THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD
MAY 2018 WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG
EVANGELIZATION My college years: How my faith was nourished PG. 8
THEOLOGY 101 Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints? PG. 14
ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL Archbishop’s Annual Appeal helps fathers become dads PG. 24 INMATE DISCOVERS
THROUGH RELIGIOUS ART THERAPY
SERVING THE COUNTIES OF HARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT PRAYER
Act of entrustment
We come before you, Mary our Mother, asking you to place under your protective mantle this local church of the Archdiocese of Hartford. Like you, the Church’s first and most perfect member, we too stand at the foot of the cross as witnesses to what human sinfulness is capable of inflicting on the body of Christ.
As your Son crushed the head of the ancient serpent who is the father of lies, so now intercede for us with God, that our archdiocese may be delivered from all evil and be preserved in holiness and truth. By your prayers hasten the coming of the justice and mercy of God.
Watch over us all clergy, religious and laity with maternal care, so that as members of one family of faith our bonds of communion may grow stronger, our love for one another and for our neighbor deeper, the practice of our faith more devout, our witness to Christ more heroic, for the sake of our mission to be salt and light for the world. We entrust our archdiocese to you, Mary, Mother of the Church. ALLEGRA ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY Amen.
Cathedral of St. Joseph: lower side altar reredos
2 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG ARCHBISHOP’S DESK
Our unifying bond, of course, is the Lordship of Jesus and our membership in his body by faith and baptism. But inseparably linked to this is the motherhood of Mary and her unique and abiding role in the mystery of salvation. Congregants When Jesus said “behold your mother” to the beloved dis- gather around the newly ciple John at the foot of the cross, his words were meant crowned statue not for John alone, but for every disciple until the end of of Our Lady on time. And so wherever the Church is in the world, Mary is Mother’s Day, venerated under various titles of honor and devotion. May 14, 2017, in Hartford. At the Annunciation, Mary became the mother of the Incarnate Word and gave him human flesh. Now we are the members of Christ’s body and we receive his flesh and blood in the holy Eucharist. It is the same body She is our and blood Mary gave him that we now mother, too, share. Spiritually, therefore, she is our in the most mother, too, in the most profound, salvific and intimate way imaginable. profound, At the beginning of her son’s public salvific and ministry at the wedding feast at Cana, intimate way Mary pointed to him and said: “Do imaginable. whatever he tells you.” And after he had ascended into heaven, she was with the apostles in the Upper Room before Pentecost, imploring the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. This same fervent prayer on her part is at work today and until the end of time. St. Louis de Montfort wrote, “[I]t is through Mary that the salvation of the world began, and it is through Mary that it must be consummated.” Who better than she can show us the way to live a life in the Holy
PHOTO BY BOB MULLEN BY PHOTO Spirit, a life of faith, hope and love? During the five years I worked in the Vatican Secretariat of State, I and some other American priests offered daily morning Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. One of the altars we MOTHER OF GOD, used was adorned with an image of Mary with the Latin inscription Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church). It had MOTHER OF THE CHURCH been erected by Blessed (soon to be Saint) Pope Paul VI, who had officially bestowed this title upon Mary in 1964 s I grow older and look back at during the Second Vatican Council. Pope Francis has now designated the Monday after Pentecost Sunday as a liturgi- my life, like all of us, I have much cal memorial in honor of “Mary, Mother of the Church” to for which to be grateful. I realize A be observed annually at the Masses celebrated on that day. just how blessed I have been with the As archbishop of Hartford, I have been renewing opportunities that have been given to me annually the consecration of our archdiocese to Mary by the Church from my seminary days until by offering a public “prayer of entrustment,” at the now, including the years I lived in Rome. I ARCHBISHOP ordination liturgy for our new priests, and I will do have had many opportunities to experience LEONARD P. so again on June 23 this year. However, I am eager to BLAIR have as many people as possible join me in reciting this different countries and languages. And any is the 13th prayer, which I also say privately every day. I offer it Catholic who travels broadly will know just bishop of to the faithful of the archdiocese in the hope that as we how universal our Catholic Church is, and the Catholic Archdiocese face the opportunities and the challenges of missionary how it is possible to be at Mass or a shrine of Hartford. discipleship in our time, we may be protected from overseas and to feel at home spiritually evil and strengthened in the practice of our faith at the with people of different lands and nations. intercession of the Mother of God.
3 DESDE EL ESCRITORIO DEL ARZOBISPO
Nuestro vínculo unificador, por supuesto, es el Señorío de Jesús y nuestra membresía en su cuerpo por la fe y el bautismo. Pero inseparablemente ligado a esto está la maternidad de María y su papel único y permanente en el misterio de la salvación. Cuando Jesús dijo “he aquí a tu madre” al discípulo amado Juan al pie de la cruz, sus palabras no fueron para Juan solo, sino para cada discípulo hasta el fin de los tiempos. Y así, donde sea que la Iglesia esté en el mundo, María es venerada bajo varios títulos de honor y devoción. En la Anunciación, María se convirtió en la madre del Verbo Encarnado y le dio un cuerpo humano. Ahora somos los miembros del cuerpo de Cristo y recibimos su carne y PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO sangre en la santa Eucaristía. Es el mismo cuerpo y sangre que María le dio y que ahora compartimos. Espiritualmente, MADRE DE DIOS, por lo tanto, ella es también nuestra madre, de la manera María: más profunda, salvífica e íntima imaginable. Al comienzo del ministerio público de su hijo en la fiesta MADRE DE LA IGLESIA de bodas en Caná, María lo señaló y les dijo: “Hagan lo que él les diga”. Y después de que él ascendió al cielo, ella medida que envejezco y miro mi estaba con los apóstoles en el Cenáculo antes de Pentecostés, vida en retrospectiva, al igual que implorando el regalo prometido del Espíritu Santo. Esta A todos, tengo mucho por lo que misma oración ferviente sigue estando presente en ella, hoy estar agradecido. Me doy cuenta de cuan y hasta el final de los tiempos. San Luis de Montfort escribió, bendecido he sido al recibir las oportuni- “[Es] a través de María que comenzó la salvación del mundo, dades que me ha brindado la Iglesia desde y por medio de María, que debe ser consumada”. ¿Quién mis días de seminario hasta ahora, incluy- mejor que ella puede mostrarnos la manera de vivir una vida en el Espíritu Santo, una vida de fe, esperanza y amor? endo los años que viví en Roma. He tenido EL ARZOBISPO LEONARD P. Durante los cinco años que trabajé en la Secretaría de muchas oportunidades de experimentar BLAIR Estado de la Santa Sede, algunos sacerdotes estadounidenses es el décimo diferentes países e idiomas. Y cualquier y yo ofrecimos Misa matutina todos los días en la Basílica de católico que viaje ampliamente sabrá cuán tercer obispo de la San Pedro. Uno de los altares que usamos estaba adornado universal es nuestra Iglesia Católica, y Arquidiócesis con una imagen de María con la inscripción latina Mater cómo es posible que aunque uno esté en Católica de Ecclesiae (Madre de la Iglesia). Había sido erigida por el el extranjero al ir a Misa o a un santuario, Hartford. Beato Papa Pablo VI, que pronto será Santo, y quien había uno se siente en casa espiritualmente con otorgado oficialmente este título a María en 1964 durante el Concilio Vaticano II. El Papa Francisco ha designado el lunes personas de diferentes países y naciones. después del Domingo de Pentecostés como un memorial litúrgico en honor a “María, Madre de la Iglesia” que se A Family Business Here For You observará anualmente en las Misas celebradas ese día. Como arzobispo de Hartford, he estado renovando anualmente la consagración de nuestra Arquidiócesis a María. Y lo he hecho ofreciendo una oración publica para encomendar en la liturgia de ordenación a nuestros nuevos
New eNglaNd’s largest sacerdotes, y lo haré nuevamente el 23 de junio de este año. religious supply & gift CeNter 1650 West Street Sin embargo, tengo mucho interés en que la mayor cantidad P.O. Box 1028 posible de personas se unan a mí para recitar esta oración, Southington, CT que también digo en privado todos los días. Le ofrezco esta 800-243-6385 www.churchgoods.com oración a los fieles de la arquidiócesis con la esperanza Bibles • Candles Mon.-Fri.: 9:30-5:30 de que al enfrentar las oportunidades y los desafíos del Sat.: 10:00-3:00 Crosses • Jewelry Rosaries • Statues Closed sunday discipulado misionero en nuestro tiempo, podamos ser serving all denominations Memorial Gifts protegidos del mal y fortalecidos en la práctica de nuestra fe a través de la intercesión de la Madre de Dios.
4 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG CONTENTS
3 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK Mary: Mother of God, Mother of the Church
6 PARISH LIFE What do you add to the Mass? 3 6 7 SPIRITUALITY When we’re angry with God
8 EVANGELIZATION My college years: How my faith was nourished
10 REFLECTION The man in the red eyeglasses A family member is beatified 12
12 IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE How can I help ... ? 8 10 14 THEOLOGY 101 Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints?
16 COVER STORY 14 Inmate discovers passion and purpose through religious art therapy
24 ANNUAL APPEAL Archbishop’s Annual Appeal helps fathers become dads
26 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS School spotlight: Sacred Heart High School in 24 Waterbury
28 VOCATION For seminarian, God wrote straight with crooked lines or headlines
29 THINGS TO DO
30 IN YOUR COMMUNITY 16 26
COVER PHOTO BY DAVID ROYCE 5 On the other hand, specific consider your rituals surrounding the Mass. complaints about parishes A few years back, my wife and I aren’t difficult to find. decided we needed to improve our rituals The music is lifeless. The surrounding the Mass. We were having more homilies are boring. The kids and they were getting older, so Mass people are mean. There isn’t was just plain getting difficult for our family. enough parking. The donuts So we decided to change a few things. after Mass are stale. There First, we began reading the Gospel isn’t enough programming readings in the car on the way to Mass. My for old people. There isn’t wife would read, and the kids would quietly enough programming listen in the back. This would help them get for young people. There are too many focused for what was to come. What do you add programs. You get the picture. Second, we began sitting in the But there is a question that isn’t first few pews of the church. This to the Mass? being asked nearly enough: isn’t for everyone, but for us it What are you doing to make made a huge difference. The kids veryone wants to belong your parish thrive? could actually see what was going to a dynamic parish. I mean, it’s a natural question, on and paid more attention. right? You’re going to belong to a Third, we began getting donuts It’s amazing, isn’t it? DR. ALLEN E parish, and you’re going to want after church. We wanted to create Even people who never go to R. HUNT to belong to a dynamic parish, so is senior advisor a sense of excitement around Mass still want to belong to a what will your contribution be? for the Dynamic Sunday morning and the Mass. dynamic parish. Of course, if Maybe you’ve never thought Catholic Now, the kids know that every you stop and ask most people about your contribution before. Institute. Sunday we are going to go to Mass what it means to be a dynamic That’s OK. How do you contribute and get donuts as a special treat parish, they don’t really have to your parish? Are you helping for the family. We don’t use this many specific ideas. It’s like your parish thrive? Consider this as a reward for good behavior or a they aren’t sure what a dynamic for a moment: If every member punishment for bad behavior. It’s parish looks like, but they’ll know at your parish contributed at the just part of the routine. same level as you are, what would Fourth, we ask the kids every it when they see it. your parish be like? Sunday morning at the donut shop, DOMINICK One of the main ways you what God said to them during the ALBANO contribute to your parish is is writer and Mass. Over time, the kids began through your presence. Your speaker for to expect God to say something to presence at Mass is a huge Dynamic them at Mass. They listened and contribution. But what do you Catholic paid attention. After Mass, at the bring to the Mass? Do you bring Institute. donut shop, they wanted to share - Energy & Telecommunications Solutions - your attention, your enthusiasm what they had heard that week. and your expectation? Do you anticipate And we write it down in our Mass journal God’s voice and respond with your whole each week so we can look back at it later. heart? Or do you go out of obligation, These four rituals surrounding our simply going through the motions? Sunday Mass experience have changed We’ve worked with over If you feel like perhaps your contribution everything for our family. 100 Catholic Churches, at Mass could be a little better, remember: Like everything else in life, things are Schools & Organizations, Our lives change when our habits change. going to change over time. As the seasons of saving over $1 Million!!! Consider your habits around the Mass. our lives change, the rituals should change, What rituals do you have when it comes to too. The rituals I just described are great Contact Dave Pestillo today attending Mass? for my current season of life. They are very for a complimentary consultation! How do you dress? What time do you different than our rituals five years ago, and [email protected] arrive? Where do you sit? Do you respond I’m sure our rituals five years from now will 860-426-1755 out loud, just move your lips, respond in be very different too. And that’s OK. It’s your mind, or zone out? What do you do not about doing a certain thing at Mass. It’s www.EmendeeTech.com before Mass? What do you do after Mass? about being able to contribute everything Now is a great time to sit down and you’ve got.
6 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG SPIRITUALITY
lost a 6-year- WHEN WE’RE ANGRY WITH GOD old daughter in the shooting hadn’t seen Kevin since we the blame. My thinking went at Sandy Hook worked together on the night something like, “God, after all I School five I shift at a newspaper in New did for you ...” (Fill in the blank.) years ago. I had York more than 25 years ago. If I were Kevin, I would probably to admit to myself have said, “God, why didn’t you stop that I never could have When we met for lunch, he talked about her from leaving? How am I going to take endured their pain, and I his career, his job hunt, our mutual friends care of my daughter alone?” knew with absolute certainty I would have and his life. He had met a charming woman, I suspect many people who claim to be been angry with God, the world and just they dated, they married and they had a atheists are angry with God for something about anyone else I could think of. daughter. that happened in their lives, which hurt It’s easy to forget that God isn’t the cause The little girl, whom he loved dearly, was them terribly. I once knew a man who of our pain he’s the source of our healing. a special needs child, and his wife, who was spent a lifetime angry with God because his It’s easy to blame God for the very successful in her profession, was away wife died and left him alone. His pain was consequences of our free will, but while we on business a lot. He ignored his suspicions compounded by his anger. Even though he sputter and spew, God’s busy picking up that she was having an affair, but when their never wanted to talk to God again, I’m sure the pieces, often without our realizing, and daughter was less than a year old, she left God was always there, pleading for him making all things new from the mess that them both, and he had to struggle through to come back and trying to ease his pain, we or someone else created. a bitter divorce. He concluded his painful which only God’s love can do. Despite our anger, God waits for us to story with the comment, “At least, I didn’t When I was young and got angry with return, loving us and forgiving us, just like lose my faith ... I’m not angry with God.” God, I assumed he was responding, “Go the father in the parable of the prodigal When something goes wrong in our lives, ahead, behave like that ... you’ll be sorry!” son, who when confronted by his resentful God is often charged with the When, in fact, God was saying, and jealous older son, didn’t respond, “You offense. The One we need the “Don’t be angry. I know it hurts. ungrateful lout ... after all I did for you!” most is the one we blame the I’m always with you.” Instead, he tried to console him with the most. “God, how could you let this God is an infinitely loving reassuring words, “Son, you are always with happen?” or “God, I never want to and caring parent, constantly me, and all that is mine is yours.” talk to you again!” And so on. watching over a world of people Anger destroys our spiritual life, anger Over the years, I’ve lost count who behave like toddlers prone hinders forgiveness and anger impedes love. of the times I’ve been angry with JOE PISANI to temper tantrums and angry What’s the antidote? Prayer and quiet time God for something I thought he of Orange is a outbursts. Nevertheless, he is in front of the tabernacle, talking to God should have prevented, resolved writer whose work always calling us back from our and emptying our hearts of resentment and or handled better I didn’t get has appeared resentment and pain, to heal our grief. Only that will heal us. in Catholic the promotion, I didn’t get the wounds and offer us hope. As we were about to leave, Kevin ended publications girl, I didn’t get the recognition, nationwide. Several months ago, I attended his story. He told me that after all the hurt someone was sick, someone He and his wife a Mass of Remembrance at St. and pain, he found a woman who loves him died. Whether it was minute or Sandy have four Rose of Lima Church in Newtown and loves his daughter. I couldn’t help but monumental, God often took daughters. and sat behind a family who had think that was God at work.
7 EVANGELIZATION
was dumped into the enormous pot of boiling water and we would cut up the peppers and cukes for the salad. Finally, we made the Kool- Aid, nearly crunchy with sugary mix, just how college students like it. More important than the work, Father Larry and I, and sometimes others, talked. We talked about the tunes on the oldies station playing from the ancient radio the size of a suitcase on top would arrive at the Office of Campus Ministry around 4 p.m. every of the refrigerator. We talked about Thursday, barring finals week. Despite the formal title, the office is actually life in college, what we were learning and what we might want to do with a beautiful Victorian home right at the edge of the campus of Eastern I our lives. We talked about books we Connecticut State University in Willimantic. The house is Gothic revival in were reading and events in the news. style, but with a welcoming color palate of earth tones and an inviting wrap- No matter what we talked about, the around veranda. College students, including one of my best buddies, could conversation always seemed so easy rent apartments on the top two floors of the lovely house. The first floor is and Father Larry was always gen- home to the director of campus ministry, a wonderful library of religious and uinely interested and engaged. We secular classics, a kitchen and dining and sitting areas. talked about life; about how things were and how things should be. Every Thursday, I would ring the painting of Snoopy would be secured Then the crowd would arrive in doorbell, be shown into the home by to the veranda, signaling that a feast time for grace and the weekly pasta Very Rev. Laurence LaPointe, also would soon begin. Then the bread dinner. Some (if not many) of the known as Father Larry, or one of the was brought in, sliced and buttered, same faces would be seen again house’s tenants and would eagerly with garlic copiously applied before on Sunday night in the library for get to work. First, the giant plywood it went into the oven. Next the pasta Mass. Father Larry’s sermons were CODY always educational, informative GUARNIERI and wholly relevant to the group is a criminal of college students he preached to. defense lawyer My first adult foray into examining with a Hartford law firm and is biblical passages in a critical way, a member of considering historical context, textual St. Patrick– nuance and genre, were sparked by St. Anthony Father Larry’s homilies. My parents Parish in noted my renewed religious interest Hartford. after a few years of my friendship with Father Larry. For me, Father Larry, who is the Catholic campus chaplain at Eastern, embodies the greatest form of evangelization: the simple and unassuming way that he lives his
8 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG faith and brings others into God’s and tender presence, his thoughtful light without proselytizing. conversation, his deep sense of know- Pope St. John Paul II said, ing and compassion. Father Larry “All who believe in Christ should is the kind of person who makes feel, as an integral part of their you feel like a better kind of person, faith, an apostolic concern to pass All who too. Father Larry’s invitation to the on to others its light and joy. This believe in warmth and light of Christ was his concern must become, as it were, Christ should weekly reminder at Mass that on a hunger and thirst to make the feel, as an Thursday night at the campus min- Lord known, given the vastness of integral part istry building, the best garlic bread EDITOR’S NOTE: the non-Christian world.” In some west of Rome would be served. It was of their faith, The Archdiocese of Hartford respects, a college campus can be a and it is. an apostolic has made campus ministry microcosm of a non-Christian world The pasta dinners and intimate one of four areas of special for many. In that world, there are concern to Masses at Eastern had been taking attention for the 2018 those like Father Larry who figura- pass on to place under Father Larry’s direction Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, as featured in the AAA video. others its tively (and sometimes literally) for decades before I was a student, The March issue of Catholic satisfy a hunger and a thirst in light and joy. and undoubtedly have continued in Transcript magazine contained searching college students. the years since. While I miss both, a story about the Archdiocese My college experience prepared me there is no going back. The end of Hartford’s Catholic Campus Ministry Center for the students POPE ST. for the study of law; a career prac- of one chapter is the beginning of of the University of Hartford. JOHN PAUL II ticing criminal and civil litigation; to another. Nevertheless, I have asked The new center is supported be a well-rounded, liberal-minded Father Larry to take the show on the by the Archbishop’s Annual thinker (at least I like to believe); road, officiating at my marriage and Appeal, which also is a major supporter of campus ministries and, above all, to keep and live the baptizing my firstborn. Who was a at various colleges and faith. The most remarkable part is similar evangelizing figure in your universities throughout the that Father Larry passed on the light life? Who might someday say that archdiocese. and joy of Christ by his welcoming you were a Father Larry to them? Looking for more Catholic news? Visit: www.catholictranscript.org Bringing you all the latest Catholic news, in the archdiocese and around the world.
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9 REFLECTION
THE MAN IN THE RED EYEGLASSES STORY BY BARBARA JEAN A family member is beatified DALY HORELL
his is the feast, the victory of our God!” Music filled Detroit’s books were finished being written, Ford Field, proclaiming God’s triumph in the life of Blessed but they continue today.” Solanus Casey, a Capuchin Franciscan priest. The voices of To me, the red-framed eyeglasses “T represent the paradox of Christ’s 66,000 singers greeted the procession of Capuchins and cardinals, living victorious through the eyes the rich and the learned, as well as the healed and the beloved poor. and heart and voice of Blessed It was Nov. 18, 2017; the joy bounced off the domed ceiling at the Solanus Casey. The fact that Solanus beatification rite for this self-effacing American man who was humbled saw poorly without glasses reminds by circumstances of birth and who bore humiliations by choice, in faith. us that he was weak. By human standards, he needed help in many I was privileged, as a descendant power in his 20th century American ways. Weakened in childhood by of Father Solanus’ sister Genevieve, life. The story of Blessed Solanus the diphtheria from which two of to have a floor seat at Ford Field is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, his sisters died and by a painful as this humble friar was exalted who, humiliated, condemned and skin disease that never would be in a victory so rare that it took a executed, rose victorious over the cured, the real “failing” that plagued sold-out NFL stadium to contain it. great enemy of us all: death itself. Blessed Solanus as a young man Young adults in the crowd sported The beatification of Father Solanus was his inability to master priestly eyeglasses with bright red frames in officially proclaims him to be alive studies. His seminary studies were honor of Blessed Solanus’ trademark with Christ Jesus in heaven and thus offered only in what were for him red-rimmed spectacles. able to intercede for those on earth I reflected on the life of Father who seek his prayers. For 1.2 billion Solanus and what his beatification Catholics worldwide, the greatest means to me. victory is to be canonized a saint.
A “simplex” priest who was Blessed Solanus is one step from that Barbara Jean granted only limited priestly greatest of victories. Daly Horell, faculties; a “lesser-friar” of St. In our wealthy nation, Christians director of the Archdiocese Francis; a man of limited education often forget that Christ usually is
of Hartford's PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBARA JEAN DALY HORELL Father Solanus lived in the most victorious in the life of the Catholic Biblical poverty of his vocation and was often humblest among us. School, left, is ill. Many of us would sink toward “I think Father’s humility is a sign pictured with Paula Medina depression under the limitations of the Gospel truth that God works Zarate, whose Father Solanus accepted with through the little ones,” said Detroit miraculous cure thanksgiving. What many would view Archbishop Allen Vigneron. “St. Paul was recognized as defeat, Father Solanus joyfully says, ‘We’re just vessels of clay so by Pope Francis to advance embraced as sanctifying humiliation. that God can be glorified.’ Father’s Father Solanus' For Solanus, humiliation became life, to my mind, is proof that the cause for the doorway to Christ’s victory and New Testament didn’t end when the canonization.
One day in 1929, during the Great Depression, whose compassion knew no bounds. the poverty-stricken residents of Detroit began lining Father Solanus Casey, who spent 22 years at St. FATHER up outside St. Bonaventure Monastery hungry and Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit feeding the poor, SOLANUS desperate. Father Solanus Casey, a Capuchin priest at praying for healing for the sick, and bringing a sense CASEY the monastery, answered their call for help, telling the of peace and compassion to countless others, met the other friars, “They are hungry; get them some soup requirements for beatification and was named “blessed” and sandwiches.” That day, the hungry and poor of in a Mass at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 18, 2017. Detroit felt comfort for the first time in months thanks The next step is sainthood. to Father Solanus Casey, a beloved figure in the city When Father Solanus arrived in Detroit in 1924,
10 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG the tortuous languages of Latin and German. He never succeeded in a Will we once way that satisfied his superiors, so he again find words was ordained, but never allowed to to console and exercise full priestly ministries. strengthen one Blessed Solanus’s weakness proved another in trials? to be the doorway through which Christ came to reside in him. Solanus may not have seen the world clearly, BARBARA JEAN but he registered with mystical DALY HORELL understanding the plight of many of the least among us. Never allowed to preach a formal sermon or to hear confessions, Blessed Solanus was in residence, for about half a century, to answer the door at monastery offices on the streets of New York and Detroit. Ordinary folks rang the doorbell, sometimes for 18 hours a MICHIGAN CATHOLIC COURTESY KOWALSKY, CNS PHOTO/JEFF day, to talk with the one they called “the holy priest.” Cardinal had a congenital, incurable skin Can we learn from Blessed Solanus Angelo Amato, The paradox of Blessed Solanus’ condition. Fifty-five years after to pay faithful attention to Jesus’ prefect of the red glasses is the paradox of Congregation for Solanus’ death, Zarate prayed for presence wherever we find him? With the Gospel. Despite poor vision, Saints’ Causes, a long list of others’ intentions and a firm belief in our own unworthy Solanus saw with mystical insight concelebrates for herself at the friar’s tomb. Even weakness, can we wear the red eye- the beatification into the heart of Christ, joining it before rising from her knees, Zarate glasses of humility, taking our eyes Mass of Blessed in his own person to the hearts of Solanus Casey experienced instantaneous and visible off of ourselves? Can we hold our the downtrodden, as evidenced on Nov. 18, 2017, relief from her skin condition. so-called strengths lightly, depending by a thousand “favors” that came at Ford Field in How could it be that an encounter not on ourselves, but on God and Detroit. At least about through his intercession. Not between a dead man and a hurting our neighbor? Father Solanus called 60,000 attended distracted by the American dream the beatification woman could result in a beatifica- religion “the happy science of our of success, Solanus saw the sick and of the Capuchin tion? The answer, of course, lies in relationship with and dependence on the poor, the wealthy and the strong, Franciscan friar. the way Blessed Solanus lived his God and our neighbor.” the powerful and the uneducated, life. At a young age, Blessed Solanus By sharing the humble vision of all with the eyes of his Savior. In relinquished all self-serving dreams Blessed Solanus, will today’s faithful 21st-century terms, Solanus became he might have had and obediently reinvigorate our faith on Solanus’ a kind of superconductor of Jesus’ listened only for the plan of Christ in blessed terms? Will we once again healing, consoling and teaching. his life. This obedient holiness is it- find words to console and strengthen Of all the favors reported, Pope self a miracle and a victory in today’s one another in trials? Might we, like Francis recognizes the miraculous America. But it is also “the one thing Blessed Solanus, look through the 2012 healing of a Panamanian needed” (Lk 10:42) of baptized Catho- “red glasses” and conform our lives woman, Paula Medina Zarate, who lics that we most often neglect. to the victory of our God?
he was already known as a beloved doorkeeper from his healing touch, and for the power of his intercessory 20-year ministry at monasteries in the New York City prayers. Because of this, Father Gerald Walker, provincial area. Throughout his many years of ministry in New York minister of the Detroit Capuchins, initiated the first step and Detroit, Father Solanus was greatly sought after as a to sainthood for Solanus after his death: He sent a report counselor, and for his blessings of the sick. Many felt his detailing Father Solanus’ life to the general superiors in blessing brought about a cure for their illness. All who Rome. In 1995, he was declared “Venerable” by Pope St. came to him were consoled by his counsel and his serenity. John Paul II. In May 2017, Pope Francis issued a decree Father Solanus died in Detroit in 1957. During his life confirming a miracle as a result of Venerable Solanus’ and after his death, Father Solanus was known for his intercession, announcing the plan for his beatification.
11 d, Reap and Rise! Rea Catholic Biblical School Apply Now tuition assistance available www.catholicedaohct.org [email protected] (860) 242-5573, ext. 2670
Office Of educatiOn, evangelizatiOn and catechesis
Bishop Peter Rosazza is leading a Pilgrimage to Ireland September 4-13, 2018
Anyone interested may email him: [email protected] or call 860-761-7430 HOW CAN I HELP … ?
FATHER JOE KRUPP is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack
aithful readers many of the questions I get begin with these four F words: How can I help …? It’s a wonderful thing to get a message that basically reads: “I want to help someone!” As a priest, I am touched that so many people want to help their brothers and sisters. ONE PLACE So, I’m going to answer a couple of these TO FIND MASS questions with one simple caveat: No matter what type of problem someone has, the first Visit www.CatholicTV.org/Mass for and most important step is to pray for them Catholic TV’s daily and Sunday Masses, celebrant schedule, info about saints of and pray that God will guide you in your the day, and prayer resources. response. With that, let’s get right to it!
12 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
HOW CAN I HELP ... my friends whose marriage is falling apart?
It’s a tough thing to watch a them of the times when things marriage falling apart, and I feel were better, pray with them, deeply blessed by knowing that you encourage them to remember what want to help people in that situation. they loved about their husband or Obviously, there are times when wife, offer to help with the kids when divorce is not only allowed, but they go to marriage counseling or necessary for the safety of one even when they simply need time spouse or the couple’s children. together as a couple. These are great Generally, common sense will dictate ways to help people whose marriages understanding those situations where are struggling. there is no other recourse, such as Beyond that, there is an excellent abusive relationships. Outside of program called Retrouvaille those, I would urge you to see it as (pronounced retro-vie). If you type your duty to help this couple fight that into Google, you’ll see how for their marriage to help them to sign up. I have sent struggling address the issue/issues together with couples to this program and it was prayer and a professional in order to extremely helpful. Besides this, there preserve the sacrament. are other excellent options out there Share stories of times when you that your diocese may be able to tell and your spouse struggled. Remind you about.
HOW CAN I HELP ... my priest, who always seems so harried?
As a priest, let me say this: Bless to have a conversation unless you you for asking! A priest’s life is a are doing a ministry. Personally, I blessed but busy one. I find it to be a know that asking me to remember life that is filled with pressure. As a something before or after Mass result, I have a lot of ideas here that is generally a bad idea. Call the can help, beyond prayer. secretary and let him/her know what First, I’d encourage you to be you want during the week, rather supportive. Everyone is an expert than try to get him to remember on how the priest should be, what something after a busy Sunday. he should be doing, etc. Don’t be Be sure to let him know when that person. In the immortal words you or someone you love is in the of my dad, “You don’t know what hospital. Don’t assume he knows or you don’t know.” Trust that he is that someone will tell him; people doing his best. Trust that he loves get very hurt when the priest doesn’t God until he does something to take come see them, but the priest can’t that trust away. do what he doesn’t know. Second, let him pray before Mass Best thing? Don’t gossip. Ever. and be present to people after. Don’t You’ll add years onto your priest’s hang out in the sacristy before Mass life.
13 THEOLOGY 101
ISTOCK
Donate Your Car! Why do Catholics pray to
I remember visiting a Protestant were meaningful to them. The couple
Most types of motorized vehicles accepted, A: couple I had befriended during said that these were the people they running or not. All proceeds benefit children my seminary years at their home in loved and cared about the most. They and families in need in Connecticut. Maryland one evening. As dinner was entrusted their deceased relatives and winding down, one of them asked friends to God’s mercy and they prayed me, “So why do you Catholics pray to for their children and grandchildren to Mary and the saints? Shouldn’t they go have healthy and blessed lives. directly to Jesus?” I replied that this is a perfectly This is a common concern of our sensible thing for a Christian disciple Catholic Charities Protestant brothers and sisters. I to do and it is why it is perfectly Archdiocese of Hartford looked around their living room and sensible to have statues and pictures of CCUSA PHOTO BY LAURA SIKES noted many family pictures hanging Mary and the saints in our churches and For more information, visit www.ccaoh.org on the walls, spanning generations. homes. They are important members or call 855-660-4483 I asked them why these pictures of our family of faith, family related by
14 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG blood, the precious blood of Jesus. Just we, too, are invited to surrender our as we turn to fellow Christians to ask lives to God in our time and place. them to pray for us, we turn in a special The power of Mary’s intercession way to our Blessed Mother Mary and is evident even from the beginning the canonized saints of the Church for of Jesus’ public ministry. When our their intercession and guidance as we Lord performs his first miracle at the make our pilgrim way in this life. This wedding of Cana, it is through Mary’s sharing of spiritual goods flows from intercession after she brings the needs our baptism into the of the newlywed couple to mystical body of Christ, her son and then tells the the Church. It is why we servants at the banquet, profess in the creed our We don’t worship “Do whatever he tells belief in “the communion Mary or the saints; you.” (Jn 2:5) Wonderful of the saints.” worship is due things result every time It is important to to God alone. we heed Mary’s sage understand that, as Instead, we honor advice and strive to do Catholics, we don’t whatever Jesus tells us. them with special worship Mary or the How is God calling devotion because saints; worship is due to each of us to reflect his God alone. Instead, we of their example light in the particular honor them with special of faithfulness to circumstances of our devotion because of their God’s will in their lives? It would be rather example of faithfulness lives and their intimidating to strive to God’s will in their place worshipping to answer this call on lives and their place God in eternity. our own. Thank God for worshipping God in the gift of our Blessed eternity. Just as the moon Mother and the saints reflects the sunlight, who accompany us on our Mary and the saints reflect God’s grace journey of discipleship. and love in their own unique, beautiful So, instead of saying that we Catholics ways. The power of their good example pray “to” Mary and the saints, perhaps and intercessory prayers spurs us to join it is better to say that we pray “through” them in heaven. them or “with” them to our Triune God. We venerate Mary precisely because They are our models in virtue and inter- of her unique relationship to Jesus and cessors in prayer. Like a good corner in her complete openness to the work of the boxing ring, we find this great cloud the Holy Spirit. As the Catechism of the of witnesses coaching us, encouraging Catholic Church teaches: “Mary’s role us, binding up our wounds with their in the Church is inseparable from her prayers, refreshing us with their good union with Christ and flows directly from example and cheering us on to fight the it.” (CCC #964) Her motherhood in the good fight of faith, to run the race of dis- order of grace inspires all generations to cipleship and so gain the prize of eternal call her blessed (cf. Lk 1:48) and, as poor life in Christ as they did. (cf. 2 Tm 4:7). sinners, to seek her prayers now and at Mary, queen of all saints, pray for us! the hour of our death. Mary always wants to lead us to her son. She is powerful precisely because FATHER JEFFREY she knows her total dependence on GUBBIOTTI God’s Providence and grace. The saints is pastor of imitated her fiat, her trusting “yes” to Holy Rosary Parish God in the obedience of faith. Like them, in Ansonia.
15 COVER STORY
INMATE DISCOVERS
THROUGH RELIGIOUS ART THERAPY
STORY BY SHELLEY WOLF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ROYCE
16 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG Inmate Christopher Message stands behind the altar in the worship space at Cybulski Community Reintegration Center in Somers. His painting of the crucifixion of Jesus is hung before each Mass.
17 COVER STORY
Christopher Message reveals the contents of the locker within his shared cube. Inside, the door is coated with images of Thomas Merton, Venerable Michael McGivney, Mary and Jesus. Here, he also keeps track of the “time left” until his release.
N THE CUBE HE SHARED with three other inmates, Christopher Message worked every night for nearly a month on an image of the crucifixion of Jesus on a 2-foot-6-inch by 3-foot-4-inch canvas at the Cybulski ICommunity Reintegration Center in Somers, which is part of the Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution. After sketching the image, he mixed paints and layered on the black background, flesh tones and white highlights. When he wasn’t satisfied with the results, he repainted sections. When Message thought he might be done, he leaned the painting against a locker, stepped back and asked the other inmates in the military veterans’ dormitory for their opinion. “I called my friend Mike and I said, ‘What do you think?’ He said, ‘Stop! Stop! Don’t do anything more to it. Leave it alone. Leave it alone,’” Message recalls. Before long, others joined in.
“I had 10-15 inmates crammed into my cube, all over the subject is also a happy outcome, considering staring at it. Everybody was in silence just staring at it,” he has never had any formal art training. he says. Their collective conclusion? Leave it alone. “Out in the world, before prison, I couldn’t even It’s done. “I was like, ‘All right. I’m done. I’m stopping,’” draw a stick figure,” he admits. Message says. Now Message hopes to use his budding artistic talent to In retrospect, he is surprised that so many people, share his affection for Jesus, Mary and the saints with oth- including the corrections officers, expressed so much ers when he is released from the reintegration center, which interest in the creative process and in the final results. He’s prepares offenders for release into the community. Five of equally pleased by the mood of the piece dramatic, yet his paintings have already been shown as part of an exhibit intimate just as he had envisioned. Message’s mastery at Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in Pittsfield, Mass.
18 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG A need for portable art Message, 41, credits his newfound passion for painting to a religious art therapy program developed by Deacon Michael Torres, liaison for Catholic prison chaplains for the Archdiocese of Hartford. Deacon Torres is also the Catholic chaplain/facilitator at Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution in Enfield and Somers and at Carl Robinson Correctional Institution in Enfield. As chaplain of Catholic services, he prepares men who are interested in receiving the sacraments and reconnects many Deacon Michael Torres is the to the teachings of the catechism, which he says is the best liaison for guide for a healthier journey when they return back to society. Catholic prison “I think it redirects them back to the core of what they chaplains for the learned as kids, the teachings and doctrine of the faith, and Archdiocese of Hartford. the love of God and neighbor,” Deacon Torres says. His work also reinforces “how important it is to have that blanket of spirituality as part of the reintegration, so they can utilize that when they get back home.” In addition, Deacon Torres serves as a deacon at St. Martha Parish in Enfield. Deacon Torres began the art program in the Cybulski Community Reintegration Center in 2016 after the staff told him to remove religious items from the nondescript space that was used for multidenominational worship and religious programs. The room needed to be cleared after each use to prepare for the other religious faiths. “That struck me,” he says. If we can’t put things up permanently, he thought, maybe we can create something portable. He had seen evidence of artistic talent in the housing units, he says, and wanted to direct it toward the worship space. So Deacon Torres invited inmates to I THINK IT REDIRECTS THEM participate in an art therapy class for one BACK TO THE CORE OF WHAT hour every Tuesday. Five Catholic men THEY LEARNED AS KIDS, THE signed on, including Message. The class was held in the worship space using art TEACHINGS AND DOCTRINE supplies left over from an old art program OF THE FAITH, AND THE at the prison, plus new supplies donated by St. Catherine of Siena Parish in West Simsbury. love of God Deacon Torres left it to the men to draw and paint whatever they wished. “I’ll be honest with you, I have no art and neighbor. skills whatsoever,” Deacon Torres said. “But it attracted me, what they’re able to express in their artwork. We have conversations about our relationship with God and how can we express that in works of art. That’s pretty DEACON much the core of the program.” MICHAEL There was no instructor, but the men quickly began to collab- TORRES orate, teaching each other. Some had perfected sketching, while others excelled at mixing paints. “So they were sharing their gifts,” Deacon Torres recalls. “It was really special.”
19 COVER STORY
20 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG Finding his style Message shared the sketching skills he had developed on his own during the first few years of his sentence. He enjoyed the leap to painting and found solace working in the worship space. “Going to the chapel and doing the art program, it’s a relaxing environment and nice and quiet,” Message says. “You can use your imagination and put all your emotions into the paintings. It kind of becomes a form of meditation and prayer at the same time.” His first painting was of Jesus with the crown of thorns on an 11-by-14 1/2-inch canvas. “We didn’t have the skin tone paint yet, so I did it in all dramatic black and gray,” he recalls. In time, Deacon Torres asked the men to contribute paintings that could serve as the Stations of the Cross. “It was challenging doing the Stations of the Cross and trying to capture the mood of each station onto a small canvas,” Message said. One of You can use his contributions was the fifth station, in which Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the cross. “They met face to your imagination face. I did a zoom-in.” AND PUT ALL YOUR EMOTIONS Father Robert Villa, pastor of St. INTO THE PAINTINGS. IT KIND OF Martha Parish in Enfield, visited the Cybulski center and other prisons BECOMES A FORM OF MEDITATION each week to celebrate Mass and AND PRAYER AT THE SAME TIME. offer confession. He also requested religious art. “I contemplated getting a crucifix for the wall,” he says of Cybulski, “but then I heard of Message and that he was experimenting with sacred art.” CHRISTOPHER Father Villa asked Message to create a larger artwork to MESSAGE place above the altar, and selected the painting “Christ Cruci- fied” by Spanish painter Diego Velázquez as inspiration for the new work. The inmate agreed to the assignment. “When they ordered the large canvas, I was pretty scared,” Message admits. “I thought, ‘I can hardly paint on these small canvasses and now I’m supposed to do it on this big one.’ It was very intimidating.” A big fan of the Italian Renaissance painter Caravaggio, Message ordered two books about his life and works and picked up the technique of chiaroscuro, the use of high- contrast light and shadow for dramatic effect. Many artists have painted Jesus on the cross, Message notes, but he wanted to make the work his own personal expression. “It’s completely my own mood, shading, color,” he says. “I even added the teardrops coming down his face.”
21 COVER STORY
He drifted away from the Church. His anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder got out of hand. In his at- tempt to control them, he says, he began to abuse alcohol just to sleep, and later abused prescription medications and cocaine. His issues escalated until, in his words, he “went off the deep end” and committed a series of arsons in quick succession in Fairfield County. According to news accounts in the Connecticut Post, a firefighter was injured fighting one of the fires and Message was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years probation. He has already served 6 1/2 years. “The Catholic Church in prison has definitely pulled me back to where I needed to be and helped me to rebuild my faith,” he says today. “I take full responsibility for what I did, and I’m ashamed, embarrassed, humiliated. I never broke the law ever before. “I plan to seek professional help if any issues arise,” he adds, “and never turn to drugs and alcohol again. I have Christopher Message began the piece in class and obtained my family and friends and faith in [God and] the Catholic Message shows permission from authorities at the facility to continue Church for structure and support when I get out.” where he stores his paint supplies working on it in his dorm. Now that it’s completed, the in the cube he painting is securely housed in the chaplain’s office until Faith in a future shares with three Message hangs it above the altar before each Mass. During his incarceration, Message not only found other inmates. “Being his first time, he did a phenomenal job,” his way back to the faith, he also discovered his Father Villa says. “It definitely enhances the [Mass] personal vocation. experience for the guys.” As part of his participation in the religious art therapy program, Message read Thomas Merton’s book No Man Coming full circle Is an Island. In the book, Message says, the American Message says he had no previous training in the fine theologian and mystic suggested that everyone has his or arts, but his life story suggests an artistic nature. her specific vocation. Born in Hartford, he was adopted at 1½ and raised in “I kind of believe my vocation is to be sharing the Fairfield, where he attended Mass every week with his love of God, Mary and the saints with the world through adoptive family. He played piano, and even played the beautiful paintings and beautiful music,” he says. organ in church from the age of 9 through his years at a Once Message has completed his time at Cybulski, Jesuit high school. he plans to take formal painting classes and also hopes Message joined the Navy for a brief stint, then was to do more with his music. gainfully employed as a barber a profession that During his early years at MacDougall-Walker combines technical skill and creative talent. He also Correctional Institution, he composed a series of eight worked as an emergency medical technician in Bridgeport, classical piano sonatas, titled “Sonatas for the Saints.” where he says he witnessed violence and tragedy. He says he has 80 pages of handwritten sheet music. “I would love to be able to put on some kind of concerts in churches out in the world,” Message says, “and maybe have my paintings in the background while the music is Deacon Torres says chaplains can always use the help of more being played.” prison ministry volunteers to assist with various prayer activities, Message has other dreams. He is enrolled in a certificate programs and sacramental preparation. Spanish-speaking program for human services management, which is offered volunteers also are needed. on-site by Asnuntuck Community College of Enfield, and he hopes to find work in that field someday. FOR MORE INFORMATION In the meantime, he has given a few paintings away as ON VOLUNTEERING AT A CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION gifts to his girlfriend, mother and Archbishop Leonard P. IN ENFIELD, SOMERS, NIANTIC, CHESHIRE OR NEW HAVEN, CONTACT Blair. Of his mother, he says, “Seeing my artwork, it gives DEACON TORRES AT [email protected] OR AT 860.763.6599. her comfort knowing that I’m OK and doing what I’m doing in prison.”
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23 ANNUAL APPEAL Archbishop’s Annual Appeal helps fathers become dads Michael Wilson talks to Luis Hill, Southside and Parker Memorial Santiago at Southside Family family centers in Hartford. It is Center in Hartford. supported in part by donations to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Santiago runs the program at Southside Family Center. Alwyn Foster heads it up at Asylum Hill and Parker Memorial family centers. Santiago and Foster use their personal experience as dads and a lot of training to help as many as 180 other men each year to become better fathers. “I’ve been involved in the father- hood program since 2012, six years now,” said Santiago. He works to educate fathers on parenting skills and overcoming barriers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE RADIO AND TELEVISION (ORTV) COURTESY PHOTO Using a curriculum called Fatherhood Development, he stresses ichael Wilson said he would do “anything and everything” to be positive parenting, emphasizing the able to have a healthy relationship with his son. role of the father, he said. In the case A recovering opioid addict, now clean for more than four management aspect of the program, M he assesses the fathers and helps years, Wilson, whose last name has been changed for this story at his them overcome any barriers to loving request, told a court-appointed guardian ad litem (GAL) that he wanted relationships with their children. meaningful access to his 11-year-old son, who lives primarily with the son’s “We set goals and we help them mother, Wilson’s former wife. achieve them. Success can mean a lot of different things to different dads. The GAL, sworn to act in the best a couple of sessions where I got One of them could be just getting interests of the child, suggested emotional. And it was nice because employment. Another could mean Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood, it brought out things that I had been getting custody or visitation rights a program run by Catholic Charities putting away and not bringing up, to the kids,” Santiago said. of the Archdiocese of Hartford. kind of hiding from,” he said. He asks each dad to make a During hour-long weekly sessions Because of the success of the commitment to complete an eight- with fatherhood specialist Luis fatherhood program, Wilson’s son week program, after which he Santiago at Southside Family Center now spends every other weekend with bestows a certificate of completion. in Hartford, Wilson discussed his him, and they see each other twice STORY BY But that’s not the end. thoughts and feelings on specific during the week, usually at his son’s JACK SHEEDY “We say, ‘We’re here to support topics. “We talked about what it’s like karate practice or lacrosse games. you. If you want to keep coming, to be a man and how to shape or mold Pathways to Responsible you can keep coming.’ And some of our sons into being thoughtful, well- Fatherhood was launched at Catholic the dads do come and continue to adjusted young men,” said Wilson, Charities of the Archdiocese of engage the services, while others a professional chef working in a Hartford in 2012 to involve and feel they got what they needed and corporate setting in the Hartford area. engage fathers in the healthy moved on,” he said. His sessions with Santiago were nurturing of their children. Today, Most men succeed, he said, often difficult, he said. “There were the program is in place at Asylum and many return to encourage
24 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG other dads in the program. “Every time I help a father Foster has had similar successes to become a better man, at Asylum Hill and Parker Memorial I’m also helping the family to centers. become a stronger family.” “We provide an eight-week parent- ALWYN FOSTER ing program that covers everything from effective co-parenting to [child] advocate practices,” he said. Santiago said, “A couple of years “We also do a family relationship ago, there was this father who came course, which is a course between to me and he was working with child PHOTO BY JACK SHEEDY JACK BY PHOTO a mom and dad, whether they are protective services in, I believe, Fatherhood specialists Luis Santiago, together or just co-parenting from North Carolina, because he had just left, and Alwyn Foster. separate homes,” he said. found out he didn’t know that Some men are mandated to attend he had fathered a child, and five or by the court system, to help them find six years had gone by and the child story short, we ended up reaching FOR MORE ways to establish emotional bonds was in foster care and the mother out to his dad throughout the course INFORMATION with their children while they find had lost the rights to the child.” on Pathways of the group his own father ways to catch up on financial support, to Responsible Working with the North Carolina and amending that relationship,” he said. Other men step forward Fatherhood, agency, Santiago helped the father to Foster said. proactively because they recognize call Asylum Hill fly down there to see his child, he said. “In the completion ceremony, his Family Center at they need guidance, he said. “It took a lot of work, but one of 860.244.9944, father was the only person to be there Santiago said, “I really believe Parker Memorial the greatest things is that eventually when he got his certificate,” he said. that I’ve seen a difference when a Family Center he was able to gain full custody of “When you affect the father, father’s involved. The impact that at 860.757.0827 this biological child, and they began you affect the whole family. You or Southside a father has on the life of a child, to form a relationship,” he said. Family Center at have so much influence on their it’s immeasurable. We understand 860.297.7800. Foster related another success wives or their girlfriends, and, as that people say there’s no love like story: “There was a dad that came a result of that, you also influence the love of a mother, and I respect into the group. You know, many of their families. Every time I help a that; but there’s such an impact that the guys are referred by the court, so father to become a better man, I’m a father plays in both a son and a they have a high level of disdain for also helping the family to become a daughter — in different ways, but even being there. But he came into stronger family,” Foster said. they do have an impact. We have so the group and the other guys noticed Before going through the program, many people who are not complete that he had a little bit of an attitude Wilson said his son “didn’t seem because they don’t have a father and they addressed it,” he said. happy, he seemed a little withdrawn. involved in their lives.” “Come to find out, he had so Now he’s very outgoing, very vocal. Both Santiago and Foster gave many issues with his children be- He’s a great kid. We have a very open examples of how well the program cause he had so much unforgiveness and honest relationship. He talks to is working. in his heart for his own father. Long me about everything and anything,” Wilson said. “And my son tells me that he can see a difference in me. He thinks that I’m more positive,” he added. Santiago calls Wilson’s experience in Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood “one of the bigger success stories that we have. [The program] helped him build a deeper connection with his son, and he still checks in with me every so often.”
A group talks as part of Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood, a program run by Catholic Charities of the
PHOTO COURTESY OF ORTV COURTESY PHOTO Archdiocese of Hartford.
25 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Sacred Heart High School on South Elm Street in SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: Waterbury. SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL BY MARY IN WATERBURY CHALUPSKY
elebrating its 95th anniversary this year, Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury C is an academically rigorous school from which students go on to attend some of the finest colleges and universities. From humble beginnings in 1922 as a parish high school with 36 students taught by the Sisters of Mercy, Sacred Heart has evolved into a vibrant archdiocesan high school.
The school’s long history includes such milestones as becoming a co-ed institution in 1938, moving to the former Waterbury Catholic High School in 1975 and achieving an 80-year dream with the construction of a gymnasium, Alumni Hall, in 2001. Today, Sacred Heart High School offers a challenging
curriculum taught in the Catholic tradition to 360 The first co-ed class poses. students from 20 towns. Not only do 98 percent of students go on to institutions of higher education, but college-bound students have been awarded $10 million in scholarships. Among signature programs are a marketing and management program that provides a basis for studies in business; a pre-engineering program that incorporates computer-aided design, an in-house video/ media program that develops broadcast journalism and production skills; the Carrafa-Petrello health care program with Trinity Health and St. Mary’s Hospital that prepares students who seek careers in care-giving; and a partnership with Post University that offers students an early college experience. Moreover, this diverse Catholic learning community lives its Catholic identity and continues to expand its Sister Francis Zajac of the reach into the local Waterbury area. Students Franciscan Sisters of the provide 14,000 hours of service to more than 72 Eucharist, a member of the science department, with honors organizations, annually. chemistry students Najma “We’re very passionate about giving back to Braddock and Alex Valente. the city of Waterbury,” said the school’s president, Eileen Regan. “We take pride in our mission of Jatorra Jackson and Rachel educating students of diverse backgrounds in a Gray at graduation 2017 at strong Catholic tradition that empowers students the Basilica of the Immaculate to be moral and productive members of society.” Conception in Waterbury.
26 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG Students at work in the technology lab.
The Sacred Heart High School Boys Class L State Champions.
Students pose with Archbishop Leonard Blair in 2015 during one of his visits.
27 VOCATION
ethnic slur against Lin. But the damage was done, the blowback immediate and intense, and the fallout inevitable. Federico got fired within days from his first job. Federico, the eldest of five siblings, moved back in with his parents, who did their best to shield him from “the daily hate mail and For seminarian, death threats,” he said. Time passed and Federico was God wrote straight able to rebound. In a meeting he attended with representatives of a start-up in Stamford, Connecticut,
with crooked lines CNS PHOTO/TYLER ORSBURN he walked away with a job offer to OR HEADLINES be a consultant. As opposed to working at ESPN, which nearly always entailed the late shift, Federico worked days for the startup. He told CNS he’d walk around Hartford on his lunch hour, nthony Federico is one of three seminarians from Anthony taking in the sights. Federico, a He came upon a church that had a the Archdiocese of Hartford, studying at Theological seminarian from weekday Mass at 12:10 p.m. After dis- College in Washington, D.C. But he’s the only one of the Archdiocese A missing the thought at first with “I’m them to inadvertently create an internet outcry. of Hartford, Conn., poses for a not a daily Massgoer” Federico went photo inside the inside one day and got hooked. Soon, Federico, who is 33 and in the for seven years, first in the tape recreation room colleagues asked him what he was at Theological third year of his theologate, grew warehouse finding and shuttling vin- doing with himself during his lunch College in up in Connecticut, a big fan of the tage footage where it needed to go, Washington Oct. hours. “Come and see” was his reply. National Hockey League’s Hartford and later in ESPN’s “mobile group” 25. In 2015, the So they went. And saw. And Whalers, who have since decamped in digital media work a job he former sports discussed. Some were Catholic and journalist was the to Charlotte, North Carolina. He was considered a plum. “It was the right they posed serious questions about college’s darts, possibly an even bigger fan of base- place at the right time,” he said, as pool and ping- Catholic belief and practice. “These ball’s New York Yankees so much cellphone usage was exploding. pong champion. are brilliant people,” he said. “I had so he couldn’t watch the opening Then came the incident that to go home and look at the catechism game of the World Series, as he was changed Federico’s career path. (of the Catholic Church)” to frame still mourning the Bronx Bombers’ In 2012, a little-heralded guard suitable answers for the next day. playoff exit the week before. named Jeremy Lin, a Taiwanese- On another visit, he noticed the Not only was Federico a fan, he American, started playing terrific “struggle”of the parish priest, who was was a participant: hockey, baseball, basketball for the New in the confessional before soccer, swimming and tennis, from York Knicks, gaining the noonday Mass. He did youth leagues to high school at Notre international fame. Anthony Federico, currently not have enough time to Dame in West Haven. At Providence Those in the know studying at Theological hear everyone’s confession College, Federico majored in theology started gushing about College at The Catholic before he had to prepare to University of America in not the keenest choice for finding Lin’s emergence. celebrate Mass. “I thought, Washington, D.C., will be a job in the big, wide world. Eventually, Lin’s star ‘If we just had more priests ordained to the transitional However, his passion for sports dimmed. ESPN had a diaconate for the Archdiocese ... ohhhh, I get it Lord,’” landed him a job at ESPN in his story ready to go about of Hartford at 11 a.m. on Federico recalled. home state. In an interview with it. It was Federico’s task May 19 at St. Mary Church in That was the moment he Catholic News Service, Federico said to write the headline. Newington. Auxiliary Bishop knew his vocation. he saw it as “vindication” that he He wrote “Chink in the Emeritus Peter A. Rosazza “I had a good deal. could get gainful employment despite Armor” never intending will be the ordaining prelate. I was making money, his theology major. He worked there it, he said, to be an traveling a lot. I thought I
28 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG THINGS TO DO
The St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Bereavement Support Group ‘COME AND FOLLOW ME’ will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. for 10 weeks beginning May 1 at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave., North Haven. The group Are you following Archbishop Blair and the offers Christian-based support in a small group setting. Information Archdiocese of Hartford on social media? is available at 203.234.9447 or [email protected]. @ArchbishopBlair @ArchdioceseHart Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center in Farmington will offer a @ArchdioceseOfHartford retreat day titled “In the Upstairs Room Waiting for the Spirit” Facebook.com/ArchdioceseOfHartford from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 16. Four days before the Solemnity of Pentecost, this day of reflection will invite people to place themselves in the upstairs room where Jesus’ disciples waited in prayer to be “clothed with power from on high.” (Lk 24:49) The day will include a The Catholic Cemeteries Association will present a Dignity of prayer service, conference and the opportunity for confession. It will Life Seminar, providing educational and resource information conclude with the celebration of the Eucharist. This program will about elder and end-of-life care, in two locations during May. They be presented by long-time retreat team member Passionist Sister will take place at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 23 at St. Mary’s Hall Mary O’Brien. The $25 fee includes lunch. Register at 860.677.8519, in Derby of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish; and at 2 p.m. [email protected] or www.ourladyofcalvary.net. and 7 p.m. on May 31 at St. George Church in Guilford. The panel also will discuss the topics of burial, funerals, estate planning and Catholic Underground Connecticut will have a Pentecost party long-term care. A Q&A session will follow. Information is available from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on May 19 at Holy Apostles College and at 203.780.8418 or [email protected]. Seminary, 33 Prospect Hill Rd., Cromwell. Information is available at [email protected]. Catholic Underground is a group of The St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima 236th year anniversary young adults from all around Connecticut who gather once a month gala will take place from 6-10 p.m. on May 24 at Anthony’s Ocean to pray and experience Catholic culture and fellowship. Information View in New Haven. Honorees will be the development committee, is available at www.catholicundergroundct.com. for its many years of dedication to the children of St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima School in New Haven: Ellen Anderson, Margaret Gil- Frassati New Haven will host Frassati on Tap, a night of huly, Mark Blondin, Pete Leahy, Suzanne Blondin, John Leary, Ann discussion about the faith, from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 20 at the Caruso, Don McCarthy, Don Deloge, Terri Santillo and Bob Schreck. Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Rd., Branford. Frassati New For ticket information call 203.777.5352. Ticket deadline May 7. Haven is a fellowship of Catholics (and interested non-Catholics) in their 20s and 30s who gather to worship, grow in their faith, serve those in need and build bonds of friendship. Information is FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS visit www.catholictranscript.org available at www.frassatinewhaven.org.
had the life I was supposed to have,” at Theological College, which is the ticipate in “iron man” triathlons Federico said. “I was content with my national diocesan seminary of The swimming, bicycling and running life, but not happy.” He added family Catholic University of America and Federico was the 2015 winner of the and friends were “surprised, but not directed by the priests of the Society “iron seminarian” competition that shocked” with his decision. of St. Sulpice. takes in the decidedly different pur- Federico said he had considered And while he’s getting his suits of darts, pool and ping-pong. priesthood as early as age 15, but classwork in, and living in rectories “People think seminarians live always distanced himself from the and learning from pastors during the in some dark building and walk I thought, idea. When he went to the Hartford summers, Federico hasn’t renounced like this,” he said, imitating a slow, ‘If we just had archdiocesan vocation office, the his love of sports. straight walk with palms pressed more priests personnel knew him already not He said he and his fellow together at chest level. “We have a ... ohhhh, I from his ESPN notoriety, but because seminarians have won four great culture here.” get it Lord.’ he had applied a couple of years intramural championships at And, if all goes according to plan before only to be “nervous, scared, Catholic University, which is across provided it’s God’s plan afraid” of following through. “I was the street from the seminary. Federico will be ordained to the looking at it through the no’s, not the Theological College also won the priesthood in spring 2019. yes,” he added. This time “I am doing Vianney Cup, a soccer tournament this in freedom,” he said. for four East Coast seminaries. STORY BY MARK PATTISON This marks Federico’ fifth year And, while some laypeople par- Catholic News Service
29 The magazine of the Archdiocese of Hartford Journalistic Service in Connecticut since 1829
TELEPHONE: 860.286.2828 or 1.800.726.2391 WEBSITE: www.catholictranscript.org EMAIL: [email protected] Distribution: more than 180,000
MAY 2018
Archbishop Leonard P. Blair PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
Father James A. Shanley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Roberta W. Tuttle were nominated within their EXECUTIVE EDITOR ‘Indispensable’ parish “On behalf of the whole parish for commendable archdiocese, and especially Leslie DiVenere volunteers honored GRAPHICS EDITOR service, for giving of their time those of us who are priests for their service and talent to support their and pastors, I thank you most Mary Chalupsky parish community. profoundly,” Archbishop Blair Shelley Wolf Archbishop Leonard P. Blair STAFF REPORTERS honored 118 worthy parish Many recipients have told the awardees, “and we all served their parish for ask God to bless you for your Dominick Albano volunteers from 88 parishes Cody Guarnieri in the archdiocese with the St. decades in numerous ways, goodness, your dedication and Father Jeffrey Gubbiotti Barbara Jean Daly Horell Joseph Medal of Appreciation such as by acting as religious for all that you do.” Dr. Allen R. Hunt during a prayer service on education teachers, lectors The full list of awardees Father Joe Krupp Bob Mullen March 18 at the Cathedral of or extraordinary ministers of may be found at Mark Pattison St. Joseph. the Eucharist. Some honorees http://goo.gl/q9Fi123. Joe Pisani David Royce Archbishop Blair bestowed serve the needy or coordinate STORY BY SHELLEY WOLF, Jack Sheedy the honor on volunteers who parish events and fundraisers. PHOTOS BY MARIA ZONE Maria Zone Office of Radio and Televison CONTRIBUTORS
CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH Rooted in Faith: Bringing social justice home is theme of 2018 conference WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM
Patrick M. O’Brien The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry importance of living Catholic social teaching,” PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (OCSJM) of the Archdiocese of Hartford will said Lynn Campbell, executive director of the
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg sponsor its ninth annual Bishop Peter Rosazza OCSJM. “Our workshops are designed so that VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Social Justice Conference on Saturday, June participants can bring back the information
Cynthia Vandecar 9, at the Archdiocesan Center of St. Thomas and skills they learned to their ‘home’ their DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield. family, parish, school or religious community.” AND CUSTOMER SERVICE The conference is open to the public. Participants will have the opportunity Marybeth Hicks The morning keynote is titled “Let to select among 12 diverse workshop MARKETING DIRECTOR Justice Flow at Home: Rooting topics (including four in Spanish) Jennifer Pomicter Catholic Social Teaching in the and explore exhibits from local GRAPHIC DESIGNER Family.” It will be presented nonprofit agencies. Simultaneous CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT (USPS 0094-540, ISSN 1081-4353) is published monthly, except for February and August, by Joan Rosenhauer, translation into Spanish will be by The Catholic Transcript, Inc., 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999. Periodicals postage paid at executive director at Jesuit available for the keynotes. Hartford, CT and at additional mailing offices. Refugee Services. Rosenhauer The closing keynote, “Home POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Catholic Transcript, Inc. recently served as executive Is Where the Heart Is,” will be 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999. vice president, U.S. Operations, offered by Father Stephen Sledesky, CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Email [email protected] Catholic Relief Services (CRS), where pastor of St. George Parish in Guilford.
ADVERTISING POLICY STATEMENT: Catholic Transcript she was responsible for leadership of the Father Sledesky will encourage his audience to does not endorse the services and goods advertised in its pages. Acceptance of advertisers and advertising copy is agency’s mission of assisting Catholics in the start at home when it comes to changing hearts subject to the editor’s approval, and Catholic Transcript United States to act on their faith by helping and inspiring change in others and the world. reserves the right to reject or edit any advertising copy. No alcoholic beverages, political advertising or materials people in need around the world. Prior to For information or to register online or by contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church or the policies of the Archdiocese of Hartford will be accepted. joining CRS in 2009, Ms. Rosenhauer spent 16 mail, visit www.catholicsocialjustice.org or Advertising will not be accepted from entities that — in the judgment of the editor — have as their primary focus years working for the Office of Justice and Peace call 860.242.5573. Registration is $40; $30 products, services or positions that are contrary to the at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. for students (age 14-21). It includes workshop official teaching of the Catholic Church or the policies of the archdiocese. Neither the publication nor publisher “‘Rooted in Faith: Bringing Social Justice materials, lunch and refreshments. Registration shall be liable for damages if an advertisement fails to be published or for any error in an advertisement. Home’ is the theme this year, and addresses the deadline is June 1, 2018.
30 Catholic Transcript | MAY 2018 | WWW.ARCHDIOCESEOFHARTFORD.ORG IN YOUR COMMUNITY
The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Reverend Peter Kucer, MSA: renewal Reverend Jeffrey Thompson, MSA: STD, has made the following priest of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, renewal of priestly faculties* until effective Jan. 10, 2018. Dec. 31, 2018, effective Jan. 10, 2018. and deacon appointments: Reverend Michel Legault, MSA: renewal Reverend David Zercie, MSA: renewal Reverend Charles Bak, MSA: of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, renewal of priestly faculties* effective Jan. 10, 2018. effective Jan. 10, 2018. until Dec. 31, 2018, effective Reverend John R. Lyons, MSA: renewal Jan. 10, 2018. Deacon Michael Torres: from North of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, American Martyrs Parish, East Hartford, effective Jan. 9, 2018. Reverend Luis Luna Barrera, MSA: to St. Martha Parish, Enfield, effective renewal of priestly faculties* until Reverend Paul J. Pace: reappointed March 25, 2018, for a five-year term, in Dec. 31, 2018, effective Jan. 10, 2018. administrator of St. Francis Xavier addition to duties as Catholic chaplain Parish, Waterbury, effective Feb. 22, for the Department of Correction for the Reverend Dennis P. Connell, MSA: 2018, for one additional year. State of Connecticut. renewal of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, effective Jan. 10, 2018. Reverend Edward J. Przygocki, MSA: Deacon Carl M. Vecca: from St. Vincent renewal of priestly faculties* until Ferrer Parish, Naugatuck, to Mary, Mother Reverend Anthony R. DeFronzo: Dec. 31, 2018, effective Jan. 10, 2018. of the Church, Waterbury, effective granted bi-ritual priestly faculties* until Feb. 14, 2018, for a five-year term. Dec. 31, 2018, effective Dec. 12, 2017. Reverend Vincent A. Salamoni, MSA: renewal of priestly faculties* until REVEREND RYAN M. LERNER, CHANCELLOR, MARCH 23, 2018 Monsignor Steven A. Ferrari: Dec. 31, 2018, effective Jan. 10, 2018. renewal of priestly faculties* until * Clergy who are not incardinated in the Reverend Robert Sickler, MSA: renewal Dec. 31, 2018, effective Jan. 9, 2018. Archdiocese of Hartford must request of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, permission from the archbishop to minister effective Jan. 10, 2018. here; that is, they request Faculties*. Reverend Kevin J. Forsyth: from pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Reverend Thomas Simon, MSA: renewal FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Plainville, to medical leave of absence, of priestly faculties* until Dec. 31, 2018, visit www.catholictranscript.org effective Jan. 22, 2018. effective Jan. 10, 2018.
Obituaries Hospice and Palliative Care in the Bronx, University in Westfield, Mass., and Ameri- N.Y. She was the chief clinical dietitian can International College in Springfield. Sister Mary Sean Reagan (Elizabeth and then director of dietetics at St. He was stationed in Germany with the Ann Reagan), a member of the Sisters of Joseph Hospital and Medical Center U.S. Army and was with the Air Force St. Joseph, West Hartford, died on Feb. in Stamford. She then was a pastoral Reserves for 20 years. He was employed 25, 2018, at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor counselor at Calvary Hospital Hospice by the state of Connecticut for 20 in New Britain at age 87. and Palliative Care in the Bronx. years, 13 as a security supervisor with Born in Fall River, Mass., on Oct. 29, In 1997, she took a chaplaincy position Bradley Air Force Base and seven as a 1930, she entered her religious order in the Spiritual Care Department at St. teacher in the GED program at Osborne on Sept. 3, 1957, and professed her Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Correctional Facility. perpetual vows on March 1, 1965. She retired to the provincial house Ordained as a permanent deacon, Sister Sean earned a bachelor’s in 2005 and moved to Monsignor he served at St. Patrick and St. Martha degree in education from Framingham Bojnowski Manor in 2012 churches in Enfield. State College in Framingham, Mass., A Mass of Christian Burial was In addition to his wife, Deacon Sloan and a master’s degree in counseling celebrated on March 2. is survived by his children, Annmarie and pastoral ministry from Fairfield Sloan of Enfield and Thomas Sloan of University. She continued her education Deacon Joseph Sloan, 77, of Enfield, Agawam, Mass.; and his sister, Peggy in clinical pastoral education at the died at home on March 4, 2018. He was Sloan of Enfield. Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven, the husband of 47 years to Maryann Father Robert Villa celebrated a and became a certified chaplain and a (Furey) Sloan. Mass of Christian Burial on March 10. member of the National Association of He was born on April 21, 1940, in Catholic Chaplains, eventually serving Springfield, Mass. An Enfield resident for FOR FULL OBITUARIES on the Clinical Pastoral Education most of his life, he earned four master’s visit www.catholictranscript.org Advisory Committee of Calvary Hospital degrees in education from Westfield State
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