West Texas Angelus

AWESTNGELUSTEXAS Serving the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas Volume XXXVIII, No. 6 JUNE 2018 The Lady in Blue Celebration Ballet, Marian Conference and statue unveiling

Coverage: Pages 2, 12

DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO PO BOX 1829 NONPROFIT ORG. SAN ANGELO TX 76902-1829 US POSTAGE PAID Inside this issue: SAN ANGELO, TX PERMIT NO. 44 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED • Two new priests to be ordained (Page 2) • Bishop Sis on vaccines (Page 3) • Meet the Deacon Class of 2018 (Page 6) • New clergy assignments (Page 11) • Rural Life Mass photos (Page 24) Page 2 JUNE 2018 The Angelus The Inside Front Lady in Blue celebration marks 10 years West Texas Angelus

SAN ANGELO — Dignitaries and the faithful from around the world descended on downtown San See Page 12 for Angelo the weekend of May 18 – 20, 2018, as the more photos annual Lady in Blue celebration reached its 10th year. Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda, or the Lady in from the Lady in Blue, a cloistered nun who lived in the 17th century, Blue celebration is said to have made several appearances in the and the text of American Southwest while never leaving the confines of her convent in Spain. The story holds that her Bishop Emeritus appearances to the native Jumano people of the area Michael Pfeifer’s led them to seek out Catholic missionaries, eventually presentation leading to some of the earliest baptisms in the state of Texas along the shores of the Concho River in what from the Marian would become San Angelo. Conference A local committee has been holding annual celebrations for 10 years to honor the life and legacy of the Lady in Blue. This year’s celebration saw several additions to Stefano Cecchin, OFM, the festivities. Friday night, attendees were treated to president of the Pontifical the world premiere of a musical and ballet by Cindy International Marian Jordan based on the life of Sor María. Saturday, the Academy, who has been McNease Convention center was the site of a day- investigating the story of Children stand in observance after participating in the crowning of Mary at the outset of the Marian Conference at the McNease Convention Center in San Angelo, part of the annual long Marian Conference featuring presentations on the Lady in Blue on behalf Lady in Blue celebration, May 19. (Angelus photo) Marian theology and the Lady in Blue by scholars of the Vatican as the vice from around the country. Attendees were also treated postulator for Sor María’s cause for canonization. Lady in Blue and the Jumano people whom she visit- to a tease of a documentary on Sor María in the The highlight of the weekend for the city of San ed were debuted to the public. The land on which the works by producer Victor Mancilla, who was in town Angelo was the Sunday afternoon unveiling of two statues sit will continue to be developed into a small to obtain more footage for his work. new statues on the banks of the Concho River. park known as the Historic Beginnings of San Sunday featured another presentation by Father Sculptor Vic Payne was on hand as his statues of the Angelo. Converging paths lead friends to priesthood By Brian Bodiford West Texas Angelus Quick Facts

In the mid-1980s in Guanajuato, cen- Ordination tral Mexico, a young couple, devout in Cathedral of the Sacred Heart their Catholic faith, decided to leave their Saturday, June 9, 2018 home in search of a better life. They had friends and family in West Texas and 10:30 a.m. were able to emigrate to the United States to find work. Their son today First Mass of Thanksgiving describes their close relationship with the St. Mary Parish, San Angelo Church as “one of the few things that Freddy Perez – Saturday, June 9 transferred over from their life in 5:00 p.m. Mexico.” Reggie Odima – Sunday, June 10 Over 9000 miles away and a decade later, in September 1995, a small boy 12:00 p.m. amidst a huge crowd watches in fascination as an unfamiliar car rolls through the First Assignments streets of Nairobi. Pope John Paul II was Freddy Perez – St. Stephen on the last leg of an apostolic journey to Parish, Midland Cameroon, South Africa, and Kenya. A Reggie Odima – Our Lady of historic occasion still remembered in the Guadalupe Parish, Midland country, the visit had a personal effect on the young boy, who was influenced to become an altar server. children in Kenya would be diminished The stories of these families would with only one parent. With a brother eventually converge in San Angelo, already living in the United States, the family was able to move quickly, a Texas, years later, culminating in the Transitional deacons Reggie Odima and Freddy Perez are set to be ordained priests of the forthcoming priestly ordinations of Diocese of San Angelo on June 9, 2018. (photo by William Scherz, Scherz Studio; courtesy process which Odima describes as almost Freddy Martin Perez and Reginald Office of Vocations and Seminarians) overnight: “We got our visas and two weeks later we were gone.” Reggie “Reggie” Odima. undocumented when I was growing up.” of St. Mary in San Angelo and Holy arrived in Irving, Texas, with his mother The family would next move to San Spirit in Sweetwater have both been sup- and sister on December 18, 2000, at age JOURNEYS FOR OPPORTUNITY Angelo, where they operated a tortilla portive, taking in the family and helping 11. They were later joined by his other and burrito shop on the north side of to achieve the better life they came to two brothers. The Perez family eventually landed town, selling to local building sites and Texas in search of. Odima’s mother worked to support in Wall, Texas, where Freddy’s father businesses. The family became parish- Odima likewise eventually found his the family, traveling two hours each way worked in the cotton industry. Their story ioners at St. Mary Parish. These roots way to the territory of the Diocese of San to work a part-time job in order to keep is one that is not uncommon in this part continued to grow, and the family now Angelo, with a stop in the metroplex area her children fed and sheltered. Odima of the country. “I grew up with both par- owns their own restaurant, Amole’s along the way. After Reggie’s father ents being migrants,” Perez recalls, “and Mexican Restaurant in Sweetwater, passed away in early 2000, the family (Please see ORDINATION/20) a couple of my friends were actually Texas. Perez notes that the communities decided that the opportunities for the The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 3 From The Bishop’s Desk The Prayer Square Some vaccines are more Prayer for Priests Editor’s note: June 23 is World Day of Prayer for Priests. On this day, please keep priests in the diocese and throughout the world in your prayers. The fol- acceptable than others lowing prayer for priests was written by Pope Pius XII. the duty to make known their dis- O Jesus, you are the eternal High Priest, the Good Shepherd, By Bishop Michael Sis the Source of life. Diocese of San Angelo agreement and to ask that their Through the singular generosity of Your most sensitive heart, health care system make other types You have given us our priests for the purpose of fulfilling in us Immunization from contagious diseases has brought of vaccines available.” that plan of sanctification which Your grace inspires in our hearts. many benefits to society. Our Church endorses the A statement from the Pontifical responsibility of physicians and parents to protect chil- Academy for Life in 2005 holds that We beg You come to their aid with Your merciful assistance. dren and the general public from devastating illness. one may use these products, despite O Jesus, may they possess faith which energizes their actions, When deciding whether to receive their distant association with abor- Hope which is unshakable in trials, a vaccination, there are several factors tion, at least until such time as new And charity which permeates their endeavors. that one takes into consideration. vaccines become available. (See These typically include the effective- “Conscience Exemption for Through their constant meditation, may your word, ness, possible side effects, availability Vaccines based on Fetal Tissue from Which is an outpouring of eternal wisdom, of the vaccine, cost, and the common Abortions” at www.usccb.org) Become the everlasting nourishment of their interior life; good. There is an additional factor Sometimes alternative products, And may their conduct and suffering that we, as people of faith, should which are not associated with these reflect the example of Your life and Passion, take into account — the origin of the cell lines, are available for immu- So as to serve for our instruction, particular vaccine. nization against certain diseases. If and as a beacon of consolation in our sorrows. Bishop Sis There are a number of vaccines doing so is practicable, one should that have been prepared from human ask one’s physician to use an alter- O Lord, grant that our priests be detached from all worldly interests, cell lines, using tissues from victims of abortion. Of native vaccine, but there is no moral and labor only for Your glory. obligation to use products that are With a pure conscience may they persevere course, abortion is a grave crime against innocent in their duties faithfully until their dying breath. human life. The cell lines in some vaccines were begun less effective or inaccessible. And when death has claimed their bodies, and they place back into using cells taken from one or more fetuses aborted Parents should check with their Your hands the account of their faithful stewardship, about 55 years ago. Since that time, the cell lines have physician regarding the efficacy and May they enjoy in You, Lord Jesus, their divine teacher on earth, grown independently. It is important to note that the availability of these and any other the everlasting reward of the crown of justice in the splendor descendent cells are not the cells of the aborted child. vaccines. of the Saints. They never, themselves, formed a part of the victim's If no alternative vaccine exists, Amen body. one is morally free to use the vac- The cells in these lines have gone through multiple cine regardless of its historical association with abor- Catholic Bioethics Center at divisions before they are used in vaccine manufacture. tion. The reason is that the risk to public health, if one https://www.ncbcenter.org/resources/frequently-asked- After manufacture, the vaccines are removed from the chooses not to vaccinate, outweighs the legitimate con- questions/use-vaccines/. cell lines and purified. The vaccines do not contain any cern about the origins of the vaccine. This is especially A long-term solution is for researchers to keep of the cells from the original abortion. important for parents, who have a moral obligation to working to ensure that future vaccines and other medi- Nevertheless, the fact that a vaccine has its origin in protect the life and health of their children and those cines are not based on cooperation with practices that elective abortion is still an ethical concern for us. In the around them. demean human life. This applies to products and thera- 2008 Instruction Dignitas Personae, the Congregation A very helpful source for further reflection on this for the Doctrine of the Faith taught that “everyone has topic can be found at the website of the National (Please see BISHOP/22) Algunas vacunas son más aceptables que otras Por Obispo Michael Sis Las células de estas líneas han pasado por múlti- Si no existe una vacuna alternativa, uno es Diócesis de San Ángelo ples divisiones antes de que se utilicen en la fabri- moralmente libre de usar la vacuna, independiente- cación de vacunas. Después de la fabricación, las mente de su asociación histórica con el aborto. La La inmunización de enfermedades contagiosas ha vacunas se retiran de las líneas celulares y se purifi- razón es que el riesgo para la salud pública, si se traído muchos beneficios a la sociedad. Nuestra can. Las vacunas no contienen ninguna de las células opta por no vacunar, pesa más que la preocupación Iglesia respalda que es la responsabilidad de los del aborto original. legítima sobre los orígenes de la vacuna. Esto es médicos y los padres de proteger a Sin embargo, el hecho de que una vacuna tiene especialmente importante para los padres que tienen los niños y el público en general de su origen en un aborto electivo sigue siendo una pre- la obligación moral de proteger la vida y la salud de cualquier enfermedad devastadora. ocupación ética para nosotros. En la Instrucción sus hijos y los que les rodean. Al decidir si desea recibir una Dignitas Personae de 2008, la Congregación para la Una fuente muy útil para una reflexión más pro- vacuna, hay varios factores que uno Doctrina de la Fe enseñó que “todo el mundo tiene el funda sobre este tema se puede encontrar en la pági- toma en consideración. Estos sue- deber de dar a conocer su desacuerdo y pedir que su na web del Centro Nacional Católico de Bioética en len incluir la eficacia, los efectos sistema de la salud haga disponible otros tipos de https://www.ncbcenter.org/resources/frequently- secundarios, la disponibilidad de la vacunas.” asked-questions/use-vaccines/. vacuna, el costo, y el bien común. Un comunicado de la Academia Pontificia para la Una solución a largo plazo es que los investi- Hay un factor adicional que Vida en 2005 sostiene que uno puede usar estos pro- gadores sigan trabajando para garantizar que las Obispo Sis nosotros, como personas de fe, ductos, a pesar de su asociación con el aborto dis- futuras vacunas y otros medicamentos no se basen en debemos tener en cuenta - el origen tante, al menos hasta el momento en que las nuevas la cooperación con las prácticas que degradan la vida de la vacuna en particular. vacunas estén disponibles. (Ver “Exención de con- humana. Esto se aplica a los productos y terapias Hay un número de vacunas que se han preparado ciencia de vacunas basadas en el tejido fetal de abor- basadas en aborto o en la destrucción de embriones usando líneas celulares humanas, utilizando tejidos tos” en www.usccb.org) humanos para obtener sus células madre. de victimas de aborto. Por supuesto, el aborto es un A veces productos alternativos, que no están aso- La investigación médica ha hecho algunos delito grave contra la vida humana inocente. Las ciados con estas líneas celulares, están disponibles avances significantes en esta área. Por ejemplo, la líneas celulares en algunas vacunas se comenzaron para la inmunización contra ciertas enfermedades. Si Administración de Alimentos y Fármacos de los usando células tomadas de uno o más fetos abortados es posible hacerlo, uno ha de pedirle a su médico de Estados Unidos ha aprobado recientemente la vacuna hace unos 55 años. Desde ese momento, las líneas de usar una vacuna alternativa, pero no hay obligación Shingrix para la prevención del herpes zóster (cule- células han crecido de forma independiente. Es moral de utilizar productos que sean menos eficaces brilla) y las complicaciones relacionadas. Este nuevo importante señalar que las células descendientes no o inaccesibles. Los padres deben consultar con su desarrollo es particularmente bienvenida desde una son las células del niño abortado. Nunca, ellos mis- médico acerca de la eficacia y la disponibilidad de mos, formaron parte del cuerpo de la víctima. éstos y cualesquiera otras vacunas. (Mira OBISPO/22) Page 4 JUNE 2018 The Angelus Midland workshop aims to build a culture of vocations Vocation Office able to spread the word and educate oth- Diocese of San Angelo ers, and to get others to promote and pray for vocations. Examples, handouts, online MIDLAND — A workshop was links, and testimonies were also provided. offered by the vocations office on May 5, At the end of the workshop, 2018, at St. Stephen’s in Midland. This Gruenewald asked, “How many of you was a follow-up from the priests’ spring would be willing to start a vocation min- conference in February, “Building a istry in your parish?” She received a Culture of Vocations.” At the February resounding 100 percent who would be conference, priests learned how to foster a willing, expressing great interest with culture of vocations from within their own excitement, enthusiasm, and great ideas. parishes. The priests were asked to send For example, they could offer adoration two to five parishioners that would be dedicated to vocations, make prayer interested in learning and starting a voca- cards, offer Masses to vocations, and tions committee at a parish level. interview priests about their vocation sto- The speakers were Rhonda ries. Another important point made was Gruenewald, author of “A Hundredfold,” that not only is this a responsibility of the and Leticia Ramirez. Both are with priests, but that everyone should have a Vocation Ministry in Houston. The work- hand in promoting and educating others shop was offered in English and Spanish about vocations for the future of our dio- and was well attended with 50 guests cese and the Church. from 11 separate parishes in our diocese. For more information on how you can Gruenewald and Ramirez helped become involved in vocation ministry in everyone understand why it is important your parish, speak to your parish priest or and necessary to have a vocations team contact the Vocation Office of the Rhonda Gruenewald of Vocation Ministry speaks to attendees at the “Building a ministry within the parish. They were Diocese of San Angelo at Culture of Vocations” workshop at St. Stephen Parish in Midland, May 5, 2018. given the tools and ideas to be able to cre- [email protected] or 325- (courtesy photo) ate their own vocation ministries, to be 651-7500.

CALENDARS

5 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral 24 ODESSA, Our Lady of San Juan 11:00 a.m. Center, Presbyteral Council meeting at Mission, Mass at 10:00 a.m. 19 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral 2:00 p.m. 28 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center, Priest Personnel Board meeting Bishop’s Calendar 6 MIDLAND, Holy Cross Catholic High Center, Vocation Team meeting at 12:00 at 10:15 a.m. School board meeting at 6:30 p.m. noon 21 SAN ANGELO, Holy Angels, 50th 8 SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 30 SAN ANGELO, United March for Life at Anniversary of Catholic Charismatic Ordination practice at 6:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. Renewal June 2018 9 SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral, 30 COYANOSA, St. Isidore, Mass at 5:00 22-24NEW ORLEANS, LA, National Priesthood Ordination at 10:30 a.m. p.m. Diaconate Conference 1 SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Retreat 9 ELDORADO, Our Lady of Guadalupe, 30 IMPERIAL, Our Lady of Lourdes, Mass 25 SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Retreat Center, Diocesan Priests’ Retreat Confirmation Mass at 6:00 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. Center, Parish Staff Development Day 2 ABILENE, St. Francis, Confirmation 11-15 FLORIDA, Fort Lauderdale, USCCB 28 SANDERSON, St. James, Annual Mass at 4:00 p.m. Spring General Assembly July 2018 Parish Festival, then Confirmation and 3 COLORADO CITY, St. Ann, 22 BIG SPRING, Howard College, Dorothy Installation Mass at 5:00 p.m. Confirmation Mass at 10:30 a.m. Garrett Coliseum, Ordination practice at 1 MIDKIFF, St. Thomas, Feast Day of St. 29 FORT STOCKTON, Our Lady of 3 BALLINGER, St. Mary Star of the Sea, 6:30 p.m. Thomas Mass at 10:30 a.m. Guadalupe, Installation Mass at 10:00 Eucharistic Procession at 3:00 p.m. 23 BIG SPRING, Howard College, Dorothy 6 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral a.m. 5 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Garrett Coliseum, Permanent Diaconate Center, Liturgical Commission meeting 29 SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Center, joint meeting of Diocesan Ordination at 10:30 a.m. at 10:00 a.m. SEARCH Christian Community Finance Council and Presbyteral 23 SAN ANGELO, St. Margaret, 17 SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Weekend Closing Mass Council at 11:00 a.m. Confirmation Mass at 6:00 p.m. Center, Presbyteral Council meeting at

Necrology of Priests and Deacons Christ the King Retreat Center Please pray for our departed clergy

June 2018 July 2018 June July

1 DOSA Priests’ Retreat 1 Small Town Teen ACTS Retreat 7 Rev. Ray Corr, OP (2005) 2 Deacon Floyd Frankson (1992) 4-8 Lubbock Priests’ Retreat 2 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 8 Rev. Felix Cubelo (2007) 2 Rev. Bernard Degan, CM (2001) 8-10 Deacon Formation 5-8 Girls’ Chrysalis 13 Rev. David Espitia (2003) 4 Rev. Msgr. Charles Dvorak (1963) 11 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 9 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 17 Rev. Barry McLean (2012) 5 Rev. Ray Wilhelm, OMI (2006) 18 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 14 Deacon Inquiry 18 Rev. John Lucassen (1993) 10 Rev. Emil J. Gerlich (1969) 21 Staff Mass & Lunch 16 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 20 Deacon William Smith (2003) 19 Rev. Msgr. Andrew Marthaler 22-24Episcopal Church Women’s Retreat 18 Staff Mass 22 Rev. Msgr. Alvin Wilde (1996) (1984) 25 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 19-22Boys’ Chrysalis 28 Most Rev. Stephen Leven (1983) 22 Most Rev. Thomas J. Drury (1992) 27-July1 Small Town Teen ACTS Retreat 23 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group 25 Deacon Abel Campos (2002) 25 Parish Staff Development Day 26 Deacon José Rosales (2000) 26-29Women’s Walk to Emmaus 30 Heart of Mercy Prayer Group The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 5 Catholic Schools ACS celebrates end of school year By Becky Trojcak Principal, Angelo Catholic School

Angelo Catholic School has been winding up to wind down the school year. ACS held their Multicultural Fair on May 10, 2018. There were many countries represented, including India, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines, China, Scotland, USA, Italy, and a few more. The students and their parents prepared food from each country, and the teachers and students made a booth for each country with information about the country. The students held a parade and dressed in the countries’ native costumes. Each class performed a song, dance, or musical to represent the country. After all performances everyone was invited to taste food from these countries and enjoy fellowship. It was a wonderful evening for the families. Kindergarten graduates at Angelo Catholic School, May 24. (courtesy photo) ACS awarded the Accelerated Readers with a hot dog dinner in the park. The students played with water guns, bubbles and various games. They had a great time. End of the year field day took place on May 22. Students in each grade level enjoyed water slides, playing tug-of-war, an obstacle course and various other games throughout the day. Graduations were held at the final school Mass on Thursday, May 24 — the last day of classes for students. The eighth grade and kinder graduations were well attended and then parties with pizza from Home and School Association were enjoyed. Getting ready for summer with a fun time at the end of the school year is a nice way to end the year. This summer on June 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the Holy Angelo Parish Hall, Angelo Catholic School will have a dinner and motivational speaker — Jason Douglas. He has been on CBS, Fox New and many other shows. Tables are $600.00 and $800.00, or individual tickets are $35.00. Come support Angelo Catholic School and enjoy a great entertaining evening. Call the school office for more information: 325-949-1747. May God bless all the students, families and staff of ACS with a safe and happy summer! Pre-K promotion at St. Mary Central Catholic School in Odessa, May 8. (photo by Alan Torre, APTorre photography)

The eighth grade class of 2018 at St. Mary Central Catholic School in Odessa, May 17. (photo by Alan Torre, APTorre Photography) Page 6 JUNE 2018 The AngelusThe Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 7

Tom Collier Andrew Davis Tommy Flores Jose Guadalupe Gallegos Edward Gonzalez Joel Gutierrez Jesse H. Martinez Sr.

Wife: Pat Wife: Judith (Judy) Wife: Jessica Wife: Leticia (Letty) Wife: Maria Wife: Rosalinda (Rosy) Wife: Jo Ann Parish: St. Ann, Midland Parish: Holy Redeemer, Odessa Parish: St. Joseph, Stanton Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, Andrews Parish: Holy Redeemer, Odessa Parish: St. Lawrence, Garden City Parish: St. Joseph, San Angelo Children: 4 Children: 1 Children: 3 Children: 2 Children: 4 Children: 5 Children: 9 Grandchildren: 3 Occupation: Retired/Teacher Occupation: Lease Operator Occupation: Sales Grandchildren: 4 Grandchildren: 1 Grandchildren: 24 Occupation: Petroleum Engineer Current Ministries: Hospital Ministry, Current Ministries: Confirmation, Current Ministries: Lector, Holy Occupation: Retired/Teacher/Counselor Occupation: Farm Labor Occupation: Retired Justice of the Current Ministries: Hospital Ministry, Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Communion Hospital Ministry, Prison Ministry Communion, Knights of Columbus, Current Ministries: Hospital, Baptism Current Ministries: Baptism Class, Peace/School Administrator Men’s Spirituality Group, Amazing Parish Hobbies: Walking, Golf Hobbies: Hunting, Golf, a great cigar Confirmation Teacher, Homebound class, Nursing Home homebound, acolyte, prayer meeting. Current Ministries: Prison Ministry, Team, St. Vincent de Paul Hobbies: watch movies, ride bicycle Hobbies: Bike riding, walking, reading Hobbies: Soccer Family Life, Angel Tree Hobbies: Traveling and Pilgrimage, I began this journey five years ago. Two dea- Growing up as a kid I have always had a Hobbies: Motorcycling, Golfing, Sports Hiking cons at my parish were instrumental in yearning to be involved at Church. I was I was born in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, By the grace of God and in his great At 34 years of age I arrived at St. Enthusiast encouraging me to enter the program. The an altar boy, served on summer mission- Mexico. I have been married for 28 years mystery, God has called me, his unwor- Lawrence Parish with Father Tom Barley. About ten years ago I felt called to the dia- Holy Spirit has accompanied me in this jour- ary teams and was always active in the to Letty and we are proud parents to thy servant, to be a deacon. I am grate- I felt the calling to the diaconate during At first, I was resistant and reluctant to the diaconate. I prayed about it on my own for a ney and has opened my mind to the marvelous youth group. When I was 29 I prayed for Dafne and Abhner. God has a funny way ful for the wonderful example given to several times in my life. However, my ulti- conate call. I was simply not interested. Nevertheless, God was always near. My call year. When I discussed this with my wife, riches of the Catholic faith. Once a month the intercession from San Lorenzo to help dis- of calling each one of us. My experience me by my parents, Deacon Tony and mate calling came through Deacon Julio Pat, she revealed that during that same year, professors from the Oblate School of Theology cern where my life was headed. Three began seven years ago. I was not involved Carrasco. Thanks to my wonderful wife came at a most trying moment of my life: the unraveled a little bit more about the treasures Ruth Gonzalez. Also, to the death of my father. My three deacon cousins led she too was getting the sense that I was months later I met my wife Jessica. After in Church ministry and was ignorant of Redemptorists who served at Holy and family I was able to say yes and the funeral service. I felt soothed by their pres- being called. As a couple, we prayed and of the faith, traditions and its history. I have straying from the Church, my wife pushed my faith. God made it clear that when he understand my calling to the diaconate. I enjoyed the process and have met like-minded Redeemer in Odessa, and so many oth- ence and comforting manner as they ministered discerned together over the next several me into getting involved again. The more calls we answer. Going through the pro- ers, especially those I worship with at have grown to understand how to serve to me and my family. I wanted to bring this years and throughout the five years of for- men who have answered the call to serve. involved I became the more I fell in Love gram has taught me how to grow in love God by meeting the needs of his people. In Three years ago, I became involved in a min- the 8:00 a.m. daily Mass at Holy comfort and compassion to others. God’s grace mation that this was indeed where God was with Jesus Christ. I knew then that there with Christ and our faith. This program addition, through this calling I have istry outside the parish walls: the hospital Redeemer. transformed my brokenness into a journey of was more to life and more that God want- learned to depend on the will of God. calling us. As we take this next step in our ministry. Together with our team our mission has enriched my marriage and communi- love and the journey into diaconate formation. lives together, as deacon and deacon’s wife, was to “Be Jesus to someone.” Under the ed for my life. It has been a long journey ty. It has taught me to become obedient, I am thankful to all those communities I look forward to my ordination in what may be I am sure that Jesus Christ who is the source guidance of the Holy Spirit I hope to serve but one that I would not change. I contin- humble, and disciplined. In addition, I that have supported me in so many ways, one of the most joyful experiences of my life. of all ministry will bless both Pat and I others as the “Icon of Christ.” ue to pray for God’s guidance and trust he have become more merciful, accepting, to whom I ask to keep praying for me My response to God is no longer, “Why me abundantly as we follow his will for us. will lead me where he needs me. and love others as they are. always. Lord?” But rather, “Here I am Lord!”

David Mendez Orlando Mendoza Alan Pelzel John Rangel Floyd Schwartz Ronald Stegenga Jose L. Villagrana Bobby Wright

Wife: Elida (Ellie) Wife: Rosa Wife: Mary Lee Wife: Yvonne (Bonnie) Wife: Martha Wife: Wendy Wife: Gaby Wife: Candelaria (Candel) Parish: Holy Spirit, Sweetwater Parish: Holy Redeemer, Odessa Parish: St. Joseph, Rowena Parish: St. Joseph, San Angelo Parish: St. Lawrence, Garden City Parish: Sts. Joachim & Ann, Clyde Parish: Holy Trinity, Big Spring Parish: St. Mary, Odessa Children: 2 Children: 3 Children: 4 Children: 13 Children: 3 Children: 4 Children: 2 Children: 4 Occupation: Steel Operator Grandchildren: 7 Grandchildren: 7 Grandchildren: 4 Grandchildren: 5 Grandchildren: 1 Occupation: Compliance Trainer Grandchildren: 7 Current Ministries: RCIA, Choir, Small Occupation: District Manager Occupation: Branch Manager Occupation: City of San Angelo Occupation: Farmer Occupation: Logistics Supervisor Current Ministries: Knights of Occupation: Respiratory therapist Family Faith Sharing Current Ministries: Youth Detention, Jesus Current Ministries: RCIA, Youth Ministry Maintenance Supervisor Current Ministries: Nursing home, visiting Current Ministries: Prison, Jail, SCAP Columbus, Homebound, Baptism Class Current Ministries: Youth Jail, Adult Hobbies: Bicycle riding, listening to music House, Baptism Class Hobbies: Spending time with family and Current Ministries: Lector, Hospital, the sick Services, Blessing Team, Engaged Couples Hobbies: Reading, music, movies Prison, Youth Group Hobbies: Grandkids, sports, yard work friends Marriage Preparation, Natural Family Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, traveling Hobbies: Reading Hobbies: Walking, hiking, weightlifting Deacon Bill Butler and my former priest, Planning Originally from El Paso, we moved due Father Charles Okonkwo, mentioned joining The 2006 Diaconate class was starting and I While growing up in Olfen in the St. Boniface Hobbies: Rough and fine carpentry, My journey was a little bit similar to that of I have been a Catholic all my life. I received to job opportunities. We got involved My calling to the diaconate comes from the Deacon formation class, but I respectfully made a phone call to Deacon Tim. We spoke Parish, I was exposed early on to many men wood/mesquite craftwork Jonah. I felt the call but needed reassurance. the Sacraments of Baptism, First with Cursillos. In one of the Cursillos a life-long desire to help and serve declined. They encouraged me to give it a and then he asked me why I wanted to and women who had devoted their life to serv- I remember feeling a little intimidated at the Communion, Confirmation, and Marriage in where I was helping, I met a deacon God’s people. I feel the call from work- chance and I could leave if I chose. To make become a deacon. He didn’t like my answer. ing our gracious God. They planted the seed of For me, the Order of Deacon is about conver- first “Come and See” meeting with 46 inquir- Albert Lea, Minnesota. My encounters with who asked me if I had ever thought ing to heal the sick in my hospital work a long story short, I agreed, and my life has He gave me some great advice though — go service at a very young age. There were many sion. A priest said, “turn from and turn to.” ers. As numbers dropped, I still felt the call to God have lead me into ministries of food about being a deacon. At that time there and helping bring spiritual and emo- other priests, nuns, deacons, and lay people never been the same. I never thought, in my pray and discern if this is what God is calling The journey to conversion is a change in heart, keep coming back. I know that the prayers shelf, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters was no information about when a formational healing to people through wildest imagination, I would grow spiritually you to do. For the next six years, I prayed. In that influenced my decision to choose this jour- mind, body and soul. It began when I entered and support of the parishioners of St. ney. Three of the most influential include my before I moved to Texas seven years ago. I tion class might start. The deacon told Cursillo along with Catholic Charities to where I am today. Formation was very weekly adoration I prayed if this indeed was formation by having the desire to become a Lawrence, St. Thomas, and St. Paschal led have never seen myself as a deacon, but me to pray and if it was God’s will then and prison ministry. I wish to share the challenging, and I did not complete this jour- my calling. One Sunday, Father Michael wife, whose continued prayers and support deacon. I knew God was calling me. I was me to and through this journey. My best and made the journey so much easier, my sister, through prayer, conversion, conviction and it would happen. God responded time joy, healing, and love that God has ney alone. The encouragement and prayers wanted to talk to me after church. He shared ready to go where he sent me. He sent me to most important supporter is my wife, Martha. formation, I see the importance of being after time by means of friends and fami- given me through service to his people. from my priest, Father Nilo Nalugon, Deacon Sister Carolyn, who always was an example of learn who I was, so I could learn who he is. I I could not and would not be here without that he submitted my name to attend the next strengthened by sacramental grace through ly being his hands, eyes, and heart. In Butler, Sister Tita Iglesias, Msgr. Bob Bush, God’s love in her everyday life, and last, had to learn to “turn from and turn to.” I had her. Prayer helped me overcome the faith test- diaconate class starting June 2013 and asked Deacon Leroy Beach. This man not only lived the Sacrament of Holy Orders. I feel very these five years we have seen his merci- family, friends and the parish community if I was okay with that. I answered yes. My to turn from the person I thought I was and ing obstacles and doubts. It has been a bless- helped me to complete formation. I cannot and practiced his Catholic faith but shared it turn to the person God was calling me to be. ing and a true learning experience. I look for- blessed that God would grant me, yet, anoth- ful love making all circumstances possi- prayers were answered. Father didn’t know of with his community. These and others encour- er sacrament. I hope and pray that I can ble. With God’s grace all is possible. thank my wife, Ellie, enough for her support. my desire to become a deacon and his action Thank you to everyone who cared for our chil- ward to serving as a deacon and hopefully I’m now ready to serve God and his people. aged my journey to ordination and made this dren. You taught me sacrifice and service. give back of what has been given to me. completely conform to God’s will in serving was confirmed from God. time so much easier. his people in the capacity of a deacon. Page 8 JUNE 2018 The Angelus Speaking of Saints Saintly Hungarian king still honored nearly 1000 years later By Mary Lou Gibson

Being born into a royal family does not always bring happiness and success. The reign of King Ladislaus of Hungary (1077-1095) is an example of years that were good and other years marked by war and violence. King Ladislaus (also known as Lazlo) lived through years of political intrigue, battles against invaders, and expansion of territory. He also continued the work of St. Stephen who, a century earlier, had introduced Christianity into Hungary. Ladislaus was born in 1040 at Neustra. He was the second son of King Béla I of Hungary. He and his younger brother, Géza, grew up in the court of Poland where his parents had taken refuge. When Ladislaus’ uncle, Andrew, became Gibson King of Hungary, he recalled his brother, On Saturday, April 28, 2018, members of the Catholic Pro-Life Committee of the Abilene Deanery, West Texans Béla, to the country and designated him his for Life, and other Abilene area Pro-Life Supporters gathered in front of the Federal Building (U.S. Post Office) in downtown Abilene for a peaceful protest in support of the National Day of Protest Against Planned Parenthood, successor because Andrew had no heir. But then things got joining thousands of other Pro-Life supporters who were protesting in front of Planned Parenthood facilities that complicated. As Omer Englebert writes in Lives of the Saints, same day across the United States. (courtesy photo) Andrew had a son, Solomon, and all the plans for succession were upset. There were intrigues, many troubles, some foreign Fr. Knick and Sandie Knickerbocker interference, and much bloodshed. Finally, in 1063 Ladislaus and his brother, Géza, acknowl- edged their cousin, Solomon, as lawful king in exchange for Rest and recreation receiving their father’s former duchy — one third of the kingdom. For the next 20 years, the throne of Hungary passed suc- By Fr. Knick and Sandie Knickerbocker Sabbath was the seventh day of the week, as cessively to Andrew, his brother, Béla, then to Solomon, noted above. In the New Testament the meaning Andrew’s son, then to Géza, Ladislaus’ brother, and finally in When is there time? My life is non-stop work of the Sabbath was transferred to Sunday, 1077 to Ladislaus. and obligations — job, home, parish, kids, grand- Resurrection Day, the day celebrating Christ's vic- Sometime during all these years, Ladislaus married tory over sin and death and instituting the New kids, older family members. I'm exhausted at Adelaide, the daughter of the King of Bavaria. John Delaney night, fall into bed, sleep as much as I can, and Creation. It is important that our Sunday "rest" Dictionary of Saints then I hear the alarm to start include worshipping the Lord at Mass and spend- writes in the that he encouraged Christian another non-stop day. Rest ing time with family, as well as re-creational missionaries and built many churches. He also allowed reli- and recreation? You've got to relaxation and enjoyment. If your job requires you gious freedom to Jews and Mohammedans, and, according to be kidding! to work on Sunday, plan another day for worship- Delaney, was venerated for his zeal, piety and moral life. A work ethic is good and ping the Lord and having down time. Jesus tells King Ladislaus defended his country against the invading is sorely needed in our socie- us, "the sabbath was made for man, not man for Tartars and subjugated the Serbs and Bulgars. He was known ty. We can thank our diligent, the sabbath" (Mk 2:27). to show extraordinary bravery on the battlefield. Dom Basil hard-working parents, grand- An understanding of rest and recreation Watkins, OSB, writes in The Book of Saints that Ladislaus parents, and those who came begins with an understanding of who God is and annexed Dalmatia and Croatia from the Byzantine Empire and before them for inculcating who we are in relation to him. God the Creator helped establish borders that his country had until the First this ethic in us — sometimes ordered all things so there is a rhythm to life, as World War. Delaney describes King Ladislaus as one of the Fr. Knick and Sandie against our will! Growing up we see in the Creation story and the Fourth great national heroes of Hungary who made it a great state Knickerbocker you may have heard the Commandment. He created us to have down time extending its borders and defending it against invasion. adages "if you don't work, to rest our body, soul, and spirit. The fact that our you don't eat" and "idleness is the work of the body wants to take a "siesta" after lunch, even King Ladislaus used his power for the good of his people and what he judged to be the will of God. John Shea writes in devil." God instituted work in his creation. Honest when we can't, is evidence of this rhythm. We Lives of the Saints work and fulfilling our obligations are necessary observe the cycle of rest and activity in animals that his life in the palace was most austere and good, but many of us live in a state of frustra- and young children. By resting in him, we and he took no time for vanity, pleasure, or idle amusements. tion, stress, and exhaustion. How can we have acknowledge that he is Lord of our lives and all Shea writes that King Ladislaus was generous and merciful to balance in our lives? creation. All is not dependent on us. When we his enemies as he watched over a strict and impartial adminis- God "rested on the seventh day from all his internalize who God is and who we are in him, tration of justice. work which he had done. So God blessed the sev- then we can allow ourselves to rest — which can King Ladislaus was so much admired in the West that the enth day and hallowed it" (Gn 2:2-3, RSVCE). be re-creational. English, French, and Spanish begged him to lead armies of the God spoke the Fourth Commandment: Recreation can be rest, but, also, it can be First Crusade. But before he could do so, he died at Nitra, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy … activity. Psalm 104 extols the wisdom and glory Bohemia, on June 30, 1095. He was buried in the cathedral of the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your of God's creation, which includes the sea and the Grosswardein. Legends depict him as a pious knight-king and God" (Ex 20:8, 10). Clearly, God intends for us to creatures that he "made to play there" (26, he still lives in the sagas and poems of his people. take time to rest. NKJV). The Old and New Testaments are full of Ladislaus was canonized in 1192 by Pope Celestine III. His Some of our Jewish and Protestant brothers examples of God's people leaving their work and sisters follow very stringent rules regarding cycle to celebrate feast days and weddings — to feast day is June 27. A blue-flowered plant called the Star Gentian (Gentiana what can and cannot be done on the Sabbath. party! Jesus' first recorded miracle was at a wed- cruciata Many Catholics totally ignore the Lord's example ding feast so there would be enough wine. All of ) is traditionally known as “St. Ladislaus’s Herb” in and command for the Sabbath. For much of our God's creatures participate in his rhythm of life, Hungary. secular society, it is simply a non-issue. How are this built-in desire and need to enjoy life. When we to understand the Sabbath in relation to our Mary Lou Gibson writes about the saints for the West daily lives as Catholics? In the Old Testament the (Please see KNICKERBOCKERS/23) Texas Angelus from her home in Austin. The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 9 Catholic Charitable Foundation offers stewardship opportunities, disburses grants By Steve McKay their ministries for current and future generations. Secretary and Treasurer Henri Nouwen in A Spirituality of The Catholic Charitable Foundation for the Fundraising explains it this way: “Even a seem- Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo ingly small act of generosity can grow into something far beyond what we could ever ask or imag- In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy ine — the creation of a community of love in this we read, “However, be on your guard and be very world, and beyond this world, because wherever careful not to forget the things your own eyes love grows, it is stronger than death. So when we have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as give ourselves to planting and nurturing love here long as you live, but make them known to your on earth, our efforts will reach out beyond on children and to your children’s children.” own chronological existence.” Through designated endowment funds in The In the chart at right, grants awarded by the Catholic Charitable Foundation for the Roman Foundation for 2018 are listed. These grants are Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, many donors the result of acts of generosity from Foundation throughout the diocese are making known to donors. In addition, this year $193,523 was dis- today’s generation and future generations the tributed to parishes, schools and institutions who importance of being a Christian steward. have Management Agreements with the As the USCCB noted in its U.S. Bishops' Foundation for the management of their endow- Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, “As Christian ments. An experienced Investment Committee, stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, culti- advised by a leading investment management vate them responsibly, share them lovingly in jus- consultant, monitors our Foundation investments. tice with others, and return them with increase to Our Foundation investments reflect our Catholic the Lord.” One way many throughout our diocese identity in our investment choices. have returned God’s grateful gifts is through gen- For additional information on how to estab- erous contributions to the Foundation. A gift to lish an endowment or leave a legacy gift to the the Foundation is a gift that serves our Catholic Foundation in your will, please visit our website community forever! These gifts hold great poten- www.catholicfoundationsanangelo.org or contact tial for helping parishes sustain and even grow Steve McKay at [email protected]. Charismatic Renewal at 50 Stay Connected with the By Msgr. Robert Bush meetings each Wednesday. We agreed to come if Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Abilene there was nothing else going on at St. Joseph Diocese of San Angelo parish. (It so happened that there was NEVER I have been asked to give a presentation at anything going on at that time during the sum- Holy Angels Parish in San Angelo regarding the mer!) As we attended, we received explanations beginnings of the Charismatic Renewal in our dio- on the dynamics of the prayer meeting — the cese fifty years ago. It was the summer of 1968. I “speaking in tongues” the “prophecies,” etc., as DOSA Mail had been in the seminary studying for the priest- they were called. They asked us to look for evi- hood for seven years, discerning the priesthood. I dence in the scriptures about these and other had pretty much made up my mind to be a priest, things we noticed were happening in the prayer The official Flocknote of the Diocese of San but had some questions as to whether or not I meeting. We did — and found the evidence! Angelo. Receive texts or emails with important could function adequately as a priest. I was Toward the end of the summer, John Leary news, updates, and messages from the ordained a deacon on Pentecost Sunday in June of had been invited to go to Lubbock to give his tes- 1968 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo. timony as to how he got involved in all of this diocese. I was assigned to work for the summer at St. (which is now called the Charismatic Movement Joseph Church in Odessa where Father Bernard in the Catholic Church). When we got back, it was Two ways to join: Gully was pastor. I was to be there for two past midnight; we decided to spend the night in months. Almost as soon as I arrived there, Father Midland, since the next day we were scheduled to 1) Text DOSA to 84567 Gully invited me to go to a prayer meeting in attend a day of renewal in San Angelo. That night OR Midland — at the home of John and Jan Leary, they proposed that we continue in prayer. I was who lived at the time in a house next to St Ann’s too tired, but Larry decided to stay up. 2) Visit https://app.flocknote.com/dosamail Church. When we arrived that Wednesday The next day, on the way to San Angelo, evening, I saw that people were crowded in the Larry told me that they had prayed over him and living room — sitting in chairs and on the floor. he had spoken in tongues. I was happy for him. They were in the middle of prayer. I don’t remem- He was scheduled to go to Fort Stockton the fol- ber much of the meeting itself, but afterwards, the lowing week to help out with a Vacation Bible Social Media people there were all friendly and inviting. My School. That Monday, the prayer meeting people impression of it all was that it “was nice.” After called and invited me for supper that same we left, I thought that I had done that and was fin- evening; they said that afterwards “we could Diocese of San Angelo on Facebook: ished with it. pray.” I understood what that meant and agreed. https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofSanAngelo A few days later, another seminarian, Larry They prayed for me for an infilling of the Holy Droll, arrived. We were to spend the summer Spirit and I did speak in tongues — just a little. together. Father Gully asked me to take Larry to Because it was late, I spent the night there in Bishop Michael Sis on Twitter: the prayer meeting. We went and again arrived in Midland. @SABishopMike the middle of the meeting. I noticed that people On the way back to Odessa, I felt renewed; were offering spontaneous prayer and giving testi- the surroundings looked fresh and new (even monies of their experience of the week. I remem- though the area had no rain that summer). I knew I bered that some were testifying how their prayers was different. A few days later, I realized that any they had prayed the previous week had been doubts regarding my vocation were put aside. God answered. I also noticed that in addition to them is with me and any problems concerning being a On the Web singing lively songs, most of them in the group at priest were solved — since God is with me! times were praying in some languages I had never heard before — and some were singing in those To be continued at the diocesan Catholic www.sanangelodiocese.org languages as well! Charismatic 50th Jubilee. For more information, After the meeting, we were again welcomed visit www.sanangeloheartofmercy.com/catholic- graciously. They invited us to attend the prayer charismaticjubilee. Page 10 JUNE 2018 The Angelus

Bishop Michael Sis kneels before the new tab- ernacle at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart during a Mass of dedication, May 20. (courtesy photo)

Father Steve Hicks, Msgr. Larry Droll, Bishop Michael Sis, Msgr. Benedict Zientek, Msgr. Fred Nawarskas, Father Hugh Wade, and Deacon Freddy Medina gathered at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in San Angelo for a Mass marking the 60th anniversary of Msgr. Zientek’s ordination to the priesthood, May 27. Hicks, Droll, Zientek, Nawarskas, and Wade have all served as Rector of the Cathedral. (courtesy photo)

Big Spring couple shares their story at 45 years of marriage By Richard and Linda Light but Richard was Catholic and I was Baptist. We knew that Holy Trinity Parish, Big Spring we could not marry and go to different churches. I was devastated, so I signed out of my college dorm and went On Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2018, Bishop Sis home to spend the weekend with my family. When I got offered a Mass and Jubilee Celebration at the Sacred home, my dad immediately knew something was up and Heart Cathedral for those who celebrated the Sacrament asked me what was wrong. I told him Richard and I had of Matrimony for 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and over 50 decided to stop dating because he was Catholic and I was years. Sixty-seven couples attended this beautiful occa- Baptist. Then my father said the words that changed my sion. During the ceremony, we renewed our vow to love life forever. He said, “Linda, the most important thing in and cherish each other. Bishop Sis gave a very insightful life is your relationship to Jesus Christ, not which church homily on agape love which is the total giving of oneself you attend.” I went back to college on Sunday afternoon to another by putting the other’s needs first. Bishop Sis and on Monday called Richard. We continued dating, got said that this is the most important attribute that makes a engaged, and married one and a half years after we met. I successful marriage. took instruction from Father Bridges, who was pastor at We were in attendance and were asked to briefly Sacred Heart in Abilene, and became a Catholic the spring share our love story. before we married. I learned to love Jesus, Mary, and all Richard’s version: I attended McMurry College in the saints, in a whole new way in the Catholic church. On Abilene. McMurry had a mandatory Wednesday chapel August 11, 2018, we will celebrate 46 years of marriage. service. There was a different program each week. On this Richard’s account continues: I had never felt this one occasion, a singing group of college students from spark of emotion before. I knew that God had revealed to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene provided the pro- me my future wife. We indeed did receive the Sacrament gram. As a not very committed student, I was sitting in of Marriage on August 11, 1972. We lived on $295 a the back of the balcony studying for a test. At the end of month for two years until we finished our college degrees. the program each singer stepped forward and introduced We would most often go hungry at the end of most themselves. When my now-wife Linda introduced herself months until out next pay check. Our intense agape love as Linda Ritter from Anson, Texas, I spontaneously and hope for a better future brought us through these diffi- elbowed my buddy and said, “I am going to marry that cult times and gave us strength and courage that we could girl.” He laughed aloud and said, “Sure you are, she is do anything together. famous and on stage and you are back here studying for a During this time of financial drought, Linda and I test!” I was not sure about the gift of prophesy at that time agreed to tithe 10% of our meager income. We were fol- in my spiritual walk, but by declaring this, I prophesied a lowing the example of Abraham (Gn 14:18-20) and the Bishop Michael Sis blesses the rings of couples celebrating future which came to be. instruction given to Moses (Lv 27: 30 – 34) in the Bible. jubilee marriages at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Two weeks later I saw her at a party and introduced Their stories of survival gave us hope that God our loving San Angelo, May 6. (Angelus photo) myself with much fanfare so that she would remember Father would provide for all our needs. We continued our other, our parents’ examples of faith and love, and our me. I called her for a date. She agreed only to a coke date marriage in faith. God has indeed provided for us finan- faith in a loving Father have sustained us over time. One so that if things went badly she could be taken back to her cially. He has given us three wonderful Christian daugh- thing that has helped sustain our marriage is that neither dorm. ters, three amazing sons-in-law who are also Christians, one of us has tried to re-make the other into our image of This is how Linda remembers events: Richard and I and five fantastic grandchildren. We have been blessed to who he/she should be. We have respected each other’s met on what was called a “blind date.” We did not know give of our time, talent, and treasure back to God through gifts and encouraged one another in the development of each other, went to separate colleges, and lived in differ- the Catholic Church. Linda has led a choir for 35 years. I those gifts. ent towns. The afternoon I met Richard, God spoke to me have served as a catechist and in administration during I often reflect back on that day in the chapel service at and said, “He will be very important to you.” After only a these years. We took a vow at our wedding to cherish McMurry College where I said to my buddy, “I am going few dates, it was apparent the we were falling in love with each other in good times and bad, in sickness and in to marry that girl,” and how over time this has unfolded each other. At that point we decided to quit dating. We health, until death do us part. Life has thrown us a few into a wonderful life together. She is the love of my life were both strong Christians from church-going families, curve balls in these 46 years, but our agape love for each and the best is still to come. The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 11 Bishop announces new clergy assignments for July SAN ANGELO — Bishop Michael J. administrator at St. Theresa of the Child Angelo • Rev. Freddy Perez, parochial vicar at Sis has announced the following clergy Jesus Parish in Junction and Sacred Heart • Rev. Msgr. Bernard Gully, reduced St. Stephen Parish in Midland assignments within the Diocese of San Parish in Menard active ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in • Rev. Ryan Rojo, parochial vicar at St. Angelo, effective July 2, 2018: • Rev. Bala Anthony Govindu, Abilene and Sts. Joachim and Ann Mission Ann Parish in Midland • Rev. Serafin Avenido, pastor at Holy parochial administrator at St. Joseph Parish in Clyde The Diocese of San Angelo is also Trinity Parish in Big Spring in San Angelo • Rev. Timothy Hayter, parochial vicar pleased to announce that Rev. Anthony • Rev. Lorenzo Hatch, pastor at Our • Rev. Adam Droll, parochial vicar at at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Odessa Sloan will return to his ministry as chaplain Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Fort Stockton St. Stephen Parish in Midland • Rev. Mamachan Joseph, CMI, of Our Lady of Grace Carmelite Monastery and St. James Parish in Sanderson • Rev. Tony Franco, parochial vicar at parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish in in Christoval, effective June 1. • Rev. Emilio Sosa, pastor at St. St. Joseph Parish, St. Anthony Parish, and Abilene Please pray for these priests as they Vincent Pallotti Parish in Abilene and Our St. Martin de Porres Mission in Odessa • Rev. Reggie Odima, parochial vicar prepare for their new ministry assignments, Mother of Mercy Mission in Merkel • Rev. Josh Gray, parochial vicar at the at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in and for all clergy of the Diocese of San • Rev. Innocent Eziefule, parochial Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in San Midland Angelo. DIOCESAN BRIEFS 2018 San Angelo Catholic Women’s Conference Save the Date — Friday, September 28 to Saturday, September 29, 2018 The 3rd annual Catholic Women’s Conference will be held in San Angelo at the McNease Convention Center on September 28 and 29, 2018. Featured speakers for this year are Heather Renshaw, Marge Fenelon, and Julie Alexander. Please SAVE THE DATE! More information coming soon! For more information, contact the Heart of JMJ (Jesus Mary Joseph) Foundation at www.heartjmj.org. To Report Sexual Abuse The Catholic Diocese of San Angelo is firmly committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for our children and vulnerable adults. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by anyone who serves the Church, and you need a place to talk with someone about your feelings of betrayal or hurt by the Church, we are here to help you. To report incidents, call Lori Hines, Victim Assistance Coordinator, 325- 374-7609 (cell), or write Diocese of San Angelo, Victim Assistance Ministry, PO Box 1829, San Angelo, TX 76902. If the incident occurred outside this diocese, our Victim Assistance Coordinator will assist in bringing your concern to the attention of the appropriate diocese. Please keep in mind that one always has the right to report abuse to civil authorities, and civil law requires that any abuse of a minor must be reported. Para Reportar Abuso Sexual La Diócesis Católica de San Ángelo está firmemente comprometida a crear y manten- er el ambiente más seguro posible para nuestros niños y adultos vulnerables. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido víctima de abuso sexual por cualquier persona que sirve a la Iglesia, y necesita un lugar para hablar con alguien sobre sus sentimientos de traición o herido por la Iglesia, estamos aquí para ayudarle. Para reportar incidentes, llame a Lori Hines, Coordinadora de Asistencia a Víctimas, 325-374-7609 (celular), o escriba a la Diócesis de San Ángelo, Ministerio de Asistencia a Víctimas, PO Box 1829, San Ángelo, TX 76902. Si el incidente ocurrió fuera de esta diócesis, nuestra Coordinadora de Asistencia a Victimas le ayudará a traer su preocupación a la atención de la diócesis correspondiente. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que uno siempre tiene el dere- cho de reportar el abuso a las autoridades civiles, y la ley civil requiere que cualquier abuso de un menor de edad debe ser reportado.

Renowned organist to perform dedication concert in Odessa ODESSA — Since entering the Three years later, Mr. Olivera’s out- Buenos Aires Conservatory as a child standing professional concert career prodigy at age six, Maestro Hector was launched when he won the Olivera has become one of the most AGO’s National Improvisation sought after and revered international Contest. concert organists of the present time. Mr. Olivera has performed solo The Times Reporter describes an concerts throughout the USA, Europe, evening with Mr. Olivera as “An Asia, Australia, Central and Latin event, a happening, a joyful celebra- America and as guest soloist with tion of the sheer power and pressure prominent symphony orchestras that a true virtuoso like Hector worldwide. Olivera can unleash in a concert hall.” Whether in a prestigious venue Born in Buenos Aires, Mr. Olivera like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, began playing the pipe organ when he Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, was three. At age five he played for Constitution Hall, Walt Disney the legendary Eva Perón; at twelve he Concert Hall in Los Angeles, or in entered the University of Buenos conjunction with a celebrated event Aires and by eighteen had performed like the Olympic games or the for heads of state and celebrities Classical Newport Music Festival, the throughout Latin America. When most sophisticated and demanding offered a scholarship at the renowned organ aficionados claim that Maestro Juilliard School of Music in New Hector Olivera is ‘one of the greatest York, he moved to the United States. organists in the world today.’ Page 12 JUNE 2018 The West Texas Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 13 The Lady in Blue Celebration 2018

joyful, historic occasion, and thank all of you Sor María presents an example of for being part of this happy celebration as we dedicate and bless this beautiful artistic statue holiness and prayer for West Texas project honoring the Lady in Blue. I am espe- Editor’s note: Below is the first part of the text El que se vence, vence — “whoever con- cially pleased to have with us members of the from Bishop Emeritus Michael Pfeifer’s talk on the quers one’s self, truly conquers.” In a spiritual Jumano Nation. Lady in Blue from the Marian Conference, present- sense, this means the one who gives up oneself I congratulate and thank the Lady in Blue ed on May 19, 2018. Part two will appear in next Committee for the abundant generous time, month’s Angelus. for Christ truly finds oneself. This was the basic motto, lema, of Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda, many great efforts and loving dedication to one of the most renowned women in Spanish make this monument, the statue project of the history, whom we call the Lady in Blue. In this Lady in Blue, a reality and we are all extremely reflection, I will touch on three major issues or grateful to our very talented and gifted artist dimensions of the life of Sor María de Jesús de who has designed this masterful piece of art Ágreda, the name she received in religious life and we express our gratitude to a most gener- as a Conceptionist nun of St. Clare under the ous anonymous benefactor who gave the finan- umbrella of the Franciscans. She was born with cial means for making this project a reality. the name María Fernandez Coronel on April 2, This monument, this statue project, is unique. 1602. First, how she answered the basic bap- Nowhere in the world is there a monument, or tismal call to holiness and how she did this in a statue, as impressive and elegant and big, as marvelous manner by totally surrendering her- this one here in San Angelo honoring Sor María self to God and letting God’s love and grace de Jesús de Ágreda, the Lady in Blue. I have constantly form her in the mold and image of been to Ágreda, Spain, and there is no remem- Mary, the mother of Jesus, to whom she had a brance there as marvelous as what we have in deep loving devotion throughout her life. I hope San Angelo. Congratulations and gratitude to all. Let us have the committee members stand Sculptor Vic Payne, center, speaks during the unveiling ceremony of the two statues, May 20. In this to point out how her inspiring and holy life and statue, a Jumano brave is depicted with a turkey slung over his shoulder after a hunt. The statue is example have great meaning for us today. For and then our talented artist. This inspiring artis- positioned facing the confluence of the North and South Concho Rivers, the location where some official canonization this is the most important Chief Carrasco, right, of the Jumano Nation performs a traditional smudging ceremony at the site of the tic presentation will remind us for ages to come believe the Jumanos who were visited by the Lady in Blue were baptized by Franciscan missionaries. future Historic Beginnings of San Angelo park before the unveiling of the new statues, May 20. of how God’s goodness and kindness of the (Angelus photo) issue of all. Secondly, I will touch on the ortho- (Angelus photo) doxy and faithfulness to sacred Scripture and to message of eternal salvation in Christ was then the kind humble loving people, the in most need. This will make this beautiful the Church’s teaching in her many writings. ministry who was the Divine Potter, and how erable of the Church as she lived a life of hero- brought to the first American people through a Jumanos, and others, the first Americans, to monument today a living expression of God’s This is the second main point that is considered she should surrender herself as soft and loving ic virtue. Since her death, her body is still beautiful humble nun, the Lady in Blue, and of whom she was sent and transported by God to love for all and foster a spirit of loving, of for- for canonization. Filled with many divine gifts, clay to be formed and molded, according to her incorrupt for more than 350 years. I am sure the dedicated service of the first Franciscan give them the wonderful news of Christ and his giveness, care and service for one another. lema missionaries. However, not to take anything Tilly Chandler of the Lady in Blue Committee especially wisdom, she was a prolific writer. motto or , into the image God wanted for Sor María is a saint in heaven. The official Gospel. Sor María, the Lady in Blue, would stands with Bishop Emeritus Michael Pfeifer after Third, I will say some words on her apparitions her. She was truly God’s special work of art. Church is catching up with what God has from this marvelous work, I personally would certainly want us to show our gratitude and (Please see LADY IN BLUE/22) introducing him for his presentation at the Marian and how she was used by God in a most unique Her motto was totally in accord with the basic already done. have liked this marvelous artistic work to be appreciation to God’s special Conference, May 19. (Angelus photo) and marvelous manner to bring Christ and the Gospel call of Jesus of how we truly find our- Before continuing with the spiritual life of even more expressive of the complete meaning servants, the Franciscans. Gospel to the first American native people, the selves: “for whoever wishes to save his life will Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda, let me say it is a and message and method of the Lady in Blue of Then this brings us back lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake joy to be here with you for this unique historic how God designed to bring Christianity to this The American Southwest owes much of its Jumanos, in the land of what we know today as to her humble baptismal call the southwest of the USA thousands of miles will find it” (Mt 16:24-27). The venerable Sor celebration to dedicate this beautiful artistic area of Texas and beyond by including more to holiness. In this context, I Spanish exploration and settlement to a woman. María de Jesús de Ágreda, the Lady in Blue, is work in honor of the Lady in Blue, and to rec- specifically the dedicated, tireless and zealous Texas owes much of the Spanish mission effort from her homeland in Ágreda, Spain. There is believe, Sor María would also nothing in the history of first evangelization in a beautiful example of how to lose, give up our ognize, remember and celebrate the beginnings holy Franciscan missionaries. be amazed, perhaps somewhat to her. That woman, in her entire life, never left lives, conquer ourselves, surrender as pliable of Christianity along with a new civilization What would the Lady in Blue say about this Spain. At least, she never left it physically. We the entire territory of what we now call the shocked, that being a poor lit- USA that compares with how this evangeliza- clay to the hands of the divine potter, for Christ here in West Texas and beyond. Sor María, in monument? In accord with her deep spiritual tle nun with a vow of poverty know her here in West Texas as the wonderful and his kingdom and become the image and God’s miraculous plan, was chosen to be God’s life of being simple clay in the hands of the Lady in Blue. I am happy to share some reflection happened here in the southwest. and living a poor life, she is As regards her spiritual life, her baptismal person God wants each one of us to be. This is messenger and missionary to open the doors for Divine Potter, she would be grateful. She portrayed in such a marvelous tions of the life and mission of this unique, the true spiritual path to holiness which was the the Gospel of Christ here in West Texas, in San would, though, clearly and humbly remind us saintly woman. She was a mystic, a chosen call to holiness Sor María knew well from her way in this monument. She early age and all during her religious consecrat- main quality and desire of Sor María de Jesús. Angelo and other places in the southwest. I that the one to be truly honored and praised, is would be startled at the splen- missionary and messenger of God, and a As a young girl and as a nun, as a consecrated thank Bishop Sis and the Lady in Blue first and foremost our loving compassionate divinely gifted spiritual writer. ed life to Christ as a sister, a nun, and in her dor and cost of this monument religious, Sor María realized, as Pope Francis Committee for inviting me to be part of this God — Father, Son and the Holy Spirit — and and humbly ask — why me? wrote recently in his inspiring exhortation on As a humble servant of the holiness, that the mission entrusted to each of Lord, she sought no praise or us in the waters of baptism is simple — by glory for herself, but always God’s grace and power, we are called to insisted the true glory must be become saints — to be holy as our God is holy. given to God and to recognize As we reflect today several centuries after the the poor first American people life of Sor María de Ágreda, known as the Lady for whom she was God’s kind in Blue, our main spiritual task is to capture and messenger, and to show appre- imitate the essence of her spiritual life and to ciation to God’s servants the live holy lives, like Sor María, the humble, very Franciscans. She would ask divinely gifted, young Franciscan nun who that we today — the Jumanos gave her life totally to Christ guided by the and all of us — would capture Holy Spirit and in service to others. She did this the original meaning of the by imitating Mary the mother of Jesus to whom message and bring it alive in she had a loving devotion, who said, “be it our personal and community done to me according to your word.” And giv- lives and in our own way, cap- ing herself in service to others — especially to ture her spirit of surrender to the sisters of her community and by sharing her God, the Divine Potter, and gift of divine wisdom in a special way with the his will for us. She would ask king of Spain, with bishops, with other reli- us to have the surrendering gious civic and social leaders, and reaching out spirit of Mary, the mother of to the poor of the Church and society of her day Jesus, to whom she had a in the 17th century. She lived from April 2, great devotion. She would ask 1602, to May 24, 1665, dying, after losing, giv- us to “lose ourselves for ing up her life on Earth for love of God and Christ and his gospel.” neighbor, and then giving her life back to God Especially by loving one The statue of Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda, the Lady in Blue. She is Father Stefano Cecchin, OFM, vice postulator for the Lady in Blue’s cause for canonization, center, vis- depicted handing a cross to a Jumano girl, symbolic of the faith on the Feast of Pentecost. The pope honored A re-enactment of the historical baptism of native Jumano people along the banks of the Concho River, another, by reaching out in its with Victor Mancilla, producer of the forthcoming documentary film The Needle and the Thread her shortly after her death by making her a ven- shared by Sor María and accepted by the Jumano people. (Angelus about Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda, during a break at the Marian Conference, May 19. (Angelus photo) May 20. (Angelus photo) kindness and service to those photo) Page 14 JUNE 2018 The Angelus

Members of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Miles pulled together to sponsor their Bi-Annual Garage and Tamale Sale on May 5. After a week of processing donated Garage Sale treasures and the making of 200 dozen homemade tamales, the group was proud to have raised $2,500 to put toward the debt on the new parish hall. (courtesy photo)

The Marienfeld Lay Carmelite Community of Midland celebrated their 30th anniversary on May 18th , 2018. They were given a Day of Reflection at Our Lady of Grace Carmelite monastery in Christoval by Fr. Terry Sempowski from Darien, Illinois. Pictured are: Fran Havlak, Catarina Garza, Mike Scammel, Faustino Rodriguez, Wanda Anderson, Donna Repman, Rosa Vitela, Kay Donna Machicek, Cora Rodriguez, Joe Acosta, Nancy Acosta, Diane Eggemeyer, Laticia Aguirre and Denise Scammel (Not pictured: Emma Galindo and Priscella Fuentez). For more information about the Lay Carmelites, call 432-535-2316. (courtesy photo)

Graduates’ Mass at Holy Spirit Parish, Sweetwater, May 20. (courtesy photo) The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 15 May our children be saints Que nuestros hijos sean and heroes santos y héroes By Michael Barba become devoted only to physical needs, Por Michael Barba necesidades físicas y deseos, y descuida la Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops we’ll eat, play, and live beside our chil- Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops definición de los actos como “buenos” y dren, but not think or believe together. “malos”. Si solo nos dedicamos a cubrir las My great grandmother used to say: We’ll lose the idea that the highest aspira- Mi bisabuela solía decir: “cualquiera necesidades físicas, comeremos, jugaremos “anyone can have children; not anyone tion we can have for our sons and daugh- puede tener hijos, pero no cualquiera puede y viviremos al lado de nuestros hijos, pero can be a mother or father.” Our abuelita’s ters in this life is for them to be wise—as ser madre o padre”. Esta difícil lección de no pensaremos ni creeremos juntos. difficult lesson makes me wonder what it priests, prophets, and philosophers are nuestra “abuelita” me hace preguntarme Perderemos la idea de que la mayor means to be a good father. wise. We should set our sights higher than qué significa ser un buen padre. aspiración que podemos tener para nuestros The Catechism (2221-2231) provides specialized competence and financial suc- El Catecismo (2221-2231) da una hijos en esta vida es que sean sabios, como an answer by teaching that my wife and I cess. respuesta al enseñar que mi esposa y yo son sabios los sacerdotes, los profetas y los have the first duty to educate our children The second alternative forgets what’s somos los primeros responsables de educar filósofos. Deberíamos tener miras más allá and that we fulfill our duty by filling our really important in a different way: when a nuestros hijos y de cumplir con nuestro de la competencia especializada y el éxito home with tenderness, forgiveness, the morning paper replaces the morning deber llenando nuestro hogar con ternura, financiero. respect, fidelity, and disinterested service. prayer, the busy, cheap, and ephemeral perdón, respeto, fidelidad y servicio desin- La segunda alternativa olvida lo que es We do this to teach our children the replaces our daily devotion to the eternal. teresado. Esto lo hacemos para enseñar a realmente importante de una manera difer- virtues of courage, moderation, justice, The internet’s newsfeed continues this nuestros hijos las virtudes del valor, la mod- ente: cuando el periódico de la mañana prudence, faith, hope, and love. trend in a way that is both limited and eración, la justicia, la prudencia, la fe, la reemplaza la oración matutina, lo ocupado, We begin to fulfill our duty by teach- limiting: limited because it contains little esperanza y el amor. lo barato y lo efímero sustituye nuestra ing infants a language and naming all concern with virtue and eternal happiness; Comenzamos a cumplir con nuestro devoción cotidiana por lo eterno. El sumin- istro de noticias por internet mantiene esta things. In doing this, we give our children limiting because it pulls us away from deber al enseñar a los bebés un idioma y al tendencia de una manera que es tanto limi- an interpretation of the order of heaven concern with that which is most our own: dar nombre a todas las cosas. Al hacer esto les damos a nuestros hijos una inter- tada como limitante: limitada porque con- and earth. We define acts as good or evil our soul, our spouse, and our children. pretación del orden del cielo y de la tierra, tiene poca preocupación por la virtud y la When I’m scrolling through my phone or and provide examples of what is beautiful definimos actos como buenos o malos y felicidad eterna; limitante porque nos aleja or ugly. Above all, we do this through channel surfing, can I fill my home with proporcionamos ejemplos de lo que es bello de la preocupación por lo que es más nue- books and especially through the Book. tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, o feo. Para esto, sobre todo utilizamos stro: nuestra alma, nuestro cónyuge y nue- (“Bible” is the English translation of the and disinterested service? libros y especialmente El Libro (“Biblia” es stros hijos. Cuando estoy navegando con mi Greek word for “book.”) Let us take time to read out loud with la traducción al español de la palabra griega teléfono o recorriendo la lista de canales, Through the Bible and Great Books, our children. While each family is slightly que significa “libro”). ¿puedo llenar mi hogar con ternura, perdón, we learn about right and wrong, good and different, one starting point for young A través de la Biblia y los Grandes respeto, fidelidad y servicio desinteresado? bad, and why they are so. We inherit children is the New Catholic Picture Libros, aprendemos sobre lo correcto y lo Tomemos el tiempo para leer en voz authority and wisdom about heaven and Bible. Next, let us recommit ourselves on incorrecto, lo bueno y lo malo, y por qué lo alta con nuestros hijos. Si bien cada familia about humanity. In this way, our families a daily basis to being tender, forgiving, son. Heredamos la autoridad y la sabiduría es un poco diferente, un punto de partida become sacred unities, founded on the respectful, faithful, and helpful to our sobre el cielo y sobre la humanidad. De esta para los niños pequeños es la Biblia permanence of the lessons we have inher- children. Finally, let us seek out good and manera, nuestras familias se convierten en Ilustrada. Luego volvamos a comprometer- ited, and offering our children a wonder great books which teach our children unidades sagradas, fundadas en la perma- nos diariamente a ser tiernos, indulgentes, in the moral law. right from wrong. Whichever path we nencia de las lecciones que hemos heredado respetuosos, fieles y serviciales con nue- This way of life is opposed to two choose, let us educate our children in the y ofrecen a nuestros hijos una maravilla a stros hijos. Finalmente busquemos libros prominent alternatives which we should hope that they may be saints and heroes. través la ley moral. buenos y grandiosos que les enseñen a dis- avoid. - - - Esta forma de vida se opone a dos tinguir entre el bien y el mal. Cualquiera The first way provides merely for Michael Barba is the Associate alternativas prominentes que debemos evi- que sea el camino que elijamos, eduquemos physical needs and wants, and neglects Director of Public Policy at the Texas tar. a nuestros hijos con la esperanza de que defining acts as “good” and “evil.” If we Catholic Conference of Bishops. La primera forma satisface meramente pueden ser santos y héroes.

People of faith are committed to serving others in God’s love in “[Religious] freedom remains one of America’s most precious healthcare, child welfare, migration and refugee resettlement, possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States Bishops, education, and more. Religious freedom protects the space in have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as which we can continue to serve. Religious Freedom Week good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from every- begins June 22, the Feast of Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher. thing that would threaten or compromise it.” Join Catholics across the country to pray and act for the freedom to serve faithfully and with integrity. Learn more at - Pope Francis www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek! Page 16 JUNE 2018 The Angelus Catholic Voices On friendship By Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI When it is genuine, friendship is nothing we give entry into our soul. And so it isn’t struggle in all cultures. Part of this is sim- less than a participation in the flow of life easy to find a soulmate, to have that kind ply our humanity. The pearl of great price One of the richest experiences of and love that’s inside of God. Scripture of affinity and trust. Nor is it easy to sus- is not easily found nor easily retained. grace that we can have this side of eternity tells us that God is love, but the word it tain a friendship once we have found one. True friendship is an eschatological thing, is the experience of friendship. uses for love in this case is the Greek Sustained friendship takes hard commit- found, though never perfectly, in this life. Dictionaries define friendship as a word agape, a term which might be ren- ment and that’s not our strong point as our Cultural and religious factors always work relationship of mutual affection, a bond dered as “family,” “community,” or “the psyches and our world forever shift and against friendship, as does the omnipres- richer than mere associa- sharing of life.” Hence the famous text turn. Moreover, today, virtual friendships ence of sexual tension. tion. They then go on to (“God is Love”) might be transliterated to don’t always translate into real friend- Sometimes poets can reach where aca- link friendship to a num- read: God is family, God is community, ships. demics cannot and so I offer these insights ber of words: kindness, God is shared existence, and whoever Finally, not least, friendship is often from a poet vis-à-vis the interrelationship love, sympathy, empathy, shares his or her existence inside of com- hindered or derailed by sex and sexual between friendship and sex. Friendship, honesty, altruism, loyalty, munity and friendship is participating in tension. This is simply a fact of nature and Rainer Marie Rilke suggests, is often one understanding, compas- the very flow of life and love that is inside a fact within our culture and all other cul- of the great taboos within a culture, but it sion, comfort, and (not the Trinity. tures. Sex and sexuality, while they ideally remains always the endgame: “In a deep, least) trust. Friends, the But this isn’t always true. Friendship should be the basis for deep friendship, felicitous love between two people you dictionaries assert, enjoy and family can take different forms. often are the major hindrance to friend- can eventually become the loving protec- each other’s company, Rolheiser Parker Palmer, the contemporary Quaker ship. Moreover, in our own culture (whose tors of each other’s solitude. … Sex is, express their feelings to each other, and writer, submits: “If you come here faith- ethos prizes sex over friendship) friend- admittedly, very powerful, but no matter make mistakes without fear of judgment fully, you bring great blessing.” ship is often seen as a substitute, and a how powerful, beautiful, and wondrous it from the other. Conversely, the great Sufi mystic, Rumi, second-best one at that, for sex. may be. If you become the loving protec- That basically covers things, but to writes: “If you are here unfaithfully, you But while that may be in our cultural tors of each other’s solitude, love gradual- better grasp the real grace in friendship a bring great harm.” Family and community ethos, it’s clearly not what’s deepest in our ly turns to friendship.” number of things inside that definition can bring grace or block it. Our circle can souls. There we long for something that’s And as Montaigne once affirmed: need explication. be one of love and grace, or it can be a ultimately deeper than sex — or is sex in a “The end of friendship may be more First, as the Greek Stoics affirmed and one of hatred and sin. Only the former fuller flowering. There’s a deep desire in important than love. The epiphanies of as is evident in the Christian spirituality, merits the name friendship. Friendship, us all (be that a deeper form of sexual youth are meant to blossom and ripen into true friendship is only possible among says St. Augustine, is the beauty of the desire or a desire for something that’s something everlasting.” people who are practicing virtue. A gang is soul. beyond sex) for a soulmate, for someone - - - not a circle of friendship, nor are many Deep, life-giving friendship, as we all to sleep with morally. More deeply than Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, ideological circles. Why? Because friend- know, is as difficult as it is rare. Why? We we ache for a sexual partner, we ache for a teacher, and award-winning author, is ship needs to bring grace and grace is only all long for it in the depths of our soul, so moral partner, though these desires aren’t President of the Oblate School of Theology in found in virtue. why is it so difficult to find? We all know mutually exclusive, just hard to combine. San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through Next, friendship is more than merely why: We’re different from each other, Friendship, like love, is always partly his website: www.ronrolheiser.com. Now on human, though it is wonderfully human. unique, and rightly cautious as to whom a mystery, something beyond us. It’s a Facebook: www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser. Michelle Wolf and the throwaway culture

By Most Reverend Robert Barron vivisection of a child. And lest one through the universities and institu- intrinsically wicked, when any claim Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles think that we are just talking about tions of the high culture into the gen- to moral authority is automatically "bundles of cells," it is strict liberal eral consciousness of many if not most shouted-down — in other words, when The other night at the White House orthodoxy that a baby can be aborted people today. Nietzsche held that the we live in the world that Nietzsche Correspondents’ Dinner, Michelle at any stage of its prenatal develop- traditional moral values have been made possible — then the will of the Wolf, who I’m told is a comedian, ment, even while it rests in the birth exposed as ungrounded and that most powerful necessarily holds sway. regaled the black-tie and sequin- canal moments before birth. Indeed, a humanity is summoned to move, And when something or someone gets gowned crowd with her "jokes." child, who somehow miraculously sur- accordingly, into a previously unex- in the way of what the powerful want, Almost all were in extremely bad taste vives the butchery of an abortion, plored space "beyond good and evil." well then, they just "gotta knock it out and/or wildly offen- should, according to that same ortho- In such a morally unmoored universe, of there." Michelle Wolf’s comment sive, but one has doxy, be left to die or actively killed. the Ubermensch (superman or over- was not just a bad joke; it was a become accustomed Sure sounds like fun to me; hey, don’t man) emerges to assert his power and brazen display of power, designed to to that sort of knock it until you’ve tried it. impose his rule on those around him. appeal precisely to those who have coarseness in the I realize that these attitudes have Nietzsche had a special contempt for reached the top of the greasy pole. comedy clubs and been enshrined in American law for the Christian values of sympathy, com- One of the extraordinary but often even on mainstream some time, but what particularly struck passion, and love of enemies, charac- overlooked qualities of a system of television. me about the Correspondents’ Dinner terizing them as the ideals of a "slave objective morality is that it is a check However, she was how they were being bandied morality," repugnant to the noble aspi- on the powerful and a protection of the crossed over into about so shamelessly for the entertain- rations of the Ubermensch. Through most vulnerable. If good and evil are the territory of the Bishop Barron ment of the cultural elite. Let’s face it, his many avatars in the twentieth-cen- objective states of affairs, then they morally appalling the people in that room — politicians, tury — Sartre, Heidegger, Foucault, hem in and control the tendency of when she indulged in this bit of witti- judges, writers, broadcasters, govern- Ayn Rand, etc. — Nietzsche, as I said, cultural elites to dominate others. cism regarding Vice President Mike ment officials — are the top of the has exerted an extraordinary influence When objective moral values Pence: "He thinks abortion is murder, food chain, among the most influential on contemporary thought. Whenever a evanesce, armies of the expendable which, first of all, don’t knock it until and powerful people in our society. young person today speaks of tradi- emerge, and what Pope Francis aptly you’ve tried it. And when you do try And while the killing of children was tional ethics as a disguised play of calls a cultura del descarte (a throw- it, really knock it, you know. You gotta being joked about — especially, mind power or of her right to determine the away culture) obtains. One of the indi- get that baby out of there." One is just you, the children of the poor, who are meaning of her own life through an cators that this has happened is lots of at a loss for words. I mean, even some disproportionately represented among exercise of sovereign freedom, we can people in tuxedos and formal gowns, in the severely left-leaning crowd in the victims of abortion — most in this hear the overtones of Friedrich sipping from wine glasses, and laugh- Washington groaned a bit at that wealthy, overwhelmingly white, elite Nietzsche. ing while someone jokes about the remark. audience guffawed and applauded. All of which brings me back to the murder of children. It might be helpful to remind our- And this put me in mind of White House Correspondents’ Dinner. - - - selves what Ms. Wolf is referencing Friedrich Nietzsche. I’ve spoken and When we live in the space beyond Bishop Robert Barron is an auxil- when she speaks of "knocking that written often of the influence of this good and evil, when morality is con- iary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los baby out of there." She means the nineteenth-century thinker, whose strued as entirely the invention of per- Angeles and the founder of Word on evisceration, dismemberment, and musings have trickled their way down sonal freedom, when nothing counts as Fire Catholic Ministries. The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 17 Called to go forth Llamado a salir By Maria-Pia Negro Chin Isaac had a little push to leave his Por Maria-Pia Negro Chin abandonar su zona de confort cuando se Catholic News Service comfort zone when participants at his Catholic News Service les dijo a los participantes en el encuentro parish's encuentro were told to go out and de su parroquia que salieran y evange- Did you know we are called to evan- evangelize. He and his girlfriend went to a ¿Sabía que estamos llamados a evan- lizaran. Él y su novia fueron a un parque gelize and share God's love with others? park and found a homeless veteran in a gelizar y compartir el amor de Dios con y encontraron a un veterano desamparado Do you know that you are also called to wheelchair and just listened to him. Isaac los demás? ¿Sabe que también usted está en una silla de ruedas y lo escucharon. do this? ended up being transformed by the faith llamado a hacer esto? Isaac fue transformado por la fe y la ale- I recently attended some meetings that and joy of the veteran. "He said: 'If I can Recientemente asistí a algunas gría del veterano. "Él dijo: 'Si puedo des- reminded me of this call. Through the wake up every day and give glory to God, reuniones que me recordaron este llama- pertarme todos los días y dar gloria a theme of the V I am happy,'" Isaac recalled. do. A través del tema del V Encuentro, un Dios, soy feliz'", recordó Isaac. Encuentro (Fifth Through his conversations with the proceso de varios años de una serie de A través de sus conversaciones con el Encuentro) -- a multi- veteran and other similar encounters, he reuniones previas al V Encuentro veterano y otros encuentros similares, year process of a series discovered the joy of going to the periph- Nacional del Ministerio Hispano que se descubrió la alegría de ir a las periferias y of gatherings leading up eries and now wants to be a volunteer realizará en septiembre se recordó a las ahora quiere ser un consejero voluntario to a V National counselor for those in need in his parish. personas que todos los bautizados son para los necesitados en su parroquia. Encuentro of Hispanic "Everyone needs help. We have to go "Discípulos Misioneros: Testigos del "Todos necesitan ayuda. Tenemos que Ministry this September out and extend our hands," he said. One amor de Dios." salir y extender nuestras manos ", dijo. -- people were reminded can evangelize just by accompanying oth- Algunos de los testimonios que más Uno puede evangelizar simplemente that all baptized are ers and listening to them, without judg- me inspiraron fueron los de los jóvenes, acompañando a otros y escuchándolos, "Missionary Disciples: Chin ment. que realmente abrazaron el llamado a sin juzgarlos. Witnesses of God's Love." Telling a crowd of 800 people that he "salir a las periferias" y a ser "agentes de Diciéndole a una multitud de 800 Some of the testimonies that inspired "is not so afraid anymore," Isaac added evangelización" al acercarse a los demás. personas que "ya no tiene tanto miedo", me the most were those of young people, that his encounters with others have En un encuentro regional en Texas, un Isaac agregó que sus encuentros con otros who really embraced the call to "go out to inspired how he wants to live his career. adolescente llamado Isaac me animó a han inspirado cómo quiere vivir su car- the peripheries" and to be "agents of evan- "I want to accompany those who are compartir las buenas nuevas a través de rera. gelization" through reaching out to others. going through financial hardships," he obras, incluso si es desafiante al princi- "Quiero acompañar a quienes At a regional encuentro in Texas, a teen said at the regional encuentro. "And give pio. atraviesan dificultades financieras", dijo named Isaac encouraged me to share the them hope that whatever struggles that "El miedo es lo que te hace pensar, en el encuentro regional. "Y dales la good news through deeds, even if it is they are going through, that God has a 'alguien más (que no tiene miedo) lo va a esperanza de que cualquier lucha que challenging at first. plan for them, and they have to keep fight- hacer", dijo Isaac, un joven de 19 años de estén pasando, que Dios tiene un plan "Fear is what makes you think, 'some- ing." la Diócesis de Amarillo, Texas. "Pero la para ellos, y tienen que seguir luchando". one else (who is not afraid) is going to do Isaac hoped his experiences with V verdad es que todos tenemos miedo". El final de su charla durante el it,'" said Isaac, a 19-year-old from the Encuentro inspire young people go out to "El proceso de encuentro me ha encuentro regional en Texas, Isaac dijo Diocese of Amarillo, Texas. "But the truth accompany others and to evangelize oth- enseñado lo importante que es acompañar que él esperaba que sus experiencias del is, we all have fears." ers in their own lives. a los demás", dijo. "Como nos recuerda V Encuentro inspiraran a los jóvenes a "The encuentro process has taught me "I want to encourage everyone to not San Pablo, para escuchar las buenas salir a acompañar a otros y evangelizar a how important it is to accompany others," be scared to do more, to not be compla- nuevas, alguien tiene que anunciarlas y otros en sus propias vidas. he said. "As St. Paul reminds us, in order cent, or to think God has called the wrong predicarlas". "Quiero alentar a todos a no tener to hear the good news, someone has to person, because he hasn't," Isaac said. "I Antes, dijo Isaac, pensaba que estaba miedo a hacer más, a no ser complaci- announce and preach it." want to encourage everyone to go out, just haciendo lo suficiente yendo a misa sem- entes, o a pensar que Dios ha llamado a Before, Isaac said, he thought that he like St. Paul and all of the other disciples, analmente y ayudando en su parroquia. la persona equivocada, porque no lo ha was doing enough by going to Mass and preach the good news to everyone, "No pensé que era yo el que tenía que hecho", dijo Isaac. "Quiero alentar a weekly and helping in his parish. "I did not just through your words, but through evangelizar. No porque estaba haciendo todos a salir, al igual que a San Pablo y a not think that it was up to me to evangel- your attentive ears and your open heart." lo suficiente. ... Pero porque tenía todos los demás discípulos, y predicar las ize. It wasn't because I was doing enough. - - - miedo", dijo. "Tenía miedo de salir de mi buenas nuevas a todos, no solo a través ... But because I was afraid," he said. "I Maria-Pia Negro Chin is bilingual zona de confort". de sus palabras, sino a través de sus oídos was afraid to get out of my comfort zone." associate editor at Maryknoll Magazine. Isaac tuvo un pequeño impulso para atentos y su corazón abierto". Cures for 'chronic news funk' By Greg Erlandson nights. In between is Twitter and news bands were in perpetually angry moods, As I try to decide how far to take Catholic News Service feeds and Lester Holt. and it was affecting their relationships. my news-free experiment, a Jewish I tell you this so you can under- The reason: Obama-era news funk due friend suggested recovering the I have been a news junkie almost stand how unusual it was for me to take to hours spent watching Fox News. Sabbath. We Catholics can make all my life. I've read a daily newspaper a news fast recently. I went for more After one election, the priest even Sunday a real day of rest. Pope Francis since grammar school, progressing than 48 hours without hearing the preached on the dangers of all this would agree. In the new documentary from comics to sports to the front page. news, seeing the news, reading the anger. Pope Francis: A Man of His Word, the I was the first one in my family to get news. Now we are seeing Trump-era news pope says we need a day set aside to up in the morning, so I I felt great. funk: hours upon hours of MSNBC and worship God and focus on those we was the first to fetch For 48 hours, my frustrations CNN, or The Washington Post and The love. "We are not machines," he tells the newspaper from decreased and my mood improved. It New York Times. us. the driveway. was revelatory. The first day I'd twitch But it isn't just presidential upset. For other ideas, go to a website Since then, my a bit every time my phone vibrated Stories about corruption, sex abuse and called itstimetologoff.com. It has lots addiction has only with a news alert, but I managed not to tortured children, police and civilian of suggestions for freeing ourselves grown. These days I read any of them. The second day went shootings, mingle with scientific stud- from technology, including a "five days listen to radio news, even more smoothly. The question now ies predicting catastrophes on a person- on, two days off" approach. watch television news is: Will I do it again? al or global scale. It feels as if our Finally, ban all screens from the and read multiple More and more people I run into world is convulsing with disasters. bedroom. This used to apply only to newspapers. I try to Erlandson are telling me they are taking steps of Worse still is that what passes for televisions, but now it includes phones, keep up on all the arti- their own to prevent "chronic news news is often commentary, and what tablets and laptops. Who knows, maybe cles friends send me via email. I have funk," a first world pathology whose passes for commentary is little more even newspapers too. excused all this by saying it's part of symptoms consist of anger, depression than ad hominem attacks. The sewer It's time to start dreaming again. my work, that I am trying to get differ- and despair generated by too high an that is social media only makes all of - - - ent perspectives and discover different exposure to current events. this worse. Erlandson, director and editor-in- stories. This is not a new disease. Both a Citizens have a duty to be chief of Catholic News Service, can be I read a real ink-stained paper first pastor and a family counselor told me informed, but that is a far cry from reached at thing in the morning, and I read a digi- several years ago that spouses (usually obsessing over the latest horrors or the [email protected]. tal one last thing before bed most wives) were complaining that their hus- latest stupidities. Page 18 JUNE 2018 The Angelus Making Sense of Bioethics Sacerdotes hispanos: Estado Consenting to sex de la cuestión en el 2018 By Fr. Tad Pacholczyk my body is another possession just Por Hosffman Ospino dote. like my wallet or my car. If, as Catholic News Service Según datos de la consulta del V Recent news articles exploring Gabriel Marcel said, I am my body, Encuentro, hay 4.473 parroquias con ministe- the post-#MeToo world of romance then sexuality has to do with my very Aproximadamente 30 millones de his- rio hispano en los Estados Unidos. Este have noted the phenomenon of cell person, which has a deep value. To panos en los Estados Unidos nos identifi- número refleja un crecimiento leve comparado phone “consent apps,” allowing mil- use the language of Pope John Paul camos como católicos, quizás a las 4.368 parroquias con dicho ministerio lennials to sign digital contracts II, when a person is reduced to being un poco más. Para poner la identificadas por el Estudio Nacional de before they have sex with their peers, merely an object for another’s desire, cifra en perspectiva, este Parroquias Católicas con Ministerio Hispano sometimes strangers they have just then the experience violates the core número es más grande que la que condujo Boston College en el año 2014. met. Many of these apps are being of one’s sense of self.” población entera de la mayoría Si se asignara un sacerdote hispano refined to include a In casual sexual encounters, the de los países latinoamericanos actualmente ejerciendo su ministerio a cada panic button that can consent we give each other may seem y caribeños. parroquia que explícitamente sirve a la comu- be pressed at any sincere and genuine, expressing our Hemos de reconocer que un nidad hispana, cerca 1.768 comunidades par- time to withdraw desires within the moment, but this número que con frecuencia roquiales no tendrían ese privilegio. any consent given. kind of consent is largely transaction- recibe poca atención al hablar Ospino El Centro de Investigación Aplicada en el Lawyers reviewing al and temporary. By consenting to de esta población es el de los de sacerdotes Apostolado estima que en el año 2017 había the practice, as pre-marital or extra-marital sex, we hispanos. Según información que recibida unos 37.181 sacerdotes católicos en nuestro might be anticipated, declare, in effect, that we are giving como parte de la consulta del proceso del país. No perdamos de vista que una tercera have urged caution, ourselves, our bodies and our hearts Quinto Encuentro Nacional de Pastoral parte de ellos son jubilados o parcialmente noting that consent to each other, although in truth, our Hispana/Latina (V Encuentro), en los Estados jubilados. Apenas el 8 por ciento de todos los apps are not able to Pacholczyk giving remains partial and condition- sacerdotes en los Estados Unidos, tanto ejer- provide definitive al, and we may be out the door the Unidos hay aproximadamente 2.985 sacer- ciendo el ministerio como jubilados, son his- proof of consent, next morning or the next month. Our dotes hispanos, de los cuales 280 están jubila- because feelings may “change consent, limited and qualified as it is, dos o en el presente no ejercen su ministerio. panos. throughout an evening, and even in amounts to little more than an agree- No debemos asumir que a los católicos Mientras que dos terceras partes de los the moments before an act.” ment to use each other as long as it’s hispanos sólo les pueden acompañar pastoral- hispanos nacieron en los Estados Unidos, y el When we look at modern views convenient, and when the break up mente sacerdotes hispanos. Sabemos que esa sector de la población católica hispana que about sex, it’s not a stretch to sum occurs, we are hurt, because we no es la realidad en la mayoría de las parro- más rápido crece es el de aquellos que them up this way: as long as two con- thought we had something special, quias. nacieron en este país, la consulta del V senting adults are involved, the bases even though we didn’t really want to Sin embargo, es interesante lo que se Encuentro revela que el 76 por ciento de los are covered. When it comes to “sex in commit to anything special. puede observar al poner el número total de sacerdotes hispanos son inmigrantes. the moment,” consent is touted as In the final analysis, human sexu- católicos hispanos junto al número de sacer- El Centro de Investigación Aplicada en el key, allowing for almost all mutually- al activity calls for something much dotes católicos ejerciendo el ministerio actual- Apostolado reportó recientemente que cerca agreed upon behaviors or practices. deeper and more abiding than mere mente: 30 millones y 2.705. Hay aproximada- de 430 sacerdotes serían ordenados en el año Yet this approach to sex is funda- transactional consent, namely, the mente 11.000 católicos hispanos por cada sac- 2018 para servir en las comunidades católicas mentally flawed, and it’s often the irrevocable and permanent consent of erdote hispano ejerciendo el ministerio actual- estadounidenses. De ellos, 334 respondieron a woman who is the first to notice. spouses. Professor William May mente -- la proporción para el total de la una encuesta anual. Aproximadamente el 20 Even when consenting unmarried describes it this way: población católica estadounidense es de couples scrupulously use contracep- “In and through his act of marital aproximadamente 2.000 católicos por sacer- (Mira OSPINO/23) tion, there remains an awareness, par- consent … the man, forswearing all ticularly on the part of the woman, others, has given himself irrevocably that a pregnancy could follow, and a the identity of this particular woman’s concern about who will be left hold- husband, while the woman, in and ing the bag if that were to happen. through her self-determining act of Hispanic priests: The state of Sex between men and women marital consent, has given herself involves real asymmetries and vulner- irrevocably the identity of this partic- the question in 2018 abilities, with men oftentimes being, ular man’s wife, and together they By Hosffman Ospino compared to the 4,368 similar parishes identi- in the words of sociologist Mark have given themselves the identity of Regnerus, “less discriminating” in spouses. … Husbands and wives, pre- Catholic News Service fied by Boston College's National Study of their sex drives than women, eager to cisely because they have given them- Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry in forge ahead as long as there appears selves irrevocably to each other in The overall number of Hispanics who 2014. to be some semblance of consent. marriage, have established each other self-identify as Catholic is about 30 million, If we were to place one currently active Women often sense, rightly, that con- as irreplaceable, non-substitutable, perhaps more. To put things in perspective, Hispanic priest in every parish with Hispanic sent for a particular sexual act ought non-disposable persons and by doing this number is larger than the entire popula- ministry, about 1,768 parish communities to be part of something bigger, a so have capacitated themselves to do tion of most countries in Latin America and would not get that privilege. wider scope of commitment. things that non-married individuals the Caribbean. The Center for Applied Research in the Consenting to sex, of course, sig- simply cannot do, among them to One number, however, that often gets lit- Apostolate estimated that in 2017, there were nifies the surrendering of our self to ‘give’ themselves to one another in tle attention when talking about Hispanic about 37,181 Catholic priests in our country. another. Sex ultimately speaks of giv- the act proper and exclusive to spous- Catholics is that of Hispanic priests. Let's keep in mind that about a third of them ing our self, and receiving another, in es — the marital act — and to receive According to data collected as part of the are retired or semiretired. Barely 8 percent of a total, rather than a fragmentary way. the gift of life.” Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino all priests in the U.S., active and retired, are This is part of the reason why this Through the enduring commit- Ministry process (V Encuentro), there are Hispanic. unique human activity holds a peren- ment of marital consent, a man and a about 2,985 Hispanic priests in the U.S. Of While two-thirds of Hispanics are U.S. nial fascination for us; it goes far woman establish the foundation for these, 280 are inactive/retired. born, and the fastest-growing sector within the beyond other forms of communica- personal sexual consent. In the We should not assume that only Hispanic Hispanic Catholic population is that of those tion, exchange, and bonding. To give absence of that larger marital com- priests can serve Hispanics Catholics. We born in the United States, V Encuentro our self fully to another, and to mitment, all other consents, even with know that such is not the case in most parish- research revealed that 76 percent of Hispanic receive that person fully, forms a legalized authorization or electronic es. priests are foreign-born. bond with them that extends beyond notarization, ring hollow. Yet, putting the total number of Hispanic CARA recently reported that about 430 the morning dawn. Human sexual - - - Catholics next to that of Hispanic active priests would be ordained in 2018 to serve in union is not a mere joining of bodies, Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. priests is quite revealing: 30 million and Catholic communities throughout the country. but is preeminently a joining of earned his doctorate in neuroscience 2,705. There are about 11,000 Hispanic Of these, 334 responded to an annual survey. human hearts. It is, at its core, con- from Yale and did post-doctoral work Catholics for every Hispanic active priest -- Approximately 20 percent of the new priests senting to share one of the deepest at Harvard. He is a priest of the dio- the ratio for the total U.S. Catholic population this year are Hispanic. About half of the 30 parts of our self with another. As Dr. cese of Fall River, MA, and serves as is about 2,000 Catholics per priest. percent who said they were foreign-born come Angela Franks has perceptively the Director of Education at The According to V Encuentro research data, from Latin American and Caribbean nations. noted: National Catholic Bioethics Center in there are 4,473 parishes with Hispanic min- “Sexuality is not simply a matter Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org istry in the U.S. This reflects a small increase (Please see PRIESTS/23) of something that I have, as though The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 19 Catholic Voices The life-changing power of joy By Olivia Clarke Silver nothing happened. I had successfully compartmental- crazy stuff we experience. People get confused when Catholic News Service ized cancer — I carelessly fell back into the habit of they see someone with cancer laugh. How can some- thinking I could do whatever I wanted. one be joyful during such a difficult situation? When you're in your 20s and 30s, you often feel As a reward for beating cancer, I went on a pil- When you have a disease like cancer, there is a invincible — like there's so much time to make mis- grimage to Italy with other young adults from my real fear that your heart will go dark and the light in takes because you'll fix them tomor- parish. During that trip, I realized that I had been your eyes will go out. I wanted to help keep the joy row. It's easy to boast that this is the changed by cancer, and that my attitude had to alive by creating a place that offers empathy and time to do whatever you want. change. I'd like to say it was the prayer and visits to hope. I wanted to create a place to remind young But then something happens. churches that changed my mind, but I believe God adults facing cancer what it was like before cancer Maybe you lose your job or your reached me through the people I traveled with. This when they laughed and felt joy so easily. Instead of longtime friend stops returning your small group of friends opened my eyes. I couldn't reminding them that they could die, I wanted to texts. Or, maybe you learn at age 35 find joy in the same activities as before. remind them that they're still alive. that you have breast cancer — and I came home from Italy and started volunteering Pope Francis talks often about the importance of that's what happened to me. to help a poor church, school and food pantry by joy, particularly in the little things of life. He Like any tragedy, it's impossible to Silver raising money; getting new winter coats donated to describes how being joyful with others brings us not be changed by what happens to you the school; helping with social media and a newslet- closer to God. And I believe that. If we can bring joy when you get your diagnosis. And at the same time, ter; coaching a student slam poetry team; and creat- to someone's life, without asking for anything in you want to interact with those who have experi- ing an artist mentorship program for the students. I return and so that they forget their insecurities or enced this similar life-changing event. The problem found joy raising money for turkeys at Thanksgiving pain for a little bit — then we are practicing our is that young adult cancer (cancer affecting those in or by sharing the words of Pope Francis on the faith. Joy changes lives and gives people hope — their 20s and 30s in particular) is not as commonly church's Twitter account I maintained. just like it has done for me. discussed as the cancer your great-aunt or grand- Once I got started, I kept thinking about what mother gets. else I should do. I thought about how to help others - - - You're often the only one in a waiting room try- facing cancer. ing to squeeze in your oncology appointment In November 2017, I started an online communi- Chicago resident Olivia Clarke Silver is a writer between work conference calls. Or you must worry ty called Humor Beats Cancer. I wanted to create a who works in public relations. She's a parishioner about whether the chemo drugs will take away your place for those experiencing or having beaten cancer and parish leader at Holy Name Cathedral. Her ability to have children — something you hoped for in their 20s, 30s and 40s to talk about their journeys, website, Humor Beats Cancer, can be found at many years down the road after one of your online but with an added twist. www.humorbeatscancer.com and on social media at dates turns serious. So much of what you read about cancer can fos- @humorbeatscancer or @humorbeatcancer. She is a About a year after I got through cancer, I thought ter hopelessness. I wanted people to be able to share guest columnist for the Catholic News Service series I was fine and could just go back to my old life as if uplifting stories and allow them to laugh at all the "In Light of Faith." The need for apologies Cartoon Corner By Effie Caldarola tic young mind as catty and beneath dinner. Catholic News Service the dignity of a presidential race. Pope Francis recently provided a Of course, decades later, when beautiful example of apology. When When former first lady Barbara we've become accustomed to degrad- he visited Chile in January, he made Bush died recently, memories of her ing name-calling at the highest level, some unfortunate remarks about vic- good qualities Mrs. Bush's comment seems tame tims of sexual abuse there, saying abounded. indeed. Nevertheless, it lingered. they were guilty of "calumny" for In a culture However, in an article after her continuing to call out a bishop they where females are death, I read her 1988 reflections on feel complicit in an abuse case. pressured to think that comment, and it changed my There was a huge uproar over a face-lift is just a perspective entirely. the pope's remarks. Instead of dig- matter of time and "It was dumb of me. I shouldn't ging in, retrenching and defending slimness is non- have said it," Mrs. Bush acknowl- his comments, Pope Francis took negotiable, she edged. "It was not attractive, and I've criticism to heart, investigated fur- was an attractive Caldarola been very shamed. I apologized to ther, and, according to Catholic News natural with a Mrs. Ferraro, and I would apologize Service, "apologized for underesti- matronly figure and soft white hair. again." mating the seriousness of the crisis in A champion of literacy and a Now, that's genuine. Can you Chile." woman devoted to family, she was imagine a public figure today using He asked for forgiveness and also known as being "ferociously the words "dumb" or "shame" to began to meet personally with those tart-tongued" according to her daugh- describe a mistake they had made? who had suffered from his remarks. ter-in-law, first lady Laura Bush. Today's apologies, if ever ren- It's almost unheard of to find such That's not always a bad thing, but it dered, usually start with "I'm sorry if genuine public acknowledgement of didn't serve her well in 1984. someone was offended ..." as if the error. That year, Geraldine Ferraro was real fault lies with those of us who Perhaps because we live in such the Democrats' candidate for vice took offense, oversensitive souls that a litigious society, nobody wants to president, the first woman ever nomi- we are. admit, "I did it." But I think it goes nated to a major party ticket, running That's, of course, assuming there deeper than that. with presidential hopeful Walter is an apology. The sacrament of reconciliation Mondale. They were up against The name-calling that marked is neglected these days. Could one President Ronald Reagan and his the 2016 presidential race has never reason be a growing cultural disincli- vice president, Barbara's husband provoked any apologies, nor do nation to face the fact that we some- George H.W. Bush. many remarks that stain social media times do and say shameful things? In a highly publicized remark, and public discourse nearly daily. We make it complicated, giving our- Mrs. Bush referred to Ferraro as "that The bar for civility has been plum- selves excuses. We say "I'm sorry but 4 million dollar ... I can't say it, but it meting from the top down, and it's ..." here's why it's really your fault. rhymes with rich." trickling into everything from the It takes a humble, truthful The requisite canned apologies comments section of social media to and thoughtful person to acknowl- were quickly rendered and accepted, the comedy performed at the White edge error publicly. It's both a gift to but the remark lingered in my idealis- House Correspondents' Association us, and an example we should follow. Page 20 JUNE 2018 The Angelus ORDINATION (From 2) the one who baptized me, she’s the one who took me work!” Odima is anticipating “finally figuring out to my first communion,” and who has supported him who I am.” He clarifies, saying about reaching the end speaks glowingly of the continual support offered by through his entire life. of his time as a seminarian and the beginning of his his mother. “She’s been my rock,” he says. After high time as a priest, that “I’m excited to see who I’m school, Odima moved to San Angelo to attend Angelo JOURNEYS OF FORMATION going to become, the type of priest I’m going to State University, where he would later meet Perez and become, the type of spiritual father I’m going to the two would venture together down the path to the With the active faith lives the two had been lead- become … the type of disciple I’m going to become.” priesthood that God had been calling them to. ing after high school and the broad support structure Those who know them will have no doubt that available to them, it’s not altogether surprising that they are up for the challenge. JOURNEYS OF FAITH they ended up considering taking the next steps. White, the former vocation director, could see Perez notes that by the time he fully decided to from working with them that “they both have a great After high school, both young men undertook the consider the priesthood, he was quite active in min- love of the Lord and a love for the people,” adding spiritual journey that accompanies youthful freedom istry service around town. In addition to ministries at that “they focus on their community, and that’s of and a search for meaning, each growing in their faith St. Mary, he also mentions working with Deacon such great import, for a priest to be firmly grounded and purpose, each living out their own personal bil- Steve Zimmerman at the Cathedral of the Sacred in a community.” dungsroman on the path to their true calling. It is here Heart. “I was kind of doing full-time ministry,” he This connection to community is something that that their stories, spanning the globe to this point, says, “if not with House of Faith, with the cathedral, Perez mentions when he speaks of the priests who begin to coalesce. with St. Mary’s, in one capacity or the other.” He was influenced him growing up as the son of Mexican Perez found himself spending his spare time vol- also encouraged by a friend to offer his services to the immigrants, including Father Herrera and Father Joe unteering with House of Faith, an ecumenical National Evangelization Teams (NET) Ministries, Vasquez (now the Bishop of Austin). Perez noticed Christian effort in San Angelo. It was there that he which he did, spending a year in Faribault, Minnesota. these Hispanic priests, who looked like him and talked began to feel the first hints of the what would eventu- Both future priests were recruited as seminarians like him, fulfilled many roles within the parish com- ally turn into his call to the priesthood. “That’s where for the Diocese of San Angelo by the late Father Barry munity. A priest, he says, aside from being a pastor, is I found my pastoral roots,” he says. “It’s really where McLean when he was serving as vocation director. seen as a “problem solver,” part lawyer, part psychol- I found my passion for ministry itself, for the margin- “God bless Father Barry,” says Perez, who had already ogist, a sort of community “everything-man.” alized.” been considering discernment with the Franciscans Odima, whose community stretches the globe, and Father Rodney White, former vocation director for and other religious orders, when McLean “kind of who describes himself as “multi-national,” knows that the Diocese of San Angelo, noticed this passion and grilled me as to why I wasn’t discerning for the dio- his interactions with the community will be part of saw something in Perez’s work with House of Faith. cese.” Perez shares a story about Father McLean that what defines him as a priest. Growing up in Kenya “I had actively tried to recruit Freddy,” White says, helped cement his decision: “It was a phone call that and the United States, he feels, has influenced how he “and at the time he just wasn’t quite ready.” White he made in my presence to the Carmelites in sees people. “I see the need of taking care of people,” noted that Perez “had a real heart for service” that Christoval, telling Mother Mary Grace to pray for a he says, “listening to people, knowing that everybody would benefit him as a member of the clergy. certain Freddy who needs to discern his call.” has a story and each person’s individual story is dif- Meanwhile, Odima, who admits that he was not For Odima, it was a case of introspection that led ferent. A lot of people have been through hardships always as committed in his faith as he could have to the decision to pursue formation for the priesthood. that we can’t even imagine, but all it takes is listen- been, had what he refers to as a conversion while While at Angelo State University, he realized that his ing.” attending Angelo State University. While the initial reasons for coming to San Angelo for college and for “I appreciate each person I meet. I appreciate each spiritual push garnered from his glimpse of a papal choosing his major were crafted out of a desire to help story I hear,” Odima continues. “Hopefully it calls me visit in his native Kenya is still with him, it was dur- people. Upon considering the priesthood, he realized to always remember to listen to people.” ing his time in San Angelo that he felt this “conver- that it presented an opportunity for him to follow his As is perhaps fitting for two newly-minted priests sion of going back to God, kind of focusing back on desire to help people. He says, almost whimsically, who have shared so much of their journey together, my faith, going back to church.” The church that he that he “decided to try it out, and I guess that was the first community they serve will also be shared. became involved with was St. Mary Parish in San back in 2009, and in 2010 I ended up going into the Both will be assigned to parishes in Midland for their Angelo, the same parish that Perez called home. seminary, and I’m still trying it out.” first priestly post in July. Perez will serve as parochial “That community was so welcoming,” Odima says “It looks like I’m actually going to get ordained,” vicar at St. Stephen Parish; Odima will serve as of the people of St. Mary’s. “They greeted me at the he concludes. parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. doors when I walked in, they greeted me when I was Odima and Perez, who had known each other Both will similarly be working closely with priests in the pew so I didn’t feel like a stranger,” and, per- through the ministries at St. Mary Parish, ended up who were influential in their own formation. At St. haps most importantly, they invited him to come back. joining the seminary at the same time, and, with the Stephen, Perez will be working with Father Rodney Both Odima and Perez met Father David Herrera, exception of one semester, have been studying along- White, the former vocation director who helped guide who was the pastor at St. Mary’s at the time, as col- side each other at the same schools ever since. “I’ve him through his time in the seminary. He is “excited lege students, and both cite him as one of their key been with Freddy since day one,” Odima points out. to live that sacramental life with the people,” and to influencers and an example of what the priesthood “A lot of people don’t realize that — I was with “really reach out to those who are in need to find God could be, both for them and for the community. Perez Freddy back when college ministry started, so even in one way or another.” says that Father David caused him to start “challeng- before I went to the seminary, he’s been there. So he’s Meanwhile, Odima will once again find Father ing what I was doing with my whole life. At the time I been my brother since day one.” David Herrera, his former parish priest from San was just a college student … kind of looking for This shared journey resulted in a rare treat for St. Angelo who was there when he first found his voca- myself.” Odima notes that the welcoming nature of Mary’s parishioners last year, when both Perez and tion, when he begins work at Our Lady of Guadalupe. the community at St. Mary’s was a reflection of the Odima were ordained transitional deacons in a joint “There’s nothing more I can ask for,” he says. Odima kind of man leading the flock. “The pastor kind of sets ordination Mass at their home parish. They will con- looks forward to working with young adults, who he the standard; the people will follow.” tinue this shared journey this month as both are says make up a sometimes forgotten “middle ground” Both became actively involved in ministry oppor- ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, June 9, 2018, between the high-focus ages of confirmation and mar- tunities at St. Mary’s, joining youth ministry and col- at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in riage. lege ministry programs. Both mention the college San Angelo. St. Mary’s will again be home to rare fes- St. Stephen and Our Lady of Guadalupe are ministry program run by Deacon Roy and Minnie tivities as they see the First Mass of Thanksgiving, roughly five and a half miles from each other. Odima Ibarra as influences in their spiritual growth, as well celebrated at a new priest’s home parish, twice in the and Perez, who have grown into their priesthood as the youth ministry of Ernie Acevedo, whose “love same weekend. Perez will celebrate his first Mass as a together, will begin this portion of their lives in close and passion for ministry as a lay person has been real- priest on Saturday, June 9, at 5:00 p.m. Odima’s first proximity as well. ly inspiring in my own vocation,” Odima notes. Mass will be on Sunday, June 10, at 12:00 p.m. First, though, comes the ordination. Odima says that he could go on for days when Though their families’ stories begin on opposite asked to list the people who influenced him on the THE JOURNEY AHEAD sides of the world, this portion of their journey will path to the priesthood, and listening to his excitement culminate in the same Mass. Odima views this as in telling his story, it doesn’t seem like an exaggera- After years of school and studying in preparation “brothers getting ordained.” He notes that it is “the tion. Referencing that it takes a village to raise a for the priesthood, it is easy to conceive of this as the rare time where guys who know each other from child, he views his spiritual growth in a similar man- culmination of years of hard work, but both Odima before, and they’ve been through everything together, ner. “I’ve had my tantrums like a teenager, I’ve had and Perez are aware that, while their ordination may and they’re getting ordained together as deacons and my terrible twos,” and the people who have helped signal the end of one phase of their lives, the real as priests now.” him in his spiritual growth are too numerous to men- work is just beginning. His excitement at sharing this experience with his tion. First and foremost, though, is his mother: “she’s Perez excitedly looks forward to “getting to spiritual brother is evident: “It’s pretty cool, man!” The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 21 Celebrating the Sacraments

Confirmation, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Andrews, April 29. (courtesy photo)

A candid shot from the Confirmation Mass at St. Ann Parish in Midland, May 5. (photo by Alan Torre, APTorre Photography)

First Communion at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish in Ballinger, April 8. (courtesy photo)

First Communion, Good Shepherd Mission in Sheffield. (courtesy photo)

The combined Confirmation classes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and St. Mary Parish in Odessa, totalling 114 candidates, May 12. (photo by Alan Torre, APTorre Photography) Page 22 JUNE 2018 The Angelus LADY IN BLUE (From 13) include our brother and sister Jumanos. They, and Otherwise, this will be a beautiful monu- we, are all of us in need to ment, remembrance, without life and be re-evangelized in God’s spirit. The making of a saint, like her, is love and spirit of service primarily first and foremost, holiness of of Christ. I suggest we life. form a prayer chain that We are enthralled, fascinated by the will extend throughout the apparitions of the Lady in Blue that was Diocese of San Angelo and a special gift from God, but the heart, the beyond. Hopefully prayer foundation of her life rested on a con- cards will be printed again templative, constant prayer life striving in her honor. This is a for loving union with God. Then her splendid way for us in holiness and profound spiritual life was West Texas to promote the manifested in loving and serving others canonization of this saintly beginning in her own community for messenger and missionary which she was the superior for most of of God. Hopefully we will her life, even though she was often mis- now give the same efforts understood by them who often criticized of time, of talent, and at her. The key description of a saint is one least some of the same who gives one’s life to Christ in surren- financial aid and cost for dering love and by the power of the Holy this to happen, as we have Spirit shows this love in kindness and provided for this beautiful loving service especially to the poorest monument to become a and most abandoned, and by so doing reality. conforming totally one’s will to the will Holiness of life, as I of God. This holiness of life was mod- have mentioned, is the eled in a profound, saintly way in the main quality or condition Bishop Michael Sis blesses the statue of a Jumano brave during the unveiling ceremony at the Historic humble Sor María, whose only desire for canonization, and with- Beginnings of San Angelo park site, May 20. (Angelus photo) was to surrender her life to the Lord, and out a doubt Sor María de Jesús de a certain type of mystical experience. about the mysteries she was to feature in like Mary to whom she had a great devo- Ágreda meets this requirement in She felt a divine call to write the biogra- writing The Mystical City of God. She tion, to simply be the handmaid of the superlative manner. I like to think that phy of the Virgin Mary, mother of God. said she heard God say: “I have not Lord. Her spiritual life was Trinity based the Lord gave us a sign, some call it a She felt incapable of the task because of revealed the mysteries [meaning about — on God the Father, Son and Holy miracle, of her heavenly presence, while her lack of education, being a little girl Mary] in the primitive Church, because Spirit whose life she received in baptism. during the Mass I was offering at the from the mountain region of Spain, and they are so great, that the faithful would In her apparitions, this is the gift, the gift retreat center a few years ago, an extra therefore was reluctant to accept the have been lost in the contemplation and of baptism, she was inspired to share face appeared on the painting of Sor assignment. Nevertheless, animated and admiration of them at a time when it was with her new friends the Jumanos and María that was in front of the altar. Her asked by her spiritual director, under her more necessary to establish firmly the others. She had a profound devotion to heavenly intercession was also manifest- vow of obedience, she felt she had no law of grace and of the Gospel.” Mary, the mother of Jesus, who would ed in 2010, when we offered a novena choice but to acquiesce to write. She was She also added that the divine mes- reveal marvelous mysteries to her about for God to work a miracle for precious also writing a diary about her American sage she received stated, “it was because the life of her son Jesus. baby Hayle who had major health prob- teleportations, her paranormal activities, faith in the incarnation and redemption The best way we can honor Sor lems, through the intercession of Sor to a new world, which along with her and the precepts of the new law of the María, and promote her cause of saint- María de Jesús de Ágreda. community leadership caused her to be Gospel were yet in the beginnings. Now hood, is to introduce new ways in our The next issue or condition for beati- exhausted. The voluminous work of The mankind has greater need for this mani- diocese, in our society, programs of spiri- fication and canonization is to review the Mystical City of God, one day would festation and necessity of writing these tuality and of prayer and programs of orthodoxy of her writings, how they con- total nearly 800 pages. accounts.” Sor María pointed out that the evangelization, that incorporate and imi- form to sacred Scripture and the teaching Father Francis Andrew de la Torre call she received from God was to be tate her holiness and spirit of service in and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Sor was her father confessor during this peri- descriptions and declarations of the life our individual and community life and María was a prolific writer and her great- od, and in 1637, he judged she had of the Blessed Virgin and not be mere how as missionary disciples, as Pope est work is the marvelous The Mystical grown into such spiritual awareness that opinions or contemplations, but reliable Francis calls us to be, how we can share City of God focusing on the life of the she should begin writing the long biogra- truth. this holiness, this joyful message of the virgin mother of God. What is written in phy, The Mystical City of God, a task good news of the Gospel with others. this marvelous presentation on Mary that took her 8 years to complete. Next month: Bishop Pfeifer’s presentation continues as Sor María is ordered to These evangelization efforts need to be exceeds pure human sources. In 1627, Sor María shared some reflections on The Mystical City of how she understood the divine revelation destroy the text of part of our diocesan ministries, and two years after becoming abbess, she had God.

BISHOP OBISPO (From 3) native vaccine, because it is so much more effective medically. From our (Para 3) Ellos quienes han recibido la pies based on abortion or on the destruc- Catholic perspective, it is a reason to vacuna previamente disponible tion of human embryos for their stem celebrate, because the only other avail- perspectiva Católica, porque la para el herpes zóster (culebrilla) cells. able alternative vaccine is produced vacuna no está vinculada al aborto no se han de sentir culpables por Medical research has made some using a cell line derived from an elective electivo. haberla recibido, siendo que no significant advances in this area. For abortion. El Comité Asesor de Prácticas había disponible alguna otra vacu- example, the U.S. Food and Drug Those who have received the previ- de Inmunización de Los Centros na moralmente preferida. Administration has recently approved ously available shingles vaccine should para Control de Enfermedades Todos nosotros deberíamos ani- the Shingrix vaccine for the prevention feel no guilt for having received it, since recomienda el uso de Shingrix mar a los médicos y las compañías of herpes zoster (shingles) and related no morally preferable vaccine was avail- sobre la otra vacuna alternativa farmacéuticas a fabricar vacunas complications. This new development is able. disponible, ya que es mucho más que no están vinculadas al aborto. particularly welcome from a Catholic All of us should encourage physi- eficaz medicamente. Desde nuestra La investigación científica médica, perspective, because the vaccine is not cians and pharmaceutical companies to perspectiva Católica, es una razón cuando se realiza correctamente, linked to elective abortion. make available vaccines that are not para celebrar, porque la única otra tiene mucho que contribuir a la The Centers for Disease Control’s linked to abortion. Medical scientific vacuna alternativa disponible se construcción de una cultura de la Advisory Committee on Immunization research, when conducted properly, has produce utilizando una línea celu- vida. Practices recommends the use of much to contribute to building a culture lar derivada de un aborto electivo. Shingrix over the other available alter- of life. The Angelus JUNE 2018 Page 23 PRIESTS (From 18) lation and the mostly immigrant clerical cern ecclesial vocations. In the fall of Member leadership. This gap needs to be gradually 2018, Boston College will launch a two- Catholic News Service What do we learn from these numbers? balanced. Historically, immigrant priests year national study to explore these reali- Catholic Press Association Three things. served various immigrant Catholic groups ties. One, Catholic parishes, dioceses, that arrived in the U.S. Then the U.S.-born In the meantime, let us heed the words Texas Catholic News schools and organizations need to do much generation cultivated its own priests. from our Lord Jesus Christ, "The harvest Published the 1st Monday following more to foster vocations to the priesthood Today, most Hispanics are not immigrants. is abundant but the laborers are few; so the 1st Saturday of each month among Hispanics. As the Hispanic popula- We need to take the next step. ask the master of the harvest to send out tion gears to becoming soon a numeric Three, we need to understand better laborers for his harvest" (Mt 9:37-38). and delivered to all registered majority in the U.S. church, we need the reasons and circumstances that prevent - - - parishioners in the Hispanic priests to serve parishes with more Hispanic Catholics, particularly Ospino is professor of theology and San Angelo Diocese. large numbers of Hispanic Catholics as U.S.-born, from considering the priesthood religious education at Boston College. He well as every other Catholic in our nation. as a calling. Also, we need to assess what is a member of the leadership team for the Subscription rate for all others: Two, there is a major gap between the we are doing and investing in our parishes Fifth National Encuentro of $10 per year mostly U.S.-born Hispanic Catholic popu- and dioceses to mentor Hispanics to dis- Hispanic/Latino Ministry. THIRD CLASS POSTAGE PAID OSPINO AT SAN ANGELO, TEXAS (Para 18) nación. necesitamos evaluar qué es lo que hacemos y Printed by Dos, existe una brecha bastante amplia qué tanto invertimos en nuestras parroquias y Livestock Weekly por ciento de los nuevos sacerdotes a ser entre una población hispana que en su may- diócesis para acompañar a los hispanos en el San Angelo, Texas ordenados este año son hispanos. Cerca de la oría nació en los Estados Unidos y un lider- discernimiento de vocaciones al servicio de mitad del 30 por ciento que dijo ser inmi- azgo clerical que en su mayoría es inmi- la iglesia. En el otoño del 2018, Boston grante viene de América Latina y de países grante. Esta brecha necesita ser balanceada College lanzará un estudio nacional de dos Submissions: caribeños. poco a poco. Históricamente, contingentes años para explorar estas realidades. Story suggestions, calendar items, ¿Qué aprendemos de esta información? de sacerdotes inmigrantes acompañaron a los Por ahora, escuchemos con atención las parish briefs and all other Tres observaciones. grupos católicos inmigrantes que llegaban a palabras del Señor Jesucristo, "La cosecha es Uno, las parroquias, diócesis, escuelas y los Estados Unidos. Luego la población abundante, pero los trabajadores son pocos. submissions should be emailed to organizaciones católicas necesitan hacer católica nacida en el país cultivó sus propios Rueguen al dueño de los sembrados que [email protected] mucho más para fomentar las vocaciones al sacerdotes. Hoy en día, la mayoría de los envíe trabajadores para la cosecha" (Mt sacerdocio entre los hispanos. A medida que hispanos no son inmigrantes. Necesitamos 9:37-38). la población hispana en la iglesia en los dar el siguiente paso. - - - COPY, PHOTO Estados Unidos se perfila para pronto ser una Tres, necesitamos entender mejor las Ospino es profesor de teología y edu- DEADLINE: mayoría numérica, necesitamos sacerdotes razones y circunstancias que no permiten cación religiosa en Boston College. Es Third Friday of every month. hispanos que estén al servicio de parroquias que más católicos hispanos, especialmente miembro del equipo de liderazgo del Quinto con grandes números de católicos hispanos y aquellos nacidos en los Estados Unidos, con- Encuentro Nacional de Pastoral Photos should be in jpeg format. del resto de la población católica de nuestra sideren la llamada al sacerdocio. También Hispana/Latina. Letters to the editor are welcome, KNICKERBOCKERS and should be emailed to (From 8) with the dog. Recreation doesn't have to the varied ages, interests, and physical [email protected] be expensive. In most places, there are abilities of each family member or friend. Letters to the editor are printed at we delight in the Lord through recreation, free or low-cost recreational opportunities In an article entitled "Christians, the discretion of the editor and we are trusting his provision for our needs indoors and outdoors for individuals and Culture and Recreation," Dr. Jeff Mirus and praising him. We are affirming that families, including persons with handicap- writes, "Over the years I’ve noticed that identities of the writer are subject to there is more to life than making money ping conditions. Some possibilities are those of us who are committed Catholics verification. Please include name, and a fast-forward lifestyle. municipal, state and national parks, camp- occasionally act as if we distrust even the address and phone number when In #901 of the Catechism of the grounds, hiking trails, bird blinds, lakes, simplest of life’s pleasures. Sometimes Catholic Church, from Lumen Gentium, streams, and rivers for water sports (or this takes the form of a disdain for litera- submitting letters. “The participation of lay people in just dangling your feet in the water), fish- ture and the arts, even as expressions of Christ's priestly office,” we read: "For all ing, star gazing, photography, free musi- Christian culture. At other times it shows their works, prayers, and apostolic under- cal, literary, and dance events, museums, itself in a condemnation of any recreation- Bishop Michael J. Sis takings, family and married life, daily zoos, community celebrations. If your pre- al activity which lacks a specific Catholic work, relaxation of mind and body, if they ferred recreation is reading, writing, paint- formational purpose. Life is impoverished Publisher are accomplished in the Spirit—indeed ing, or listening to music, try to balance it by both these attitudes" even the hardships of life if patiently with time outdoors. Even necessary work (CatholicCulture.org, 8-7-16). Every Brian Bodiford born—all these become spiritual sacrifices such as mowing grass, tending the garden, activity of our lives doesn't have to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. In or taking care of animals can bring us "Christianized" or "Catholicized" to be Editor the celebration of the Eucharist these may closer to the Creator if done in the right worthwhile. We can let go of our evangel- Director of Communications most fittingly be offered to the Father spirit. The possibilities are endless but ical, apologetic, and devotional practices along with the body of the Lord. And so, require intentionality, i.e., putting on the to take time for rest and recreation just for worshipping everywhere by their holy mind of Christ. God "gives us richly all the sake of enjoyment and fun. We don't actions, the laity consecrate the world things to enjoy" (I Tm 6:17b, NKJV). have to punctuate our fun with a group ______itself to God, everywhere offering wor- Enjoyment is related to joy, and Scripture Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet for it to ship by the holiness of their lives." He tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength. be holy and give glory to God. When we wants to re-create us in his image and Have you heard "vacation time" are faithful to God's example, his com- The West Texas Angelus renew us in Christ, thus he ordains rest referred to as "deferred work"? Yes, we mands, and his Scriptural truths about rest Official Newspaper of the and recreation. know the reality of returning to the daily and recreation, our lives will be vibrant Re-creational activity can take many routine after a vacation. Many of us have witnesses to God the Creator, Jesus Christ Diocese of San Angelo, Texas forms, dependent on each person's physi- experienced the need to rest after a vaca- our Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit's POSTMASTER: Send all address cal abilities, life circumstances, interests, tion! However, that doesn't negate the transforming love and energy. The Holy changes to: financial means, etc. For one person need to get away from our work routine to Trinity will bless and sanctify our desire climbing a mountain or running a 5-K is be with family and friends. The only vaca- to honor them with "time out." WEST TEXAS ANGELUS re-creational; for another, taking a walk in tions our children remember were visits to "The heavens are telling the glory of P.O. Box 1829 the neighborhood; for another recreation family and friends — where we had a free God, and all creation is shouting for joy. SAN ANGELO, TX is leaving the full-time care of small chil- place to stay! It is important not to "over- Come dance in the forest, come, play in dren or a homebound loved one to walk plan" vacation time; all ages need some the field, and sing, sing the glory of the 76902-1829 outside to feel the breeze, listen to the quiet, unscheduled time just "to be." In Lord" ("Canticle of the Sun," Marty ______birds, and look at the sky or play fetch terms of activities, take into consideration Haugen). Page 24 JUNE 2018 The Angelus Rural Life Mass

Bishop Michael Sis celebrated the annual Rural Life Mass in the Diocese of San Angelo on May 15, 2018. This year’s Mass was held at Ste. Genevieve Vineyard in Fort Stockton and also featured a tour of the facility.

Above: Bishop Michael Sis during the Mass, utilizing a local Fort Stockton rock to hold pages in place.

Above right: Participants relaxing next to winery equipment.

Right: Mass in the vineyard. A large crowd turned out for the outdoor event on a day when temperatures reached a high of 99 degrees. (courtesy photos)

Superior General of OND sisters visits diocese

Bishop Michael Sis with sisters of the Oblates of Notre Dame after a visit with their Superior General, Sister Erlinda Hisug, OND, May 25. Picured, left to right, are: Sister Stella Marie Llerin, OND; Sister Alicia Realino, OND; Sister Erlinda Hisug, OND; Bishop Sis; Sister Nida Macahilo, OND; and Sister Tita Iglesias, OND. (Angelus photo)

The following Oblates of Notre Dame are currently serving in the Diocese of San Angelo: Sister Tita Iglesias, OND; Sister Alicia Realino, OND; Sister Rosalia Sabud, OND; and Sister Elizabeth Villegas, OND.