Two Illinois Dioceses Have New Shepherds Bishop Malloy Attends Ceremonies for Brother Bishops in Peoria and Belleville

ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE BSERVER OOfficial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford Volume 85 | No. 33 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 Two Illinois Dioceses Have New Shepherds Bishop Malloy attends ceremonies for brother bishops in Peoria and Belleville

BY TOM DERMODY Catholic News Service PEORIA—While there was social distance between those present, every space inside St. Mary’s Cathedral was repeatedly filled with sounds of joy- ful praise, gratitude and boisterous applause July 23 at the episcopal ordination of Bishop Louis Tylka, Peoria’s new coadjutor. “Admittedly, our gathering is smaller than normal circumstances allow, but I know many others are joining us virtu- ally,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, who served as principal cel- ebrant, consecrator and homilist. He was joined by about 20 other bishops — including Archbishop Chris- tophe Pierre, the Vatican nuncio to the United States — and more than 100 priests from both the Diocese of Peoria

and the coadjutor bishop’s native Arch- (Observer photo/Jennifer Willems, The Catholic Post) diocese of Chicago. Newly ordained Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka receives sustained bishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee (left), Cardinal Blase J. The assembly was about 250 people, applause after being led to a chair in the sanctuary of St. Mary’s Cupich of Chicago (second from left) and Archbishop Christophe the maximum allowed in the 1,000- Cathedral in Peoria, July 23. Applauding the new bishop are Arch- Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States (right of Bishop Tylka). capacity cathedral under the state’s present coronavirus guidelines. All in my own life.” within a total population of 1,492,335. McGovern to Belleville. were wearing cloth face coverings, with That joy was tempered this day by the nnn Bishop Braxton, who has served as Cardinal Cupich and Bishop Tylka add- absence of Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, who Bishop of Belleville since 2005, encour- ing plastic shields during some of the has guided the Diocese of Peoria for 18 BELLEVILLE—Bishop Michael aged the faithful to pray for their new ordination rites or while distributing years and who the 50-year-old Bishop McGovern became the ninth bishop of shepherd in the weeks leading up to the Communion. Tylka will assist and eventually suc- the Belleville Diocese on July 22, at an ordination, saying, “Pray that Bishop- Noting that “you are called to serve as ceed. ordination and installation at the Cathe- elect McGovern continues to strive to a bishop in some very challenging times After the opening procession, it was dral of St. Peter in Belleville. be conformed to the image of Christ for society and the Church,” including a announced that Bishop Jenky, 73, had As he would do the next day in Peo- Himself, and offers a constant witness global pandemic, Cardinal Cupich urged been “unknowingly exposed to the ria, Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of faith, hope and love as he helps you Bishop Tylka to “remain undaunted” coronavirus on several recent occasions of Chicago, was the principal consecra- to learn your faith, love your faith and and to frequently keep in mind his early in the course of his episcopal ministry.” tor. Bishop George J. Rassas, Auxiliary live your faith.” transformative encounters with Jesus as “Upon the advice of our health care Bishop Emeritus of Chicago and Bishop Bishop McGovern also asked for he strives to “Go Make Disciples,” his partners, (Bishop Jenky) is under self- Edward K. Braxton, who will become prayers before becoming Bishop of Bel- episcopal motto. quarantine,” Msgr. Philip Halfacre, vic- Bishop Emeritus of Belleville, served as leville. “I am very grateful to the many “I am filled with great joy and tre- ar general of the Diocese of Peoria, told co-consecrators. people who have contacted me and as- mendous gratitude today,” Bishop Tylka the assembly, adding Bishop Jenky was Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apos- sured me of their prayers and support. said in remarks at the close of the Mass. sad to be unable to attend. tolic Nuncio to the United States, also I am eager to arrive in Belleville and “The great joy comes from knowing The Diocese of Peoria is immediately participated in the ordination liturgy. begin serving as a shepherd to this local that the Holy Spirit continues to work south of the Diocese of Rockford. It was Archbishop Pierre, who serves as the Church. Please continue to pray for me.” in the Church, gathering us all together established in 1877, includes 26 coun- representative of Pope Francis to the Due to concern for the health and to participate in this moment of grace ties and covers 16,933 square miles. It United States, read the papal bull (or safety of the public in the face of the for the Catholic Diocese of Peoria and has a Catholic population of 144,669 letter) from the pope appointing Bishop Continued on page 3

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Bishop Malloy ...... 2 Read The Observer One Pandemic Storm Leads to Beware of Headliners...... 3 Online Free Many ‘Boats’ of Experiences COVID Scams Diocesan...... 4-6 Anyone in the Rockford Diocese McHenry parish offers healing workshop, Lots of scams — Around the Diocese ...... 5 may read The Observer Online both from knock-off Media/Arts...... 7 free at http://observertoo. live and masks to fake Seasoned Observer ...... 8 rockforddiocese.org/. online. government calls — Our Catholic View ...... 9 are out there. Subscribers to the print edition will page 3 For the Record ...... 10 Page 4 Nation/World ...... 11-12 continue to receive it by mail. 2 | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | The Observer Tragic Anniversary and Our Faith The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, Remind Us to Pursue a Path of Peace except fi ve times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, his week we have an occasion to recall a weapons have become more complex and 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. moment when, it is not an exaggeration to duplicated to counter defensive systems. As Pope Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 say, the world was changed. Paul VI commented in 1978, “But even though the Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax 815/399-6225. On Aug. 6 we will commemorate the ‘balance of terror’ has been able to avoid the worst T75th anniversary of the fi rst use of atomic weapons and may do so for some time more, to think that Periodical postage paid at in the history of the world. 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Once again, we return to a fundamental truth of Editor: Penny Wiegert The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took faith. We are all children of the Father, brothers the lives of over 150,000 people, many of them non- and sisters in the human race. We implore God to News Editor: Amanda Hudson combatants in those cities. It is unknown how many give us the grace to fi nd the path that leads to true Features and Multimedia died from the long-term eff ects of radiation. peace and one which removes from us and from our Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld Since that time, the power of atomic weaponry children the threat of even greater destruction than Circulation/Proofreading: has increased and delivery systems of those was unleashed 75 years ago. Susan Sabrowski Accounting: Jill Bonk Advertising and Marketing: Kevin McCarthy The Mystery of Christian Prayer Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton From General Audience, Library of the Apostolic Palace, May 6, Part 2 From General Audience, Library of the Apostolic Palace, May 13, Part 1 Contributing Writers: Dear brothers and sisters, we begin this series of Today we take our second step in the journey of Father Kenneth Wasilewski, catecheses with Bartimaeus’ cry because perhaps catecheses on prayer that we began last week. Lynne Conner, Tony Carton, everything is already written in someone like him. Prayer belongs to everyone: to men and women Pat Szpekowski, Margarita Bartimaeus is a persevering man. He was of every religion, and probably also to those who Mendoza, Louise Brass, Patrick (CNS photo/C. Peri via Reuters) Peri photo/C. (CNS surrounded by people who explained that profess none. Prayer arises in our innermost self, in Winn BY POPE imploring was useless, that it was clamoring that interior place that spiritual authors call “heart” Publication Dates: Weekly FR ANCIS without receiving a reply, that it was noise that (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2562-2563). except that in 2020 there will was only bothersome, and thus “please stop crying Therefore, it is not something peripheral that be no issues on Jan. 3, May rayer out.” But he did not remain in silence. And in the prays within us, it is not some secondary and 29, July 31 and Oct. 30. end he obtained what he wanted. marginal ability that we have, but rather it is our News Deadlines: Usually, 10 Pis an Greater than any discussion to the contrary, there most intimate mystery. It is this mystery that prays. days before publication date. impulse. ... is a voice in mankind’s heart that invokes. We all Feelings pray, but one cannot say that prayer is It is a path. have this voice within. A voice that comes forth only feeling. Intelligence prays, but praying is not Ad Deadlines: Usually, 10 spontaneously without anyone commanding it, simply an intellectual act. The body prays, but one days before publication date. a voice that asks itself about the meaning of our can speak with God even having the most serious Offi cial information on the poli- journey on earth, especially when we fi nd ourselves disability. Thus the entire man prays if he prays cies, activities, and positions in darkness: “Jesus, have mercy on me! Jesus have with his “heart.” of the Diocese of Rockford is mercy on me!” This is a beautiful prayer. Prayer is an impulse. It is an invocation that goes released only in the pages of The Observer, or in state- But are these words perhaps not chiselled in beyond ourselves, something that is born in the ments from the Diocesan all of creation? Everything invokes and implores intimacy of our person and extends because it senses Offi ce of Communications and so that the mystery of mercy may be defi nitively the nostalgia of an encounter — that nostalgia which Publications. f u l fi l l e d . is more than a need, more than a necessity. It is a The Observer uses recycled Not only Christians pray. They share their cry of path. paper and is recyclable. prayer with all men and women. But the horizon Prayer is the voice of an “I” that fumbles, that Our Mission is the mission can be further widened: Paul states that all of proceeds unsteadily in search of a “You.” The of the Church itself — to creation “has been groaning in travail together encounter between the “I” and the “You” cannot spread the Gospel through contemporary means of until now.” (Rom 8:22) occur via calculators. It is a human encounter and communications. Artists are often the interpreters of this silent we often proceed unsteadily in order to fi nd the cry of creation that is found in every creature and “You” that my “I” is seeking. Member of: emerges above all in the heart of men and women, Instead, the prayer of a Christian arises from a because they are “beggars before God” (Catechism revelation: the “You” did not remain shrouded in of the Catholic Church, 2559). It is a beautiful mystery, but rather entered into a relationship defi nition of mankind: “beggars before God.” with us. Headliners The Observer | FRIDAY Aug. 7, 2020 | 3 One Pandemic Storm Leads to Many ‘Boats’ of Experiences McHenry parish  Health Issues; From the beginning of the  Grief; COVID shutdown for the next plans live and online  Financial; 10 weeks, Father White provid- event to help get all  Small Business; ed a Facetime Live four nights  Educators; and a week for anyone who wanted (Photo provided) “boats” on better  Teens. to watch — and 50-120 devices A poster advertizes the Church of Holy Apostles live and streamed course. The gathering will let those tuned in each time, he says. program, scheduled for Aug. 9. in the same “boat” discuss their Through that venue, he BY AMANDA HUDSON experiences with their peers. talked “to all diff erent kinds Here’s how to take part News Editor “What is most important,” of people ... asking them ques- says the parish Facebook invi- tions about their experiences.” The Church of Holy Apostles Day of Re ection will be held MCHENRY—“I’m not think- tation, “is that we all remain His speakers included teens, Aug. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. It will be available both on Zoom and ing we’ll solve any problems. I connected and share our strug- parents, people in other states in person. Registrants choose a category that best ts their just want people to know we gles with each other.” including a minister in New needs. are all walking together,” says As one who has been a fre- Jersey when New York was The day will begin in the Church of Holy Apostles for an Father Paul White, pastor of quent presence at the area hos- hit hard, and some health care opening talk and then will break into small groups. As at Church of Holy Apostles. pital before and during the pan- workers. parish Masses, masks and social distancing are required for His parish is holding a vir- demic, Father White is aware of “I stopped in June,” he says, in-person participants. The people who are Zooming will be tual and in-person program on the exhaustion experienced by as churches began to open up. included in the small group discussions. Aug. 9 to give parishioners a medical workers, of the com- The focus now is on the The event is free. chance to talk about their expe- plicated grief of people whose school year, he adds. But before Info: Church of Holy Apostles Facebook page at https://www. riences during the COVID-19 family members died without the school year begins, Father facebook.com/thechurchofholyapostles/ pandemic. them present, and of some peo- White thinks this day of refl ec- The program, One Storm, ple’s politicization of important tion will at least allow his pa- It’s an attempt, Father White in the future even as society Many Boats, will allow people preventive measures. rishioners (and others) to talk. adds, “to just try to get people goes back to some sense of to register and participate in a “We had a lot of COVID at “I just want a place for them more oriented” within what he normalcy. short day of refl ection via one our hospital,” he says. “I was at to share (their experiences sees as something of “a mara- Through this event to bring of 10 groups: the hospital a lot (especially) in and thoughts) instead of just thon” that he predicts could all the diff erent parishioner  Living Alone; April and early May. ... Three (complaining) on Facebook,” last in some manner until Eas-  Parents; nurses from the parish got sick. he says. “We’re all disoriented ter. “boats” into one parish “boat,”  Grandparents; They got well, but it took some- (and) trying to deal with our He also thinks a “COVID Father White says he hopes “we  Frontliners; thing out of them.” (new) norm.” syndrome” will be identifi ed can see how to go forward.” Two Illinois Dioceses Have New Shepherds

From page 1 Resurrection with the Apostles us, both women and men, in counties in southern Illinois. coronavirus pandemic, atten- and disciples. joyfully announcing the pres- It has a Catholic population of dance at the ordination liturgy Bishop McGovern said, “As I ence of the Risen Christ in our about 91,000 out of a total pop- was limited and social distanc- begin my ministry as a bishop, world.” ulation of about 842,000. ing protocols were in place. St. Mary Magdalene is a won- The Belleville Diocese cov- Bishop McGovern selected — Amanda Hudson and Sharon derful role model for all of ers 11,678 square miles and 28 Boehlefeld compiled this story July 22, the day on which the Church honors St. Mary Mag- dalene, for his ordination and installation. According to the Gospels, Mary Magdalene was the ﬁ rst disciple to see the Risen Christ

(CNS photo) on Easter morning and then Bishop Michael McGovern shared the good news of His

Bishop Malloy’s Public Schedule ROCKFORD — Aug. 9, 7:30 St. Thomas More Church a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of WONDER LAKE — Aug. 13, St. Peter 6 p.m., Mass and Installation Did you know... ONLINE — Aug. 9 at 9 of Father Carlos Saligumba, a.m., Mass, https://www. SOLT, as Pastor, Christ the King rockforddiocese.org/ and https:// Church Savant's Social Responsibility portfolio options allow www.facebook.com/Diocese-of- GENEVA — Aug. 15, 10 a.m., investors to align their strategies with their faith? Rockford-107823162598914/ Con rmation Ceremony, St. ROCKFORD — Aug. 11, 8 Peter Church a.m., Mass for the Feast of St. ROCKFORD — Aug. 16, 7:30 Savant Capital Management is a nationally recognized fee-only wealth Clare, Corpus Christi Monastery a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral of management firm that offers integrative investment management and ROCKFORD — Aug. 11, 5:30 St. Peter financial planning solutions to individuals, families, foundations, trust funds, p.m. and 7 p.m., Con rmation ONLINE — Aug. 16 at 9 Ceremony, St. Rita Church a.m., Mass, https://www. retirement plans and non-profit organizations. ONLINE — Aug. 12, 12 noon, rockforddiocese.org/ and https:// a devotion and re ection, www.facebook.com/Diocese-of- Start building your ideal future! https://www.rockforddiocese. Rockford-107823162598914/ Call us today for a complimentary portfolio review. org/ and https://www. ONLINE — Aug. 19, 12 noon, facebook.com/Diocese-of- a devotion and re ection, Rockford-107823162598914/ https://www.rockforddiocese. 815 227 0300 savantcapital.com ELGIN — Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m., org/ and https://www. Mass and Installation of Father facebook.com/Diocese-of- Savant Capital Management is a Registered Investment Advisor. Savant's marketing material should not be construed by any existing or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if they engage in the advisor's services. Ryan B. Browning, as Pastor at Rockford-107823162598914 Please contact Savant to find out if they are qualified to provide investment advisory services in the state where you reside. 4 | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | The Observer Diocesan

COVID-19 scams abound As of July 9, the Federal Trade Beware of COVID Scams Commission (FTC) had logged 3,493 complaints from consumers in Illinois about COVID 19 and Editor’s note: Patrick Winn, director of organizations, phishing for personal in- stimulus payments, 2,024 (ap- Catholic Charities, compiled this information here’s a scam for formation via emails and text messages, proximately 58% involving fraud) for The Observer. everyone, and that posting clickbait messages on social me- and 600 (approximately 17% ROCKFORD—Anyone can be at risk ‘T dia platforms, setting up fake Internet involving identity theft). Victims of being taken advantage of by a scam means everyone is a sites, spoofing to disguise caller IDs on have reported losing $2.90 mil- and scammers are now using fears driv- robocalls, etc. Everyone needs to be on the lookout lion, with a median loss of $272. en by the COVID-19 pandemic in efforts potential victim.’ to take money from senior citizens. for scams and take prompt action to To view the FTC report At present, senior citizens are an easy -Susan Grant, former director of the National make reports to the appropriate authori- — https://public.tableau. target due to the rapidly changing news Fraud Information Center run by the National ties so the extent of harm can be mini- com/profile/federal.trade. about COVID-19, heightened isolation Consumers League (now fraud.org) mized for the victim and a stop put to the commission#!/vizhome/COVID- due to visitation restrictions, possible scheme in efforts to protect others. 19andStimulusReports/Map vulnerabilities associated with various Learn how much the scams have cost Additional resources — stages of cognitive decline, and accumu- gets: creating malware to infect elec- Americans and how to report them in the https://acl.gov/COVID-19 lated financial means. tronic devices, employing pressure sales blue box (left). https://www.consumerfinance. Scammers use a variety of techniques tactics in door-to-door visits, imperson- Here are some COVID-19 scams to gov/consumer-tools/fraud/ to make connections with possible tar- ating reputable businesses and charitable look out for. https://www.ncoa.org/blog/ 4-coronavirus-scams-to-avoid/ To report scams Health Care Scam COVID-19 health products and related services Charity Scams should be reported to appropriate governmental agen- At present, there are no vaccines or other prescription and over- Scam cies and local law enforcement. the-counter drugs that have been tested and approved as a cure It is also a good idea to notify for COVID-19. Fake charitable organizations Also, careful review of product claims is necessary to deter- financial organizations, credit Scammers are often able to make pitches for dona- mine the effectiveness of disinfecting, purifying, and steril- card issuers, and credit bureaus. tions before legitimate charitable organizations can mo- izing devices. bilize resources in response to a new crisis. Only by letting authorities know Moreover, there is Before making any dona- about scams can steps be taken no scientific support to prevent the same problem for claims that ser- tions, visit official websites to from occurring in the future. vices such as in-home verify that the organization is Federal Bureau of HVAC cleaning will reputable, and that money is go- Investigation — https://www. provide any protection ing to the right place. ic3.gov/default.aspx against COVID-19. Donations should not be made in cash, using gift cards, or by Federal Communications Lastly, some scam- wire transfers. Commission — https:// mers continue to hype fears about shortages People who get a request for consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/ to drive up purchases donations, gift cards, cash or en-us on overpriced items with wire transfers that appear to Federal Trade excessive shipping fees come from their parish or (Observer photo/Karolina Grabowska, Pexels) Commission — https://www. and then failing to complete pastor should call their ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ delivery. parish to check on it. Any suspected scam Information#crnt&panel1-1 or (Observer photo/Karolina Grabowska, Pexels) Note that the claim “Kills should be reported to the parish and 1-888-382-1222 SARS-CoV-2” may be true when a device has been tested against then they can let the diocese Internal Revenue Service the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. However, the claim “Kills COVID-19” know if needed. — https://www.irs.gov/privacy- is considered false and misleading because COVID-19 is a reference to a disclosure/report-phishing disease and this disease as such cannot be killed. National Center for Disaster Info: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning- Fraud Hotline — https://www. disinfection.html Testing Scam justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf- https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/why-arent-ozone-generators-uv-lights-or-air- Home test kits for COVID-19 disaster-complaint-form or purifiers-list-n-can-i-use-these-or-other f1-866-720-5721 https://nadca.com/resources/blog/nadca-covid-19-faq Scammers are posing as officials from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Ser- Social Security vices and asking se- Administration — https://oig. nior citizens to verify ssa.gov/ personal identification U.S. Department of Justice Government information, including — https://stopelderfraud.ovc. addresses, Medicare ojp.gov/ or 1-833-372-8311 Scam ID numbers, Social U.S. Postal Inspection Impersonating government officials Security numbers, and Service — https://ehome.uspis. banking or credit card Several government agencies, including the Centers for Dis- gov/fcsexternal/default.aspx or information. ease Control and Prevention, the Federal Communications Per the Centers for 1-877-876-2455 Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- Disease Control and AARP Fraud Watch Network tion, the Federal Trade Commission, the Internal Rev- Prevention, the latest Helpline — 1-877-908-3360 enue Service, the Social Security Administration, local information about Better Business Bureau and the World Health Organization, have warned the testing is posted on the — https://www.bbb.org/ public about calls and emails from scammers. website of each state’s scamtracker/reportscam On the calls, scammers request personal informa- health department and tion or payment to resolve false enforcement issues MoneyGram — http://global. testing should be con- with public benefits, and in the email, scammers ducted by a health care moneygram.com/nl/en/how-to- have posted links that direct users to counterfeit report-a-problem or 1-800-926- provider or through websites with malware that searches for this in- approved community- 9400 formation on personal computers. based and mobile test- Western Union Government agencies do not ing sites. — https://www. ask for personal informa- Info: https://www.cdc. westernunion.com/us/ tion or payments via gov/coronavirus/2019- en/file-complaint.html phone, text, or ncov/symptoms-testing/ (CNS photo/David Ryder, Reuters) or 1-800-448-1492 email. testing.html — Patrick Winn https://www.dph.illinois.gov/ (Observer photo/Nebraska Department of Education, Pixabay) Diocesan The Observer | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | 5

Rockford Parish Calls More Vandalism ‘Good News of a Challenging Kind’ A shrine at St. Bernadette Parish on Rockford’s Don’t Miss west side has been vandalized a second time on July 24. The rst time the parish’s roadside Bishop shrine was vandalized, someone allegedly took a hammer to it and broke the body of Malloy’s Jesus. So the parish repaired it. Then, early on the morning of July 24, someone took TV Messages what may have been a sledgehammer to the rebuilt shrine and damaged it again. The plan is to rebuild it again. “The shrine is an image Weekday Reflection of the love of God in giving His life on the (about 6:58 a.m.) cross. So how could it possibly be good news on WREX-TV, Channel 13, that it was destroyed again?” asks a question Rockford on a note sent to parishioners. “Because the people of St. Bernadette Church are a people of love and life. Whoever is destroying this Top o’ the shrine has some kind of false idea of who Jesus is,” the answer reads. Then it challenges Morning parishioners to pray the rosary, the Divine Mercy chaplet, or to o er their Communion with at Mass “to seek the graces and blessing of God for those in need, and the person or Bishop persons who have been destroying our shrine,” as well as “for those who are poor and in Malloy need.” A video explaining previous vandalism Listen to archives anytime at at the parish is at https://www.youtube. http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. (Photo provided) Click on Bishop Malloy on the top left side of the page.

Brought to you by Attacks on Statues Seen as ‘Signs Fitzgerald Funeral Homes Illinois Bank & Trust Diocesan Office of Of Society in Need of Healing’ Communication and Publications The Observer WASHINGTON (CNS)—A “Whether those who com- Oklahoma City in a joint state- and we remain vigilant against Office of Charitable Giving, wave of recent attacks on Cath- mitted these acts were troubled ment late July 22. more of it,” they said. olic statues around the coun- individuals crying out for help “In those incidents where hu- Archbishop Wenski is chair- Diocese of Rockford try and ﬁ res at two churches or agents of hate seeking to in- man actions are clear, the mo- man of the U.S. Conference of prompted the chairmen of two timidate, the attacks are signs tives still are not. As we strain Catholic Bishops’ Committee U.S. bishops’ committees to of a society in need of heal- to understand the destruction on Religious Liberty, and Arch- decry “the destruction of these ing,” said Archbishop Thom- of these holy symbols of self- bishop Coakley is chairman of holy symbols of selﬂ ess love as G. Wenski of Miami and less love and devotion, we pray the USCCB’s Committee on and devotion.” Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of for any who have caused it, Continued on page 10 Around the Diocese

Communion or con rmation. Info: What’s Up holycross-batavia.org or 630-879- Aug 12 4750 Deadline: for Aug. 21 What’s Up And Don’t Miss (for events Aug. 24-30 ) Clip and Save His Column Save the Date BATAVIA Weekly family rosary: 12 noon Sept 14 every Saturday, Peg Bond Center, Weekly in BATAVIA downtown Batavia. Sponsor: RCIA classes: 7-8:30 p.m., rst of Knights of Columbus. Info: Tim The weekly meetings through Easter Lyons, 630-453-9752 2021, Holy Cross, 2600 Main St. For Batavia area families and As parishes and schools begin Observer individuals 16 years old and older to reopen, please send us event who have never been baptized, announcements so we can who are baptized in another Christian community, or baptized help everyone feel a touch Subscribe Catholics who have not received of normalcy. See submission the sacraments of confession, instructions on page 7. Today! Select print, digital or both for just $28 per year. Call 815-399-4300 ext. 383 or go online at http://observer. rockforddiocese.org

(Photo provided) St. Charles Knights Clean Roadway The St. Charles Knights of Columbus Council 12497 picks up trash along Randall Road west of St. Charles. The roadside pick up is one community activity that the Knights have been performing for the past 10 years. The council coordinates their clean-up with the Kane County Highway Department and has a permanent, designated 2-mile area that the St. Charles Knights maintain. 6 | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | The Observer Diocesan Diocesan High Schools Finally Celebrate Graduation DIOCESE—Catholic high cese have found ways to con- classes. Among them are Ster- with the Class of 2020 on July Reed and co-salutatorians were schools in the Rockford Dio- gratulate this year’s senior ling’s Newman Central Cath- 20 at St. Andrew Church in Nate Ahlers and Dean Ellor- olic High Rock Falls. It was a private, ando. School and family event. Reed reminded her class- Elgin’s St. Ed- To comply with social-dis- mates of the challenges and ward Centrral tancing guidelines, only stu- memories they have experi- Catholic High dents and their parents were enced over the past four years. School. allowed and seated in assigned She thanked all of the parents pews. Diplomas, award cer- for investing in a Catholic edu- Newman tificates, senior fliers, a copy of cation and for all of the sacri- CCHS, The Observer graduation edition, a DVD of baccalaureate fices they have made over the Sterling and a senior tribute DVD were years to help the graduates ar- N e w m a n placed at each seat. rive at this moment. She ended Central Cath- The Mass with Father Rich- by challenging everyone to olic High ard Kramer was live streamed “find good and praise it” and (Photos provided) School cel- for those who could not attend. her classmates to “... truly make Nathaniel Ahler, co-salutatorian, addresses his classmates from Newman CCHS. ebrated Mass Valedictorian was Joselyn the most of every day.”

Members of Sterling’s Newman Central Catholic High School Class of 2020 don masks for a class photo at the graduation Mass, July 20. St. Edward CCHS, Church in St. Charles June 27. Though social distanc- Elgin ing measures were in place, Members of the Class of the support for this class was 2020 from St. Edward Central strong with seniors, guests, and Catholic High School in Elgin faculty in attendance. The ceremony included Mass, diploma celebrated their accomplish- recognition, and speeches by ments with a Mass at St. Patrick valedictorian, Maddie Ells- worth and co- salutatorians, Rachel Mar- tini and Maxi- millian Mar- quez. (Photos provided) El l swor t h Elgin’s St. Edward Central Catholic High School students and their guests sit in assigned seats as co-saluta- told her class- torian Maximillian Marquez (at ambo, front) addresses them on June 27 at St. Patrick Church in St. Charles. mates, “As we now pre- take us, we are not alone. The the last time, and that is the seek out the hidden blessings pare to move people surrounding us right incredible sense of community in your life right now. And, forward in now are our community. that St. Ed’s offers. although it will be difficult life, we must “Our world is about to get a “Every single teacher I've to look for the positives in a remember to lot bigger, but through our ex- had at St. Ed’s has felt less time when our worlds have get involved periences here at St. Ed’s, we like an overseer and more like been turned upside down by and be part will always have a place to call a mentor, a friend, someone this virus, life becomes just a of something home.” you can trust to help you when little better when you start to bigger than Marquez said, “One thing at you're struggling and cheer recognize the deeper meaning o u r s e l v e s . St. Ed’s has always remained you on when you're succeed- to certain moments and that Know that no consistent from the first time I ing.” God's great works and love for matter where walked through the front doors Martini said, “Class of 2020, you aren't always super appar- Madeline Ellsworth, valedictorian our jouneys up until I unknowingly left for my challenge for you is to ent.”

Say ‘Thank Landscaping Begins for Cathedral Grotto, Garden you, Father! Crews from Stenstrom Construction work on preparing the ground on the Cathedral of St. Watch for Peter campus for a new prayer garden. Seen in this logo the photo at right is the circle where a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be placed. Pav- on The ers will be installed along with benches, lighting and a variety of plants all native to Illinois Observer and most all having some religious significance. Catholic Markers have also been put in place to desig- nate where new trees will be planted. There wil Newspaper be a tree to represent each bishop serving the Diocese of Rockford since its founding in 1908. Facebook The prayer garden and new parking lot expan- page and join sion is scheduled for completion this fall. us in praying for

our priests. (Photo provided) Media /Arts The Observer | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | 7 New Kids’ Books for Summer Win Inspiring Reading Focus on Jesus, Forgiveness, Saints

The following books are suitable for children’s summer reading. “The Creator’s Love Story” by Madeleine Carroll, illustrated by Jen Olson. Isaiah Books. (Little Bookham, United King- dom, 2020). 28 pp., $9. “The Creator’s Love Story” teaches children with simple verse and soft watercolor il- (CNS photo) (CNS photo) (Observer photo) lustrations major events in the “The Creator’s Love Story” by “Glory Be Saints A to Z” by Rebec- New Testament. Madeleine Carroll. ca Pohlmeier. Wholly focused on Jesus, this picture book is truly a love dlers can’t get enough books — Reviewed by Regina Lordan for story for young disciples to about saints. Combine the two, CNS And a Saint Mug help them know Jesus and his and you get “Glory Be Saints divinity on an introductory, No Ugly Mug, one of The Observer’s advertisers (see page 10) A to Z,” a surprisingly unique Read has added a St. Maximilian Kolbe, 11 ounce mug to our book but personal level. Ages 0-5. addition to that “keep-kids- reviews of prizes. So we’ve extended the giveaway deadline until Aug. 21! “Glory Be Saints A to Z” by Re- busy-at-Mass” bag. more new (If you’ve already entered, you don’t have to enter again.) becca Pohlmeier. Our Sunday This sturdy board book dis- Name ______Visitor (Huntington, Indiana, plays colorful cartoon images kids’ books at 2020). 25 pp., $12.95. of saints bearing welcoming http://observer. Address ______Babies and toddlers can’t get smiles that will introduce chil- rockforddiocese.org/ ______enough books on the alphabet, dren to pre-reading skills in a book-club-blog. and Catholic babies and tod- fun, saintly way. Ages 0-5. Town, State, Zip ______Parish and Town On TV ______Broadcast times may vary; check “Apocalypse Earth” — vagaries of affections across Email ______local listings. Aug. 9, 8-10 p.m. (History): three generations of her fam- Phone ______“In Concert” — Aug. 9, Premiere of a new series that ily. A “POV” presentation. You may enter online until Aug. 17, 2020, at http://observer. 12:30-2 p.m. (EWTN): This examines the catastrophic “Solemn Mass of the As- rockforddiocese.org/inspiring-book. Mail entries must be received threat natural phenomena by Aug. 10 at Reading The Observer, PO Box 7044, Rockford, episode of the series show- sumption” — Aug. 15, IL 61125. cases a performance of J.S. can pose in the United States 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDT Bach’s Mass in B Minor by and around the world. (EWTN): Live broadcast from Vienna’s Bach Consort Wien “About Love” — Aug. 10, the Basilica of the National Please take the time to thank our advertisers. under the direction of con- 9-10:30 p.m. EDT (PBS): Shrine of the Immaculate ductor Ruben Dubrovsky (TV- Filmmaker Archana Phadke’s Conception in Washington G — general audience). documentary examines the (TV — general audience).

At the Movies Don’t miss your opportunity ”Palm Springs” (Neon/Hulu) films whose problematic — Catholic News Service content many adults would to advertise in our annual classification, O — mor- find troubling. Motion Picture ally offensive. Motion Picture Association rating, R -- re- 2020-21 Diocesan Directory! Association rating, R — restricted. Under 17 requires ac- stricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult companying parent or adult guardian. guardian. Reserve your “Yes, God, Yes” (Vertical) — Diocese “Radioactive” (Amazon) — th Catholic News Service classifi- Catholic News Service classifi- Rockford ad space by cation, O — morally offensive. Advertise your cation, A-III — adults. Motion Motion Picture Association products and August 14 Picture Association rating, PG- services in 13 — parents strongly cau- rating, R — restricted. Under The Oﬃ cial 17 requires accompanying the publication tioned. Some material may Directory be inappropriate for children parent or adult guardian. that churches, for the under 13. For the latest, full reviews, go to schools, priests, our website at http://observer. business managers, Diocese of “The Rental” (IFC) — Catho- rockforddiocese.org, scroll to and other 2019-20 Rockford lic News Service classification, the bottom and click on Movie Official L — limited adult audience, Reviews. decision makers Directory rely on. See contents on page 4 The diocese’s 2019-20 directory Submit News was voted ‘best directory’ by the Catholic Press Assn. Deadline: 10 days before Events and News. publication. By Mail: Send to The Observer, P.O. Contact Kevin McCarthy Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125. Online: Use the form at http:// 815-399-4300 ext. 385 or observer.rockforddiocese.org/ Find more events http://www. The Oﬃ cial Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford [email protected] contact-us. Click on Submit rockforddiocese.org/calendar.php 8 | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | The Observer seasoned Destination observer Life-Giving Act

Priest Donates Kidney to Help Mom (CNS/Paul Haring) Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin, Italy, stands in front of the Lead Life She Imagines for Her Family Shroud of Turin in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in 2015.

BY JOHN SHAUGHNESSY cared for their entire family,” he said. Virtual Visits Catholic News Service Father Wadelton knew that Barcenas’ Catholic Holy Sites Online kidney failure was so severe that she was on Destination: There are several places important to ike many parents, Rebeca dialysis for about five hours a day for three Catholics that are offering some kind of virtual visit or Barcenas had this one days a week. He also knew that schedule livestreaming service. Many of these online sites are also overwhelming prayer that robbed her of the energy she wanted to de- appealing for donations since lockdowns and restrictions she continually shared vote to her children, 16-year-old Jennifer and have seriously reduced a major source of income from with God. 9-year-old Carmen. pilgrimages and tourism. She longed to be the “One of my main motivations for helping Online Masses may be best mother she could be to her children, to Rebeca was her two daughters,” he told The available at some of Lhave the normal family life that her kidney Criterion, newspaper of the Indianapolis these places. Check the failure had taken Archdiocese. individiual websites. away from her. After being on “A transplant is Where to go: dialysis for seven one of those rare n The Franciscan Cus- years, Barce- times in surgery tody of the Holy Land nas knew that when you can oversees 55 sanctuaries her best chance cure somebody,” in Israel, the Palestinian of having her said Dr. William territories and Jordan. Visitors at www.custodia. prayer answered Goggins, direc- (CNS photo/Debbie Hill) was to receive tor of adult and org/en/sanctuaries can A worshipper wearing a protec- a kidney trans- pediatric kidney get a more in-depth look tive mask lights a candle as she visits the Church of the Holy plant. transplantation at these sacred places, especially the Church of Sepulcher in Jerusalem’s Old City So she was at Indiana Uni- the Nativity in Bethlehem May 26. It had been closed for the touched when versity Health COVID-19 pandemic. and the Church of the her parish priest in Indianapolis. Holy Sepulcher, revered at the time, Fa- He has 20 years as the site of Jesus’s tomb, in Jerusalem. ther Christopher (CNS photo/D. Todd Moore, courtesy The Criterion) of experience n Wadelton, told Father Christopher Wadelton (front center) of Indianapolis The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal offers poses for a photo with Rebeca Barcenas (right) and her fam- performing her he was pur- a livestream of the chapel and live daily broadcasts of ily, husband, Rafael Ventura (left) and daughters, Jennifer, 16, such surgeries. praying the rosary and Mass at www.fatima.pt/en/pages/ suing the possi- and Carmen, 9. “Through the online-transmissions. The same link also provides a bility of being an gift of trans- gallery of pictures, videos and “sounds,” including an organ donor for her, and encouraging others plants, you basically restore people to being audio library of Marian hymns. at St. Philip Neri Parish in Indianapolis to do fully healthy.” n The website of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi the same. It took a year and a half before they knew She also was stunned and thrilled when the offers a huge list of online opportunities, all in Italian, but the surgery was likely to work, and then extensive testing showed that Father Wadel- still visually enriching, like a livestream of the tomb of it was delayed because of the coronavirus St. Francis with an option of sending a prayer petition ton was a compatible match for her, beating crisis. at www.sanfrancescopatronoditalia.it/web-cam-cripta- long-shot odds. Since his return to St. Bartholomew Par- di-san-francesco-assisi and a livestream of daily Mass So on the morning of May 14, the 37-year- ish, Father Wadelton has been keeping a full in the basilica at www.sanfrancescopatronoditalia.it/ old Barcenas and the 54-year-old Father schedule and continues to feel “very good,” messa-diretta-streaming-oggi. Wadelton prepared for transplant surgeries that would change their lives, connect them he said. There is a 360-degree virtual tour of the basilica at www. forever and show the depth of their faith. As a mother, Barcenas said Father Wadel- sanfrancescopatronoditalia.it/basilica/ and of the tomb at www.sanfrancescopatronoditalia.it/visita-virtuale-tom- “I think he is an angel of God that God ton’s gift to her also is a gift to her family. ba-san-francesco/. The 13th-century basilica had to be sent to me and my family — to heal so She now has hopes of being the mom she’s painstakingly restored, including its frescoes by Giotto, much pain and suffering that we had been always wanted to be for her girls. after a devastating earthquake in 1997. through,” she said. “To sacrifice an organ, in Barcenas’ husband, Rafael, said, “He has this case a kidney, to another person, I think given us the example to be more humble and n While a special online exposition of the Shroud of it’s beautiful.” to support other people and families when- Turin was held April 11 for prayer and contemplation dur- Father Wadelton, now the pastor of St. ever they need it, without receiving anything ing the coronavirus epidemic, the recorded event, with commentary in English, can still be found online at www. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus, Ind., in return.” youtube.com/watch?v=P7BmsSE_4Wk. had his own prayer in donating a kidney to Father Wadelton, though, said, “I really Barcenas. felt God’s presence through the whole thing. Accessibility: Everything is accessible online. He has known Barcenas and her husband, I was just saying yes to what was sitting in (Grand) Kid friendly: Watch along with them. Rafael Ventura, a little over six years. front of me.” Info: See websites with locations in descriptions. “They were active members of the Span- To learn about being a living donor, go to www. — Carol Glatz, CNS; Sharon Boehlefeld conpiled this story. ish community in Masses, and they were a iuhealth.org/find-medical-services/living-organ- Send Destinations ideas to [email protected] family at Holy Cross Central School. I really donation. Our Catholic View The Observer | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | 9 Scripture Re ection for Aug. 9, Faith Alive 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Going on Together BY FATHER HERB WEBER | Catholic News Service Faith During a Crisis Our cautious and deliberate reopen- ing of St. John XXIII Parish in Perrys- burg, Ohio, has underscored the need BY JEM SULLIVAN for community. As I told someone Catholic News Service (Observer screen grab) after the rst Mass after strict quaran- Msgr. Daniel Hermes o ers a daily Mass on- tine, no one can see you smile when line from St. Patrick Parish in Dixon. t would not be an overstatement to say that in the past six you have a mask covering your mouth. months a violent storm caused by a virus was unleashed on We felt disconnected. Paul, a member of the parish who our daily way of life. In its trail, the COVID-19 pandemic has left what may be likened to a wrecking storm aff ect- At the same time, if absence makes contracted COVID-19, spending weeks on a ventilator in the hospital and Iing the physical and spiritual health, livelihood and education of the heart grow fonder, many in the parish have rejoiced just to see each another month in a rehab facility, told millions of people. other and to be part of a bigger body. me he learned the real meaning of Attempts to envision and plan Although people may have stayed community. for what life will be like in a “new connected through social media, Even when he was in isolation, he normal” are anything but normal. And physical presence still matters a great knew others were praying for him. He fear of the disease continues to grip deal. discovered how people had reached minds and hearts as infection rates Without the ongoing sense of com- out to his family. He even said mem- rise and fall, only to rise again! munity, people can become isolated. bers of the parish youth group are In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus calms What’s more, their relationship with maintaining his yard, which he is still the windy waves and assures His frightened disciples of His God can become single-dimensional. not strong enough to do. calming presence in their midst. Jesus’ words and actions That is, they can seek oneness with the He ended the conversation by say- in this Gospel passage are especially relevant as the nation Lord and lose the social aspect of our ing that community means to him that and the world continues to struggle through the eff ects of a faith. he belongs and can trust that the holy pandemic. Even the role of priest can be seen words we say are not simply words. We fi nd wisdom and comfort in the Gospel call to di erently. He becomes the primary Because of his faith community, those deeper faith in Jesus. And in the midst of the anxieties and face of the parish instead of being words have taken on esh and blood. uncertainties of these days, the Scriptures invite us to listen for truly a part of the people who make The Church becomes the body of the “tiny whispering sound” of God’s saving presence in our up the Church. Christ. midst, as Elijah experienced as he took shelter in a cave. Jesus had just fed a crowd of 5,000 by multiplying a few loaves of bread and some fi sh to feed the hungry multitudes. This miracle astonished the people and left the disciples in awe of Jesus’ miraculous deeds. Jesus then dismissed the crowds Freedom at its Best and asked the disciples to get into a boat and precede Him to the other side. “Mandating face masks Human Side own aff airs, I-thou Then, Jesus did something that accompanied signifi cant is unconstitutional and an relationships, the basis of moments in His earthly ministry. He went up on a mountain aff ront to my freedom.” true love happen, creating by Father by Himself to pray. His mighty deeds of multiplying bread, Despite the scientifi c respectful attentiveness to Eugene Hemrick feeding the hungry and calming the storm were only possible wisdom of this mandate, one another. because Jesus was divine. some citizens vociferously The best way to beat reject it. In prayer, Jesus entered into the mystery of His unique Catholic News Service COVID-19 is to unify. In the book, “Habits of The motto “In unity there relationship as divine Son of His heavenly Father to draw the Heart: Individualism and Commitment is strength” reminds us of this. Rugged strength for His mighty deeds and words during His public in American Life,” researchers found, individuals going their own way reminds ministry. “Freedom is perhaps the most resonant, deeply held American value.” us of another saying: “And divided we fall.” The disciples’ faith in Jesus was growing slowly but surely They further pointed out, “In some Protesting mandates raises the questions, until they found themselves in a boat tossed about by a windy ways, it defi nes the good Does this refl ect a lack storm without their master and lord. Their faith in Jesus was in both personal and orality is the sum of of in-depth thinking? now tested. political life. Yet freedom Do those protesting free what ought to be When Jesus appears to them walking on the sea, we are told turns out to mean being M themselves from their the disciples were terrifi ed. Who wouldn’t be? Jesus speaks left alone by others, not done, the good. surrounding environment words of comfort to His disciples then and to us today tossed having other peoples’ and go deeply within about in the storms of this pandemic. values, ideas or styles themselves to learn what “Take courage it is I, do not be afraid!” says Jesus. We may of life forced upon one, being free of their conscience dictates? arbitrary authority in work, family and Granted, it is diffi cult to possess an not feel God’s presence in the midst of the storms of life, but political life. What it is that one might do interior life in our chaotic times. The Jesus desires to assure us and call us to deeper trust in the with freedom is much more diffi cult for pandemic, however, will be conquered knowledge that He is closer to us than we imagine or believe. Americans to defi ne.” only by thoughtful people with a moral We might be, like Peter, reaching out in a fi rst step of faith What then are we doing with it? conscience. only to falter in doubt and be overcome by fear and anxiety. If it is viewed from the standpoint of Morality is the sum of what ought to “God is the friend of silence,” said St. Teresa of Kolkata. self-concentration, this leads to self- imprisonment, the opposite of being free. be done, the good. The good ought to be It is in the silence of prayer that we hear God’s voice, deepen We are social beings meant to encounter done, not because the alternative would be faith and learn to walk with trust amid the challenges and others. If people center specifi cally on unpleasant or harmful, but on account of its diffi culties of daily life. Only in silent contemplation of God’s self-rights to the detriment of others’ rights own worth. word do we hear God’s response to the cry of our hearts as we and are dismissive of those others, their Do masks have a worth of their own? pray, “speak to me, Lord.” genuine self is damaged. Where is the worth in rejecting them? On the contrary, when genuine people Freedom’s worth is the good it ultimately Refl ection questions: How are you called to replace doubt with assume an importance greater than their produces for the common good. faith in Jesus today?

To send letters to us please use one of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, Mail: The Observer, Email: or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of The Diocese of Rockford [email protected] 555 Colman Center Drive (Please put Letter to the Editor in speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, P.O. Box 7044 the subject line.) and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Rockford, IL 61125 Please provide your name, address, Fax: 815/399-6225 and phone number. — The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution 10 | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | The Observer For the Record

Graciela Morales, 69, July 10; Deaths Parish offices may forward death and wedding information St. Therese: Ricardo E. Reyna, using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on AURORA—Holy Angels: Mary 90, July 15; Agnes Petersohn, 95, July 12; Contact Us , then click on the death or wedding form. You may Katherine Carol Glabus, 81, July ELGIN—St. Thomas More: also request death and wedding postcards by calling 815-399- Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service 20; Jimmy Aranda, 81, July 14; Doris 4300, ext. 383. We encourage you to send the information as Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures Weege, 94, July 17; Our Lady of Good Counsel: soon as you receive it. Thank you. 815-758-5484 Bruce Eric Ingram, 54, May 24; FREEPORT—St. Thomas Aqui- 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115 Bruce T. Marchiafava, 81, July 3; nas: Mark J. Maly, 60, July 20; Weddings the top of all that He has given us. Otherwise, some would say it HUNTLEY—St. Mary: Dorothy AURORA—Our Lady of Good is not a true offering just a tip left Ciemniak, 58, July 23; Jean Conro, Counsel: Lucinda Elizabeth Pisco at the table. Pray to be enabled to 87, July 25; and Shawn Lee Loomis, July 11; give generously. ROCK FALLS—St. Andrew: DURAND—St. Mary/St. Pat- Courtesy of Parish Publications Guillermo Garza, 88, June 10; rick: Sarah Clark and Jesse M. “Stewardship” newsletter Terry Lee Grennan, 72, June 15; Miller, June 20; Ronald L. Skaggs, 64, July 11; FREEPORT—St. Thomas Aqui- Mass Meditation ROCKFORD—St. James: nas: Danielle Blase Hollenbeck Sunday, Aug. 9 (18th in Ordinary Ronald Kirschbaum, 84, June and Mark Phillip Moeller, July 18; 10; Mark Montalbano, 42, July Time): In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus HAMPSHIRE—St. Charles 9; feeds the 5,000 with five loaves and Borromeo: Bernadette M. two fish. The message of steward- SOUTH BELOIT—St. Peter: Sporleder and Bradley J Boxleit- ship is that God’s gifts, shared, will Loren G. Sigman, 90, July 8; Jen- ner, July 17; always be more than enough. nifer P. Mendoza, 36, July 10; Rob- ert Ciapaglini, 52, July 11; Jack Stewardship Moment Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Varner, 88, July 18; An offering or a tip: God comes Life Moment STERLING—St. Mary: Michael first, not last. Otherwise, we give Fane, 62, July 21; Carlos Ortiz, 81, Him only the leftovers after we Pray: That the Lord may bless July 28; have made sure that we have pro- the world with His peace and the protection of His love, we pray to WEST BROOK LYN— St. vided for our own comforts. The the Lord. Mary: Betty Jane Wilhelm, 95, principle of sacrificial giving is July 16. that our giving to God comes off Courtesy of www.priestsforlife.org Attacks on Statues Seen as ‘Signs ...’

From page 5 prelates pointed out were the cese. Domestic Justice and Human beheading of a statue of Christ “Our nation finds itself in an Development. at a Catholic church in the extraordinary hour of cultural Among incidents the two Miami Archdiocese, and the conflict,” Archbishops Wenski defacing of a statue of Mary and Coakley said. “The path If you or someone you know outside a Catholic school in forward must be through the the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y. has been the victim of sexual compassion and understand- They also highlighted two abuse by an employee or mem- ing practiced and taught by Je- ber of the clergy of the Rockford church fires, one that severe- Diocese, report the matter to ly damaged the interior of sus and His holy Mother. law enforcement in the county a church in the Diocese of Or- “Following the example of in which the conduct occurred lando, Fla., and one that gutted Our Lord, we respond to con- and then please call the hot-line a 230-year-old mission church fusion with understanding and number: 815-293-7540. in the Los Angeles Archdio- to hatred with love,” they said. Business Spotlight Put your Business in the Spotlight! The Catholic Gift Store NOW HIRING! Evelyn Dubbs Broker, REALTOR® Gifts for any occasion. Marketing Homes For The Sale 770 N. Peace Rd. l DeKalb l 815-787-0802 • Warehouse • Industrial Hablamos (847) 658-5000 (office) l Español (847) 913-5079 (cell) Hours: M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Real Estate Group • Forklift [email protected] EQUAL HOUSING WWW.THECATHOLICGIFTSTORE.COM 331-684-9644 Aurora | 331-233-3486 Bu alo Grove | 847-558-5250 Roselle OPPORTUNITY Each office is independently owned and operated. A family owned The Observer has effecTive Suburban funeral home Ann Marcheschi adverTising OppOrTuniTies since 1949. roerssoiate Cell: 630.337.6203 fOr yOur business! 401 River Lane  Loves Park, IL 61111 [email protected]  www.realtorann.com Each O ce is Independently Owned and Operated (815) 633-6010 www.delehantyfh.com Newspaper — website — tV Ultimate Virus & Odor Destroyer! Call Kevin McCarthy Our team of local parishioners will treat Ozone your house, car, office or sports equipment. New photo815-399-4300, - 03-2016 ext 385 Catholic Gifts for Family and Friends Mugs - T-shirts - Totes - & More Serving the Rockford Diocese, or email Evangelizing One Cup Of Co ee At A Time! Disinfection!St Charles, Aurora, IL Call Steve and Beloit, WI 708-514-5655 [email protected] www.nouglymugs.org

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A court in the Tuscan 39-year-old man, named only as The cathedral in Nantes is province of Massa-Carrara considered to be a jewel of Emmanuel A, admitted lighting ruled July 27 to acquit Mina three fires in the Cathedral of French architecture. It was Welby and Marco Cappato SS. Peter and Paul July 18. built between 1434 and 1891 for helping Davide Trentini The man is a Catholic who had and has been designated a his- (CNS photo/Stefan Wermuth, Reuters) commit suicide in April 2017 been working voluntarily at the toric monument by the French A demonstrator against assisted cathedral as a warden. He had government because of its ar- at Dignitas, a physician-as- suicide joins a protest outside the keys to the building because chitectural significance. sisted suicide clinic in Swit- Parliament in London in 2015. he was responsible for locking it More than 100 firefighters zerland. The court judged up on the day of the fire. had contained the blaze with- that no crime was committed by Welby and Cappato be- He was questioned by police in two hours of it breaking cause they did not “instigate” Trentini’s suicide. The day after following the blaze and released out, and they stopped it from helping Trentini commit suicide, Welby and Cappato turned without charge but rearrested (CNS photo/Ludovic Stang, via Reuters) spreading to the main body of themselves over to Italian authorities in a strategic move that July 25. A general view of fire at the Ca- the church. seeks to challenge Italy’s penal code which prohibits eutha- He confessed to arson later thedral of SS. Peter and Paul in A July 22 statement issued nasia, or physician-assisted suicide. According to Article 580 that day. Nantes, France, is seen July 18, in by Father Francois Renaud, the of the Italian penal code, assisting or convincing someone Nantes prosecutor Pierre this screen grab obtained from a administrator of the Diocese of to commit suicide “is punishable with a sentence between Sennes told the Agence France- social media video. Nantes, said the fire had weak- five and 12 years if the suicide occurs, or between one to five Presse news agency July 25 that ened the fabric of the cathedral years if it does not occur but results in serious or very serious the man has since been charged carry a penalty of up to 10 years and that it would be closed for personal injury.” with “destruction and damage in jail and $175,000 in fines. repairs, which could take years by fire,” an offense that could The prosecutor’s office also to complete. German abbess faces possible landmark trial on church asylum MUNICH (CNS)—A Benedictine abbess who granted refuge Canadian Court to female asylum-seekers faces trial for refusing to pay a fine, reported the German Catholic news agency KNA. It could Rejects Safe become a landmark case by determining whether granting church asylum amounts to the punishable offense of “aid- Third Country ing and abetting illegal residents,” as state prosecutors often interpret it. There is no supreme court ruling on this issue yet, KNA reported. Mother Mechthild Thurmer granted refuge Pact with U.S. to female asylum-seekers in her monastery in the Bavarian TORONTO (CNS)—Can- town of Kirchschletten more than 30 times. The main hear- ada’s Federal Court has ruled ing at the Bamberg district court was canceled in mid-July the country’s Safe Third Coun- because the judge wanted to wait for a possible further try Agreement with the United charges against her, a court spokesman told KNA. “I acted States violates the Charter of out of Christian spirit,” the 62-year-old abbess said. “To give Rights and Freedoms by send- concrete help to a person in need can’t be a crime.” Up to (CNS photo/Paul Haring) ing refugees who arrive at now, authorities in Bavaria have mostly dropped proceedings Chinese Hack Hits Vatican Computers Canada’s land borders back to against people granting church asylum and imposed no pen- detention in the United States. alties. In a few cases, they offered to close cases in exchange The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is pictured at the Vatican. China It is the second time a federal for a fine. If the accused agreed, the matter was over. has been accused of hacking Vatican computers as well as those judge has struck down the Can- in the Diocese of Hong Kong and other Catholic organizations in Pope names Chicago Auxiliary Bishop ada-U.S. Safe Third Country May. The hacking appears to be an attempt to gain an advantage in Hicks to head Joliet Diocese talks between the Vatican and China, due to resume as early as this Agreement on constitutional week, about a fresh deal on the appointment of bishops. A land- grounds. WASHINGTON (CNS)—Pope Francis mark provisional Vatican-China agreement was signed in Septem- For Catholic refugee advo- has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Ronald A. ber 2018, aimed at normalizing the appointment of bishops and cates, the ruling is a victory, Hicks of Chicago to head the Diocese of bringing the entire Catholic Church in China into communion with said Norbert Piche, Jesuit Refu- Joliet. Bishop Hicks, 52, is vicar general of Rome. Talks have been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. gee Service country director for the Chicago Archdiocese and succeeds Canada. “If we are truly, bona Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, who retired in fide Christians, we will stand up May. He was named an auxiliary bishop for these people,” he said. (CNS photo/Chicago for Chicago July 3, 2018, and ordained a Archdiocese) Washington Post Settles “We can continue being bishop Sept. 17, 2018. The appointment Canada — a fair country and a Bishop Ronald A. Hicks was announced July 17 in Washington by Lawsuit with Student country that protects refugees,” Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican said Loly Rico, co-director of a nuncio to the United States. Bishop Hicks will be installed WASHINGTON (CNS)— shelter sponsored by the Faith- as the sixth bishop of Joliet at the Cathedral of St. Raymond The Washington Post reached a ful Companions of Jesus. Nonnatus Sept. 29. settlement July 24 with the fam- The case was brought in 2017 ily of Nicholas Sandmann, the on behalf of three women by the Kentucky Catholic high school Canadian Council of Churches, student who sued the newspaper Amnesty International Canada last year for defamation over its (CNS photo/Kaya Taitano, social media via Reuters) and the Canadian Council for Watch Sunday coverage of an incident that oc- Nick Sandmann and Native Refugees. It was largely a re- American Nathan Phillips curred after last year’s March for prise of a challenge the same Catholic TV in the Life that quickly went viral. parties brought to court a de- Sandmann, who graduated reporting was accurate and fair cade earlier. Rockford Diocese starts this past spring from Covington and did not disclose terms of the In 2007, a federal judge struck with a faith-filled Catholic High School, sought settlement. down the agreement on consti- program at 6 a.m., $250 million in damages from The Sandmann family settled tutional grounds, but the deci- followed by Mass at The Washington Post, saying the a similar lawsuit against CNN sion was overturned by an ap- newspaper defamed Sandmann in January. They also have filed peals court that ruled the three 6:30 a.m. on WREX in seven articles and on social suits against Gannett, ABC, organizations did not have channel 13 in Rockford View Mass anytime atwww.rockforddiocese.org/tv-mass media. CBS, NBC, The New York Times standing to argue on behalf of and on cable. Brought to you by the Diocesan Office of Communication and The Post has maintained its and Rolling Stone magazine. refugees before the court. Publications 12 | FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 | The Observer Nation/World News in Brief ‘Journeying Together’ will focus on Church’s engagement with young people WASHINGTON (CNS)—The U.S. Catholic Church has be- gun a yearlong intercultural process with young adults and ministry leaders. Called “Journeying Together,” the initiative aims to explore the Catholic Church’s engagement with young people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and mobilize U.S. Catholics on issues and concerns related to culture and race in the United States, according to a July 22 news release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB’s Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church is leading the initiative, with the involvement of several USCCB secretariats and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The initiative will primarily take place online from July through next May. Plans call for a live gathering next summer, pending health and safety directives. It is based on Pope Francis’ call for encounter and dialogue in his 2019 apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit,” (“Christ Lives”). More information can be found at www.usccb.org/journey2020. (CNS photo/Oswaldo Rivas, Reuters) Regis Philbin dies; Catholic TV host Nicaragua Cathedral Torched logged 17,000-plus hours on tube The Blood of Christ Chapel at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Managua, Nicaragua, is seen July 31 after an arson attack. The Nicaraguan bishops’ conference has vowed not to be intimidated as a government WASHINGTON (CNS)—Regis Philbin, the campaign of intolerance targeting the Catholic Church turns increasingly cruel and involves acts of sac- Catholic talk- and game-show host whose rilege. Shortly after the attack, Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo claimed candles in the chapel career in television spanned six decades, had caused the fire. Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes of Managua tersely rejected the explanation, telling re- died July 24 at age 88 of cardiovascular porters, “There are no candles in the chapel.” disease at a hospital in Greenwich, Con- necticut, where he lived. Philbin is credited by Guinness World Records as having been (CNS photo/Mario Anzuoni, on air more than anyone else on TV, putting Chinese Bishop is Subject Reuters) Regis Philbin the figure at more than 17,000 hours. Philbin was a 1953 graduate of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and an avid supporter of the school and Of Congressional Hearing also generous to Cardinal Hayes High School in New York. WASHINGTON (CNS)— cret to this extraordinary man House appropriations bill ends pro- The disappearance — and ru- of God?” Smith asked. life policies guiding foreign aid mors of the possible death — of Smith said he met Bishop Su WASHINGTON (CNS)—The House approved, in a 224-189 a Chinese Catholic bishop was once, in 1994, after the bishop vote along party lines, H.R. 7608, the appropriations bill the subject of a July 30 hearing had already spent many years funding eight federal departments and agencies including by Congress’ Tom Lantos Hu- in prison, “yet he had extraor- man Rights Commission. dinary gentleness, strength, the State Department and its Foreign Operations program. (CNS photo/Bobby Yip, Reuters) Opponents of the measure said its passage effectively The prelate in question, Bish- A protester with a portrait of im- courage and a peace that sur- op James Su Zhimin of Baod- passed all understanding. overturns the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance prisoned Chinese Bishop James ing, was arrested in 1997. Bishop Su told my delegation Policy, weakens the Kemp-Kasten Amendment and increases Su Zhemin in Hong Kong in 2012. Bishop Su, if he is alive, after celebrating Mass in a tiny funding for the U.N. Population Fund. The Protecting Life would be 88 years old. said Rep. Christopher Smith, apartment that he prayed for in Global Health Assistance Policy included and expanded “Today, I again join many, R-New Jersey, co-chair of the his persecutors, and he espe- the so-called “Mexico City Policy,” which bans all foreign including the bishop’s relatives Lantos commission, who led cially prayed for the cruel and nongovernmental organizations that receive U.S. funds from and ask (Chinese) President Xi the hearing. misguided leadership of the performing or promoting abortion as a method of family Jinping: Where is Bishop Su?” “What have you done in se- Chinese Communist Party.” planning in other countries. By executive order Jan. 23, 2017, President Donald Trump reinstated and expanded the policy, which had been suspended by President Barack Obama. Catholic Leaders Urge Equitable Beatification of Father McGivney to take place Oct. 31 in Hartford, Conn. Sharing of Nile River’s Water HARTFORD, Conn. (CNS)—Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the NAIROBI, Kenya (CNS)— Dam on the Blue Nile, one of Knights of Columbus, will be beatified dur- As Ethiopia prepares to open the major Nile River tributar- ing a special Mass Oct. 31 at the Cathedral the continent’s largest hydro- ies. Ethiopia sees the dam as of St. Joseph in Hartford. On May 27, the electric dam, East African key to ending poverty for its Vatican announced that Pope Francis had Catholic leaders emphasize more than 110 million people. signed the decree recognizing a miracle (CNS file photo) water is a resource that must be With concerns growing daily, through the intercession of Father Mc- Father Michael shared equitably. Ethiopian Cardinal Berhaneye- Givney, clearing the way for his beatifica- McGivney The Nile River passes sus Souraphiel urged leaders to (CNS photo/courtesy Maxar Technologies via Reuters) tion. Once he is beatified, he will be given the title “Blessed.” through 11 countries, but the share the resource. A handout satellite image shows Details of the beatification ceremony have not been released, conflict over the dam pits Ethi- Ethiopia broke ground on the a closeup view of the Grand Ethi- opian Renaissance Dam and the including what COVID-19 restrictions might still be in place in opia against Egypt and Sudan. dam in 2011, but since then it Blue Nile River in Bameza, Ethio- the fall. The Knights have set up a new website for Father Mc- Ethiopia constructed the has been a source of tensions in Grand Ethiopian Renaissance the Nile Basin region. pia, June 26. Givney’s sainthood cause: https://www.fathermcgivney.org.

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