Volume 8, Issue 2 Serving More Than A Million Catholics in the Diocese of Brownsville July 2016 FOR THE GLORY OF GOD Local pilgrims Peregrinos prepare for listos para World Youth Jornada Day Mundial Th e Valley Catholic Th e Valley Catholic Un grupo de 22 peregrinos A group of 22 pilgrims from de la diócesis se está preparando our diocese is preparing to travel para a viajar a Cracovia, Polonia to Krakow, Poland from July del 24 de julio hasta el 2 de agos- 24 through Aug. 2 for the 31st to para el trigésimo primer Día World Youth Day. Mundial de la Juventud. Organizers expect the inter- Los organizadores esperan national event with Pope Fran- que el evento internacional con cis will attract more than two el Papa Francisco atraiga más de million people from around the dos millones de personas de alre- world. dedor del mundo. In his World Youth Day mes- For videos of the Mass visit En este Día Mundial de la Ju- sage, Pope Francis said, “Jesus the diocese’s Facebook page ventud, el Papa Francisco explicó, is waiting for you. He has confi - and YouTube channel. “Jesús te está esperando. ¡El tiene dence in you and is counting on fe en ti y cuenta contigo! Él tiene you! He has so many things to Photos by Cesar Riojas/The Valley Catholic tantas cosas que decirles a cada say to each of you... Do not be The men lie prostrate during the chanting of the Litany of Saints during the Ordination Mass of four priests on May 27 at the uno de ustedes… No tengas mie- afraid to look into his eyes, full of Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine. infi nite love for you.” do de mirarlo a los ojos, llenos de Jorge Eli Hinojosa, a parish- amor infi nito para ti.” ioner of Immaculate Conception Th e Valley Catholic the Mass and highlighted the fundamental family life is to ev- Jorge Eli Hinojosa, un feligrés Church in Rio Grande City, is importance of family. ery vocation, because every vo- de la Iglesia Inmaculada Concep- one of seven from his parish who AN JUAN — Bishop Dan- “We work together to try cation has its root in Christian ción de la ciudad de Río Grande, iel E. Flores ordained four to form a home, a household generosity, mindfulness of oth- es uno de los siente en su par- is traveling to Poland with the ers and a desire to serve, wheth- diocesan group. He recognizes Smen to the sacred priest- where God can dwell and where roquia que estará viajando a Po- his grace can take deep root in er it’s the vocation to Christian lonia con el grupo diocesano. El that the overseas trip is not fea- hood on May 27 at the Basilica marriage or the vocation to the sible for all the youth who wish of Our Lady of San Juan del us,” the bishop said. “Th at’s why reconoce que el viaje al extranjero priesthood or the religious life. no es algo posible para todos los to attend World Youth Day, so he Valle-National Shrine. I think it’s very important as “Every vocation to the jóvenes que desean asistir al Día is bringing their prayers and pe- In his homily, Bishop Flores we celebrate an occasion like Church fl ows from that initial Mundial de la Juventud, así que titions with him. acknowledged the men’s family this tonight, the ordination of gift to the Lord to himself by llevará sus oraciones y peticiones “Many people have asked members who were present at priests, that we recognize how means of our families.” me to pray for them which I will junto con el. gladly do,” said Hinojosa, who “Muchas personas me han turns 18 on July 13. “I feel very NEW PRIESTS pedido que ore por ellos lo cual blessed to be making this trip.” pienso hacer con mucho gusto,” Hinojosa looks forward to dijo Hinojosa, quien tendrá 18 seeing Pope Francis most of all. años el 13 de julio. “Me siento “Pope Francis has made a muy bendecido de poder hacer great impact on the youth,” he este viaje.” said. “You can tell that he really A Hinojosa le complace pod- cares about us and really listens.” er ver al Papa Francisco más que Hinojosa’s mother, Rosario, nada. is also making the trip to Poland “El Papa Francisco ha tenido and is excited to share this spiri- un gran impacto con la juven- tual experience with her son. tud,” comentó. “Nos podemos dar “I believe the most important cuenta que realmente le importa- thing is for us to open our hearts Father Ricardo mos y realmente nos escucha.” to receive the Holy Father’s mes- Chavez Flores Father Joshua Rosario, la mamá de Hino- sage, not just the youth, but all of Father Leonel Father Joel Los Mochis, Mexico Andrew Carlos josa, también estará viajando a us,” Rosario Hinojosa said. Rodríguez Bazan Ramiro Flores ASSIGNED: San Brownsville, Texas Polonia y está emocionada de Edinburg, Texas Mission, Texas Cristobal Magallanes ASSIGNED: St. poder compartir esta experiencia Follow us on Twitter (@ ASSIGNED: Holy Family catholicrgv) and Facebook ASSIGNED: St. Luke & Companions Parish Joseph the Worker espiritual con su hijo. Parish in Brownsville Parish in Brownsville in Mission Parish in McAllen (Catholic Diocese of Browns- “Creo que lo más importante ville) for updates on the pilgrims Priest Ordination: May 27, 2016  Basílica of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine  Bishop Daniel E.Flores from our diocese. » Por favor lea Jornada p.9 WORKS OF MERCY THOSE WHO SERVE ORDINATIONS ENEN ESPA ESPAÑOLÑOL La columna del Señor Obispo Daniel E. Flores y las obras físicas de misericordia: enterrar a los muertos

“VERBUM MITTITUR SPIRANS AMOREM” Burying the dead with dignity Father Hector Cruz, S.M. More photos from the Mass (“Th e WORD is sent breathing love.”) Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Páginas 2, 9-10 2 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - July 2016 La familia y los desafíos Th e family and today’s challenges would like today to highlight a few children, and children depend on adults. de hoy en día points from the second chapter of Pope And with the passing of time, arriving at the IFrancis’ letter Amoris Laetitia. Th is noble maturity of life as children, and see- oy quisiera destacar chapter enters with realism and humility MOST REVEREND ing that our siblings and our parents need into the major challenges facing families DANIEL E. FLORES our help, we encounter the essential call to algunos puntos del BISHOP OF BROWNSVILLE segundo capítulo de today. In fact, the second chapter cannot re- respond with generosity. H ally be understood without reference to the We can respond with generosity to the la carta del Papa Francisco. El capítulo entra con realismo y prior chapter, where the focus is on the pri- lives around us, or we can try to build a life humildad a los desafíos más macy of biblical teaching and the example of with no reference to people around us. Th e fuertes que afrontan las familias Jesus. At the same time, the second chapter second option, that of an exaggerated self- prepares us for what follows in the third, suffi ciency results in an isolated and lonely de hoy. De hecho, el segundo has been promoted as a kind of contempo- capítulo no se puede entender where the pope invites us to direct our gaze life. In extreme cases, it results in what the to the face of Christ. Th is turn to the Lord, rary ideal. It implies not feeling obligated to Pope describes as a narcissism destructive of sin antes advertir a la previa, take into account the circumstances of our donde se expone la primacía de aft er identifying the contemporary chal- the individual: Narcissism makes people in- lenges, is necessary and indispensable for a neighbors. We are dealing with an overval- capable of looking beyond themselves, beyond la enseñanza bíblica y el ejemplo ued value. In fact human maturity does im- de Jesús. Al mismo tiempo, el se- Christian, lest we fall into despair for having their own desires and needs. Yet sooner or failed to seek and trust in the grace of God. ply that we have dominion over ourselves, later, those who use others end up being used gundo capítulo nos prepara para and over our actions (as Saint Th omas lo que sigue cuando en el ter- I recommend that you read carefully the them- selves, manipulated and discarded by analysis off ered in the second chapter be- teaches). Nevertheless, our age proposes as that same mind-set. (AL 39) cero, el Papa nos invita a dirigir a schema to organize society the determina- nuestra mirada al rostro de Jesús. cause the discernment of cultural, economic It seems clear that the indicated options and technological currents forms part of tion of our decisions and acts without any between a life with little sense of responsible Esta vuelta al Señor, después de eff ective reference to the community around identifi car los desafíos actuales, our responsibility as Christians. Th e Word relations with others and a mature life, lived of God lived and transmitted in the heart of us. Th at is why the pope notes the following: with reference to others, establishes the es necesaria e imprescindible On the other hand, “equal consideration para un cristiano, no sea que por the Church guides us in this discernment, principal challenge of our time. It also seems giving us light to distinguish between the needs to be given to the growing danger to me that an exaggerated individualism has falta de buscar y de confi ar en la represented by an extreme individualism gracia de Dios la desesperación good and the bad. had a corrosive eff ect within families. Th e In general, the actual challenges identi- which weakens family bonds and ends up pope has criticized this attitude within the nos cause tropezar. considering each member of the family as an Les recomiendo leer cui- fi ed in the second chapter cover an immense Church and he has named it using the word horizon, touching the border of history that isolated unit, leading in some cases to the idea “self-referential”. We can easily understand dadosamente el análisis ofrecido that one’s personality is shaped by his or her en el segundo capítulo porque el we are living; it includes cultural changes, that this ecclesial malady has roots in a self- economic factors and technical advances desires, which are considered absolute”. […] referential attitude that affl icts individuals, discernimiento de las corrientes Freedom of choice makes it possible to plan culturales, económicas y tec- that have made possible the manipulation of families and entire societies. And so, it is the human body. “Our time,” as a poet has our lives and to make the most of ourselves. understandable why the pope writes the fol- nológicas forma parte de la re- Yet if this freedom lacks noble goals or person- sponsabilidad de todos nosotros said, “with a face of an enormous goodness”, lowing: Th is makes us see how important it says to us, “you will be like gods”. Th e cul- al discipline, it degenerates into an inability to is to insist on the rights of the family and not como cristianos. La Palabra de give oneself generously to others. (AL 33) Dios vivida y trasmitida en el tural crisis that we live has much to do with only those of individuals. Th e family is a good how to understand the power that we have To be generous, an essential element which society cannot do without, and it ought seno de la Iglesia nos guía en este for us to be able to experience the greatness discernimiento dándonos luz achieved as human beings. To us it falls that to be protected. (AL 44) we recognize and touch the wounds that of human life, can only be lived in relation Th e Church, in the depth of her heart para distinguir entre lo malo y lo to other persons. Th e fact that we all enter bueno. result from the bad use of this power, and to knows well that the Gospel clarifi es what apply the salutary remedies developed in the into this world depending on the family human experience adumbrates. Th e Parable En general los desafíos actu- indicates that the world does not fl ourish on ales identifi cados en el segundo light of the Gospel. of the Good Samaritan affi rms the primacy Th e phenomenon of individualism account of the fact that we are self-suffi cient; of the relation against the modern myth capítulo abarcan un horizonte on the contrary, from the beginning of our inmenso, tocando la frontera de seems to be a life-style option that opens up of self-suffi ciency. Th e discernment of the on account of these powerful human abili- lives, the free, in this case parents, gener- Church over the actual conditions in this la historia que estamos viviendo; ously care for those who lack the ability to incluye los cambios culturales, ties; in this cultural environment it expresses world so economically and technologi- itself as exaggerated self-suffi ciency. Th e dominate their own actions, in this case cally powerful has everything to do with an factores económicos, avances the children. We enter into this world with en las posibilidades técnicas de idea that one can maintain himself alone, essential question: how does this economy, without depending on the help of others, relation already written into our very be- this technology, and this society aff ect per- manipular el cuerpo humano. ing. Adults are called to be generous with “Nuestra época,” como dijo un » Please see Bishop p. 11 poeta, “bajo el rostro de una enorme bondad,” nos dice, “serán como Dioses”. [i] La crisis de poráneo. Implica el no sentirse alezca, en ciertos casos, la idea de nuestros papás necesitan nuestra la Iglesia y la ha denominado cultura que vivimos tiene mucho uno obligado a tomar en cuenta un sujeto que se construye según ayuda, encontramos la llamada con la palabra “auto-referencial”. que ver con cómo entender el la circunstancia del prójimo. Se sus propios deseos asumidos con esencial de responder con gen- Fácilmente se entiende que aquel poder que hemos logrado como trata de un valor sobrevalorado. carácter absoluto». […] La liber- erosidad. malestar eclesial tiene raíces en seres humanos. A nosotros nos De hecho la madurez humana tad para elegir permite proyectar Podemos responder con la actitud “auto-referencial” que incumbe reconocer y tocar las implica que uno tiene dominio la propia vida y cultivar lo mejor generosidad a las vidas a nuestro afl ige individuos, familias y hasta heridas que resultan debido al sobre sí mismo y sobre sus de uno mismo, pero si no tiene ob- alrededor, o podemos tratar de sociedades enteras. mal uso de este poder y aplicar propios actos (como enseñaba jetivos nobles y disciplina personal, construir una vida sin referencia Entonces, es entendible por los remedios saludables bajo la Santo Tomás) [ii]. Sin embargo, degenera en una incapacidad de a los demás. La segunda opción, qué el Papa dice lo siguiente: luz del Evangelio. nuestra época propone como donarse generosamente.” la de autosufi ciencia exagerada “tenemos que insistir en los El fenómeno del individu- esquema para organizar la socie- Ser generoso, elemento esen- resulta en una vida aislada y derechos de la familia, y no sólo alismo parece ser una opción dad la determinación de nuestras cial para experimentar la grande- solitaria. En caso extremo resulta en los derechos individuales. La de estilo de vida que se abre decisiones y actos sin referencia za de la vida humana, solo se vive lo que describe el Papa como familia es un bien del cual la por causa de las capacidades efectiva a la comunidad alred- en relación con otras personas. un narcisismo destructivo del sociedad no puede prescindir, pero poderosas del ser humano; en edor. Por eso el Papa nota (AL El hecho de que todos llegamos individuo mismo: “El narcisismo necesita ser protegida. La defensa el ambiente cultural se expresa 33) lo siguiente: a este mundo dependiendo de la vuelve a las personas incapaces de estos derechos es «una llamada como una autosufi ciencia exag- “Un individualismo exas- familia indica que el mundo no de mirar más allá de sí mismas, profética en favor de la institución erada. La idea de que pueda uno perado que desvirtúa los vínculos fl orece por causa de que somos de sus deseos y necesidades. Pero familiar que debe ser respetada y mantenerse solo, sin depender familiares y acaba por considerar autosufi cientes; al contrario, quien utiliza a los demás tarde defendida contra toda agresión”. de la ayuda de otros, ha sido a cada componente de la familia desde el inicio de nuestras vidas, o temprano termina siendo uti- (AL 44) promovido como ideal contem- como una isla, haciendo que prev- los libres, en este caso los papás, lizado, manipulado y abandonado La Iglesia, en la profundidad cuidan con generosidad a los que con la misma lógica” (AL 39) de su corazón sabe bien que faltan capacidad de dominar sus Me parece claro que las op- el Evangelio aclara lo que la propios actos, en este caso a los ciones señaladas entre vida con experiencia humana adumbra. niños. Entramos en este mundo poco sentido de relación respon- La parábola del Buen Samaritano con la relación ya inscrita en sable con los demás y vida mad- afi rma la primacía de la relación nuestro ser. Los adultos están ura, vivida con referencia a otros, contra el mito moderno de la au- 700 N. Virgen de San Juan Blvd., San Juan, TX 78589-3042 llamados a la generosidad con los establece el desafío principal de tosufi ciencia. Él discernimiento Telephone: 956/781-5323 • Fax: 956/784-5082 chiquillos, y los chiquillos depen- nuestro tiempo. Igual me parece de la Iglesia sobre las condicio- Bishop Daniel E. Flores www.cdob.org den de los adultos. Y con el curso que el individualismo exagerado nes actuales en este mundo tan Publisher Subscription rate del tiempo, llegando a la madurez ha tenido un efecto corrosivo económicamente y tecnológi- Brenda Nettles Riojas $15 per year • $17 outside of Texas noble de nuestra vida como hijos, dentro de la familia. El Papa ha camente poderoso tiene todo Editor $25 out of U.S. viendo que nuestros hermanos o criticado esta actitud dentro de » Por favor lea Obispo p. 10 Rose Ybarra Th e Valley Catholic, a publication of the Assistant Editor Diocese of Brownsville, is published monthly South Texas Circulation Member of Circulation the Catholic Press Assocition Th e Valley Catholic email: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook Bishop Flores’ Schedule - June 2016 Catholic Diocese of Brownsville Advertising July 2 noon Brownsville July 26 noon Harlingen Gustavo Morales Gilbert Saenz Michael Kent Mass at Cathedral Children Summer Day Camp at Our Lady of the Assumptions (956) 266-1527 (956) 451-5416 (956) 566-7075 July 2 5:30 p.m. Hidalgo July 26 5 p.m. Peñitas Mass & Blessing Groundbreaking of New Sacred Heart Church Mass at St. Anne July 2016 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 3

Veterans help bury the dead with dignity ‘Th is is a way of The corporal giving back to God works of mercy: and the community’ Feed the hungry; Editor’s note: Join us as we Give drink to the thirsty; witness mercy in action each Clothe the naked; month during the Year of Mercy Shelter the homeless; Visit the sick; By ROSE YBARRA Visit the prisoners Th e Valley Catholic Bury the dead. MISSION — When 66-year- old Army veteran Jacky Eugene Gonzalez was laid to rest at the Church in Mission. “We enjoy the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans freedoms that we have in America Cemetery on June 22, a group of because of our veterans.” U.S. military veterans from the For the men, the most diffi cult Jesus Martinez American Legion funerals are the ones for homeless Post 93 in Mission performed full veterans. military honors. Photos by Eric Sánchez/The Valley Catholic American Legion Post 93 Commander Rudy Flores presents the burial fl ag to the family of Army veteran Jacky Eugene Gonzalez. “At those funerals, it’s usu- A fi ring squad of seven rifl e- ally only the honor guard and men rendered the 21-gun salute, of St. Paul Church in Mission and the funeral home staff in atten- the American fl ag was folded and dance,” Flores said. “Aft er we fold presented to the family along with a member of the Catholic War Veterans. “It’s a great honor to do the burial fl ag, we give it to the three spent shell casings repre- funeral home. Th ey try to locate senting Duty, Honor and Coun- this for the deceased veteran and their family.” the next of kin and send the fl ag try. Taps was played on an elec- to them. tronic bugle. For Flores and the other men of faith in the honor guard, there “It’s very sad.” Th e men, who are all volun- Th e honor guard from Post 93 teers, are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. is a personal spiritual component to what they do. organized in 1987, has about 20 Th ey perform these solemn duties active members. About 15 guard several times a week, usually at “As a Catholic, I like to do this,” he said. “It’s a good thing to members serve at each funeral, the Veterans Cemetery, but they depending on how many are will go wherever they are needed. honor their dignity as human be- ings.” available to attend. Guard members have served at up “We’re not getting any young- to four funerals in one day, oft en Th e vast majority of the time, the men have never met the vet- er,” Flores said. “We have doctor’s in temperatures hovering around appointments, we babysit grand- 100 degrees. eran they are honoring, but they still see him or her as family. children … whoever is free vol- Regardless of the weather unteers.” a parishioner of Our Lady of Gua- to me and this is a way of giving “It’s an honor for us to pay our conditions, no matter what aches Flores said the post is always dalupe Church in Mission and a back to God and the community.” last respects to our fellow veterans and pains they are experiencing, looking for younger veterans to member of the Catholic War Vet- “Th e way I see it, this is veter- who have served our country,” they don’t see it as a burden but join. erans Post 1065. “For us, it’s no ans still serving veterans and our said Air Force veteran Luis A. Lo- rather, a great honor. “We pray that when God calls big deal. great nation,” said Post 93 Com- pez, who is also the commander “I don’t think anyone sees this us home, someone will be here to “We are so blessed to be in mander Rudy Flores, an Air Force of the Catholic War Veterans Post as a sacrifi ce,” said Army veteran do this for us,” he said. Juan Angel Longoria, who is also this country. God has been good veteran. He is also a parishioner 1065 and a parishioner of St. Paul Brownsville parishes take pilgrimage of mercy ‘Th e experience allowed us to push past parish walls’

By JESSICA CARLOS Th e Valley Catholic

BROWNSVILLE — We are always searching, longing for an experience, like the Pilgrimage of Mercy, that helps us draw nearer to our Creator. Once a week from April 5 to May 19, we penitent pilgrims gathered at one of seven parishes to pray and refl ect on the Peniten- Photos by Jessica Carlos/The Valley Catholic tial Psalms, psalms that compel Above, left: Pilgrims fi ll St. Luke Church in Brownsville where Bishop Daniel E. Flores addressed the faithful. Above, right: From left, Brownsville priests, Father Emmanuel us to acknowledge our sins, ex- Kwofi e, parochial vicar of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Oblate Father Peter Antonisamy of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Father Jorge Gomez, pastor of press our sorrows, and seek God’s Holy Family Church, accompanied their fl ocks on the pilgrimage through the city. merciful love. On May 24, we gathered one stories, while others granted us Church. sun. We stood for hours on ach- humble pilgrims marching down last time, congregating on the meditation before the Blessed As we stood together in the ing feet, off ering it up as sacrifi ce. two by two. streets surrounding the Immacu- Sacrament and participation in streets running alongside the We were pilgrims. We still are As I bowed to kiss the cross late Conception Cathedral where the celebration of the Holy Eu- cathedral in lines that doubled pilgrims, and as we raise the suf- held near the sanctuary, every we ended our short journey and charist, but every visit centered back from street corner to street fering and sorrow in our lives to long day, every sleepless night, recognized our place in the larger on a refl ection about God’s limit- corner, waiting for our chance to God, he unfailingly grants us his every ache and pain from weeks journey that is life. less mercy and our call to show pass through the Doors of Mercy, mercy, pardon, and strength, as of balancing school, work, and Every parish involved was re- that same mercy towards others. we acknowledged each other as he did then, as he does now, and church was carried away with the sponsible for deciding how they Th e experience allowed us to fellow Christians and refl ected on as he always will. dwindling currents and the bless- would receive us. Some parishes push past parish walls and unite our own spirituality. It was nearly dark by the time ing laid upon me. Mercy truly off ered moments of fellowship as a whole community, not as Th e wait was humbling. We I myself entered the cathedral. awaits us in the arms of the Fa- and reenactments of biblical eight parishes, 20 parishes, or endured the unbearable heat of Th e center aisle stretched out in ther. May we always seek comfort even 100 parishes, but as one summer, eased only by the setting front of me like a river of hope, in his loving embrace. 4 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - July 2016 »Women en la Frontera »Texas Bishops All Faiths United working for peace Bishops ft er any tragedy we fi nd faith leaders have addressed the which emerged and remain concerned comfort in coming to- question of how religion and relevant focus on community, Agether in solidarity with faith continue to be powerful the youth and family. with abortion others who are in shock and in forces for the good in the wider From the start of the inter- mourning. Following the hor- Brenda society. We must focus on these faith meetings, Imam Saad said ruling rifi c mass shooting in Orlando, Nettles Riojas forces for good. We cannot working with youths and young Florida on June 13, people from Editor of Th e aff ord to allow a culture of grow- adults is of utmost importance Texas Catholic Conference around the nation mourned the Valley Catholic ing indiff erence which helps evil in today’s culture to build under- death of 49 innocent lives. We take root in the world. standing and for them to know AUSTIN — Th e US Supreme asked ourselves again, “Why?” used to get together in what was Our interfaith group has they are valued in their families Court has decided, in a 5-3 deci- “How can these atrocities con- called the House of Wisdom, re- taught us much. When we and communities. Imam Noor sion, to strike down key provi- tinue in our world?” gardless of faith and culture, and break bread together and get to talked about the lack of role sions of Texas HB2, a law that pro- Th e tragedy presses the need worked to make a better world. know one another, we see that models for young people at the tects women’s safety while seeking that now more than ever we He reminds us, “When people indeed we can work together dialogue on Oct. 7, 2015. “We an abortion. must continue to work together, get together, the impossible can from a place of love, respect need to stand up and take a step. Th e Texas State Legislature making peace building a prior- be possible.” and understanding. Not only Each one of us is responsible,” overwhelmingly approved HB2. ity. For more than a year our in- We believe this is possible. have we broken bread aft er a he said. Th e Texas Catholic Conference terfaith group, All Faiths United, Faith leaders in our community Ramadan fast at the Mosque Bishop Flores also talked supported the passage of this pro- has been working in building are leading by example. Th e in Edinburg, we have learned about the need for being life law and submitted an Amicus peace in our own community Most Rev. Daniel E. Flores, Bish- about the Sukkot customs of our engaged with the people in brief to the court in support of the by building understanding. op of the Diocese of Brownsville, Jewish brothers and sisters, we our midst. “We are called fi rst provisions challenged by Whole Christians, Jews, Muslims and Rabbi Claudio Kogan from have celebrated Mass together, to appreciate the humanity of Women’s Heath. Th ousands of Hindus in the Rio Grande Valley Temple Emanuel in McAl- and we have mourned the loss of the person in front of us,” he Texas Catholics have attended ral- join others in solidarity standing len, Imam Osama Saad of the innocent lives. said. “Being connected to the lies and hearings in support of this against such violence which goes Masjid Ar-Ridwaan in Edinburg What motivates our contin- people around you is crucial. bill. Its main purpose is to secure against God and humanity. We and Imam Noor Ahmad of the ued work? We want our chil- As churches and mosques and surgical center, health and safety commit ourselves further to the Masjid Umar Al-Farooq Mosque dren, youths and young adults, synagogues and other religious standards for women seeking an work ahead. in McAllen, have engaged in to be aware we are all God’s organizations, we have an im- abortion. Th eir lives are as pre- Sister Fatima Santiago, a dialogues to create opportunities children, and we want to live in mensely important role in help- cious as those of their children. Missionary sister of the Im- to listen and understand each harmony and peace. During an ing us rediscover the importance Surgical abortion is an inva- maculate Heart of Mary, who other’s faiths and cultures. Interfaith Field Day last summer, of community.” sive procedure that poses numer- has led the planning eff orts for Th e art of listening and lis- we shared in the joy of children While there are no quick ous and serious medical compli- the group, reminds us, “We tening with respect, says Bishop of all faiths playing together. solutions, it is clear that in order cations. Th e state has a legitimate cannot solve misunderstand- Flores, needs to be cultivated. Th ere are certainly challeng- to build understanding we must interest in ensuring the maximum ings worldwide, but we can do “We in the United States have a es ahead and no easy solutions. learn more and engage in eff orts level of safety for the woman sub- our part here at home with our special responsibility,” he added As Bishop Flores has noted, we to promote peace. Blessed Moth- jected to the procedure and that neighbors to build peace and to “give a model of what it is live in a “microwave culture” er Teresa, who will be canonized viable emergency care is available understanding.” to have a legitimate religious that wants fast solutions for on Sept. 4, provided a basic if complications such as hemor- During one of our gather- pluralism and diversity that is everything. Dialogues help build starting point for each of us to rhage, infection, uterine perfora- ings, Imam Noor Ahmad of respectful and allows each of understanding and they take consider when she asked, “What tion, blood clots, cervical tears, the Masjid Umar Al-Farooq the religious faiths to express time. During a dialogue last Oc- can we do to promote world or allergic reactions occur. It is Mosque in McAllen refl ected themselves.” tober at the University of Texas peace?” Her answer: “Go home irresponsible for physicians to on the Golden Age when people In their conversations, our Rio Grande Valley, the themes and love your family.” perform this procedure without being able to provide follow-up treatment for the associated com- »Family Life plications. Th is ruling allows abortion doctors to continue to provide Church in the Valley: Rich history, promising future abortion in Texas without provid- n 2015, the Diocese of Church in Mercedes (1909) to (early 1900’s), St. Helen’s Rio ing the needed safety provisions at Brownsville celebrated 50 hear their recently refurbished Hondo (1920’s), St. Isidore San clinics or follow-up care in hospi- Iyears as a diocese. All the church bell. At the Chancery in Isidro (1881), however we were tals. Th e Catholic Church in Tex- pastoral ministry directors and Brownsville we were greeted by limited by time. as, in communion with millions the staff from the Basilica of Lydia Pesina Father Jorge Gomez, Chancel- I knew that although the of Catholics across America and Our Lady of San Juan del Valle- Director, Family lor of the diocese and treated to schedule would be tight, that the world, will continue its eff orts National Shrine collaborated Life Offi ce a tour and presentations on the it was doable. In the 1990s, I to protect life and human dignity in providing opportunities for archives and on the six bishops served as associate director from conception to natural death. the faithful of the diocese to of our diocese which include of the Offi ce of Catechesis for celebrate this landmark an- and August tours, my husband Bishop Adolph Marx (1965), several years and taught a three- niversary including preparing Mauri checked out a library Bishop Humberto S. Medeiros day course on the History of a graphic novel “Faith in the book “Border Odyssey”(stories (1966-1970), Bishop John J. the Church in the Valley which New TCC Valley”; coloring books with of people along both sides Fitzpatrick (1971-1991), Bishop included a one-day tour similar diocesan history for school age of the border between Boca Enrique San Pedro, S.J. (1991- to these at which Father Roy leadership students in parish catechetical Chica and Juarez) written by 1994), Bishop Raymundo J. Peña was our tour guide. (Ironically, programs and Catholic schools, Dr. Charles Th ompson, and lo (1995-2010), and Bishop Daniel almost 20 years to the day: June announced four pilgrimage tours and an and behold there was a chapter E. Flores (2010-present). 15, 1995) Texas Catholic Conference open air Mass celebrated by entitled “Cowboy Priests” which Aft er touring the beauti- During the months we were Bishop Daniel E. Flores at the described his visit with Father ful Immaculate Conception off ering these tours, my mother AUSTIN — Th e Catholic basilica. Roy some years ago. I read part Cathedral we journeyed back to Carmen and my brother Art bishops of Texas have named Jen- Miguel Santos, director of of that chapter to the pilgrims San Juan via Military Highway were both of ailing health and nifer Carr Allmon as the execu- the Offi ce of Young Adults and in August tour; Father Roy had highlighting some of the church- could not join the tours but we tive director of the Texas Catholic Campus Ministry, and I had the been unaware of it. es including Our Lady of Good have always liked Sunday drives Conference. Allmon is the fi rst privilege of organizing and coor- All four 50-person bus tours Counsel, St. Ignatius, San Pedro, so we spent several Sunday woman appointed to this TCC dinating the four “50th Anniver- were fi lled to capacity. Our tour Our Lady of the Visitation aft ernoons choosing a town (like role. sary Pilgrimage Tours”. Father bus departed at 8 a.m. from Church in Santa Maria (1882), Mercedes and La Joya) and visit- As executive director, Allmon Amador Garza, rector of the ba- the basilica in San Juan and and Toluca Ranch Chapel in ing the churches and reading will serve the Texas bishops in silica, was our tour guide on Feb. journeyed west stopping at La Progreso. the history from “A Journey of overseeing TCC activities. Th ese 28, 2015 and again on Feb. 20, Lomita Mission (at its town’s When we began our plan- Faith”: a history of the diocese include advocating as the pub- 2016 (rescheduled from Oct. 24, namesake)(1899) ; the Immacu- ning, the committee thought prepared in 2002. lic policy voice of the Catholic 2015 due to storms) and Father late Conception Church(1880), that perhaps traveling to both I invite you to consider Church in Texas and nationally, Roy Snipes of the Missionary School (1886) and Grotto in ends of the diocese would be taking a “vacation tour” or a coordinating the accreditation Obaltes of Mary Immaculate, Rio Grande City ; and Our too much for one day, however Sunday drive right here in our and collaboration of Texas Catho- pastor of Our Lady of Guada- Lady of Refuge Chapel and aft er prayer and discernment, beautiful Rio Grande Valley. lic schools, and preserving the lupe Church in Mission guided Church(1853) and Observa- we decided it was important that In visiting a diff erent area of documents and cultural history of our tours on June 13 and Aug. tion Deck in Roma. Traveling we give people an opportunity to the Valley, we are blessed to see the church through the Catholic 1, 2015. Father Amador kept back east towards our 1 p.m. “taste” a little of the history from and experience not only the rich Archives of Texas. us engaged with his wonderful lunch and tour of the basilica we the length of the diocese. Many history, but also, and perhaps Lisette Allen was also recent- repertoire of history, anecdotes, stopped at St. Anthony Church people who live in Brownsville more importantly that we are ly promoted as the director of humor and grace. He literally in Peñitas which has a 1520 perhaps have never visited Roma an area of much more diversity education for the Texas Catholic talked the whole trip, not just at Historical Marker indicating and vice versa. Th ere are so culturally than even 20 years ago Conference. She oversees accredi- the stops but all along the route. the presence of an early Spanish many other churches with such and that richness of diversity tation of the 268 Texas Catholic Th ere was not a dull moment. settlement. rich history in areas other that has the potential to enrich our schools, to ensure compliance Father Roy gave us an extensive At 2 p.m. we headed east/ we would have loved to travel to faith and assist us in building up with state and national standards. history of the Oblates including southeast towards Brownsville, such as Our Lady Star of the Sea God’s Kingdom here in the Val- Allen was previously superinten- many stories of the Calvary of the seat of the diocese, stop- in Port Isabel (1927) one of the ley right here, right now, and for dent in the Diocese of Brownsville Christ and shared country songs ping at Our Lady of Mercy early Oblate parishes, Our Lady generations to come. and TCC’s director of accredita- along the way. Between the June of Guadalupe Raymondville tion. July 2016 - The Valley Catholic FAITH 5 »Sunday LIVING the Joy of the Gospel: News in photos Photo by Megan Riojas/ Readings The Valley Catholic Derlis Garcia of Harlingen Th e Word of God in the Life and Ernest Ukwueze of and Mission of the Church Nigeria were ordained JULY 3 transitional deacons by (Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Bishop Daniel E. Flores at Time) a Mass on June 18 at the Immaculate Conception Reading 1 IS 66:10A, 12B-13 Cathedral in Brownsville. Transitional deacons are in Responsorial Psalm PS 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7 the fi nal stage of formation before being ordained to the GAL 6:14, 16-18 sacred priesthood. Alleluia For video and more COL 3:15A, 16A Courtesy photo photos visit our Gospel Facebook page.. St. Maria Goretti, the patron saint of LK 10:1-9 purity, is depicted on a prayer card. JULY 10 (Fift eenth Sunday in Ordinary »Feast Day Time) Reading 1 July 6 DT 30:10-14 Responsorial Psalm PS 19:8, 9, 11 Spotlight Reading 2 COL 1:15, 16ABD,17-18A on St. Maria Alleluia CF. JN 6:63C, 68C Gospel Goretti LK 10:25-37 Catholic News Agency JULY 17 (Twelft h Sunday in Ordinary Time) Maria Goretti is best known for her commitment to purity Reading 1 and the courageous defense of GN 18:1-10A her faith at the young age of 11 Responsorial Psalm that made her willing to undergo PS 15:2-3, 5 death rather than participate in a sin against God. She is also re- Reading 2 The Valley Catholic COL 1:24-28 markable for the forgiveness she Bishop Daniel E. Flores celebrated Mass on June 4 at St. Pius X Parish in Weslaco for 180 lay faithful who completed a two-year willingly granted her attacker as Alleluia Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation program through the Diocesan San Juan Diego Ministry Institute. They were commissioned as lay she lay on her deathbed. CF. LK 8:15 ecclesial ministers to serve in different leadership roles in their parish to work collaboratively with their pastors to serve the people Maria was born in Corinal- Gospel of God in the diocese. do, Italy on October 16, 1890. LK 10:38-42 Her father, a farmer, died of ma- laria when she was young, and JULY 24 »Making Sense of Bioethics (Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary her mother had to work to sup- Time) port their six children. Seeing through the intersex confusion Maria took care of the Reading 1 younger children while her GN 18:20-32 n rare occasions, ba- Instead, intersex situations mother worked, and she prayed the Rosary every night for the Responsorial Psalm bies can be born with represent cases in which a person repose of her father’s soul. She PS 138:1-2, 2-3, 7-8 Oambiguous genitalia, Tadeusz is either male or female, but has and parents and physicians may confounding physiological fac- grew in grace and maturity, and Pacholczyk Reading 2 be uncertain about whether tors that make them appear or her cheerful obedience and piety COL 2:12-14 a newborn is a little boy or a Priest of the feel as if they were of the opposite were noticed by those around Alleluia little girl. While testing for sex Diocese of Fall sex, or maybe even both sexes. her. ROM 8:15BC chromosomes is invariably part River, Mass. In other words, the underlying On July 5, 1902, a neighbor- of fi guring out these cases, the sex remains, even though the ing farm hand, Alessandro Se- Gospel renelli, tried to rape Maria. On LK 11:1-8 genetics alone may not always tell vagina, and a uterus. psychology or gender they ex- several prior occasions, Alessan- the whole story. While the term “intersex” is perience may be discordant. Put JULY 31 dro had harassed Maria with im- Both genes and physiological sometimes used to describe situ- another way, intersex individuals (Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary pure advances, all of which she Time) factors like hormonal conditions ations where an individual has may be “drawn away” from their vehemently rejected. Th is time, in the womb can contribute to non-standard genital anatomy, it intrinsic male or female sexual he locked her in a room and Reading 1 our primary and secondary sex typically has a broader range of constitution by various anatomi- ECC 1:2; 2:21-23 tried to force himself upon her. characteristics and, unsurpris- meanings. Some have argued that cal diff erences in their bodies, She fought against him, shout- Responsorial Psalm ingly, disorders in our genes or a person has to be born with both and by opposing interior physi- ing, “No! It is a sin! God does PS 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 our in utero hormonal milieu ovarian and testicular tissue to ological drives and forces. not want it!” and warning him can contribute to defl ecting the count as being intersex, but “in- Th is can be further compli- Reading 2 that this was the path towards development of our maleness or tersex” is an imprecise term that cated because of strong cultural COL 3:1-5, 9-11 hell. When Maria declared that femaleness. can describe a range of situations forces that contribute to the con- she would rather die than submit Alleluia For the most part, our in which a person is born with an fusion by sanctioning a para- MT 5:3 to this sin, Alessandro angrily genetic sex (XX female or XY internal reproductive anatomy or digm of complete malleability grabbed her and stabbed her 14 Gospel male) serves as the best guide an external sexual anatomy that in human sexual behaviors that times with a knife. LK 12:13-21 to the true sex of an individual, is not in accord with the typical militates against an understand- Maria was found bleeding to though in rare situations, even expectations for femaleness or ing of sex-based “hard-wiring.” death and rushed to the hospi- the sex chromosomes themselves maleness. Even though it may not be Th e word of the Lord abides for ever. tal. As she lay dying, she forgave Th is word is the Gospel which was can have anomalies. For example, Sometimes the suggestion popular to affi rm the fact, people Alessandro for the crime he had preached to you. (1 Pet 1:25; cf. Is when somebody is born with is made that intersex individu- suff er from sexual development 40:8). committed against her, saying, Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY) they als are, in fact, neither male nor disorders in much the same way “Yes, for the love of Jesus I for- develop not only as a male due female, but fl uid, malleable or that they suff er from other kinds With this assertion from the First give him...and I want him to be Letter of Saint Peter, which takes up to the presence of the Y chro- “bisexual,” with sexual identity of developmental disorders, with me in Paradise.” the words of the Prophet Isaiah, we mosome and its testosterone- residing somewhere between whether of the cardiac/circula- fi nd ourselves before the mystery of Alessandro was sentenced producing infl uence, but also as male and female. Th is kind of tory system, of the nervous/intel- God, who has made himself known to 30 years in prison. During through the gift of his word. a “feminized” male because of explanation is untenable. lectual system or others. No one, his time behind bars, Maria ap- the infl uences of the additional X Human beings, along with of course, should be subjected Th is word, which abides for ever, peared to Alessandro and for- entered into time. God spoke his chromosome. most other members of the to bias or mistreatment due to a gave him. Th at act of mercy and eternal Word humanly; his Word When strong hormonal animal kingdom, are marked by bodily disorder they may have forgiveness—that act of love— “became fl esh.” (Jn 1:14). infl uences are at play, as in an ineradicable sexual “dimor- been born with, but in treating fi lled Alessandro with contrition Th is is the good news. Th is is the another disorder called Con- phism,” or “two-forms,” namely, such persons, we always strive proclamation which has come down for his crime. It was also a turn- genital Androgenital Syndrome, male and female. When problems to return their cardiac or intel- the centuries to us day. ing point for him where grace a genetically normal XX female arise in the development of one lectual functions to their proper entered his heart. From that can have increased testosterone of these forms, this does not baseline, rather than inventing a point on, he lived a beautiful and production by her adrenal glands, make for a new “third form,” or new abnormal as the norm and converted life of holiness, even- resulting in the development of worse, for an infi nite spectrum of defi ning that as a “treatment,” as tually becoming a Franciscan lay external male-like genitalia, even diff erent sexual forms. though she also has ovaries, a » Please see Biotethics p.7 brother. 6 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - July 2016

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Dear Friends of the Sacred Hearts, temporarily professed Brothers who consider increasing your efforts. The are preparing for their ordination to people we serve need you – our Broth- We’d like to thank you for your help priesthood in our House of Studies in ers need you. and share with you some of the ways Suva, Fiji. These Brothers attend the the Brothers of the Congregation of We invite you to be a part of this ven- Pacific Regional Seminary of Saint Pe- the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary ture either through your direct help ter Chanel and live in community with (SS.CC.) in the U. S. Province are with the missions or the solid for- their formators. bringing Christ to people and people mation of Brothers and Priests who to Christ. will do the work in the field, which is to build God’s Kingdom and proclaim Our SS.CC., U. S. Province now in- His redeeming Love to the world clude 98 Brothers who serve God’s …in people in Hawaii, California, Massa- the footsteps of St. Damien of Molo- chusetts, Rome, Fiji England, Bel- kai, ss.cc…. gium, the Kingdom of Tonga, and here in the Diocese of Brownsville. Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Our Brothers of the SS.CC., U. S. United States of America (US) Province Province administer parishes, schools, Serving God’s People soup kitchens, retreat centers, and in We have 23 men in formation in India in the Diocese of Brownsville since 1965 each ministry we work trying to heal and four men in the Novitiate Pro- the broken and bring hope to those in gram preparing to profess their initial Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Edinburg despair. vows of chastity, poverty and obedi- Pastor: Manoj Nayak, ss.cc. ence to the Congregation. Associate Pastors: Fr. Christopher Santangelo, ss.cc. and Fr. Richard Lifrak, ss.cc.

Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Harlingen Pastor: Fr. William Penderghest, ss.cc. Associate Pastor: Fr. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc. In-residence: Fr. Gerry Shanley, ss.cc.

DONATE NOW In India, we run tribal schools, clinics Our mission is to commit ourselves to contemplate, live, and proclaim the to ADVANCE Our Mission and provide social work where there Fund the Formation of Our Future Love of God to the world through the would otherwise be little or no educa- Sacred Hearts’ Brothers Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. tional, medical or community services available for the weak and the poor. This we do through the formation of men for religious life, serving the poor In Tonga, we build and repair homes and the marginalized in the missions for the poor and those living in the in India and Tonga; building and swamp areas of the low-lying islands. strengthening the youth and young

We also help to educate a population adults of the U. S. Province in their of young people in this developing faith and commitment to the Church country that struggles desperately to and the Lord; and serving the spiritual Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us! meet its own needs. needs of the people entrusted to our St. Damien DeVeuster, ss.cc. care, especially in parishes, schools, 1840-1889

retreats and chaplaincies. Because of your prayers, involvement and financial support, we are asking you to continue to help and prayerfully SACRED HEARTS MISSIONS P O BOX 1365 KANEOHE, HI 96744 Thanks to your prayers and support, and the work of the Holy Spirit, a 20- PHONE: 808.247.5035 year hiatus of having no vocations has EMAIL: [email protected] come to an end. We now have seven WWW.SSCC.ORG July 2016 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 7 »Birthday & Anniversary Wishes Those Who Serve: Hector J. Cruz, S.M. Th e list of birthdays and ordination anniversaries is provided so that parishioners may remember the priests, deacons and religious in their prayers and send them a note or a card. ‘We ask God for the right words’ July 4 Rev. Daniel Herve Oyama 9 Rev. Horacio Chavarria Priests hearing » Birthdays 14 Rev. Eka Yuantoro, MSF 2 Rev. Genaro Henriquez 16 Rev. Arturo Cardenas more confessions in 4 Rev. Gabriel I. Ezeh 16 Rev. Hector J. Cruz, SM 8 Rev. Juan Pablo Davalos 16 Rev. Michael Montoya, MJ Year of Mercy 12 Rev. Jose Gualberto Cruz 17 Rev. Isaac E. Erondu 17 Rev. Luis Roberto Tinajero 21 Rev. Mario A. Aviles, CO By ROSE YBARRA 18 Rev. Ernesto Magallón 23 Rev. Gabriel I. Ezeh Th e Valley Catholic 18 Rev. Jesus E.Paredes 27 Rev. Emmanuel Kwofi e 19 Rev. Joaquin Zermeño SAN JUAN — “I believe the 20 Rev. Amador Garza August Holy Spirit brings the faithful to 21 Rev. Francisco Castillo the basilica,” said Father Hec- 22 Rev. Terrence Gorski, OFM » Birthdays tor Cruz of the Society of Mary. 23 Rev. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc. 2 Rev. Alfonso M. Guevara “Some come here to sit and be 27 Rev. Jose R.Torres, OMI 13 Rev. George Kerketta in silence while others may just 29 Rev. Richard Philion, OMI 19 Rev. Artemio Jacob come to walk on the grounds. 19 Rev. Patrick K. Seitz Many of them are moved to come 2 Deacon Jose Luis Mendoza 21 Rev. Miguel Angel Ortega in and confess and we do our best 3 Deacon Armandin Villarreal 28 Bishop Daniel Flores, S.T.D. to be here so the moment doesn’t 6 Deacon Nicolas E. Trujillo 28 Rev. Aglayde Rafael Vega pass.” 10 Deacon Augusto Chapa Jr. Father Cruz, who was as- 10 Deacon Rodolfo C. Salinas 6 Sister Armida Rangel, MJ signed to serve as an assistant to 15 Deacon Enrique Saldaña 11 Sister Monica Garza, OP the rector of the Basilica of Our 17 Deacon Gilberto Guardiola Jr. 14 Sister Jeannine Spain, OSB Lady of San Juan del Valle-Na- 18 Deacon Francisco D. Pon tional Shrine in April, said he and 19 Deacon Peter Requeñez » Anniversaries the other priests can spend more 23 Deacon Rene Villalon 1 Rev. Raymond Nwachukwu than six hours a day hearing con- fessions, especially on the week- 12 Rev. Jose Gualberto Cruz The Valley Catholic 1 Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ ends when more than 20,000 pil- 24 Rev. Jose Juan Ortiz, CO Marist Father Hector J. Cruz blesses a young pilgrim at the Basilica of Our Lady of 1 Sister Maureen Crosby, SSD 26 Msgr. Heberto M. Diaz, Jr. grims visit the sanctuary. San Juan del Valle-National Shrine on June 17. Father Cruz will be leaving the Rio 21 Sister Maria Santana, MEF 28 Msgr. Luis Javier Garcia, JCL Th e basilica off ers the sacra- 26 Sister Luz Cardenas, OP ment of Reconciliation seven Grande Valley this summer after serving our diocese for more than 10 years. 27 Sister Julia Onunkwo, DMMM 10 Deacon Jesse E. Aguayo days a week with extended hours 31 Sister Ninfa Garza, MJ 18 Deacon Raymond Th omas Jr. on Saturdays and Sundays. 21 Deacon Gerardo Aguilar “But hearing confessions is DOORS OF MERCY » Anniversaries 26 Deacon Silvestre J. Garcia what I have enjoyed the most 1 Rev. Anthony O’Connor, SM 26 Deacon Carlos Treviño about being here,” said Father In order to receive a plenary indulgence by 29 Deacon Reynaldo Q. Merino Cruz, a native of Mexico City. visiting one of the pilgrimage churches, the “We have people from many dif- faithful must fulfi ll the following conditions: ferent places with all kinds of sit- - Pass through the doors of mercy of the uations, lives and circumstances. will constitute little more than a pilgrimage church. Bioethics prescription for disillusionment About three or four times a day, I - Make a profession of faith in the church continued from pg. 5 and dishonesty. will hear very special cases, some Pope Benedict, in a Decem- that will move me to tears or ren- (either the Apostles’ or Nicene Creed). der me almost speechless because some are tempted to do with ber 2013 address, echoed these - Pray for the pope’s intentions and the pope concerns when he mentioned of their pain and their suff ering – himself. sexual development disorders. incredible situations. While a newborn’s “in- the errors found in various new - Meditate on mercy while receiving Communion during a period either 20 philosophies where “sex is no “It’s a challenge for us confes- trinsic maleness” or “intrinsic sors because you have a long line days before or after visiting the pilgrimage church. femaleness” may be diffi cult to longer a given element of na- ture, that man has to accept and waiting and you cannot spend an - Participate in the sacrament of penance during a period either 20 days assess in certain more com- hour with each person. We are plicated intersex cases, the personally make sense of….” before or after visiting the pilgrimage church. To live in an ordered way, constantly asking God for the point remains that there is an right words of encouragement.” Pilgrim churches in our diocese: “intrinsic” or “underlying” with an ordered masculinity or femininity, is certainly one of And although the encoun- Immaculate Conception Basilica of Our Lady of San sexual constitution that we ters are oft en brief, they still bring must do our best to recognize, the great challenges of our time, Cathedral Juan del Valle-National Shrine and we can only undertake comfort and healing. respect, and act in accord with. “We oft en hear the words, Brownsville San Juan We must carefully acknowledge, this important task by insisting on the correspondence of our ‘Father, I am so relieved. Some- nurture and accept our given one is here, someone is listening,’” embodied sexual nature as male minds to reality — especially said Father Cruz, adding that he fi cially established as a parish on or female. Willfully denying or to the deeply inscribed reality basilica as he is preparing to bid and his brother priests at basilica Sept. 15, 2013 and Father Cruz acting against that given nature of our unique embodiment as farewell to the Rio Grande Valley. male or female. encourage these special cases to His provincial asked him to take was named the fi rst pastor. contact their pastors back home over Our Lady of Perpetual Help In his time at Our Heavenly to continue the healing process. Church in Tampa, Fla. in Decem- Father Church, Cruz was also in- “It has been a great experi- ber. strumental in acquiring a rectory ence,” Father Cruz concluded. Th e Society of Mary has been for the new parish and building Even more pilgrims are visit- serving the Diocese of Browns- offi ces and religious education ing the basilica during this, the ville for more than 25 years, pri- classrooms. Jubilee Year of Mercy, which of- marily in the Lower Valley. Th e Father Alex Flores, who now fers the opportunity for the faith- community’s motto is, “To think serves as pastor of San Juan Diego ful to gain a plenary indulgence as Mary, judge as Mary, feel and Church in McAllen, was newly (the complete remission of all act as Mary in all things.” ordained to the priesthood when temporal punishment due to sin). Before arriving at the ba- he was assigned parochial vicar Bishop Daniel E. Flores des- silica, Father Cruz served in the of San Felipe de Jesus Parish in ignated the basilica and the Im- Brownsville area for more than 2009. Father Cruz was the pastor maculate Conception Cathedral 10 years and it’s the longest he’s at the time. in Brownsville as the two pilgrim ever been in one place. Th e move “When I fi rst got there, Father churches of the diocese. to Tampa will be his 12th change Hector had just had knee surgery “We want everyone who in his 39 years as a priest. and was recuperating,” Father walks through the doors to feel at For several years, Father Cruz Flores recalled. “I had to run back home and Father Hector was hos- was the pastor of San Felipe de Je- and forth between one parish and pitable and accommodating from sus Parish in Cameron Park and two missions. It was like a trial by the day he got here,” said Deacon two mission churches – San Pe- fi re, but Father Hector was there Julio Castilleja, who is assigned to dro Church and the burgeoning every step of the way. I learned a the basilica. “He understood right Our Heavenly Father Church. great deal from him. It was a good away what it takes to serve here. “From day one, we knew Our introduction to the priesthood.” We see people from all walks of Heavenly Father was ready to be- Years later, when Father Flores life, people who are very religious come a parish and we worked to was given his fi rst parish, he was and people who haven’t been achieve that goal,” he said. especially grateful for what he close to the Church for years and In October 2011, Father Cruz learned from Father Cruz. years ... We see hundreds, if not and members of the pastoral “My fi rst assignment as an ad- thousands of people on any given council submitted a letter of pe- ministrator was at a parish with day and we want them all to feel tition to Bishop Flores to convert two missions and I felt very com- welcome.” Our Heavenly Father Church fortable going into that, thanks in Father Cruz is enjoying the into a parish. Th e community of large part to Father Hector. It was little time he will spend at the more than 500 families was of- providential.” 8 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - July 2016

‘We choose these men, our brothers, for priesthood in the presbyteral order.’

Photos by Cesar Riojas/The Valley Catholic TopT row: The “Laying on of Hands” is an ancient ordination ritual in which the bishop and the priests invoke the Holy Spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained. Middle row: Father Leonel Rodriguez Bazan recites the Eucharistic Prayer. Bishop Daniel E. Flores receives a blessing from Father Ricardo Chavez Flores. Bottom row: The four new priests vested in chausibles. Father Joel Flores gives communion at the Ordination Mass.

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,ŽŵĞKĸĐĞ͗^ĂŶŶƚŽŶŝŽ͕dĞdžĂƐȈ™™™Ǥ Ž‹—Ǥ ‘ 5/16 Julio 2016 - The Valley Catholic NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL 9 » La Alegría de Vivir »Vida Familiar El ofi cio de ser padre La Iglesia en el Valle: Una historia a fi gura de la madre ha sido Msgr. Juan tema de inspiración para Nicolau rica, un futuro prometedor Lpintores y poetas, pero la fi gura del padre no, los hombres Sacerdote jubilado a Diócesis de Brownsville una parte de ese capítulo a los no tienen la capacidad biológica de la Diócesis de acaba de celebrar sus 50 peregrinos del viaje de agosto; de sentir en carne propia como se Brownsville Laños como diócesis en el Padre Roy no había tenido va desarrollando su hijo, hay que el 2015. Todos los Directores conocimiento de este libro. de Ministerio Pastoral y el ¡Los 4 autobuses de 50 esperar hasta que nace para tener Lydia Pesina personal de la Basílica colabo- personas estuvieron llenos a entre sus manos a esa creatura. Directora, Ofi cina Su primera reacción de aunque haya presencia física raron al proveer a los fi eles de capacidad! Cada autobús partió de Vida Familiar sorpresa es una mezcla de admi- de papa en casa, eso no basta si esta Diócesis diversas opor- a las 8:00 a.m. de la Basílica ración y pasmo, tal vez el padre el actúa como un padre fugi- tunidades para celebrar tan de San Juan en dirección oeste, se admira de sí mismo, su capa- tivo, aquel que busca cualquier importante aniversario como 1ro de Agosto del 2015. El Padre haciendo paradas en La Lomita cidad de procrear y continuar la actividad para refugiarse y no fue el preparar una novela Amador nos mantuvo atentos en Mission (como el pueblo que especie, ve realizado el instinto de convivir con ellos; o es un padre gráfi ca llamada “ La Fe en el con su maravilloso repertorio lleva su mismo nombre) (1899); conservación. que se pasa el tiempo conectado Valle”; libros para colorear para de historias, anécdotas, gracia la Iglesia de la Inmaculada Con- Pero ser padre es mucho más a su trabajo por el teléfono o la estudiantes de los Programas y buen humor. Literalmente cepción (1880), Escuela (1886) que engendrar, la responsabili- computadora, así es como si no Catequéticos parroquiales y Padre Amador hablo todo el y Gruta en la ciudad de Rio dad debe manifestarse, pues ese estuviera. Escuelas Católicas; cuatro viajes viaje, no solo en las paradas Grande; y la Capilla e Iglesia nuevo ser necesita de amparo, Si como padre eres muy es- de Peregrinación y una Misa al sino durante todo el recorrido. de Nuestra Señora del Refugio protección, y vigilancia, mientras tricto, autoritario, o intransigente, exterior celebrada por el Obispo No hubo un solo momento (1853) y Plataforma de Obser- no pueda valerse por si mismo. la tendencia de los hijos será la de Flores en la Basílica de Nuestra aburrido. El Padre Roy nos vación en Roma. De regreso ha- La industria de cómo criar ocultar cosas a su padre por no Señora de San Juan del Valle. compartió una historia extensa cia el este para nuestra comida niños es millonaria, pues se ali- recibir un castigo, si por el con- Miguel Santos, Director de sobre los Oblatos incluyendo a la 1 p.m. y posterior recorrido menta de la ansiedad que sienten trario eres permisivo o un padre la Ofi cina Ministerial de Jóvenes muchas historias del Calvario de la Basílica, paramos en la los padres al traer un nuevo ser mensajero que a todo los manda Adultos y una servidora tuvi- de Cristo y también compartió Iglesia San Antonio en Peñitas al mundo, y el interés que tienen con mamá, los hijos no tendrán mos el privilegio de organizar y canciones estilo “country” todo donde hay un punto de interés en hacer lo correcto. Los padres una guía de cómo comportarse. coordinar los cuatro Viajes de el camino. Durante el tiempo histórico que indica la presencia deben estar atentos para descu- Aunque el instinto natural de Peregrinación “50 Aniversario”. intermedio entre los viajes de de un antiguo asentamiento brir lo que funciona o no en la unos padres protectores es evitar El Padre Amador Garza, rector Junio y Agosto, mi esposo Mauri español. crianza de sus hijos, y tratar de que sus hijos sufran, evitándoles de la Basílica, fue el guía del tomo prestado de la librería un A las 2 p.m. nos dirigi- actuar a tiempo, ya sea buscando desilusiones o tratando de resolv- Viaje de Peregrinación del 28 libro titulado “Border Odys- mos hacia el este/sureste con ayuda especializada o redoblando erles todo, los especialistas reco- de Febrero del 2015 y también sey” (historias de personas de destino a Brownsville, sede de la esfuerzos con quien lo necesite, miendan que hay que dejarlos del viaje del 20 de Febrero del ambos lados de la frontera entre Diócesis, haciendo una parada tienen que entender que los hijos resolver sus propios problemas, 2016 (reprogramado desde el Boca Chica y Juárez) escrito en la Iglesia Nuestra Señora no son de un material moldeable para que aprendan de sus experi- 24 de Octubre del 2015 a causa por el Dr. Charles Th ompson, y de la Misericordia (1909) para como el barro, y que no pueden encias aunque sean malas. de tormentas) y el Padre Roy he aquí que en el mismo había escuchar el sonido de su cam- hacer completamente a sus hijos Los psicólogos especialis- Snipes, párroco de la Iglesia un capítulo titulado “Cowboy pana recién restaurada. El Padre de acuerdo a sus deseos. tas en desarrollo infantil tratan Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Priests” describiendo su visita a Jorge Gómez, actual Canciller Los psicólogos explican que de explicar a los padres que el en la ciudad de Mission, guio Padre Roy de hacía unos años. de la Diócesis, nos recibió en comportamiento de los niños es la fi gura del padre va cambiando nuestros viajes del 13 de Junio y Yo tome la oportunidad de leer » Por favor lea Pesina p.10 según la etapa del desarrollo del un refl ejo de sus acciones, y que hijo, para un niño de cuatro a los niños solo aprenderán de sus ocho años el padre lo sabe todo, propios errores y las posteriores ya para los diez piensa que su pa- consecuencias. Corte Suprema falla contra restricciones dre sabe algunas cosas, luego en Aceptar lo que Dios les ha la adolescencia el padre no tiene mandado y comprometerse a ni idea de las cosas. hacer lo mejor posible por educa- a clínicas de aborto en Texas Los padres deben hacer rlos y sacarlos adelante es todo lo ACI Prensa hospitales locales para casos de idense Abby Johnson, ex direc- autocritica y ver realmente como que unos buenos padres pueden emergencias, y las clínicas de- tora de una clínica de Planned actúan frente a sus hijos, pues hacer. WASHINGTON — La Corte bían cumplir los estándares de Parenthood en Texas, advirtió Suprema de Estados Unidos fal- centros de cirugía ambulatoria. hoy que “la Corte Suprema ha la juventud, sino todos,” dijo Ro- ló contra una ley que establecía La ley de Texas fue aprobada tomado una decisión peligrosa Jornada sario Hinojosa. importantes restricciones a las en 2013, en medio del escándalo para cientos de miles de mujeres clínicas que practican abortos en de Kermit Gosnell, un abortista que entran en estas instalaciones continua de la pág. 1 Síguenos en Twitter (@ catholicrgv) y Facebook (Catho- el estado de Texas. de Filadelfi a condenado a dos de aborto sin regulación, insalu- En su fallo del 27 de junio, cadenas perpetuas por tres casos bres e inseguras cada año”. es que tengamos nuestros cora- lic Diocese of Brownsville) para por 5 contra 3 votos, la Corte de asesinato en primer grado a “Exigir que una instalación zones abiertos para recibir el estar al tanto del peregrinaje de Suprema determinó que la legis- bebés nacidos vivos y de homi- que realiza procedimientos mensaje del Santo Padre, no sólo nuestra diócesis. lación de Texas pone una carga cidio involuntario por la muerte médicos invasivos en una mu- excesiva al “derecho al aborto” de una mujer en su clínica, debi- jer cumpla los estándares de un de las mujeres. do a una sobredosis de anestesia. centro de cirugía ambulatoria es La legislación de Texas de- El fallo de la Corte Suprema sentido común”, señaló en una sestimada por la Corte demand- fue recibido con duras críticas publicación en Facebook. aba que las clínicas de aborto en de parte de defensores de la vida Por su parte Lila Rose, presi- el estado tengan saneamiento en Estados Unidos, así como la denta de la plataforma pro-vida adecuado, así como personal y celebración de Planned Parent- estadounidense Live Action, expertos médicos disponibles hood, multinacional envuelta criticó que la Corte Suprema “ha para casos de emergencias en acusaciones de tráfi co de ór- puesto a las mujeres y a los niños médicas. ganos de bebés abortados en sus por nacer en mayor peligro” con Los abortistas requerían instalaciones. su sentencia de hoy. de privilegios de admisión en La líder pro-vida estadoun-

Últimas Noticias del Vaticano www.aciprensa.com 10 NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL The Valley Catholic - Julio 2016 Los veteranos ayudan a enterrar Solemnidad de Corpus Christi a los difuntos con dignidad Por ROSE YBARRA Th e Valley Catholic

MISSION — Cuando el veterano de 66 años, Jacky Eu- gene González, fue sepultado en el Cementerio Estatal de Río Grande el 22 de junio, un grupo de veteranos militares de EE.UU del Puesto 93 de la Legión Amer- icana Jesús Martínez, realizaron los honores militares. The Valley Catholic Un escuadrón de siete sol- La Diócesis de Brownsville celebró la solemnidad del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo dados con rifl e dispararon 21 con una misa y procesión el 29 de mayo. El Obispo Daniel E. Flores recibió a los veces, la bandera Americana fue feligreses en la Catedral Inmaculada Concepción en Brownsville a las 6 de la tarde, doblada y presentada a la familia y posteriormente realizaron una procesión pública con el Santísimo Sacramento Eric Sánchez/The Valley Catholic junto con tres casquillos de bala por en el centro de la ciudad, pasando por enfrente del Puente Internacional representando el Servicio, Hon- Rudy Flores, el comandante del puesto 93 de la Legión Americana, dobla la Gateway que une a Brownsville con Matamoros. En esta solemnidad la Iglesia or y su País. Se tocaron Taps en bandera de los Estados Unidos en un funeral el 22 de junio en Mission. tributa a la Eucaristía un culto público y solemne de adoración, gratitud y amor, una corneta electrónica. siendo la procesión del Corpus Christi una de las más importantes en toda la Iglesia Los hombres, que son todos Luis A. López, quien también voluntarios, están en sus 60s, 70s Las obras físicas es miembro de los Veteranos Universal. y 80s. Ellos llevan a cabo estos de Guerra Católicos del Puesto demos por qué el Papa nos llama servicios solemnes varias veces de misericordia: 1065 y feligrés de la Iglesia de Obispo a humanizar la misma economía a la semana, regularmente en el San Pablo en Mission. “Disfru- mundial. Por ser tan poderosa la tamos la libertad que tenemos continua de la pág. 2 Cementerio de Veteranos, pero Alimentar al hambriento; máquina económica que mueve en América gracias a nuestros van a donde quiera que sea nece- Dar agua al sediento; al mundo, al mismo tiempo veteranos.” sario. Los miembros de la guar- que ver con la pregunta esencial muestra señas de grave debilidad. Vestir al desnudo; Para los hombres, los funera- dia han realizado hasta cuatro ¿cómo afecta esta economía, Esto se ve en el alto nivel de de- funerales en un día, en ocasiones Dar posada al necesitado; les más dolorosos son los de los esta tecnología y esta sociedad veteranos sin hogar. sempleo que afl ige a los jóvenes, en temperaturas de alrededor de Visitar al enfermo; a las personas y a la naturaleza? y en la manera que explota a los 100 grados. “En esos funerales, usu- Un individuo, una familia, una Rescatar al cautivo; almente sólo se encuentra la inmigrantes y no-nacidos. Todo A pesar de las condiciones, sociedad y el mundo entero no esto afecta gravemente el sencillo sin importar las molestias y do- Enterrar a guardia de honor y los emplea- pueden ejercer su dominio sin dos de la funeraria,” dijo Flores. y precioso anhelo de muchos lores que sienten, ellos no lo ven los muertos. referencia al prójimo. jóvenes: poder establecer una como una carga. Al contrario, lo “Después de doblar la bandera, Ejercer un poder o explotar familia. ven como un gran honor. se la damos a la funeraria. Ellos una tecnología no se decide en lo «Aun a riesgo de simplifi car, “No creo que ninguno vea San Pablo en Mission y miem- tratan de buscar a un familiar abstracto, como si nuestras deci- podríamos decir que existe una esto como un sacrifi cio,” dijo el bro de los Veteranos de Guerra para enviarles la bandera.” siones merecieran ser aprobadas cultura tal que empuja a muchos veterano de la Armada Juan Án- Católicos del Puesto 1065. “Es “Es muy triste.” como buenas sin referencia a jóvenes a no poder formar una gel Longoria, quien es feligrés un gran honor hacer esto para La guardia de honor del cómo afecta a los jóvenes, a los de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los veteranos que han fallecido y Puesto 93, organizada desde familia porque están privados de pobres, a los ancianos, al medio oportunidades de futuro. Sin em- Guadalupe en Mission y miem- sus familias.” 1987, tiene alrededor de 20 ambiente, etc. El cálculo moral bro de los Veteranos de Guerra Para Flores y los oros hom- miembros activos. Alrededor de bargo, esa misma cultura concede que no toma en cuenta que la a muchos otros, por el contrario, Católicos del Puesto 1065. “Para bre de fe en la guardia de honor, 15 miembros de la guardia brin- condición humana es condición hay un componente espiritual tantas oportunidades, que tam- nosotros no es una molestia.” dan su servicio en cada funeral, esencialmente de relación, resul- personal en lo que hacen. bién ellos se ven algunos países, “Estamos bendecidos de es- dependiendo de cuantos estén ta en la tiranía de los que tienen “Como Católico, me gusta muchos jóvenes «a menudo son tar en este país. Dios ha sido bue- disponibles para asistir. control del poder económico y hacer esto,” el comentó. “Es algo “No nos estamos poniendo llevados a posponer la boda por no conmigo y esta es una manera tecnológico sobre los que no lo bueno honrar su dignidad como más jóvenes,” dijo Flores. “Ten- problemas de tipo económico, de brindar un servicio a Dios y a tienen. “No caigamos en el pecado seres humanos.” emos citas con el doctor, cuida- laboral o de estudio. A veces, por la comunidad.” de pretender sustituir al Creador. Muchas veces, los hombres mos a nuestro nietos… quien otras razones, como la infl uencia “La manera en que lo veo Somos creaturas, no somos om- es la siguiente. Se trata de vet- nunca han conocido al veterano esté disponible se ofrece a asistir.” de las ideologías que desvalorizan que están honrando, pero lo/la Flores dijo que el puesto nipotentes. Lo creado nos precede el matrimonio y la familia, la eranos brindando un servicio a y debe ser recibido como don. Al otros veteranos y a nuestra gran siguen viendo como familia. siempre está buscando veteranos experiencia del fracaso de otras “Es un honor poder expresar más jóvenes para reclutar. mismo tiempo, somos llamados a parejas a la cual ellos no quieren nación,” dijo el Comandante del custodiar nuestra humanidad, y puesto 93 Rudy Flores, un veter- nuestro respeto a los compañe- “Oramos para que cuando exponerse, el miedo hacia algo ros veteranos que han brindado Dios nos llame a casa, alguien eso signifi ca ante todo aceptarla y que consideran demasiado grande ano de las Fuerzas Aéreas. Tam- respetarla como ha sido creada.” bién es feligrés de la Iglesia de su servicio a nuestro país,” dijo este aquí para hacer lo mismo y sagrado, las oportunidades el veterano de las Fuerzas Aéreas con nosotros,” comentó. (AL 56) sociales y las ventajas económicas Precisamente bajo esta derivadas de la convivencia, una un tiempo de oración y dis- guía. (Irónicamente, casi 20 años insistencia humana y cristiana de concepción puramente emocional Pesina cernimiento, decidimos que era después de la fecha del 15 de no olvidar nuestras responsabili- y romántica del amor, el miedo dades unos a otros, el Papa habla continua de la pág. 9 importante dar a nuestra gente Junio del 1995). de perder su libertad e indepen- la oportunidad de una “proba- Durante los meses que de las heridas más profundas de dencia, el rechazo de todo lo que la Cancillería en Brownsville, dita” de la larga Historia de Fe ofrecimos estos viajes de Per- nuestros tiempos. La eutanasia es concebido como institucional y concediéndonos un recorrido de la Diócesis desde el punto egrinación, mi madre Carmen y el suicidio asistido son graves burocrático». (AL 40) por toda la instalación e incluy- de vista de su longitud. Quizás y mi hermano Art estuvieron amenazas para las familias de Paradójicamente, en un endo presentaciones sobre los muchas personas que viven en delicados de salud y no pudi- todo el mundo (AL 48) porque mundo tan avanzado y que Archivos y sobre los seis Obis- Brownsville nunca han visitado eron acompañarnos, a pesar de ofenden la dignidad de la per- propone el ideal de autosufi - pos de nuestra Diócesis siendo Roma y vice versa. Hay tantas que nos encantaban los paseos sona y porque institucionalizan ciencia, nuestros jóvenes sienten estos el Obispo Adolph Marx otras Iglesias, de rico contenido de Domingo y pasamos varias una cultura donde los poderosos inseguridad y miedo, como si les (1965), Obispo Humberto S. histórico, que no necesariamente tardes de Domingo escogiendo determinan que pasará con la faltara esperanzas de poder forjar Medeiros (1966-1970), Obispo están a lo largo de la Autopista una ciudad (como Mercedes y vida de un débil. Al fi n y al cabo, un camino alegre y en familia. John J. Fitzpatrick (1971-1991), 281 y la Carretera Militar y que La Joya), visitando sus iglesias y bajo estas leyes son los vivos Como dijo una vez otro poeta: nos hubiera encantado visitar leyendo la historia del libro “Una Obispo Enrique San Pedro, S.J. los que determinan quien vive “Ese, para mí, es el pensamiento como Nuestra Señora Estrella jornada de Fe”, una historia de la (1991-1994), Obispo Raymundo y quien muere. Igual se podría más revolucionario posible: no del Mar (1927), una de las prim- Diócesis escrita en el año 2002. J. Peña (1995-2010), y Obispo decir de la tecnología capaz de que todos tengan el poder sobre el eras parroquias de los Oblatos; Les invito a considerar el Daniel E. Flores (2010-presente). manipular embriones y descartar mundo, como se pretendía antes, Después de recorrer la Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en tomar un “recorrido vacacional” al no-nacido. En su carta, el Papa Raymondville (principios de los o un paseo de Domingo aquí pero sí que cada quien tenga un bella Catedral de la Inmaculada nos propone nuestra respuesta a mínimo poder sobre sí mismo”. Concepción, nos dirigimos 1900’s); Santa Helena Rio Hondo mismo en nuestro bello Valle los migrantes y a los discapacita- (1920’s); San Isidro en San Isidro del Rio Grande. Al visitar un [iii] El Papa siempre mira hacia de regreso a San Juan por la dos como ejemplo paradigmático el futuro, y trata de animar a Carretera Militar destacando (1881), sin embargo estábamos área diferente del Valle, seremos de la generosidad relacional que limitados por el tiempo. bendecidos al ver y experimen- nuestros jóvenes a superar los algunas de las iglesias del área requiere el mundo de hoy: “Qui- miedos con un heroísmo inspi- como Nuestra Señora del Buen Yo sabía que aunque el tar no solo su rica historia, sino ero subrayar que la atención dedi- horario estaba ajustado, era también, y quizás de manera rado por la gracia de Dios: Consejo, San Ignacio, San Pedro, cada tanto a los migrantes como Necesitamos encontrar las pa- Nuestra Señora de la Visitación posible lograrlo. En la década más importante, que somos un a las personas con discapacidades de los 90 serví por varios años área de mucho más diversidad labras, las motivaciones y los testi- en Santa María (1882), y la es un signo del Espíritu. Porque monios que nos ayuden a tocar las Capilla del Rancho Toluca en como Directora Asociada de la cultural que hace 20 años y que ambas situaciones son paradig- Ofi cina de Catequesis y enseñe la riqueza de la diversidad tiene fi bras másíntimas de los jóvenes, Progreso. máticas: ponen especialmente en allí donde son más capaces de Cuando empezamos nuestra un curso de verano de tres días el potencial de enriquecer nues- juego cómo se vive hoy la lógica sobre la Historia de la Iglesia en tra fe y ayudarnos a construir el generosidad, de compromiso, de planeación, el Comité considero de la acogida misericordiosa y de amor e incluso de heroísmo, para que viajar de un extremo a otro el Valle que incluía un recorrido Reino de Dios aquí mismo en el la integración de los más frágiles”. de un día, similar a estos, en el Valle, ahora mismo, y para las invitarles a aceptar con entu- de la Diócesis seria mucho para (AL 47) siasmo y valentía el desafío del un día, sin embargo, después de cual el Padre Roy fue nuestro generaciones futuras. Desde esta perspectiva enten- matrimonio. (AL 40) July 2016 - The Valley Catholic DIOCESE 11

»Media Jail ministry changing lives behind bars » Calendar Resource Courtesy photo of Events The Inmate Retreatants at Willacy Center State Jail in Raymondville pray for July Recommended by SISTER Bishop Daniel E. Flores on June 5 as he Valley Awakening Retreat MAUREEN CROSBY, SSD celebrates Mass concluding the third 1-3 Kolbe Prison Retreat at the facility. The Coordinator of the Media Resource 3 Mass for children with Center - Diocese of Brownsville Kolbe Retreats have now incorporated special needs and more than 102 Texas Department of their families, »From the Criminal Justice trained volunteers Holy Family – Brownsville who provide a life-changing experience Bookshelf coupled with follow-up ministry to 4 Independence Day (Diocesan Offi ces Closed) Fresh Air: The men desperately in need of faith, hope Holy Spirit for and love. After the retreat, the Kolbe 21 Vocation Hour for Family an Inspired Life Team Members continue visiting their Life at St Joseph brothers behind bars weekly to share Chapel, Alamo (Family Life Offi ce) Format: Paper back Length: 218 pgs their faith and provide faith formation. To join this ministry, call the Jail/Prison Audience: Adults 25-31 World Youth Day 2016 Publisher Paraclete Press (2012) Ministry Offi ce at (956) 784-5046. Krakow, Poland Lively, wise, profound, and winsome, this refreshing new book takes the 26 Encuentro Mundial de Holy Spirit from the mountaintop to los Jóvenes (St. Anne the grit of everyday life by showing us living who determine who lives In some countries, many young that the Holy Spirit is not just about Parish, Peñitas) speaking in tongues, spiritual gifts or Bishop and who dies. Similarly, this persons “postpone a wedding for “fruits”--but also about our deepest continued from pg. 2 could be said of the technologies economic reasons, work or study. August breath and our highest aspirations. Provocative and life-changing, Fresh capable of manipulating embry- Some do so for other reasons, Air blends moving personal stories, sons and the environment? An os and discarding the lives of the such as the infl uence of ideolo- 7 Mass for children with rich biblical studies, and practical individual, a family, a society, un-born. In his letter, the Holy gies which devalue marriage and special needs and strategies for experiencing the daily Father proposes our response family, the desire to avoid the their families, presence of the Holy Spirit where we and the world at large cannot Holy Family – Brownsville least expect it--in human breathing, in exercise dominion without to the migrant and those with failures of other couples, the fear social transformation, in community, special needs as a paradigmatic of something they consider too in hostile situations, and in serious reference to the neighbor. example of the kind of relational important and sacred, the social learning. To exercise a power or 18 Vocation Hour for Family Milo: The exploit a technology cannot generosity we are called to show opportunities and economic ben- Life Offi ce forth in our world today. Here efi ts associated with simply living Mantis Who be decided in the abstract, as if our decisions deserved to I would stress that dedication together, a purely emotional and Wouldn’t be approved as good without and concern shown to migrants roman- tic conception of love, the Pray reference to how they aff ect the and to persons with special needs fear of losing their freedom and young, the poor, the elderly, the alike is a sign of the Spirit. Both independence, and the rejection Please submit your schedule to be situations are paradigmatic: they of something conceived as purely published in Th e Valley Catholic by environment, etc. Th e moral cal- the fi rst Friday of each month by email culation that does not take into serve as a test of our commitment institutional and bureaucratic”. Format: Board book Length: 38 pp to [email protected] or fax: (956) account that the human condi- to show mercy in welcoming oth- (AL 40) 784-5082. Audience: 2-5 years ers and to help the vulnerable to Paradoxically, in a world Series: Max Lucado’s Hermie & tion is essentially a condition in relation results in the tyranny of be fully a part of our communi- so advanced and that proposes Friends (Book 8) ties. (AL 47) the ideal of self-suffi ciency, our Publication Thomas Nelson (March those who have economic and Sacred 13, 2007) technological control and power From this perspective, young people feel insecure and Max Lucado, unnumbered and heavy- over those who do not have we understand why the pope fear, as if they lack the hopes to duty pages with CD-Rom included. it: “We are creatures, and not calls us to humanize the world be able to forge a happy family Hearts priest, Milo the mantis learns to pray and trust omnipotent. Creation is prior to economy. Despite the fact that life. As another poet once said: God. Milo’s Snack Shack is gone. A us and must be received as a gift . the economic machine that “Th is is for me the most revo- postulator storm blew it away, and now Milo needs At the same time, we are called moves the world is so powerful, lutionary thought possible: not help. When his friends tell him to ask to protect our humanity, and this at the same time it shows signs that everyone have power over dies in Spain God, Milo thinks he’s too small for of grave weakness. Th is is seen the world, as was earlier sought, God to hear. After trying to get God’s means, in the fi rst place, accept- ing it and respecting it as it was in the high level of unemploy- but, yes, that each one have a attention, Milo is surprised to fi nd that ment that affl icts the young, and little power of his own self.” Th e God had heard his prayer and was created.” (AL 56) helping him all along…just not in the Precisely under this Chris- the way it exploits the immi- pope always looks toward the way he had expected. tian and human insistence that grant and the unborn. All of this future, and tries to encourage we not forget our responsibilities gravely aff ects the simple and our young people to overcome »Worth Watching to each other, the pope speaks precious desire of many young their fears with a heroism in- of the deeper wounds in our people: to be able to establish a spired by the grace of God: Fresh Air: time. For example: “Euthanasia family. We need to fi nd the right and assisted suicide are serious At the risk of oversimplify- language, arguments and forms threats to families worldwide”. ing, we might say that we live in of witness that can help us reach (AL 48) Th is is so because they a culture which pressures young the hearts of young people, off end the dignity of the person people not to start a family, appealing to their capacity for and because they institutionalize because they lack possibilities for generosity, commitment, love a culture wherein the powerful the future. Yet this same culture and even heroism, and in this Format: DVD Length: 24 mins determine what happens to the presents others with so many way inviting them to take up the Audience: Adults life of the weak. In the end, un- options that they too are dis- challenge of marriage with en- Th e Valley Catholic Production Year: Paraclete Video der these kinds of laws it is the suaded from starting a family”. thusiasm and courage. (AL 40) Productions 2012 Father Emilio Vega Gar- In his book Fresh Air, popular teacher cia of the Congregation of and biblical scholar Jack Levison aims the Sacred Hearts of Jesus to do nothing less than clarify 2,000 Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña’s Calendar and Mary passed away on years of confusion on the topic of who June 6 in his native Spain. He the Holy Spirit is, what holy spirit does, July 2 6 p.m. McAllen Mass at Juan Diego Church McAllen was 74. and why it all matters. July 3 10 a.m. McAllen Mass at Juan Diego Church McAllen Milo: The Father Vega Garcia was July 16 6 p.m. McAllen Mass at Juan Diego Church McAllen the parochial vicar at Sacred Mantis Who July 17 10 a.m. McAllen Mass @ Juan Diego Church McAllen Heart Church in Edinburg Wouldn’t Pray July 18-21 All Day St. Louis NCADDHM Conference St. Louis from July 2008 to August July 23 5:30 p.m. Grulla Mass at Holy Family Grulla 2010. July 24 8 a.m. Grulla Mass at Cristo Rey (Holy Family) Grulla Previously, he was also July 27 6:30 p.m. Edinburg Evins Ministry Edinburg the postulator for the saint- July 30 5:30 p.m. Grulla Mass at Holy Family Grulla hood causes of St. Damien of July 31 8 a.m. Grulla Mass at Cristo Rey (Holy Family) Grulla Format: CD Length: 30 mins Molokai and Blessed Eusta- Audience: Children 3-10 quio van Lieshout. Director Tommy Nelson Ongoing: Father Vega Garcia’s fu- When a big storm destroys Milo’s Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, 727 Bowie St., Alamo neral was held on June 7 Snack Shack, he doesn’t know what to 3 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, 727 Bowie St., Alamo in the chapel of the Sacred Every Th ursday 7- 8 p.m. Holy Hour at St. Joseph Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, 727 Bowie St., Alamo do and that includes just talking to God Hearts House in El Escorial, about it. Milo thinks he has to get God’s NO EVENTS AT UTRGV DURING THE SUMMER Spain. attention in order for God to hear him. Milo fi nally learns prays and realizes 1st: Intention to the Consecrated Life (active and contemplative) and for the Sisters and Brothers in our diocese and that God has been helping him all the success of their mission along. Ironically, all the things he was Tune into using to get God’s attention are the very 2nd: Intention to the Permanent Diaconate the deacons (permanent and transitional) of the diocese and their families things he needs to rebuild his Snack KSGS- LP Shack. The garden learns an important 3rd : Intention to Married Life: for the welfare and sanctifi cation of all the families in the diocese and for building lesson about how to trust God after up the Kingdom in our domestic churches 99.9 FM we pray and that His answers come in 4th: Intention to the priesthood and the priests of the diocese for the success of their ministry many different forms. 5th: Intention to Pope Francis Catholic Radio 12 DIOCESE The Valley Catholic - July 2016 Our Catholic Family ‘I hope all my daughters reach their goals’ St. Joseph Academy graduate grateful for parents’ sacrifi ces

By TYLER ORSBURN Catholic News Service

BROWNSVILLE — Gus- tavo Rodriguez knew he couldn’t study math forever. Th e impoverished conditions in his town in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas in the early 1980s just wouldn’t allow it. So instead of crunching numbers with a pencil and notepad his parents couldn’t aff ord, he decided to pinch centa- vos elsewhere, away from home. And so the story begins of a life abroad where endings and beginnings meet at sunrise, high noon and sunset. Tyler Orsburn/Catholic News Service By 1992, aft er a short con- Above, left: Alejandra Rodriguez poses for a photo at St. Joseph Academy on May 3. Above, right: Alejandra Rodriguez, in green, poses for a photo with her parents, Gustavo struction stint laying foundations and Columba, and older sister Sofi a, right, outside their home in Brownsville, May 1. in Houston, the 44-year-old said in Spanish that he met his wife, But on the campus of St. Jo- Michael Motyl, president of St. Back at home aft er a long reach their goals. So they can be Columba, closer to the meander- seph Academy economic dispari- Joseph Academy said. “I think Saturday of mowing grass and somebody and not struggle the ing Rio Grande River in Browns- ties are hard to identify. Alejandra anyone is capable of achieving cleaning houses, Gustavo and way we did.” ville. Th e couple relied on a heavy blends in with her other smart- great things regardless of where Columba took a break from Having been accepted to the dose of Lone Star self-reliance, phone-texting, uniform-wearing they grew up or their parent’s cooking dinner and ordered pep- far off University of Texas at San mowing lawns, cleaning houses classmates. fi nancial resources. So to help peroni pizza from Little Caesars. Antonio, Alejandra mulled life and raising three young girls. “I might not have a Mac, but I kids and families realize they can With their three daughters sitting abroad. Some 21 years later, their do have a laptop,” she told Catho- do great things, and have great around them, they shared sweet “My culture is very close to oldest daughter is in her third lic News Service aft er spending opportunities, sometimes they tea and laugh about college life. our parents, and moving out is year of studies at the University a Saturday aft ernoon with her just need certain doors open for A print of the Last Supper a big deal,” she said. “I am kind of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and friends at the zoo. “And that’s them.” hung on a wall behind the dining of nervous to be on my own but their second daughter, Alejandra, more than other people have. My During the 2015-2016 aca- table. “I’ll be so proud to see all at the same time I think it’s very is graduating from high school at parents are really humble people. demic year, Motyl said, the Mon- my girls fulfi lled,” Gustavo said in exciting to see how I can be inde- Marist-run St. Joseph Academy. Th ey’ve always tried to provide tagne Project funded 19 students. Spanish. “I hope all my daughters pendent away from my parents.” “My dad loves math,” Ale- me with the best.” jandra said describing her dad’s “One would assume because commitment to helping her fi nish it’s a private Catholic school that homework as a child. “And he al- everyone is privileged,” English ways wanted to become a teacher. and literature teacher Avy Jaimes- However, the circumstances he Torres said between classes. “And lived in didn’t allow that to hap- that’s not necessarily always the pen.” case. So it’s interesting to know To some, starting a life in you have kids that are on schol- Brownsville is no diff erent a truth arship, you have kids that come than setting up shop across the from Mexico every day, you have border. kids that are over-privileged, “It’s probably one of the poor- but yet their families are never est demographics in the coun- around because in order for them try,” Bishop Daniel E. Flores of to provide (for them) ... Th ey Brownsville said describing the have that kind of absence.” region’s employment opportuni- To off set tuition and fees that ties. “As someone once told me, can exceed $10,000, Alejandra ‘Here in the Rio Grande Valley earned her keep by maintain- you have the First World and the ing good grades and being a role Th ird World and they could be model in the community. During across the street from each other.’ her senior year, the Montagne Houses aren’t fi nished, dirt fl oors Project, which is a scholars pro- are being worked on but (only) as gram, and the Peña Family Schol- time and money permits.” arship Fund covered all her class- According to the U.S. Census room expenses. Bureau, the median household “It’s about creating oppor- income in 2014 was $32,288. tunities and access for people,” Retreat for mothers, teenage girls set for July 9 The Stewardship and Development Offi ce is pleased to introduce Stacy the Caterpillar, our stewardship mascot, at an upcoming event for girls. In partnership with Simple & Natural, a retreat for teenage girls aged 13-16 and their mothers or other female guardians is planned for Saturday, July 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bishop Marx Conference Center on the San Juan Pastoral Center grounds. Join Stacy at this fun and fact fi lled event on a journey to discover “Who Am I?”

At this gathering, we will celebrate the wonderful grace of having been created a girl and the gift of womanhood. This event is free of charge, breakfast, lunch and a registration packet will be provided. Registration is on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. For more information, call (956) 784-5095.