THE CATHOLIC PAGE 3 ‘Bubbles’ a rising star

November 8,ommentator 2019 Vol. 57, No. 20 2019 LPA GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT thecatholiccommentator.org C HONORING LOVED ONES Families and loved ones gathered at Res- thaven Gardens of Memory in Baton November Rouge for Mass and a blessing of the graves on Friday, Nov. 1. About 250 peo- ple gathered for the annual outdoor a month of Mass, which was celebrated by Father Michael Miceli, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge; concelebrant remembrance was Father Paul Yi, pastor of St. George Church in Baton Rouge; Deacon Don By Debbie Shelley Musso, of Most Blessed Sacrament The Catholic Commentator Church in Baton Rouge; and, Deacon Brent Duplessis, of St. Jean Vianney November is a time for Catholics to Church in Baton Rouge. Photo by Bonny Van | remember their loved ones, tending The Catholic Commentator to their graves, looking into flickering candle flames at vigil memorial ser- good memories of him and gives thanks vices and writing their names in books for the time she had with him. of remembrances at their church par- William was a gentle soul who ishes. Memories of the deceased flow loved animals, especially his beagle out in the forms of love stories, victo- “Charger,” according to his mother. He ries over challenges, bravery in serving graduated from Redemptorist in 2012. their country and sadness over ones He loved music, snowboarding and in- gone too soon. ternational travel. William was a third- And many will express excitement, year student at LSU, studying history and even hope, about the time they will and education when he died in 2015. meet their loved ones again in heaven. Acosta is confident William is at Parents who lose a child can be peace in the loving arms of Jesus. swallowed up with grief and the ques- “Matthew means ‘gift of God,’ and tion ‘Why?’ But Mary Acosta, whose we gave him that middle name because son, William Matthew Acosta died in that is truly what he was,” said Acosta. 2015, and is buried at St. John the Bap- While she had a short time on earth tist Cemetery in Brusly, holds on to the SEE SAINTS PAGE 20 Sr. Trône finds joy in monastic life

By Richard Meek several consecrated virgins while attending Cy- The Catholic Commentator press Heights Academy in Baton Rouge. “I saw that they were super happy even though An extraordinary joy is evident in the voice of they had given up everything for God,” said Sister Sister Marie Trône du Roi SSVN, even from a dis- Trône, who attended St. George School in Baton tance spanning more than 1,000 miles. Rouge from pre-K through fifth grade. “I thought Equally discernable, however, is her powerful ‘I want that happiness.’ ” faith, one that has taken Brooke Bethea from the Sister Trône’s calling continued to blossom at halls of St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge, St. Michael, where she was involved in campus to her life as Sister Trône, living a monastic life- ministry as well as planning the annual summer style in Brooklyn, New York. mission at Our Lady of Peace Church in Vacherie. Sister Marie Trône du Rol SSVN, left, and Father Brent Maher Sister Trône, a Baton Rouge native, professed Father Brent Maher, who has been a positive spend time together after Sister Trône professed her final her final vows Aug. 28 in Brooklyn as a Contem- influence in Sister Trône’s life, said Sister Trône’s vows as a Contemplative House of Formation nun Aug. 28 in plative House of Formation nun, completing a intensity in her love for Jesus and a desire to dedi- Brooklyn, New York. Sister Trône is a native of Baton Rouge seven-year formation traversing from Italy to cate herself to him was obvious at an early age. and a 2012 graduate of St. Michael High School, and Father Brooklyn, with stops in Maryland and Washing- “In youth group events, at Mass and in our Maher is pastor at St. Ann Church in Morganza. Photo provided ton, D.C. She’s living a life she has dreamed about meetings together there radiated from her a by Sister Trône since she was in seventh grade when she first met SEE TRÔNE PAGE 15 2 The Catholic Commentator November 8, 2019 | PICTURES FROM THE PAST Spirit & witness By Dina Dow exist non-physical challenges of faith, actions that cause us to hold back on proclaiming the The end of the liturgical year draws near message of Christianity. with three weeks remaining in Cycle C. There What are the subliminal or obvious ac- is a peeked urgency in the message of perse- tions challenging faith in God? Can one dis- verance, endurance and hope. The Sunday play a religious article in one’s workspace or Mass Readings are quite clear is against “company policy.” during the 32nd and 33rd Sun- Can one publically pray days in Ordinary Time regarding Life-Giving without repercussion? Can persecution as a reality for those FAI H one display Christmas decora- who choose to follow God. Yet, as tions, or statues of saints with- God loves, so also do those, persecuted out possible destruction to those for their beliefs, love and glorify God through symbols? How far will I go to witness hope suffering and by faith in Christ Jesus. and faith in God by charity and humility? Is Challenged my faith in God veiled out of fear of ridicule The Book of Maccabbees in the Old Testa- or mockery or am I proclaiming God’s mes- HONORARY TEAMMATE – Bishop Stanley Ott stands by his own personalized ment is not for the faint-hearted. It describes sage on word and deed? LSU football jersey in 1988. Bishop Ott served as assistant chaplain at the the extreme persecutions of Jewish people at #Fearnot Catholic Student Center of LSU from 1957 – 1961 and was an avid LSU foot- the hands of corrupt leaders. Many fled from St. John Paul II’s lasting words from his ball fan. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge from 1983 – 1991. the heinous torture inflicted on believers who inaugural address on Sunday, Oct. 22, 1978, Photo provided by the Archives Department of the Diocese of Baton Rouge were being asked to give up their faith and hold true today. He said, “Brothers and sis- turn to pagan worship or face death. ters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and One of the seven sons in the Old Testa- accept his power. Help the pope and all those | DID YOU KNOW ment reading, as he was facing torment and who wish to serve Christ and with Christ’s near death, said, “It is my choice to die at the power to serve the human person and the hands of mortals with the hope that God will whole of mankind. Be not afraid. Open wide New liturgical year restore me to life; but for you, there will be no the doors for Christ.” resurrection to life” (2 Mc 7:14). This man, by Jesus Christ intervenes on our behalf in From August through Decem- holy days of obligation. the power of the Spirit of God, persevered the times of crisis. He instructs the faithful to be ber, Louisianians can be extreme- Next in the hierarchy are the torture, endured the pain and witnessed his in a state of prepared-ness “rather than fear, ly busy. Fall, y’all, means back to feast days, which mark events of hope in God to provide new life after death. warning of false prophets, rising nations” (Lk school shopping and early morning lesser significance in the life of Je- The month of November is dedicated to 21:5-19). carpools. sus such as the Transfiguration. those who have gone before us in faith: All Our Lord is the ultimate example of ac- There are also Saturday foot- Feast days also celebrate significnt Saints Day and All Souls Day are celebrated cepting persecution without fear for the glory ball tailgating from Baton Rouge events in the life of Mary and “key during this month. Many of the canonized of God and the salvation of all. He also sends to Hammond, soccer tournaments figures of the early church,” accord- saints experienced martyrdom and perse- models of faith in each generation for us to and church parish festivals. Sunday ing to aleteia.org. vered in their faith despite terrible persecu- learn from, follow and imitate. Who are the means Mass, jambalaya cook-offs At the bottom of the feast day tion. models of faith and perseverance in my life? and, of course, the New Orleans celebrations are memorials, the Among these are St. Maximilian Kolbe, I am with you always…. Saints. And sprinkled among that most prevalent way of remembering St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Jesus promised he will be with us “always, crowded schedule are a number of saints and events during Mass. Stein), Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, to name to the close of the age” (Mt 28: 20). The 33rd holidays – BIG ONES: Labor Day, “When the Church keeps the me- a few. Their choice to love God and neigh- Sunday in Ordinary Time points to the end Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christ- morials of martyrs and other saints bor was made possible by grace. The Holy of the age, when Jesus discusses the escha- mas and New Year’s. during the annual cycle, she pro- Spirit strengthened their firm, fearless com- ton, also referred to as the Parousia, meaning And, for Catholics, there is also an claims the paschal mystery in those mitment to witness the faith in spite of the presence or arrival. extremely busy liturgical calendar. ‘who have suffered and have been danger. They were deeply rooted in trust and The Gospel of Luke in Chapter 21 gives From Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, there glorified with Christ. She proposed hope in the Lord that, as St. Paul writes, “an- Jesus’ guidance on preparing for the end of are a total of 49 solemnities, feasts them to the faithful as examples who guish, distress, persecution…or the sword the age. First noted is the destruction of the and memorials, and one Commem- draw all men to the Father through will not separate us from the love of God” temple in Jerusalem, which occurs some 40 oration of All the Faithful Departed Christ, and through their merits she (Rom 8:31-39). years after Jesus’ death. Then there is to be (All Soul’s Day), according to the begs for God’s favors,’ ” according to It is difficult for one to grasp the realities of a long gap until the end of the world, where United States Conference of Catholic Canon 1173 of the Catechism of the persecution. Yet such acts have and will con- Jesus cautions the faithful to stay away from Bishops calendar (usccb.org). Catholic Church. tinue to occur globally. Similarly, there also SEE GOSPEL PAGE 19 According to catholicand While some feast days may cultures.org, the Catholic Church vary by country, all Catholics cele- bases its liturgical year around brate the Solemnity of the Nativity “feasts and remembrances … to reg- (Christmas), Lent, Holy Week and ularly call to mind the life of Jesus Easter, also called the “Feasts of and the witness of Mary and the feasts” and the “Solemnity of so- thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator saints.” lemnities,” (CCC 1169). And, just The most important of the feast like preparing for college football Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager days are solemnities, which mark bowl games at the end of the year, Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Bonny Van Staff Writer the most significant events in Je- Catholics can also go for the pin- Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation sus’ life, his mother and “those most nacle and celebrate five consec- Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer closely united to him in the work utive feast days at the end of De- of salvation, such as St. Joseph, St. cember: Christmas (25); the Feast The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, John the Baptist and Sts. Peter and of St. Stephen (26); Feast of St. Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must Paul,” states aleteia.org. John the Apostle (27); Feast of the reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- These days are similar to Sun- Holy Innocents (28); and Feast of MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. days though they are not always the Holy Family (29). November 8, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 3

Adele Breazeale, 3, feeds cookies to Bub- bles during “Grand Day” at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge on Oct. 20. Bubbles makes ap- pearances through- out south Louisiana, participating in na- tivity scenes and Pas- sion Plays. Photo by Bon- ny Van | The Catholic Commentator Let’s Can Hunger 4th Annual Food Drive & ‘Bubbles’ a Nativity star Customer Appreciation Event Saturday November 16th • 9:30am-4:30pm By Bonny Van of the baby camel as she contin- occurred when Bubbles escaped Food Drive Benefitting Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Catholic Commentator ued to protest. Finally, Cowart her pen. Cowart said a passing New Nativity Sets in several sizes said she started asking ques- motorist videoed Bubbles, and it ranging from 6” high to 59” high Shown left - 32” Shown right - 13” As Adele Breazeale’s tiny fin- tions from the veterinarian that went viral. gers offer a cookie up into the took care of the previous camel “She’s very friendly,” said air, soft, furry lips meet the treat and different groups that sold Tommy. “We have a lot of fun halfway and gently pull it away. camels. Her final phone call was with her. People will pull up in That’s what happened, over and to the pastor of the church who the yard (at our house) and say, over, until two boxes of vanilla made the request. ‘Did you know you have a camel Bring in non perishable food items & receive a FREE rosary! wafers disappeared and Bubbles “I called the pastor and asked in your yard?’ ” Shop store specials on new Advent & took a break during her visit to him if he was interested in using For Epiphany, Pam Cowart Christmas selections & enter give aways! St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton the camel if we bought one. He said Father Uter places a sign in Bulk Pricing available on select Advent Candles & Wreaths Rouge on Oct. 20 for “Grand absolutely was and within three the parking lot that says, “Wise Light Refreshments will be Served Day.” weeks, Bubbles was with me,” Men Parking.” St. Nicholas will visit 11am - 2pm! Bubbles, a dromedary camel, said Cowart, who already had “So people will see the sign lives with her family on a farm horses and cows on the family when they go into Mass and Catholic Art & Gifts in Walker and is quite busy – as farm. when they come out, Bubbles is 6184 Florida Blvd. • Baton Rouge far as camels living in south Lou- The family bottle-fed Bubbles there. Father Uter allows them to Mon. - Fri. 9am - 5pm; Sat. 9:30am - 4:30pm isiana can actually be busy. And, for four months, once with help feed her donuts and pet her and it (225) 926 - 1216 • (800) 331 - 4117 like most humans, her busiest from Father Frank Uter, pastor helps them understand a little bit time is during the Advent sea- of Immaculate Conception, and about what was going on during www.zieglers.com son through the Epiphany (think Father Paul Yi, current pastor the Epiphany. I’ve dressed up as Christmas through Twelfth of St. George Church in Baton a Wise Man before,” Cowart add- Night) and again during Lent. Rouge. And according to Cow- ed For a camel, especially one art, Bubbles’ calendar quickly Now that their children are living in south Louisiana, there began to fill up. adults and with one getting mar- are many opportunities for show “She started doing events ried this month, the Cowarts business. And for Bubbles, who right away,” she said. “We do live decided this was a good year to was born in 2011 in Texas, her nativities, we do Vacation Bi- clear their calendar of all but two journey began when another ble School, we occasionally do a events and take a rest. camel that was part of an annual school event or any type of char- “We usually book up between live Passion Play passed away. ity event – we don’t do anything Thanksgiving weekend through Pam Cowart said she and her for profit.” Epiphany but we’re taking the husband, Tommy, along with Bubbles’ diet consists mostly season off to rest and let Bubbles their children Jacob, Jessica and of horse feed but she does enjoy rest,” stated Cowart. “It gets a lit- Savannah, parishioners of Im- treats such as vanilla wafers and tle crazy.” maculate Conception Church in graham crackers. But that’s not Bubbles, who was blessed as Joe Skibinski, Agent Denham Springs, attended the all. Cowart said Bubbles is “just a young calf by Father Uter, con- play at a church in Amite when like a goat,” munching on trees, tinues to bring joy to her family the pastor asked for someone brush or even paper if offered to and new friends. to buy a camel. Cowart said her her. “It allows us to get out in the kids immediately stepped up to “She loves the attention,” ex- community, meet people, just the call. plained Cowart. “When we’re in engage with other communities “I’m like ‘No, no, no … that’s the yard, she follows us like a that we don’t see so it’s been a not happening,’ ” recalled Cow- dog. My parents live across the blessing for us,” Cowart said. art with a smile. “And so that street and sometimes they’ll take Cowart said everyone who afternoon they went home and her walking down the street. sees her are enthralled in being started looking for camels for Bubbles likes to go to their house able to touch and feed her, noting sale and surprisingly they found and get cookies.” she has never “had anyone walk lots of camels for sale but this In the eight years Bubbles has away without smiling.” one was born that day.” lived in Walker, numerous “cam- To read more about Bubbles’ For a week, the children con- el sightings” have created quite adventure, visit her Facebook tinued to show their mom photos a bit of excitement. One incident page at Bubbles-the-Camel. 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL November 8, 2019 Synod document: New ministries can serve evangelization in Amazon

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – To proclaim for the church and for an integral ecology.” or omission against God, against one’s hood for “a specific period of time.” the Gospel message of hope, the Catho- All 120 paragraphs in the final docu- neighbor, the community and the envi- Synod members asked for further lic Church in the Amazon must open new ment garnered the necessary two-thirds ronment.” discussion on the idea of women dea- paths of evangelization in the region, in- approval needed for passage. The Vatican The document also proposed the cre- cons, but approved several paragraphs in cluding by instituting new ministries for said 181 synod members were present, so ation of “special ministries for the care of the document insisting that their role in lay men and women, the Synod of Bishops each paragraph needed 120 votes to pass. our ‘common home’” that would promote leading Catholic communities be recog- said. The focus of the synod’s final docu- ways of caring for the environment “at the nized and that “the voice of women can be The final document of the Synod of ment was the call for the church to further parish level.” heard, they are consulted and participate Bishops for the Amazon looked at ways its mission in proclaiming the Good News The synod called on all Christians to in decision-making” in the church. the church can increase its ministry in the by uniting itself more to the people of the show their awareness of the value of God’s The final document also emphasized region, including by ordaining married Amazon who, for decades, have suffered creation by countering the current “cul- the importance of the Eucharist as “the men. But at the heart of the document the consequences of humankind’s greed. ture of excessive consumption” through source and summit of all Christian life.” was the need to bring the good news to The document underscores the crucial recycling, reducing their use of fossil fuels However, it acknowledged that a lack of the Amazon, a mission that includes safe- role of Amazonian ecosystems in regulat- and plastic, as well as by reducing their priests means Catholics in the Amazon guarding the indigenous people, cultures ing the global climate and as an important consumption of meat and fish. have only sporadic access to the Eucha- and land that are under constant threat of source of fresh water that “connects eco- The discussions that took place in the rist, reconciliation and anointing of the annihilation. systems, cultures and the development of synod, the document said, also offered sick. “The Amazon rainforest is a ‘biologi- the territory.” bishops an opportunity to reflect “on how While highlighting the gift of celibacy cal heart’ for the increasingly threatened The Amazon faces environmental to structure the local churches” in order in the Catholic Church and the need for earth,” said the final document, released threats that make it “a wounded and de- to address the needs of a “church with an celibate priests in the region, the docu- Oct. 26 after synod members voted on it. formed beauty, a place of suffering and Amazonian face.” ment proposed the ordination of “suitable The Amazon, members said, is on “a violence,” the bishops wrote. Violence Among those ways are new ministries and esteemed men of the community, who rampant race to death. It is scientifically against nature, in the form of rampant and roles for the laity, including “in con- have had a fruitful permanent diaconate proven that the disappearance of the Am- extraction of resources, unsustainable de- sultation or decision-making in the life and receive an adequate formation for the azon biome will have a catastrophic im- velopment and climate change, also have and mission of the church.” priesthood, having a legitimately consti- pact on the planet as a whole!” “serious social consequences.” To increase the church’s presence in tuted and stable family.” The synod brought together 185 voting To bring greater awareness and re- areas that lack priests, the document pro- Pope Francis told synod participants members – cardinals, bishops, 20 priests sponsibility to the universal church, the posed that bishops entrust “the exercise that he hoped to publish a post-synodal and one religious brother – and 80 ex- synod document proposed a definition of the pastoral care of the communities exhortation “before the end of the year so perts and observers to discuss “new paths of ecological sin as an act of commission to a person not invested” with the priest- that not too much time has passed.”

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CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 November 8, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 5 Bishop Roger Morin dies at the age of 78

By Richard Meek of Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Mo- St. John Paul’s historic visit to New Or- The Catholic Commentator rial’s transition team dealing leans. The visit involved thousands of with federal programs and then community volunteers and coordination Bishop Emeritus Robert W. accepted a $1 a year position as among national, state and local religious Muench said the death of Bishop deputy special assistant to the and political leaders. Roger P. Morin brought an instant mayor for federal programs and He also coordinated the events of the sense of “loss to me of someone projects. Morial was the first bicentennial of the archdiocese in 1993. who had been a co-worker, friend African American to be elected In 1995, Bishop Morin received the Weiss and colleague for many years.” mayor of New Orleans. Brotherhood Award presented by the Na- He added that sense of loss was Then-Father Morin served tional Conference of Christians and Jews immediately followed by a “deep the city of New Orleans until for his service in the field of human re- sense of peace from the words 1981, when he was appointed lations. of Sacred Scripture: ‘Blessed are New Orleans archdiocesan vicar St. John Paul named him an auxiliary those who have died in the Lord; for community affairs, with re- bishop of New Orleans Feb. 11, 2003; his let them rest from their labors for sponsibility over nine agencies: episcopal ordination was April 22 of that their good deeds go with them’ Catholic Charities, Social Apos- year. He was vicar general and modera- (Rev 14:13).” tolate, human relations, alcohol- tor of the curia for the archdiocese 2001- Bishop Morin, who served in ics’ ministry, Apostleship of the 2009. the Archdiocese of New Orleans Sea, cemeteries, disaster relief, Bishop Morin was a member of the before being appointed the third hospitals and prisons. He was U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ bishop of Biloxi, Misssissippi, named a monsignor by St. John Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign died Oct. 31 at the age of 78. He Paul II in 1985. for Human Development 2005-2013, and was returning to Biloxi after vaca- He was in residence at Incar- served as chairman 2008-2010. During tioning with his family in Massa- nate Word Parish beginning in that time, he also was a member of the chusetts and died during his flight 1981 and served as pastor there Domestic Justice and Human Develop- from Boston to Atlanta, according from 1988 through April 2002. ment and the National Collections com- to a diocesan news release. One of the highlights of his mittees. “This is a sad day for our dio- Bishop Roger P. Morin. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Biloxi priesthood came in 1987 when cese. I was shocked to hear the he directed the New Orleans Catholic News Services contributed news,” Biloxi Bishop Louis F. Kih- Archdiocese’s preparations for to this report. neman III said in a statement. named bishop of Biloxi in 2016, Bishop Bishop Muench said Bishop Morin, Morin was most gracious and accommo- as a seminarian from Massachusetts, dating. I am forever grateful for his sup- volunteered for several summers for port, wise counsel and, most of all, his the highly successful inner-city Witness friendship. He will be sorely missed.” Coming program, launched by Archbishop Philip A native of Dracut, Massachusetts, M. Hannan. Bishop Muench said those he was born March 7, 1941, the son of several years of volunteer service in New Germain J. and Lillian E. Morin. He has Orleans led Bishop Morin to enter the one brother, Paul, and three sisters, Lil- January 3, 2020 seminary for the archdiocese. lian “Pat” Johnson, Elaine (Ray) Joncas “He was a man of exceptional faith, and Susan Spellissy. His parents and his spirituality, intelligence, organizational brother James are deceased. 2020 Mass Schedule ability, humility, wit and humor (some- After high school and college studies, January 4, 2019 2019 MASS SCHEDULE The Catholic Commentator 1 times wry) alongside a soft-spoken man- he earned a bachelor’s degree in philos- The Mass Schedule has ner, with a special charism for the un- ophy in 1966 from St. John’s Seminary 2019 • The most current schedules for the derprivileged, seminarian Roger became in Brighton, Massachusetts, and contin- Mass Schedule churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Deacon Roger, then Father Roger, then ued theology studies at St. John’s for two Msgr. Roger, and finally Bishop Roger years of graduate school. In 1967 he went • The most current clergy, phone Morin,” Bishop Muench said. “He will al- to New Orleans to work in its new sum- numbers, mailing and email addresses, ways be remembered for so successfully mer Witness program, conducted by the directions to the churches and website help plan the visit of Pope John Paul II to archdiocesan Social Apostolate. names. New Orleans (Sept. 11-13, 1987). He will He was ordained to the priesthood by •Index Masses both alphabetically by be sorely missed, but always remembered Archbishop Hannan April 15, 1971, in his towns and by time of day. with great respect and fondness. May he home parish of St. Therese of the Child •Lists Spanish and signed Masses for rest in peace.” Jesus Roman Catholic Parish Church in Hearing Impaired Masses. Bishop Morin was appointed to head Dracut, Massachusetts. •Is inserted into all The Catholic the Diocese of Biloxi by Pope Benedict His first parish assignment was at St. DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE Commentator and circulated into area XVI March 2, 2009 and was installed Henry Church in New Orleans. In 1973, SUPPLEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR hotels for guests to use in April at the Cathedral of the Nativity he was appointed associate director of of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the late the Social Apostolate and in 1975 became To reserve your space call by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nun- the director, responsible for the oper- cio to the United States, and Archbishop ation of nine year-round social service December 6 or until all spaces are sold out! Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Alabama. centers sponsored by the archdiocese. His episcopal motto was “Walk Hum- Bishop Morin had a master of science Advertising space is limited and sold on bly and Act Justly.” He retired in 2016 at degree in urban studies from Tulane a first come first serve basis. age 75. University and in 1974 completed a pro- Advertisers will receive complimentary color in their ad. “Bishop Morin was a kind and gen- gram as a community economic develop- tle man who truly embodied his epis- er. Bishop Morin was the founding presi- Call Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 copal motto as one who walked humbly dent of Second Harvest Food Bank. and acted justly,” he said. “When I was In 1978, he was a volunteer member or email [email protected] 6 The Catholic Commentator November 8, 2019 Still try to make converts?/ Does Mass need a congregation?

At the Second Catholic Church, which is own, do not know the Gospel of Christ I will tell you what I do. Most days, even Vatican Council, ‘the all-embracing means or his church, but who nevertheless seek as a retired priest, I have Mass obliga- QCatholics were of salvation,’ that they can God with a sincere heart, and, moved by tions at one or another parish. told that we should accept benefit fully from the means grace, try in their actions to do his will But let’s say that it’s a day when I’m non-Catholics as our “sep- of salvation” (No. 3). as they know it through the dictates of not obligated, and it happens to be the arated brethren” and that But that leaves the ques- their conscience – those too may achieve anniversary of the death of one of my we shouldn’t be overly tion as to how the church eternal salvation” (No. 847). parents. I would consider that a “just and concerned if they don’t should go about bring- reasonable cause,” and I would celebrate want to join the Catholic ing those people into the When I attended parochial Mass all by myself at the desk in my Church. But I was taught church. In March, speaking school, we were taught that a apartment. since childhood that the in predominantly Muslim Qpriest could not say Mass by I would feel completely comfortable only way to salvation Morocco, Pope Francis himself and needed at least one other doing so particularly since, in answer to was through the Catholic rejected proselytism, which person as his “congregation.” But lately I your second question, a priest is encour- Church. Why the change? I would take to mean forced have been told that priests are required aged to celebrate Mass every day even (Texarkana, Texas) Question Corner or pressured conversion, to celebrate Mass every day, even if there though he is not required to do so. It would be a coupled with a lack of re- are no other people present. Which is Here’s what the code says about misreading to Father Kenneth Doyle spect for the religious faith correct? (Milladore, Wisconsin) that: “Remembering always that in the Athink that Vatican of others. In Morocco, Pope Actually, neither statement is mystery of the eucharistic sacrifice the II does not encourage bringing people to Francis quoted from a 2007 homily in completely correct. Let me ex- work of redemption is exercised contin- the Catholic faith. The church still honors which Pope Benedict XVI had said, “The Aplain. As to whether a priest can ually, priests are to celebrate frequently; Christ’s Great Commission (Mt 28:19): to church grows not through proselytism, celebrate Mass without a congregation, indeed, daily celebration is recommend- make disciples of all nations and baptize but through attraction, through witness.” the church’s Code of Canon Law, reflect- ed earnestly since, even if the faithful them in the name of the Father and of the As for those who believe that only ing the fact that the Eucharist is primar- cannot be present, it is the act of Christ Son and of the Holy Spirit. Catholics can be saved, that is not the ily an act of public worship rather than a and the church in which priests fulfill One need only look at the council’s church’s teaching. True, all salvation does private devotion, says, “Except for a just their principal function” (Canon 904). Decree on Ecumenism, which states come through the death and resurrec- and reasonable cause, a priest is not to that “our separated brethren ... are not tion of Jesus, but the Catechism of the celebrate the eucharistic sacrifice without FATHER DOYLE is a retired priest in the blessed with that unity which Jesus Catholic Church clearly says, quoting the participation of at least some member Diocese of Albany, New York. Questions Christ wished to bestow on all those who Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the of the faithful” (Canon 906). may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle through him were born again into one Church: The code leaves it to the priest to mea- at [email protected] and 30 body. ... For it is only through Christ’s “Those who, through no fault of their sure the “just and reasonable cause,” and Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, NY 12203.

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MAIL TO: THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR, P. O. BOX 3316, BATON ROUGE, LA 70821-3316 November 8, 2019 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Marriage ministry an answer to ‘wake up’ call

By Debbie Shelley at last year’s retreat, said the re- The Catholic Commentator treats draw couples of different stages in life and backgrounds A little more than three years and “meet you where you are at.” ago, God kept waking Elizabeth “They leave you with a plan Schroeder up at night, calling her for your marriage. It helps you to start a ministry to help cou- understand where each other is ples strengthen their marriage at coming from,” said Wendell. her parish, St. George Church in She said because marriage is Baton Rouge. She thought about the cornerstone of society, it re- the families she knew who were quires attention. impacted by divorce and separa- “You need to work on your tion. marriage,” said Wendell. “Just “I started looking around and like you work out in the gym to families that I thought were do- improve your health, you have ing well were falling apart,” said to work at your marriage and Schroeder. spiritual life if you want it to get Initially reluctant to answer Couples enjoy a night of fun and marriage building opportunities at a Supper and Substance evening at St. better.” God’s invitation to start a min- George Church in Baton Rouge. Photos provided by Jeff Echols Schroeder echoed her istry, after a year of “wake-up thoughts, “If you want to be calls” to do so, she approached events, said it’s important for can also attend a retreat, accord- fresh start,” said Burton. “They an Olympian, you have to have then pastor Father Mike Schatzle couples to focus on making their ing to Dr. Gretchen Schneider take away from the retreat a new Olympian goals.” with the idea and he embraced it. relationship better by focusing Burton, who helps with counsel- perspective.” For more information, call The focal point of the min- on each other. ing couples for the ministry. The Bridget Wendell, who partic- Schroeder at 225-287-5153 or istry is to educate couples that “So many times couples are next retreat will be Friday, Nov. ipated with her husband, Sean, email [email protected]. marriage is a sacrament and busy during the week and they 15, 1:30 – 6:30 p.m., and Satur- what a sacramental marriage say, ‘What are we going to do on day, Nov. 16, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., looks like. Marriage educa- Saturday night?’ ” said Amy. at the Kleinpeter Center at St. tional and spiritual formation Games during the dinner George. opportunities at St. George are include the “Not So Newlywed When husbands and wives RESTHAVEN explored. Game” and “Battle of the Sexes” dialogue with each other after GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME “When people are engaged, trivia games. a presentation, counselors walk they have time to spend together. “It’s a fun faith-based event around to help those who are ® But after they get married, they with other Catholic couples, “stuck” on a point or need clar- We make it personal. have less time together and more some who have never met be- ification. for a better farewell stress,” said Schroeder. fore,” said Jeff, who explained “The retreats provide an op- 11817 Jefferson Highway Couples can find resources couples who meet through the portunity for couples to revital- 225-753-1440 through the ministry and en- events may run into each other ize their marriage. When they www.resthavenbatonrouge.com joy evenings out with Catholic in places outside of the church leave they feel like they have a couples at social events, such as setting and get to know each oth- Supper and Substance, which er further. 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 includes presentations on faith The ministry also brings in and marriage issues and games. special speakers, such as Dr. Al- Babysitting is provided. len Hunt of Dynamic Catholic, Amy and Jeff Echols, who who will present “Passion and serve on the Marriage Enrich- Purpose for Marriage” in March. ment Committee and help orga- Couples wanting to take their nize the Supper and Substance relationship “to the next level”

Are you called to serve others? We invite all women who feel called to religious life to contact us. We will help you with your spiritual journey.

4200 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Call (225) 922-7443 Father Paul Gros, parochial vicar at St. George Church in Baton Rouge, fmolsisters.com speaks at a Supper and Substance evening at St. George Church in Ba- ton Rouge. 8 The Catholic Commentator November 8, 2019 November 8, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 9 Holy Sepulchre order celebrates Queen of Palestine Mass

By Debbie Shelley order support the church and other special unit is for orphans. The Catholic Commentator Catholic religion in the Holy When Heroman visited the Land and promote the preser- facility, there were newborn chil- Members of the Equestrian vation and propagation of the dren and about 60 children who Order of the Holy Sepulchre of faith there, Heroman said. They were up to age 5 1/2 years old. Jerusalem prayed for the pro- support churches, orphanages, “What was touchng was that tection of Catholic Christians universities, schools and clinics. during the entire time we were in the Holy Land during a Mass To better understand their there the children did not argue, celebrated by Bishop Michael G. undertaking, members are they did not fight over toys and Duca on Oct. 30, the feast day of strongly encouraged to make a there were very few toys. They Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Our Lady Queen of Palestine, at pilgrimage to the Holy Land and were so well behaved,” said Her- gathered Oct. 30 for the Our Lady Queen of Palestine Mass at Our Lady Our Lady of Mercy Church in Ba- walk in the footsteps of Jesus oman. of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator ton Rouge. and see “what Christians are up He noted that the Daughters Our Lady Queen of Palestine against.” of Charity are able to care for the He also visited a senior citizen “Just take a trip to the Holy is the patroness of the order, Heroman was moved by a vis- children up to age 5 1/2, and then facility in East Jerusalem where Land and God will show you which is among the ancient chi- it to the Holy Family Hospital in they have to be placed with local many older citizens go because the things you need to see,” said valric orders dating to the cru- Bethlehem, which is operated by families, where many live as sec- their children have migrated out Heroman. sades and chosen to “guard the the French Daughters of Charity, ond-class family members, are to search for a better life. He said With these things in mind, most sacred spot in the Holy City only 1,500 steps from the birth- last at the table, first for the work there was a security wall near the knights and ladies offer their of Jerusalem and Christendom, place of Christ, the Church of the assignments, and are generally the front door. support and come together in the tomb of Christ,” according Nativity. considered second class mem- In order to get residents in prayer, with the Our Lady Queen to Hank Heroman, president of In the hospital there are two bers of society. and out of the facilities, local res- of Palestine Mass a special op- the Baton Rouge section of the special units. One is the only “Many of them do not receive idents have to be hired to bring portunity to keep their mission Southeastern Lieutenancy of the neonatal intensive care unit in an education, so they have a very them up steep steps to the road in mind and fellowship with United States. Palestine, where 90 percent of austere life ahead of them,” Her- where a vehicle will them to their each other. Knights and ladies of the at-risk births are delivered. An- oman said. destination. SEE EQUESTRIAN PAGE 19 ALL PEOPLE, NOT JUST WEALTHY ONES, NEED A LEGAL ESTATE PLAN! You work hard, day after day, to provide for yourself and IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR OUR WORKSHOPS: Because seating at those you love. Nothing is more discouraging than to see these workshops is limited, and we want to be able to accommodate you your hard-earned assets lost or your loved ones taken comfortably, interested persons must register by calling our office or registering advantage of simply because you didn’t take the time online as soon as possible. First come, first served! Our workshops are open to today to put your legal estate plan in place! The failure to FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES ONLY and current Poche’ Law Firm clients. 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Poché Estate Planning Law Firm, 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Call 225-224-8099 To Register! 2315 Florida Street, Building 200, Suite 202, Mandeville, LA 70448 - By Appt. Only 10 The Catholic Commentator | November 8, 2019 November 8, 2019 | The Catholic Commentator 11

[A] Father Paul Yi, pastor of St. George Church [B] A crowd of about 250 people attended an [C] Deacon Ricky Oubre, deacon assistant at Our Lady of Peace Church [D] Father John Vu, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Peace [E] With the Mississippi River levee serving as an appropri- Cemetery while parishioners look on. The annual blessing in Baton Rouge, blesses graves of loved ones outdoor Mass on All Saints’ Day at Resthaven and St. Philip Church in Vacherie, and St. James Church in St. James bless- Church and St. Philip Church in Vacherie, and St. James ate sentry, Father Matthew McCaughey, pastor at Our Lady drew many people not only from the St. James area but of Glenn Jarreau at Resthaven Cemetery in Cemetery. Photos by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator es the graves at historic St. James Cemetery in St. James on Nov. 3. Photo by Church in St. James, blesses the graves at St. James Ceme- of Peace Church and St. Philip Church in Vacherie, and St. throughout south Louisiana. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Com- Baton Rouge on Friday, Nov. 1. Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator tery on a sun-splashed November afternoon. James Church in St. James, blesses the graves at St. James mentator

[A] [C] [D] All Saints Day

[E] [B]

[F] [G] [H] [I] [J]

[F] Following the Mass at Resthaven Cemetery, Camille [G] The Mass as Resthaven Cemetery was celebrated by Father Michael Miceli, pastor of St. [H] Dr. Josephine Allen, a native of St. James and a doctor in Baton Rouge, prays while [I] People stood by the graves of loved ones at Resthaven Cemetery [J] Dawn Thomas puts the final touches on the flowers at the Bell places a carnation on the grave site of her mother. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge; with concelebrant Father Yi, pastor of St. George Church in Ba- Father Matthew McCaughey, pastor at Our Lady of Peace Church and St. Philip Church in as they waited for the priests or deacons to bless the graves. Photo by grave of her mother at St. James Cemetery. Photo by Richard Meek | Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator ton Rouge; Deacon Don Musso, Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Baton Rouge; and, Deacon Vacherie, and St. James Church in St. James blesses the graves of her grandparents at St. Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator The Catholic Commentator Brent Duplessis, St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator James Cemetery on Nov. 3. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator 12 The Catholic Commentator November 8, 2019 Challenge of robotics attracting young girls

By Bonny Van robotics, according to Ulrich, The Catholic Commentator but the biggest surprise to her is the number of girls. One team Dressed in uniforms and from elementary school consists socks – no shoes in case the of six girls, double the number floor mats get dirty – students of a typical team. Ulrich said in fifth through eighth grade at the girls worked so well together St. Jude the Apostle School in “that I’ve kept them together.” Baton Rouge hustle from floor “I really like the experience mats laid out in the hallway to and all the fun things that we get computers in a nearby class- to learn,” said fifth-grader Paige room. What looks like play time Ulrich, Ulrich’s daughter. “I re- is actually serious work with the ally like how we can use STEM. kids studying, learning, build- Every time we program we get to ing, coding, experimenting and learn new things, like trial and problem solving. This is robot- error.” ics and St. Jude boasts a robust “It’s almost 50/50 (boys to program. girls ratio) which is unique in Pictured from left, Maddy Seely, Janie Elliott and Jenna, fifth-graders from St. Jude the Apostle School in “There’s two regions, the STEM because you tend to find Baton Rouge, work on their robot during an afterschool session of robotics. The girls are getting ready for north Louisiana region and robotics is more dominated by competition in a few weeks. Photos by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator south Louisiana,” explained vol- boys,” explained Katy Ulrich, unteer St. Jude robotics advisor who is also a computer science middle schools to get girls inter- faster than the average for all oc- friends.” Katy Ulrich. “In south Louisiana teacher at Lee High School in ested.” cupations,” according to bls.gov. Ulrich said boys and girls love (St. Jude has) more teams than Baton Rouge. “There are many Why the need for interest? Be- Despite the high job demand, the competition and working to any other school. I have seven more boys in engineering and cause that’s where the jobs are, males continue to dominate the solve problems if the robots don’t middle school teams competing computer science and the stud- according to the Bureau of Labor field, states computerscience. perform as expected. She noted and three from the elementary ies show we tend to lose girls in Statics. “Employment of com- org. That’s led some colleges to that problem solving is a “key school competing.” middle school. So that’s one of puter and information research recruit female students for com- skill” for students throughout In total, there are 38 students the things I wanted to do was to scientists is projected to grow 16 puter science programs, “how- their education and throughout from St. Jude participating in bring robotics and coding into percent from 2018 to 1028, much ever, efforts to attract women life. to tech-related careers need to She added that robotics pro- begin in elementary school,” the motes “higher order thinking,” website contends. with students “breaking things That’s exactly what Ulrich is down into smaller problems in trying to do. order to solve the larger prob- “I’m trying to generate an in- lem.” terest and hopefully create a pas- “I think it’s really good life sion that takes them into high skills that they can use in any- school and beyond,” Ulrich said. thing they go into, plus the fact “I like how we get to work that everything is now related to in math, especially because I technology,” Ulrich noted. “They want to be an electrical or civil will go into jobs that are not yet engineer when I grow up,” said created and so they may be the fifth-grader Janie Giardina. “It’s next person that brings that cre- fun, and we get to work with our ation into society.”

St. Jude robotics advisor Katy Ulrich said robotics helps students learn problem solving while using other skills involving STEM (science, tech- nology, engineering and math). “Studies show we tend to lose girls in computer science in middle school,” said Ulrich, whose goal is to help keep that interest going. November 8, 2019 The Catholic Commentator 13

40th ANNIVERSARY – Students at Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge carry banners during the Mass of Corpus Christi on Sept. 26 to celebrate the 40th an- niversary of the school. The banners date to the beginning of the school. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator

STRIKE UP THE BAND! – Band students from St. Jean Vianney School in Baton Rouge represented their school at the St. Michael the Archangel High School in Ba- ton Rouge middle school night on Sept. 20, 2019. Pictured, front row from left, are Russell Love, Quinn Windham, Carson Suadi, Irelyn Watkins, Addison Watkins and Lilly Redmond. Pictured, back row, are Justin Thornhill, Brodie Beckman, Mi- FIRE SAFETY – Students at Holy Ghost School in Hammond chael McLeod, Dr. Kevin Andry, Harley learned about fire safety during the month of October. Fire- Duncan, Tabitha Woods, Abby Flynn, Cal- fighters with the Hammond Fire Department taught the stu- lie Suadi, Caroline Vallery, Nicholas dents safety tips and let them explore the fire truck. Pictured, Valesquez and Collin Didier. Photo provided by from left, are Brodie Gomez, Hunter Uzee and Malik Bonck. St. Jean Vianney School Photo provided by Cindy Wager | Holy Ghost School 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT November 8, 2019

Motion Picture Association of America litionists (including Leslie Odom Jr. and tims exactly when they’ll die. A plucky MOVIE ratings: Janelle Monae), she takes numerous trips nurse (Elizabeth Lail) becomes the chief G – General audiences; all ages admitted back across the Pennsylvania border hop- opponent of the demon (Dirk Rogers) PG – Parental guidance suggested; some ing to liberate her family and others. Di- behind it all, defending her younger sis- REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting rector and co-writer Kasi Lemmons’ film, ter (Talitha Bateman) with the help of a PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned to classifications: which also features Zackary Momoh as quirky priest (P.J. Byrne) whose methods give special guidance for attendance of A-I – General patronage Tubman’s husband, celebrates life and re- are occult rather than Catholic. Though children under 13; some material may be A-II – Adults and adolescents minds audiences of the price some of our writer-director Justin Dec’s film is quite inappropriate for young children A-III – Adults forebears had to pay for the freedoms we clearly aimed with precision at teens, the R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian enjoy. And Erivo, a veteran of the London amount of vulgar talk included in the dia- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted stage, breathes spirit and pathos into the logue precludes its endorsement for them. O – Morally offensive titular character. Yet the pace lags and An occult theme, some gore, brief physi- the tense moments that could have made cal violence, a few profanities, frequent Black and Blue feel to the setup, and the movie goes on this portrayal worthy of its heroic subject crude language. A-III; PG-13 Screen Gems too long. But the chase is interesting, are mostly absent, though the script, on Director Deon Taylor’s action thriller and Harris’ character provides a strong which Lemmons collaborated with Greg- The Divine Plan succeeds better in maintaining suspense moral compass while Gibson’s undergoes ory Allen Howard, does pay due attention Nexus Media about the fate of its protagonist than in something of a conversion. Considerable to Tubman’s deep religious faith. Probably This feature-length documentary ex- commenting on current social issues, as violence with some gore, including gun- acceptable for teens. Racial slurs and a amines the partnership between St. John Peter A. Dowling’s script clearly aspires play and a harsh beating, about a dozen few crude and crass terms. A-III; PG-13 Paul II and President Ronald Reagan that to do. An African American rookie in the uses of profanity, a few milder oaths, a took shape after both survived assassi- New Orleans Police Department (Nao- couple of rough terms, much crude and Zombieland: Double Tap nation attempts and asks whether their mie Harris) accidentally witnesses the crass language. A-III; R Columbia collaboration in ending the Cold War and murder of a drug dealer, a crime that Follow-up to the 2009 horror-come- bringing about the fall of Soviet com- implicates some of her fellow officers (in- Harriet dy combination charts the further ad- munism was accidental or providential. cluding James Moses Black and Frank Focus ventures of the original’s central quar- Filmmaker Robert Orlando showcases Grillo) in an already unfolding scandal. Long-overdue but flawed drama chroni- tet Jesse Eisenberg’s amiable nebbish, interviews with church insiders, political She also captures the killing on her body- cling the exploits of the most famous con- Woody Harrelson’s macho gunman, authors and government officials and, al- cam. As she becomes a fugitive, with the ductor on the Underground Railroad, Emma Stone’s commitment-averse lon- though the poorly handled visual aspect bad cops in pursuit, she discovers how Maryland-born Harriet Tubman (Cynthia er and her fancy-free sibling, played by of his film distracts from the fascinating few in the black community are willing Erivo). When her owner (Mike Marunde) Abigail Breslin as they continue to fight information with which it’s filled, this is to help her, though a local shop owner dies suddenly and his son (Joe Alwyn) for survival in a post-apocalyptic world still a wonderful addition to the history (Tyrese Gibson) does, reluctantly, come threatens to sell her South, she success- overrun by flesh-craving zombies. When of relations between the United States to her assistance. There’s a contrived fully escapes. Connecting with other abo- Breslin’s character and her new hippie and the Catholic Church. Mature themes, boyfriend (Avan Jogia) suddenly depart some potentially disturbing historical im- on a road trip to Elvis Presley’s Grace- ages. A-II; Not rated by the Motion Pic- land, the remaining trio, fearing for her ture Association of America. safety, embarks on a quest to catch up with her. They’re joined by a ditzy blonde Lucy in the Sky (Zoey Deutch) and eventually aided by a Fox Searchlight tough-as-nails hotel owner (Rosario Daw- Loosely based on a real-life love triangle son), the former a complicating factor in involving astronauts, this drama attempts Eisenberg’s strained romance with Stone, to portray how the experience of outer the latter a potential perfect match for space has a way of altering earthbound Harrelson. Though the moral trend in re- judgments. Natalie Portman plays a ro- turning director Ruben Fleischer’s film is botics specialist who, bored of her affec- toward marriage and loyalty among pals, tionate but dull husband (Dan Stevens), casual sex is winked at along the way, as embarks on an affair with a colleague is pot smoking, while the script is littered (Jon Hamm). When her deft organiza- with crudity and displays a subtle disdain tional skills decay into obsessive behav- for faith. Throw in the gleefully gruesome ior, he diverts his amorous attentions to mowing down of the undead inherited another spacewoman (Zazie Beetz) with from the kickoff, and the whole proves drastic results for the psyche of his aban- beyond endorsement. Pervasive gory vio- doned mistress. The plot lacks a cogent lence, an implicit anti-Christian theme, explanation for how lengthy stays in or- nonmarital sexual activity and cohabi- bit corrode personalities other than by tation, drug use, several profanities and creating tremendous emotions that can’t milder oaths, relentless rough and crude be replicated later. And the protagonist’s language, an obscene gesture. O; R romantic dilemma is the stuff of many a Lifetime movie. Though her iron will is Countdown attractive, her bad decisions remain dif- STX ficult to understand. A couple of scenes of Occasionally effective horror story implied adulterous activity, fleeting rough about a haunted phone app that tells vic- and crass language. A-III; R

Reach 95,000 readers in the Diocese of Baton Rouge by placing your ad in The Catholic Commentator. Call 225-387-0983. Credit card accepted. THE CATHOLIC ommentator CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 November 8, 2019 VOCATIONS The Catholic Commentator 15

 order’s 14 monasteries around acknowledges my role in her 12345 6789 11120 131 TRÔNE the world pray for a specific de- own vocational path, I also rec- From page 1 votion. ognize her role in mine as she 41 51 61 great love for Jesus and a purity She said praying for priests is has helped me to become a bet- 1178 91 that is unique in our age,” said important because they “are the ter priest and spiritual father by Father Maher, who first met Sis- link to so many souls. If I can her presence and her prayers.” 02 221 2 ter Trône when he was serving pray for priests, I can save way She admitted not many 243 25262 72 as parochial vicar at St. George more souls.” friends, except those closest to 82 209 3 and who would later serve as her Also, the priest is “such an im- her, knew of her desire to enter spiritual director at St. Michael. portant person because he rep- into the monastic life, and from 13 23 343 353 “These were the clearest indica- resents Jesus to us.” the outside it might have been 63 387 3 93 tors that her vocation may well Because of that, she said the a bit strange. But she has em- be a genuine one.” braced her daily routine, 04 14 24

Father Brad Doyle was a which begins at 5 a.m., ends 443454 lay teacher at St. Michael at at 10 p.m., and includes sev- that time and also took no- eral hours of prayer. The 476 484 409 5 tice of Sister Trône’s deeply day is spent mostly in the 15 25 rooted faith. Benedictine tradition of si- “Having Sister Trône in t lence, eucharastic adoration 35 554 556 587 595 class as a sophomore was PR AYER FOR and prayer, although Sister 06 16 26 a joy,” said Father Doyle, Trône is also an assistant 36 46 56 currently parochial vicar SEMINARIANS in charge of the kitchen, at St. Margaret Queen of Lord, bless those preparing for the even whipping up a Mardi moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www Scotland Church in Albany. Gras dinner earlier this year ACROSS 4 Sleeper, maybe “It was my first and only priesthood in the Catholic Diocese that consisted of jambalaya, 1 Color of smoke if no pope is elected 5 Trickery year teaching and was such of Baton Rouge. hush puppies and king cake. 6 Increases 6 “___ Fideles” 10 Mil. mail centers 7 “___ give up the ship” a comfort to realize that “A lot of people think 14 Staff again 8 Banned pesticide (abbr.) there were young people May their hearts overflow with cloistered nuns don’t do 15 Extinct flightless bird 9 Predict who desired to follow God love and generosity, as they grow anything but we run around 16 Advertise boastfully 10 Be present at Mass with all of their heart and with a very busy schedule,” 17 Holy symbol that is the capital of 11 Poet Ezra in wisdom and faith. May their California 12 Unit of weight were willing to make sacri- example inspire others to hear she said. “I am not working 19 Melody 13 Guide fices if he was calling them and answer your call. Guide for self or because someone 20 Sleeveless garment 18 Sea, to Sartre to.” told me to do it. I’m doing it 21 From that place 22 Colors 23 Catholic satirist and TV host 23 Bird holders them as they prepare for a life of because God is asking me to He recalls one particular 27 John and James “Sons of ___” 24 Kukla’s pal day when he was practicing service to your people. Sanctify our do this. I am doing it out of 28 “Are you calling me ___?” 25 “So the king ordered Daniel to be with the choir before Mass seminarians and fill them with your love for God. It’s beautiful.” 29 Took off the board brought and cast into the ___ den.” and Sister Trône was sit- She said the community 31 “___ be to the Father…” (Dan 6:17) peace and joy as they prepare for 32 Muslim titles of honor 26 Obstructs ting away from the group enjoys two hours of recre- the Sacrament of Holy Orders. We 33 Its films begin with a roar 27 Marks working on something else. ask this through Christ our Lord. ation daily, which is impor- 36 Ones in Berlin 30 “Destroy this temple, and in three A bit perturbed, he asked tant because it is a break 37 Loud days I will ___ it up.” (Jn 2:19) her what she was doing. Amen from the silence. She also 39 Tropical tuber 33 Saint Goretti 40 Parisian possessive 34 Whet “She sheepishly lifted her communicates with her Mary, Mother of Priests, pray for us. 41 Ill-bred fellows 35 The root of all evils is the love of this head and said, ‘Oh sorry family, which includes a 42 He established Notre Dame, Fr. (1 Tim 6:10) Mr. Doyle, I’m sewing my St. Jean Vianney, Patron of Priests, younger brother, every cou- Edward ___, CSC 37 Hometown of Jesus postulant’s habit for when I pray for us. ple of weeks via Skype. 43 More slothful 38 Thor’s father 45 Express a belief 39 Drink to excess enter the convent,’ ” Father Where others might only 46 Camel team 41 Hollow in the earth Doyle said. Consider the priesthood. see challenges, Sister Trône 49 So soon 42 Our Mother of ___ 51 Head 43 Climbing device “Needless to say that For more information, contact said she finds inspiration was the only response that through the monastic life. 52 “…a poor man is better than a ___ 44 “If Christ has not been ___, then our Director of Vocations Father (Prov 19:22) preaching is in vain and your faith is could get her out of trou- She said that in everything 53 Parched in vain.” (1 Cor 15:14) ble,” Father Doyle joked. Andrew Merrick at 225-336-8778 or she does, she is only “trying 54 The bishops, collectively 46 Talons “I let her sew and now we [email protected]. to love Jesus.” 60 Describes some men in the Bible 47 Lofty nest 61 ___, talent, and treasure 48 Salary booster have a beautiful nun pray- “There is an intent in ev- 62 At Zarephath, she fed Elijah 50 Resinous deposit ing for us all.” erything that we do. In si- 63 Fortune teller 52 VIP’s transport Sister Trône, a 2012 St. lence we are able to hear 64 Monk’s cowl 55 Certain Padre Michael graduate, said she the voice of God better, get 65 Shaft of a column 56 Photo 57 United States farmer’s org. embraced Father Doyle’s to know ourselves better, DOWN 58 Outplay encouragement because t what we need to work on 1 Male members of religious orders 59 Nathan told David that taking living one’s faith in high and what God is asking of us (abbr.) Bathsheba was like stealing this (2 school can often be difficult and devil will tempt the one who is individually.” 2 Meadow Sam 12:3) 3 Cable TV station might even be questioned by el- stealing souls from him. Although happy in her mo- Solution on page 18 ders. “So I felt called to be like Mary nastic life, Sister Trône said she “I think something (adults) at the foot of the cross with Je- “would not mind” if God calls don’t see is that there are a lot sus, for me to be at the foot of the her to an apostolic life, which of manifestations of vocations at cross for every priest, because would be serving outside of the an early age, because at an early every priest has his Calvary. monastery. age you are able to see and hear That was a very big part of my “Ultimately, the most impor- God’s voice better because it’s vocation to contemplative life,” tant thing to do is the will of God not (clouded) by sin,” she said. she said. because that is the only way we Sister Trône’s call is specific, “I cannot be grateful enough are going to be happy,” she said. falling in line with the mission of to the Lord for the gift of Sister For now, Sister Trône has the 13-member Brooklyn com- Trône and her vocation,” Father found a joy she first witnessed in munity, which is to pray and Maher, pastor at St. Ann Church the faces of consecrated virgins sacrifice for priests. Each of the in Morganza, said. “While she so many years ago. 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT November 8, 2019 Final week of the Synod on the Amazon

uch happened as the Synod two weeks prior, when Pope Francis Rome during the Synod asking that Pope deacons. It passed 137-30. on the Amazon rushed to its invited some of the native Amazonians Francis approve women’s ordination to Pope Francis attended this final Mconclusion in the meeting hall who were arriving for the Synod to a the diaconate. Pope Francis established session of the synod and promised to re- of the Vatican. The final week began on prayer service in the Vatican gardens. a committee to study the topic in 2016. start his commission on women deacons Sunday, Oct. 20, with 42 of the bish- His guests came in their native dress, This study so far has been inconclusive. and to add new members to its ranks. “I ops from the Amazon area who were somewhat similar to that worn by Native WOW is also promoting women’s ordina- am going to take up the challenge that participating and would be voting on the Americans in our country for their tribal tion to the priesthood, a request which you have put forward, that women be following Saturday, going to the Cata- celebrations. The men had feathered the pope has previously said the Church heard,” he told synod members. With combs of St. Domitilla to renew a pact head pieces and the wom- cannot approve. On regard to the ordination of married made by 40 of their predecessors at the en wore beaded dresses. Tuesday, Oct. 22, WOW’s men, the final text of the synod docu- Second Vatican Council in 1965 calling They carried a canoe spokeswoman, Miriam ment makes numerous references to the for a poor church. They promised to live filled with celebration Duignan, argued that importance of the Eucharist in Catholic “a happily sober lifestyle” in opposition instruments and a statue “without women there life and cites a 2003 encyclical of St. to an “avalanche of consumerism.” They of the pregnant woman. would be no church in John Paul II stating: “The church draws pledged themselves to a lifestyle that was The pope prayed along the Amazon Region.” In her life from the Eucharist.” The synod “simple and in solidarity with those who with the people who were many villages throughout then concludes that “there is a right of have little or nothing.” The new pact Catholic, and a boy helped the Amazon the leading the community to the celebration (of the includes a call to defend the Amazon plant a tree to memorial- catechist is a woman. Mass).” rainforest in the face of climate change ize the occasion and the She further added that At the opening of the synod docu- and the depletion of the area’s natural feast of the day, that of St. the church should stop ment, the bishops express “a keen aware- resources. It reminds us we are not the Francis of Assisi. The next quibbling about how men ness of the dramatic situation of destruc- owner of “Mother Earth, but rather the day, Catholic traditional- and women are different. tion affecting the Amazon,” both in the sons and daughters” and we are called to ists called the statue a pa- “They are not different loss of land for indigenous people and be her caretakers. The pact also pledges gan idol and criticized the Another when it comes to allowing the ruin of the biome itself. They call for the bishops to preserve the “lands, cul- men for having feathers women to do the work,” international solidarity in recognizing tures, languages, stories, identities and in their hair. The follow- Perspective she said. the role the Amazon plays in the global spiritualities” of the native people. They ing Sunday, in his homily The week ended effort to limit climate change, which is also promise to “proclaim the liberat- to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Father John Carville with voting on a much- the greatest threat to life in the region ing novelty of the Gospel of Jesus in square, Pope Francis said amended working docu- itself and throughout the globe. They welcoming the other and the one who is that it pained him to see ment or white paper. “denounce the violation of human rights different.” such negativity toward fellow Catholics The 85 voting members, all bishops, and extractivist destruction.” Human About eight years ago, I went on a who came from a different culture. He voted on each paragraph of the 33-page beings are created in the image and like- mission trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon added that men with feathers on their document amended in the discussions ness of God. “Therefore, the defense and with Family Missions Company in Ab- heads at a liturgical celebration were of the three-week synod. There were promotion of human rights is not merely beville. We hiked for about two miles no less appropriate than Vatican curial 33 women and a larger number of lay- a political duty or a social task, but also to a little village in the jungle rainforest. members who wore three cornered biret- men and priests from the Amazon area and above all a requirement of faith.” The life of the native people was indeed tas on their heads in church. The official who contributed to the discussions but Acknowledging the criticism of the simple. We had rat jambalaya for lunch. press secretary for the Vatican explained cast no votes. synod and its proposals to meet the The people in the rainforest don’t always to the press that, for Amazonian Catho- A paragraph passed if it received cultural and ecological problems of the wear a lot of clothes. This helped me lics, the pregnant woman was a symbol two thirds or 120 yes votes from the 181 people of the Amazon, Pope Francis an- understand what happened in Rome on of God’s gift of life for which the baptized present for the voting. Each proposal swered those he called “elite Catholics.” Oct. 23. Two young men took offense natives of the Amazon give thanks. will have to be accepted by Pope Francis “They think they are with God,” he said, at some statues of a naked Amazonian A frequently debated topic so far in before it becomes magisterial teaching “but are not brave enough to understand pregnant woman and stole the statues the Synod has been the ordination to or practice. All the paragraphs in the humanity.” which were on exhibit in a church near the priesthood of “proven men” (“viri document received enough votes to pass. the Vatican. They took them to a bridge probati” in Latin), many of whom would The paragraph calling for Pope Francis FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in over the Tiber River and threw them into be married. There also has been open to approve priestly ordination of “tested the Diocese of Baton Rouge and writes the river, claiming that they were pagan discussion of ordination of women to the married men” passed by the smallest on current topics for The Catholic symbols. diaconate. A group called Women’s Or- margin, 128-41. The next closest margin Commentator. He can be reached at The statues first appeared in the press dination Worldwide (WOW) has been in was the proposal to ordain women as [email protected].

| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Mission Statement Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. The mission of The Catholic Com- Nov. 14 Rev. Leonard Kraus SJ Br. Noel Lemmon SC Dcn. Jodi A. Moscona mentator is to provide news, in- Dcn. Albert Levy III Nov. 19 Rev. Keun-Soo Lee Sr. Therese Dinh ICM formation and commentary to the Br. Dwight Kenney SC Dcn. Timothy Messenger Sr. Nov. 24 Rev. Cayet N. Mangiaracina OP people of the Diocese of Baton Nov. 15 Rev. Johnson Kuriappilly Sr. Renee Daigle MSC Dcn. Leon Roy Murphy Jr. Rouge, Catholics and their neigh- Dcn. James A. Little Nov. 20 Rev. C. Todd Lloyd Br. Paul Montero SC bors alike. In doing so, The Catholic Sr. M. Christa MC Dcn. Francis M. Minor Nov. 25 Rev. Samuel C. Maranto CSsR Commentator strives to further Nov. 16 Rev. J. Joel LaBauve Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Dcn. Donald Musso Dcn. Robert McDonner Nov. 21 Rev. Matthew P. Lorraine Sr. M. Dominique MC the wider mission of the Church: Br. Clifford King SC Dcn. Gary Mooney Nov. 26 Rev. Robert G. Marcell to evangelize, to communicate, to Nov. 17 Rev. Kenneth W. Laird Sr. Mary Ann Diaz DM Dcn. Roger A. Navarra educate and to give the Catholic Dcn. John L. McGinnis Jr. Nov. 22 Rev. Donald MacKinnon CSsR Br. Marcus Turcotte SC viewpoint on important issues of Sr. Judith Couturie CSJ Dcn. James J. Morrissey Nov. 27 Rev. Edwin J. Martin the present day. Nov. 18 Rev. Charles R. Landry Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Dcn. Angelo S. Nola Dcn. Larry J. Melancon Nov. 23 Rev. P. Brent Maher Sr. M. Donald MC November 8, 2019 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 The frustrating struggle for humility

t’s hard to be humble, not out any rationalization) that he doing that, we are him! Exactly comings, I still thank God that ness that we must existentially because we don’t have more is amoral, that he is a sinner, like him, we’re brimming over I’m not as narcissistic as my recognize and stand within. Ithan enough deficiencies and, within that recognition, with our own sense of virtue boss!” “I may not have much Our other weaknesses, our to merit humility, but rather humbly asks God to forgive and, because of that, begin religious faith, but at least I’m congenital and personal because there’s crafty mecha- him for his weaknesses. We judging others. Our prayer is not as hypocritical as so many inadequacies, can be helpful nism inside of us that normally know how Jesus assessed the in fact usually the opposite of of those church people!” “I may in making us humble, but, doesn’t let us go to the place of two men. The Pharisee didn’t the Publican’s prayer. We are be a bit of a mess, but thank since we aren’t personally or humility. Simply put, as we try really pray while the Publican not praying out of our own God I don’t have Jack’s faults!” morally responsible for them, to be self-effac- did. Moreover sinfulness, but rather pray- Pride is forever sneaking recognizing them doesn’t do ing, humble and the parable ing: “I thank you, God, that around our defenses and keep- the same thing for us as does non-hypocritical, highlights the I’m not as blind to self and as ing genuine humility at bay. recognizing our own sinful- variably we take internal blind- judgmental as so many other But there’s one instance ness. We aren’t responsible pride in that and ness of the people are!” It’s hard to be the when it can’t do that and for physical or psychological then, feeling Pharisee in Publican. Our very virtue and that is when we are genu- DNA. We aren’t responsible smug about it, we a way that’s humility invariably coil back inely acknowledging our own for our ethnicity or color. We become judgmen- impossible not upon themselves and make us sinfulness. When we are truly aren’t responsible for the kind tal of others. to see. Everyone proud and judgmental. standing inside of our own of family, neighborhood and Jesus gave us hearing this What’s the answer? How sinfulness, like the Publican, culture we were raised in. And a wonderful par- story cannot do we break the vicious circle? then we judge no one not even we aren’t responsible for what able on this but help but see his There’s only one way and the our own selves. As a Roman happened to us in the playpen mostly we miss lack of humility. Publican shows us that way. Catholic priest who has been and on the playground when its lesson. We’re What’s chal- How? He prays out of his own hearing confessions for some we were little. Yet all of these all familiar with lenging however sinfulness, for real. He’s a sin- 47 years, I can say without deeply impact both our weak- the parable of the is to examine ner and he honestly admits it. hesitation that people are at nesses and our strengths. But Pharisee and the In Exile our own reac- For our part, when we speak their very best when they are since we aren’t responsible for Publican. Jesus Father Ron Rolheiser tion to the story. of ourselves as sinners mostly honestly confessing their own these, ultimately we don’t have tells the story of We instantly we don’t really mean it! We shortcomings. When we are to be humble about them. two men stand- see the differ- admit that we have our weak- genuinely standing inside the But we do have to be humble ing before God in prayer. The ence between false pride and nesses and that sometimes recognition of our own sin, about our own sin. first man, a devout Pharisee, is genuine humility. We see how we do sin, but then, like the we judge no one. In that space a man who took the pursuit of arrogant it is for the Pharisee Pharisee, we’re immediately we never think: “Thank God, OBLATE FATHER RON ROLHEISER, virtue seriously and he thanks to say: “Thank God, I am not thankful that we don’t have the I don’t have Jack’s faults!” theologian, teacher and award- God that he’s devout and moral like that man!” But then, I weaknesses and sins of others. We know that our own suf- winning author, is president of and also thanks God that he’s would venture to guess that Mostly we think this way: “Ad- fice. Our prayer then becomes the Oblate School of Theology in not as amoral as the Publican 98 percent of us hearing that mittedly, I have my faults, but honest and, according to Jesus, San Antonio, Texas. He can who is in the temple with him. story spontaneously nurse this at least I’m not as ignorant and it’s then that it’s heard in be contacted through his web- The second man, a Publican, feeling: “Thank God, I’m not self-serving as that colleague heaven. site ronrolheiser.com and recognizes (honestly and with- like that Pharisee!” And, in of mine!” “For all of my short- And it’s precisely our sinful- facebook.com/ronrolheiser. Keeping sight of what’s real

hat do Greek philosophy and Bose head- scribes a dark cave where humans are chained to the St. John of the Cross said that there is little room phones have in common? wall while looking upon shadowy figures for God in an occupied heart. Amid our many medi- WQuite a bit if you have seen that are being projected from behind ated preoccupations, our mental and spiritual interior the most recent ad for Bose head- them. The figures are real people and is a crowded and noisy place, not unlike the clamor- phones. It shows a crowded car of objects that parade in front of a fire that ous subway car. And yet, despite all of this activity screen-staring subway riders fixated casts shadows on the wall in front of the and stimulation, or perhaps because of it, there can on their phones. A typical scene for prisoners. be a disconnect with reality: a spiritual blindness and most commuters, but Bose head- The point of the allegory of the cave is deafness. phones promise a way out of the to illustrate how limited our human sens- Our senses are essential for apprehending and ex- trance, or so it seems. es can be in grasping reality. It is actually periencing the reality of grace. Our Lord’s healing of A lone female commuter emerges the light of the sun outside the cave (a the blind and deaf was a sign that pointed to a higher from the dark, screen-saturated tun- metaphor for philosophical thought) that reality. Physical blindness in the Bible is a metaphor nel and ascends via escalator into the helps us see reality in its fullness and not for a spiritual blindness that Jesus heals by making light of day with only her Bose head- in shadows. The subway riders looking at God’s work visible. phones on. She is awash in sunlight their phones are the cave’s prisoners. The When someone loses a leg, they need a prosthetic and surrounded by butterflies while sole commuter who is able to look up and device to assist with walking. What has been lost or she listens to the weather report and Theology in see the sunlight (rather than the shadows broken inside of us that we need so many prosthetic schedules meetings with the aid of on screen) becomes the enlightened one. devices like screens and headphones to help us keep her digital assistant without having Technology But this is marketing, not philosophy, up? What kind of progress renders us blind and deaf to look down at a screen. The tagline so there’s obviously more to the story. to the world around us? announces “Go screenless. ... It’s Brett Robinson Bose headphones are hardly tools for beautiful up here.” enlightened philosophical reflection; they ROBINSON is director of communications and Catho- The ad’s conceit is an awful lot like Plato’s allegory are just another media product competing for our lic media studies at the University of Notre Dame of the cave. In Plato’s “The Republic,” Socrates de- scarce attention. McGrath Institute for Church Life. 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS November 8, 2019

Seasons of Grief Presentation – Sister June Engel- sation story exposition of Blessed Sacrament and heal- St. Aloysius Fair – St. Aloysius Church, 2025 Stuart brecht OP will present a day of poetry, reflection and ing service and benediction. For more information, call Ave., Baton Rouge, will host a fair Friday, Nov. 15 – Sun- prayer, “The Seasons of Grief,” Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. 225-698-3110. day, Nov. 17. For information, visit staloysiusfair.org, – 2 p.m., at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosa- facebook.com/stalbrfair, @staloysiusFUNdraising (In- ryville Road, Ponchatoula. Cost is $35. For more infor- Cross Wise Ministries – Cathryn Bonaventure Stan- stagram), or by emailing [email protected]. mation, visit catholicretreatcenter.org or call 225-294- ley will speak about her search for her biological parents 5039. with DNA testing and faith at the meeting of Cross Wise Born to Run – Woman’s New Life Clinic will host its Ministries Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – noon, at the fundraiser, “Born to Run,” Saturday, Nov. 16, at North Hunger Walk – The Interfaith Federation of Greater St. Patrick Church Family Center, 12424 Brogdon Lane, Boulevard Town Square. Registration begins at 7:30 Baton Rouge is sponsoring Hunger Walk Sunday, Nov. Baton Rouge. For more information, call 225-753-5750. a.m. and there will be a 1 mile fun run/walk at 8:30 a.m. 10 at the Catholic Life Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thwy., and a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. To register and for more in- Baton Rouge. Registration and activities begin at 1:30 St. Agnes Masses – St. Agnes Church, 749 East formation, visit runsignup.com/Race/LA/BatonRouge/ p.m. and the walk begin at 2:30 p.m. The two-mile walk Blvd., Baton Rouge, will host the following special BTRBR2019 or call 225-663-6470. will be from the Catholic Life Center to Catholic High Masses: Pro-Life Mass, St. Charbel Healing Mass, Tues- School and back. For more information, to register and day, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. and St. Charbel Healing Mass, Engaged Couples Retreat – A “Called to Love” en- donate visit gbrhungerwalk.org. Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m. For more information, call 225- gagement retreat will be held Friday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, 383-4127. Nov. 22 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S. Discalced Carmelites – The Secular Order of Dis- Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. Registration must be calced Carmelites will meet Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m., Day of Prayer – Darryl Ducote, director of the Of- completed by Thursday, Nov. 14 by visiting mfldiobr. at the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center in the St. fice of Marriage and Family Life of the Diocese of Ba- org. For more information call Mila Gernon at 225-242- Gabriel Room, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. For de- ton Rouge, and Decon Paul Ceasar, former executive 0323 or email [email protected]. tails, call Ethlyn White at 225-803-3391 or email robert director of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat [email protected]. Center, will present a day of prayer, “A Look at Life Secular Franciscans – The monthly meeting of the Through the Lens of Gratitude,” Tuesday, Nov. 12, 9 Secular Franciscan Order will be held Sunday, Nov. Evening of Healing – Alan Ames will present his a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Archdiocese of New Orleans 24, in the Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at Maryville conversion story during an evening of healing Monday, Retreat Center, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie. Cost is Convent, 4200 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, beginning Nov. 11, 7 p.m., at St. Joseph Church, 15710 Hwy. 16, $35, which includes lunch and refreshments. For more at 1 p.m. with the recitation of the Franciscan Crown. French Settlement. St. Joseph pastor Father Jason Pal- information and to register, visit retreats.arch-no.org For further information, email Patsy T. Burgess OFS at ermo will celebrate a Mass, followed by Ames’ conver- or call 504-887-1420. [email protected] or call 225-907-8248.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classi ed ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classi ed ads are prepaid. Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 C Credit cards are now accepted. BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE BUSINESS SERVICE FOR SALE LEGAL NOTICES Mr. D’s Tree Service Allan’s Tree Service CALL TYRONE Oak Lane Memorial Park. Two plots Anyone with knowledge of the where- 3 Licensed Arborists Specializes in large and dangerous tree “WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING” under huge oak trees. $3500 each. Call abouts of Richard Philip Falcon is asked Free Estimates removal. Licensed and insured. Senior LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, TOILETS, 225-270-1822. to contact the Diocesan Tribunal at 225- Fully Insured citizen and law/military discounts. Allan GARBAGE DISPOSALS 336-8755. Don Decell owner Johnson 225-241-8789. PLUS OTHER REPAIRS Greenoaks Memorial Park. Promise 225-292-6756 CALL 225-802-4522 OR 225-346-6246 Garden. Single plot. $3000. Call 225- Anyone with knowledge of the where- 926-7110. abouts of Chauncey Ladezarai McCoy is THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Resthaven Cemetery. Two plots asked to contact the Diocesan Tribunal HOUSEKEEPER Accounting and taxes for businesses, at 225-336-8755. MATURE DEPENDABLE non-pro ts and individuals; business, pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- Garden of Gethsemane. $4000 each. 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE computer, nancial and management pert economical repair on all brands. Call or text 225-937-7525. HAVE REFERENCES services. 30 years experience; profes- Call 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicycle CALL DEBBIE sional, prompt and personal attention. repair. com. 2013 Chevrolet 15 passenger bus. 225-266-7655 Call 225-296-0404. Wheelchair lift. Mileage 23,600. Selling YOUR AD HERE. BROUSSEAU'S Painting for $17,560. Call 225-247-3736 Interior and exterior painting. Experi- Reach some Charlotte’s Custom Designs LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call Two Separate plots in Greenoaks Cemetery. $3500 each or best o er. Call Drapery, Roman Shades, Bedding, REMOVAL, INC. 225-241-8488. 95,000 readers Fabrics, Upholstery, Shutters and Blinds. Prompt service–Free estimates 225-936-0642 225-936-8649 FULLY INSURED 225 PAINTING St. George Resurrection Garden by placing your ad in E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc Residential / Commercial Mausoleum. Crypts 38 and 40 Tier-B. FINAL EXPENSE INSURANCE Phone 383-7316 30 years in business $3500 each. Call 225-938-7643 The Catholic Guaranteed Level Premium Whole 225Painting.com Life Insurance (225) 205-1027 Commentator! Rates Available Up to Age 85 TURNING 65? LEGAL NOTICES Guaranteed Issue Available MEDICARE QUESTIONS? Retired LEO Does Lawn Care and Credit cards accepted. Call Anita Parsons King, Agent WE CAN HELP pressure washing. Dependable. Senior Anyone with knowledge of the where- Serving My Clients Since 1983 JOE GOODSON 2255722275 citizen discount. Call Tommy Guidry 225- abouts of Kelvin Scott is asked to contact 225-387-0983 Phone: 225-383-6669 JOHNNY STUART 2259073619 276-8236. the Diocesan Tribunal at 225-336-8755.

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GOSPEL  EQUESTRIAN  the Lord and his work,” said Bah- tan Minj IMS and Father Joseph From page 2 From page 9 linger, who noted that the Eques- Doyle SSJ. trian Order unites their work with In his homily, Bishop Duca en- the deceit of false prophets, be not afraid and be prepared Harold Bahlinger, who has other Christian organizations in couraged members stay strong in to face adversity. When in the hands of such persecution, been a member of the Equestrian the common goal of making Christ their vocation to pass on the tra- Jesus will “give you a wisdom in speaking that all your order for the past 35 years, said known in Jerusalem and the entire ditions, faith, prayer and works adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute...but not the knights and ladies have a joy world. so people will know Jesus truly a hair on your head will be destroyed…perseverance will knowing they are involved in pre- At the Mass, Bishop Duca, a walked the earth and is “Emanuel” secure your lives” (Lk 21:15-19). serving Christ’s presence in the member of the Equestrian Order, is present among us. The end of the age is a gradual reality. As missionary Holy Land. was joined at the altar with Our “You are the pilgrims and teach- disciples of Jesus, we are commissioned to evangelize, to “This is a wonderful, holy group Lady of Mercy Pastor, Father Cleo ers that that keep the faith alive in bear witness of the truth of hope in salvation and eternal of people who are committed to Milano, parochial vicar Father Nu- this world,” the bishop said. life through Jesus Christ. Our missions vary yet intersect in the communion of saints and the community of believers, where the one- FELLOWSHIP HALL BLESS- ness of the church (people of God) walk together, united ING – Bishop Michael G. in the mystical body of Christ. We live, pray, worship, Duca blesses the newly learn, teach, serve and live as one body. We also experi- renovated Fellowship Hall ence universally as one body. As one is persecuted, all are at Our Lady of Mount Car- persecuted. As one rejoices, all rejoice. Now more than mel Church in St. Francis- ever we call upon the Holy Spirit for strength to perse- ville on Sunday, Nov. 3. vere as confident, joyful witnesses of faith in God. The building, located next St. John Paul II reiterated on Sunday, Oct. 22, 1978 to the church, underwent in St. Peter’s Square that, “so often today man does not a massive three-month know what is within him, in the depths of his mind and overhaul that included heart. So often, he is uncertain about the meaning of his new flooring, walls, win- life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt that dows, doors, lighting, turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with sound and renovations to humility and trust, let Christ speak to man. He alone the bathrooms. The hall has words of life, yes, of eternal life. Precisely today, the also has a commercial whole Church … is praying, meditating and acting in or- kitchen and will be used der that Christ’s words of life may reach all people and for church gatherings, re- be received by them as a message of hope, salvation, and ceptions and other total liberation.” events. Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Save on Medicare Supplement Insurance BUY DIRECT/NO AGENT

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SAINTS  rard Elementary School and played posed to Jean in April of 1968. He was From page 1 mostly for St. Gerard Majella Church drafted for the Vietnam War in June and St. Agnes Church, both in Baton of that year and the couple married with her son, she is also grateful for the Rouge. She died in 2018. in November at St. Joseph Church in many years and loving presence of her The Broussards had friendly com- Marksville, where Jean had been bap- parents, Milton and Mary Broussard, petitions, including a “daddy’s rice tized and received her first Commu- who are buried next to each other in dressing vs. mother’s cornbread dress- nion and confirmation. St. Gabriel Cemetery in St. Gabriel. ing” during the holidays. Preparing for the wedding was a Acosta grew up with 11 siblings in a Acosta finds peace as she makes whirlwind affair, said Rodriguez. home that she said was filled with love. graveside visits to her son and parents. “My mother made the wedding She remembers her father, who died in At her father’s grave some people dress, the bridesmaids dresses and 2006, working the farm he grew up on will leave pecans and footballs, and flower girl dress,” said Rodriguez. in Sunshine, running cattle, growing a she finds memorabilia left on her The couple’s beautiful wedding garden and picking pecans. mother and son’s graves as well. On belied the dangers Danny faced only Athletics was also a big part of children’s graves, also, there may be a few days laterwhen he left for Viet- Acosta’s family life. Milton Broussard, toys. nam. an alumnus of Catholic High School “It’s comforting to see other people Danny’s platoon was involved in in Baton Rouge, coached at several remembering them too,” said Acosta. numerous intense battles in which Catholic and public schools, including There’s also a lot of history lessons some of his comrades died. Danny Catholic High, St. John High School in and glimpse of the deceased’s person- was injured by shrapnel three dif- Plaquemine and Redemptorist High ality when looking at the headstones. ferent times, with the last incident School in Baton Rouge. “You learn a lot about life through a blinding him in his left eye. He was While coaching at Redemptor- cemetery,” said Acosta. discharged in 1970 and went through ist during the 1960s and 1990s, the When Jean Rodriguez visits the rehabilitation in San Antonio Texas. Wolves football team won two state gravesite of her husband, Danny, who Once he returned home, the Rodri- OUR LADY OF PURGATORY – St. Joseph Church in championships. He was voted into Re- died in a hunting accident in Decem- guez’ had three children and he devot- Ponchatoula unveiled a statue or Our Lady of Purga- demptorist’s Athletic Hall of Fame in ber 1993 in West Feliciana Parish and ed himself to his family. tory in the church on All Saints Day, Nov. 1. The stat- 2002. is buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Danny deeply respected military ue, believed to be the only one of its kind in Louisi- The couple settled in North Baton St. Francisville, she is flooded with veterans and their families because he ana, shows the Blessed Virgin as she is being released Rouge. Mary Broussard, a Redemp- memories of a war hero and loving knew from experience the deep sacri- from her chains and raised into heaven. A book was torist graduate, was raised in North husband and father. fices they made, according to Jean. placed in front of the statue where parishioners were Baton Rouge and learned to play the Danny Rodriguez, an Army Veter- “He gave himself wholeheartedly able to write the names of loved ones to be remem- organ from the School Sisters of Notre an and recipient of the Purple Heart, to whatever he was called to do,” said bered during the month of November. Photo by Richard Dame while a young student at St. Ge- Bronze Star and other awards, pro- Jean. Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Share Your Blessings This Thanksgiving

In our nation, Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival, a time of gratitude, and an opportunity to share nature’s bounty with family and friends. On this day, no one went hungry. So much has changed since that first Thanksgiving that our country would now be unrecognizable to those early settlers. One thing that hasn’t changed is the need to share God’s blessings with the less fortunate. On this special holiday, as we gather around tables filled with turkey and dressing, our favorite casseroles, and mouth-watering desserts, most of us will begin the meal with a blessing. In that prayer, we hope you will remember the poor and homeless men, women, and children who will be coming to St. Vincent de Paul for their Thanksgiving meal.

On November 28th, our volunteers will serve turkey with all the trimmings to hundreds of people who, unfortunately, have little to celebrate. Many of them are living in homes where people have to skip meals or eat less to make ends meet. Some of them have no homes. But on this day, they will all have a warm place to go and plenty to eat.

This year, our volunteers will be serving up a Thanksgiving meal at our Dining Room and will continue the Holiday Helpers’ tradition at the Raising Cane’s River Center. We will come together to ensure everyone in our community has a place to turn to on Thanksgiving Day, as well as every day of the year.

Sometimes, we are overwhelmed by the number of people who turn to St. Vincent de Paul for the nourishment they need. But these people are not numbers – they are real people in desperate need. We see their faces; we hear their stories. They are struggling to survive and must rely on the kindness of others to help them through this difficult time in their lives.

During the upcoming holiday season, there are many Share Your Blessings This Thanksgiving! people who are wondering where their next meal is coming from. St. Vincent de Paul is the only ------Please cut out and mail------community kitchen that is open every Yes, I want to feed the hungry and homeless this Thanksgiving. day of the year, providing a hot My check for $______is enclosed. lunch and a brown bag supper daily. This year, we Name: ______will serve over 270,000 meals. The lines at our dining Address: ______City: ______State: _____ Zip: ______room are long, and we can only meet the need with Mail your gift to: St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. the help of generous people like you. You can also give online at www.svdpbr.org.