Road to healing

Hundreds gather outside hospital to greet recovering , page 11. Serving the Church in Central and Southern Indiana Since 1960

CriterionOnline.com July 16, 2021 Vol. LXI, No. 40 75¢

Persecution ‘My heart of stone worsens for softened’ Christians Grandmother’s in post-coup unexpected Myanmar, gift changes experts say a woman, BANGKOK (CNS)—Christians and ethnic minorities in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar are facing increased leading her oppression under the junta that overthrew the civilian government on Feb. 1, experts said during an online forum. back to God The observers warned of the increased danger of persecution of ethnic and and joy religious minorities including Christians in a July 8 panel discussion hosted (Editor’s note: has by U.S.-based International Christian proclaimed July 25 as the World Day of Concern (ICC). Grandparents and the Elderly, recognizing The panelists also discussed the ICC’s the tremendous impact this group has on report released on June 16, “Caught in the the lives of grandchildren, families and Crossfire: Myanmar’s Christian Minorities younger people. With that impact in mind, Under Tatmadaw Rule,” ucanews.com The Criterion invited readers to share their reported. stories about how their grandparents—or The report revealed details of Christians another older person—have influenced in ethnic minority areas such as Kachin, their life, marriage, family and faith. Here Kayah and Chin states and in Wa state are several of their stories.) where they have historically faced oppression and persecution under more than First of two parts five decades of iron-fisted military rule. Nadine Maenza, chair of the By John Shaughnessy U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said during The unexpected and unwanted the discussion that the situation in gift from her grandmother came at a Myanmar had significantly deteriorated “particularly dark time” in life for Cheri since the coup. Bush. “No ethno-religious minority has been She was 24 then, working on a master’s safe from persecution or discrimination,” degree at Purdue University, but any she said. promise of the future was overwhelmed David Eubank of Free Burma Rangers, by her pain in the present. a Christian humanitarian group, spoke “I found myself in a particularly dark about the thousands of displaced persons time, living away from Indianapolis for in ethnic areas, especially in Karen state the first time and knowing no one,” she where he has been serving. recalls. “I was lonely, scared and away He shared a recent story of being from the Church. shot at by the military while villagers “In fact, I felt that I had let God down attempted to plant rice. with some of my life choices and had Eubank stressed the need for See GRANDPARENTS, page 8 humanitarian assistance, especially in Karen, Kayah and Chin states where thousands of people have been displaced. At left, Cheri Bush treasures the impact that her Because of air strikes and grandparents, Tom and Virginia Hannon, have indiscriminate attacks by the military, had on her life and her faith. (Photo by Natalie Hoefer) See MYANMAR, page 8 Court sides with parish, Chicago Archdiocese in lawsuits filed by former music director WASHINGTON (CNS)—A federal appeals court on claim to go forward. Then last year, a 7th Circuit panel upheld July 9 dismissed a lawsuit filed against a Chicago Catholic Demkovich’s disability claim and also revived the same-sex parish and the Chicago Archdiocese by a former parish marriage discrimination claim, which prompted the Church music director. and the archdiocese to seek a review by the full panel of The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 7-3 en banc, 11 judges. or full court, decision, said the plaintiff’s claim against The court agreed, with one judge recused, and heard St. Andrew the Apostle Parish fell under the ministerial arguments in the case this February. exemption that protects religious organizations from In its July ruling, reversing its previous decision to discrimination lawsuits by parish employees. revive the discrimination claim, the court stressed that The former employee, Sandor Demkovich, claimed in his a ministerial exception protects the entire ministerial 2016 lawsuit that his parish priest subjected him to a hostile relationship and not just during hiring or firing of an work environment because of his disability, including employee. metabolic syndrome—a group of conditions that increase Circuit Judge Michael Brennan, writing for the majority, the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. He also said said the decision was based on the Supreme Court’s he had been harassed and fired because of his same-sex interpretation of ministerial exception last year when it ruled marriage. that Catholic school teachers who also taught religion could A district judge dismissed the same-sex marriage not sue for wrongful termination. discrimination claim on the grounds that the Church had a Brennan wrote that “religion permeates the ministerial religious basis for its decision, but it allowed the disability See CHICAGO, page 8 Page 2 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021

Archbishop Thompson and Public Schedule of Archbishop Charles C. Thompson Cardinal Tobin ask Catholics to ______sign petition on Hyde Amendment No public events schedule for the month of July. (Schedule subject to change.) NEWARK, N.J. (CNS)—Taxpayer- which couples can turn, and to spend time funded abortion “represents a failure to assisting these families,’ ” Archbishop recognize the sanctity of human life and Thompson continued. through the Labor Department, the Health general, including Indiana Attorney promotes a culture in “It is crucially important that we send and Human Services Department and General Tod Rokita, signed a joint which human life in a strong, clear message that the Hyde related agencies from being used to cover letter to House and Senate leaders its most vulnerable Amendment has far-reaching public abortion or fund health plans that cover asking them to retain the Hyde moment is perceived support and should not be repealed,” abortion except in cases of rape, incest Amendment in any budget measure that as disposable,” said Cardinal Tobin said. “Members of or when the life of the woman would be passes. House GOP leaders have urged Cardinal Joseph Congress need to hear from as many of us endangered. Congress to make Hyde permanent. W. Tobin of Newark. as possible.” Hyde has been re-enacted in spending In the meantime, the House A federal Both prelates urged Catholics to go to bills every year since it was first passed. Committee on Appropriations was budget that “would www.NoTaxpayerAbortion.com and join On May 28, Biden unveiled his prepared to mark up two appropriations eliminate” the long- them in signing this petition as soon as proposed budget of $6 trillion for bills without Hyde-related provisions: Archbishop Charles standing bipartisan possible to send “an urgent message” to fiscal year 2022 and did not include the Financial Services and General C. Thompson Hyde Amendment is a Congress to keep the Hyde Amendment. the Hyde Amendment. His proposal Government bill, which funds the proposal that “targets “I am deeply concerned that would include spending to improve and Treasury Department, the Judiciary, poor women as needing an expedient the proposed federal budget would modernize the nation’s infrastructure, the Executive Office of the President solution to a complex problem,” he said eliminate the Hyde Amendment, which, provide free pre-K and community and other federal agencies, including on July 6. for 45 years, has prohibited the use of college, and increase domestic programs the Small Business Administration; Cardinal Tobin made the comments federal funds for abortion,” Cardinal aimed at boosting public health and and the State and Foreign Operations following moves by President Joe Biden Tobin said. “The Hyde Amendment helping the poor. bill, which funds the State Department, and members of Congress to leave the is credited with saving the lives of Hyde also was excluded in the the U.S. Agency for International Hyde Amendment out millions of children.” $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act Development, and other international of spending bills. Like Cardinal Tobin and Archbishop that Biden signed into law on March programs and activities. Echoing Cardinal Thompson, Baltimore Archbishop 11. The U.S. bishops called its absence On July 9, Students for Life of Tobin’s sentiments, William E. Lori called on the faithful in “unconscionable.” America and Students for Life Action Indianapolis his archdiocese on Biden, a Catholic, who for his years participated in “Save Hyde” rallies Archbishop Charles July 12 to sign the in the Senate strongly supported Hyde, alongside Democrats for Life of C. Thompson on online petition calling now backs repeal of the amendment as America in Philadelphia and in Akron, July 12 noted on Congress to retain does Vice President Kamala Harris. Ohio. that “Hyde has Hyde. When Biden released his proposed “One thing that has been been re-enacted in “During this budget without the Hyde Amendment, consistently true about abortion policy spending bills every critical time, let us Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of is that people, whether self-described Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin year since it was join in prayer for Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the as pro-life or pro-choice, do not want first passed. Now, the protection of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life to pay for abortion across the board,” the powerful pro-abortion lobby and unborn,” Archbishop Activities, and Mercy Sister Mary said Kristan Hawkins, president of members of Congress are calling for the Archbishop William Lori said. “But let us Haddad, the Catholic Health Students for Life of America and elimination of this amendment and the E. Lori also, as citizens and Association’s president and CEO, Students for Life Action. implementation of a policy that would believers, raise our issued separate statements praising his “Yet President Biden and his designate billions of taxpayer dollars for voices to protect the most defenseless of proposal for a number of provisions to party have prioritized the deliberate elective abortions. human beings, the unborn child. Let us help vulnerable Americans, but called ending of preborn life like no other “Pope Francis has said, ‘Abortion is stand together in promoting the sanctity it remiss in leaving out Hyde, which administration in history,” she added in never the answer that women and families of life.” protects the most vulnerable—the a July 8 statement. “Maybe he should are looking for. There is a need to create Hyde first became law in 1976 to unborn. refresh his memory on his past position spaces, places and networks of love, to prohibit federal funds appropriated In recent weeks, 22 state attorneys [supporting Hyde].” † Pope Francis to remain in hospital ‘a few more days,’ Vatican says (CNS)—Despite The pope underwent a three-hour left The Vatican also said the pope “shared Among the many patients the pope has initial estimates of requiring a week of hemicolectomy, which is the removal in the joy for the victory of the Argentine met, the statement said, there were several inpatient care, Pope Francis will continue of the descending part of the colon, a and Italian national teams with those who were bedridden and unable to return his recovery as a surgery that can be recommended to treat closest to him.” home anytime soon. patient at ’s diverticulitis, when bulging pouches in The pope’s native Argentina defeated The pope’s hope for them, the Vatican Gemelli hospital after the lining of the intestine or colon become Brazil on July 10 in the Copa America said, was that they would be able to undergoing colon inflamed or infected. soccer championship, while his ancestral “live this time as an opportunity, even if surgery, the Vatican Pope Francis appeared on the balcony country of defeated England on experienced in pain, to open themselves press office said. of his suite at Gemelli hospital on July 11 July 11 to win their first European with tenderness to their sick brother or In a statement and addressed pilgrims and well-wishers championship since 1968. sister in the next bed, with whom they released on July 12, while delivering his Sunday Angelus. (See Pope Francis, the Vatican said, share the same human frailty.” † Vatican spokesman related article on page 11.) “emphasized the meaning of sport and its Matteo Bruni said He also visited young patients “of the values, and the sportsmanship of being the pope “will remain oncology ward and their families, who able to accept any result, even defeat. hospitalized for a few then accompanied him to the terrace of “Only in this way, in the face of life’s Faith Alive! Pope Francis more days in order to the 10th floor for the Marian prayer.” difficulties, can one always put oneself on optimize his medical After his Angelus address, the pope— the line, fighting without giving up, with takes vacation and rehabilitation therapy.” pushed in a wheelchair—met with hope and trust,” the statement said. The weekly Faith Alive! religious The day after his July 4 surgery for patients and medical staff at the hospital. The Vatican’s daily papal health education feature, produced by diverticular stenosis, the Vatican had Despite his extended stay at the update on July 13 said Pope Francis was Catholic News Service, began its said the pope was expected to stay in hospital, the Vatican said on July 12 the continuing his rehabilitation, “which will annual summer break with our July 2 the hospital for seven days, barring pope had “a peaceful day and completed allow him to return to the Vatican as soon issue. It will return on Sept. 10. † complications. his post-surgical treatment.” as possible.”

The Criterion NEWS FROM YOU! (ISSN 0574-4350) is The Do you have something exciting or published weekly except Criterion newsworthy you want to be considered the last week of December to be printed in The Criterion? and the first week of TheCriterion 07/16/21 Phone Numbers: E-mail us: January. Main office:...... 317-236-1570 [email protected] Moving? Advertising...... 317-236-1585 1400 N. Meri­dian St. We’ll be there waiting if you give us two weeks’ Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1570 Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 advance notice! Circulation:...... 317-236-1585 317-236-1570 Staff: Toll free:...... 1-800-382-9836, ext. 1585 800-382-9836 ext. 1570 Editor: Mike Krokos Name______Price: [email protected] $22.00 per year, 75 cents per copy Assistant Editor: John Shaughnessy E-mail______Reporter: Sean Gallagher Periodical postage paid at Postmaster: New Address______Send address changes to The Criterion, Reporter: Natalie Hoefer Indianapolis, IN. 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 Graphic Designer / Online Editor: Brandon A. Evans Copyright © 2021 City______Executive Assistant: Ann Lewis Web site : www.CriterionOnline.com Criterion Press Inc. State/Zip______New Parish______E-mail: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Effective Date______Published weekly except the last week of December and the first week of January. Criterion Press Inc. Note: If you are receiving duplicate copies please send both labels. Mailing address: 1400 N. Meri­dian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367. Periodical postage paid 1400 N. Meridian St. at ­Indianapolis, IN. Copyright © 2021 Criterion Press Inc. ISSN 0574-4350. Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion • 1400 N. Meridian St. • Indianapolis, IN 46202-2367 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 3 Christian group calls for free election amid rare protests in Cuba HAVANA (CNS)—The Christian Catholic dissident Oswaldo Payá Liberation Movement in Cuba has called on Sardinas founded MCL in 1988 to achieve people to continue to pressure communist peaceful democratic reform in Cuba. authorities to hold a general election. At the time, he said he was explicitly The country has seen demonstrations inspired by Catholic social teaching. in its major cities joined by thousands Taking advantage of a loophole in of people to protest the unprecedented Cuba’s constitution, Payá Sardinas scarcity of essentials and the rising death organized a collection of signatures to toll caused by COVID-19. introduce democracy in the country. A few thousand people took to As a consequence, the movement was the streets on July 11 in a rare anti- persecuted nationwide and 42 of its leaders government protest in Cuba where some were imprisoned during the 2003 wave of demonstrators chanted, “Down with the repression known as the “Cuban Spring.” dictatorship,” ucanews.com reported. Payá Sardinas and another MCL leader, The protests erupted amid growing Harold Cepero, were killed in a car anger because of long food lines and a accident in suspicious circumstances on shortage of medicines while coronavirus July 22, 2012. infections and deaths continued rising. During a speech on television on Eduardo Cardet Concepción, national July 11, Cuban President Miguel coordinator of the Christian Liberation Díaz-Canel, who also heads the Movement, known as MCL for its initials Communist Party, blamed the United in Spanish, said thousands of Cubans States for the unrest and called on “all were demanding freedom and an end to the revolutionaries in the country, all repression and misery. communists, to take to the streets and go “The MCL, as part of this people tired of the places where these provocations are Police detain a person during protests in Havana on July 11. Thousands of Cubans took to the streets oppression and injustice, is fully identified going to occur” to counter protest. to protest a lack of food and medicine as the country undergoes a grave economic crisis aggravated with their desires. We support our brothers The MCL condemned violence from by the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. sanctions. (CNS Photo/Reuters) and sisters of the Christian Liberation any side and criticized Díaz-Canel’s call Movement and all Cubans who demonstrate for confrontation among Cubans. police officers, who also fired tear gas on said the United States stands with the peacefully, making use of this legitimate “No more sorrowful cries. It is time to the crowd. People standing on balconies people of Cuba in their call for freedom right,” the organization said in a statement. react and tell the tyrants that their reign applauded the protesters as they passed by and relief from the pandemic and decades The group also demanded “the release of terror and misery has come to an end. while others joined the march. of repression and economic suffering. of political prisoners, the annulment of the Only the people can save the people,” the Cuban authorities shut down Internet “The Cuban people are bravely repressive laws against freedom, recognition group said in its statement. service as the demonstration grew, and asserting fundamental and universal of economic rights of free enterprise for The Associated Press reported that the protesters attempted to use cellphones to rights,” Biden said. “Those rights, Cubans, and recognition of each Cuban’s— demonstration in Havana grew to a few broadcast the protest live. including the right of peaceful protest and inside and outside the island—right to vote thousand as people marched through the In a statement released by the the right to freely determine their own and to be elected,” it said. capital despite being charged by groups of House on July 12, President Joe Biden future, must be respected.” † Pope offers condolences after fire in COVID-19 ward at Iraqi hospital VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis the Vatican released on July 13. According to press reports, the Iraq has recorded 1.4 million infections offered his prayers and condolences after The Associated Press reported that in coronavirus pandemic has severely strained and reported more than 17,000 deaths a fire in a COVID-19 hospital ward in Iraq addition to the 64 people reported dead Iraq’s health service, already suffering after from the coronavirus, according to Johns left at least 64 people dead. as of July 13, officials said more than 100 years of war, neglect and corruption. Hopkins University data. † “ Pope Francis sends the people were injured in the blaze on assurance of his spiritual closeness to all July 12 at the coronavirus ward of affected by the tragic fire at the COVID al-Hussein Teaching Hospital. isolation ward of the al-Hussein hospital Officials initially had said the fire in Nasiriyah,” said a telegram sent by was caused by an electric short circuit, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary AP reported, but another official told the of state, to Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, agency the blaze erupted when an oxygen the Vatican nuncio to Iraq. cylinder exploded. The COVID-19 ward “Deeply saddened, he prays especially for opened three months ago and had 70 those who have died and for the comfort of beds. their families and friends who mourn their In April, an exploding oxygen tank loss. Upon the patients, staff and caregivers, started a fire that killed at least 82 he invokes God’s blessings of consolation, people and injured 110 at a hospital in the “God gives where He finds strength and peace,” said the message, which capital city of Baghdad. empty hands.” - St. Augustine ShelbyShelby UpholsteringUpholstering && MillMill EndEnd WindowWindow FashionsFashions

www.archindy.org/UCA

Family Owned & Operated Since 1932. “The pride and economy of our family working together makes a difference.” Experts in Commercial As Christians, & Residential Projects We Are Called to Do the Same. • Carpet Sales & Installation • Wood Refinishing • Custom Window Treatments Including Blinds • Interior Painting Sharing our gifts with others helps them to know that • All Customized to Fit Your Taste God does exist in their lives. We are living examples of Jesus 3136 W. 16th Street by the way we practice and live out our faith! Check out our website shelbyupholstering.com Help others experience the love of Jesus today by making a gift to Upholstering Mill End Window Fashions the United Catholic Appeal. 100% of your gift goes directly to fund 317-631-8911 317-257-4800 many wonderful ministries that bring hope to others.

Make your gift securely online at www.archindy.org/UCA. Page 4 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021

Opinion Be Our Guest/Mike Fichter Indiana judge blocks new abortion pill reversal law Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Publisher Greg A. Otolski, Associate Publisher On June 30, a state judge ruled in options to save their pregnancies. … Mike Krokos, Editor John F. Fink, Editor Emeritus favor of abortion-rights extremists and Denying patients information regarding against the will of the people of Indiana, alternatives should they wish to continue whose duly elected their pregnancies harms women by representatives passed depriving them of that choice.” Editorial and signed into effect Prior to Judge Hanlon’s temporary H.B. 1577, which restraining order, the new law was set to provided that doctors go into effect on July 1. Archbishop Thompson tell women receiving Chemical abortion has recently been on chemical abortion the rise in Indiana, which is why H.B. 1577 drugs about abortion was such welcome news to IRTL. renews call to civility pill reversal. According to the Indiana State We at Indiana Department of Health’s 2020 Terminated “The ability of any community to Right to Life (IRTL) Pregnancy Report released on June 30, survive, even thrive, amid adversity is are disappointed that Judge James chemically induced abortions, for the the measure of civility. This is especially Patrick Hanlon would rule in favor of first time, comprise the majority of true during times of chaos, division and abortion-rights extremists and block this abortions done in Indiana, accounting transitioning of authority. Unfortunately common-sense abortion pill reversal law for 55% of all abortions done in the today, the misuse of social media from going into effect. This law provides state. The report also reveals 119 more includes the proliferation of shaming, women with potentially lifesaving unborn children were killed by abortion abusing and scapegoating.” information about abortion pill reversal, in Indiana in 2020 as compared to 2019, —Archbishop Charles C. Thompson by which the naturally-occurring hormone an increase of 1.5%. progesterone is used to counter the effects The 4,252 chemically induced In his “Christ the Cornerstone” of the abortion drug mifepristone. abortions in 2020 represent a 25% increase column for the Independence Day The office of Todd Rokita, the Indiana compared to the 3,351 done in 2019. weekend, Archbishop Charles Attorney General, said in a court filing: C. Thompson renewed the Call to “Patients have the right to choose not to (Mike Fichter is president and CEO of Civility first published in November take the second pill and pursue alternative Indiana Right to Life.) † 2020 in the wake of extremely divisive national elections. The archbishop argues that no society can survive, let Reflection/John Shaughnessy alone thrive, when fundamental civic virtues are absent from conversations among people with different opinions. The lighthearted reality and “Far from agreeing to disagree, persons of differing opinions are quick the double blessing of being to demonize one another,” Archbishop Thompson writes. “With little ground Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson a parent and a grandparent for compromise, there is little possibility delivers a homily during the annual Race for for authentic dialogue. Relating to Vocations Mass on May 7 at SS. Peter and Paul Whenever I meet a fellow grandparent, grandparent of small children, you listen everything as ‘black and white,’ we Cathedral in Indianapolis. (Photo by Mike Krokos) it’s been universal that he or she will attentively and solemnly as the parents perceive each other as ‘for me’ or flash a smile that exudes pure joy and give you detailed instructions on how to ‘against me.’ Such are the effects of conscience and intuition are to be say, “Isn’t being a take care of the children. Then as soon extreme polarization.” respected, these should not be confused grandparent the best as the parents leave, you ask, “OK, who This lack of civility has become with pride and vanity.” ever?!” wants ice cream?!” commonplace among families, in Making threats and raising our voices Then that As the parent of small children, you communities and throughout the news in hostility carry things to extremes wondrous smile will give the grandparents specific instructions and entertainment media, especially on and make common ground difficult to often quickly become about your children, sometimes even the Internet. When we disagree with establish. As Archbishop Thompson a mischievous grin writing a list—because it’s not like someone, we’re quick to demonize them, observes, “lack of civility is what we when he or she adds, they’ve ever raised children themselves. to attribute to them evil motives. Instead have experienced in our country recently “You can spoil them Then as soon as you leave the house, your of giving those with opposing views the with the pandemic, social unrest and the all you want, give spouse asks, “Do you think we covered presumption of good intentions, we too political election process.” them all the sugar everything?” To which the other parent readily dismiss them out of hand. He is not arguing against legitimate they can handle and more, and then you says, “It doesn’t matter. They’ve already The result is a widespread lack disagreements. On the contrary, “the hand them back to their parents and you tossed away the list, and they’re asking of trust among people from diverse freedom to protest, march, advocate, can just walk away without a care in the our kids if they want ice cream. But who political, racial, social and economic hold up signs and make one’s voice world!” cares—we’re out of the house for three segments of society. This was a serious heard is a right that we all share,” the These conversations often leave me whole hours by ourselves!” problem before the pandemic, but it has archbishop writes. However, “such with the impression that they consider • As a new parent, you will consult increased during the past 15 months, freedom gives none of us the right their time as a grandparent as being better the advice of so-called experts about and instead of bringing us closer to violence, rioting, looting, abusing, than their time as a parent was. caring for your child, valuing a complete together, the crises spawned by the slandering or defamation. It is in the For what it’s worth, here’s my stranger’s input over the time-tested pandemic seem to have caused further absence of civility, of course, that the perspective: Few parts of life are more knowledge of your parents who gave you polarization and racial and economic line between what is acceptable and challenging, fulfilling, occasionally life and helped make you the person you inequity among families, communities, unacceptable becomes blurred.” heartbreaking, frequently joy-filled and are—which may explain why, in many religious organizations, and national and Archbishop Thompson’s renewed call overall rewarding than being a parent. cases, new parents consult total strangers. international groups. to civility should be taken seriously by And if God has doubly blessed you, As a new grandparent—and this “Within any dialogue, there must all Catholics, and all people of good will, your extra reward for being a parent is probably just applies to grandfathers— be an ability to listen and learn from in central and southern Indiana. It is a becoming a grandparent. you will be initially insulted that your one another,” Archbishop Thompson wake-up call for Americans who cherish Pope Francis has recognized son or daughter prefers the child care says. But he argues that “three things, freedom of speech and who want to the importance of grandparents by advice of strangers over you. But then in particular, must be avoided if we are safeguard the rights of everyone to express proclaiming July 25 as the World Day of you remember that most of your own to preserve authentic dialogue: name- opinions without the fear of repercussions Grandparents and the Elderly. And the approach as a dad can be summed up in calling, making threats and raising voices from those who think differently. stories that begin on page 1 of this week’s this way: just “winging it” and making it in hostility. Any one of these can readily “Civility is not the absence of Criterion show the dramatic and touching up as you went along. erode the trust and openness needed to differences and disagreements,” ways that grandparents influence the lives, • As a parent, you sneak Halloween maintain mutual relationships.” Archbishop Thompson writes, “though it marriages and faith of their grandchildren. candy from your children, rationalizing Name-calling dehumanizes those does involve a refusal to allow polarization Beyond that impact, the blessings of that you are looking out for their teeth and who have different opinions or points to divide and destroy the very soul of being a grandparent include welcoming their overall health—all the time feigning of view. Even the common labels used humanity. Rather than pulling away, a new life into the world and the faith, ignorance about how all the good candy in public discourse such as “liberal” civility demands that we pull together. witnessing again the miracle of a child’s suddenly disappeared. or “conservative” function as attempts Rather than succumb to despair, we must development, and getting the gift of As a grandparent, you sneak candy to dismiss people’s beliefs and ideas dare to trust in the Holy Spirit. It requires seeing your child grow as a parent. to your grandchildren and then feign out of hand before they can even be of us the capacity to seek forgiveness, At the same time, there is another side ignorance as to why they are suddenly expressed. Everyone is entitled to understanding and justice tempered with of being a grandparent—one touched racing around the house like Road his or her opinions, the archbishop the sweetness of mercy.” by lightheartedness and the reality that Runner. writes, but “there are some who seem Let’s refuse to allow name-calling, the undeniable special bond between • When grandparents babysit, they to be unaware that not every opinion threats and hostile shouting to divide grandparents and grandchildren is marked believe they’ve been successful if they can needs to be spoken. Still others seem and destroy us as free people. Let’s ask by a shared mischief and a mutual say, “Hey, the kids are still alive.” unable to distinguish between opinions the Holy Spirit to help us pull together childlike joy that is different from the When parents come home after having that are based on knowledge and as sisters and brothers in Christ. parent-child relationship. the grandparents babysit, they consider experience from those that are based Consider these differences between it a success when they can say, “Hey, the on mere emotion or speculation. While —Daniel Conway being a parent and a grandparent. kids are still alive.” • When you’re babysitting as the See REFLECTION, page 10 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 5 ARCHBISHOP/ARZOBISPO CHARLES C. THOMPSON

hrist C the Cornerstone

No peace without quiet; no quiet without contemplation The publication date for this column world. Carmelites look to Mary to inspire distract ourselves from the anxiety, fear yet powerfully present father figure in is Friday, July 16, the Feast of Our their prayer and to help them develop and loneliness that cause us so much salvation history. St. Joseph was a just Lady of Mt. Carmel. This is one of a sense of deep calm, trusting in the confusion and grief. The old saying man, a “righteous” man, the Scriptures many days that are identified in the Providence of God in all circumstances, that “silence is golden” needs to be tell us. He was firm in his faith, Church’s liturgical calendar to honor especially in times of trouble. upgraded in our culture—to platinum hardworking, a good citizen and open the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to Secular Order of or titanium? We all need to imitate to God’s will for him and his family. Different feasts celebrate particular Discalced Carmelites Father Bede Mary, as the Carmelites strive to do, He loved his wife and child and was aspects of Mary’s life, such as the Edwards, in St. Simon Stock—The in her “life of recollection, prayer, willing to do whatever was necessary to Annunciation, the Immaculate Scapular Vision & the Brown Scapular uninterrupted oblation to God, continual protect them. Conception and the Assumption, and, Devotion, the Carmelites’ devotion to contact, and intimate union with him.” The contemplative silence of frequently, of the places associated with Our Lady of Mount Carmel reflects: There can be no peace without quiet, St. Joseph communicates far more than her appearances since she was assumed … a special call to the interior life, and to our restless, agitated minds and words what kind of man he was and into heaven at the end of her time on which is pre-eminently a Marian life. hearts, no quiet is possible without what he has to teach us today. Joseph Earth, such as Fatima, Guadalupe and Our Lady wants us to resemble her not some form of contemplation. lived in a time of serious political Carmel. only in our outward vesture but, far Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is closely unrest. He knew what it was like to The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel more, in heart and spirit. If we gaze into associated with efforts to promote world be homeless, a migrant forced to flee was instituted in the 14th century for the Mary’s soul, we shall see that grace in peace, especially by the elimination of his homeland, and a father who didn’t Carmelite Order. It commemorates the her has flowered into a spiritual life of nuclear weapons. As it happens, the first always understand what his child was day in 1251 when the Blessed Mother incalculable wealth: a life of recollection, atomic bomb was exploded in the United thinking or doing. Above all, Joseph is appeared to St. Simon Stock and gave prayer, uninterrupted oblation to God, States at the Trinity test site on July 16, the patron saint of all those who seek to him the brown scapular, which continual contact, and intimate union 1945, near Alamogordo, N.M. For many calmly and quietly accept God’s will in Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI explained with him. Mary’s soul is a sanctuary Catholics, the coincidence between this moments of doubt or danger. “is a sign of filial abandonment to the reserved for God alone, where no human date and the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and protection of the Immaculate Virgin.” creature has ever left its trace, where love Carmel is an opportunity to implore our St. Joseph the Carpenter, pray for us. Pope St. John Paul II said that he wore and zeal for the glory of God and the Blessed Mother to persuade world leaders Help us to find peace by contemplating, a scapular around his neck “from his salvation of mankind reign supreme. to decisively and permanently end the and then imitating, your Son. Teach youngest days.” In today’s political, social and development and use of nuclear arms. us to listen attentively to the Word Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is the patron economic climate, the importance In this Year of St. Joseph, we have of God, and to each other, so that of the Carmelites, women and men who of contemplation cannot be stressed a unique opportunity to connect the we will be peacemakers in a world are striving to live as contemplatives in too strongly. As individuals and as a contemplative dimension of Mary’s life where divisiveness and violence are our increasingly hectic and distracted society, we too often use busyness to with that of her husband, the most silent everywhere. †

No hay paz sin tranquilidad; no hay tranquilidad sin contemplación

La fecha de publicación de esta para su oración y para que les ayude sociedad, con demasiada frecuencia una oportunidad única de conectar columna es el viernes 16 de julio, la a desarrollar un sentido de profunda utilizamos la actividad para distraernos la dimensión contemplativa de la festividad de Nuestra Señora de san calma, confiando en la Providencia de la ansiedad, el miedo y la soledad vida de María con la de su esposo, Agustín. Este es uno de los muchos de Dios en todas las circunstancias, que nos causan tanta confusión y la figura paterna más silenciosa días señalados en el calendario especialmente en los momentos de dolor. Dada nuestra cultura moderna, pero poderosamente presente en la litúrgico de la Iglesia para honrar a la dificultad. habría que actualizar el viejo dicho de historia de la salvación. San José era Santísima Virgen María. Según el Padre Bede Edwards, de que “el silencio es oro” y preguntar si un hombre justo, un hombre “recto,” Las diferentes festividades celebran la Orden Secular de los Carmelitas el silencio es de platino o de titanio. nos dicen las Escrituras. Era firme en aspectos específicos de la vida de Descalzos, en su libro St. Simon Todos debemos imitar a María, como su fe, trabajador, buen ciudadano y María, como la Anunciación, la Stock—The Scapular Vision & the se esfuerzan los carmelitas, en su abierto a la voluntad de Dios para él Inmaculada Concepción y la Asunción Brown Scapular Devotion, la devoción “vida de recogimiento, de oración, de y su familia. Amaba a su mujer y a su y, con frecuencia, de los lugares de los carmelitas a Nuestra Señora del oblación ininterrumpida a Dios, de hijo y estaba dispuesto a hacer lo que asociados a sus apariciones desde su Monte Carmelo refleja: contacto continuo y de unión íntima fuera necesario para protegerlos. asunción al cielo al final de su tiempo ... una llamada especial a la vida con Él.” No puede haber paz sin El silencio contemplativo de san en la Tierra, como Fátima, Guadalupe interior, que es preeminentemente tranquilidad, y para nuestras mentes José, mucho más que las palabras, y Carmen. una vida mariana. La Virgen quiere y corazones inquietos y agitados, la comunica la clase de hombre que era La festividad de Nuestra Señora que nos parezcamos a ella no sólo tranquilidad no es posible sin alguna y lo que tiene que enseñarnos hoy. del Monte Carmelo fue instituida en en nuestra vestimenta exterior, sino, forma de contemplación. José vivió en una época de graves el siglo XIV por la Orden del Carmelo mucho más, en el corazón y en el La Virgen del Carmen está disturbios políticos. Sabía lo que como conmemoración al día de 1251, espíritu. Si miramos en el alma de estrechamente asociada a los esfuerzos era ser un indigente, un emigrante en el cual la Virgen se le apareció María, veremos que la gracia en ella por promover la paz mundial, obligado a huir de su tierra y un padre a san Simón Stock y le entregó el ha florecido en una vida espiritual especialmente mediante la eliminación que no siempre entendía lo que su hijo escapulario café, que, según explicó de incalculable riqueza: una vida de de las armas nucleares. Resulta que pensaba o hacía. Sobre todo, José es el papa emérito Benedicto XVI, “es un recogimiento, de oración, de oblación la primera bomba atómica explotó el patrono de todos los que buscan signo de entrega filial a la protección ininterrumpida a Dios, de contacto en Estados Unidos en el sitio de aceptar con calma y tranquilidad la de la Virgen Inmaculada.” El papa continuo y de unión íntima con Él. pruebas de Trinity el 16 de julio de voluntad de Dios en momentos de san Juan Pablo II dijo que llevaba El alma de María es un santuario 1945, cerca de Alamogordo, en Nuevo duda o peligro. un escapulario al cuello “desde muy reservado solamente para Dios, donde México. Para muchos católicos, que Nuestra Señora del Monte Carmelo pequeño.” ninguna criatura humana ha dejado su esta fecha coincida con la fiesta de y san José Carpintero, rueguen por Nuestra Señora del Monte Carmelo huella, donde reinan el amor y el celo Nuestra Señora del Carmen es una nosotros; Ayúdennos a encontrar la es la patrona de los carmelitas, por la gloria de Dios y la salvación de oportunidad para implorar a la Virgen paz contemplando, y luego imitando, mujeres y hombres que se esfuerzan los hombres. que persuada a los líderes mundiales a su Hijo. Enséñenos a escuchar con por vivir de manera contemplativa en En el clima político, social y para que pongan fin de forma decisiva atención la Palabra de Dios, y a los nuestro mundo cada vez más agitado económico actual, la importancia de y permanente al desarrollo y al uso de demás, para que seamos artífices de la y distraído. Los carmelitas buscan la contemplación resulta más urgente las armas nucleares. paz en un mundo donde la división y a María como fuente de inspiración que nunca. Como individuos y como En este Año de San José, tenemos la violencia abundan. † Page 6 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021

For a list of events for the next four weeks as reported to Events Calendar The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/events.

July 19, 26, August 2, 9 on Tap, sponsored by Our Lady of Perpetual Help music: The Woomblies Rock Father James Farrell celebrant, Brazil. Pray USA Prayer St. Therese of the Child archdiocesan Young Adult and Church, 1752 Scheller Ln., Orchestra, The DOO! and optional tour of center to follow. Rally, noon, sponsored by Jesus (Little Flower) Parish College Campus Ministry, New Albany. Bruté Weekend, My Yellow Rickshaw, free Information: 317-829-6800, Annunciation Parish Legion of Center, St. Therese Room, speaker series for young all weekend Masses, Bishop admission. Information: 317- www.womenscarecenter.org. Mary, prayers for the country. 4720 E. 13th St., Indianapolis. adults ages 18-39, every other Simon Bruté College Seminary 846-3850 or kevin.sweeney@ Information: tana.donnelly@ Soulcore Rosary Workout, Wednesday through Aug. 18, vice rector Father Andy Syberg setoncarmel.org. Our Lady of the Greenwood fontier.com. 6:30-7:15 p.m., prayer and free. Information on speakers will celebrate Mass and share Church, 335 S. Meridian St., exercise, free. Information: and topics: indycatholic.org/ how the seminary forms future July 30-August 1 Greenwood. First Friday August 7-8 317-727-1167, joane632003@ theology-on-tap. Questions: priests. Information: Ellen Rachel’s Vineyard Healing bilingual celebration of the All Saints Parish, St. Paul yahoo.com or soulcore.com. 317-236-1542. Sanders, 317-236-1501 or Retreat, greater Indianapolis Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, campus, 9788 N. Dearborn [email protected]. area (exact location given upon Mass, 5:45 p.m., exposition Road, Guilford. Summer July 19-August 9 July 24 registration), for women and of the Blessed Sacrament, Picnic, Sat. 5 p.m.- midnight, “Why Do We Need the Church Our Lady of the Most Holy July 26-29 men who have known regret, following Mass until 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., food Online Seminar?” offered by Rosary Church, 520 Stevens Our Lady of Grace Parish, sorrow, guilt or shame after sacrament of reconciliation stands, live music by Disorderly Catholic Distance University, St., Indianapolis. Faithful 9900 E. 191st St., Noblesville abortion, $175, scholarships available. Information: 317-750- Conduct, beer garden, raffles, three weekly sessions by Citizens Rosary Walk, 10:45- (Lafayette Diocese), available, registration deadline 7309, [email protected]. gaming quilts, kiddie land, Catholic Apologetics Institute 11:45 a.m., meet in front of Encounter Summer July 22. Registration and $10,000 Big Money Raffle, of North America president church. Information: faithful. Intensive, 6-9 p.m. each night, information: 317-452-0054 or August 7 Rediscover Saints religious Steven Hemler, $75 (use promo [email protected]. $75, $50 for clergy, religious, [email protected]. John Paul II Parish, exhibit, chicken dinner Sunday code CDU16INDIANAPOL seminarians or college St. Paul Chapel, 216 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or until sold out, for reduced rate), register by July 24-25 students, register by July 21. August 4 Schellers Ave., Sellersburg. outdoor dining, free admission. July 19. Registration: cutt.ly/ All Saints Parish, St. Martin Information: 317-795-4912, MCL Cafeteria, 5520 First Saturday Marian Information: 812-576-4302. CDUSeminar (case sensitive). campus, 8044 Yorkridge Road, indianapolis@encounterschool. Castleton Corner Lane, Devotion, 8 a.m. rosary, Information: [email protected]. Guilford. Summer Festival, org or encounterschool.org. Indianapolis. Solo Seniors, meditation, prayer; 8:30 a.m. August 8 Sat. 5 p.m.- midnight, 5:30 p.m., Catholic, educational, Mass with confessions prior. St. Mary Parish, 2500 July 21 Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., food July 29-31 charitable and social singles— Information: 812-246-3522. St. Mary’s Dr., Lanesville. Calvary Mausoleum stands, live music, beer St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, separated, widowed or Homecoming & Annual Chapel, 435 W. Troy Ave., garden, raffles, gaming quilts, 10655 Haverstick Road, divorced—age 50 and older, St. Michael Church, 145 Parish Picnic, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Indianapolis. Monthly kiddie land, $10,000 Big Carmel (Lafayette Diocese). new members welcome, also St. Michael Blvd., Brookville. quilts, capital prize drawing, Mass, 2 p.m. Information: Money Raffle, Rediscover SetonFest, 6-11:45 p.m., call about regular Friday night First Saturday Marian online auction, outdoor dining 317-784-4439 or www. Saints religious exhibit, 5K amusement rides, inflatables, dinner events. Information: 317- Devotional Prayer Group, and drive-thru fried chicken or catholiccemeteries.cc. run/walk Sun. 9:30 a.m., children’s games, food trucks, 796-8605 or 317-243-0777. Mass, devotional prayers, ham dinner with potato salad, chicken dinner available grilled food/sandwiches, rosary, 8 a.m. Information: country style green beans, July 21, August 4 Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or until hourly games of chance, August 6 765-647-5462. coleslaw, dressing and choice McGowan Hall Knights of sold out, outdoor dining, free bingo, beer and wine tent, Women’s Care Center, 4901 of pie, $12 adults, $5 children Columbus, 1305 N. Delaware admission. Information: fireworks Friday and Saturday W. 86th St., Indianapolis. Clay County Courthouse ages 6-11. Information: St., Indianapolis. Theology 812-576-4302. nights. Monte Carlo and live First Friday Mass, 5 p.m., lawn, 609 E. National Ave., 812-952-2853. †

For a complete list of retreats as reported to Retreats and Programs The Criterion, log on to www.archindy.org/retreats.

July 23-30 10:45 a.m.-noon, Franciscan Benedict Inn Retreat Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Sister Olga Wittekind & Conference Center, edding Anniversaries House, 5353 E. 56th St., presenting, online option 1402 Southern Ave., W Indianapolis. Silent Directed available, free will donation. Beech Grove. Peace Retreats choose from a Information and registration: & Nature Garden Walk, three- to eight-day retreat, 812-933-6437, www. 7-8:30 p.m., Benedictine Sister Marty and Diane Brown  prices range from $225- oldenburgfranciscancenter.org. Angela Jarboe presenting, $560 per person, includes free, donations accepted, Marty and Diane (Burkett) Brown, members accommodations, all meals, August 4, August 5 advance registration of St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus, celebrated snacks and beverages, use of Providence Spirituality and requested. Registration: their 55th wedding anniversary on July 9. common areas, daily Mass and Conference Center, 1 Sisters benedictinn.org/ The couple was married at St. Joseph Church in meeting with spiritual director. of Providence, Saint Mary- programs. Information: Fremont, Ohio, on July 9, 1966. Information and registration: of-the-Woods, St. Mary-of- [email protected], They have five children: Julie Lawson, Stephanie Jennifer Burger, 317-545- the-Woods. Art and Soul 317-788-7581. McKinney, Gina Stowers, Chip and the late 7681, [email protected], Creation Guild, choose Christopher Brown. cutt.ly/fatimasilent. between 9:30-11:30 a.m. first August 13-15 The couple also has eight grandchildren and one Wednesday of the month or Our Lady of Fatima Retreat great-grandchild. † July 30 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Thursday House, 5353 E. 56th St., Oldenburg Franciscan Center, of the month, Providence Indianapolis. Retrouvaille 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. Sister Rosemary Schmalz Weekend, sponsored by A Day of Quiet Renewal, presenting, $30 membership Retrouvaille Indy, for 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $20, $70 with fee to join group, $5 per couples in struggling spiritual direction. session after. Information and marriages. Register at www.  Information and registration: registration: Jeanne Frost, helpourmarriage.org or email Steve and Dora Bir 812-933-6437, www. 812-535-2952, jfrost@ [email protected]. Steve and Dora (Hall) Bir, members of St. John oldenburgfranciscancenter.org. spsmw.org or Events. Paul II Parish in Sellersburg, will celebrate their SistersofProvidence.org. August 15 50th wedding anniversary on July 17. Oldenburg Franciscan Our Lady of Fatima Retreat The couple was married at the former Holy Center, 22143 Main St., August 11 House, 5353 E. 56th St., Trinity Church in New Albany on July 17, 1971. Oldenburg. Film, Faith & Benedict Inn Retreat and Indianapolis. You Are Not They have one child: Stephen Bir. Franciscanism: Patterns Conference Center, 1402 Alone: Spiritual Journey The couple also has one grandchild. of Evidence: The Red Sea Southern Ave., Beech Grove. After Suicide Loss, 4-6 p.m., They plan to celebrate with family and friends on Miracle, Part I, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Personal Day of Retreat, online option available, led by a sunset cruise on the Belle of Louisville. † freewill offering, registration 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $40, includes a Father James Farrell, includes required. Information and private room for the day and refreshments, free-will registration: 812-933-6437, lunch; spiritual direction is offering. Information oldenburgfranciscancenter.org. available for an additional $30, and registration: Jennifer must be scheduled in advance. Burger, 317-545-7681, July 31 Information and registration: [email protected], James and Dawn Maeder  Oldenburg Franciscan Center, benedictinn.org/programs, cutt.ly/notalone8-15. 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. 317-788-7581, benedictinn@ James and Dawn (Phillips) Maeder, members Dreams: Our Relationship benedictinn.org. August 20-22 of Annunciation Parish in Brazil, celebrated their with the Divine, 9:30- Our Lady of Fatima Retreat 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 15. 11:30 a.m., Franciscan Sister August 12 House, 5353 E. 56th St., The couple was married at the Barbers Point Olga Wittekind and Claire Our Lady of Fatima Retreat Indianapolis. Soul Healing Military Base Church in Kalaeloa, Hawaii, on Sherman, Ph.D., presenting, House, 5353 E. 56th St., with Julian of Norwich, Jan. 15, 1971, and had their marriage convalidated online option available, Indianapolis. Day of Silence, 6:30 p.m. Fri. to 1 p.m. Sun., years later at St. Andrew Church in Romeoville, Ill. $25, $40 with CEUs. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., $35, includes Carolyn Berghuis, author They have two children: Michael and Timothy Information and registration: room, continental breakfast, of Understanding the Jesus Maeder. 812-933-6437, www. lunch and use of common Code, presenting, $230 per The couple also has two grandchildren. † oldenburgfranciscancenter.org. areas and grounds, overnight person, $460 per couple, stays available for additional includes program, meals August 1 $28 per person, dinner snacks and private overnight Oldenburg Franciscan Center, additional $9. Registration: accommodations. Registration: 22143 Main St., Oldenburg. cutt.ly/fatimaretreats, cutt.ly/fatima-julian, Announcements for couples celebrating 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or more years Coffee Talks “Faith, Travel 317-545-7681 or jburger@ 317-545-7681 or jburger@ of marriage are accepted. Go to bit.ly/2M4MQms or call 317-236-1585. & Religious Tour”: Iceland, archindy.org. archindy.org.† The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 7 The Face of Mercy By Daniel Conway Saints walk with Jesus on life’s journey

In his weekly audience on April 7, Lord to “remember him” (Lk 23:42) weak and marked by sin,” the pope and sinners alike—are not “still here, Pope Francis shared his thoughts on when he came into his kingdom. This teaches. not far away from us” in the ordinary the role saints play in the life of the acknowledgment of Jesus’ Lordship The universal call to holiness, sense. Their closeness to us is Church. The communion of saints confirms that he, and the other which was emphasized in the spiritual, not corporal, but for people includes women, men and children— man who was crucified with him, teachings of the Second Vatican of faith this spiritual intimacy is very both living and deceased—who show were sinners guilty of many crimes, Council, becomes concrete in the lives real. us how to walk in the footsteps of whereas Jesus had done nothing of the saints. Their struggles with “There is a mysterious solidarity Jesus in good times and hard times. wrong. faith, with humility, with chastity and in Christ between those who have “A ‘saint’ who does not bring As this Gospel passage illustrates, even with seemingly small sins of already passed to the other life and you to Jesus is not a saint, not even “a saint is a witness, a man or woman impatience, gossip or petty prejudices, we pilgrims in this one,” the Holy a Christian,” the Holy Father says. who encountered Jesus and followed allow us to draw closer to them. Father says. “Our deceased loved “A saint makes you remember Jesus Jesus.” We find saints of all ages, and They know what it’s like to live the ones continue to take care of us from Christ because he or she has journeyed of every conceivable temperament Christian life imperfectly. “We can heaven. They pray for us, and we pray along the path of life as a Christian.” and skill. What they have in common and should ask them to intercede for for them and we pray with them.” We look to the saints not because they is the way the encounter with Jesus us and for the whole world,” the pope This “mysterious solidarity” is at are, or were, perfect people. We look changes their lives. “It is never too says, quoting the Catechism of the the heart of Christian faith. Because to them because they were once sinful late to convert to the Lord, who is (#2683). we believe in the resurrection of people who repented and let the grace good and great in love,” Pope Francis When we call on the intercession Jesus, and in his promise that we will of Christ transform their lives. says, quoting Psalm 103:8. of one or more saints in our prayer, rise again on the last day, we readily As Pope Francis reminds us, the Only the Blessed Virgin Mary was we acknowledge that death cannot affirm that those who have gone first person to be “canonized” a saint sinless. The rest of the saints reflect separate us completely from those before us remain with us, “still here, was a thief. “And he was canonized our wounded humanity, the result of who have gone before us. “Saints not far away from us,” in spite of all not by a pope, but by Jesus himself.” our first parents’ original sin. When are still here, not far away from us; appearances to the contrary. Tradition names him Dismas, the we recognize the essential humanity and their representations in churches How blessed we are to have such a Good Thief, but although we know of all the saints, it allows us to turn to evoke that ‘cloud of witnesses’ that great “cloud of witnesses” intercede next to nothing about him, what we do them and seek their assistance in times always surrounds us (Heb 12:1),” for us in times of need. Let’s pray for know from St. Luke’s account of the of temptation or doubt. Pope Francis teaches. This is a great the grace to follow Jesus by walking crucifixion is that while hanging on “Saints remind us that holiness can paradox because, as we know only with the saints and allowing them to the cross next to Jesus he asked our blossom even in our lives, however too well, those who have died—saints stay close to us in all seasons. †

“Jesus of Nazareth, by his words, his actions, and his entire person reveals the mercy of God.” –Pope Francis, “Misericordiae Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”)

“Jesús de Nazaret con su palabra, con sus gestos y con toda su persona revela la misericordia de Dios.” –Papa Francisco, “Misericordiae Vultus” (“El rostro de la misericordia”)

El rostro de la misericordia/Daniel Conway Los santos caminan con Jesús en el sendero de la vida

En su audiencia semanal del 7 de colgado en la cruz junto a Jesús, le “Los santos nos recuerdan que como sabemos muy bien, los que han abril, el papa Francisco compartió pidió al Señor que se acordara de él también en nuestra vida, aunque débil muerto, tanto santos como pecadores sus pensamientos sobre el papel que (Lc 23:42) cuando llegara a su reino. y marcada por el pecado, la santidad “todavía están aquí, no lejos de desempeñan los santos en la vida de Este reconocimiento del señorío puede florecer,” nos enseña el Sumo nosotros” en el sentido ordinario. Su la Iglesia. La comunión de los santos de Jesús confirma que él, y el otro Pontífice. cercanía con nosotros es espiritual, no incluye a mujeres, hombres y niños— hombre que fue crucificado junto con El llamado universal a la santidad, corporal, pero para las personas de fe tanto vivos como fallecidos—que nos ellos, eran pecadores culpables de subrayada en las enseñanzas del esta intimidad espiritual es muy real. muestran cómo seguir las huellas de muchos delitos, mientras que Jesús no Concilio Vaticano II, se concreta en “Hay una solidaridad misteriosa Jesús en los momentos buenos y en había hecho nada malo. la vida de los santos. Sus luchas con entre los que han pasado a la otra vida los difíciles. Como ilustra este pasaje del la fe, con la humildad, con la castidad y nosotros los peregrinos en esta,” “Un santo que no te remite a Evangelio, “un santo es el testimonio e incluso con pecados aparentemente asegura el Santo Padre. “Nuestros Jesucristo no es un santo, ni siquiera de un hombre o una mujer que han nimios como la impaciencia, los seres queridos fallecidos continúan cristiano,” señala el Santo Padre. “El conocido a Jesús y han seguido chismes o los prejuicios de poca cuidándonos desde el Cielo. Rezan por Santo te recuerda a Jesucristo porque a Jesús.” Encontramos santos de monta, nos acercan a ellos. Saben lo nosotros y nosotros rezamos por ellos, recorrió el camino de la vida como todas las edades, temperamentos que es vivir la vida cristiana de forma y rezamos con ellos.” cristiano.” Tomamos a los santos como y habilidades imaginables. Lo que imperfecta. “Podemos y debemos Esta “solidaridad misteriosa” es ejemplo no porque sean o hayan sido tienen en común es la forma en que el pedirles que intercedan por nosotros y el pilar de la fe cristiana: Porque personas perfectas sino porque una encuentro con Jesús cambia sus vidas. por el mundo entero,” afirma el Papa, creemos en la resurrección de Jesús, vez fueron personas pecadoras que se “Nunca es tarde para convertirse al citando el Catecismo de la Iglesia y en su promesa de que resucitaremos arrepintieron y dejaron que la gracia Señor, bueno y grande en el amor,”, Católica (#2683). en el último día, afirmamos de buen de Cristo transformara sus vidas. dice el papa Francisco, citando el Cuando invocamos la intercesión grado que los que nos han precedido Como nos recuerda el papa Salmo 103:8. de uno o varios santos en nuestra permanecen con nosotros, “todavía Francisco, la primera persona que Únicamente la Santísima Virgen oración, reconocemos que la muerte están aquí, no lejos de nosotros,” a fue “canonizada” como santa fue un María estaba libre de pecado; el resto no puede separarnos completamente pesar de que parezca lo contrario. ladrón. “Y fue ‘canonizado’ no por un de los santos refleja nuestra humanidad de los que nos han precedido. “Los Qué afortunados somos de tener Papa, sino por el mismo Jesús.” herida, resultado del pecado original santos todavía están aquí, no lejos de una “nube de testigos” tan grande que La tradición lo llama Dimas, el de nuestros primeros padres. Cuando nosotros; y sus representaciones en las intercede por nosotros en tiempos de Buen Ladrón, y aunque no sabemos reconocemos la humanidad esencial iglesias evocan esa ‘nube de testigos’ necesidad. Pidamos la gracia de seguir casi nada de él, lo que sí sabemos de todos los santos, podemos acudir a que siempre nos rodea (cf. Hb 12:1),” a Jesús caminando con los santos y por el relato de san Lucas sobre la ellos y buscar su ayuda en momentos nos recuerda el papa Francisco. Se permitiéndoles estar cerca de nosotros crucifixión es que, mientras estaba de tentación o duda. trata de una gran paradoja porque, en todas las épocas. † Page 8 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Grandparents’ generation influenced the growth of a country, a faith By John Shaughnessy dream of a better life in America. “It must have been heartbreaking for my grandparents “They must have been great people to have raised to see their children go off to America, but they knew Jim Prior never met his grandparents, but he has no my parents and aunts and uncles who emigrated from it was best for them. After one generation, most of doubt about the way that they—and other people of their Ireland to America and helped spread our Catholic their offspring kept the faith, went on to college or had generation—sacrificed so much for their families and faith while also becoming patriotic Americans,” says become tradesmen. People like this had a tremendous established a foundation of faith that led to the growth of Prior, a member of Our Lady of the Greenwood influence on the growth of Catholicism in America. Just Catholicism in the United States. Parish in Greenwood. “They all came here with little think of all the vocations we had in the 1900s, and the Prior’s grandparents lived in Ireland in the late 1800s, more than the clothes on their backs and very limited churches, schools and hospitals that were built because and like many people in European countries at the time, formal educations, but ready to work hard and become of them. they watched their children leave their homeland for the Americans. “Thank you, God, for these wonderful grandparents.” † A life touched by tragedy and Grandparents’ legacy continues faith inspires a grandson through the generations By John Shaughnessy By John Shaughnessy

The rosary and crucifix of his Arleen Krebs laughs when she says grandmother hang on the wall of Joe there are no photos of her grandparents— Beam’s bedroom. His memories of her are “there were no cameras then”—but the close to his heart, too. image and impact of these ancestors is He remembers how the life of permanently etched in her mind. Josephine “Josie” Piccolo was touched by “In the early l900s, there was a large so much tragedy and how she lived with influx of Slovenians coming to America so much faith. to work in the steel factories. My “She was born one of eight children grandparents on both sides were among to German immigrants,” says Beam, a those immigrants,” Arleen recalls. member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish “Both Frank and Mary Konechnik— in Clarksville. “Only five children lived my mother’s side—and Anton and Louise to be adults. Her first marriage ended Loviscek—my father’s side—were when her husband and son died during the married here, and both raised large Spanish Flu. families. The Konechniks had 12 children “Her second marriage, to my who lived and the Lovisceks had five. grandfather, was marked by losing a This photo of Josephine “Josie” Piccolo is the While the fathers slaved away at their child to scarlet fever. Ten years into their favorite of her grandson, Joe Beam. jobs, the mothers stayed home and raised marriage, he died of tuberculosis, leaving (Submitted photo) their families.” Ray and Arleen Krebs of Sacred Heart of Jesus her with three daughters. She managed As their granddaughter growing Parish in Indianapolis celebrated their to raise them by herself, then remarried family to all those that employed her.” up, Arleen had many blessings from 60th wedding anniversary in October. again for the next 20 years until her third Beam believes the foundation of her living within a block of each of her (Submitted photo) husband died of cancer.” approach to life was her faith. grandparents on the near west side of Despite all those hardships, his “She would walk to Mass at the local Indianapolis. marriage despite many hardships at times. grandmother kept a joy that endured. Catholic church and contribute what she “All four grandparents lived well into Living within a block of each helped me “My grandmother never owned a could of her meager earnings. Praying the their 80s, and they lived to see and enjoy to see what a good marriage could be. home, drove a car nor had any money to rosary was an essential part of her daily life. many, many grandchildren. They shared a And perhaps they instilled in me the need speak of, yet she was one of the happiest “My grandmother lived a long life dedication to hard work and raising loving to continue on that tradition.” persons I ever knew,” he says. “Her life filled with many hardships without families, all while attending the nearby Arleen ended her note by sharing that revolved around friends and family. She complaining or being bitter about Catholic church of Holy Trinity Parish.” she and her husband Ray—members always smiled and brought happiness to anything. She was a saint to me and One blessing of her grandparents of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in all that knew her. Her only paying job was always will be my role model for what it especially stands out to her. Indianapolis—celebrated their 60th part-time babysitting where she became means to be Catholic.” † “My grandparents stayed in the same wedding anniversary in October. †

“I rolled my eyes thinking about the rote prayers to church with them. The priests there were young, funny GRANDPARENTS said over and over and the boredom that I would and could speak directly to us college students. The music continued from page 1 experience. I set it aside,” she recalls. “But one night, was terrific. I began attending Mass on Sundays on a regular in desperation, I decided to look through it. I found that basis, which led to daily Mass attendance and joining the wrecked his plan for my life. I did not know how to find I’d forgotten most of the mysteries of the rosary. I was choir and the youth ministry team.” my way back to a relationship with him, and I could not intrigued about how to meditate on the mysteries while Her connection and commitment to the Church has even pray.” saying the prayers. I realized that I’d never learned how continued ever since. Bush has served as a parish youth During that low point, she received a letter and to properly pray the rosary.” minister, a catechist, a cantor and a lector. A member of a gift in the mail from her grandmother, Virginia As those thoughts raced through her mind, she St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis, she also serves now Hannon. Her grandmother was a labor-and-delivery also thought of her grandmother. She imagined her as the director of mission advancement for Catholic nurse who had been there when Bush was born. Now grandmother praying with her as she began to pray Charities in the archdiocese. her grandmother was there for her again in this time of the rosary for the first time in a long time. It was the The dark time of her life has been replaced by a joy despair, encouraging her to do one thing: pray the rosary. beginning of a transformation for her. that shines in her smile. She even enclosed what Bush describes as “a beautifully “Over time, my heart of stone softened. I wondered if “Turns out, I hadn’t messed everything up,” she illustrated booklet on ‘How to Pray the Rosary.’ ” God would still love me even though I’d ‘messed everything says. “I am so grateful to Grandma for her faith and the Bush’s reaction to the booklet and the rosary request up.’ A new friend and her husband were attending invitation to pray the rosary that she shared with me was immediate—and dismissive. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish at Purdue and invited me to go almost 30 years ago.” †

Christian Solidarity Worldwide. He wrote that it gave religious institutions MYANMAR He called on the international CHICAGO “a constitutional shelter from generally continued from page 1 community to impose a global arms continued from page 1 applicable laws at the expense of the embargo and targeted sanctions to cut off rights of employees.” thousands of people have fled their the lifeline of the military regime. workplace in ways it does not in other Daniel Blomberg, senior counsel homes and taken refuge in churches and “It also should be as sustained as workplaces,” and he added that “the at Becket, the religious liberty law the jungle in the three largely Christian possible as it may be a long, strong contours of the ministerial relationship are firm which was one of the firms that areas. struggle in Myanmar’s ongoing pro- best left to a religious organization, not a represented the Chicago Archdiocese in Amid the recent conflict, churches democracy movement, so it needs to be court.” this case, said the ruling upholds key First have been raided and shelled and troops intense and sustained as well,” Rogers The dissent, written by Circuit Judge Amendment principles in Church and stationed in church compounds, while added. David Hamilton, stressed that ministerial state interactions. priests and pastors have been arrested and The ICC report offered exceptions should be evaluated on a He also said it reminds the lower unarmed civilians, including Christians, recommendations to the international case-by-case basis instead of following courts: “We cannot lose sight of the have been killed. community to impose sanctions, create an overall standard that applies harms—civil intrusion and excessive More than 230,000 people have been a cohesive bloc and support the national “regardless of how severe, pervasive, entanglement—that the ministerial displaced in Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin unity government established by ousted or hostile the work environment is, exception prevents. and Shan states following the escalation lawmakers. regardless of whether the hostility is “Worship is sacred. That’s why in fighting between the military and “The protection of Myanmar’s many motivated by race, sex, national origin, worship leaders who select and ethnic armed groups and the People’s ethnic and religious minority groups, long disability, or age, and regardless of perform elements of worship are Defense Force since March. Many persecuted by the Tatmadaw, is a critical whether the hostility is tied to religious ministers of the faith, conveying its Catholics from the Karen and Chin states matter and one that must rank high on faith and practice.” teachings to the faithful,” Blomberg have been resettled in Indianapolis over the international community’s list of He also said the majority opinion said. the past decade. priorities,” said the report. in this decision focused “too much “That’s also why the Church—not the “Myanmar is facing not only a political Christians make up some 6% of on religious liberty and too little on state—gets to make sure that its music crisis, but a humanitarian and economic Myanmar’s population of 54 million, counterarguments and other interests,” ministers are directing its congregation crisis,” said Benedict Rogers, East Asia while Buddhism is the state religion, and ended up moving the law “beyond in a way that’s faithful to its beliefs,” he team leader of United Kingdom-based representing nearly 89% of residents. † necessary protection of religious liberty.” added. † The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 9

At MDI, real encounters lead to radiant witnesses

By Aubrey Major Special to The Criterion

On June 14, car after car pulled into the parking lot of Marian University in Indianapolis. Out of the cars came high school students, some from hours away and others only a few minutes. With duffel bags and pillows in hand, they waved goodbye, full of nerves and excitement as they stepped into the week to come. The outcome? A week of transformation beyond all plans and expectations. The Missionary Disciples Institute (MDI) has always been driven by intentionality, creating an experience for high schoolers that goes far beyond the week spent on Marian University’s campus. There was something especially unique about MDI this year, with one of the largest number of in-person participants and biggest group of college mentors that it’s ever had. However, it Participants at the Missionary Disciples Institute at Marian University in Indianapolis pose for a group photo. The theme for this year’s wasn’t the numbers that drove this year’s institute. weeklong gathering was “Radiant Witness,” inspired by Pope Francis’ 2013 “The Joy of the Gospel.” (Submitted photos) On the contrary, it seemed to feel more personal. This year’s institute was powered by the theme If you are small, he will be “Radiant Witness,” inspired by Pope Francis’ 2013 small with you. If you are apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel.” Full broken, he will be broken of colorful stained-glass imagery and powerful saint with you,” said Zuleta witnesses, this theme explored the call to allow Christ’s Goldberg, who has worked light to shine through our lives to illuminate the world. in youth ministry for Inviting students to bring their whole selves to the 13 years as a youth minister, gathering, it served as a reminder to consider their Franciscan Youth Volunteer, individual gifts and to let those be their guide through worship leader and speaker. the flow of the week. “He will ask you to go MDI follows an intentional path to teach students back out on the road and tell how to live as missionary disciples: encounter, people what happened, and accompany, community, sent. This year’s keynote walk with them, journey with speakers dove into these steps each day, bringing them—because that’s what honesty and authenticity to the table. They invited Christ does with us,” she students to dive into what the faith truly is: an encounter continued. with the Lord to be remembered and shared. Students discovered that One keynote speaker, Vanesa Zuleta Goldberg, spoke evangelization is based of encountering Christ: “[Jesus] will walk with you. on a relationship with God, a retelling of our encounters with the Lord rather than just a telling of points and information. Even further, encountering Christ is not based on one Students take time for prayer and reflection at the annual Missionary Disciples Institute. all-encompassing template, but it is knowing that Christ meets each of our hearts Rosie Barrett, a high school junior at Guerin Catholic exactly where they are. High School in Noblesville, Ind., in the Lafayette Diocese, “We all have a seat at the table. We have to walked away from the gathering with this on her heart: accompany one another to get to that table, and Jesus “One life lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t take accompanies us to get to that table,” said student your faith journey alone. You need to build a community Daysun Brown, a three-time MDI participant who of different people that can stand by you and help you is a senior at Zionsville Community High School in to get stronger,” said Rosie, a member of St. Maria Zionsville, Ind. (Lafayette Diocese). Goretti Parish in Westfield, Ind., in the Lafayette “But once we get there, Jesus invites us to sit at his Diocese. “Just being together in unison in God’s love table, break bread with him, and then he says, ‘Go out will immediately make your faith stronger.” and be a missionary disciple. Go out and evangelize to The genuine community that Rosie mentions is the the rest of the world,’ ” added Daysun, a member of next step in the path to missionary discipleship. St. Monica Parish in Indianapolis. “In addition, I know Day by day, “missionary discipleship” shifted that I always have a place, and I can always go back to from an idea that the participants read on paper into that table, always go meet God again and be replenished a tangible calling that they were already able to The Paul J. Norman Center on the campus of Marian University and go back out.” start living during the week together. They also put in Indianapolis serves as the backdrop for this photo of Opportunities for adoration, the sacrament of it into action during a day of service immersion in participants at the Missionary Disciples Institute. reconciliation and daily Mass created spaces for the Indianapolis area at multiple locations, including students to be still and the Society of St. Andrew, the Learning Tree and encounter the Lord in this Providence Cristo Rey High School, as well as crafting way amid a busy week of mission plans to bring their strengthened faith back to learning and immersion their home communities. activities. High school student The final days of the institute focused on being sent Nate Christy, another MDI to continue this good work, encouraging students to let participant, said that the time the week be more than just a one-time experience, but a in adoration was one of his lasting change in how they live. favorite parts of the week. “When you come to MDI, yes, you come so that Christ “Praying in front of Jesus can fill you,” said college mentor Timothy Hosford. “But with so many other people you also come so that Christ can send you out.” my age who share my faith is Getting out of their cars on the first day, many of the best feeling in the world,” these students were unsure, yet hopeful, at what was explained Nate, a senior at to come. Together in friendship, they left MDI 2021 Beavercreek High School in equipped with honest Dayton, Ohio, and a member encounters and a of Ascension Parish there. calling to share them Being fueled by prayer boldly. together is what led to a big In only six days, the transformation in the students’ Missionary Disciples hearts, rooting them in Institute made an impact relationship with God so that that will surely leave a they felt ready to be equipped footprint in eternity. to put love in action. The first step? Learning (Aubrey Major is true accompaniment— a junior at Marian Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Father Agustino Torres, a keynote speaker, discusses the “Joy in walking side by side with University in the Cross” during the annual Missionary Disciples Institute at Marian University in Indianapolis. others as God walks with us. Indianapolis.) † Page 10 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Guaras truly lived ‘bond of love’ that is family life, says pastor SURFSIDE, Fla. (CNS)—Father Juan Sosa, pastor of the Catholic church that is close to the now-demolished condominium building in Surfside, held up a photo of 11-year-old Lucia Guara’s first Communion in 2019. He placed it on the casket holding her and her sister, Emma, 4, during the funeral Mass on July 6 for the girls and their parents. “I would like to place it on her casket as a symbol of her union with Christ,” the pastor of St. Joseph Parish said of the photo. A couple of minutes earlier, he pointed to the church’s baptismal font where Emma was baptized four years ago. You can see that the girls were brought [here] by their parents, but now Christ has encountered them at a different stage, at a different phase, in a different moment, because Christ never leaves us abandoned,” Father Sosa said. “Death cannot define our lives. For those who believe, death is a transformation. That comes from knowing Jesus, from loving Jesus, a companion for Christians in our daily lives from baptism to natural or tragic death,” he added. Marcus “Marc” Guara, 52, along with his wife, Anaely “Ana” Rodriguez, 42, and the couple’s two daughters, perished in the June 24 collapse of the condo building. Marcus’ body was pulled from the rubble on June 26, and the bodies of his wife and daughters were found on June 30. Members of the search and rescue team in Surfside, Fla., stand during a moment of silence on July 7 and pray in front of the rubble of As of July 13, the death toll had risen to 94, and the collapsed Champlain Towers South building. (CNS photo/Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Reuters) the search and rescue operation officially shifted to a recovery mission. “Marcus, Anaely, Lucia Lucia and Emma were laid to rest in the same white and Emma, may the Lord casket, which was adorned with pink and purple ribbons. grant you peace always and Inside the church, their casket was placed between the from the communion of caskets holding the bodies of their mother and father. saints may you intercede “In [today’s] Gospel, we hear that Jesus doesn’t want for us to continue our long to leave anyone alone or anyone lost. ... He’s praying to journey to the heavenly the Father about that, he’s praying about his own disciples kingdom,” Father Sosa said. but he’s also praying about you and me. Death does not Throughout the funeral define us,” Father Sosa said in his homily, alternating Mass, Guara family between English and Spanish. members and friends wiped Addressing the Guaras’ relatives and friends in the away tears and clung to congregation, the priest said: “God gifted them with many each other “during the gifts that you can identify better than I can because you singing of ‘Amazing Grace’ knew them every well God continues to bring us gifts. as the caskets were being Let us not refuse them.” carried out of the church at He said one lesson the Guaras and others who have the end,” The Associated lost their lives in the tragic building collapse can impart Press reported. is “that family life is worth more than anything we hold As the search and dear to us. rescue effort changed to “Family life is the bond of love that we cherish,” he a recovery operation, the continued, “the bond that helps us grow even when we search teams paused their fight with each other, which is normal in family life— work around 1:20 a.m. on Pall bearers carry the casket of a Guara family member during a funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church in even when we get angry at one another, which is normal July 8. Standing at the edge Surfside, Fla., on July 6. Marcus “Marc” Guara, his wife, Anaely “Ana” Rodriguez, and their daughters in family life. of the rubble, they bowed Lucia, 11, and Emma, 4, perished in the June 24 collapse of a Surfside condominium building not far “God is dear to us, and he knows us in our humanity,” their heads in silence to from the Catholic church. Marcus Guara’s body was found on June 26 and the bodies of his wife and Father Sosa continued, “but at the same time he honor the victims, said daughters were found on June 30. (CNS photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters) transforms us by the power of the Spirit to become better Miami-Dade County Mayor each day, to grow out of our own weakness and to be Daniella Levine Cava. and to bring closure to the families as fast as we possibly enriched by his own presence.” She told reporters the recovery effort was “proceeding can,” she said. Gesturing toward the caskets, he added, “They now just as rapidly with just as many people on the [rubble] Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett said local inspire us to lead family life in that context more than pile,” and authorities were “taking as much care as ever” officials still hoped for the best. “We are still ever before. They and all the ones they haven’t found to find victims. praying for a miracle. We haven’t given up all yet—[15] members of our parish who are still missing. “We are working around the clock to recover victims hope.” † Biannual grants awarded to parishes, schools and archdiocesan agencies Criterion staff report James P. Scott Fund; $5,000 for • Seton Catholic High School, $20,000 for window and door replacement installation of school HVAC lines. Richmond; James P. Scott Fund; $7,500 at residences. During the second half of fiscal year • St. Louis Parish, Batesville; James for heating and AC upgrades. • St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities, New 2020-21, $331,256 was awarded in grant P. Scott Fund; $5,000 for playground • St. Nicholas Parish, Sunman; Albany; James P. Scott Fund; $15,000 for monies to parishes, schools and agencies equipment and resurfacing. Growth and Expansion Fund; $19,784 for security cameras, lighting and fences. in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. • St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Bedford; establishing new preschool program. • Cardinal Ritter High School, The grants, awarded twice a year, are James P. Scott Fund; $9,700 for church • St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Indianapolis; James P. Scott Fund; $15,000 made available through the St. Francis sound system replacement. Shelbyville; James P. Scott Fund; $10,000 for emergency/intercom replacement. Xavier Home Mission Endowment Fund, • St. Paul Catholic Center, for church boiler project. the Growth and Expansion Endowment Bloomington; Growth and Expansion • Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Terre (For information on how to apply for the Fund and the James P. Scott Endowment Fund; $7,782 for furniture and equipment Haute; James P. Scott Fund; $10,000 for grants, go to www.archindy.org/finance/ Fund. These grants were made possible for meeting rooms. replacement of two HVAC units in parish grant.html, or contact Stacy Harris in the through the generosity of archdiocesan • St. Michael Parish, Brookville; James hall. Finance Office at [email protected], parishioners, who set up the endowments. P. Scott Fund; $4,000 for parish office • Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, or by phone at 317-236-1535 or 800-382- The grant process is jointly security doors. Indianapolis; James P. Scott Fund; 9836, ext. 1535.) † administered by the archdiocesan Finance • St. Anthony of Padua School, Office and the Office of Stewardship and Clarksville; Growth and Expansion Fund; Development. $18,240 for school computer lab upgrades. In response, they’ve given me a Grant applications are due to the • All Saints Parish on behalf of REFLECTION look of joy that says, “You are the archdiocese for the two grant allocation Dearborn County; Growth and Expansion continued from page 4 coolest dude in the world!” And periods on April 30 and on Oct. 31 each funds; $11,400 for ministry priorities for since I’ve rarely—OK, never— year. newly combined parishes. • As a grandparent, you have a received that look in my lifetime The award period for Fall/Winter 2021 • St. Rose of Lima Parish, Franklin; renewed license to act like a kid again. previously, I’ll do anything with my will open in September, with applications Home Mission Fund; $79,000 for school Through the years, I’ve done a crazy grandkids that’s just short of me due no later than Oct. 31. HVAC replacement. dance that has brought joy to my now- needing CPR. The Spring grants awarded for fiscal • St. Michael Parish, Greenfield; James 6-year-old granddaughter. I’ve also I could continue with this list, but year 2020-21 are as follows: P. Scott Fund; $31,200 for school HVAC stood on street corners for hours with my grandchildren are telling me they • Holy Spirit Parish, Indianapolis; replacement. my 20-month-old grandson—who has need more ice cream, and I have James P. Scott Fund; $20,000 for church • St. Mary Catholic School, North a fascination with trucks—so he can to hide the first carton before their door replacement and security features. Vernon; Home Mission Fund; see various Jeeps, buses and trucks parents get home. • St. Ann Parish, Indianapolis; Home $18,900 for school boiler replacement. passing by. And I’ve made weird Mission Fund; $20,000 for church LED • Seton Catholic Elementary School, faces and talked gibberish with my (John Shaughnessy is assistant editor lighting project. Richmond; James P. Scott Fund; $3,750 7-month-old grandson. of The Criterion.) † • St. Jude Parish, Indianapolis; for electrical box upgrades. The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 11

Hundreds gather outside hospital to greet recovering pope VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pilgrims and well-wishers gathered at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to greet Pope Francis as he made his first public appearance in a week after undergoing intestinal surgery. Appearing on the 10th floor balcony of his suite of rooms at the hospital on July 11, the pope was greeted with applause and shouts of “Viva il papa” (“Long live the pope”) from the crowd that stood under the scorching midday sun to see him. “I thank you all,” the pope said. “I have felt your closeness and the support of your prayers. Thank you very much.” Pope Francis arrived at Gemelli hospital on July 4 to undergo “a scheduled surgical intervention for a symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon,” the Vatican said. The pope has recovered steadily from his surgery and resumed working from the hospital. Among the well-wishers outside the hospital was Liliana Valina who, like Pope Francis, is a native of Argentina living in Rome. Draped in the Argentine flag after the country’s July 10 win against Brazil in the Copa America soccer championship, Valina told Catholic News Service (CNS) that she was there “because I care for this pope very much and not just because he’s from Argentina like me. Pope Francis greets the crowd as he leads the Angelus from a balcony of Gemelli hospital in Rome on July 11 as he recovers following scheduled “I think he tells Jesus’ message in colon surgery. (CNS photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters) a clear way, even on things that are uncomfortable for some,” she said. “I have been close to the pope in these days “It is like a caress that makes you feel “is not to have money; it is to offer came here hoping that he recovers soon, in which his health has been delicate,” better, soothes your pain and cheers you service, and service is always freely that he be healthy.” Barbosa told CNS. up. All of us, everyone, sooner or later, given.” When asked what she would tell her “We are with him, we are always we all need this ‘anointing’ of closeness Before praying the Angelus prayer fellow countryman if she could speak praying for him so that he will recover and tenderness, and we can all give it to with the faithful, Pope Francis expressed directly to him, Valina said: “Never feel completely,” she said. “We love him, all someone else, with a visit, a phone call, his “appreciation and encouragement” to alone because you have God and you of Peru loves him and the whole world a hand outstretched to someone who the doctors, nurses and staff at Gemelli have many people who love you and are loves him.” needs help,” he said. hospital. He also asked for prayers for with you.” In his address, the pope reflected Pope Francis said that his time in the the patients, especially the children, at Marlene Barbosa, a native of Peru on the Sunday Gospel reading from hospital gave him the opportunity to the hospital, several of whom stood on living in Rome, also was outside the St. Mark, in which Jesus sent out his experience “once again how important the balcony with him. hospital with her husband, Maximo disciples to anoint the sick with oil and good health care is,” and that free, “Why children suffer is a question Lopez, as well as her mother, Susanna heal them. universal health care, especially for the that touches the heart. Accompany them Morante, who traveled from Washington, The oil, he said, not only represents most vulnerable, is a “precious benefit with prayer and pray for all those who D.C., to be with her family and have a the comfort given through the [that] must not be lost.” are sick, especially for those in the most chance to see the pope. sacramental anointing of the sick, but Acknowledging that some hospitals difficult conditions,” the pope said. “May “We wanted to see him and receive also symbolizes “the closeness, the care, run by the Church face the threat of no one be left alone. May everyone his blessing because we are Catholic, the tenderness of those who take care of closure “due to poor management,” the receive the anointing of listening, we are believers and through prayer, we the sick person. pope said the Catholic Church’s vocation closeness, tenderness and care.” †

Pew: Catholic homilies mention election, racism less than Protestant ones WASHINGTON (CNS)—As news events made Black Protestant congregations. Pew said the remaining otherwise] because they are so much smaller.” headlines across the United States for months last year— congregations could not be reliably classified, belong Compared to the first survey of sermon texts from particularly the 2020 election, the coronavirus pandemic to other Christian traditions such as Orthodox Christian 2019, fewer homilies from 2020 were examined. Quinn and racism in America—priests’ homilies did not mention denominations, or belong to other faiths. acknowledged that many houses of worship were closed these events nearly as much as did sermons by Protestant “There are a couple of fundamentals at work” on why for months last year, yet at the same time—because they preachers, according to a report issued on July 8 by the Catholic mentions of topics in the news may not be as lacked the ability to deliver their message face-to-face— Pew Research Center. prominent in sermons as those by Protestants, said Dennis churches more aggressively posted sermons online. Compared to their Protestant counterparts—whatever Quinn, a computational social scientist for Pew, who was Pew included sermon excerpts from Catholics and the stripe, be it mainline, evangelical or historically the principal researcher for the study and a similar one other denominations without identifying whose words Black—Catholics brought up the rear when it came to based on sermon texts from 2019. they were. sharing at least one sermon about the election last fall. The Mass, Quinn said, will “by definition be more One Catholic homily, given at the end of the survey Overall, 67% of churches did, but just 41% of Catholics. structured than the services of other groups. That reduces period, said: “Perhaps, then, today we need to look And just 19% of Catholic parish websites mentioned the the opportunity for this happening, like an election” beyond the chaos of Tuesday’s [Nov. 3] election and election, compared to 28% of all churches surveyed. mention. Also, “Catholic homilies are by and large settle instead on the overreaching truth of our lives on While 20% of Catholics’ election-referenced homilies shorter than the sermons or homilies of other groups,” he Earth. That is what St. Paul told the Thessalonians: ‘Thus encouraged voting—on par with all Christian sermons noted, which means priests have “substantially less time” we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one surveyed—just 36% discussed issues, candidates or to get a point across. another with these words’ [1 Thes 4:17-18]. So dead or political parties, the lowest percentage of all Christian “Even among Catholics who were the least likely to alive, we are always with the Lord in the Gospel. Today, groups. talk about the three topics we look at in the study, fewer we are reminded to be ready for anything in life, to be a During the time period studied—which not only than half of the congregations at least touched on the people prepared not only to deal with the pandemic and included the election, but the pandemic and months of election,” Quinn told Catholic News Service in a July 7 a messed up presidential election, but to remember that racial protests spurred by the murder of George Floyd by phone interview. we are to follow on the path of those wise virgins. To a Minneapolis police officer—Catholics came up last in “All else aside, Americans were essentially deluged have not only our own lamps lit, but to have extra oil with those two categories as well. with information in 2020 about the issues that dominated us just in case. Like it or not, we need to be prepared to While 69% of Catholic parishes heard at least one the airwaves. We can see here that the hours spent in the meet the Lord when he does call us home.” sermon relating to COVID-19, at least 82% of other pews was not a respite from that informational deluge,” Another homily, that addressed racism, said: “The Christian denominations registered hearing a sermon on he said. murder of George Floyd has blown open the terrible it. And just 32% of Catholics heard a sermon mentioning The 36-page study was split fairly evenly between the evil of individual and institutional racism that serves racism, while 44% of Protestant Christians did. results and the methodology. the dominant culture so well. Whether blatant or The Pew study, “Pastors Often Discussed Election, ‘Among the congregations included in this study hiding menacingly under the surface, [journalist and Pandemic and Racism in Fall of 2020,” conducted its for which researchers were able to identify a religious author] Roxane Gay wrote that we Blacks live with analysis based on the texts of 12,832 sermons shared online tradition, 52% were evangelical Protestant; 22% were the knowledge that a hashtag is not a vaccine for white by 2,143 U.S. religious congregations—nearly all of them mainline Protestant; 4% were Catholic; and 1% were supremacy. We live with the knowledge that, still, no Christian churches—delivered between Aug. 31 and historically Black Protestant churches,” the Pew study said. one is coming to save us. The rest of the world yearns to Nov. 8, 2020, a period Pew noted that included the Quinn noted they were weighted to more closely get back to normal. For Black people, normal is the very presidential election and the Sunday following Election Day. reflect each faith group’s presence in the U.S. population. thing from which we yearn to be free.” Pew’s data set includes sermons from 438 evangelical “Because Catholic congregations are so much larger,” he Protestant congregations, 388 mainline Protestant said, “there are far fewer of them. We could end up with (The full Pew study can be found online at congregations, 235 Catholic parishes and 205 historically a ton of evangelical Protestant [churches in the study pewrsr.ch/3AK7nSI.) † Page 12 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Perspectives Worship and Evangelization Outreach/Jim Wood Faith at Home/ New religion standards a witness to faith, hope and love Laura Kelly Fanucci Almost two years ago, a small document that provided our catechists as seen in the CCC: creed, sacraments, A theology band of faithful individuals began a and teachers with ready-made objectives morality and prayer. journey to create a newly revised set for lesson plans that guide learning As a lifelong Catholic of the of gift and of religion standards experiences in parish and school archdiocese, I have seen my share of for the archdiocese. settings. the great work done by our schools and grandparents Recently hired In February 2020, just before the parish catechetical programs. While for the Office of pandemic hit, our steering committee our daughter Sarah attended Catholic Grandparents rank among the best Catechesis, I was plus an interested group of teachers, schools, my wife Andrea and I spent gift-givers. given the task of catechists, parish catechetical leaders many years teaching the faith to the In our house, they are legendary. leading this effort. and principals met at the Benedict Inn at young people at our parish. We knew Presents tumbling While coming off Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech then as we know now that educating out of suitcases. Piles a period of teaching Grove to begin the work of revising the our youths in our faith is not simply an under the Christmas in Catholic schools standards. The newly formed revision effort of spouting out facts and dates and tree. Birthday and continuing my team spent several days making edits to names, but it is much more a witness that packages on the efforts in deacon formation, this project old standards. these facts, dates and names should draw doorstep. would prove to be completed not by Through the efforts of our revision us closer to Christ. Everyday moments my efforts, but by the service of many team, we began the process of piecing Catholic educators, as catechists, are no exception. people with the hope of producing together the standards for each grade. are both teachers and witnesses. These Extra cookies after new religion standards for our parish Several features served as our priorities. standards provide the core content of our dinner. Ice cream catechetical programs and schools. By First, the standards are accurate Catholic faith—to be complemented by cones on a sunny God’s grace and inspiration, the newly and thorough in a developmentally the life and witness of all who serve with afternoon. One more game of catch, one revised standards were promulgated by appropriate way due to the attention that great dedication in our parish catechetical more round of cribbage, one more push Archbishop Charles C. Thompson on has been paid to the process, whereby programs and Catholic schools. on the swing. May 24. the U.S. Conference of Catholic May we all use this resource Grandparents love to give, and Allow me to recall the efforts of so Bishops evaluates doctrinal conformity faithfully and fruitfully, by God’s grandchildren love to receive. Not every many. After the selection of our steering with the Catechism of the Catholic grace and mercy, as we strive to make family knows this relationship, but wherever committee in August 2019, we began Church (CCC). disciples of Jesus—in fulfillment of his we see the outpouring of affection between meeting monthly to outline a vision of Second, special attention is focused on command and commission given to all generations, we witness a gift of human love. what would become our new religion the Christian view of the human person Christians (Mt 28:18-20). Giving and receiving stand among standards for pre-kindergarten through as well as an accurate understanding of life’s greatest joys. eighth grade. human love as articulated in St. John Paul (Jim Wood is coordinator of Each time we receive the Eucharist, The previous standards from 2001 II’s “Theology of the Body.” catechetical resources and a diaconal we participate in God’s generous gift- had served the archdiocese well; Finally, while the standards can be candidate for the Archdiocese of giving. Amid the latest debates about however, we knew a revision was taught in any order, they are arranged Indianapolis. He can be reached at Communion in the Church, I’ve watched needed. We wanted a more user-friendly according to the four pillars of our faith [email protected].) † my children with their grandparents, wondering what our families might teach us about a theology of gift-giving. The Theology of Technology/Brett Robinson Gifts are freely offered. They are not forced; they cannot be demanded. The A witness to the power, beauty of human compassion way my children reach out their arms for a hug or a treat from their grandparents I recently spent a few days visiting the hospital to take care When the nurses enter the room with their rolling mirrors how we open our hands or mouth of a loved one who had some complications from a cancer computer stations, we don’t see their faces, just the back to receive the Eucharist. We learn not to procedure. I marveled at the sophisticated medical technologies of the computer screen. The computer affords them the grab out of greed; we wait with humility that were being used so expertly to treat ability to accurately track the dosage and timing of multiple and patience—and joy awaits us. her. medications, but the screen blocks their faces and their By definition, true gifts are good, never At one point, a doctor came into the humanity. cruel or conniving. They are treasures, room and removed fluid buildup from Faces can smile and wink and nod to show compassion and not tricks. More than once, I’ve watched a around her lungs using what could only care, lifting the spirits of a patient who is far more than their child turn wide-eyed to a grandparent and be described as a pocket sonogram. It was sickness. The poor and the sick are an image of God and an ask, “How did you know I wanted this?” remarkable. image of the suffering Christ. with delight and disbelief. Gifts remind us We should be grateful for all these Something as simple as thirst takes two forms in a hospital that we are seen, known and cherished. technological advances. In “Laudato Si’, setting. A refreshing glass of water can nourish the body, but Gifts are meant to be enjoyed, not kept on Care for Our Common Home,” Pope a caring glance or compassionate touch can address a spiritual on a shelf gathering dust. Every present Francis writes, “It is right to rejoice in these thirst that we all have for human love and contact, especially has a purpose, even (and especially) when advances and to be excited by the immense possibilities which when we are in pain. it is the simple gift of presence. they continue to open up before us” (#102). St. John Paul II said On the last morning of her hospital stay, my loved one My kids remember special days spent something similar in an address to scientists: “Science and asked the nurses if they could help her wash up. Her hair and with grandparents long after they leave technology are wonderful products of a God-given human face and teeth had not been cleaned in days. They agreed favorite toys or books behind. Gifts draw creativity.” to help her and began preparing a basin of soapy water and together giver and receiver, just as we However, we seemed to have crossed a strange line in soaking some soft white towels in warm water. come closer to Christ in Communion. our race to overcome the material limitations of nature. The nurses gently wiped her face and hands, gave At every Mass, we remember we Just like the pocket sonogram that can see parts of the body her some water and toothpaste to brush with and gently cannot control or earn God’s favor as a hidden from the human eye, our efforts to transcend material washed her hair. All of the technical equipment was reward but only accept what is offered as limitations also mean that we can lose sight of the whole turned off and put to the side for a moment, a silent mystery: “Lord, I am not worthy that you human person. The patient becomes a collection of body parts witness to the power and beauty of analog human should enter under my roof, but only say and conditions to be treated. compassion. the word and my soul shall be healed.” The consequences of this shift in perspective are worth Gifts invite gratitude. Saying or writing paying attention to. We adopt systems and processes that (Brett Robinson is director of communications and Catholic a word of thanks might feel forced at privilege the technology over the physical and spiritual needs media studies at the University of Notre Dame McGrath first, nudged by a parent’s prompting. But of human beings. Institute for Church Life.) † through time, we hope to cultivate natural thanksgiving as a response of joy in return. Likewise the word “Eucharist” itself The Human Side/Fr. Eugene Hemrick means thanksgiving—a reminder that gratitude is what we bring to God for grace that is unearned but overflowing. Saints offer examples of the weight of carrying regrets As an adult, I love to find reminders of When saints are lauded, we often commissioned to be Peter, the rock of the friendship, a resentment that grew rather gifts my grandparents gave me decades ago. envision a person who has lived an Church. And yet he denies Christ when than decreased, performing a despicable, My husband and I laugh that each inspiring life. Take for example the Christ needed him most. haunting act or allowing envy to poison gathering of grandparents with grandkids lives of St. Paul The words “regret” and “weep” are our mind. convenes the mutual admiration society. and St. Peter. Each related. No doubt Peter wept bitter tears Regrets also possess a positive side. We as parents stand separate from their was blessed with over his betrayal. They humble us, teaching us that we are delight and affection for each other, pure enormous drive St. Paul also had much to regret. He not the strong person we desire to be. and unburdened by the discipline (and when converting partook in the martyrdom of They are reminders of how easy it is to drudgery) of daily parenting. But even throngs of people to St. Stephen and was a voracious commit undesirable acts that cause us to this arrangement is wisely given by God, Christianity. persecutor of Christians. Even after weep. who knows we need to be seen and loved At the base of St. Paul’s conversion and the role St. Through regrets, God teaches us how by many people in different ways. their zeal was a Barnabas played in helping him to be vulnerable we are in succumbing to our All of us are called to be gift for each burning desire to accepted by the Christian community, St. weaknesses. God teaches us that we other. share Christ’s love. Paul had a bitter fallout with St. Barnabas need outside help to stay strong. The May we spend our lives in awe of the That zeal enabled them to endure the because he did not want John Mark to be saints were able to move on from their gifts we’ve been given, seeking to share laborious work that preaching the Gospel their companion when they returned to the regrets. Their real and awe-inspiring them with those in need. May we learn entailed and the trials from those who cities in which they proclaimed the word lesson is a part of the help that God’s from young and old how to give and despised it. of the Lord. grace gives us to move on and pursue a receive in love, just as Jesus does for us. In the awe saints exude, it is easy to No doubt St. Paul must have regretted holy life. overlook their flaws and the regrets they his actions in hindsight. As saints (Laura Kelly Fanucci is a writer, speaker, endured. On one hand, St. Peter embodied possessed regrets, so do we. The regret (Father Eugene Hemrick writes for and author of several books. Her work the goodness of Christ’s life and is may be having a grudge that ruptured a Catholic News Service.) † can be found at laurakellyfanucci.com.) † The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 13

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time/Msgr. Owen F. Campion Daily Readings The Sunday Readings Monday, July 19 Friday, July 23 Exodus 14:5-18 St. Bridget, religious Sunday, July 18, 2021 (Response) Exodus 15:1b-6 Exodus 20:1-17 • Jeremiah 23:1-6 Matthew 12:38-42 Psalm 19:8-11 • Ephesians 2:13-18 Matthew 13:18-23 Tuesday, July 20 • Mark 6:30-34 St. Apollinaris, bishop and martyr Saturday, July 24 Exodus 14:21-15:1 St. Sharbel Makhluf, priest The Book of Jeremiah is the source of God, irrespective of race, circumstances (Response) Exodus 15:8-10, 12, 17 Exodus 24:3-8 the first reading for Mass this weekend. or background. Matthew 12:46-50 Psalm 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 One of the four major prophets of ancient St. Mark’s Gospel furnishes the last Matthew 13:24-30 Israel, Jeremiah so reading. It is a reading strong in its Wednesday, July 21 firmly saw himself as explanation of the role and identity of the St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and Sunday, July 25 God’s representative Apostles. doctor of the Church Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time that he wrote as if In this passage, the Apostles have come Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 2 Kings 4:42-44 God were writing back to Jesus, having been sent on various Psalm 78:18-19, 23-28 Psalm 145:10-11, 15-18 through him. In missions to teach what the Lord had taught Matthew 13:1-9 Ephesians 4:1-6 Jeremiah’s works, them. It is evident that many people were John 6:1-15 God often speaks in assembling around Jesus at the time. Thursday, July 22 the first person. However, Jesus quite pointedly took St. Mary Magdalene Such is the case in the Apostles aside. He led them to a quiet, Song of Songs 3:1-4a this reading. It reveals private place. This was not a rare occurrence. or 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 the disorder and turmoil that existed in Jesus often took the Apostles to be alone Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9 Israel at the time. The split was not only with them. They were his special students. John 20:1-2, 11-18 political, but also religious. They were especially commissioned. They Advocates for various views and knew things about the Lord’s teachings that different interpretations of the Law of the rank and file did not know. Moses did battle with each other. Assuming the role of prophets, Reflection Question Corner/Fr. Kenneth Doyle individuals on their own pressed for this Directly and clearly, the Church in viewpoint or another. these readings introduces itself and Church says penance on Fridays can In the writing of Jeremiah, God sets forth its credentials. In so doing, it warns the people against these varying stresses a fact of belief firmly presented be accomplished in various ways approaches to religion. God’s warning since the days of the Old Testament. is severe. These people—imposters in God’s truth is exact. It is neither fluid I grew up Catholic, and we always from meat no longer implies penance, prophecy—lead people astray. Caring nor open to compromise and amending. Qdid meatless Fridays year-round while renunciation of other things would for the people and for their well-being, It simply is as it is. All else is fraudulent as part of the Catholic practice of be more penitential.” God predicts doom for those who would and unreal. The prophets stressed this fact abstinence. We ate Your question—about what other mislead others in matters of religion. in the Old Testament. fish instead. Now, as a things you might give up—suggests God’s people are not helplessly the Those people who usurped the prophets’ vegan adult, since I’m that you have captured the spirit of that victims of these frauds. God will send places were guilty of great fault and already skipping meat statement. All of your choices—soda, legitimate prophets. brought upon themselves God’s rebuke, for anyway (fish, too), if dessert, beer—have merit, because they Two lessons are clear: Objective they mislead the people whom God loved I still wanted to do would require a conscious decision on truth is real, given by God. God’s truth and whom God intended to be holy. some kind of Friday your part to forgo something that you is not simply the conclusion reached by The same theme is evident in this abstinence, could I like. humans as to what the truth should be. weekend’s New Testament readings. give up things like But the sacrifice you pick need not Individual, subjective interpretation of St. Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians soda pop, desserts or even be centered on dietary matters. divine revelation is in fact quite foreign to assures us that the salvation achieved for even beer? (Indiana) I’ve always thought that a good idea for the Scriptures. us by Jesus does not depend upon ethnicity Christians on Lenten Fridays would be to The other truth is that people do not or earthly advantage. It is offered to all. On the Fridays during Lent, take five minutes around three o’clock in have to struggle to find God’s truth. God Importantly, however, we need it. ACatholics who have reached age 14 the afternoon just to be quiet and to thank will send representatives to speak the truth. The path to Christ, and thus to God, are asked to abstain from eating meat as Jesus for dying on the cross to redeem our For the next reading, the Church is not of our own human creation. Those a penitential act to join in the sufferings sins. presents a passage from St. Paul’s Epistle whom Jesus appointed to be our guides, of Jesus. to the Ephesians. This reading recalls that namely the Apostles, whose teachings the In 1966, when the Catholic bishops Our pastor is rude (at times, the privilege of the Jews was to know Church devoutly keeps and gives to us, in the U.S. lifted the rule of mandatory Qobnoxious) to a parish volunteer who God, whereas other nationalities long guide us along the path. abstinence on Fridays throughout the contributes a lot of work as an assistant were in the dark. Just as the Old Testament belittled year, this is what they said: “Since the to a paid parish employee. That paid Now, with and through Christ, all individual interpretation of revelation spirit of penance primarily suggests that employee has told me that he himself has peoples can know God. The Holy Spirit and emphasized the prophets, so the New we discipline ourselves in that which we been written up by the same priest for comes to all who hear Jesus and who love Testament emphasizes the Apostles. † enjoy most, to many in our day abstinence insubordination—for telling the priest that he should be on time for confessions and that his remarks from the at the end My Journey to God of Mass are too long. Is there anyone who can put a stop to this? My friend, the volunteer, is afraid that if he files a complaint with the parish secretary, his colleague (the paid employee) might be punished. (New York)

I am sorry that your pastor has acted Arudely, and I apologize on his behalf. Priests are human and are often very busy these days—some, with multiple parishes under their responsibility—but that doesn’t excuse them from treating each person with respect, especially someone who volunteers time to help the parish. I don’t think it would be productive Cocoon By Greg Hublar for you to involve the parish secretary in this matter; a parish secretary would What if we live out our life, always striving to break free, normally have no role in a grievance like Never realizing the struggles we face, were always meant to be. this. The most upfront way, of course, What if we spend all of our days, looking around the bend, would be for you to seek some time Only to find we have been living life, in a circle that never ends. with the pastor himself and explain, as What if we stopped and contemplated all of our past worries, a parishioner, your concern over what Only to discover they did nothing, but to rob us of all our joys. you’ve been hearing. What if we recognized that today is only tomorrow’s yesterday, But if you are reluctant to do that, And maybe not worry so much, knowing God is leading the way. there are other courses of action. Most Why can we plainly see, that no one lives on Earth forever, dioceses have a priest who serves as Yet somehow gloss over the fact, nor does our earthly treasure. director of clergy personnel, and you Lord, help me never to worry about what tomorrow may bring, might seek some time with him to share And to never miss the melody of today, that which I was born to sing. your thoughts. God, please keep me mindful that this world is not my home, (Greg Hublar is a member of Our And fill me with the joy of knowing, I am never alone. Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in (Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Lord, thank you for your promise, that you will return one day soon, New Albany.) (Photo by Suzanne Doyle at [email protected] and And for helping me to remember, we will all eventually leave this cocoon. D. Williams via unsplash.com.) 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.) † Page 14 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021

of Susan Elstro and Linda Matthews. Uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle of several. Rest in BROOKS, Ann L., 81, St. Mary, North Vernon, Corpus Christi procession June 24. Wife of Larry Brooks. peace Mother of Esther Asplund, Rachel Daily and Ron Brooks. Sister of Theresa Brown, Mary Please submit in writing Jane, Patricia, Bernard, David, to our office by 10 a.m. Don, John, Paul and Steve Thursday before the week of Miller. Grandmother of nine. publication; be sure to state date of death. Obituaries of CALLAHAN, Rita, 93, archdiocesan priests serving St. Joseph University Parish, our archdiocese are listed Terre Haute, June 27. Wife elsewhere in The Criterion. of Robert Callahan. Mother Order priests and religious of Cheryl Thornton. Sister of sisters and brothers are Robert Kress. Grandmother included here, unless they are of two. Great-grandmother of natives of the archdiocese or three. have other connec­tions to it; CAMPION, Edward, 76, those are separate obituaries St. Mary, Navilleton, July 3. on this page. Husband of Rebecca Campion. Father of Edward and Robert Campion. Stepfather of ALLEY, Katherine, 88, Stephanie Caswell-Shanks. Christ the King, Indianapolis, Brother of Marilyn Allen, July 3. Wife of Richard Alley. CherylAnn Kendle and Bryan Mother of Diana Spiegel, Campion. Grandfather of seven. Karen and Richard Alley. Sister of Jean Ann Singer, CASABELLA, Amy N., 45, Donald and Paul Creager. St. Mary, Lanesville, June 16. Grandmother of eight. Great- Wife of Jerry Casabella. grandmother of six. Mother of Lindsey, Sophia, Sydney, Elijah, Isaac and ANDRES, Denice (Day), Samuel Casabella. Daughter of 65, St. Mary-of-the-Knobs, Betty Baskett and Alan Ayers. Floyd County, July 3. Wife Sister of Shawna Miller. of Michael Andres. Mother of Kyle Andres. Sister of Pat CASSIDY, Mary F., 89, Father Guy Roberts, then-pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Indianapolis, processes with the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance Hedelman, Cecilia Julius, Ruth St. Vincent de Paul, Bedford, in the neighborhood around the Indianapolis North Deanery faith community on June 6, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Ann Thompson and Robert June 28. Mother of Theresa Christ, traditionally known as the feast of Corpus Christi. Many members of the parish, children who had recently received their Day, Jr. Grandmother of two. Keith and William Cassidy. first Communion and the Knights of Columbus took part in the procession. (Submitted photo by Ted Somerville) Sister of David Daugherty. BACHMAN, Anna Marie Grandmother of seven. Great- (Swiezy), 63, St. Mark the grandmother of several. June 11. Husband of Helga HORN, Ricky L., 66, LONG, Marjorie, 83, June 14. Father of Kathryn Evangelist, Indianapolis, Fehlinger. Father of Elizabeth St. Lawrence, Lawrenceburg, St. Vincent de Paul, Shelby Ritman, Sharon and Frank June 21. Wife of Dennis DELL’AQUILA, Joseph R., 73, Christ the King, Bath, Holly Mappes, Darren, June 21. Husband of Sherri County, June 30. Mother of Miller, Jr. Brother of Donna Bachman. Mother of Beth David, Dennis and William Horn. Father of Trisha Shields, Angela Barker, Pamela Mick, Edwards, Brenda McCoy and Kochert. Sister of Jeanette Indianapolis, June 28. Husband of Mary Anne Fehlinger. Brother of Travis Hawkins, Chris and Dee Ann Miller, Sandra, Gary Linda Miller. Grandfather of Bowling, Aura Lee Lyons, Vickie Prybyla, Maryanne Casey Horn. Grandfather of and John Long. Sister of Jeri seven. Jeanene, Andrew, Dell’Aquila. Brother of Ronnie Dell’Aquila. and Michael Fehlinger. six. Sullivan. Grandmother of 14. MILLER, Richard, 62, Anthony, II, Matthew and Grandfather of 13. Great-grandmother of four. Thaddeus Swiezy. ERNSTES, Leonard, 74, JACKSON-RILEY, Grace Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, FISHER, Denise, 67, St. Jude, M., 83, St. Anne, New Castle, MCNULTY, M. David, 86, June 20. Husband of Patricia BENSON, Mary Ann¸88, St. Mary, North Vernon, June 26. Husband of Vicki Indianapolis, July 6. Wife of June 23. Mother of Theresa St. Pius X, Indianapolis, Miller. Father of Kathleen St. Anne, New Castle, June 20. Don Fisher. Mother of Stefanie Pierce and Curt Jackson. June 16. Husband of Kathleen Bullock, Scotty and Mitch Wife of James Benson. Mother Ernstes. Father of Catherine Clark, Elizabeth Harriman, Barnard, Disa Hunter and Lori Grandmother of four. Great- McNulty. Father of Shannon Miller. Son of Sharon Tabard. of Kathy Griffin, Krista Minnillo. Sister of Valerie grandmother of 13. Everly, Patty, David, Kevin, Brother of LeeAnn Andrews, Raines, Karen Ruckriegel and Rose-Marie Howell, Angela Perry, Carolyn Siddiqui, McCormick. Grandmother of JOHNSON, Clayton E., Tim and Tom McNulty. Robin Hedrick, Dawn Kent Benson. Grandmother of six. Brother of Patty Binder. Pritcett, Beth Shepard, Missy nine. Great-grandmother of 19. Benjamin, Daniel, John, 82, St. Teresa Benedicta of Robert and Samuel Ernstes. FISHER, William M., 85, the Cross, Bright, June 20. Grandfather of 14. Great- Ventresca, Tracy, Matt and BLUNK, Mary Helen, 94, Brother of Dorothy Eder and St. Louis, Batesville, June 26. Husband of Frances Johnson. grandfather of one. Steve Miller. Grandfather of St. John Paul II, Sellersburg, Raymond Ernstes. Grandfather Father of Sandra Greenwell, Father of Jina Stroh, Jamie and MILLER, Sr., Frank E., 87, five. † June 13. Mother of Rebecca of 37. Great-grandfather of 23. Amy Jennings and Timothy Jeff Johnson. Brother of Sonia St. Pius X, Indianapolis, Pitts, Barbara Smith and Fisher. Brother of Greta Kaffenberger and Charles Robert Blunk. Grandmother of FAULKNER, Mary Louise (Dittman), 98, St. Patrick, Solgere. Grandfather of four. Johnson. Grandfather of eight. seven. Great-grandmother of Great-grandfather of five. 11. Great-great-grandmother Terre Haute, June 13. Mother GUTZMER, Patricia A., 70, Franciscan Sister Rosaire of two. of Elizabeth Bryant, Lynn St. Therese of the Infant Jesus JOHNSON, Juanita L., 61, Gaul, Lawrence and Stephen (Little Flower), Indianapolis, Holy Spirit, Indianapolis, Bishop served in Catholic BOLGER, Annie, 81, Faulkner. Grandmother of Dec. 16, 2020. Wife of Kevin June 10. Sister of Kimberly St. Francis Xavier, Henryville, nine. Great-grandmother of 20. Gutzmer. Sister of Betty Jo and Matthew Clark. Half-sister May 18. Wife of Michael education for 49 years FAUST, Pearl T. (Daly), 72, Wilson, Bill and Joe Crofts. of David and Steve Scott. Aunt Bolger. Mother of John and of several. Franciscan Sister Rosaire Bishop died on July 3 at the Michael Bolger. Sister of St. Jude, Indianapolis, June 15. HENRY, John H., 74, Mother of Paula Brissey, Natalie St. Mary, North Vernon, KOLB, Leo P., 91, St. Michael, motherhouse of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Third Catherine Hannan and John Order of St. Francis in Oldenburg. She was 87. Caulfield. Grandmother of Cook and Steve Faust. Sister June 24. Husband of Marilyn Brookville, June 19. Father of The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 7 at the three. of Carol, Flora Mae and Mary Henry. Father of Mary Polk, Brenda Cheeseman, Kimberly Daly. Grandmother of six. Marcy Ross, Marissa Troupe, Sizemore, Beverly, Elmer and Motherhouse Chapel in Oldenburg. Burial followed at the sisters’ BRINKER, James, 71, FEHLINGER, Carl W., Dale Skaggs and John James Kolb. Brother of Karen cemetery. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Henry, Jr. Brother of Jeanette Prentice and Barbara Smith. Mary Margaret Bishop was born on Oct. 7, 1933, in Richmond, July 3. Brother 82, St. Michael, Brookville, Bowman, Bruce, David and Grandfather of 11. Great- Indianapolis where she grew up as a member of the former Russell Henry. Grandfather of grandfather of nine. Assumption Parish. She graduated from St. Philip Neri 15. Great-grandfather of eight. LANGHAM, Elizabeth A., School and later from the former St. Mary Academy, both in HERR, Andrew J., 54, 31, St. Charles Borromeo, Indianapolis. Online Lay Ministry Formation Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Bloomington, June 25. Sister Rosaire joined the Sisters of St. Francis on Sept. 8, The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has partnered with the Christ, Indianapolis, June 22. Daughter of Ed and Susan 1951, and professed final vows on Aug. 12, 1957. She earned University of Notre Dame and Catholic Distance University Husband of Susan Herr. Langham. Sister of Kimberly a bachelor’s degree at Marian University in Indianapolis and (CDU) to offer not-for-credit online theology classes: Brother of Katherine Morgan Cazzaniga, Stephanie Raffy, master’s degrees at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, and • Earn certificate in Lay Ministry and Joseph Herr. Uncle of Father Todd Goodson, Jacob • Complete 12 courses online with ND STEP program several. and Zachary Langham. Aunt Indiana University in Bloomington. Sister Rosaire also earned • CDU offers classes on Catechism of the Catholic Church of several. a certificate in Egyptian culture at the American University in • 20% discount for all employees, volunteers, and parishioners Cairo. During 70 years as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis, For more information, please log on to Sister Rosaire ministered in Catholic education for 49 years www.archindy.org/layministry in Indiana, Ohio and Missouri before retiring from ministry in 2018. In the archdiocese, she served in Indianapolis at St. Christopher School from 1966-73, at St. Mark the REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT NOW Evangelist School from 1973-76, at St. Therese of the Infant If you are a victim of sexual misconduct by a person ministering on Jesus (Little Flower) School from 1979-81, at the former behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim St. Bernadette School from 1981-86, at Central Catholic School of such misconduct, please contact the archdiocesan victim assistance from 1986-91 and at Martin University from 1991-93. Sister coordinator. There are two ways to make a report: Rosaire ministered as librarian at the Oldenburg Academy of Ethics Point the Immaculate Conception in Oldenburg from 1996-2005 and 1 Confidential, Online Reporting www.archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or 888-393-6810 as the convent’s librarian from 1996-2018. Carla Hill, Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Victim Assistance Coordinator Sister Rosaire is survived by her sisters, Franciscan Sister 2 P.O. Box 1410, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1410 Madonna Bishop, Thelma Bray, Joan Forthofer, Ann Morrison 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 and Cathy Stabenau, and her brother, Jerry Bishop. [email protected] Memorial gifts may be sent to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN 47036-0100. † The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021 Page 15 Report on immigration highlights care needed for unaccompanied minors WASHINGTON (CNS)—A Catholic to 21 should be helped with independent agency has collaborated with a professor living conditions. from The Catholic University of America Stacy Brustin, a professor of law on a report pointing out deficiencies, who also is director of the university’s but also opportunities in the care of Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic unaccompanied migrant children in the at the Columbus School of Law, wrote the United States. report. She traveled to the southern border The report, “A Vision Forward: with students to provide legal help to Policies Needed to Protect the Best migrant families, said a news release from Interests of ‘Category 4’ Unaccompanied the university. Immigrant Children,” focuses on minors “Decades of research show that who crossed the border, but have no children in the care of the state need family or a custodian waiting to claim small, family-like settings to recover from them. the trauma they have endured,” Brustin Without a home to go to, the said. “Yet unaccompanied immigrant Department of Health and Human children without sponsors, many of whom Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement have experienced extreme violence in places the children in facilities. their home countries and have valid legal However, rising numbers of minors claims to stay in the U.S., spend too much entering in general—17,847 registered time in large, congregate settings where minors recorded as of May 26—have they are at risk of being traumatized prompted concerns, particularly for again.” “protecting unaccompanied children Some have experienced violence, whom the government has determined do trafficking, gang recruitment, extreme Migrant children seeking asylum in the U.S. are seen at a migrant encampment in Matamoros, Mexico, not have viable sponsors.” poverty, and natural disasters at home, on Feb. 19. (CNS photo/Daniel Becerril, Reuters) Catholic University, with help “often enduring long, dangerous journeys from the U.S. Conference of Catholic along the way,” the news release said. the best interests of our country,” Brustin of unaccompanied children who, when Bishops’ Migrant and Refugee Services The report says an increase in said. placed with supportive foster families, agency, worked on the report, which unaccompanied minors is likely to “Children who make [the journey] attended school, acquired legal status points out recommendations, including continue “given the ongoing violence, unaccompanied to the U.S. are extremely and went on to finish high school or better collection of information on the poverty and natural disasters afflicting the resourceful and resilient young people,” college, obtain employment, pay taxes population; access to legal help; family- Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, she continued. “With care, stability, and and contribute meaningfully to their and community-based care, as opposed to Guatemala and El Salvador,” where the legal status they can make significant communities.” large-scale facilities; and ending detention majority of minors come from. contributions to our economy and society. for those who reach 18, when they age out “These changes are not only in the “Time and again during our (The full report is available at bit.ly/ of the system. The report says those 18 best interests of immigrant children but in interviews,” she said, “we heard stories AVisionForward.) †

Pope Francis asks for local events coinciding with World Meeting of Families VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis has asked pandemic will impact global travel and large international Pope Francis asked dioceses to be “dynamic, active dioceses around the world to make it possible for meetings next year, Pope Francis said there is “an and creative in organizing this with the families in every family to participate in the opportunity provided by providence to create a worldwide harmony with what will be taking place in Rome. This World Meeting of Families by event that can involve all the families that would like to is a wonderful opportunity to devote ourselves with holding local celebrations feel part of the ecclesial community.” enthusiasm to family ministry with spouses, families and during the gathering in Rome on The theme of the 2022 gathering is: “Family love: A pastors together.” June 22-26, 2022. vocation and a path to holiness.” Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the “After being postponed for a year Rome will be the main venue, the pope said, and for Laity, the Family and Life, said the World due to the pandemic, the desire to bishops’ conferences and international Catholic Meeting of Families continues to grow and attract meet again is great,” the pope said in organizations will be invited to send delegates involved more families from around the world, “bringing a video message on July 2. in family ministry to Rome for “the Festival of enrichment with their languages, cultures and In the past, he said, the World Families, the pastoral congress” and the concluding experiences.” Meeting of Families “was perceived Mass. The gatherings, he said, “have been an eloquent sign Pope Francis as being something remote, at At the same time, the pope said, “each diocese can of the beauty of the family for the Church and for all most followed on television,” but be the focal point for a local meeting for its families humanity. We need to continue on this path, seeking “unknown to the majority of families.” and communities. In this way, everyone will be able to to involve more and more families in this beautiful With questions still present about how the coronavirus participate, even those who cannot come to Rome.” initiative.” †

Employment Classified Directory

Special Care Construction

Trusted and Compassionate Care

Serving people with Autism & Developmental Disabilities Director of Permanent Deacon Formation

∙ Medicaid Waiver ( CIH & FSW) Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology is seeking a skilled, experi- ∙ Residential, Community, Respite and PAC Services enced, and highly motivated Director of Permanent Deacon Formation. ∙ Staff screened and trained

Kathy and Terry Huser Call 317-236-1585 (317) 255-5700 The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of Saint Meinrad’s pro- www.HuserSpecialCare.com TO ADVERTISE IN The Criterion Career Opportunities Available gram. Overseeing the academic formation of permanent deacon candidates in

a number of different dioceses. Hire and oversee guest lecturers for the pro- Medicare Insurance gram. Cultivate and negotiate terms of service with new dioceses.

This position could be full-time or part-time. The candidate should have at least a Master’s level degree in a theological field and have knowledge and ap- preciation of Roman Catholic tradition.

Please send cover letter & resume with references to: Human Resources Department Saint Meinrad Archabbey 200 Hill Drive St. Meinrad, IN 47577 Or email: [email protected] Page 16 The Criterion Friday, July 16, 2021

St. Louis and Belleville, Ill., offer pilgrimage sites close to home By Natalie Hoefer Catholics nearly two centuries prior worshiping in the cathedral and praying for safe passage on their way to ST. LOUIS—As the world cautiously begins to the frontier west. open its doors again after the COVID-19 pandemic, some might long to strap on their sandals as pilgrims in Site of St. Peter Claver miracle and relic search of spiritual growth. The Shrine of St. Joseph is the location of a miracle But if the thought of cross-continent or overseas that led to the canonization of St. Peter Claver. A travel is still too anxiety-inducing, fear not, pilgrim. traveling relic of the Jesuit missionary priest who Right here in the Midwest is a pilgrimage that offers died in 1654 was present in the church for revering. two , two shrines, the site of a miracle, several A sickly man believed by doctors to be close to death grottos, an outdoor Stations of the Cross trail with was blessed by the relic. He felt a “surge of power,” recorded reflections and more. according to the shrine’s website. Within weeks, he was The pilgrimage destination? St. Louis and Belleville, again working and able to support his family. Ill., to visit: the of St. Louis, King of France; The relic can now be revered in a reliquary built the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis; the Shrine of St. into a statue of St. Peter Claver standing just inside the Joseph; and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in shrine’s entrance. Belleville. It is easy to miss, though, for the soaring “Altar The pilgrimage can start by sleeping in for an extra of Answered Prayers” in the shrine’s sanctuary. The hour—St. Louis is on Central Time, so you’ll gain an three-tiered altar was constructed by the parishioners hour as you head west. in thanksgiving for prayers answered in 1866 to spare them and their families from a deadly cholera outbreak. First cathedral west of the Mississippi It was causing 10-25 funerals a day within the parish, With its cornerstone laid in 1831 and its dedication according to the website. taking place in 1834, the Basilica of St. Louis, King of The priest of the time created a pledge for France (or Old Cathedral) was the first cathedral built parishioners to sign: If, through their prayers for the west of the Mississippi River. intercession of St. Joseph, the lives of those who It was dedicated just days before Bishop Simon signed the pledge and their families would be spared Bruté was ordained there to serve as the founding from death by cholera, the parishioners would erect a bishop of the Diocese of Vincennes, Ind., now the glorious altar of thanksgiving for answered prayers. Archdiocese of Indianapolis. From the day the parishioners signed the petition and The cathedral basilica stands today as a testament to the began prayers of intercession to St. Joseph, not one life importance of both the Church and the church building— in the parish was lost to cholera. The sanctuary of St. Joseph Shrine in St. Louis boasts a located just several hundred yards from the St. Louis Arch, The beauty and symbolism adorning the altar speak three-tier “Altar of Answered Prayers,” the effort of parishioners it is the only structure not demolished when the grounds to the deep gratitude of the parishioners. in thanksgiving after a St. Joseph novena during a cholera were cleared for the Gateway Arch National Park. Flanking the awe-inspiring altar are two additional epidemic in 1866. (Photos by Natalie Hoefer) The humble simplicity of the church interior is —one dedicated to Mary on the right, and one striking, speaking to the popular architecture and dedicated to the Jesuits on the left. It was priests of the of Guadalupe Hill to a Way of the Cross walk with materials available in the time and place during which Jesuit order who led the parish for more than a century, recorded meditations, and more. the structure was built. from its founding in 1843 until 1954. A night drive around the grounds to enjoy the lighted The eye is immediately drawn to the large painted If at all possible, visit the shrine on Sunday after shrines or light a votive candle makes for a calming end crucifix behind the altar, towering as if from the the regularly scheduled 11 a.m. Mass for a detailed, to the day. tabernacle itself. It was commissioned by New Albany interesting guided tour. Most importantly for your night’s stay, the shrine native and then-St. Louis archbishop Cardinal Joseph has a guest house for overnight visitors. The rooms E. Ritter in 1959. Cardinal Ritter’s remains lie in stunning ‘new’ are less expensive than hotels in St. Louis, and the Just as eye-catching above it is a large oval cathedral accompanying peace and serenity of the place are window. It had been covered then rediscovered during The first word that comes to mind in describing unparalleled. renovations in 1959. the current cathedral basilica of the Archdiocese If your agenda doesn’t allow for Mass in one of the During that renovation, the marble altar was of St. Louis is “stunning.” No, “breathtaking.” No, three prior listed pilgrimage sites, daily and weekend installed. It is a replica of the original altar placed in “majestic”—I can’t decide. Masses are celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of the the sanctuary in 1834, which had been removed during Construction on the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Snows. renovations in the late 1800s. Louis, or “new” cathedral, began in 1907. While a continental breakfast is included, be advised Facing the sanctuary, a side altar dedicated to According to a visitor’s guide, its size alone is that it is a very small continent: coffee, juice, packaged St. Louis IX, King of France, honors the namesake of impressive—83,000 square feet, including three large muffins, granola bars and fruit. (Those familiar with the the basilica and the city itself, which was established on domes and a massive baldachino (a stone canopy help guest house should note that the former restaurant is no French-claimed soil in 1764. Adorning the space are the up by columns) framing the altar. longer in operation.) umbraculum (large ) and (little Now take that size and add 41.5 million mosaic Holy sites are closer to home than across the sea. This bell) identifying the church as a basilica. pieces of glass in more than 7,000 colors and telling pilgrimage to St. Louis and Belleville makes for a doable The church was designated a basilica in in 1961 by stories from the Bible and of local Catholic history, and weekend tour of shrines, cathedrals, basilicas, grottos and Pope—now saint—John XXIII. The designation is a the eye is defied to take it all in. more for the mind, eye and heart to contemplate. papal honor marking a church’s historical value and To better appreciate the artistry of the mosaics, be Pilgrimages help the soul grow in grace, and what spiritual significance. sure to visit the Mosaic Museum beneath the cathedral. simpler way to do so than—relatively speaking—in Those worshiping during Mass at the Old Cathedral The Archdiocese of Indianapolis holds a special tie to the one’s own backyard. can enjoy the 1839 organ’s 1,700 pipes while imagining cathedral: It is here where the remains of Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter lie. He was bishop of the then-Diocese of (More information on these pilgrimage sites is available Indianapolis from 1934-1944, and first archbishop of the as follows: newly designated Archdiocese of Indianapolis from 1944- • Old Cathedral: 314-231-3250 or oldcathedralstl.org. 1946, when he was appointed to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. • Shrine of St. Joseph: 314-231-9407 or He and two other St. Louis cardinals are buried under a www.shrineofstjoseph.org. side altar known as All Souls Chapel. The cardinals’ hats, • Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: 314-373-8200 or known as galleros, hang from the ceiling above the chapel. cathedralstl.org. The cathedral was designated a basilica by St. John Paul • National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows: 618-397- II in 1997. The tell-tale umbraculum and tintinnabulum are 6700 or snows.org.) † present on the right side of the sanctuary. In addition to All Souls Chapel, the cathedral boasts three other chapels: the Blessed Sacrament Chapel—with blood red mosaic tiles arching over the space, the Blessed Virgin’s Chapel and the All Saints Chapel, where a copy of the colorful, artistic St. John’s Bible resides. There is much for the eye and soul to contemplate in the basilica, which is open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Whether you want to walk through on your own with the help of a printed visitors guide or join a guided tour between 10 a.m.-3 p.m., it’s recommended to call ahead to be sure the cathedral will be open; it is quite the wedding hot spot. Tours are also held each Sunday after the noon Mass.

A pilgrim’s respite Whether you take in all of the pilgrimage sites in one day or two, before heading home you’ll want to spend the night at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows just across the Mississippi River in Belleview, Ill. Owned and operated by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the shrine sprawls on 200 tranquil wooded acres with 10 outdoor areas for devotion. This mosaic in the narthex of the Cathedral Basilica of The Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, built in 1831, was the They range from a Lourdes grotto to a Fathers St. Louis is one of hundreds adorning the walls and ceilings of only historical building left standing after land was cleared for Memorial Wall honoring St. Joseph and all fathers; the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ cathedral, which is where Gateway Arch National Park along the Mississippi River in a Mothers Prayer walk to an 85-foot Millennium New Albany native and former Indianapolis Archbishop Joseph St. Louis. The arch is seen in the background. Spire with candelarium of votive candles; Our Lady E. Ritter is buried.