list include Bruce Springsteen, Da- Meeting of Families in Dublin.” Aug. 24 vid Chappelle, Patricia Heaton and the author of the “Little House” books, Laura Ingalls Wilder. There 4. “House chaplain, a Jesuit priest, was forced out by Speaker Paul Ryan.” April 26 was also an addition to Colleen Dulle’s widely shared series on the history of Catholic hymns, this one on 5. “An Episcopal church in Indianapolis put statues of the

2016 Paromount Pictures © 2016 Paromount “Be Not Afraid.” Holy Family in a cage, similar to the ones used in detention America Media’s video team attracted record facilities, to protest President Trump’s immigration policies. #KeepFamilesTogether” July 5

12 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 13 THE MOST-VIEWED STORIES OF 2018: POLITICS, THE CHURCH IN CRISIS AND SOME MUCH-NEEDED COMIC RELIEF audiences on our YouTube channel, led by the “Faith in sumably writing term papers), followed by a rundown of Focus” episode with Mr. Colbert, an explanation of Pope the “Top 12 Parables” from the Bible. Sadly, there were also Francis’ new apostolic exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate” reasons for prayers published in response to gun violence and a discussion about religion and civil discourse, with and in anticipation of hurricanes to find new audiences. Father Martin and the New York Times columnist Ross We cannot predict what 2019 will bring in terms of news Douthat. America’s podcasts also gained new listeners; stories, but it is encouraging that our readers always seem the most popular episode of “Jesuitical” featured another to make time for both prayer and humorous takes on life. comedian, Sarah Silverman, speaking on “Whether Hell Exists and Why She Loves the Jesuits.” Robert David Sullivan, associate editor. As for classic content from previous years, “10 Reasons Twitter: @RobertDSullivan. to Oppose the Death Penalty” was once again the most For more lists of popular content produced by popular, thanks to readers from the college-age crowd (pre- America Media in 2018, visit americamagazine.org.

MOST POPULAR ARTS, FAITH AND NEWS STORIES BY MONTH DECEMBER APRIL AUGUST How Jesuits and Jedi are more alike than The enduring Catholic imagination of Bruce Why you should watch the 2014 film you might think, Jason Welle, Dec. 13 Springsteen, Brian P. Conniff, April 30 issue “Calvary” after the sex abuse scandal, A Christmas prayer for (nearly) everyone, Top five takeaways from “Gaudete et Jordan Daniel Wood, Aug. 21 James Martin, S.J., Dec. 21 Exsultate,” James Martin, S.J., April 9 Viganò’s accusations: What we know and Iceland isn’t eliminating Down syndrome— Report: House chaplain, a Jesuit priest, what questions they raise, Michael J. O’Loughlin, they are just killing everyone who has was forced out by Speaker Paul Ryan, Aug. 26 (published in Sept. 17 issue) it, Patricia Heaton, Dec. 25 issue Michael J. O’Loughlin, April 26 A Libertarian Case for the Common Good, Stephanie Slade, Aug. 20 issue JANUARY MAY Dave Chappelle and the “imperfect allies” the Jordan Peterson: An interview with the preaching SEPTEMBER #MeToo movement needs, Bill McGarvey, Jan. 12 professor, Anna J. Marchese, April 27 Review: “The Nun” highlights the fear of losing Discovering my priesthood as a Catholic All of Chile’s bishops offer resignations after one’s faith and identity, Eve Tushnet, Sept. 13 woman in Protestant seminary, meeting pope on abuse, Gerard O’Connell, May 18 Brett Kavanaugh and toxic masculinity: lessons Nancy Small, Jan. 22 issue Who was the Jesuit priest mentioned during from another all-male Jesuit high school, I’m unapologetically pro-life, and I’m the Royal Wedding sermon? (Pierre Teilhard Christopher J. Devron, S.J., Sept. 19 ashamed that Trump spoke at the March de Chardin), Angelo Jesus Canta, May 19 It is time for the Kavanaugh nomination to be for Life, Haley Stewart, Jan. 19 withdrawn, the editors of America, Sept. 27 JUNE FEBRUARY “Be Not Afraid”: The song that eases the biggest OCTOBER Creationism isn’t about science, it’s about transitions in—and out of—life, Colleen Dulle, Jordan Peterson understands your suffering, theology (and it’s really bad theology), June 14 Bill McCormick, S.J., Oct. 26 (published in Eric Sundrup, S.J., Jan. 30 The grace-filled encounter between Nov. 12 issue) Dear regular Mass-goers: The seats at the end of Paul McCartney and James Corden, I am gay and Catholic. Are you willing to walk in the pew aren’t for you, Jack Bentz, S.J., Feb. 14 James Martin, S.J., June 26 my shoes?, Patrick Gothman, Oct. 11 How Billy Graham shaped American My Catholic faith and the urgency of criminal Georgetown Prep president: Working for hope in a Catholicism, Jon M. Sweeney, Feb. justice reform, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, June 27 season of contempt, James Van Dyke, S.J., Oct. 3 21 (published in April 2 issue) JULY NOVEMBER MARCH Laura Ingalls Wilder is my hero, but her books tell My ancestor owned 41 slaves. What do I owe their The passions of Jim and Jeannie Gaffigan, Bill a painful American story, Haley Stewart, July 12 descendants? John W. Miller, Nov. 28 McGarvey, March 21 (published in April 2 issue) Albany priest describes culture of harassment Father Thomas Keating’s parting wisdom for a I came out as a gay, Catholic priest on the Feast under McCarrick, Michael J. O’Loughlin, July 25 divided church and country, Tim Shriver, Nov. 21 of the Annunciation, Rev. Fred Daley, March 23 Montessori schools are exceptionally successful. Deployment to Iraq changed my view of God, Everything you’re hearing about Katy Perry So why aren’t there more of them? Pascal- country and humankind. So did coming home. and the L.A. Catholic sisters is probably Emmanuel Gobry, July 9 issue Phil Klay, Nov. 11 (published in Dec. 10 issue) wrong, Jim McDermott, S.J., March 26

Sources: Data cover the period from Dec. 1, 2017 to Nov. 30, 2018. Only stories original to America Media are counted; each story is counted for the month of its highest readership only. Monthly data is based on estimates of total time spent viewing each story by online readers. Some content is posted on the America Media website before it appears in print.

14 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 15 Cardinal Daniel DiNardo attends a news conference during the U.S. bishops’ fall meeting in Baltimore on Nov. 12.

As investigation hits home diocese,

Cardinal DiNardo faces questions File Semansky, AP Photo/Patrick

Investigators for the district attorney of Montgomery said, “and only two had been accused of abusing a child in County in Texas executed a search warrant seeking records the last 20 years.” pertaining to the handling of abuse allegations at the Father Reese finds it hard to imagine that there are offices of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on Nov. many bishops 16 years after Dallas—where U.S. Catholic 28. The archdiocese is headed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, bishops met to hammer out a response to the then-burgeon- president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and ing abuse crisis—who are not following the essential norms the person leading the U.S. bishops’ response to the sexual on child protection and reporting promulgated there. abuse crisis. “The real problem right now is the bishops have zero The leader of the Houston chapter of the Survivors credibility,” he said. Father Reese argues that there is only Network of those Abused by Priests has already called for one way U.S. bishops can restore their personal credibility Cardinal DiNardo to step down to accept responsibility for and the church’s reputation: “Total disclosure…. List every alleged failures in Galveston-Houston and during a previ- accused priest, the when and where; what did they know; ous position as bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. what was the allegation; how did they respond.” Presuming the bad press in Texas will continue, can Car- And what is true for the dioceses is also true for the dinal DiNardo continue to credibly lead the U.S. bishops as nation’s religious orders, Father Reese adds. “Frankly, it’s the conference seeks a way out of the abuse crisis? taken the Jesuits this long to figure that out, too,” he said. “The answer is we don’t know,” said Tom Reese, S.J., In recent weeks Jesuit provinces around the country have a columnist for Religion News Service, a former editor begun releasing previously undisclosed documentation on in chief of America and a longtime observer of the U.S. priest abusers, a process that is expected to continue. church. If the county prosecutor finds that Cardinal DiNar- In a letter on Nov. 12 to the members of the Confer- do has “not followed the Dallas Charter,” Father Reese said, ence of Major Superiors of Men, Mark Padrez, O.P., con- “I’d say he’s in trouble. But if he has done the right thing, ference president, and its executive director, John Pavlik, this is an investigation that is not going to go anywhere.” O.F.M.Cap., reiterated a recent recommendation that lead- Cardinal DiNardo’s office did not respond to requests ers of religious institutes, communities and monasteries for comment. review past policies and reconsider the disclosure of the A Pennsylvania grand jury report released in August lists of credibly accused members. provoked a new round of institutional soul-searching over “In my heart of hearts, I would say, ‘For goodness’ sake, episcopal accountability and a new willingness among release the names and deal with the consequences.’ And the federal and local prosecutors to intervene in U.S. church consequences will be real,” Father Pavlik said. “People are affairs. But while the grand jury report included plenty of really angry, and they should be, and if we don’t run with bad news—300 priests accused of abusing thousands of this moment correctly now, we could be making the future victims over decades—it also included some good news [of the church] impossible.” for the nation’s discouraged Catholic community. accord- ing to Father Reese. Every one of the accused priests was Kevin Clarke, chief correspondent. either deceased or had been removed from ministry, he Twitter: @ClarkeAtAmerica.

14 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 15 In an overcrowded Tijuana shelter, asylum seekers from Central America began a long wait

Fabiola Díaz sighed in her small blue tent after her baby by federal authorities, at a large building and patio once son, less than 2 years old, tripped and fell over the cords of used for concerts, about 10 miles from the border. other tents and clotheslines. She coughed and pointed to “I don’t think there’s room for more tents, but every day her head. “I might have a fever,” the 25-year-old Honduran more people come in,” said José Marvin López, a 40-year- said. “A lot of people here are sick, and having so many of us old construction worker from San Pedro Sula. “We’ll have crammed together doesn’t help. Conditions aren’t the best, to make do here because we don’t know how long we’ll have but I’m glad I have at least a place to stay.” to wait.” Life had become steadily more difficult in the open- Like most members of the caravan, Mr. López joined to air Benito Juárez Sports Complex in Tijuana, across escape the grinding poverty in his home country and seek the border from San Diego in the Mexican state of Baja a better life in the United States. He left his wife and four California. In mid-November, the first members of the children and hopes he will be able to find a job, but he re- Central American refugee caravan arrived here, after a jects the idea of becoming an illegal immigrant. tortuous six-week journey north from San Pedro Sula “The only way to go is by getting legal asylum; it’s not in Honduras. good to go without papers,” he said. “I don’t want to stay Their journey had come to a halt, tantalizingly close to longer than a few years anyway. I just want to make enough the country they hope will accept them as asylum seekers. money to support my family and return to Honduras.” In late November the camp included more than 6,000 peo- Ruth Dalila Sánchez, 42, who reached Tijuana with her ple from Central America, occupying nearly every square husband on Nov. 26, also said she does not want to cross inch of the available space on the athletic fields. Condi- illegally. She used to run a small juice and fruit stand in tions became so bad that on Dec. 1, the city government an- Honduras but could no longer afford to stay after she was nounced it would move the migrants to a new facility, run robbed several times this year.

16 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 17 AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa AP Photo/Ramon Justice served or denied? Family members and activists

protest outside the court on Nov. 29. Jackie McVicar In Honduras, Berta Cáceres’s killers have been convicted In a packed and tense courtroom in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, seven men were convicted on Nov. 29 of the murder of the indigenous rights leader Berta Cáceres. Four of the young men, paid killers who murdered Ms. Cáceres in her home on March 2, 2016, were also convicted of the attempted murder of the environmental activist Gustavo Castro. He was a friend of Ms. Cáceres who had been staying at her house on the night of the attack. The court ruled that the murder was premeditated with the “consent of Desa executives.” DESA (Desarrollos A makeshift tent offers refuge from the Energéticos Sociedad Anonima) is the Honduran company rain in a sports complex where thousands holding the concession for a hydroelectric dam project on sheltered in Tijuana, Mexico, on Nov. 29. the Gualcarque River on disputed land traditionally held by an indigenous community. Ms. Cáceres had spoken out against the construction “I was able to start my business with help from my of the Agua Zarca dam project in indigenous Lenca terri- father, but it was getting too dangerous to just work on tory. Indigenous members of the Consejo Cívico de Orga- the street, and the cost of living has become so expensive nizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras (Coopinh), in Honduras that it was impossible to get by,” she said. the ecological and indigenous rights advocacy group found- “At one point I had to tell my grandchildren that we could ed by Ms. Cáceres, gathered outside the court to support her no longer afford food. They would stay cheerful and tell two youngest daughters, on hand to witness the verdict. me that they’d sleep the hunger off. It was heartbreaking. The Cáceres family is pushing for the internationally “We need to be patient and not try to cross to the financed Agua Zarca dam project to be canceled and for United States without papers,” she added. “We must be more arrests among corporate superiors at DESA who humble and hope God touches Donald Trump’s heart, may have been involved in Berta Cáceres’s murder. Family so he will allow us in.” members are keenly aware that they need to be careful in a Most Hondurans here say they believe they will country that has experienced the highest number of mur- eventually be able to get asylum in the United States, but ders of environmental activists in the world. few have any notion of how long that may take. “I don’t Olivia Zúniga, Ms. Cáceres’s eldest daughter and a care how long I’ll have to wait; I’ll wait,” José Marvin member of the Honduran Congress, spoke outside the López said, smoking a cigarette. “Patience will ultimate- courthouse. “We aren’t afraid,” she said, “because when ly win. We are good people; all we want to do is work. I’m they kill your mom, you lose all fear. We are ready to do convinced Mr. Trump will see it that way too eventually.” what it takes to have justice for her.”

Jan-Albert Hootsen, Mexico City correspondent. Jackie McVicar, contributing from Honduras. Twitter: @jahootsen. Twitter: @Pajarolindo.

16 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 17 John Bel Edwards THE AMERICA PROFILE AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, Pool AP Photo/Gerald

18 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 19 ‘I fundamentally believe that government has a role to play in improving people’s lives.’ A conversation with Governor John Bel Edwards

By Matt Malone

Life at the State Capitol this morning has that unhur- ried pace for which Louisianans are known: Something is definitely happening, but nothing definite is happen- ing quickly. This is the opposite of midtown Manhattan, but that is its charm. In Louisiana, events are measured on a tru- ly human scale. How you get somewhere matters just as much as where you are going, and whatever you are do- ing is never more important than the people you might meet while doing it. A schedule is merely a suggestion, and the clock is an unwelcome guest at the party. It is therefore impossible to say just when this inter- view will start. This gives me plenty of time to thank God and the late Huey P. Long for the building’s central air conditioning. Even by Baton Rouge standards, it is hot as hades this July morning, the kind of day when your sweat starts to sweat. For a New Englander, dressed in a black suit and a clerical shirt, this is an endurance test. I have just stopped perspiring when the 56th gover- nor of Louisiana enters his office, dressed in a business suit, but looking as cool as seersucker. John Bel Edwards says something endearing about his never having been interviewed by a priest, then smiles broadly and shakes my hand. His ramrod posture reveals his soldierly train-

THE AMERICA PROFILE Governor Edwards speaks at the opening session of the Louisiana Legislature in Baton Rouge on March 12.

18 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 19 You cannot be great if you're not first “I was not the favorite to win that race,” Mr. Edwards says with understatement. When he did win the run-off, with an impressive 56 percent of the vote (carrying 39 of good. Your policies the state’s 64 parishes), the first thing he did in his victory speech was thank God. have to be rooted in “Our faith is important, and I know we’re called to give thanks in all things,” he tells me, explaining his re- basic goodness. marks on election night. “So I did that, and it was heart- felt because I’ve now been given the opportunity to be ing. A graduate of the United States Military Academy the governor of a state with about four and a half million at West Point, Mr. Edwards served eight years in the people, a state that’s very challenged in terms of poverty, U.S. Army and then returned home to Louisiana, where educational outcomes, health care-related outcomes, but he completed law school and won a seat in the Louisi- also a beautiful state with wonderful people, really de- ana House of Representatives, all before the age of 43. cent, good, generous people.” In person, the governor does not look a day older—or That Louisiana is “very challenged” is also an under- younger—than his 52 years. If you passed him on the statement. Prone to both manmade and natural disasters, sidewalk and didn’t know better, you would not think he the state has struggled in recent decades. About 20 percent was someone extraordinary. of the state’s citizens still live in poverty when measured Yet in all of American politics there is no one quite like by household income. Economic growth has accelerated John Bel Edwards. A devout Roman Catholic in a state with somewhat in the cities but is still anemic overall. And when a devout Protestant majority, Mr. Edwards talks openly Mr. Edwards assumed office three years ago, he inherited about his faith and the central role it plays in his life and what was possibly the largest deficit in state history, mak- work. What’s more, in an era of polarization, when most ing it all the more difficult for him to move those numbers politicians predictably toe the party line, Mr. Edwards has in the right direction. a track record that is not easily classified: He is anti-abor- “I fundamentally believe that government has a role to tion, pro-Second Amendment, pro-L.G.B.T. civil rights, play in improving people’s lives,” he says, “but you can’t do pro-social safety net and, in this increasingly red state, everything for everybody, both because it’s inappropriate he is a Democrat. and because you’ll never [be able to] pay for it.” So Mr. Edwards started to make changes where he His Governing Principle could, when he could. The results are impressive, even if Governor Edwards speaks with a honeyed and un-self-con- the process of achieving them was messy, including seven scious Louisiana drawl, as if he has thought carefully about special sessions to hammer out annual budgets with the what he is saying but doesn’t pride himself on the fact. He G.O.P.-led legislature. In 2016, for example, Mr. Edwards briefly tells me the story of his come-from-behind gubernato- took advantage of the federal government’s Medicaid ex- rial campaign, for example, with a lingering sense of amaze- pansion offer, the same offer his Republican predecessor ment at the outcome—as if it had happened to someone else. had rejected. By the end of 2017, the number of Louisian- It is an amazing story. When John Bel Edwards first ans without basic health coverage was half what it had been announced that he would run for governor in the 2015 just the year before. election, he was the longest of long shots, the leader of the He has also championed criminal justice reform: “For unpopular minority party in the state House of Represen- 40 years, Louisiana took the approach that we were just tatives. Promising “a healthy dose of common sense and going to put more people in prison, keep them there longer compassion for ordinary people,” he was the only major and pay whatever it cost. We couldn’t afford it, and we were Democrat in the race and finished first in the state’s all-par- not safer as a result.” ty primary, then facing U.S. Senator David Vitter in the run- In fact, Louisiana had the highest incarceration rate in off election. Despite a sordid sex scandal, Mr. Vitter was the nation until this year, when it fell below Oklahoma’s. still considered a formidable foe and the political bookies Mr. Edwards explains how he shed that distinction by re- wagered that in a state as red as Louisiana, the odds were leasing some nonviolent offenders early and then reimag- with the Republican. ining the whole system. As a result, he says, “we were able to

20 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 21 CNS photo/Bob Roller CNS photo/Bob iStock

Mayor Joel Robideaux, left, of Lafayette, greets Governor Edwards after an address by the governor at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, on May 22. Scott Clause /The Daily Advertiser via AP Advertiser Clause /The Daily Scott

save 12 million dollars last fiscal year alone, and we’re going expansion, I just couldn’t reconcile that, because I am pro- to reinvest eight million of that into making sure that peo- life. And the pro-life ethos has to mean more than just the ple are successful upon re-entry” into society. Mr. Edwards abortion issue. [Abortion] is fundamental, and I under- has also restarted the process of commuting sentences; as stand how important it is, but it’s got to go beyond that. The of October, he has approved 119 of the 164 pardons recom- job isn’t over when the baby’s born if you’ve got poor people mended by the state’s Pardon Board during his term. (His who need access to health care.” predecessor, Bobby Jindal, had approved only 23 pardons While Mr. Edwards is a supporter of the Second during the same point in his first term.) Amendment and a lifelong hunter (he makes a point of tell- On the issue of the death penalty, Mr. Edwards has ing me that all the guns he owns are for hunting), he believes been circumspect, declining to take a position on efforts “that there ought to be sensible, reasonable restrictions in to ban the punishment in Louisiana. At the same time, some areas. For example, I know that we need to do a better the Edwards administration has supported a federal court job with our background checks.... The overwhelming ma- order that prohibits executions because pharmaceutical jority of gun owners are responsible, law-abiding people. companies refuse to provide the drugs needed for lethal And so that makes it a difficult dilemma. I’ve come down injections under Louisiana law. Because of the inability to as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. But I’m obtain these specific drugs, Louisiana has not carried out not somebody who just believes that there shouldn’t be any an execution since 2010. regulation. That’s not where I am on that issue.” Late last spring, Mr. Edwards also signed into law one Add this view to the fact that the governor has taken of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the country, a more liberal view than his predecessors on some other earning praise from groups like the Susan B. Anthony social issues, including legal protections for lesbian, gay, List, which applauded him for “leading the way in the bisexual and transgender people, and you might be left bipartisan effort to bring our nation’s laws into line with scratching your head and wondering: Who is this guy? Is he basic human decency.” a liberal, a conservative, a moderate or what? The man himself sees a common principle at work in In Mr. Edwards’s mind, he is none of those things and, all those initiatives: “The idea of not doing the Medicaid in a way, he is all of them: “I don’t like the labels because

20 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 21 Mr. Edwards addresses supporters at his election night victory party in New Orleans on Nov. 21, 2015. Next to him are his daughter, Samantha, and his mother, Dora Jean Edwards.

I don’t think that they’re accurate. I don’t like being pi- Hall; multiple churches within a square mile and a couple geonholed. There are people who say, ‘You’re pro-life on of weathered barbecue joints—Amite’s got it all, a kind of abortion, so that makes you conservative, but you’re for idyllic Southern community at the crossroads of heritage the Medicaid expansion. That makes you liberal.’ But it’s and hospitality. This is the place where John Bel Edwards the exact same Catholic Christian faith, at least as I un- grew up, met the high school sweetheart he later married, derstand it, that pushes me into both of those positions.” and launched his political career as a state representative. That approach has so far made for a winning elector- To understand this place is to understand John Bel al combination. But where did it come from and how far Edwards. He is the son, grandson and great-grandson of might it take him? Amite sheriffs. The Edwards are to Amite, in the eastern part of Louisiana a few miles south of the Mississippi Living the Faith border, what the Kennedys are to Boston. And in the life Is John Bel Edwards, then, merely a pragmatist? Au con- and imagination of John Bel, as he is known to family and traire, as they might say in the French Quarter. He is a neighbors alike, Amite is inseparable from St. Helena’s man of deep conviction, his friends and family say. Roman Catholic Parish. “He lives his values every day,” said his wife, Donna. In “My mother and father were tremendous examples of many ways, he is just an old-fashioned politician who still faith, both of them being cradle Catholics, and they raised puts stock in moral values and not just party loyalty. And Mr. us in St. Helena Catholic Church.” Curiously, the first Edwards knows where those values come from. “I know that word Mr. Edwards uses to describe his parish is “fun.” all of the people that I have been associated with who were “My family, with my mom and dad and their eight strong Catholics, they were public servants in one fashion or kids, we took up the whole pew,” he recalls. another.... Everything that I experienced growing up in Am- Mr. Edwards credits the Dominican priests who staffed ite as a Catholic just pushed me towards service.” St. Helena’s with inspiring him to pursue the best education Amite is one of those Southern towns that resembles an possible. “I’m convinced that that was part of the reason HO-scale model train set—almost too charming to be real. why I was successful enough in K-12 education to get ac- The two-story, early-20th-century downtown; the two- cepted to West Point. They had a lot to do with that, not just room post office; the sheriff’s car parked in front of City faith formation, but also the education as well.”

22 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 23 MEETING POPE FRANCIS

Above all, it was his mother who gave him the gift of faith. With evident pride he tells me that Dora Jean Ed- On Jan. 18, 2017, Gov. John Bel Edwards and his wards was not only mom to him and his seven siblings but wife, Donna, led a delegation from Louisiana to also served as the emergency room nurse at the local hospi- the Vatican, where they met Pope Francis. The tal and (in her spare time, presumably) was the sixth-grade delegation was there to discuss human trafficking catechism teacher at St. Helena’s to boot. As a teacher “she prevention and included representatives of the was pretty tough on us,” he says, “so we knew we had to Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy, who were establish- study and, of course, she would get reports from the other ing a safe house for girls in Louisiana at the time. teachers if we showed up unprepared” to their classes. “The Catholic faith has been central to our family just as Mr. Edwards recalls: long as I can remember,” he says. “I’m fortunate that my moth- er is still alive, and she still attends Mass just about every day.” The private audience doesn’t last long. But I don’t have the feeling that Mr. Edwards is saying all in that couple of minutes, as a lifelong Cath- this just to impress his priest-interviewer. Some politi- olic, I will tell you, that was very impressive cians might try that, but it is hard to fake the sincerity he to me and to my wife, Donna. Because we conveys when I ask, for example, what he learned from were both able to get [Pope Francis’s] bless- his mother about the faith. “I am most appreciative that ing on a plaque that [we placed] on a home she taught us how important it is to have an active sacra- that we built for these teenage victims of mental life in the Catholic Church,” he says, “especially human trafficking. And to have him bless

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert AP Photo/Gerald the Eucharist.” our efforts and then come over after the Then his speech slows and his eyes widen, making that private audience and meet with the larg- unmistakable face people make when they want you to lis- er group that we had brought over from ten carefully to what they are about to say: “If you believe, Louisiana, and spend a few minutes with as we were taught, that that’s the body, blood, soul and di- us was really, really special. vinity of Jesus Christ [in the Eucharist], then there is no- I will never forget it because, you don’t where else to go but the Catholic Church. So it’s incredibly think this is necessary, but we were asking important to me to make sure that my wife and I model him to bless our efforts and pray for us. And that for our children. That’s how we were brought into the he then asked us to pray for him. If there’s Catholic faith and why it’s so important to us, both now for one person in the world that I would think ourselves, but especially for our children.” wouldn’t necessarily need my prayers, be- Yes, John Bel Edwards means it. What he wants to hand cause he would already be in good stand- on to his three children is not just a way of talking about the ing, it would be the pope. But after he said Catholic faith, but an example of how to live it. “Even when that, and I got to thinking about it, I have we’re on vacation,” his daughter said in a campaign com- to imagine that he does feel the need for mercial in 2015, her father “will find out where the Mass is, prayers from people all over the world, so what time the Mass is.” Yet his faith was also shaped by hardship. “[Donna and I] that he will have the strength to get up and had just been married a couple years,” he tells me. “We were do every day what he has to do. living in Hawaii. I was there as an army officer. Our first child, I know what the weight on my shoulders Samantha, had spina bifida and we didn’t know how pro- is like being the governor for four and a half foundly she would be impacted. Donna’s doctor took Donna million people. I can only imagine the weight and myself to a clinic at the hospital there in Honolulu and that he feels every single day as the leader just showed us various kids and said, ‘Now, it could be as mild of Catholics all across the globe and [also as this kid,’ who had braces on the legs, ‘and as serious as this just] being a religious leader on the world one over here.’” The Edwardses prayed about it a lot, he says. stage, period. Because his voice matters, “But abortion was never an option for us.” whether you’re Catholic or you're not. “That must’ve been terrifying,” I say. “It was,” Mr. Edwards responds. “It was terrifying, but

22 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 23 To John Bel, as he is known to family and neighbors alike, his hometown of “it’s also important that you’re sincere about it.... You can’t come up with that position because you decided you’re go- Amite is inseparable from ing to run for higher office.” Speaking of higher office, President Trump carried Lou- isiana by 20 points in the 2016 election. Does the governor St. Helena’s Roman get along with Mr. Trump? Mr. Edwards is clear: He is the governor of a poor state and he needs the help of the federal Catholic Parish. government, so he will work with whomever is in the White House. He says he was not a fan of the way his Republican I will tell you, it brought Donna and me together and re- predecessor, Bobby Jindal, treated President Obama: “[Jin- ally, I think, strengthened our Catholic Christian faith.” dal] was very gratuitous in his commentary about President (Thanks be to God, Samantha grew into a healthy adult.) Obama. And it was always taking on the president and not Donna, who is a convert to Catholicism, even made a giving him the benefit of the doubt on anything.” Mr. Ed- commercial during the gubernatorial campaign that told wards says he is not going to play that game. His relation- Samantha’s story. ship with Mr. Trump is “pretty good,” and he has even been “Because I’m a Democrat,” the governor says, “there consulted by the White House about the criminal justice re- were certain people around the state who were openly forms he has enacted in Louisiana. “It’s not that I don’t ever questioning whether I was [pro-life]. It didn’t matter that disagree. I just don’t go out in public and blast the president, I had an eight-year voting record in the legislature that was because I don’t think it would be helpful.” very solid on the issue. They were questioning that. It was Yet Mr. Edwards is willing to challenge Mr. Trump actually our daughter who saw what was happening. She when he thinks the president is clearly in the wrong. “I felt Becherer AP Photo/Max said, ‘Why don’t y’all go tell them about me?’ We made compelled,” for example, “to call the White House and per- absolutely sure that Samantha was going to be okay with sonally register my opposition to the policy at the border that.’” The commercial, says Mr. Edwards, helped Louisi- separating children from parents. I didn’t think it was nec- anans to understand “that this wasn’t a position I had come essary, and it didn’t strike me as particularly American to to when I decided I wanted to run for governor and that it do that.” was sincere.” There it is again: values. The values that Mr. Edwards learned in Amite, which he celebrated every Sunday at St. A Model for National Democrats? Helena’s, the values that made him valedictorian of Amite Sincerity. It is clearer to me now that this is why John Bel High School, a distinguished graduate of West Point, and Edwards is succeeding here. He comes across as sincere. a decorated member of the 82nd Airborne Division—these He also appears to be principled, reasonable and sober. are the values, he says, that he is bringing to his work as Those are not qualities that are highly rewarded in our con- governor. And he is just now reaching the heights of his po- temporary politics—nuance just doesn’t play well in the cut litical power and influence. His approval ratings are strong, and thrust of our mortal political combat. Yet it is playing and U.S. Senator John Kennedy, who was considered the well here. strongest possible Republican candidate in 2019, has ruled Might it play elsewhere? Might other moderate voic- out a challenge. Presuming he wins a second term in 2019— es be able to break through the toxic din, as he has in no Democrat seat is truly safe in Louisiana—what might Louisiana? Might the Democrats, for example, be more the future hold for John Bel Edwards? competitive in the South if the party lifted its litmus test For several reasons, he would be a highly competitive on abortion and became more welcoming to pro-life Democratic nominee for president. His Southern roots candidates? might help put deep red states like Louisiana in play “Technically, I don’t believe there is a formal litmus for the Democrats. His progressive views on economics test,” Mr. Edwards says, “but it surely seems that way.... I and his commitment to a strong social safety net, as well do believe that [being more open to pro-life candidates] as his moderate views on some social issues, might also would make Democrats more competitive.” But, he adds, appeal to the working-class voters in the Rust Belt and

24 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 25 Governor Edwards and his wife, Donna, far right, share a prayer with the State Legislature in Baton Rouge on March 14, 2016.

elsewhere who decided the 2016 election by swinging national purpose, one that includes all of us. For in the end, toward Mr. Trump. And in a general election, his views we are not mere soldiers locked in some perpetual politi- on abortion might be less of an electoral problem than cal combat. We are, or should be at any rate, fellow citizens people think. A majority pro-choice national electorate and, above all, neighbors. AP Photo/Max Becherer AP Photo/Max has previously voted for the right kind of pro-life can- As the interview ends, I look toward the window, hop- didate—Ronald Reagan and both of the Bushes are good ing that the brutal summer sun is now a little lower in the examples. Mr. Edwards’s Catholicism might also help. Louisiana sky. I spy again the Bible that I saw when I first Since the 1960s, no candidate has won the national pop- entered the governor’s office, the one Edwards keeps open ular vote without at least splitting the votes of American on his desk, not just today, but every day he comes to work Catholics down the middle, and most presidential win- here. It’s open to Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatev- ners have carried a majority of Catholic voters. er you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters But Mr. Edwards would face a steep, almost impossi- of mine, you did for me.” ble climb to win his party’s nomination. The Democratic I ask him, why that particular passage? Party is as beholden to its immoderate pro-abortion left “Because in Louisiana,” he says, “we have more than as the Republican Party is to its immoderate pro-gun our fair share of poor people, the least among us.” Those right. And therein lies the main problem with American people are not simply voters or statistical abstractions to electoral politics in 2018. Politicians who might appeal Mr. Edwards. They are his neighbors, “good and decent to a diverse majority of the voters in a general election people,” as he likes to say—the people who taught him that cannot win their parties’ nomination. Maybe Ameri- “you cannot be great if you’re not first good. Your policies cans will grow so weary of the country’s polarization, so have to be rooted in basic goodness.” desperate to break the partisan gridlock, that primary For John Bel Edwards, it seems, how you get there mat- voters will finally give candidates like Mr. Edwards a ters just as much as where you’re going, and nothing mat- chance. Time will tell. ters more than the people you meet along the way. What we do know is that neither party can ever claim ownership of the values that Mr. Edwards says he brings to public life. In his personal experience, they are values that Matt Malone, S.J., is editor in chief of America and president are inseparable from his Catholic faith. But compassion, of America Media. prudence, justice, mercy and honesty are values that should guide all people of faith, or people of no religious faith at all. Watch the full interview at: And such values are essential to recovering a sense of our americamagazine.org/video/edwards.

24 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 25 The Heart of the Neighborhood Why dioceses need to support struggling Latino churches

St. Cajetan’s, which opened in 1926, was the Latino parish of the Auraria neighborhood in

Denver, Colo., before it closed in the 1970s. iStock

26 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 27 By Nichole M. Flores

“The Miracle at Tepeyac” interlaces the story of a small- ated parish housekeeper, the undereducated parish janitor, town Hispanic church in decline with scenes from La the undocumented refugee hiding in the unfinished part of Virgen de Guadalupe’s encounter with Juan Diego. Set the church and the young man dying from an unnamed dis- in a fictional Latino parish in an unnamed tourist town ease (likely AIDS). in Colorado, the play depicts a once thriving church As the plot of “The Miracle at Tepeyac” unfolds, La buckling under the weight of neglect, mistreatment and Virgen de Guadalupe lifts up the lowly and marginalized abandonment. Membership has declined. Funding has members of the church, inviting them to recognize their disappeared. The crumbling church building exists in a own God-given dignity. In recognizing that, each char- constant state of unfinished renovation. acter learns to defend the dignity of others and to speak “I am sure you were beautiful at one time. Now you are truth to power. Just as Guadalupe sends Juan Diego to run down. You must have been majestic, for a small town petition Bishop Zumárraga to build her church, the pa- to build such a large church. And look at us now, an entire rishioners plead with Padre Tomás to love and defend wing is boarded and in disrepair, so we crowd into what we his parish. jokingly call ‘the new church.’” From the “new church” arises a renewed church, one In this scene from the play, a Mexican-American priest, committed to honoring and protecting the dignity of each Padre Tomás, laments the deterioration of his church. And of its members. In the play’s culminating scene, Padre even as he longs to desert this dilapidated, dying church for Tomás renews his commitment to caring for his parish- a desk job at the archdiocese, his faith in the parish is reviv- ioners over against the political and ecclesial powers that ified by a cadre of its forgotten members: the underappreci- stand against their survival and flourishing.

26 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 27 Behind the Numbers a cornerstone institution for Latinos in the neighborhood. Performed at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Declining numbers of vocations to the priesthood, Center—a Chicano community theater located on the contracting parish enrollments and shrinking budgets Westside of Denver, Colo.—“The Miracle at Tepeyac” have caused dioceses across the United States to consoli- meditates on the real-life struggles of Latino Catholics who date parishes, resulting in the closure of spiritual homes in once lived in the Auraria neighborhood of Denver before many communities. Dioceses search for mechanisms to cut being forced to move when the area was designated as the costs while still serving their diverse constituencies. There site for the Auraria Higher Education Center in the 1970s. is a pattern, however, of the collateral damage from parish The neighborhood was home to St. Cajetan’s, a thriving consolidation and closure falling upon communities with Latino parish that was the heart of the neighborhood. It the least power in these processes, including Latino Catho- was closed when the community relocated. lics and other Catholic communities of color. While parishioners organized to save their neighbor- While Latinos help the number of Catholics flourish in hood, archdiocesan leadership encouraged Catholics to the southern and western United States, the dynamics of vote in support of the education center. The residents were Catholicism in this region—especially in relation to race, forced to leave their beloved neighborhood. Their parish ethnicity, culture and class—are still largely ignored or mis- was shuttered. St. Cajetan’s former parish building now understood. This history puts a wrinkle in the narrative of serves as a communal event center for the universities lo- the growth of Latino Catholicism in the United States and cated on the Auraria Campus. the progressive incorporation of Latinos into the life of the Stories of parishes like St. Cajetan’s can be obscured church. Confronting this history presents an opportunity by the narrative of Latino demographic and cultural pros- to grapple with dynamics of erasure, resistance and sur- perity in the U.S. Catholic Church. Indeed, Latino Cath- vival that have characterized Latino Catholic life. Further, olics are increasing in both numbers and visibility in the understanding this history offers a new perspective on the United States. While Latino Catholics have always been a current state of Latinos in the church. vital presence in the American church, burgeoning popu- lations of migrants and young people have helped bolster A Center of Resistance their numbers. And even as growing numbers of Latinos Opening in 1926, St. Cajetan’s was the Latino parish of the have shifted the geographic center of Catholicism from the Auraria neighborhood. Neighbors met at the parish to make Northeast to the Southwest, signs of Latino Catholicism friends, raise children and build community. While the are becoming ubiquitous in U.S. Catholicism, promising to Latino residents of the Auraria neighborhood were forced to transform every corner of the church’s life. relocate throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado’s But promising demographic data can easily be in- Front Range region in the early 1970s, their recollections terpreted in a way that overlooks the textured history of of their lives in the neighborhood are documented in an Latino Catholics in the United States. This history is not oral history project, Auraria Remembered. a romantic account of gradual awareness, acceptance and A research team at the Community College of Den- celebration by the larger U.S. Catholic Church. It has of- ver—one of the academic institutions located at the Au- ten been a painful past, one in which the very existence of raria Higher Education Center—conducted interviews Latino church communities has often come under threat. with former neighborhood residents. Interviewers As “The Miracle at Tepyác” discloses, Latino Catholics and asked the residents to reflect on many aspects of their their institutions have often been treated as pastoral after- experience of life in the neighborhood. Former residents thoughts by the broader church, and have even been the recounted descriptions of their favorite bars, neighbor- subject of neglect and abandonment. hood landmarks and interesting or unusual members In Everett, Mass., St. Therese’s, an ethnically diverse of the community. All the interviewees emphasized the parish with substantial numbers of Latino, Haitian and Af- centrality of St. Cajetan’s parish to the life of the Latino rican members, was closed in 2010 after a six-year vigil led community in Auraria. According to the authors of the by parishioners. In New York City, parishioners at Our Lady study, “The Hispanic people did not have much at the Queen of Angels led a similar vigil, holding services on the time; they did not have a public institution where they sidewalk in front of the parish building for years after its of- could mingle and feel important. St. Cajetan’s became ficial closing in 2007. Like St. Cajetan’s, the parish had been that place.”

28 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 29 Demographic data

“Our social life was built around St. Cajetan’s…. Our can be interpreted lives were centered around the church,” according to Nea López-Stoner, a former resident. Auraria’s residents spent in a way that overlooks their Sundays and holidays attending Mass at St. Cajetan’s. “Of course, every Sunday was like a holiday because we’d the textured history of all dress up and go to church,” Russell DeLeon said. “The church was always packed.” Latino Catholics in Before his career as a playwright and Chicano activist, Tony García was baptized at St. Cajetan’s and served as an the United States. altar boy there. According to Mr. García, most of the par- ish’s activities were rooted in Mexican culture. “I remem- ber the Masses were held in Spanish and we sang Spanish between Latinos and the Catholic Church. In countering songs,” he said. In this way, St. Cajetan’s was simultane- the Latino community’s efforts, the archdiocese’s actions ously a source for Catholic and Latino identity for the resi- helped to dismantle a beloved neighborhood and parish. At dents of the neighborhood. the same time, the Catholic faith—and specifically, devo- Some of the neighborhood’s activities were located at tion to Our Lady of Guadalupe—helped to sustain the com- St. Elizabeth of Hungary, an Anglo and German parish a munity through the trauma of its abandonment. few blocks away that remains open to this day. But St. Ca- jetan’s was the premier parish for Latinos in Auraria. Lou- Fighting for Survival ise Vigil said some of the Latino families elected to send The closing of St. Cajetan’s is but one example of the their children to the school at St. Elizabeth’s parish. None- struggles of Denver’s Latino Catholics to maintain their theless, St. Cajetan’s was the heart of the neighborhood, communities and traditions in the face of opposition she said, “really and truly deep down—everything else was from institutional forces. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. Cajetan’s.” on Denver’s Northside faced a dramatic conflict in 2009, In 1969, the city of Denver called for a vote on a spe- when its pastor decided to cover an altar mural, painted by cial bond election to secure funds for building the Aurar- a parishioner, of Guadalupe’s appearance to Juan Diego. ia Higher Education Center that would force residents to Painted by a member of the parish at the invitation of move from the neighborhood. As the heart of the neighbor- the church’s previous pastor, the mural served as a source hood’s social life, St. Cajetan’s and the Catholic Church be- of sustaining beauty for the parish as they participated in came a center of resistance against the forced relocation of struggles for social justice. The new pastor, however, ar- the community. The parish began the Auraria Relocation gued that the mural could distract the faithful from the true Organization, advocating just treatment of the residents intentions of the Eucharist. Parishioners organized vigils of the neighborhood. Members of the A.R.O. organized to and protests to keep the mural, with no success. With the keep the parish open, visiting every Catholic parish in Den- support of the archdiocese, the parish installed a white wall ver to deliver leaflets arguing their case. Yet the Sunday be- in front of the mural, effectively turning the mural into one fore the election, Archbishop James Casey promulgated a wall of a utility closet. The parishioners came to refer to the letter to be read from the pulpit at every parish in the arch- mural of Guadalupe as “Our Lady of the Broom Closet.” A diocese encouraging Catholics to vote in favor of the bond. framed image of Guadalupe is now featured prominently The bond issue passed, the community members were re- behind the pulpit, but the image of Juan Diego has disap- located and St. Cajetan’s was shut down. peared from the sanctuary. The parish building now exists as a cultural center at On the other side of town, another Latino church com- the Auraria campus, hosting a variety of events, perfor- munity faced a fight for its existence. In 2017, the commu- mances and exhibits. Still, the bitter legacy of closure reso- nity at Our Lady of Visitation, located on the outskirts of nates in the memories of Denver’s Westside Latinos, a con- Denver in unincorporated Adams County, received word stant reminder of church leaders’ willingness to abandon that the archdiocese would close their church, which was a their community. mission church of Holy Trinity Parish. The church’s families, Writing and performing “The Miracle at Tepeyac” al- some of whom had worshiped there for generations, orga- lowed Mr. García to wrestle with the complex relationship nized a grassroots campaign to save their community. One of

28 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 29 the church members was Federico Peña, the former mayor commodate Latino and black communities that have been of Denver and secretary of transportation under President moved from their home parishes. This model allows for a Bill Clinton. Mr. Peña allowed use of his public status and continued presence of the community amid the upheaval famous name to draw attention to meetings and rallies to of diocesan restructuring, Ms. Bruce noted. But this strat- save Our Lady of Visitation. Like St. Cajetan’s and Our Lady egy has led to the closure of neighborhood parishes like St. of Guadalupe, however, the community’s petitions were de- Cajetan’s that have served as the heart of their communi- nied. The parish was shuttered for good in early 2018. ties for generations. Last year, the Archdiocese of Denver defended its ac- “Catholics of color may be told that their territorial tions at Our Lady of Visitation by emphasizing its status as a parish has closed, and that they should instead worship mission of a particular parish. “A few streets away is the par- alongside co-ethnics at a new personal parish far from their ish of the Holy Trinity to which the mission belongs,” read neighborhood,” she said. a note from Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez on the clo- Further, Ms. Bruce said that while many of the church- sure. “The community was invited to participate more fully es closed by dioceses had been established to serve as in the parish, where they could receive all the services that national parishes for various European immigrant com- a parish can offer, and to take advantage of opportunities to munities, these parishes had often come to serve Latino grow their faith.” In addition to Bishop Rodríguez’s note, the communities as their former ethnic groups relocated to Archdiocese of Denver provided the following statement: more prosperous neighborhoods and parishes. Shuttering “The Vatican recently responded to a review of the situation national churches, therefore, has exacerbated the erasure and upheld the Archdiocese of Denver’s decision.” of Latino communities who have found homes in these par- The Archdiocese of Denver reaches out to Latino ishes and neighborhoods. Catholics by offering Spanish-language Masses at sever- Some churches have been able to halt their closure. St. al parishes and through the Centro de Juan Diego, which Mary of the Angels in Roxbury, Mass., led a successful cam- offers help with legal services, taxes and other social ser- paign to remain open after it had been slated for closure by vices. Indeed, Centro de Juan Diego provides a compelling the Archdiocese of Boston in 2004. Susan Reynolds, assis- model for outreach centers that can be replicated in other tant professor of Catholic studies at Candler School of The- dioceses. Yet these services do not compensate for the so- ology, has conducted ethnographic research involving this cial toll taken on communities like Our Lady of Visitation, church community. She attributed St. Mary’s successful an institution that knit together generations of this Latino campaign to its ability to prove that the parish is a significant Catholic community. institution for its entire community. While the parish does Bishop Rodríguez acknowledged the closure of Our not have much money, it serves as a vital social center for Lady of Visitation as a tremendous loss to its members Roxbury and Egleston Square, offering common space for even as he stressed the need to “make more efficient use of neighbors to meet and socialize. Led by its lay members, the the resources we have,” especially the need to carefully al- parish advocates for other institutions in the neighborhood, locate a limited number of priests to celebrate the Masses including a public library and a local Y.M.C.A. “If the parish in the archdiocese. were closed,” Ms. Reynolds stated, “the entire community of In her book Parish and Place: Making Room for Diver- Egleston Square would suffer tremendously.” sity in the American Catholic Church, Tricia C. Bruce dis- As the closing of St. Cajetan’s demonstrates, howev- cusses how dioceses have tried to respond to the needs of er, making the case for the public significance of a parish marginalized racial and ethnic Catholic communities even or church does not always guarantee its survival. In clos- as parishes have been shifted, moved and consolidated. ing and relocating Latino parishes and churches, dioceses “With fewer priests, many dioceses are rethinking the often undermine crucial social structures that sustain the way they organize local communities of Catholics. Some broader community and thus contribute to the societal use personal parishes alongside territorial parishes as a common good. Indeed, parish reorganization projects have way to consolidate Catholics who share ethnic, linguistic both ecclesiastical and public implications, influencing the or other needs,” according to Ms. Bruce. “This means that thriving of the community well beyond parish walls. These some—but not all—parishes assume a higher responsibility dynamics must be accounted for as dioceses consider the to serve the specialized needs of Catholics of color.” impact of consolidation plans on Latino Catholics and the Some dioceses have designated specific parishes to ac- larger community.

30 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 31 Migrant families listened to Pope Francis during his visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels school

in East Harlem, New York, in 2015. Haring CNS photo/Paul

What Our Eyes Have Seen Latino parishes and churches. It is a culture that margin- “The bishop believes I am mistaken, mistaking what my alizes or erases the Juan Diegos of today from the church, eyes have seen and my heart knows,” says Juan Diego in unwilling or unable to hear the truth of his testimony. “The Miracle at Tepeyac,” lamenting Bishop Zumárraga’s A culture of solidarity, on the other hand, views all disregard for his message from Guadalupe. His words res- members of the church as possessing dignity and as worthy onate with the cry of Padre Tomás’s parishioners: They long of respect. It hears and heeds the sense of the faithful, at- for their community and their struggles to be seen and heard. tuned to the truths that are disclosed from among the peo- They long for their dignity to be recognized and honored. ple. It seeks to build relationships of mutuality and respect In 1994, Su Teatro returned to St. Cajetan’s to per- that allow for the voices of the laity to be heard. This cul- form “The Miracle at Tepeyac” in the community’s former ture of solidarity is necessary for hearing the cries of Latino sanctuary. The play’s writer and director, Tony García, said communities who have lost their churches and those who presenting his work in this context allowed him to tell “the are fighting for their communities to remain open. story of a poor peasant who petitions the archbishop for a The culture of solidarity recognizes that Latino church- church, a priest who has a church and is unsure of his role es are crucial to the thriving of Latino neighborhoods and in the church, performed in a church that the community thus to the common good of society. Latino Catholic par- has lost.” Written and performed against the backdrop of ishes have a unique capacity to equip their communities for this community’s struggle, “The Miracle at Tepeyac” calls fruitful civic engagement. Stifling lay communities rein- Catholics to a reckoning for a history of Latino Catholic forces social disempowerment and fosters disengagement parishes—those that still stand and those that have been of the church with the larger world. Dioceses thus have an lost—and their significance for the future of Latino Catho- interest in fostering lay leadership to promote the church’s lics in the United States. mission of charity and justice in these communities. How can dioceses hear and honor Latino Catholic communities? A shift from a culture of clericalism to a cul- Nichole M. Flores is an assistant professor of religious ture of solidarity may be required. studies at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, The culture of clericalism marginalizes the voices and Va. She is originally from Denver, Colo. perspectives of the laity for the sake of preserving its own power and protecting its own interests. This marginaliza- tion is a persistent feature of church life, including in many

30 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 31 FAITH & REASON

RESTORATIVE

JUSTICE By Stephen J. Pope Caring for sexual abuse victims and rebuilding Christian communities

32 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 33 Angel Santiago and his wife, Vanessa, look on as Carmen Severino, right, is embraced during a news conference at which thousands of documents from the Archdiocese of Chicago about past cases of sexual abuse of minors by clergy were released, on Jan. 21, 2018.

Amid the rising anger among U.S. Catholics Boston, have chosen to go beyond the strict requirements of over ongoing revelations of sexual abuse of legal justice and to cover the costs of counseling services or minors and the cover-up of these crimes other resources that victims might find helpful. by ecclesial authorities, it seems clear that Until recently, it has also been easy for us to assume that none of the current proposed strategies for the problem of clerical sexual abuse has been “solved” by the reform pay enough attention either to the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Peo- dignity, needs and desires of survivors or ple. While we await the result of Vatican deliberations over the degree of damage that was done to social how best to hold prelates accountable, we can be relieved trust within the Christian community. The that the Dallas Charter did institute reforms that by any rea- church’s fear of legal liability and concern sonable measure have vastly improved the protection of mi- about money combine with a desire to nors. Anyone who works for the church now or is being con- “move on” that does a disservice to the needs sidered for employment has to pass a criminal background of victims and indeed the wider, shaken check. A zero-tolerance policy requires supervisors to sus- Catholic community. These interconnected pend any credibly accused person from his or her role in the problems are deep and multifaceted and church, subject that person to an impartial investigation by so cannot be “solved” by any one project, outside professionals and report the accusation to local law practice or norm, however apt. But I would enforcement. If the allegation is “admitted or established,” suggest that the church take a cue from the the offender is permanently removed from ministry. restorative justice movement. These measures were based on careful research and In 2004, the John Jay College of Crim- the adoption of best practices that have been proven suc- inal Justice found that over the course of cessful in a wide variety of clubs, organizations and schools. the last 50 years, at least 4,392 priests and Indeed, as the clinical psychologist Thomas Plante notes: deacons had been credibly accused of sex- “The number of abuse cases since 1982-83 have dropped ually abusing more than 10,667 minors. To like a rock, and since 2002 they are really down to a trickle. date, victims have filed at least 3,000 civil There is less child abuse in the Catholic Church today than lawsuits. Since 1950, the church and its in- just about any other comparable organization.” No level of surance companies have paid approximate- abuse, of course, is tolerable. CNS photo/Jim Young, Reuters Young, CNS photo/Jim ly $4 billion to victims of sexual abuse. To These two major developments since 2002—the large mention just a few of many examples: In financial payments and the norms of the Dallas Charter— 1998 the Archdiocese of Dallas paid $30.9 million to 12 might create the impression that the church has properly victims of one priest; in 2003 the Archdiocese of Boston discharged its duties to victims. Yet we also know that mon- agreed to pay $85 million to settle 550 lawsuits; and in ey does not necessarily heal deep emotional and spiritual 2007 the Archdiocese of Los Angeles paid $660 million to wounds, and prevention of future crimes does little to re- 508 people abused by priests and lay church employees. store the health and well-being of victims. Bishops, pastors and concerned lay people often assume such large payments fulfill the church’s responsibilities to The Damage Done victims of clerical sexual abuse. Many archdioceses, dioces- Victims and their advocates have often complained about es and religious communities, including the Archdiocese of approaching church authorities and getting nothing but

32 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 33 excuses, evasion or accusations of disloyalty. Bishops all because crime hurts, justice should heal. It follows too often acted as chief executive officers or political office that conversations with those who have been hurt holders focused on damage control and on protecting the and with those who have inflicted the harm must “brand” of their institution rather than as pastors or, even be central to the process. more fundamentally, as human beings called to respond to the ongoing pain and suffering of individual victims. Restorative justice has become a movement with glob- Among the most shocking features of this ongoing scandal al reach. It has been practiced successfully as an alterna- is the church’s appalling lack of compassion for victims. tive to juvenile incarceration in New Zealand, as a dispute As the film “Spotlight” demonstrated, responsibility for resolution forum in college dormitories at the University ignoring or discounting the voices of victims lay not only of Vermont, as a way of addressing school bullying in Hong with clergy and religious but also with the laity. Kong, as a means of rehabilitation in Brazilian prisons and One cannot overestimate the damage to trust that has as a mechanism for inmate re-entry in Hawaii. Restorative been done to the Catholic community. The Center for Ap- justice is strikingly different from criminal justice in giving plied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown Univer- priority to repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing— sity reports that about 22 percent of baptized Catholics including first and foremost the harm done to victims but regularly attend church services. At the present time, 15 also to the wider community and even the perpetrators. percent of baptized Catholics in the Boston archdiocese Practitioners of restorative justice recognize that pun- regularly go to Mass. If we are to take sociological findings ishing and excluding perpetrators, even when warranted, seriously, declining church attendance is not due solely or does little to help victims; defrocking an abusive priest, how- even primarily to the scandal. A variety of factors in our ever warranted, does not repair the damage he has done to increasingly secular, consumeristic culture are having a his victims. Its practitioners facilitate cooperative and re- disintegrating effect on communities and institutions of spectful dialogue in which all stakeholders participate in a all kinds. process that promotes the transformation of their relation- Yet the scandal has aggravated an already critical sit- ships. The process normally works only when perpetrators uation, particularly when it comes to the moral credibility are willing to take responsibility for what they have done. and authority of the church’s leaders from top to bottom While it does not and perhaps should not always lead vic- and from smaller- to larger-scale responsibilities. Many tims to forgive their abusers, the process has helped to bring younger Catholics I teach at Boston College believe the healing to relationships in criminal justice systems, families, church pays only lip service to its professed moral stan- schools, neighborhoods, workplaces and elsewhere. dards of compassion for the vulnerable and fairness for all. The pioneers of this movement in the English-speak- Adopting the practices of the restorative justice movement ing world have often been Christians, particularly Men- could help re-establish the church’s moral credibility on nonites and Quakers. Catholic intellectuals like William these pressing issues. O’Neill, S.J., and Daniel Philpott have also made significant contributions to both the practice and theory of restorative Restoring Trust by Seeking Justice justice, particularly as a vehicle of reconciliation. Restor- The practice of restorative justice emerged in the late ative justice programs in jails, prisons and detention facili- 1970s and 1980s in various countries as a way of dealing ties have been endorsed and sponsored by a variety of bish- constructively with wrongdoing and violations of social ops’ conferences (including California and Minnesota), the trust. The Australian criminologist John Braithwaite Western Province of the Society of Jesus and (since 2000) defines restorative justice as... the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Among other prelates, Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B., the retired bishop of Las a process where all stakeholders affected by an Cruces, N.M., has been a champion of restorative justice. injustice have an opportunity to discuss how they Catholic activists and academics are also becoming have been affected by the injustice and to decide more and more aware of the alignment of restorative jus- what should be done to repair the harm. With tice principles with Catholic social teaching. The Restor- crime, restorative justice is about the idea that ative Justice Network of Catholic Campuses focuses on the

34 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 35 teaching, research and use of restorative justice principles the church. Most important, restorative justice offers a in Catholic colleges and universities. The Catholic Mobi- victim-centered platform for addressing wrongdoing. lizing Network promotes the values of restorative justice While it assigns primacy to the voices and dignity of as an alternative to the “culture of death” that underlies those who have been harmed, it also allows wrongdoers to the death penalty. An important new book edited by Trudy take responsibility for their actions and involves members D. Conway, David Matzko McCarthy and Vicki Schieber,, of the wider community in deliberating over how to rebuild called Redemption and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective broken relationships and prevent similar wrongdoing in on Restorative Justice, sketches ways in which Catholics the future. have promoted or could promote restorative approaches We should not naïvely assume that the kind and degree to honoring victims, repairing relationships and rebuilding of harm done to traumatized victims of sexual abuse can be communities after wrongdoing. overcome with a few structured dialogues, however well in- tentioned and wisely conducted. Experienced practitioners The Process in Action of restorative justice do not expect smooth progress or easy The attempt to apply restorative justice principles to sexual resolutions in tragic cases. Yet they do want to create a space abuse is not entirely new to the church in this country. Janine P. where victims who want to do so can tell their stories; this is Geske, a former justice of the Wisconsin State Supreme Court no small thing for those who have been silenced and shamed and emeritus distinguished professor of law at Marquette for most of their lives. Local Catholic communities that University, is a well-respected expert in alternative dispute sponsor healing circles could at least let victims know that resolution and restorative justice. She has run restorative their voices and stories ought to be heard. One hopes that justice programs in state prisons in Wisconsin. such a process will help victims feel recognized, acknowl- In recent years, Professor Geske has adapted restor- edged and valued by the wider Catholic community repre- ative justice practices for use in the context of clerical sex- sented in their particular restorative circle. ual abuse. She has been particularly active in restorative Restorative justice is clearly not for everyone and cer- practices in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, tainly not for every victim of clerical sexual abuse. The thanks to the support of Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda. presence of a representative sexual offender in the pro- Instead of direct victim-offender mediation, Pro- cess, when appropriate, must always be handled delicately fessor Geske’s team forms “healing circles” that include and skillfully. Yet for all the delicacy of what is demanded, survivors, representative offenders, non-offender priests, Professor Geske maintains that in some cases restorative church employees and other stakeholders. She has found processes have already played an important role in the that healing circles have at times been able to help victims healing of survivors and their communities and in helping go through the process of becoming survivors. They can guilty parties take responsibility for their actions. help victims break through the confining internal walls We can hope that in addition to the other measures created by shame and stigmatization. that have already been taken, the adoption of restorative The restorative process seeks to give victims an oppor- justice practices within the church might help to correct tunity to tell their stories without interruption or rebuttal the church’s failure to listen to victims and its confusion in a respectful, caring environment. This small, open com- of settlement payments with healing. In this way, we can munity enables participants to lovingly affirm the good- help to show both fellow Catholics and the wider world ness and worth of the victim and to invite him or her out of what it means to be a community of compassion and not isolation and into supportive solidarity. In reality, a restor- just compensation. ative workshop is the start of a healing process rather than its completion. Stephen J. Pope is a professor of theological ethics at Boston College. A Victim-Centered Resource The restorative justice movement offers a valuable resource for addressing the harm done to victims of sexual abuse and repairing the damage to social trust within

34 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 35 iStock

36 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 37 The Good Innkeeper How to create a welcoming parish this Christmas By Jack Bentz

No one wants to be the innkeeper in a Christmas pageant. You know the one, the door-slamming landlord who turned away Joseph and Mary before they became the Holy Family. Any other role is better than that one. Even wearing the scratchy sheep costume is better or being the rope pull on the flying angel—anything but the mean innkeeper of Bethlehem. This failure to give a bed to a tired pregnant teenager has had far-reaching consequences. Imagine how different Christ- mas would be if the couple had not been left out in the cold. In one small action of thoughtfulness, we would have been spared all those plastic light-up outdoor Nativity scenes. If only we could do it all over again. The Latin American tradition of las posadas gives partic- ipants a chance to be better than the original host. For sever- al nights before Christmas, groups accompanying children dressed as Joseph and a pregnant Mary travel from door to door looking for lodging. The procession can feature lanterns, singing, a donkey and a whole lot of adorable kids dressed in biblical costumes. On these nine nights, the holy couple is welcomed inside, and festive foods like tamales and atole are served. The community gathers and ritually rewrites the Scriptures, this time welcoming the strangers in from the cold. If Jesus and Mary had been regular guests at the inn, their room would have been reserved, their names would have been known and the story would be different. But it was their first time at this inn, and they didn’t know you had to show up early. They didn’t know a lot of things. How could they? That is what being a stranger means: Not being known is part of it, but not knowing is the rest. But even if las posadas is not part of your tradition, this Christmas we can all do better than the innkeeper who shut the door. Many of us will be gathering with family and friends for Christmas Mass. And, as usual, we will be a mixed group made up of those who get to Mass regularly and those who do not. Our experience of Christmas Mass is going to be different depending on our place in the mix. For the regular Mass-go- ers, it will seem homey and routine, and a nod of recognition

36 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 37 is going to be enough. fully composed guides to worship. These guides can include But the Catholics who go to church only on Christmas music and lyrics that will help everyone sing and will avoid and Easter will carry with them the reasons they usually do intrusive announcements from the choir director. Includ- not make it to Mass. So they are going to need more than ing the text of prayers that strangers might not have memo- a nod. Their experience will hinge on feeling welcomed rized is another act of hospitality. That means including the or not. Studies bear this out. People return to churches Creed and any other spoken prayers. Christmas Catholics because they are welcomed, not because the church got will appreciate being looked after. everything else right. Both regular Mass-goers and Christ- When deciding what to include in the Christmas wor- mas Catholics can make this work better. We, as a group, ship guide, it is worth trying to imagine the reasons this can rewrite the moment at the inn. stranger has not been to Mass in quite some time. If the So if you are a Christmas Catholic, plan to arrive with parish has a social justice group, list it; if there is an L.G.B.T. an open mind. And do it for your own sake. Not for your Catholics group in your parish, mention it. Financial trans- mother or your boyfriend but for you. Yes, the church is a parency might make an appropriate appearance. And yes, if mess, but sitting in judgment will only make your Christ- there is a contact for reporting clerical abuse, list it. Many mas grimmer and rob you of joy. I know how easy it is to parishes are deeply involved in vital human issues, and see what is wrong with the church; there is always plenty this is the time to mention them. People, especially new to choose from. But the truth is, the ministers, the building, ones, read these worship guides and make choices in light the music, the priest and the preaching are not specifical- of what they read. Finally, if your parish has a program to ly designed to disappoint you. And if you are reeling from welcome Catholics back into the faith, list it. With an eye the abuse crisis and the hundred other things the Catho- to the stranger’s next step, parish contact information and lic Church is doing wrong, I get you. But instead of being the regular Mass schedule should also be included and not judge and jury for the entire Catholic Church, go ahead and relegated to a separate bulletin. choose to see how God wants to love you through this par- But not everything has to be crammed into the aid to ticular parish on this specific night. worship. An announcement from the pulpit before Mass And for those who call the particular parish home, can go a long way toward making people feel welcome. At Christmas is the chance to welcome the stranger, to be the that point let people know the parish custom around recep- good innkeeper and not the bad one. And who knows, the tion of the Eucharist in the most carefully worded way pos- welcome you extend to the infrequent Mass-goer might sible. Be aware that people are sensitive to the slamming be what brings that person into community. And next year of a door throughout the liturgy, not just at the physical you both will be welcoming a new stranger together. front doors of the church. This can happen when the pas- But this hospitality does not just happen. If a parish tor makes a sideways remark about the crowd of unfamil- wants to welcome the stranger, they have to imagine what iar faces or blithely remarks he has not seen many of them it is like to be a stranger. And to do that, they have to start since last Christmas. These wry comments about Christ- where the stranger starts: online. mas-and-Easter Catholics can go very wrong; and people Unlike Mary and Joseph, the contemporary strang- feel called out, criticized and confirmed in their reasons for er is going to check out the local parish online. And the avoiding the church in the first place. Christmas Mass times have to be prominently featured Finally, if you are at your local parish, just as you were on the front page of the website. Boom, right there. And if on the Sunday before Christmas, and if you are sitting in you really want to get the bonus points for hospitality, you your usual spot, keep an eye out for a stranger looking for could do a front page link to a “What to expect” guide for a seat. Be the family who makes room for strangers. Be newcomers. People want to know how long Mass is going the good innkeeper, the one who chose the stranger, the to be, as well as the style of music. Easy to do, with big im- one who did what she could to help bring the Savior of our pact not only on Christmas but all year long. If you do not world into the world. already have a page like this at your parish, see if you can make it happen. At the doors of the church, a parish can have well- trained, friendly people greeting everyone, letting them Jack Bentz, S.J., lives in the Bronx and works with the know where the bathrooms are and handing out thought- Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

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38 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 39

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The Lure of ‘Brideshead,’ Now and Then By Rob Weinert-Kendt

I am not quite sure how it happened, It was in that impressionable state motorcars—the novel’s deeper strands but by the age of 13 I was a blissfully that “Brideshead Revisited” entered, wove themselves indelibly into my indiscriminate Anglophile—a devotee and changed, my life. The 11-part tele- own story. of Jane Austen, “Doctor Who,” Monty vision adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s “My theme is memory,” Waugh Python and the Beatles. The summer great novel aired weekly on PBS, the has his narrator, Charles Ryder, say of my first teen year, I didn’t just main supplier of my Brit fixes, and I at one point. It is my theme here too, wake up in the wee hours to watch sat gape-jawed at it, drinking it all in, and not just in the personal sense the televised wedding of Prince even as its narrative took turns I didn’t but in a cultural sense as well. For I Charles and Diana Spencer; I dutifully understand at the time (some of which realized something startling about recorded the audio of some of it on a I still wrestle with, in different ways). “Brideshead” as I rewatched and re- small tape deck for easy replay. When The book soon became a beloved tal- read it recently: More years have now “Chariots of Fire” surprisingly won isman as well. And while my initial at- elapsed since the series aired (37) the Oscar for Best Picture in 1982, it traction was the usual aesthetic one— than passed between the novel’s pub- felt like a personal triumph. the accents, the clothes, the vintage lication in 1945 and the creation of the

40 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 41 The 11-part television adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited aired weekly on PBS in 1981. It starred Anthony Andrews, Laurence Olivier and Jeremy Irons.

series in 1981 (36). That doesn’t grace on a group of diverse but close- Ryder eventually recognizes that just make me feel old; it also hap- ly connected characters.” While it is furtive shadow as God, in whose grace pens to refract the last century well above my pay grade to speculate he finds the true source of the attrac- in a sobering and clarifying new on God’s place in the larger tumults of tion he has felt not only for the flawed light. Waugh’s novel takes much the past century, having now lived half individuals who people the Flyte fam- of its animating energy from the that long I can trace the ways “Brides- ily but for the beauty signified by their death-haunted abandon of the head” unexpectedly modeled and even capacious, castle-like baroque estate. Jazz Age years, between the grim determined my own spiritual journey, I can claim no similar infatuation with bookends of World Wars I and which I humbly take to be the work- a single house or family, but I can now II, when he was a giddy young ings of some kind of grace. see my Anglophilia, which viewed Oxonian. The intervening years A key thread of the novel is the from another angle was simply a form between the novel and the series, Augustinian insight that our cravings of preppy snottiness, as a similar kind though ostensibly chilled by the for the delicious, fleeting experiences of youthful folly—not least because it, Cold War, witnessed the cultural of the world—the things we feel, in our like Ryder’s, matured into something revolution of the 1960s, then the youth particularly, as love or pleasure— quite different, even opposite. retrenchment represented by may lead us to sin, to excess or to ad- Truth to tell, it was my self-styled Thatcher and Reagan, into which diction; but these seemingly superficial snobbery that led me to lobby my the apparent aristocratic nos- delights are signifiers of, even gateways parents to send me to Brophy Col- talgia of the “Brideshead” series to, the deeper felicities of creation. As lege Preparatory, the closest Phoenix, sailed with perfect timing. Waugh tells it, the path to this knowl- Ariz., had to an Oxford. It was a boys’ And the ensuing four de- edge is neither clear nor sunlit. At one school, it was exclusive, and it had cades? We have somehow hurtled point Charles Ryder reflects, after an been founded in 1928, the same year past the supposed end of history idyllic youthful fling at Oxford with the Waugh published his first novel,De - into a volatile new order, where charming drunk Sebastian has given cline and Fall. I’m not sure I explicitly diversity surges alongside in- way to a passionate but doomed affair saw the connection between Waugh’s equality, old alliances have been with Sebastian’s sister Julia: Catholicism and the Jesuit-run Bro- alternately reformed and frac- phy, but it certainly did not hurt that tured, technology both connects Perhaps all our loves are the school’s architecture, like that of Alamy.com and divides us, and even war has merely hints and symbols; the fictional Brideshead estate, in- been decentralized, disaggre- vagabond-language scrawled cluded church-like domes. gated and outsourced. Were he alive on gate-posts and paving- I don’t want to oversell the trans- now, Waugh would find a surfeit of stones along the weary road formation that followed. I did not be- black-comic grist for his satirical mill. that others have tramped come Catholic; I remain, as before, But what remains of the world before us; perhaps you and mainline Protestant, though I guess I Waugh wrote about, not to mention I are types and this sadness would call myself Rome-curious. And the world the TV series first spoke which sometimes falls certainly adolescence played a key to? Is there a throughline that con- between us springs from supporting role in the change. But my nects these blocks of history and up- disappointment in our search, exposure to Catholic theology and so- heaval, and that places me within each straining through and cial teaching at a Jesuit school—which them? Waugh called his novel “noth- beyond the other, snatching in addition to classroom work included ing less than an attempt to trace the a glimpse now and then of a community service requirement and workings of the divine purpose in a the shadow which turns the an Ignatian retreat—was more than I pagan world,” and elsewhere named corner always a pace or two had bargained for when I had signed its theme as “the operation of divine ahead of us. up to be a little faux-Oxonian. These

40 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 41 Alamy.com

Might “Brideshead Revisited” work its bait-and-switch alchemy on the “Downton Abbey” generation? did as much as anything else in my life Might “Brideshead Revisited” unmistakable but underplayed homo- to turn me from a class-obsessed prep- work its bait-and-switch alchemy on eroticism of the book maddeningly py into something of a left-leaning, re- the “Downton Abbey” generation? It tame and evasive by today’s standards. distributionist hippie. My faith would is hard to say. The series is languor- Still, to wonder why Waugh weather more challenges in adulthood, ously long, and the book deeply pe- wasn’t more explicit about that, or to but by the time I left Brophy it was as culiar though still a sparkling read; speculate on his own sexual identity, is strong and deep as an 18-year-old’s the two still make indispensable com- to miss the point the book is making, faith can be; at last rooted in something panions, in a way precious few filmed and certainly made in my life: Earthly more enduring than a taste for argyle adaptations of great novels do. But a delights are but a foretaste of the feast sweaters, it had blossomed accordingly. misbegotten 2008 film version fiz- to come. As St. Augustine wrote: “Late But there is no denying that superficial zled, and contemporary readers may have I loved thee, O beauty so ancient material attractions are what had lured simply not find as much to grab them and so new.” In contemporary par- me into the realm of the selfless and the in the social history of between-the- lance: Better late than never. spiritual, and planted at least a part of wars England. They may detect traces me there forever. (I won’t dwell here of Trump in the character of Rex Mot- on the irony that Waugh, a notoriously tram, an amoral industrialist whom Rob Weinert-Kendt, an arts journalist and conservative crank, would be mortified Julia calls, “just a few faculties of a editor of American Theatre magazine, has written for The New York Times by the socially liberal form my religion man highly developed; the rest simply and Time Out New York. He writes has taken.) isn’t there.” They are likely to find the a blog called The Wicked Stage.

42 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 43 The Feast of the Nativity

By James Matthew Wilson

Struck by the stench of whiskey-soured vagrants Amid impoverishment, a plenitude, As I pass through the station vestibule A verdant weight of odd abundance, comes, And see their metal carts stuffed full of tattered Like heavy glass bulbs on a Christmas tree, And wind-whipped plastic bags, their potted bellies, Their blue and red and gold hung at the limit It’s hard to accept that we are called to praise. Of metal hooks, the fir’s unruly needles What shout of joy amid such poverty? Bending with the encumbrance; and, beneath, The drained mouth of a flask gapes in its corner. The ribboned boxes keep their generous counsel.

Not far from here, the body of a girl Yes, all these things present themselves, will cleave Leans over fresh pricked flesh, slumps, then contracts Us with their differences, as if one world On the snow-dusted field outside the library. Rebuked the other by its gaudy show. They’ll find her later, limbs already cold, But no. It is the bared branch that buds green, While others find starved children in a basement, The soon-to-be-pierced hand that heals the ear, The father’s mug shot blank-stared, hollow-cheeked. The night frost now receives the infant’s cry, After the bang, cries sift up over Mosul. And a poor belly sits down to its feast.

Remembering some unsated ache, we grow Indignant that we’re not just called to praise, James Matthew Wilson was a runner-up in the 2015 Foley Poetry contest. His most recent But ordered: Every knee must bend to stone books include The Vision of the Soul: Truth, At the sound of his name. O, how can we, Goodness, and Beauty in the Western Tradition and The Hanging God, a collection of poems. Seeing the withered husks that crowd the camps, The bulging eyes that peer from scoured sockets, Because, it seems, there’s nothing to be done?

Because amid the crash of bombs, a wedding Has taken place inside a broken courtyard. Because a woman in a wheelchair, legs Bird-like and folded underneath her lap-robe, Presses a string of beads in mumbled prayer. Because a square of butter gives itself Away in runnels through the mashed potatoes.

My daughter, not yet three, once chanced to run Into a room where young Dominican Nuns sat, upright and pale, with faces laughing. As she rushed past, a sister swept her up In one great motion of her vast white habit, Enfolding her, an hour, with placid love Wherein she rested, object of sweet praise.

42 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 43 BOOKS ON THE BIBLE

Fresh perspectives on sacred texts By John C. Endres and Jean-François Racine

This year’s selection of noteworthy Each chapter ends with a short anno- African-American, Latinx and Asian/ books on the Bible reflects current tated bibliography and a list of ques- Asian-American interpretations. Gor- approaches to biblical writings, such tions meant to facilitate discussion. man acknowledges lumping together as a focus on the history of their The first part of the book deals various currents of interpretation in reception as well as new emphasis on with the Bible itself. It describes its the case of Africa and Asia, but he is theological and ecological readings of character as a book and as a library, its to be commended for including these the texts. The selection also includes geographical and historical contexts. traditions in a one-volume introduc- books that deal with some pressing It also surveys both testaments, ex- tion to the Bible. The third part ex- questions asked about biblical plains the formation of the canon and pounds on the relation between Scrip- writings, such as reconciliation of the the history of the translation of the ture and spirituality, Christian ethics, biblical discourses with experimental Bible and even briefly describes some Christian community and Christian sciences and what the Bible has to say significant ancient books or collec- mission. The volume ends with a sub- about wealth and poverty. tions of books associated with the Bi- stantial glossary. The originality of its design, its ble that are not part of the canon—for After the broad scope of Gorman’s wealth of information, its breadth and example, the Book of Enoch, the Dead volume, the next offering focuses on its accessible language make Scrip- Sea Scrolls and the Gospel of Thomas. one text, the Book of Samuel, and a ture and Its Interpretation: A Glob- While much of that information political reading of it. Many students al, Ecumenical Introduction to the can be found in other general intro- of Hebrew texts will remember days Bible (Baker Academic, 2017), edited ductions to the Bible, the second and and nights devoted to sections of 1-2 by Michael J. Gorman, stand apart third parts give this volume its orig- Samuel. Not only is the Hebrew style among the large number of general inality. The second part explains the excellent for such learning, but the introductions to the Bible available reception and the interpretation of narrative quality is so elevated that to readers. The volume is designed as the Bible in various traditions: Protes- the struggle to read and translate the a textbook, with each of 24 chapters tant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and text is amply rewarded by the many written by a different contributor. Pentecostal traditions, and African, levels of meaning in the text. No won-

44 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 45 ‘What does the Bible have to say about wealth and poverty?’ is among the questions addressed in this selection of recent books on Scripture.

der there are so many monographs tarily embraced for strategic reasons the Ancient Near Eastern cultures, written on Samuel. A recent title in historical time.” Within this human and demonstrates their importance in demonstrates the depths of interpre- institution, the play of power and pa- the literature of the Dead Sea Scrolls tive riches for English-only readers thos make for a story that is decidedly and some early Jewish literature and of this book: The Beginning of Pol- political and clearly theological at the the New Testament. This text will itics: Power in the Biblical Book same time. serve as a valuable reference to return of Samuel (Princeton University The next offering takes readers to to frequently. Press, 2017), by Moshe Halbertal and the Wisdom corpus of the Old Testa- The next book experiments Stephen Holmes. ment. Many educated Catholics ex- with feminist-inspired readings of Both authors are professors at press dismay with the Old Testament texts of the Apocrypha and other New York University (not in Hebrew because the subject matter seems too Early Jewish texts. Early Jewish Bible but rather in the School of Law). foreign to them or the historical texts Writings (The Bible and Wom- They boldly profess that the Book are too confusing. But many also find en: An Encyclopedia of Exegesis of Samuel is “a book about politics... the militarism and the praise of a di- and Cultural History; Volume 3.1, with copious insights into the nature vine warrior God who saved the He- SBL Press, 2017), edited by Eileen unsplash of political power in general.” Their brew refugees from Egypt disgusting. Schuller and Marie-Theres Wacker, approach differs radically from many Few have any awareness of the Wis- features essays on books considered biblicists’ studies (whether the text is dom books or what they might signify. as Apocrypha (LXX Esther, Judith, pro-David, anti-Saul, from different John McLaughlin’s new book, An In- Letter of Jeremiah) and some classi- eras or ‘schools’ in Israel), in that they troduction to Israel’s Wisdom Tra- fied as Pseudepigrapha (Joseph and propose successive portraits of the ditions (William B. Eerdmans Pub- Aseneth, the Life of Adam and Eve, 1 workings of power in human relations lishing Company, 2018), could prove Enoch). In addition, there are essays and trace them in stories of Saul and quite helpful. that plumb the texts of Philo and Jo- David, of Jonathan and Joab, of the in- Some people may find surprising sephus. It concludes with an essay tervention of Abigail, of Uriah’s mur- and useful the literature described as that surveys the Dead Sea Scrolls der and the rape of Tamar, the death of “Wisdom” oriented, much of which in terms of gender and sectarian Amnon and the rebellion of Absalom. contains little or no historical refer- identity: “The World of Qumran and At times their unraveling of a well- ence to God’s “mighty acts” for the the Sectarian Dead Sea Scrolls in known story (e.g. the rape of Tamar) people of Israel. These books—Prov- Gendered Perspective,” by Maxine is absolutely riveting, and convincing erbs, Job, Qoheleth, Ben Sira and the Grossman. This essay was the high because they have consulted and in- Wisdom of Solomon—form the core of point, because it looks at such a wide corporated the results of so many bib- the Wisdom tradition. Here the ques- range of Qumran texts and through a lical studies of this text. tions of everyday life, including fami- special perspective. The authors begin by describing ly, marketplace and human relation- At first glanceMothers of Faith: the dramatic theological shift encom- ships, take center stage; many readers Motherhood in the Christian Tradi- passed in the Book of Samuel, from will be surprised to learn how divine tion (Orbis Books, 2017), by Wilfred an older view of monarchy as part of presence and activity is discerned in M. Sumani, appears to be a book about the cosmic mythical order common these texts. biblical characterization of moth- in the Ancient Near East, where king- McLaughlin discusses this liter- ers. Closer contact reveals a book of ship was deified, to a new order and ature with a clarity that does not sac- meditations and theological reflec- theology where “God is king” and rifice the complexity of the issues. He tions on mothers encountered in the kingship was “an institution…volun- introduces the Wisdom influences for Bible (Old and New Testament) and

44 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 45 How would St. Paul describe himself if he had his own LinkedIn page?

in early Christian tradition. Finally, did not speak to the crowds without the enigmas and challenges posed in Part IV, “Motherhood as Theological a parable (Mk 4:34b). Yet this mode the parables, and what kind of re- Analogy,” features God as “Mother of speech can be opaque for the au- sponse it gives to the parables. Gowl- of Compassion,” Jesus as the “The dience, which “hears but does not er is also attentive to the context of Gathering Mother,” the Holy Spirit understand” (Mk 4:12). It is there- these various interpreters. as “Mother of Newness” and Earth as fore not surprising that these short After the publication of “Laudato the “Nurturing Mother.” Sumani de- stories—sometimes one-liners—have Si’,” Pope Francis was criticized for scribes this section as a mirror of im- piqued the imagination of Christians entering onto the turf of economy by portant qualities of God, which also from all places and all generations. some who consider the pope’s juris- constitutes a presentation of the sac- David Gowler’s book, The Parables diction limited to the proclamation ramental character of motherhood. After Jesus: Their Imaginative of the Gospel, a gospel assumed to The “biblical mothers” (Eve, Sar- Receptions Across Two Millennia be silent about the uses and misuses ah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel, (Baker Academic, 2017), explores the of wealth. As Raymond Collins re- Hannah, the Widow of Zarephath, diversity of reactions to the parables marks in Wealth, Wages, and the the Mother of the Maccabean Broth- from the second to the 21st century. Wealthy: New Testament Insights ers; Elisabeth, the Widow of Nain, Not only do the reactions com- for Preachers and Teachers (Li- Zebedee’s Wife, the Syro-Phoenician piled in the volume include those of turgical Press, 2017), the problem is Woman and Mary the “Mother of early, medieval and modern church that the condemnation of greed is an Meditation”) also receive treatment. writers (Augustine, Macrina the integral part of the Gospel: Nineteen Each chapter offers a literary pre- Younger, Hildegard von Bingen, passages of the New Testament speak sentation of the narrative about each Thomas Aquinas, Calvin and Luther) about greed. By comparison, only mother. Sumani searches for a domi- and biblical scholars (Adolf Jülicher, three passages of the N.T. speak about nant motif and interprets the mother David Flusser) but also those of art- homosexuality, an issue that draws with generous use of patristic materi- ists in the areas of visual arts (Byzan- disproportionate attention in some als (especially John Chrysostom) and tine iconography, Rembrandt, Wil- Catholic circles. focused insights from African culture liam Blake), music (“Godspell,” blues Collins highlights how each book and customs. These last illustrations music) and literature (Shakespeare, of the New Testament has something often form the most powerful witness Frederick Douglass, Flannery O’Con- to say about wealth. Each chapter to the mother in question. The tone nor). In all, one finds 50 modes of re- walks the reader through one section and the elements of his presentation action to the parables. of the New Testament and explains make this book on “Mothers of Faith” In each case, Gowler considers pertinent passages. Collins’s study a delight to read and especially to pon- how the author, artist or tradition shows how knowledgeable he is about der in a meditative fashion. enters into dialogue with the para- the texts themselves and how well Our next book focuses on figu- ble, whether it shows an attempt to read he is in contemporary biblical rative language in the Bible. As the control or restrain the meanings of scholarship. Each chapter ends with a Gospel according to Mark has it, Jesus the parables, whether it tries to solve short discussion of the contemporary

46 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 47 relevance of his analysis of these pas- uation—as long as it is motivated by New Testament came into existence— sages of the New Testament, including Jesus’ double love command in Luke: even if this kind of information is sub- a final chapter on the uses and misus- “You shall love the Lord your God with servient to the theological impetus of es of wealth. This is a timely book that all your heart, and with all your soul, the book. has numerous prophetic accents. and with all your mind; and you shall Now we turn to a very specif- Our next book follows on the same love your neighbor as yourself” (Lk ic biblical personage: St. Paul. How topic but focuses on one large section 10:27, conflating Dt 6:5 and Lv 19:18). would Paul describe himself if he were of the New Testament: Luke’s Gospel The New Testament scholar Dale to have his own LinkedIn page? One and Acts of the Apostles, both of which B. Martin has ventured away from his can guess that he would use the terms are replete with statements that can usual turf in Biblical Truths: The apostle, missionary and theologian make a strong impression upon any Meaning of Scripture in the Twen- that have come to be associated with committed Christian looking for some ty-First Century (Yale University him in Christianity. To these terms, guidelines for one’s right attitude to- Press, 2017). This insightful work con- he would also add the label “pastor,” ward wealth and poverty. How should tains Martin’s experiments in theo- because all his letters are meant to one assess the various trends of the logical interpretation of Scripture that nurture the life of Christian commu- Luke-Acts discourse about money and are mostly not derived from the use of nities and/or to attend to the needs wealth? What in this discourse is rele- historical methods and historical crit- of specific individuals (e.g., Onesimus vant and applicable in the 21st-centu- icism. Rather, Martin self-consciously and Philemon). Yet, as Andrew Lin- ry global context of the academy? Af- adopts a premodern approach, that coln remarked in 1989, while there is ter reading Renouncing Everything: is, an approach that does not distin- an abundance of books on Paul and Money and Discipleship in Luke guish between theological and biblical his letters, they generally overlook his (Paulist, 2016), by Christopher M. scholarship. He aims at offering a non- role as a pastor. Hays, one will likely not have a defin- foundationalist, postmodern, Marxist, Paul as a Pastor (Bloomsbury itive answer to all these questions, as orthodox, ecumenical and provisional T&T Clark, 2018), a collection of es- Thomas J. Massaro, S.J., notes in his interpretation of the New Testament says edited by Brian S. Rosner, Andrew foreword to the book, but one will un- that, albeit being influenced by Prot- S. Malone and Trevor J. Burke, intends derstand better the nuances of Luke- estantism (especially Anglicanism), to fill this lacuna by studying Paul the Acts discourse on wealth and money. will be recognized as orthodox by Ro- pastor from exegetical, theological In addition, one will gain some man Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. and historical angles. One essay focus- sense of how this discourse fits within The volume takes the reader through es on the portrayal of Paul as a pastor the pursuit of the kingdom of God in various aspects of the Christian faith— in the Acts of the Apostles; another on one’s daily life. Based on Hays’s doc- namely, knowledge, Scripture, God, Paul as a working pastor (tentmaker) toral dissertation, this slim and very Christ, Spirit, human and church. It while three other essays discuss the readable volume explains the various is well informed by the author’s broad perspective of Paul as a pastor in the ways one can understand and apply knowledge of the historical and cultur- Church of England, in the works of this discourse, depending of one’s sit- al context in which the writings of the Augustine of Hippo and in the work

46 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 47 of George Whitefield (1714-70), one ty reconciling the Genesis creation context in which the stories found in of the founders of Methodism. The es- account of humanity with scientific Genesis came into existence as well as says that focus on the letters highlight discoveries about the origins of the the various contexts in which Gene- their rich relational language as an human species. Accordingly, it is not sis has been interpreted, these stories important feature of Paul’s represen- uncommon for these Christians to provide fresh ways of interacting with tation as a pastor. feel that they must choose between science today. For instance, McKnight Still, beyond a few passages, Cath- two camps: either the Genesis story or counterintuitively (and by contrast to olics tend not to be very familiar with evolutionary biology. Some avoid this the subtitle of the book) upholds the Paul’s letters. Thomas D. Stegman, decision by compartmentalizing these primacy of Scripture but considers S.J., explains this lack of familiarity two beliefs. Dennis R. Venema and that Scripture should always be read by the way the readings from Paul’s Scot McKnight’s book Adam and the as the point of departure toward other letters are integrated into the liturgy: Genome: Reading Scripture after books—the study of nature being one that is, without offering intentional Genetic Science (Brazos Press, 2017) of these other texts. points of contact with the other read- puts these two perspectives into dia- Many scientists have written ings and by the difficulty of these let- logue. The originality of this endeavor books on the relation between the ters in comparison with the stories of partially resides with the disciplines Bible and evolution, but Lester Grab- the Gospels. Stegman’s book Written of the two authors. Venema is a pro- be’s book, Faith & Fossils: The Bible for Our Instruction: Theological fessor of biology at Trinity Western and Creation & Evolution (William and Spiritual Riches in Romans University (British Columbia) and B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, (Paulist Press, 2017) attempts to alle- specializes in genetics. McKnight is a 2018), might be the first book by a viate this lack of familiarity concern- professor of biblical studies at North- biblical specialist to address the topic ing one of the most daunting among ern Seminary (Illinois). at such length. In the first section he Paul’s letters—a letter that neverthe- Both authors are evangelical describes his own journey from Bible less has much to offer to contempo- Christians, but the questions they Belt conservatism to a deeper knowl- rary believers and that also resonates address are widespread across most edge of ancient civilizations and read- in the teachings of Pope Francis. Each Christian denominations. Venema ing the Bible in its original languages. chapter of the book deals with a differ- wrote the first four chapters of the As a noted biblical scholar who no lon- ent aspect of Romans by seeing what it book, a crash course on contempo- ger identifies as an evangelical Chris- has to say about God, Jesus, the Spirit, rary genetics and its contribution to tian, he still considers their questions salvation and church. Each chapter the understanding of the origins of to be very important. also ends with 10 questions for prayer the human species. Venema patiently In the first part he provides lucid and reflection. As Stegman confesses, explains major concepts in contem- interpretation of three key texts in this book is no substitute for reading porary genetics using numerous anal- the discussion: the creation account the letter to the Romans, but it offers a ogies. McKnight wrote the remaining in Genesis 1; the account of the Flood helpful guide for this endeavor. four chapters. He contends that once in Genesis 6-9; and the notion of “af- Christians often have difficul- read with awareness of the initial ter its/their kind” in Genesis 1. While

48 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 49 The Book of Revelation describes how God will renovate and renew creation rather than discarding it.

some evangelicals try to accommo- Apocalyptic Eschatology: The Revelation provides hope for its date notions of science with these Book of Revelation, the Earth, and initial audience by describing how texts, he demonstrates the artfulness the Future (Liturgical Press, 2017), God will renovate and renew cre- and poetry of the biblical texts and the sounds like the ultimate oxymoron. ation rather than discarding it. Me- great distinction from scientific de- Taking a counterintuitive approach, dieval interpreters who illuminated scription. He bypasses the technical Kiel argues that the book of Reve- manuscripts expressed this hope language of literary sources of many lation elaborates a completely new for renewal by paying far more at- biblical scholars. reality, which is what we need to sur- tention to the representation of the In Part Two he discusses the vive our contemporary ecological cri- natural world than to scenes of de- conversation between science and sis and to regain hope for our future. struction. In Kiel’s words, they un- religion, between the Bible and evolu- The author confesses that writing derstood how the book “calls us to tion, addressing the claims of Richard this book has changed him and hopes contemplate the world around us to Dawkins in the discourse of biologists, that readers will experience the same come to grips with the way all things paleontologists and geologists on this type of change once they understand are connected. God, humans, and topic. Readers will appreciate the vast Revelation better in light of modern creation are all entangled together.” survey of contemporary voices in this ecology. Kiel’s work combines a rigor- debate, though they might regret the ous study of Revelation and a creative seeming lack of Catholic voices other dialogue between its response to the than Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. ecological situation in which it came John C. Endres, S.J., is professor of Sacred Scripture (Old Testament) at For those of us primarily interested in into existence and what could be our re- the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa the Bible, Grabbe offers an excellent sponse to the contemporary ecological Clara University in Berkeley, Calif. chapter on “How We Got the Bible” crisis. All this written in a lively and ac- and how that process affects our un- cessible prose. To help appreciate Rev- Jean-François Racine is associate derstanding of these realities. elation, Kiel first examines 1 Enoch, one professor of New Testament at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Let us move to the other end of of Revelation’s ancestors that already Clara University and at the Graduate the Bible. In many ways we live in gives the earth a voice in a context of Theological Union, both in Berkeley, Calif. an apocalyptic world: Burning for- Hellenistic wars. Kiel next explains the ests, flooded territories, contami- lasting impact of the Roman empire: de- nated lands and waters surround us; forestation to build military fleets and the gap between rich and poor has war machines, water pollution through become a chasm; and truth is not mining and large-scale extermination truth anymore. This can make us of wild animals in circus games. The feel hopeless and guilty about leav- scenes of destruction described in Rev- ing our children such a dire place elation are therefore not predictions of as an inheritance. In that context future events. They rather describe the the title of Micah D. Kiel’s book, actual situation of its first audience.

48 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 49 CULTURE Alamy.com

“The Song of Bernadette” follows a classic horror-film Return to Lourdes structure in order to make By Eve Tushnet an urgent theological point.

The best Catholic horror film of 2018 spend a long time on the investigative opponent is a woman, of course—like was made in 1943. process, eliminating normal explana- her staunchest supporters—a nun At first glance, “The Song of Ber- tions until the abnormal is all that is played with febrile ferocity by Glad- nadette” seems as wholesome—and as left. The point of these investigations ys Cooper. The film notes fairly that outdated—as the clink of the morning is to show the failure of accepted, mod- there have been impostors before, milk delivery. It’s filmed in black and ern authorities—science, medicine, who claimed to see visions in order white; its score is plangent and heavy government, reason itself. The people to fleece the gullible. And there have on the strings; and Jennifer Jones plays who know the truth are the ones least been hallucinations, fantasies, wishful Bernadette Soubirous, the saint at its likely to be believed. From the disbe- thinking. Still, the constant interroga- center, with a sweetness and softness lieved teenagers in “A Nightmare on tions can’t help but resonate in the age that played big to wartime audiences Elm Street” to the disbelieved teen- of #MeToo—if this is how the world but that, to me, is a little too spun-sugar. ager in “The Song of Bernadette”— treats girls who report miracles, how But this fictionalized story of a authority, in horror, lies with those to does it treat girls who report rape? French peasant girl who claims she whom powerful men do not listen. The clergy refuse to help Berna- sees a mysterious “Lady” in a secluded The film is an extended confron- dette until the Virgin Mary forces their part of the city dump follows a classic tation between a peasant girl and ev- hand. They are part of the world that horror-film structure in order to make ery single power of this world. The has taught her that she is stupid. The a theological point that could not be mayor and other civil authorities meet church bureaucrats interrogate her more urgent and contemporary. to plot against the peasant girl. Police again and again. The film’s frequent Horror movies, especially super- officers flail helplessly as crowds of comedy erupts when Bernadette’s hu- natural ones, often turn on questions women march to the grotto to kneel. mility exposes others’ wickedness and of authority. Whose account of reali- The priest and his superiors stand folly. But it is a hard comedy, whose ty can be trusted? Horror films often aloof from Bernadette. Her fiercest source is the absurdity of shameless

50 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 51 The sounds of silence power and shamed truth. The hills around Salzburg are alive, to build up spirits of soldiers getting Bernadette’s opponents harp on the we hear, “alive with the sound of together for a short Christmas re- fact that the “Lady” appeared in “a place music.” Young and old, the people spite from fighting in 1914. In 1941, of filth,” “a cesspool.” They claim this is sing and hum and strum. This Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston unfitting for the Virgin (who bore Christ music, we also hear, has been sung Churchill stood on the balcony of the in a stable). The hygienic ones are scan- for 1,000 years. Maybe. But one White House and joined the crowd dalized by where God shows his greatest song—probably the most famous— gathered in front to sing the carol. favor, whom he most insistently loves. is celebrating only 200 years. On On Sept. 29, 2018, commemora- Bernadette experiences the fickleness Christmas Eve 1818, in the church tive exhibits about the carol opened of the crowd when her own Palm Sunday of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf near in Salzburg and eight neighboring triumph quickly becomes a humiliating Salzburg, “Stille Nacht” (“Silent towns. The exhibit in the Salzburg Way of the Cross. The theology in “The Night”) was sung for the first time. Museum brings together documents Song of Bernadette” is subtle; it satiriz- The words to “Silent Night” and artifacts relating to the carol. It es Catholic worship of suffering, a kind of were the work of the Rev. Joseph also shows how the song was used for Pelagianism of pain, and yet Bernadette’s Mohr, a young priest in Oberndorf. commercial and propaganda purpos- acceptance of suffering is key to her credi- He wrote them in 1816 as a reflection es. One gruesome rendition changed bility and her holiness. on peace after a summer of violence the words to tell how on this “Stille Few films show both the beauty of in Salzburg. On Christmas Eve two Nacht, Heilige Nacht, Alles ruht, humility in the face of injustice and the years later, he asked his friend Franz Einer wacht” (“Silent night, holy way this humility can be marbled with Xaver Gruber, a schoolteacher in the night, all is calm, one is awake) and self-hatred. Bernadette’s genuine humil- neighboring town of Arnsdorf and then asserts that this one is “Adolph ity leads her to believe those who tell her also the organist in Oberndorf, to set Hitler” who “führt uns zu Größe, zu she is stupid and lazy. Many of us have his words to music. Gruber did so, Ruhm und zum Glück…” (“leads us to felt that vertiginous slip from “Lord, I am and together that evening at Christ- greatness, to fame and to fortune…”). not worthy” to “Therefore, you will not mas Eve Mass, the two performed The exhibit’s last room is a come to me.” This is Bernadette’s final “Silent Night” for the gathered faith- place of quiet marked with a sign: temptation. All her former adversaries ful, Mohr singing and Gruber playing “Laut sein ist cool! Still sein auch.” are vanquished, but like “Halloween”’s the guitar, since the church organ (“It’s cool to be loud. Also to be qui- Michael Myers they rise up from behind was not working. “Silent Night” was et.”) This beautiful Christmas car- the couch, as voices in her head. an immediate sensation. ol brings stillness with its soothing At the climax of many horror clas- The carol has been translated melody and gentle words, “Sleep in sics, the “final girl” confronts the mon- into some 300 languages. The first heavenly peace!” ster—alone, because no one in power will English translation appeared in New believe in the threat—and defeats him York City in 1851.The carol was used Edward W. Schmidt, S.J., senior editor. through her bravery and resourcefulness. Bernadette, at the close of her earthly life, confronts monsters within herself and falters. The bravery she has shown throughout this film is not enough: She needs rescue. Unlike the “final girl,” she can’t triumph alone; unlike the “final girl,” she doesn’t have to.

Eve Tushnet, contributing writer. Twitter: @evetushnet. Earliest surviving manuscript of "Silent Night," in the handwriting of the Rev. Joseph Mohr. Salzburg Museum/Museumsverein

50 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 51 THE WORD | HOLY FAMILY (C), DEC. 30, 2018

A Place in the Father’s House Readings: 1 Sm 1:20-28, Ps 84, 1 Jn 3:1-24, Lk 2:41-52

Two aspects of the biblical idea of family inform this Sunday’s readings. First, the biblical “family” was a set of ‘Did you not know that concentric communities. The most basic was the nuclear family, which included one’s own parents, siblings, spouse I must be in my Father’s (or for some men, spouses) and children. The nuclear family itself was a component of an extended family, often house?’ (Lk 2:46) called a “house.” Patriarchal houses were the primary “social actors” of the ancient world. Decisions about PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE marriage, inheritance, the distribution of wealth, military service and the settlement of legal disputes were made How has God helped you realize your membership in the within the “house.” Extended families were members of heavenly household? even larger clans that themselves made up the 12 Israelite tribes. The Book of Genesis shows how Israel itself is part Have you discerned the role you will play in the of a worldwide kinship system that included, ultimately, divine family? every descendant of Adam and Eve. At some level, everyone on earth was family. But family boundaries could be quite porous. Blood re- house. It took some time, however, for Samuel to find his lationships were important, but the second sense of being place as the leader of Israel. a family came from acts of love and loyalty. Blood broth- Jesus, likewise, needed time to find his place in God’s ers like Jacob and Esau could split permanently over acts house. He was God’s son and felt at home in the temple, of betrayal, while unrelated persons like Ruth and Naomi but he spent his time there listening and asking questions. (Ru 1:16-18) or David and Jonathan (1 Sm 18:1-4; 20:14-17) It is likely that the astonishment that his teachers showed could establish covenant relationships with each other that came less from his display of supernatural knowledge and were even stronger than their ties to blood kin. more from his perspicacious questions. He had not yet dis- John speaks to this reality in today’s second reading. covered his role. Luke reminds his readers that Jesus still Membership in the divine extended family was available to needed time to “advance in wisdom” before he found the any with loyalty to Christ. It is easy to take John’s theolo- place God intended for him. gy for granted, but at its origin, it was a staggering claim. At some point, every Christian needs to follow a similar Throughout the ancient Near East, adoptions into a divine path. We are welcome in God’s house, but at some point we household were the privilege of kings or priests. The Father need to discern the specific role we will play in the divine of Jesus Christ, however, protected and provided for any family. Only through extended listening and questioning who believed in Christ and followed the Gospel. The sense will we grow in the wisdom necessary to follow Christ. This of loyalty that made a family came from shared love for God process may well mystify the people who know us best, but and for one another. when we find the place God has made for us, we will feel Finding one’s place in God’s household is the reality to right at home. which this Sunday’s first reading and Gospel speak. Samu- el’s parents were not members of Israel’s priestly tribe, but Michael Simone, S.J., teaches Scripture at Boston College because of Hannah’s loyalty, Samuel was welcome in God’s School of Theology and Ministry.

52 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 53 THE WORD | EPIPHANY (C), JAN. 6, 2019

By No Means the Least Readings: Is 60:1-6, Ps 72, Eph 3:2-6, Mt 2:1-12

The biblical account of the Magi has all the features of a great star and exotic messengers reveal Jesus’ messianic role. story: exotic guests, astral phenomena, gifts, a complicated Regardless of its provenance, Matthew writes a more journey, a fearsome and evil king, and a prophetic dream. complex story than most people today realize. He would It is also a startlingly clear fulfillment of the prophecy of have known that the word magi, although it could have Isaiah and Psalm 72 in this Sunday’s readings: Powerful many meanings, primarily described the educated court- people from distant lands will recognize the heaven-sent iers of the Parthian empire, which lay to the east of Judea. king of Israel and pay their homage with rich gifts. He would have also known that Herod and the Parthians It is so close a fulfillment of those expectations, in fact, had an uneasy history. The Parthians invaded Judea—and and so perfect an illustration of Matthew’s belief in the all of the eastern Roman Empire—in the year 40 B.C. They salvation of the Gentiles that scholars have long suspect- were driven out, but not before Herod used the chaos of the ed Matthew composed the account himself. No mention of Parthian wars to seize the throne of Judea. The Parthians these events occurs elsewhere in the New Testament, and never gave up hope of conquering Judea, and Herod never no corroborating evidence for the Magi’s visit has come felt fully confident on his throne as long as these powerful down to the present (although one could make those points foreigners saw him as a Roman puppet. about many of the episodes of Jesus’ life). Writings about Now, Matthew tells us, Parthian ambassadors have people of historical importance in the ancient world of- appeared in Jerusalem asking about a new king. Matthew ten included miraculous or parabolic narratives. Although certainly knew that this would have thrown Herod into a such stories were not based on facts, they illustrated the su- fury. Herod would have thought the Magi were establish- pernatural character of the individual under study. The vis- ing a usurper, around whom to rally opposition to his rule. it of the Magi seems to be such a narrative; the miraculous His reaction, to kill every young male child in Bethlehem, is understandable in this context. What Matthew presents, then, is a story of Jesus caught up in a geopolitical struggle ‘When King Herod heard that threatens his very life. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is often underestimated. this, he was greatly troubled, Although he is just a baby, the titanic forces around him ultimately serve his mission. Whatever the motives of the and all Jerusalem with him.’ Magi, they unwittingly fulfill centuries of prophecy. The strategic games of the Parthians and of Herod serve only to (Mt 2:3) focus attention on Jesus. Herod’s evil actions throw Jesus’ divine kingship into high relief. Divine love is a fleeting reality today, and fearsome PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE forces threaten it at every turn. The story of the Magi re- minds us that human machinations are flimsy affairs and What challenging social and political forces affect that Christ has long practice in foiling them. No matter your life? what motives the world and its rulers employ, all things ul- timately—even unwittingly—come to pay homage to Christ. How do those forces draw your attention toward or Michael Simone, S.J., teaches Scripture at Boston College away from the presence of Christ? School of Theology and Ministry.

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52 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 53 LAST TAKE The Faces of Christ Christmas calls us to welcome refugees By Leo J. O’Donovan

Every Christmas season, the dominant their families. It is expressly stated in And in the parable of the good Samar- image in many of our imaginations is the United Nations Convention on the itan, we see that the stranger in need probably the scene of a young woman Rights of the Child (which the United is our neighbor indeed. The refugee is bearing a child in the simplest of States is woefully alone among 197 not really “a stranger” but one of us, surroundings. But perhaps, given nations in not endorsing) that chil- part of us, someone without whom we the suffering of so many millions of dren should not be separated from are literally less. Exclusionary rhet- forcibly displaced persons in our their parents, that a child seeking ref- oric raising the specters of the dan- world today, we imagine instead the ugee status is entitled to protection gerous, the infected and the criminal Holy Family fleeing into Egypt to and humanitarian assistance and that “other” is not simply a morally unac- escape a murderous king’s rage. As the child has a right to education. ceptable characterization of migrants. with the scene of birth, the scene of These are not partisan or “liberal” It is an indictment of ourselves. flight centers on the helpless child. positions but expressions of human- Pope Pius XII wrote no less forth- Who, we may ask, are the endan- ity seeking to be true to itself and its rightly in 1952, anguished by the barba- gered children of today whose terri- future. J.R.S., as a fully international rism of World War II, when he joined fied faces we have seen in images from organization, places its trust and hope the plight of the refugee Holy Family our southern border as they were lit- in reasonable men and women seek- with refugees of all times: “The émigré erally torn from their mother’s arms? ing to be part of a worldwide commu- Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into In the days after World Refugee nity for which justice and peace are Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee Day this year, Jesuit Refugee Ser- not mere baselines but the conditions family. [They are] for all times and all vice/USA urged the U.S. government for comity and, ultimately, friendship places, the models and protectors of ev- to ensure that people are not crimi- without restriction. ery migrant, alien and refugee of what- nally punished for trying to seek asy- We have also been inspired by the ever kind who, whether compelled by lum and that the rights and dignity converging convictions of the major fear of persecution or by want, is forced of children and families entering the faith traditions—and not least by Pope to leave [a] native land, …beloved par- United States are respected. We af- Francis, who has reminded us that “ev- ents and relatives, …close friends, and firmed that U.S. policies calling for ery stranger who knocks at our door is to seek a foreign soil.” the indefinite detention of families an opportunity for an encounter with And so it is today. The children seeking asylum are contrary to Cath- Jesus Christ, who identifies with the at the border—at any border—are not olic teaching and violate the rights of welcomed and rejected strangers of “someone else’s,” even granting, of asylum seekers, like those in Tijuana, every age” (Mt 25:35-43). Francis calls course, the primary rights of their par- Baja California, and the dignity of us toward an ideal of welcome, protec- ents. They are our children. children and their families. tion and promotion for migrants. It is The right to asylum is a right em- a practical ideal, desperately needed bedded in the dignity of every human for a world in crisis shaped by untold being to migrate from any environ- violence and injustice. Leo J. O’Donovan, S.J., is president emeritus of Georgetown University ment where violence and oppres- The biblical witness speaks re- and Director of Mission at Jesuit sion threaten the lives of people and peatedly of welcoming the stranger. Refugee Service/USA.

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54 | AMERICAMAGAZINE.ORG DECEMBER 24, 2018 AMERICA | 55 American Catholic History

Every Catholic An Apostle A LifeEvery of Thomas A. Judge, CatholicCM, 1868–1933 WilliamAn L. Portier Apostle Born in Boston of Irish immigrant parents, Thomas A. Judge, CM (1868– 1933) preached up and down the east coast on the Vincentian mission EVERY CATHOLIC bandA betweenLife of 1903 Thomas and 1915. A. Disturbed Judge, by CM, the “leakage” 1868–1933 of the im- migrant poor from the church, he enlisted and organized lay women AN APOSTLE he metWilliam on the missions L. Portier to work for the “preservation of the faith,” his A Life of ThomAs A. Judge, Cm, watchword. His work grew apace with, and in some ways anticipated, the growing body of papal teaching on the lay apostolate. When he be- 1868–1933 William L. Portier S came superior of the godforsaken Vincentian Alabama mission in 1915, he invited the lay apostles to come south to help. “This is the layman’s hour,”Born he wrote inin 1919. Boston By then, however, of many Irish of his lay apostles had evolved in the direction of vowed communal life. This pioneer of the lay apostolateimmigrant founded two religious parents, communities, one Thomas of women, and one of men. With the indispensable help of his co-founder, Mother Boni- faceA. Keasey, Judge, he spent the lastCM decade (1868–1933) of his life trying to gain canonical approval for these groups, organizing them, and helping them learn “to trainpreached the work-a-day man up and woman and into down an apostle, tothe cause each A biography of Thomas A. Judge, to be alert to the interests of the Church, to be the Church.” The roar- BUY NOW ing east twenties sawcoast the work on expand the beyond Vincentian the Alabama missions as a pioneer of the lay apostolate in far as Puerto Rico, which Judge viewed as a gateway to Latin Ameri- the United States ca. The Great Depression ended this expansive mood and time and put agonizingmission pressure on Judge,band his disciples, between and their work. 1903 In i932, the and year before Judge’s death, the apostolic delegate, upon being apprised “William Portier is a first-rate historian as well Missionary Servants of Judge’s financial straits, described his work as “the only organized as a distinguished theologian who has told 1915 and founded a missionary of the Most Holy Trinity movement of its kind in the Church today that so completely meets the a needed story very well . . . will be of great wishes of the Holy Father with reference to the Lay Apostolate.” interest to scholars interested in the history family movement in the church. of American religion and theologians and religious studies professionals interested in WILLIAM L. PORTIER is in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Day- the laity, vowed religious life and social move- ton and author of Divided Friends: Portraits of the Roman Catholic Modernist Crisis ments.” —David O’Brien, professor emeritus, in the United States (CUA Press) College of the Holy Cross

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Portier of the godforsaken Vincentian Alabama missionHeart in Parables1915, gracefully invite he invited the lay apostles to come south to help. “This isyou the layman’sto smile, reflect and believe hour,” he wrote in 1919. By then, however, many of his laythat apostles in thehad ordinary, we can Bornevolved in the Boston direction of vowed Irish communal life. This pioneerre-discover of the lay extra-ordinary ways apostolate founded two religious communities, one of women, and one immigrantof men. With the parents, indispensable help of his co-founder, ofMother being Boni signs- of joy, hope and Thomasface Keasey, he A. spent Judge, the last CM decade of his life trying to gainpeace canonical to and for approval for these groups, organizing them, and helping themone learnanother. “to (1868–1933) preached up and traindown the thework-a-day east mancoast and onwoman the into an apostle, to cause each Each Parable shares an encounter of daily life Vincentian mission band betweento be alert 1903 to the and interests 1915 of andthe Church, to be the Church.” The roar- A biography of Thomas A. Judge, ing twenties saw the work expand beyond the Alabamathat missions gently as calls forth a spirit of giving, respecting foundeda pioneer ofa missionarythe lay apostolate family in movementfar as Puerto Rico, in thewhich church. Judge viewed as a gateway toand Latin loving Ameri- one another. Perhaps after reading and Disturbedthe United States by the “leakage” of theca. The immigrant Great Depression poor ended from this expansive mood andreflecting time and put on these “surprising” parables … you agonizing pressure on Judge, his disciples, and their work.will In i932,write the your own … and celebrate the best place year before Judge’s death, the apostolic delegate, upon being apprised the“William church, Portier is a he first-rate enlisted historian and as well organized lay women he a parable is born … in the heart. of Judge’s financial straits, described his work as “the only organized as a distinguished theologian who has told met on the missions to work formovement the “preservation of its kind in the Church of the today that so completely meets the a needed story very well . . . will be of great Available through Amazon or Sr. Ave Clark: wishes of the Holy Father with reference to the Lay Apostolate.” faith,”interest to scholarshis watchword. interested in the history His work grew apace with, and [email protected] ph: 718-428-2471. inof American some religion ways and anticipated, theologians and the growing body of papal religious studies professionals interested in Price: $10.00 plus $2.75 shipping. 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