THE CATHOLIC PAGE 5 Pastoral appointments announced

April 29, 2016ommentator Vol. 54, No. 6 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C MERCY SENTENCE Spirituality at Carville By Debbie Shelley The Catholic Commentator

Life in prison was the sentence they received even though they had not commit- ted murder, treason or rob- bery. Their “crime” was having a disease which medical sci- ence now shows that 95 per- cent of the world population is not susceptible to. And for thousands, that “sentence” was served at a leprosarium in Carville, now known as the National Han- sen’s Disease Museum. Known by the name lepro- sy, Hansen’s disease has been feared and misunderstood throughout history. Most peo- ple’s knowledge of the disease stems from biblical references, in which those who had it were banished from their communi- ty and loved ones and labeled First Four Nuns – The first group of four Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul arrived at the national leprosarium in Carville, which “unclean.” was the first and only in-patient hospital in the U.S. for the treatment of leprosy, on April 17, 1896. With Father Michael Colton, then chap- That stigma continued to lain, and Sister Beatrice Hart, center, sister superiors, are, from left, Sisters Mary Thomas Stokum, Annie Costello and Cyril Coupe. They more recent times in Loui- were met with almost insurmountable obstacles, one being the dilapidated condition of the Indian Camp Plantation Home which was to SEE MUSEUM PAGE 10 be their quarters. See related story on page 12. Photo provided by Elizabeth Schexnyder | National Hansen’s Disease Museum, Carville

FOUNT OF GRACE – Rhett Verz- Parish to open house for trafficking victims wyvelt (being baptized by By Richard Meek sexually abused, and, according simply sold to another predator, Father David The Catholic Commentator to law enforcement officials, likely continuing the cycle. There was Allen) was involved in drug abuse. the case of one stepfather who baptized Human trafficking has become, And when their pimps deem began sexually abusing his step- along with his as one woman religious puts it, a the young girls too old, they are daughter when she was 12 years cousin, Wyatt form of “modern slavery.” old and eventually sold her when Bahlinger on Girls averaging 12 to 13 years she turned 15 because, quite sim- Divine Mercy old are peddled like human com- ply, she was too old for him. Sunday. The baptisms were a special celebration for modities pimped out as prosti- “It is the modern slavery of our the family, some coming from California, following tutes to eager pedophiles. The era,” said Sister Norma Nunez medical complications for Rhett at birth. Pictured, girls, whose main concerns should HSM. “(The girls) are being de- from left, are his parents Brooke and Richard Verz- be fighting acne and making week- ceived and exploited. I don’t wish wyvelt, Randall Verzwyvelt (godfather) and Lauren end plans, live on the street or in for anyone to do that.” Bahlinger (godmother). For story, see page 7. Photo cars, and if they are lucky enough Perhaps equally as disturbing provided by Melanie Roubique perhaps in seedy motels. They are as the human exploitation is de- often physically abused as well as SEE TRAFFICKING PAGE 19 2 The Catholic Commentator The Lighter Side of FAI t H April 29, 2016 | TREASURES FROM THE DIOCESE | DID YOU KNOW Papal documents

With the release of Pope Francis’ apos- 2. As suggested, an apostolic con- tolic exhortation on April 8, one obvious stitution is a second type of papal doc- question comes up: What other types of ument and deals with serious doctrinal documents can the pope issue? matters. When issued, it can define dog- Based on the reason or need, the pon- ma, change canon law or establish new tiff has many types of documents at his ecclesiastical structures. disposal. However, before addressing the 3. If the pope wants to write a pasto- various papal documents, it’s important ral letter to the entire church, he would to remember that official church docu- typically use this third type of papal ments can come from four basic areas in document called an encyclical letter. the Catholic Church. Usually this document offers some type One is from the bishops. These docu- of teaching or counsel on doctrine. An ments, either issued by individual bish- example is Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum No- ops or by national conferences of bishops, varum, an encyclical that first introduced explain how church teaching will be put Catholic social teaching. into effect in a diocese or particular area. 4. Similar to an encyclical in its pas- Often referred to as a pastoral letter, each toral nature, an apostolic letter or must receive official confirmation from epistle is written by the pope to address the Vatican to have authority. a specific person or group of people on an A second official church document issue or issues of concern. is issued by offices of the Holy See and 5. Another document that the pope authorized by the pope. Called a curial can send is called a declaration. This document, this type of communication can be in the form of a simple statement provides instruction, such as to explain of a law or a longer declaration that could or clarify documents issued by a council modify a church law. Declarations are not or decrees by a pope. A curial document issued as much as they once were in the also includes a “recognitio,” or an accep- early history of the church. tance by the Holy See of a document sent 6. A sixth type is the motu proprio. to it for review, and a “dubia,” which is an This is a decree issued by the pontiff and official response to questions sent to the is meant to handle specific issues related Vatican by bishops seeking more infor- to the church. When restrictions were re- mation on various topics. laxed during the celebration of the Mass, Conciliar documents are another type Catholics heard about it in a motu proprio of official church documents and are issued issued by Pope Benedict XVI. following the work of a church council. 7. An apostolic exhortation, issued The last type of official church docu- recently by Pope Francis, is an exhorting ment includes the largest of the four ar- or urging by the pope. Typically, it con- Nestled behind St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge is an outdoor way of the cross, with eas: papal documents. Papal documents tains papal reflections on a certain topic the Virgin Mary at its center. A grove of trees offers a shady canopy and a serene set- are issued directly by the pontiff and typ- and may also offer encouragement and ting, a rarity in an area teeming with traffic and other distractions of an urban area. ically fall into certain recognized catego- instruction to everyone in the church. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator ries with different levels of authority. The “Amoris Laetitia” or “the Joy of Love” 1. The first type is a papal bull. It is draws together the results of two recent typically used to address a wide range of synods on the family and also contains | PICTURES FROM THE PAST situations, such as an excommunication the pope’s thoughts on providing comfort to canonizations of saints. Written on and compassion to every family. parchment with a seal or bulla attached 8. Finally, for those times when the featuring cords of silk, a papal bull makes pope doesn’t write a papal document, he a dramatic presentation and is typically can still make a formal oral announce- reserved for solemn announcements. In ment. Called an allocution, this is a 1950, the dogma of the Assumption of way for the pope to address a group on a Our Blessed Mother was issued through certain topic. The first pope to use it was an apostolic constitution with a papal Pope Pius IX when he addressed the car- bull. dinals.

thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager Father Tom Ranzino Assistant Publisher Penny G. Saia Production Manager Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Rachele Smith Staff Writer

The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian As May approaches, many churches are making plans for the crowing of the Blessed Vir- Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton gin Mary. Father Wilfred Knoblock, then pastor at St. Jules Church in Belle Rose, is shown Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Sub- with St. Jules students during a May Crowning in 1946. Photo provided by the Archives Department of scription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. the Diocese of Baton Rouge April 29, 2016 The Catholic Commentator 3 ‘The Joy of Love’ simplifies, affirms church teaching on critical issues

Pope Francis embraces cal, like he’s giving advice to your average By Rachele Smith Humberto and Claudia Go- family. He shows how the family is not The Catholic Commentator mez, who are married civil- only the bedrock to the church but also to ly but not in the church, society as well,” added Romero. At a time when one out of every two during a meeting with fam- Romero’s colleague, Amelia Gallagher, American marriages ends in divorce, ilies at the Victor Manuel director of youth formation at Our Lady when television and technology replace Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla of Mercy, believes the pope’s words are family conversation, and when personal Gutierrez, Mexico, Feb. 15. hopeful and can encourage young people needs and goals are somehow idealized Pope Francis’ postsynodal to have a deeper connection with Christ. more than giving selflessly to another, apostolic exhortation on “A lot of them are trying to determine several local Catholic lay ministers con- the family, “Amoris Laeti- their vocation, but whatever vocation is tend Pope Francis’ recent document “Am- tia” (“the Joy of Love”), was best is the one God is calling you to,” she oris Laetitia” or “the Joy of Love” was released April 8 with reac- said. timed perfectly. tion from Catholic lay lead- Gallagher explained that some youth The more than 250-page apostolic ers from around the world, believe a religious vocation is somehow exhortation, released April 8, comes at a including locally. The ex- better or higher than another, yet “God time “when there are significant threats to hortation is the concluding can call you to married life, and if he does, the institution and the reality of marriage document of the 2014 and you can still reach the heights of mystical and the family,“ said Barry Schoedel, as- 2015 synods of bishops on union. He (Pope Francis) says that in this sociate director of the diocese’s Office of the family. Photo provided by Paul document.” Evangelization and Catechesis. Haring | Catholic News Service For Gallagher, reiterating that there Signed on March 19, the Solemnity of was nothing new about church teaching Saint Joseph, who is the patron saint of in the document is important, but there families and the Diocese of Baton Rouge, was also something she especially found the apostolic exhortation draws together Family Life, sees the “Joy of Love” as an basis, “please,” “thank you” and “sorry.” inspiring. the results of the two synods on the fami- opportunity for the church to “restate the “The pope takes the church’s teaching “He (Pope Francis) kicks off his apos- ly assembled by Pope Francis in 2014 and beauty of marriage and family life” based and simplifies it in a way, so as you read it, tolic exhortation by diving into Scripture. 2015. The document also cites letters and on Scripture and church teaching through you can see his personality,” Romero said. He really upholds our tradition and the teachings of past pontiffs, including St. the centuries. “He talks about how growing up in sacredness of Scripture,” said Gallagher, John Paul II, and draws references from But that’s just the beginning. family is not always easy. He defines it adding with a smile, “Yes, go Pope Fran- other sources, such as various episcopal “The pope is also exhorting theolo- in a theological way but it is very practi- cis!” conferences from around the world and gians, pastors and lay leaders to continu- the writings of significant historical fig- ally think through how we can apply the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools

ures, including Martin Luther King and church’s teaching to real life situations author and 20th century psychoanalysis people deal with today. Erich Fromm. In addition, Pope Fran- “He’s not setting hard and fast rules. DEPARTMENT OF cis uses the document to reflect his own He’s asking, ‘Let’s do more thinking; let’s catechesis on the family, even using great do more discussing; let’s be open to the SPECIAL EDUCATION detail at times, such as discussing disci- Holy Spirit to see how we can apply the pline and moral and ethical formation of church’s teaching to contemporary situa- children. tions,’ ” said Ducote. Faith Formation, Individual Development, Preparation for the Future “I see it (the document) as two-fold. It’s Some of those situations, however, can both theological in that there is reflection be “sticky,” according to Ducote. Program for on the deeper Christian meaning of fami- Topics such as divorce and remarriage, ly and marriage, and there is the practical which Ducote emphasized the pope clear- Exceptional Students or you could say pastoral part of how to ly stated does not mean excommunica- support people to realize and live out the tion, and others, including annulments, – Autism vocations of family and married life in the reproduction and technology and same- fullest sense,” Schoedel said. sex attraction mean the church has “to – Intellectual/Other Exceptionalities Rather than establishing new rules walk with people” wherever they are and or canonical laws for the institutions of help them on these difficult paths, he -ex family and married life, Schoedel said plained. the document reaffirms church teachings, Ducote noted the pope’s approach, something he finds practical on a local which is clear in the document, is to in- Lab Services level. clude rather than exclude, offering a wel- “It is a call of reorientation of values,” come to all. said Schoedel, adding there is a sense of “The fact that we are imperfect is not a for Regular repurposing and making our lives with disgrace,” said Ducote. our loved ones a type of missionary activ- “The church offers us an ideal, and Education ity and a type of evangelism. while we strive for that, God’s grace helps “It’s a call from the Holy Father to re- us deal with those situations, even if it is Students commit ourselves as disciples and to the imperfectly,” he said. vocation of marriage and family life,” he Jason Romero, director of Christian – Dyslexia said. formation at Our Lady of Mercy Church in “Just because we are lay Christians and Baton Rouge, also read the document as a – Instructional Support we live in a family and marriage doesn’t summary of church teaching on marriage mean we are lesser or have less opportu- and family life. For more information including locations nity to grow within the love of God,” he He was most impressed with the prac- and programming specifics: www.csobr.org added. tical ways Pope Francis offered for family 225-336-8735 • fax: 225-336-8711 Like Schoedel, Darryl Ducote, direc- members to interact and highlighted the Director: Veronica Winchester • [email protected] tor of the diocese’s Office of Marriage and pontiff’s call to use three words on a daily 4 The Catholic Commentator April 29, 2016

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By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

Bishop Robert W. Muench an- nounced the following pastoral appointments effective July 1. • Father Paul Gros, pastor at St. Philomena in Labadieville. Fa- ther Gros will continue as pastor Father Paul Gros Father Andrew Merrick Father Matthew Dupré Father Matthew Graham Father Juel Kandulna IMS Father David Allen at St. Anne in Napoleonville and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin tor of vocations and seminarians. Father Dupré, a Catholic High Father David Allen will serve pastor Father Frank Bass is on Mary in Plattenville. Father Gros, a Catholic High graduate who was ordained in at St. Pius and St. Isidore while medical leave. • Father Andrew Merrick, vo- School graduate who was ordained 1998 by Archbishop Alfred C. cation director and parochial vic- by Bishop Muench in 2009, has Hughes, has been serving as pas- ar at Christ the King and Catholic been pastor at St. Anne and As- tor at St. Patrick and chaplain at Center in Baton Rouge. Father sumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic High since 2014. He was Merrick’s appointment as voca- Mary since July 1, 2012. He is also appointed director of the Office of tion director is effective for four dean of the Southwest Deanery Vocations on July 1, 2012. years. and chaplain at Ascension Catho- Father Dupré has served on • Father Matthew Dupré, di- lic Regional High School. the College of Consultors from Ex�erience the enchant�ent of Europe with rector of seminarians for a two- He has served as parochial 2009-14, pastor at St. John the Join us for a special river cruise presentation! year term. He will remain as pas- vicar at Most Sacred Heart of Je- Baptist Church in Brusly, admin- tor at St. Patrick in Baton Rouge. sus Church in Gramercy, St. Mi- istrator at St. Joseph the Work- Crown Exclusive Bonus: • Father Matthew Graham, chael Church in Convent, St. Jo- er Church in Pierre Part and St. Up to $600 Onboard Credit Per Cabin! administrator at St. Elizabeth in seph in Paulina, Christ the King Theresa of Avila Church in Gon- Paincourtville and St. Jules in and Immaculate Conception of zales and parochial vicar at Holy Belle Rose. the Blessed Virgin Mary in Den- Rosary in St. Amant, Christ the • Father Juel Kandulna IMS, ham Springs. King and St. Jean Vianney in Ba- parochial vicar at St. Philomena, Father Merrick, a graduate of ton Rouge. St. Anne and Assumption of the Catholic High of Pointe Coupée Father Kandulna was or- When: Wednesday, May 11th at 2:00 PM Tootie Bonacorso Where: La Madeleine on Jefferson Hwy. Senior Vacation Consultant Blessed Virgin Mary. and ordained in 2008 by Bishop dained in Jharkhand, India in Presented By: Sheila Bielich of AmaWaterways (225) 236-1388 • Father David Allen, tempo- Muench, has been pastor at St. 1997 and is currently parochial Space is limited. Please RSVP. [email protected] rary administrator at St. Pius in Elizabeth and St. Jules since July vicar at St. Louis King of France 7569 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Baton Rouge and St. Isidore in 1, 2012. He was also administra- in Baton Rouge. He also served as Baker. Father Allen will continue tor at both parishes from 2011-12. parochial vicar at Holy Rosary. as pastor at Holy Family Church He served as parochial vicar Father Graham was ordained 1-800-330-1001 in Port Allen. at St. Thomas More Church in May 30 and has been serving the www.vacationsbycrown.com Bishop Muench also appoint- Baton Rouge, Christ the King and past year as parochial vicar at ed Lisette Borné associate direc- Immaculate Conception. Christ the King. First Communion Gifts Confirmation Norwegian bishop: To avoid same-sex Mother’s Day marriage, no more civil weddings for Graduation WARSAW, Poland (CNS) – A Norwegian bish- synod decision. op said the country’s clergy will no longer officiate “My own reaction is one of sorrow and disap- at civil weddings, after the predominant Lutheran pointment, and we can’t foresee the longer-term Church’s governing synod voted to conduct gay consequences for interchurch contacts here,” Bish- marriages in Norway. op Eidsvig said. Bishop Bernt Eidsvig of Oslo told Catholic News The Lutheran synod voted overwhelmingly to Service that he would have to seek permission from approve same-sex marriages at its annual confer- the Vatican, but added, “It’s clear we must distin- ence, after rejecting a similar proposal in 2014. Lu- guish our own church marriages from others.” theran clergy who oppose same-sex marriage will “This is a matter of liturgy, so it doesn’t neces- be allowed to opt out. sarily reflect broader change in our society’s moral Bishop Eidsvig and three Protestant Norwegian values. But politicians may now get aggressive to- leaders sent a statement to Norway’s Vart Land ward churches who resist these weddings, so the daily, saying same-sex marriage violated “not only Large selection of gifts to choose from! Photo albums & frames, music best option is for us to stop conducting marriages the Christian understanding of marriage, but also on the state’s behalf.” the historic and universal view of marriage.” The boxes, gift sets, rosaries, affordable Mother of Pearl rosary, cake He said Norwegian Catholics “hope to main- statement said the introduction of separate civ- toppers, First Communion jewelry & Bibles (imprinting available) tain good relations with the Lutheran Church,” il and religious ceremonies would protect other but said they would “make it clear we don’t un- churches from “increased pressure to consecrate derstand their decision and hope they’ll still re- same-sex couples.” Books and Gifts consider it.” Catholics make up a small minority of the 5.2 The little book store with Bishop Eidsvig told CNS April 21 that many million inhabitants of Norway. a big heart and a Norwegians remained strongly opposed to same- Pope Francis will visit Lund, Sweden, Oct. 31 for thirsting desire to spread the good news! sex marriage, which has been legal since 2009. an ecumenical service with Lutheran World Feder- 11232 Florida Blvd., corner of Sherwood Forest and Florida Blvd. He said Lutheran churches in Africa, Asia and ation members to mark the 500th anniversary of Baton Rouge, LA | 225-272-4030 Latin America had also “strongly condemned” the the Protestant Reformation. 6 The Catholic Commentator April 29, 2016 Funeral Mass years after death/Destination weddings?

You noted in a recent column shocked by) at the time of Mass, you might consid- My take on “destination wed- that the Mass is “the most pow- his passing. (City of origin er having a small table dings” (Cabo San Lucas seems Qerful prayer that can be offered withheld) with your father-in-law’s Athe current rage) is that they are on a deceased person’s behalf.” That picture and a bouquet of fraught with complication both from comment brought back a wave of sorrow Yes, you could have flowers. (That table could the religious point of view as well as the for my wife and me. Ten years ago, her a Mass celebrated be placed either where civil. father died after a lengthy and progres- Afor your father-in- people first enter the To answer your question simply, two sive illness. Due to the fact that we were law even now, 10 years af- church or, if the priest is Catholics must be married by a Catholic living out of state at the time, and wors- ter his death. Technically, I willing, in front near the priest or deacon. Sometimes an “exotic” ened by some unresolved hard feelings suppose, it would be called altar where the casket wedding venue will assure a couple that toward their father by other surviving a memorial Mass, but in would ordinarily go.) the venue will find a member of the clergy family members, Dad was shuttled into most respects it would be Your question, and to officiate, but whether that will turn out a grave at a veterans’ cemetery before similar to a funeral Mass, your sadness and lin- to be a Catholic priest or deacon in good my wife and I could intervene. except that the body would gering regret, remind standing is always uncertain. (More often Despite the fact that he was a life- not be present. (And these Question Corner me how important it is, than not, it will not be a Catholic at all.) long practicing Catholic, he was buried days, with cremations at the time of a death, Further, there is the matter of secur- without even a public wake, and worse becoming more frequent, Father Kenneth Doyle for a family to set aside ing the proper license from a foreign still, without the Catholic funeral Mass that is already the case at differences and join in municipal authority and assuring that he richly deserved. So my question is many funeral Masses.) planning funeral rites that best honor the the marriage will be recognized in the this: Can he still have a full funeral Mass, I would suggest that you contact your deceased and respect his wishes. Clearly, United States. On more than one occa- not just a memorial Mass, celebrated family’s pastor and see if he would be will- your father-in-law would have wanted a sion in the recent past, I have persuaded in his name even though he is already ing to celebrate a separate, special Mass funeral Mass. Catholic couples bent on a destination buried, even without the presence of for your father-in-law. (In other words, wedding to be married beforehand in a his remains? (If so, I would contact our you would not simply add the deceased’s What is the church’s position quiet ceremony in our church parish with family’s original pastor.) name to the other intentions at one of the about “destination weddings,” me as the celebrant and with a marriage It would be an opportunity for Dad’s regularly scheduled parish Masses.) Qwhich may or may not be per- license from our own city hall. soul to enjoy a proper requiem, and You may want to announce the Mass formed by a priest? If two previously un- Following that, they can leave and it would also allow close family and in a newspaper notice or by contacting married Catholics in good standing are party in the tropics with their friends longtime friends a chance to prayerful- friends and family directly. Perhaps you married in such a non-church ceremony, and family, confident that their marriage ly ask God’s graces on Dad’s behalf, an would want to call it an anniversary will the church accept that marriage? is recognized as official by the church opportunity they were deprived of (and memorial Mass for your loved one. At the (Schenectady, New York) and by the state.

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C   225-387-0983 • thecatholiccommentator.org CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 April 29, 2016 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Infant’s health journey a confirmation of faith for Port Allen family

By Debbie Shelley ioners. The Scripture passage The Catholic Commentator came up in a recent Lenten re- treat, and LeBlanc shared her Sisters often experience a personal testimony of how God double joy when doing some- works with people during diffi- thing together, such as shopping, cult times. basking on the beach, watching “It touched people from the a movie or eating their favorite congregation to hear Rhett’s sto- pizza. For Brooke LeBlanc Ver- ry,” LeBlanc said. “It’s been a real zwyvelt and Lauren LeBlanc faith journey.” Bahlinger, being pregnant for Rhett was discharged from the first time with a due date the hospital after two weeks. one week apart was bliss beyond “It was so exciting. It was also anything they had done together. a little scary,” said Verzwyvelt, “It was a joy to be side by remembering that Rhett had side during this time,” said Ver- come home with them before zwyvelt. They had their baby only to be in the hospital the next showers together, registered for day. “But we couldn’t wait to get the babies’ baptisms together, home and learn how to be his prepared their nurseries togeth- parents.” er and settled in to welcome Rhett was back at the hospital their babies into the world. They on Feb. 11, this time to meet his even had the same doctor and cousin, Wyatt. were both expecting boys. Just as the sisters had A delivery nurse at Woman’s planned, Rhett and Wyatt were Hospital, Verzwyvelt knew what baptized at Holy Family on April questions to ask the doctor and Wyatt Bahlinger was baptized by Father David Allen, along with his cousin, Rhett, on Divine Mercy Sunday, 3, Divine Mercy Sunday. It was what to expect when delivering, April 3. At the joyous occasion are from left, Blake LeBlanc, godfather; Cooper Bahlinger, father; Lauren a big family event, as some rel- whereas her sister did not. LeBlanc, mother; and Brooke Verzwyvelt, godmother. Photo provided by Melanie Roubique atives even came in from Cali- “She told you this?” Bahlinger fornia. Verzwyvelt was Wyatt’s would ask Verzwyvelt as the sis- a double high five,” said a glow- husband, Richard. The surgery Her mother assured her that God godmother and Bahlinger was ters discussed their doctor visits. ing LeBlanc. would be long and complicated, loves her, but sometimes he gives Rhett’s godmother. Verzwyvelt and Bahlinger’s Verzwyvelt had a fairly and Rhett would have “a real- people a cross they must bear. The cousins have been spend- mother, Gretchen LeBlanc, was smooth pregnancy. However, she ly long road” to take in his life. As LeBlanc waited for visita- ing a lot of time together, and doubly surprised by her daugh- didn’t expect the medical com- There was a possibility he might tion time with Rhett, she read Verzwyvelt said they are at that ters’ pregnancies. LeBlanc re- plications her son would face. have to wear a colostomy bag. the Scriptures on her electron- stage of beginning to notice each cently retired after 33 years at On Jan. 21, Verzwyvelt en- “It was very traumatizing,” ic reader and came across John other. Their mothers have lots Dow Chemical to spend time dured 24 hours of labor before said Verzwyvelt. “We didn’t 9:1-3: “And Jesus passing by, saw of plans for them, such as joint with her grandchildren and her Rhett was born by cesarean sec- know if he would even get to a man who was blind from his birthday parties and celebrating parents. She and tion on Jan. 22. come home with us.” birth: And his disciples asked other milestones together. “They her husband were The news from Rhett seemed As Rhett was brought to the him: Rabbi, who has sinned, are going to be inseparable,” said gathered at the to be doing fine surgery room, his parents kissed this man, or his parents, that he Verzwyvelt. “They will do every- Bahlinger’s home the doctors was the first couple him and told him they loved him. should be born blind? Jesus an- thing together.” to celebrate the of days, although “I told them (the medical swered: Neither hath this man LeBlanc’s 35th grim for (Brook) he had not had a staff) to take care of him and sinned, nor his parents; but that Send youth news and wedding anniver- bowel movement. bring him back to me,” Ver- the works of God should be man- sary. Verzwyvelt Verzwyvelt and He was dis- zwyvelt said. ifest in him.” story ideas to gave her a big gift charged the Mon- Then came the wait. She sent a picture of the Debbie Shelley, bag. her husband, day after his de- “My husband and I were passage by text message to her “I thought it livery. That night, holding hands and crying. I daughter, who was with Rhett assistant editor, at was finally a wed- Richard. The Rhett threw up just prayed that God would let in the ICU after surgery. Ver- [email protected]. ding photo I had bile and was in me have a little more time with zwyvelt’s faith was bolstered. been wanting surgery would pain. him,” said Verzwyvelt, who real- There was also the constant from her,” said “He was not ized that God gave Rhett as a gift support of their church parish Send school news LeBlanc. “I pulled be long and doing everything to her and her husband and that home, Holy Family Church in to Rachel Smith at the tissue out and a baby normally God could take him any time he Port Allen. it was filled with complicated, and does,” said Ver- wished. But she wasn’t ready to Rhett’s story has been a faith [email protected]. baby supplies. I zwyvelt. let go yet. lesson to Holy Family parish- said, ‘You’re preg- Rhett would have She brought But the hand of God was nant?’ ” him to the pedi- working to reassure her. The Next, Bah- “a really long atrician, and it first name of their surgeon was linger handed her was discovered Faith (Hansbrough), Verzwyvelt RESTHAVEN a box that con- that Rhett had a noted. road” to take in GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME tained a birth- malrotation of the There was also the support stone. his life. bowels and other from her family. ® “I asked, ‘Lau- intestinal issues. Verzwyvelt had expressed her We make it personal. ren, why are you giving me a He was brought back to Woman’s struggles with her faith when for a better farewell birthstone for February?’ That’s Hospital and taken into emer- she asked her mother if God was when she told me she was due in gency surgery that night. punishing her or if there was 11817 Jefferson Highway 225-753-1440 February.” The news from the doctors something different she should www.resthavenbatonrouge.com “I thought God was giving me was grim for Verzwyvelt and her have done with her pregnancy. 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 8 The Catholic Commentator April 29, 2016

If you have news or events coming up in your church Planned Parenthood defunding parish, school or organization, please let us know about it so we can spread the word! Email Richard highlights pro-life legislation Meek at [email protected]; or fax to 225-336-8710. By Richard Meek Johnson detailed the gruesome pro- The Catholic Commentator cedure to the committee and noted “all of this takes place while the child is alive.” The potential defunding of Planned He went on to say the baby feels extreme THE HOLY LAND Parenthood was one of four pro-life pain during the procedure. bills the Louisiana House Committee on Johnson said many abortion clinics Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus Health & Welfare advanced to the full use this “barbaric procedure” because it 10 DAYS: JANUARY 16 - 25, 2017 House on April 20. is “cheaper than other procedures.” Also unanimously passed by the com- Dr. Damon Cudihy of Lafayette said mittee on what was declared “Pro-Life the bill is necessary to protect the wom- Day” by Louisiana Right to Life were bills en and children of Louisiana. He com- making it criminal to sell infant body pared the procedure to the medieval tor- parts or organs of a baby who was abort- ture practice of being hanged, drawn and ed, to protect unborn disabled babies and quartered. stopping dismemberment abortions. “Surely we can do better than that,” he Rep. Frank Hoffmann of West Mon- said. roe, a staunch pro-life advocate, opened Cudihy said he often hears arguments the committee meeting by introducing that abortions are necessary to save HB 606, which would stop state funding women’s lives. But he added terminating Visiting of any organizations that perform abor- pregnancy does not “mean we must end tions, except in the case the child’s life.” HAIFA * TIBERIAS * NAZARETH of rape or incest or if “What do we want He said he has man- the life of the mother is aged hundreds of cases BETHLEHEM * JERUSALEM at risk. The bill is being to stand for in to save the mother’s life, pushed by Gov. John and “the number (of ba- Bel Edwards, who as a Louisiana? Barbaric bies) I had to kill was $3,899 PER PERSON state representative had zero.” a strong pro-life voting is not what we are “I have never or nev- FROM NEW ORLEANS record. er will intentionally (Air/land tour price is $3,199 plus $700 government Deanna Wallace, about in the state of kill either (mother or taxes/airline fuel surcharges) legislative director of child),” he added. Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana.” Wallace testified that Hosted By said Hoffmann’s bill is approximately 1,000 not technically aimed Dr. Damon Cudihy partial birth abortions FR. MIKE AUSTIN & MRS. PAULA SPEARS at Planned Parenthood are performed annually and the organization is not mentioned in in Louisiana. Walk where Jesus walked ... Cruise the Sea of Galilee ... the legislation. However, she did say that “That is just troubling,” said Rep. Visit Nazareth .. . Climb the Mt. of Olives & view the Old City of Jerusalem ... if the bill is approved, then “the ball is in Kenny Cox of Natchitoches. Walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ... Planned Parenthood’s court.” Several people also discussed the af- Visit Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. Wallace said Planned Parenthood termath of abortion, noting that abortion would not be affected and would contin- does not end on the examination table. TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: ue to receive Medicare funding unless Opponents of the bill testifying in- Roundtrip Airfare from New Orleans, $700 Govt. Taxes/Airline Fuel Surcharges, the organization moves forward with its cluded New Orleans attorney Ellie Schil- First Class Hotels, Breakfast & Dinner Daily, plans to build a large clinic in New Or- ling and representatives of various orga- Services of a Professional Tour Director, Comprehensive Sightseeing, leans that is projected to perform more nizations, including Catholics for Choice. All Hotel Service Charges & Local Taxes, Porterage, Entrance Fees and Gratuities. than 2,800 abortions annually. Abor- Johnson said the bill would not ban tions currently are not being performed abortions in Louisiana but is more about " at Planned Parenthood’s Baton Rouge setting policy. FOR A BROCHURE WITH COMPLETE facility. “What do we want to stand for in Lou- The New Orleans clinic has come un- isiana?” he said. “Barbaric is not what we DETAILS, DETACH AND MAIL TO: der fire and the Claiborne Avenue loca- are about in the state of Louisiana.” tion has been the site of numerous pro- Regarding HB 1019, which would pro- Fr. Mike Austin tests from pro-life supporters. tect disabled unborn babies, Rep. Rick Holy Family Catholic Church Tel: (228) 238 - 1050 Fr. Austin Wallace said if the clinic opens and Edmonds of Baton Rouge said children 22342 Evangeline Road (228) 697-7814 Mrs. Spears abortions are offered and performed, with disabilities “are the greatest bless- Pass Christian, MS 39571 Email: [email protected] “(Planned Parenthood) will be choosing ing you will be a part of.” to defund themselves from being able to He admitted that all parents would offer actual healthcare.” like for their children to be born perfect There was also much discussion sur- and to be perfect, but “sometimes what Name rounding HB 1081, introduced by Rep. happens is what we consider bad, not Mike Johnson of Benton, which would saying (children with disabilities) are Address ban partial birth abortions, also known bad.” as dilation and evacuation. He said those children have a way of “D&E,” as the practice is more com- being a blessing to a family and a mar- City State Zip monly referred to, is a practice where the riage. physician performing the abortion ex- “I don’t think we should take away,” Phone Email tracts one body part at a time, beginning he said. “Life is hard but life is also pre- with the child’s feet. cious.” April 29, 2016 The Catholic Commentator 9 Archbishop Hughes honored with St. Joseph Apprentice Award

By Richard Meek ostracizing divorced couples, “we accom- The Catholic Commentator pany them” on their spiritual journey. He concluded his homily by saying the The past intersected with the present Easter season is intended to be life-chang- when Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes and ing, and that all Catholics can do things Bishop Robert W. Muench concelebrat- differently. ed Mass on April 16 as part of the annual “We can remember what is good,” he Evening at the Cathedral fundraiser at St. said. “We can spread the Gospel message Joseph Cathedral. by living it and speaking it in a truly joyous During a ceremony at the parish hall and pervasive way.” following Mass, Archbishop Hughes, who New Roads native Bishop Shelton Fab- served as the bishop in the Diocese of Ba- re of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ton Rouge from 1993-2001, was one of joined Bishop Muench and Archbishop five people to receive the St. Joseph’s Ap- Hughes following Mass. Bishop Fabre was Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, center, former bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, was one prentice Award. The others included Chip presented with the St. Joseph Apprentice of five people to receive the St. Joseph’s Apprentice Award on April 16 during the annual Eve- Landry, Angele Davis Kelley and Marino Award in 2012. ning at the Cathedral at St. Joseph Cathedral. Pictured with Archbishop Hughes are Bishop and Betty Casem. Landry, who grew up attending St. Jo- Robert W. Muench, left and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Davis Rhorer was presented the Ca- seph Cathedral, has been the sexton at the thedral Community Award. pastor at St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in “Why? For our salvation.” cathedral cemetery for more than 27 years. During his homily, Archbishop Hughes Greenwell Springs, also concelebrated the Archbishop Hughes said that he be- Kelley is a longtime public servant and reflected with fondness on his years in the Mass. lieves Pope Francis, through his words and respected business executive who also diocese and the memories of “so many Archbishop Hughes said he continues deeds, mirrors the Good Shepherd “for us served as chief financial advisor to former Eucharists in this holy place.” He thanked to use St. Joseph as an example of being in our own time.” He said that the pope’s Gov. Bobby Jindal. She also is chair of the Bishop Muench for the bishop’s invitation a “good bridegroom to my spouse, the apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of Love,” advisory board of Catholic Charities of to participate in the liturgy, as well as Fa- church” as well as a spiritual leader to the although lengthy, it is well worth the read. the Diocese of Baton Rouge. ther John Carville, who served as vicar people “who God still invites me to serve.” Archbishop Hughes said the pope reaf- Marion and Betty are longtime St. general under Archbishop Hughes and “We are invited to focus on Christ, the firmed the church’s teaching that marriage Joseph parishioners and active in the Father Michael Moroney. Good Shepherd,” the archbishop added, is a union of one man and one woman church parish. Father Carville, who is now retired and quoting from the Gospel on Good Shepherd while also calling for compassion for gay Rhorer, a 1974 graduate of Catholic a columnist for The Catholic Commen- Sunday. “Jesus makes it clear that he re- individuals. Additionally, the archbishop High School, is the first and only director tator, and Father Moroney, currently the veals himself and gives himself to his flock. said the church is at best when instead of of the Down Development District.

Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House Jesuit Fathers and Lay Associates Weekend and Mid-Week Retreats For Men, Women and Married Couples For more information, visit our website or contact Phone: 337-662-5410 • Fax 337-662-5331 www.ourladyoftheoaks.com Email: [email protected] P. O. Drawer D, Grand Coteau, LA 70541 10 The Catholic Commentator | April 29, 2016 April 29, 2016 | The Catholic Commentator 11

SINCE 1979

 a state contract.” Complications from the MUSEUM FAST • AFFORDABLE • GUARANTEED FOR LIFE From page 1 In 1892, Louisiana passed a law disease come when people requiring people diagnosed with leprosy ‘THOU (228-4882) Ask about our 10% discount. Call 1-800-BATHTUB more recent times in Louisiana, accord- to be quarantined in a selected loca- delay going to the doctor, or 225-753-6810 for Mention code: “Commentator” ing to Dr. David M. Scollard, director of tion. A board of control was established a free in-home consultation. and receive an additional $100 discount. the National Hansen’s Disease Programs to run the leprosy home. They selected can make me or doctors misdiagnose it and Elizabeth Schexnyder, curator at the Indian Camp Plantation in Carville. STEVE DECELL museum. The museum honors lep- Patients began arriving by coal barges Walk-in Showers Aging-In-Place Consultant Walk-in Tubs rosy patients who in November because they still think of were there and of 1894. Once it as an ancient biblical the medical staff Merciful there, patients who attended to were quaran- disease. them and made Like tined for the CLEAN’ medical history. rest of their Dr. David M. Scollard, Director In 1890-92, a lives. The terms used to refer to the pa- them, to care for them and make them National Hansen’s Disease Programs series of articles the Located near tients were the same as those used for happy. To look into their wants and sup- published in the the end of the prisoners. Bounties were offered for ply them. New Orleans Father road by a levee, those who escaped “through the hole” in “And in this they must try to see the to Carville in a hearse. His family was Daily Picayune patients were the fence. They were usually punished goodness of God their Father providing devastated, especially his mother, who revealed that YEAR OF MERCY fearful and by being jailed. for them, in their suffering and lonely thought she had done something wrong when cases of considered it Patients were occasionally allowed condition.” that led to him having the disease. He leprosy were diagnosed in the New the end of their lives. Their new homes visitation with family members and The sisters began at once to establish had plans for his life, and he and his Orleans area, patients lived in a “pest were the slave cabins at the abandoned lucky ones were paroled. a sense of community. Mass was cel- childhood sweetheart, Magdalena, house” run by a physician “who was on plantation. Bringing a light of hope to the lepro- ebrated within the first 24 hours of their whom he later married, struggled with sarium, where the scourge of loneliness arrival. The first chapel was built inside the meaning of everything that had hap- Joe Skibinski was acute as the disease itself, were the one of the slave quarters and measured pened. It was thought that he would die. Agent Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de 26’ x 15’. The Daughters of Charity and the 1953 Perkins Rd. Paul. In a letter about the first chapel from Carville community became family and Baton Rouge, LA 70808 The president of the control board, the sisters to their mother house, one sis- Sister Hilary Ross DC, lived and worked at the Carville hospital from 1923 to played a big role in the ongoing physi- Bus: 225-387-0201 Dr. Isadore Dyer, had suggested that the ter wrote, “I know you would enjoy a half 1960 where she helped to build a research laboratory for drug testing in part cal, psychological and spiritual healing Toll Free: 888-387-0201 Daughters of Charity, uncloistered ser- hour in our sweet little chapel, and while nership with Dr. George Fite. for Ramirez. The sisters were forthright [email protected] vants of the poor work- kneeling there in the - in providing information, comfort and ing where they found CORPORAL WORKS presence of the Lord, friendship for Ramirez and his family. those in need, care OF MERCY watch these poor, af- tants in dental and bandaging clinics, Scollard said what was once consid- “They made him feel like it was going for the patients. After To feed the hungry flicted ones come in and religious leaders and confidents and ered a curse from God because of sin is to be all right, that he would be able to some consultation, To give drink to the thirsty pray and approach the friends. Scollard said the sisters played now treated on an outpatient basis, and accomplish the goals he wanted to ac- the sisters accepted To clothe the naked altar. I fancy they used a major role in advancements in the if treated early, many patients live nor- complish before he was diagnosed,” said the mission. With To harbour the harbourless the words mentioned treatment of leprosy. On April 11, 1957, mal lives. He said complications from Magdalena Ramirez. spartan spirits the To visit the sick in the Gospel, ‘Lord, if the Daughters of Charity at Carville the disease come when people delay While living at Carville, Ramirez sisters, who had the To ransom the captive thou will it, thou can were presented with the Distinguished going to the doctor or doctors misdiag- earned his degree in social work from motto “The charity of To bury the dead make me clean!’ ” Service Award, the highest award of the nose it because they still think of it as LSU, and, combining the research with Jesus Christ crucified Schexnyder said that U.S. Department of Health, Education, an ancient biblical disease. personal experience, is working to erad- urges us,” met almost not only was life at Car- and Welfare, “for devoted services to the To dispel such misconceptions, people icate the stigma of the disease. He is insurmountable conditions. The biggest ville made more tolerable by the arrival patients of the leprosarium at Carville, such as Jose Ramirez Jr., a former the author of “Squint: My Journey with was the dilapidated condition of Indian of the sisters, but their presence gave and contributions to the success of the patient at Carville, dedicate their lives Leprosy,” and is managing editor of The Camp Plantation, which was to be their hope for a Christian death and burial. unique program at this hospital.” educating people about Hansen’s disease Star, a magazine dedicated to publish- headquarters, according to Schexnyder. In 1896, Sister Beatrice wrote, “Before The Health Resources and Ser- and advocating for people affected by it. ing the truth about Hansen’s disease. Among the social activities at the national leprosarium at Carville was a Mardi Gras ball. But they were determined to bring we took charge of them, they were vices Administration assumed federal Ramirez was 20 years old in 1968 Schexnyder and Scollard credited the Photos provided by Elizabeth Schexnyder | National Hansen’s Disease Museum, Carville Do you need a job? dignity to the patients. thrown like dogs into the grave the responsibility for the management and when he was diagnosed with Hansen’s sisters with helping Carville become a Sister Beatrice Hart, Sis- same day they died. I have insisted on operation of the Carville facility in 1982. disease in Laredo, Texas and brought self-sustaining community full of hope We can help you: ter Superior, who was one a Christian burial. Nothing short of a for those patients facing such a blight on • Identify your strengths and talents. of the first four Daughters high Mass would satisfy Father Colton their health and entire lives. • Develop interview skills. of Charity to arrive at Car- (chaplain there). The sisters sang.” “The patients, according to several • Improve your communication, reading, writing, and math skills. ville, wrote in a letter dated After a touching Mass, procession accounts, were extremely moved to find • Develop computer skills. April, 1896: and burial, Sister Beatrice wrote, “We that when they got here, a place that • Obtain first workday items such as tools, shoes, and uniforms. “In the evening of the had buried the bodies of the poor in the many of them were afraid of, they were • Complete and submit resumes and online job applications. 16th we sailed from New spirit of our Lord. The reverent care that in the hands of nuns who recognized To sign up for training, become a volunteer trainer, or learn Orleans and reached the these bodies received has made a deep them and treated them well,” said Scol- more information about this exciting program through the plantation on Friday, the impression and has, the patients say, lard. “The sisters were a great source of Employment Services Program offered by Catholic Charities 17th. Our first move was taken away all the sting of dying here.” consolation for them. You read in dia- towards the patients’ quar- Schexnyder noted that the sisters ries of the patients that they struggled of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, ters, where the word leper had developed such a close relationship with ‘Why did this happen to me? Why call Kim at (225) 336-8700, ext. 364. will not be used, if possible. with the patients that they were buried have I been isolated? Whey have I been The patients could see the alongside them in the cemetery. torn away from my family?’ Many times, The Employment Services Program for the Catholic Charities of the steamer arrive from their The museum curator stated that 116 the answers they were seeking weren’t Diocese of Baton Rouge serves the following parishes: East Baton cabins and were out on the sisters served at the Carville mission medical, they were spiritual, philo- Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, porches waiting for us. We for 109 years, caring for over 5,000 pa- sophical. I don’t know how the nuns Point Coupée, Tangipahoa, or Washington Parish. went to each one separately tients. They worked as nurses, medical answered the questions at the time. But This project is provided with support from the Walmart and tried to make them feel records librarians, X-ray technicians, In 1943, Hansen’s patients at Carville celebrated the coming of Christmas with the pro- they think of any disease in its spiritual Foundation and Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Theater productions were part of the community life at the leprosarium at Carville. we had come to be one with dieticians, medial researchers, assis- duction “The Manger Prince.” sense, which is the most important.” 12 The Catholic Commentator April 29, 2016 St. Theresa students learn grim lesson of the early days in Carville By Rachele Smith home. By forcing patients to change their the nuns and the staff comforted them The Catholic Commentator names, and hiding their true identity, it and made them a part of their own fami- was believed family members and their lies,” she said. Huddled in a group around their tour homes would be protected. Kim Lacinak, coordinator of religious guide, about 25 Catholic school students “That’s just so sad,” said Emma Lauret, education at St. John Primary and St. The- listened intently to a description of what a sixth-grader at St. Theresa. resa Middle schools, explained the idea to life was like at the nation’s first home for “I almost started crying.” visit the museum as part of a sixth-grade leprosy patients along the Mississippi For Lauret and her classmates, the retreat grew out of a partnership between River. idea that someone would hurt another in the two schools and the nine church par- Yet, even as the students, who were part retaliation of a disease was senseless and ishes that are associated with it. of a larger group of sixth-graders from St. confusing. Lacinak said while planning the sixth- Theresa School, Gonzales, learned the But for their teacher, it was the per- grade retreat at St. Gabriel Church last story of this once quarantined commu- fect opportunity to capitalize on a lesson year, Father Charlie Landry, pastor of St. nity in Carville, they were also shocked by taught earlier in class. Gabriel Church, believed the museum, some of the things they heard. “Think about our Catholic social teach- something “right in our own backyard” Pointing to a replica of a monument stone No, it wasn’t learning that the first pa- ing,” said Torrie Schexnaydre, a religion presented a great opportunity to do more: in the cemetery of the National Hansen’s tients arrived in the cloak of darkness in teacher at St. Theresa. to teach social justice. Disease Museum, Elizabeth Schexnyder, 1894, or even that before a cure was found, “What does this say about their human “This is a great place to teach mercy,” curator of the museum, shows St. Theresa patients had to live in the facility forever. dignity?” she asked. Father Landry said. School students how earlier patients were What brought surprise and even gasps Creating moments where students can “The place was built on mercy. It was buried under their first name or initials from these students was discovering why be actively involved in their understanding mercy and love for the people who needed only. Photo by Rachele Smith | The Catholic Commentator first-time patients were told to change is important for teachers like Schexnay- a place to stay,” he added, recalling how their names. dre, who noted their April 12 field trip to when it was believed the disease was con- and forgiveness here,” Father Landry told As the tour guide explained, before the National Hansen’s Disease Museum is tagious, those who were diagnosed with the students during his talk. Hansen’s Disease was understood, myths an ideal place for seeing the corporal and it, had no place to go except Carville. “When the Daughters of Charity (of St. and stigmas were so widespread that spiritual works of mercy in action. In addition to touring the museum dur- Vincent de Paul) came here (to provide some people would lash out and possibly “It’s really interesting how the resi- ing the day-long retreat, students started care for the residents), they knew they harm a patient’s family or property back dents here had to leave their families, yet the day with a Mass, toured the cemetery, would never go back home. Those sisters had an opportunity for reconciliation and came here and gave up their lives. Imag- participated in a social justice talk with ine that,” Father Landry said. Father Landry. “We see compassion, love SEE STUDENTS PAGE 13

Come find YOUR VOICE at St. Michael!

Limited Spots Available for the 2016-17 school year. Call to apply today! St. Michael the Archangel High School 17521 Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 225-753-9782 • www.smhsbr.org April 29, 2016 The Catholic Commentator 13

TOP POET – Our Lady of Mercy School eighth-grader Gabrielle Montagnino, left, recently won first place in the 2016 Education Contest, Poetry Division II, sponsored by the Court Regina Coeli #2063 Catholic Daughters of America. Pictured with Montagnino is CDA edu- cation chairman, Maureen Williams. Photo provided by Christy Haldane | Our Lady of Mercy School

Ministry and theology JUST SAY “NO” – Deputy Randy Aguillard, left, along with students from Catholic High and St. Joseph’s Academy, speak to fifth-graders at St. Thomas More School Summer 2016 about resisting drugs and alcohol, ways to handle peer pressure and how to say “no” when put in a stressful situation. The high school students also shared their MAT I: Basic Courses own personal experiences about saying “no” and how they handled difficult situ- June 6 – 9 Conversion & Spirituality 9 - 11:30 a.m. ations. Photo provided by Tootie Lee | St. Thomas More School Journey through Scripture 12:30 - 3 p.m. June 13 – 16 Church History 9 - 11:30 a.m. Creed 12:30 - 3 p.m. July 11 – 14 Christology 9 - 11:30 a.m. Sacraments 12:30 - 3 p.m. July 18 – 21 Morality 9 - 11:30 a.m. Evangelization, Catechesis, Mission 12:30 - 3 p.m.

MAT II: Intermediate Courses July 11 – 14 Liturgical Year 9 - 11:30 a.m. July 18 – 21 Christian Prayer 9 - 11:30 a.m.

All courses will be held at The Bishop Tracy Center, Catholic Life Center, 1800 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge Registration and payment ($45 per class) must be done online! SPACE IS LIMITED! Online Courses MAT II June 20 – 23 Catholic Identity BIRTHDAY FUN – St. Jean Vianney School first-graders, from left, Irelyn Watkins in the Catholic School Webinar 9 – 10:45 a.m. and Brady Thompson, together with their teacher, Rebecca Courtney, talk with a July 11 – 14 Catechisim of the Catholic Church: resident at the Regency Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The students vis- Using it in Catechesis Webinar 9 – 10:45 a.m. ited the center on April 12 to celebrate residents’ birthdays in April. They sang songs, handed out sweet treats and talked with the residents. Photo provided by Bridgette Enrichment Credit Opportunities DiGerolamo | St. Jean Vianney School June 14 The Psalms of Mercy Webinar 6:30 – 8 p.m. June 21 The Parables of Mercy Webinar 6:30 – 8 p.m. June 28 Mercy in the Fathers of the Church Webinar 6:30 – 8 p.m. STUDENTS  a disease, and that was really horrible,” he July 7 The Saints in Mercy Webinar 6:30 – 8 p.m. From page 12 said. Enrichment Webinars are 3 credits each – $10 Registration fee Tassin noted showing mercy and kind- Lacinak noted sixth-graders represent ness is not just something that helps oth- Participation in a webinar, coupled with a reflection paper is required. the perfect age for lessons on social teach- ers. Both the giver and receiver benefit. Registration required for credit, but the webinars are open to all who want ing because they “really understand why” It is something he learned after visiting to participate. To participate in webinars without receiving certification acts, such as mercy, charity and love are a nursing home last year with his fifth- credit, registration isn’t necessary, simply use the webinar link which will needed. grade classmates. be made available prior to the start of the webinar and join in. Evan Tassin is proof. For the 12-year- “We were nervous at first, but once we old, the field trip taught him that showing saw the smiles on their faces, it made us Registration instructions available: mercy is important. feel like we did something good,” he said. www.diobrchristianformation.org/certification/course-registration “We’re always taught to treat others Father Landry invites anyone want- Registration here: the way we want to be treated, yet the ing to experience the feeling of mercy at www.diobrchristianformation.org/calendar/course-calendar/month.calendar patients here weren’t treated that way. I the museum complex to attend regularly was surprised to see how the people were scheduled Sunday Mass at the Sacred For questions about Summer Classes contact the Office of treated like they were unholy and told Heart Chapel, located on the site grounds. Evangelization and Catechesis at 225-336-8760 or [email protected] they couldn’t go to heaven. They just had Mass begins at 8:30 a.m. 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT April 29, 2016

Bennett) brings him back to life as a cyborg lows, he strikes up an unlikely friendship Motion Picture Association of America and who, aided by a cagey stranger (Sharl- with a happy-go-lucky bear (voice of Bill MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted to Copley), must then battle assailants led Murray) and faces new challenges. Amid PG – Parental guidance suggested; some by a malevolent industrialist (Danila Ko- the lavish, computer-generated forest and REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children zlovsky) with telekinetic powers. The nov- fauna, director Jon Favreau and screen- USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned elty of writer-director Ilya Naishuller’s de- writer Justin Marks pay homage to Dis- classifications: to give special guidance for attendance cision to shoot the unrelenting onslaught ney’s 1967 animated version of Kipling’s A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may entirely through the eyes of the mute work with moments of humor and by in- A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children Henry quickly wears off. And the movie’s corporating its toe-tapping tunes, “The A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- frenetic pacing and glibly humorous tone Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian cannot hide the fact that it amounts to little You.” A few scenes of peril. A-II; G L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive more than a tedious and dispiritingly dis- posable exercise in excess. A near-constant Criminal stream of extremely graphic violence, fre- Summit quent drug use, strong sexual content, Hollow mind-swap yarn in which the Barbershop: The Next Cut director Malcolm D. Lee’s third entry in including several perverse situations and memory of a CIA agent (Ryan Reynolds) Warner Bros. a franchise that began in 2002 is funda- much upper female nudity, pervasive pro- who was killed while delivering ransom Earnest but heavy-handed debates about mentally moral in upholding community fane, rough and crude language. O; R money is transferred into the brain of a how to deal with gang violence are inter- values and marital commitment. Yet some sociopathic murderer (Kevin Costner). spersed with frequently vulgar jokes in of the distasteful detours it takes along its The Jungle Book As presented in Douglas Cook and David this seriocomic portrayal of life on Chi- path to a respectable wrap-up narrow its Disney Weisberg’s script, the general idea appears cago’s South Side. With the shop of the appeal even for grown moviegoers. Some This adaptation of British author Rud- to be that if a smart guy’s reasoning pro- title now augmented by a beauty parlor demeaning, though nongraphic, sexual be- yard Kipling’s 1894 collection of stories cesses and store of ideas can be put into (led by Regina Hall), much of the barbed havior, much sexual humor, fleeting rear about the adventures of a “man-cub” (Neel someone with no empathy, and therefore chitchat exchanged between the original’s nudity, a handful of profanities, at least Sethi) raised by animals offers delightful, no fear, the intelligence overlords can pre- proprietor (Ice Cube) and his ensemble one rough term, pervasive crude and crass good-natured, heartfelt entertainment for vail. In the short term, this means thwart- of colleagues and friends (most promi- language, an obscene gesture. L; PG-13 the entire family, the most easily fright- ing a hacker (Michael Pitt) who has broken nently Cedric the Entertainer, Common, ened tots possibly excepted. Orphaned as into enough of the military’s computer- Eve and Nicki Minaj) concerns the battle Hardcore Henry a baby, the boy is led by a kindly panther ized systems to launch a nuclear salvo, if of the sexes. But combat of a more serious STX (voice of Ben Kingsley) to a pack of wolves, the mood strikes him. Director Ariel Vro- kind threatens both the business and the Obscenely violent sci-fi action flick set in which raises him as one of their own. A men’s tepid thriller hovers tediously within surrounding neighborhood, leading to ef- Moscow is presented exclusively from the menacing tiger (voice of Idris Elba) regards a moral vacuum of its own making. Much forts to organize a weekend-long truce. As point of view of the (uncredited) title char- him as a threat and orders him killed, but bloody violence, including scenes of tor- scripted by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, acter, a man whose scientist wife (Haley the boy escapes. On the journey that fol- ture, frequent rough language. L; R Never miss a single

Supreme Court THE CATHOLIC to hear health mandate cases PAGE 5 thecatholiccommentator.org issue! ommentatorSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 CNovember 13, 2015 Vol. 53, No. 20 ‘SAINT IN THE HOUSE’ Thousands visit Have St. Maria’s relics By Debbie Shelley The Catholic Commentator The bells peeled during the noon The Catholic hour at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge on Oct. 31. As the Knights of Columbus color guard proceeded in, the crowd’s reverent excitement silently spoke two words: She’s here! St. Maria Goretti, whose body/major relics were released from the Vatican to the United States for a tour, was placed Commentator by the Knights in front of the altar, where people reportedly stopped by through- out the night to peer in, kneel, bow, shed tears or kiss her prayer card in their hand before placing it on the glass-sided casket which holds a wax statue containing her Photo by Debbie Shel- skeletal remains. Clergy opened this oc- casion by saying, “A saint is in the house.” Before the veneration began, Father Thousands of people venerated St. Maria Goretti at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge, Oct. 31 – Nov. 1. mailed directly Carlos Martins CC, director of Trea- ley | The Catholic Commentator SEE GORETTI PAGE 19 St. Elizabeth sisters use eggshells to hatch fund-raising idea make confetti eggs year-round for the St. to your mailbox By Debbie Shelley Elizabeth Church Harvest Festival in the fall The Catholic Commentator and St. Elizabeth School Fair in the spring. The Landry sisters, all widows, are three The eggshells given to sisters Lucy Mae of seven siblings, five girls and two boys. “Lou” Landry Alleman, Mary Landry and The two brothers passed away, leaving five Polly Landry Johnson of Paincourtville held sisters. stories as well as yoke that were poured out “It was a large family. All of us went to before they were given away. Some eggs were Catholic schools,” said Mary Landry. Be- for less than used in cakes and other goodies to celebrate cause of the expense, the siblings attend- birthday parties, family gatherings, wel- ed elementary and high school in public coming a new neighbor or wishing someone schools. When they were old enough to at- “good luck” in their new journey in life. Oth- tend St. Elizabeth, they went there. Their ers were used to comfort and console people original family home, which is also on the suffering a trial – such as the deaths of loved same block as St. Elizabeth School, has ones. Others were simply scrambled, fried stayed in the family. The family, though or poached for breakfast. large, was tight-knit. MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY – St. Elizabeth Church in Paincourtville is $1.20 a month. celebrating its 175th anniversary during the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, Whatever their former use, the Landry “It was a very chaste house, my mother Nov. 14. One of the many beautiful features of the church is the altar, sisters fill the shells with confetti to provide never said a curse word,” said Mary Landry. fun and support for the church and school “We had spats, like siblings do, but we had above, which was built in Italy, shipped and erected by Italian artisans SEE EGGSHELLS PAGE 8 in 1953, shortly before the retirement ofPhoto Father by Rachele John Smith Mergue. | The Catholic See Com- the community they grew up in, live on the same story and more photos on pages 10-11. block as and love. They collect eggshells and mentator Send a $14 check or money order with your name and mailing address to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 or call 225-387-0983 to pay by credit card. THE CATHOLIC

C   April 29, 2016 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 15

12345 6789 11120 131 Hollow 41 51 61 71 81 91 I don’t wanna to be the last man Yeah, I’m hollow standing I don’t wanna be the first one folding 2201 22 I don’t wanna be the lonely one I don’t wanna be the joker heart 32 254 2 Picking petals when the party’s over Tell me, darling, will you understand 276 282 209 313 332 34353 No, it’s not any fun me? ‘Cause I’m fragile And not show me your cards? 376 3 398 3 04

And you know this ‘Cause I’m paper thin 14 432 4 44 And you, you make me whole again Refrain: 465 4 74 84 So, hold me (Repeat refrain.) 4590521 5 35 Wrap me in love, fill up my cup I confess my weakness 554 5 576 5 Empty, and only your love can fill Till you pick up the parts that are my cup broken 598 506 621 636465666 Cause I’m hollow Pour out your perfection on me now 76 86 96 Yeah, I’m hollow Cause I’m hollow (Repeat refrain.) 07 17 27 37 47 57 Sung by Tori Kelly Copyright © 2015, Capitol | School Boy Records moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www ACROSS 75 Apparel 1 Rite in the Church in the West DOWN Filling that empty spot with God’s love 6 Rich soil 1 “Thy word is a ___ to my 10 “…the ___, raise the dead…” feet” (Ps 119:105) ori Kelly’s single “Hollow” we put on our relationship with (Mt 10:8) 2 Purim month 14 Sun-dried brick 3 Novelist Morrison describes a “hollow” life God. We can also take steps to 15 Differ ending 4 Norwegian dramatist being healed and filled nurture that relationship. 16 An orchestra tunes to one 5 Catholic actor Liam T 6 She and her sister Rachel with love. For example, each day share 17 The house of a parson were both married to Jacob The song’s protagonist says your life and what is in your heart 18 Memo letters 19 Jaworski of Watergate fame 7 Hep “I’m paper thin,” and “I’m fragile, with God for a few minutes. Such 20 “a chosen race, a royal ___” 8 Role player and you know this.” She wants a conversation we call prayer. Even (1 Pt 2:9) 9 Monk who is father of mod- ern genetics person to “wrap me in love, fill in a busy life, you can take a 22 Public showing 23 “As it was in the beginning, 10 Mary, the Mother of God, for my cup.” She is “empty,” she says, little bit of time and carry on this is ___…” example “and only your love can fill up my conversation. You do not need to 24 500 sheets 11 Mountain goat cup.” She says that “I confess my tell anyone that you do so. This 26 Soft food for infants 12 Poultry enclosure 29 Person in authority 13 Game of chance weakness till you pick up the parts conversation is for you and God. 32 “Pange ___” 21 Like Rebekah’s sons that are broken.” Even though she Those of us who are Catholic 36 Narrow opening 25 Isle feels “hollow,” she wants “your come to God through Jesus. His 38 Microwave 26 King David composition 27 Playwright Edward ___ perfection on me now.” life, his teachings and his vision 40 Works the soil On The Record 41 Qualified 28 Pivotal These words carry the most help us live out our relationship 42 Deadly sin 30 Papal order meaning if we hear them directed Charlie Martin with God. So, it helps to know 44 9th letter of the Hebrew 31 “Cheers” 33 Beam of light toward God. Loving parents and Jesus better. One way to do this alphabet 45 Strap 34 Extreme loving friends can fill some of the is to read the stories about him. 47 Alley 35 One of 12 brothers in the emptiness we feel inside, but we long for more love Commit yourself to read one chapter of the Gospel 48 Lively, as in sailing Old Testament than that. Only God can fill the heart and heal the every other day. Think about what the story de- 49 Catholic author Thomas ___ 37 The New or The Old 51 Zhivago’s love 39 Sicilian volcano parts of ourselves that are “broken.” scribes and how it might speak to you. 53 Mon. for St. Paddy’s Day 43 Finnish honorific In our Catholic history, we have seen this reaf- Another way to know Jesus better is to do what 54 Fusses 46 Coal scuttle firmed by a cloud of witnesses who have spoken he did, and this means caring about other people. 56 Alphabet string 50 First step in religious orders 58 He was made from clay 52 Rise about how only the love of God fills our deepest Every person carries the image and likeness of 61 Vatican II said the Mass 55 Attack desires. We can look to material possessions to fill God in their souls, and we honor the God within should be in this 57 Teacher an inner void, but in time that glimmer fades. them when we do acts of service for others. 67 Patron saint of the Philip- 58 Type of angel that Michael is 59 Cupola We can use our skills and abilities to build a life Be sure to start this at home. Perhaps this pines 68 “___, Sing America” 60 Beginning of success and achievement, and doing so helps service will not be recognized, but small, consis- 69 Musical study piece 62 Drilling grp. our lives, but no success can completely fulfill us. tent acts of service will support the lives of your 70 “Let’s go” 63 Snack 64 Cherub’s strings? Even if we are fortunate to establish enduring, parents and siblings. Of course, continue your 71 Webber musical 72 Well-known 65 Summer drinks loving relationships, there will still be a part of us service and extend it to your friends, and to the 73 Heave 66 Clarets that longs for something or someone else. local community. There are so many needs in the 74 Engrave Solution on page 18 There is a reason for this longing. We come world, but all of us can do something to help. Even from a God who calls us. We need this journey the smallest act of service has value. to grow, heal and live out the divine purpose that If you perform these acts of love daily, a mira- God has placed in us. But our ultimate destiny is cle will begin to form in your life. Any hollowness Tree Service to be reunited with our source and to know com- you feel will be healed, and deep, quiet joy will fill Mr. D’s pletely God’s endless, unconditional love. your life. ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE Fortunately, we don’t have to wait until we die Don Decell, owner to know more about God’s love. One’s relationship MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral counselor who carl BaBin, owner with God can be nurtured just as we nurture any reviews current music for Catholic News Ser- • Economical other relationship. The quality of our relationship vice. Write to: [email protected], or at: 7125 • Fully Insured • Quality Work with God will depend on the effort and care we West CR 200 South, Rockport, IN 47635, or like CALL TODAY! put into it. on Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music 225-292-6756 That’s why it is important to assess what value Columns.” 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT April 29, 2016

| EDITORIAL Resurrection of good conscience cases

n this Easter season it seems ishes. Pope Francis clearly wants to fitting that Pope Francis should bring them back into a fuller partici- Making sense of killings Iprovide the Diocese of Baton pation in the faith-life of their com- Rouge with a reversal of an in- munities. He writes in paragraph wo unrelated and to justify the slaughtering of glorious aspect of its history. In 296: “The way of the church is not to senseless murders unborn babies, the continued 1972 theologians were promoting condemn anyone forever; it is to pour Tcommitted 70 miles implementation of the death the idea of priests in the “internal out the balm of mercy on all those apart, inexorably are linked penalty or just plain accep- forum,” then called “confession,” who ask for it with a sincere heart ... by the culture of death that tance of skyrocketing murder helping penitents caught in second for true charity is always unmerited, has subjugated society. rates. marriages without an annulment to unconditional and gratuitous.” The Near the LSU campus, In the wake of a spate make the decision that they were in pope is rightly returning the empha- two Southern University of police killings scattered good conscience and could return to sis to the conscience of the individual students were caught in the throughout the country the sacraments, including eucharistic believer regarding their responsibil- crossfire of a gun battle that in recent years, the Black Communion. This, of course, de- ity for whatever caused the divorce in left both of the young females Lives Matter movement has pended on the circumstances of the Another the first marriage. The Lord knows dead, their lives cut short just rapidly gained popularity and first marriage that ended in divorce. that individuals do very regrettable as they were beginning to become a rallying cry in the Annulments were more difficult and Perspective things that can’t be undone. Some- blossom. African-American commu- took more time to obtain in those times all they can do is repent for In New Orleans, a former nity. Indeed, black lives do days. So, like today, it was an attempt Father John Carville their failings. football hero was shot eight matter, but more importantly, to extend some mercy to the faithful The pope explains the process he times in what appears to be all lives matter, whether it’s whose first marriage had a sad end. envisions priests using in paragraph 300: “What we an incedent of road rage. an unborn child, a convicted The Archdiocese of Chicago was actually the first are speaking of is a process of accompaniment and Three lives lost, three felon or an innocent bystand- diocese to implement the practice. Its leader at the discernment which ‘guides the faithful to an aware- families devastated, two er caught up in a killer’s rage. time was Cardinal John P. Cody who had recently ness of their situation before God.’ Conversation communities trying to make Until society begins to arrived after serving as the archbishop of New with the priest, in the internal forum (sacrament sense of these killings. value life as precious and Orleans. In New Orleans, his neighbor and good of reconciliation) contributes to the formation of a Yet, the carnage con- God’s gift to us, then such friend was Bishop Robert Emmet Tracy, founding correct judgment on what hinders the possibility of tinues with mass killings senseless shootings as those bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Bishop Tracy a fuller participation in the life of the church and on in Ohio and Georgia. The involving two Southern quickly followed suit and promoted the practice what steps can foster it and make it grow.” outrage might briefly stain co-eds and a former New among his clergy. But, there never was an idea that Pope Francis supports his position by arguing our moral conscience but Orleans Saints hero will only Bishop Tracy thought he could not improve. So he that the church already has a “solid body of reflec- we quickly move on, leaving continue to rise and become not only urged his priests to adopt the practice but tion on mitigating factors and situations. Hence it one to wonder if indeed we more ingrained as part of our also had certificates made in his chancery to be can no longer simply be said that all those in any have become desensitized daily lives. given to the returning communicants. ‘irregular’ situation are living in a state of mortal to human life, whether it’s That’s a moral blemish The Vatican was upset. This was a shocking sin and are deprived of sanctifying grace” (Par. through the partnering of no one should be willing to externalization of the internal forum and its sacred 300). Sometimes people cannot change their pres- politics with the legal system accept. secrecy. They notified the Apostolic Delegate in ent marital situation without doing more harm. Washington, who got Cardinal John Krol in Phila- Many synod fathers said something similar | delphia, the president that year of the U. S. Confer- when they wanted to affirm that “Under certain PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US ence of Catholic Bishops, to call Bishop Tracy with circumstances couples find it very difficult to act Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the order to cease and desist. That was the end of differently. Therefore, while upholding a general the Baton Rouge Diocese. good conscience cases in Baton Rouge and the rest rule (marriage is for a lifetime) it is necessary to of the about half dozen dioceses who were doing it. recognize that responsibility with respect to certain May 4 Rev. William L. Greene Dcn. Francis M. Minor Now, thanks to Pope Francis and the two Synods actions or decisions is not the same in all cases.” Dcn. James A. Little Sr. Cynthia of Bishops he called in preparation for this Jubilee Pope Francis wants everyone to act out of an Br. Noel Lemmon SC Sabathier CSJ Year of Mercy, good conscience has been resurrected informed conscience, correctly knowing the de- May 5 Rev. Paul A. Gros May 12 Rev. Charbel after having been buried for 45 years. “Amoris Laeti- mands of the Gospel. “Yet,” he says, “conscience can Dcn. Fallon H. Lorenz Jamhoury tia” (“The Joy of Love”), Pope Francis’ post-synodal do more than recognize that a given situation (e.g. Sr. Geraldine Dcn. James J. apostolic exhortation, was written, he states, to value being divorced and remarried) does not correspond Riendeau CSJ Morrissey the gifts of marriage and family and to encourage objectively to the overall demands of the Gospel. It May 6 † Rev. Leo Guillot Br. Marcel Riviere SC everyone to be a sign of mercy and closeness wher- can also recognize with sincerity and honesty what Dcn. Edwin J. Martin May 13 Rev. Joshua D. Johnson ever family life remains imperfect or lacks peace and for now is the most generous response which can be Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Dcn. Jodi A. Moscona joy. It is a long document, 256 pages, with numbered given to God, and come to see with a certain moral May 7 Rev. Eric V. Gyan Sr. Lucy Silvio CSJ paragraphs, divided into nine chapters. There are security that it is what God himself is asking amid Dcn. Wilbur P. Martinez May 14 Rev. Juel Kandula beautiful chapters on marriage in Scripture, two the concrete complexity of one’s limits, while yet Sr. Brendan Mary Dcn. Leon Roy central chapters on love, one on pastoral approaches not fully the objective ideal.” Ronayne FMOL Murphy Jr. to building the home on God’s plan, another on rais- When Pope Paul VI published his encyclical May 8 Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ Br. Marcus Turcotte SC ing children and a final chapter on family spiritual- “Humanae Vitae” banning artificial birth control, Dcn. Robert May 15 Rev. Jon C. Koehler ity. The thorniest issue facing Pope Francis and the many who disagreed with his position, abstained McDonner Dcn. Donald J. Musso synods was the situation of divorced Catholics who from reading it. That was a shame, because, in Br. Malcolm Sr. Camille remarry without obtaining an annulment. Pope addition to that condemnation, it had many very Melcher SC Simoneaux CSJ Francis calls these marriages “irregular situations” beautiful things to say about marriage. I hope that May 9 Rev. Ray Hebert SC May 16 Rev. Leonard Kraus SJ in Chapter 8 which contains the pope’s solution to the same thing will not happen with “Amoris Laeti- Dcn. John L. Dcn. Roger A. Navarra the contentious issues of the two synods. tia” because of its length. In the coming weeks I will McGinnis Jr. Br. Edward Violett SM Present church law prohibits Catholics in such try to lead you through it by highlighting the most Sr. Eileen Rowe FMOL May 17 Rev. Sanjay situations from receiving Holy Communion and beautiful passages. May 10 Rev. J. Clifton Hill CSSp Kunnasseril IMS performing certain other liturgical functions. Dcn. Larry J. Melancon Dcn. Angelo S. Nola Canon 916 states that all who are “conscious of FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese Br. Paul Montero SC † Sr. Mary Hilary grave sin” ought not approach Holy Communion.” of Baton Rouge and writes on current topics for May 11 Rev. Gordian O. Iwuji Simpson OP They are not, however, excommunicated. They still The Catholic Commentator. He can be reached at MSP are members of the church and of their church par- [email protected]. April 29, 2016 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 Loyalty and patriotism revisited

n a recent article in “America” maga- some divisive tensions unconsciously, blaming selves in seeing differences primarily zine, Grant Kaplan, commenting on among us – personal- them for our bad feeling. Our as a threat rather than seeing them as Ithe challenge of the resurrection, ity clashes, jealousies, sense is that except for that bringing a fuller revelation of God into makes this comment: “Unlike previous wounds from the past and person we wouldn’t be feeling our lives. communities in which the bond among religious, ideological and these things! Someone else Granted, sometimes what’s different members forges itself through those it political differences. But is blame for our agitation! does pose a real threat, and that threat excludes and scapegoats, the gratuity of these can remain under Once we have done this we has to be met. But, even then, we must the resurrection allows for a community the surface and we can en- begin to feel better because continue to look inside of ourselves and shaped by forgiven-forgivers.” joy a nice dinner together. we have just made someone examine what in us might be complicit in What he is saying, among other How? By talking about else responsible for our pain. causing that division, hatred or jealousy, things, is that mostly we form commu- other people whom we As a colorful commentary on which is now being projected on us. Posi- nity through demonizing and exclusion, mutually dislike, despise, this, I like to quote a friend tive threat must be met, but it is best met that is, we bond with each other more on fear or find weird or par- who submits this axiom: If the way Jesus met threats, namely, with the basis of what we are against and what ticularly eccentric. As we the first two people you meet love, empathy and forgiveness. Demon- we hate than on the basis of what we are “demonize” them by em- In Exile in the morning are irritating izing others to create community among for and hold precious. The cross and the phasizing how awful, bad, and hard to get along with, ourselves is neither the way of Jesus nor resurrection, and the message of Jesus weird or eccentric they Father Ron Rolheiser there’s a very good chance the way of human maturity. Loyalty to in general, invite us to a deeper matu- are, our own differences that you’re the one who’s ir- one’s own, loyalty to one’s religion, loy- rity within which we are invited to form slide wonderfully under the surface and ritating and hard to get along with. alty to one’s country and loyalty to one’s community with each other on the basis we form bonds of empathy and mutuality Sadly we see this played out in the moral values must be based upon what of love and inclusion rather than upon with each other. By demonizing others we world as a whole. Our churches and is good and precious within one’s family, hatred and demonization. find commonality among ourselves. Of our politics thrive on this. Both in our community, religion, country and moral How do we scapegoat, demonize and course, you’re reluctant to excuse yourself churches and in our civic communi- principles and not on fear and negative exclude so as to form community with and go to the bathroom, for fear that, in ties, we tend to form community with feelings towards others. each other? A number of anthropolo- your absence, you might well be the next our own kind by demonizing others. The lesson in Jesus, especially in his gists, particularly Rene Girard and Gil item on the menu. Our differences do not have to be dealt death and resurrection, is that genuine Bailie, have given us some good insights Moreover, we do that too in our indi- with, nor do we have to deal with the religion, genuine maturity, genuine loy- on how scapegoating and demonization vidual lives to maintain balance. If we’re things within ourselves that help cause alty, and genuine patriotism lie in letting worked in ancient times and how they honest, we probably all have to admit the those differences, because we can blame ourselves be stretched by what does not work today. tendency within us to steady ourselves by someone else for our problems. Not in- emanate from our own kind. In brief, here’s how they work: Until blaming our anxieties and bad feelings frequently church groups bond together we can bring ourselves to a certain level on someone else. For example: We go out by doing this, politicians are elected FATHER ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher and of maturity, both personal and collec- some morning and for various reasons by doing this and wars are justified award-winning author is president of tive, we will always form community by feel out of sorts, agitated and angry in and waged on this basis – and the rich, the Oblate School of Theology in San scapegoating. Imagine this scenario: A some inchoate way. More often than not, healthy concepts of loyalty, patriotism Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted at group of us (family or colleagues) are it won’t take us long to pin that uneasi- and religious affiliation then become ronrolheiser.com and facebook.com/ going to dinner. Almost always there will ness on someone else by, consciously or unhealthy because they now root them- ronrolheiser. God is with us even when our greatest joy seems to vanish

s a priest, I’ve spent the beautiful sunny July morning, Knowing that God is by your and give you the courage to past 30 years of my life her 26-year-old son was killed side, helping you every step of carry on.” Awriting about supernat- in a car accident. He was on the way, you will come to learn He decided not to commit ural joy in the lives of others. his way to work when a driver the important lesson that joy re- suicide, and never thought of it The message is simple: faith, pulled out of a side street and ally does prevail over sorrow. again. He wrote to me several together with the discipline of killed her “wonderful boy.” This story also reminds me months later to explain how this controlling your thoughts, can She said she never knew such of a grief-stricken man who was sense of mission changed his life help overcome even the most a feeling of desperation, such tempted to commit suicide. One forever. horrible emotional pain we can isolation and unending agony day while riding on a bus, he It reassured me of the words experience. before. The depth of the pain, spotted a pamphlet on the floor found in John 16:33: “In the The pain of life, as many of the flow of tears and the silence and picked it up out of curios- world you will have trouble, but us know, is real, and seemingly were overwhelming. And yet, ity. It contained this message: take courage, I have conquered unending while we’re going she said, “I never knew one “Today you may feel hopeless, the world.” through rough moments. How- could still exist when everything but tomorrow or the next day ever, in any tragic circumstance Spirituality inside had died.” you will remember that you FATHER CATOIR writes on issues of there is one word you need to This brokenhearted woman have a purpose, a true mission spirituality for today’s Catholic focus on and that is survival. For Today managed to survive with the in life. It will transform you, for Catholic News Service. You can go on grieving for a help of God. She later said that year or a decade or more, but Father John Catoir with time, and with the help of sooner or later you will have to God, she found her bearings. Mission Statement decide whether you’re going to the realization that they must be She said she learned to find joy be a survivor or whether you’re ready to carry on with cour- in the midst of the most excruci- The mission of The Catholic Commentator is to provide news, going to let problems destroy age. I’ve learned some of this ating pain. information and commentary to the people of the Diocese you. through the correspondence I She said she learned that of Baton Rouge, Catholics and their neighbors alike. In doing There is still a job for you to sometimes receive. even when you have suffered a so, The Catholic Commentator strives to further the wider do in this world, perhaps a job A woman once wrote me a terrible loss, the worst loss one mission of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, to that nobody else can do, and if letter that helped me under- can imagine, one day a person educate and to give the Catholic viewpoint on important you don’t do it, it will remain stand a great deal about the will discover that he or she issues of the present day. undone. Millions have come to pain of grief. She said that on a will laugh again and live again. 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS April 29, 2016

St. Francis of Assisi Food Festival – St. Francis of prayer ministry will be available after the Mass. For more quiries, registration and participation are confidential. Assisi Church, 818 W. 10th Street, Donaldsonville, will information, call 225-346-8873. host its food festival on Sunday, May 1, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. St. Isidore Mission – Father Tom Sullivan of the There will be Cajun food, children’s games, fellowship and Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat – A Rachel’s Vineyard Fathers of Mercy will present a mission focusing on the live auction. For information, call 225-473-3176. retreat will be held for those who have been touched by Blessed Sacrameß∑nt, the Blessed Mother and the mercy abortion Friday, May 13 – Sunday, May 15. The weekend of God Monday, May 16 – Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m., at St. Charismatic Mass – A charismatic Pentecost Mass combines Scripture, meditation, spiritual exercises and dis- Isidore Church, 5657 Thomas Road, Baker. Confession will be celebrated by Rev. Juel Kadulna IMS on Sunday, cussions to help lead retreatants to the heart of God’s love will be available from 6 – 6:45 p.m. There will also be a May 15, 2 p.m., at St. Louis King of France Church, 2121 and compassion. For more information, email rachelsvine session May 16 following the 8 a.m. Mass. For informa- N. Sherwood Forest Dr., Baton Rouge. Refreshments and [email protected] or visit rachelsvineyard.org. In- tion, call 225-775-8850.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classified ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 prepaid. Credit cards are now accepted.

Announcements Business service Business service help WAnted help WAnted Regina Caeli Academy, a hybrid acad- LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP HOUSEKEEPER emy, serving students in Preschool – 12th REMOVAL, INC. Mature, dependable, grade in the Catholic tradition, is work- Prompt service–Free estimates 20+ years experience. References. ing to bring a satellite center to the Ba- FULLY INSURED Call Debbie 225-266-7655. ton Rouge area. RCA provides fully ac- E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc POWER WASHING Patios, driveways, credited academic and extracurricular Phone 383-7316 classes for homeschoolers. Students walks, carports, etc. Call 225-276-1841. attend classes using the Socratic meth- OURSO DESIGNS RBS, INC. Root Cause Analysis Facili- od two days per week and are home 225-291-8588 tator Level 1. Procedures and technical schooled the remaining days. For more Kitchen & Bath Designs, drawings reviewed for purpose: P&ID’s, information visit www.rcahybrid.org or Space Planning & Product Selection. Isometrics, piping drawings and flow call Greta McDonough at 470-239-0259 www.oursodesigns.com diagrams. Call Roland Blanchard 985- 856-8538 or email rblanchard@rolan- Catholic High School is accepting applications While we at The Catholic Commenta- 225 PAINTING dblanchardservices.com. tor do our best to bring reliable ad- Interior and Exterior for the following positions: vertisers to our readers, we are not Residential and Commercial Mr. D’s Tree Service responsible for any claims made by 30 years experience 3 Licensed Arborists any advertiser. For coupons go to: Free Estimates www.225painting.com Fully Insured Call 225-205-1027 Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners Assistant Band Director English Faculty Business service Free estimates 225-292-6756 Librarian Math Faculty I am an experienced caregiver. Non- THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Pennington Lawn and Landscape smoker. 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TRAFFICKING  al shelters for young girls, one in are a game changer,” he said. making them whole.” days and nights. They work when From page 1 Italy and the other in Nigeria. He “The difference between a home Even more than education, their pimp makes them work.” has called both houses “power- and an institution is having a more than life skills, more than “Many feel they have nowhere mand for the services of these ful examples of this (Jubilee) mother there to love you and be job training, Sister Alexandrine to go,” Gremillion said, adding young girls and what “johns” are Year of Mercy.” there 24/7. To guide you and keep Rasoanirina HSM said perhaps that is one reason why the safe willing to pay to have sex with He now has his sights closer you safe. That’s the most impor- house is important to rescuing a young teenager or even a pre- to home. In his latest and cer- the role the sis- Pimps typically tant lessons the the victims and allowing them to pubescent girl. According to at tainly most ambitious project, ters will play.” girls can learn recapture their youth. least one report, human tracking Father Bayhi has enlisted the Sister Norma prey on young girls are the capacity to “These nuns will be mothers has become a $32 billion a year assistance of four nuns of the said the sisters trust and to love, to these girls,” he said. “It will al- industry, ranking it higher than Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy, with will mentor the who exhibit signs two components low them to learn life skills and the illegal drug industry or gun a motherhouse in New Jersey, girls and tend to missing from hopefully see that there is a side trafficking. to establish a safe house in the their spiritual of vulnerability or much of their to humanity that loves them.” Lt. Chad Gremillion with Baton Rouge area. The home and moral care. young lives. Gremillion said the public can the Louisiana State Police Spe- will house 16 girls who will be She expects the weakness, such as “That’s the help police in a number of ways. cial Victims Unit on Human home-schooled as well as taught girls will be be- reason we are “If a girl is with a significantly Trafficking/Child Exploitation, life skills and job skills. They will low the age of 18 those suffering from here, to nurture older boyfriend, and there are which was formed two years ago also be allowed to stay as long as with many from them,” she said. signs of physical abuse, poor by Colonel Mike Edmonson, said necessary. the surrounding low self-esteem ... “They lost all of hygiene, signs of fear, or girls in a pimp can make up to $632,000 Father Bayhi said no cell area, where traf- their lives, lost hotels that are with several other annually “selling” four women phones or access will be allowed, ficking has be- Lt. Chad Gremillion their love. So we girls and one or two males, (indi- or children. According to Gremi- and there will be a security de- come an increas- Louisiana State Police are here to give it viduals) should call their local law llion, the pimp puts “his girls” tail at the house. ing problem, but back. enforcement agency,” he said. on a date, takes her money when “In Louisiana, 40 percent of also from neighboring states and “Hopefully they will learn to Father Bayhi encouraged she returns and sends her back the juveniles who are trafficked perhaps as far away as Mexico. trust again, learn again to trust anyone wishing to assist in this to the street for another date. are trafficked by their primary Sister Norma said she has al- in other people, learn again to fight against human trafficking “We have seen johns of all caregiver: mother, uncle, moth- ready been in contact with law know there is someone out there to visit Medonia-inc.org and of- race, age, socioeconomic back- er’s boyfriend,” Father Bayhi said. enforcement officials as well as to truly love them, not for profit, fer a financial contribution that ground,” Gremillion said. “They “And so the absence of a person the Louisiana Department of not for money or for pleasure.” will help establish and sustain are thrill seekers who are willing who loves you for you and wants Children and Family Services to Gremillion said pimps typi- the safe house. He noted that to go to any risk to achieve their to keep you safe and give you guide girls who are looking for a cally prey on young girls who ex- because of some regulations desire. hope is what has been missing in way out. hibit any signs of vulnerability or he is not willing to participate “This is a money-making busi- a lot of these children’s homes.” Sister Ann Maria Mataew weakness, such as those suffer- in, there will be no government ness.” Father Bayhi expects much of HSM said the victims are typi- ing from low self-esteem or who funding for the house. Since the formation of the the funding to come from Me- cally taken by predators who endured abuse in their home life. He is asking individuals to Special Victims Unit, which has donia, a charity organization he promise them a better life, Typically they may be runaways, donate as little as $10 a month or allowed state, federal and local founded for the purpose of help- whether it is a job or education. and likely engaged in some form perhaps a parish $100 a month. law enforcement agencies to fo- ing youth in Louisiana, specifi- “Then, (the pimps) misuse of substance abuse. He also is asking for prayers cus their combined resources on cally opening a retreat center for them or sexually abuse them He said the girls are lured by from the community. rescuing victims and ensuring kids. However, he said that idea or take their passport and send broken promises and ultimately “I don’t take that lightly when I the pimps are prosecuted, Loui- “never got traction,” and once he them to Louisiana or other plac- brainwashed, making it difficult say we need prayer,” Father Bayhi siana State Police has reported realized the prevalence of hu- es throughout the United States. to break away. said. “You can only imagine a an 86 percent increase in human man trafficking in the United “They’re being misused, “Usually, the pimp will pro- 15-year-old who has performed trafficking cases investigated in States, he told Sister Eugenia “if with no way to come out to the vide for them the basics,” he said. over 1000 sexual favors what kind 2015 from 2014. she gets me some nuns I will (es- police (because the girls are He will have promised them ev- of shape in which she arrives. “This crime has been going tablish a safe house).” often in the United States il- erything, all to which are broken We’re going to use the wisdom of on for years, but now through “In my mind religious sisters legally). We are healing them, promises. These girls don’t have Solomon and the grace of God.” education and victim advocate groups, we are identifying it more and helping these victims,” Gremillion said. Father Jeff Bayhi, pastor at St. Hospice is About Living John the Baptist Church in Zach- ary and Our Lady of Assumption • We rely upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother to assist us in imitating the healing ministry of Jesus in Clinton, was first made aware Christ as we care for terminally ill patients and their families. of human trafficking several •We call forth the compassion and kindness of our staff, who serve in this health care ministry, to respond to years ago while filming a televi- the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families. sion show in Rome. It was during that visit he was introduced to •We believe in the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and we devote ourselves to supporting patients and families through the dying process at the end of life’s journey on this earth and Sister Eugenia Bonetti MC who new life in eternity. has made it her ministry to res- cue girls who are being trafficked in Italy and help women escape the prostitution industry. “Trafficking is so much more common than people realize,” he said. “It’s sick but it’s real.” Since that initial introduc- The right people, tion, Father Bayhi has become doing the right thing an advocate to help girls escape for the right reason. SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS the lifestyle. Parishioners at St. John the Baptist and Our Lady www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org • (225) 243-7358 of Assumption have helped cre- Notre Dame Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, ability to pay, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. ate and support two internation- 20 The Catholic Commentator April 29, 2016 www.thecatholiccommentator.org Lafayette welcomes native as bishop

Bishop John D. Deshotel was installed as the seventh bishop for the Diocese of Lafayette on April 15 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Bishop Deshotel, a native of Basile, and Bishop Michael Jarrell were among those who participated in the installation. Bishop Robert W. Muench and chancellor Father Paul Yi were also in attendance. The third of eight children born to Welfoot Deshotel and Baton Rouge’s only Luna Marie Manual, Bishop TRUE ITALIAN Deli Deshotel attended Immaculata Since 1978 Minor Seminary High School Lasagna To-Go in Lafayette and later attended Holy Trinity Seminary in Texas, Made Fresh where he earned his bachelor’s Daily degree in philosophy, and a Mas- Small (4 servings) ters of Divinity degree from the Large (8-10 servings) University of Dallas. He was ordained to the priest- Sandwich, meat and cheese, party trays hood for the Diocese of Dallas on always available May 13, 1978 in his hometown Bishop John D. Deshotel church of St. Augustine. On Home of the best Anthony’s April 27, 2010, he was ordained the Evangelist for the start of Bishop Deshotel’s extended fam- muffolettas in town! Italian Deli as auxiliary bishop of Dallas by the Rite of Installation, he was ily and friends. 5575 Government St., just west of Jefferson Hwy. • Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 6 Bishop Kevin J. Farrell in the greeted by Father Chester Arce- Others in attendance includ- Phone orders welcome! 225-272-6817 Cathedral Shrine of the Blessed neaux, pastor of the cathedral. ed several clergy members from Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Bishop Deshotel offered a bless- the Diocese of Dallas; bishops On Feb. 17, Pope Francis ap- ing to those gathered, which in- from throughout Louisiana, pointed Bishop Deshotel as the cluded more than 100 diocesan Texas, Alabama, Arkansas and Clothing Donations Needed ! bishop of Lafayette. priests, deacons and seminar- Florida; interfaith guests; civil As Bishop Deshotel processed ians from the Diocese of Lafay- officials; and representatives of St. Vincent de Paul Stores are into the Cathedral of St. John ette, as well as more than 150 of the Diocese of Lafayette’s office community leaders in distributing staff. clothing and furniture to the needy at Archbishop Gregory Michael no charge, and we need your Year of Mercy Aymond of New Orleans offered donations of clothing to help us in his greeting which was then fol- lowed by a welcome address our mission of charity. Help us to Pilgrimage to Italy help the poorest of the poor. Last year, we helped from Bishop Jarrell. Archbishop Aymond and Bishop Jarrell es- over 12,000 people (free of charge) with their October 17-27, 2016 corted Bishop Deshotel to the clothing needs. You may remember six-year-old Father Brent Maher of St. Ann's in Morganza bishop’s chair, also known as the Anna who was a guest at our Bishop Ott Sweet invites you to experience the beauty of cathedra. A symbol of episcopal Dreams Shelter. She and her mother desperately ministry since ancient times, the needed clothing, and we were able to provide for Venice, Assisi and Rome chair symbolizes the unity of the their needs because of the generosity of so many people in the diocese with their people in our community. bishop. Following the Gospel read- Help us give a hand-up to people in need. Drop ing, Bishop Deshotel gave his first your clothing donation off at any St. Vincent de homily as ordinary of the Diocese Paul location. of Lafayette. This was followed by the intercessional prayers, which We also gladly accept household items, furnishings were offered in different languag- and appliances in good condition. And we love es representative of the various items from your garage sale. Call our pick-up • Daily Mass • Exciting Cultural and cultures of the diocese. In addi- tion to English, these languages service at (225) 267-5447 to make your furniture or Historical Visits • Leisurely Pace appliance donation. included Latin, Italian, Creole This is a trip of a lifetime. French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Drop off your donation at any of our locations. Arabic and German. Baton Rouge Locations: 1871 Staring Lane, 12107 Registration deadline June 1st. Florida Boulevard, 5621 Government Street, and For more details or to register visit: Call 225-387-0983 2655 Plank Road. Other Locations: 824 North www.travelillume.com/trc/bof Morrison (Hammond), 710 Olinde Street (New for advertising Roads), 4171 Hwy. 1 (Brusly-in the Casa Loma or call information Shopping Center), and 1402 North Burnside. 800-368-6757 ext. 128 THE CATHOLIC Help us with our clothing shortage by making your donation today! CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962