The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Savannah Vol. 98, No. 17 Thursday, August 16, 2018 Put Faith in Your Opinions southerncross.diosav.org $.75 Do good to fight indifference, apathy, pope tells young people By Junno Arocho Esteves summer temperatures of Rome and Vatican City (CNS) were cooled off by the cascading eing a Christian isn’t just about spray of water from Vatican fire Bnot doing evil, but it is a daily department hoses. exercise in loving others through After the Mass, the pope arrived good works and deeds, Pope Francis in his popemobile and greeted the said. crowd, occasionally catching items Many times, Christians can be that young people would throw tempted to “think they are saints” and toward the moving vehicle or stop- justify themselves by saying, “I don’t ping to bless babies and young harm anyone,” the pope told thou- children. sands of Italian young adults August The Italian pilgrimage, which 12. included an evening meeting in Rome “How many people do not do evil, with the pope August 11, was part but also do not do good, and their of the Italian church’s preparation lives flow into indifference, apathy for October’s Synod of Bishops and tepidity! This attitude is contrary on young people and vocational to the Gospel and is also contrary to discernment. the character of you young people In his talk before the recitation of who, by your very nature, are dynam- the Angelus, Pope Francis reminded ic, passionate and courageous,” he the young men and women to live said. their lives “in a coherent way, not Pope Francis raises the Book of the Gospels during an evening meeting with According to the Vatican, an esti- with hypocrisy” by renouncing evil Italian young adults at the Circus Maximus in Rome August 11. mated 90,000 people were in St. and doing good. (CNS photograph by Paul Haring) Peter’s Square for the pope’s address “To renounce evil means saying and Angelus prayer after an out- ‘no’ to temptation, to sin, to Satan,” to repeat the words of St. Alberto hold a grudge, you need to pray for door Mass celebrated by Cardinal the pope said. “More concretely, it Hurtado as a reminder of their baptis- your enemies; it isn’t enough to not Gualtiero Bassetti of Perugia-Citta means saying ‘no’ to a culture of mal call to action: “It is good to not be the cause of division, you need to della Pieve, president of the Italian death that manifests itself in escaping do evil, but it is evil to not do good.” bring peace where there is none; it bishops’ conference. from reality toward a false happiness He also urged them to be “protago- isn’t enough to not speak ill of others, Filling the square and the main that expresses itself in lies, fraud, nists of good” and to not be satisfied you need to interrupt when you hear street leading to St. Peter’s, the injustice and in contempt of others.” with simply not doing bad things. someone bad-mouthing another,” the weary pilgrims braved the scorching Pope Francis invited the youths “It isn’t enough to not hate, you pope said. need to forgive; it isn’t enough to not Abuse expert: Crisis is call to new vision of priesthood, accountability By Cindy Wooden “I know that people are deep- saying for years, that does not mean bishops. Vatican City (CNS) ly angry and they are losing their accusations of past abuse will stop Father Zollner agreed that is a good Jesuit priest who has been on trust— this is understandable. That is coming out, and it does not guarantee idea, but he believes it must be part of Athe frontline of advocating for normal, humanly speaking,” he told there will never again be a case of “a new way of coming together as the survivors of clerical sexual abuse and Catholic News Service August 7 as abuse or sexual misconduct. people of God” and taking responsibil- developing detailed programs to pre- newspapers were filled with informa- Dealing with the reality of potential ity for the Church. vent abuse said the crisis unfolding, tion and commentary about the case abuse and the history of clerical sexual To make that happen, he said, “we again, in the United States is a sum- of retired Archbishop Theodore E. abuse in the Church is a process, he need to honestly look at what we can mons to a new way of envisioning the McCarrick, misconduct in a Nebraska said. “We see that people were first learn from the way society and compa- Church and taking responsibility for it. seminary and the pending release of a speaking out about the misbehavior of nies function in terms of accountabili- “I am not surprised” by the new Pennsylvania grand jury report on cler- priests and now it’s bishops, so there ty, transparency and compliance.” reports of abuse, “I do not think it gy sexual abuse. is a development there. I am not sur- “A Church body investigating alle- will stop soon and, at the same time, The courage of survivors to speak prised, and I do not think it will stop gations needs to have as much inde- I think it is necessary and should be out, the investigative work of both soon.” pendence as possible,” Father Zollner seen in the framework of evolving a police and Church bodies, the imple- After Archbishop McCarrick said. “When dealing with accusations more consistent practice of account- mentation of child protection measures resigned from the College of Cardinals against a bishop, there should be at ability,” said Jesuit Father Hans and improved screening of potential and was ordered to live a life of prayer least a mixed board— meaning some Zollner, a professor of psychology seminarians, Church workers and vol- and penance pending a Church trial, bishops and some independent lay and president of the Center for Child unteers mean that children and vulner- many U.S. bishops began speak- Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian able adults are safer today. ing publicly of devising a process See Abuse Crisis University in Rome. But, as Father Zollner has been to review accusations made against on page 3 Southern Cross, Page 2 Headline Hopscotch Thursday, August 16, 2018 Archbishop Gregory: was over and would not be repeated. His statement and video message can Weary of 'cloud of shame' be found at https://bit.ly/2AXKhgA. shrouding church leaders ATLANTA (CNS) Jesuit murdered in Peru tlanta Archbishop Wilton D. held up as 'exemplary' Gregory issued a print and video A LIMA, Peru (CNS) statement Aug. 9 on the website of Spanish Jesuit priest who was The Georgia Bulletin, archdiocesan found murdered in the board- newspaper, expressing his "profound A ing school where he lived was anger, sadness and distress concern- buried August 12 in Chiriaco, in ing sexual abuse by church leaders the Apostolic Vicariate of Jaen in of children, young people and those Peru's northern Amazon region. over whom they exercised authori- Mourners carried Father Carlos ty." "My anger and disappointment, Riudavets' coffin through the streets shared by Catholics and others, of Chiriaco and jammed the small are only heightened by the reality community's simple church for the that leaders who have engaged in funeral Mass. A cook found Father or neglected to protect others from Riudavets' body August 10 at the such damaging and deviant behavior An Indian farmer sits on a dry field in late May outside Chhatarpur. The Jesuit residence on the grounds of have for many years failed to be held Catholic Church agency Caritas has launched a project that aims to end Valentin Salegui School, part of accountable -- and have even risen in hunger across South Asia by 2030. Caritas India introduced the program in the Jesuits' Faith and Joy school leadership positions," he said. "We collaboration with its international partners to help farmers adapt methods network. The 73-year-old priest had must do better -- for the sake of all to cope with erratic climate conditions, ucanews.com reported. been bound and the body showed victims and survivors of sexual abuse (CNS photograph byHarish Tyagi, EPA) signs of violence, according to and for the sake of everyone whom a statement from Peru's Jesuit we serve." Archbishop Gregory said community. Father Riudavets, a Filipinos welcome U.S. Chaldean Catholic synod Catholics everywhere, including him, native of San Lucar de Guadiana vow to return historic "are stunned and justifiably angry at offers thanks for return in Spain's Huelva province, had shameful, unrelenting recent reve- Catholic church bells of displaced Christians worked in Peru's Amazon region lations of bishops accused of abuse TACLOBAN, Philippines (CNS) DAHUK, Iraq (CNS) since 1980, serving as a teacher or mishandling allegations of abuse ilipinos welcomed an announce- and later principal of the school. he Chaldean Catholic Church -- behavior that offends and scandal- ment by the United States that Although retired, he continued to F Tconcluded a weeklong synod izes the people of God entrusted to it planned to soon return church live and assist there. The school, in Baghdad offering thanks to God our care." He said Catholics are spe- bells seized by American troops in the community of Yamakai- for the return of numerous displaced cifically "enraged" about allegations as trophies during the Philippine- entsa, serves about 270 Awajun Christians to their hometowns in of abuse by Archbishop Theodore E. American War more than a centu- and Wampis indigenous students the Ninevah Plain and for pastoral McCarrick. Archbishop Gregory also ry ago. In a statement August 11, from villages along five rivers in achievements in their dioceses. The said he is "personally disheartened" the U.S. embassy in Manila said the region. No students were there synod, held August 7-13 at the invi- because in 2002, as president of the Congress already has been informed at the time of the murder because tation of Cardinal Louis Raphael I U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, about plans to return the "bells the school was closed for mid-year Sako, the Chaldean Catholic patri- he made assurances that this crisis of Balangiga" to the Philippines, vacation. arch, brought together Church leaders ucanews.com reported. American and participants from Iraq, the United soldiers took the church bells from States, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Canada, the town of Balangiga in the central Australia and Europe to discuss Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer’s Philippines following the massacre issues vital for the Church's future of its residents in response to the both in Iraq and among its diaspora. Schedule death of 48 U.S. troops at the hands Patriarchs and other leaders proposed of rebels in 1901. "We've received potential candidates for election as assurances that the bells will be new bishops because several Iraqi SEPTEMBER 2018 returned to the Catholic Church and clergy are nearing retirement age. treated with the respect and honor 3-7 St. Johns, FL: Savannah Diocesan Clergy Retreat Chaldean Archbishop Yousif Thomas they deserve," U.S. embassy spokes- Mirkis of Kirkuk, Iraq, told Catholic 3 9-1 Washington, DC: USCCB Administrative Committee woman Trude Raizen said. "We are News Service that no names would aware that the bells of Balangiga be made public until approved by 15 Grovetown: St. Teresa of Avila 50th Anniversary have deep significance for a num- the Holy See. The final statement ber of people, both in the United said a key discussion point focused 6 1 Darien: Franciscan Martyrs Celebration States and in the Philippines," she on the need for "a larger number of added. The news came as the town well-qualified priests, monks and 19 Savannah: Pastoral Center Cabinet Meeting of Balangiga celebrated the feast day nuns" to work in Chaldean Catholic 20-22 Grapevine, TX: V Encuentro of its patron saint, St. Lawrence the churches to "preserve the Eastern Martyr, August 10. identity and culture of each country 22-Oct. 2 Rome, Italy: Robert Phillips Diaconate Ordination and its traditions."
Southern Cross (USPS 505-680) is published bi-weekly, Publisher: Most Rev Gregory J. Hartmayer, ofm conv., dd Editor: 912-201-4054 26 issues per year, by Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer Director of Communications: Barbara D. King Editorial email: [email protected] 2170 East Victory Drive, Videography/Production: Timothy L. Williams Content Deadline: ten days prior to publication Savannah, GA 31404. Editor: Michael J. Johnson Web Address: http://southerncross.diosav.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Savannah, GA and at Assistant to the Editor: Jessica L. Marsala Subscription changes: Contact your parish additional mailing offices. Editorial/Business Office: Subscription Price: $15.00 per year Southern Cross 2170 East Victory Drive Office for the Protection of Children and Young People: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Savannah, GA 31404-3918 Toll free reporting hot line: (888) 357-5330 Southern Cross, 2170 East Victory Drive, ©Southern Cross/Diocese of Savannah Savannah GA 31404. Thursday, August 16, 2018 Around the Diocese Southern Cross, Page 3 strict, closed-fortress idea of Church, on and articulate more clearly “what controlling everything,” he said, but an integrated sexual life for married “that will not work anymore. We people, single people and clergy would need a new model of accountability look like. There is a lot to be done in and responsibility and a new way of that area.” educating the whole people of God in Responding to comments that the Christian ideals.” clerical sexual abuse crisis is a result The dominant understanding of of the sexual revolution and the loss priesthood and power described as of sexual morals, Father Zollner urged clericalism— is one key ingredient and caution and an objective study of the was highlighted as a major contribut- facts. ing factor to abuse and a reluctance “The statistics from the Royal to report it in the December report Commission report in Australia indi- of Australia’s Royal Commission cate that the abuse had its peak in into Institutional Responses to Child Australia in the ‘50s and early ‘60s, Sexual Abuse. which was way before the sexual rev- In an essay published in January olution took place, so this goes against by Civilta Cattolica, the Jesuit jour- that argument,” he said. Studies nal, Father Zollner said, “Whoever from the United States, Ireland and in infancy or youth or as a candidate Germany also show that most abusers Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, a professor of psychology and president of the for priesthood learned that a priest is did their seminary training and were Center for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, always blameless can easily develop ordained before the sexual revolution. is pictured in a 2015 photo. Father Zollner has been on the frontlines of the mindset that he does not need to “Among the clergy, the number advocating for survivors of clerical sexual abuse and developing detailed justify himself to anyone. Anyone of new allegations from the last 20 programs to prevent abuse. He said the crisis unfolding again in the United endowed with sacred powers can take and especially the last 10 years has States is a summons to a new way of envisioning the Church and taking anything he wants for himself. That dropped almost to nil,” he said. responsibility for it. (CNS photograph by Paul Haring) kind of mentality can explain, at least At the same time, Father Zollner in part, why some priests who have urged a renewed vigilance because of Abuse Crisis from page 1 setting up another new structure, he abused children or young people deny “the whole area of the internet and the said. doing so or believe that they them- availability of pornographic material persons. If it is not possible to have a “Since God is the Lord of history, I selves were victims or merely accom- and all kinds of sexual exploitation fully complete investigation by inde- understand all this as a call to a deeper plices (‘he seduced me,’ ‘he liked it’), that are facilitated by that; it brings a pendent lay persons, there should be as understanding of what is the Church often making them blind to the suffer- new dimension to this and to society many as possible and as experienced about, what is priesthood about and ing they have caused.” at large.” as possible. Our canon lawyers are what is the Christian life,” he told In addition to a renewed understand- CNS. trained in legal procedures; they are ing of priesthood, Father Zollner told Follow Wooden on Twitter: “From my point of view, the temp- not trained in investigation.” CNS, Catholics must reflect more fully @Cindy_Wooden. But the response must go far beyond tation can be to return to a very
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By JessicaCatholic L. Marsala Charitiesmentoring opportunities toof empower South Georgia looks to future uch has been achieved since families to become self-sufficient. MCatholic Charities of South Building off last year’s efforts to Georgia– once known as the diocesan address social injustice – in February she social apostolate—was established 50 hosted a comparative lecture on Islam years ago in 1968. and in March a lecture on the plight of Current Director Sister Patricia Brown, incarcerated Japanese-Americans during SSMN, suggests, however, that the work World War II, both at the Pastoral Center of Catholic Charities is far from over, in Savannah – she said that she would especially in the areas of education and like to see more parishes, schools and socialization. campus ministries assume the task of While she anticipates that little will educating the faithful about racism and change in the immediate future in the way living in solidarity with others. of the physical services that each of the Without the help of the laity, especially ministry’s 12 outreach centers provide, youth, however, Sister Brown suggested she has been brainstorming potential that Catholic Charities cannot fulfill its long-term projects: how to further nudge mission. families toward self-sufficiency and help She noted the outreach centers in the them understand the structural causes of diocese, most of which are currently poverty, oppression and racism. headed by religious, will not be able to Among recent initiatives: Macon’s sustain themselves if the laity are not Family Advancement Ministries’ mission empowered to serve – another goal – if is changing to better support all families their staffs retire or are reassigned. with children—even those over the age of “One of the important things is help- 6. Additionally, families can now get gro- ing your children understand that other ceries or diapers without having to take a people don’t have everything,” Sister class in parenting or financial stability. Brown said of one of the ways that laity “The reward itself is the class, is the in the Diocese of Savannah can support knowledge, is your advancement as a the mission of Catholic Charities. As human person,” Sister Brown said. “So an example, she noted that parents can we hope that’ll be successful.” serve as models for their children by put- In Augusta and Columbus, Sister ting physical money into the collection Brown envisions that in the future, a new basket at their parish each week rather thrift store and outreach center, respec- than donating online. “It’s hard to tell tively, will open, and at other locations children there’s people sleeping in the At St. Francis Center, an outreach ministry of St. John the Evangelist Church such as the thrift store in Savannah, an park—they’re tired because they don’t in Valdosta, the mission is " ...whatever you did for one of these least broth- apprenticeship-type program – not to have a home—something like that. Trying ers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40 NAB)." Current director, Sister be confused with the center’s existing to help children put the pieces together Nuala Mulleady, MFIC, says " We make these words of Jesus a reality by pro- employment readiness program – could without scaring them is important.” viding a space for spiritual nourishment and assisting the needy in Lowndes be started to pair individuals with those She later added, “Keep calling people County with food, clothing, and utility bills (above)." who can teach them trades or skills such to the mission: Kindness is important, and Photograph courtesy of Sister Mulleady. as how to lay carpet or sheet rock. justice is important. You can’t just ignore Across Catholic Charities of South issues that have oppressed other people Catholic Charities of South Georgia at its people we have attempted to help and that Georgia as a whole, she also mentioned whether you understand the oppression or 100-year anniversary, Sister Brown said, they are like partners with us,” she added. the possibility of pairing outreach centers not. Then it’s your job to find out how to “I would hope that then in 50 years it “I’d like them to be partners and full- with “twin” or satellite locations – free- understand the oppression, to figure out would just be clear that the Church stands fledged, incorporated into our mission.” ing the outreach centers to focus on their why.” with the poor but that they aren’t so poor basic emergency services – to provide When asked about her dreams for anymore, that things have changed for the
The primary mission of St. Anne Community Outreach in Columbus is to pro- vide food and clothing (above) to those -- irrespective of age, race, gender, "The Loaves and Fishes Ministry of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waycross, ethnicity or religion--in great need or in emergency situations. When able, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is an outreach ministry that seeks to the center also provides financial assistance for utilities, rent and prescrip- serve the poor. Jesus fed the many, told us to share our cloak and like the tions. The center's secondary mission is to provide items such as linens and poor widow, asked us to put aside our own needs in giving to others. We blankets, toiletries, fans, school supples and items for the care of infants or seek to follow his will," as per the outreach mission. the elderly when donated. Photographs by Marc Spano - Spano’s Big Picture Photograph courtesy of Linda Booker. Photography. Thursday, August 16, 2018 Feature Southern Cross, Page 5
People attend a Mass August 12 at the hilltop Holy Land USA in Waterbury, Conn., honoring sainthood candidate Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus and a native of Waterbury. (CNS photograph byAaron Joseph, for The Catholic Transcript)
'Mountaintop Mass' celebrated to honor Father McGivney draws 1,000 WATERBURY, CT. (CNS) Haven, where he began the Knights ore than 1,000 people gath- of Columbus. In the early afternoon, Mered in the rain on top of Holy people began gathering on the hill- Land USA as Archbishop Leonard top, many of them shuttled to the top P. Blair of Hartford celebrated Mass in golf carts on the repaved roads. to honor Father Michael McGivney, They sat under tents and umbrellas a candidate for sainthood, founder in the area of the large cross that of the Knights of Columbus and a looks out over the city. They prayed native of Waterbury. The faithful the rosary and listened to praise and came from across the state for the worship music. Although rain fell "Mountaintop Mass" on Pine Hill throughout the day, it didn't dampen at the former religious theme park, their spirits. Archbishop Blair con- known for its 60-foot illuminated celebrated the Mass with 13 priests cross, which can be seen for miles and three deacons on a covered from the highway. The hilltop offers stage that had a large banner pro- a view of the places where Father claiming, "Welcome to Holy Land McGivney was born, baptized and USA," while above them, swallows educated, and was buried for 92 swooped through the air in joyful years until his remains were moved flight. to the Church of St. Mary in New Southern Cross, Page 6 Comentario en Español Thursday, August 16, 2018 Papa: Temor, incertidumbre llevan a una fe al estilo de cada quien Por Junno Arocho Esteves (CNS) del Vaticano presentando recreaciones esclavizan". el papa. "Pero la gran obra de Dios Ciudad del vaticano de alta definición de los frescos de la "El becerro tenía un doble signifi- fue quitar a Egipto del corazón de la gual que los israelitas antiguos, los Capilla Sixtina pintados por Miguel cado en el antiguo Oriente Próximo: gente, es decir, quitar la idolatría del Icristianos de hoy también pueden Ángel. por un lado, representaba la fertil- corazón del pueblo. ... Dios continúa caer en la tentación de crear sus Continuando su serie de audiencias idad y la abundancia y por el otro trabajando para eliminarlo de nues- propios ídolos cuando surgen las difi- sobre los 10 Mandamientos, el papa representaba energía y fuerza. Pero tros corazones". cultades y las incertidumbres, dijo el Francisco dijo que quería volver al sobre todo es dorado, por lo que es El papa Francisco dijo que Dios papa Francisco. tema de la charla de la semana ante- un símbolo de riqueza, éxito, poder y decidió salvar la humanidad a través "La naturaleza humana, para rior sobre la idolatría porque "es muy dinero. ... Estas son las tentaciones de de las debilidades del sufrimiento de escapar de la precariedad ... busca importante conocerlo". todos los tiempos", dijo el papa. Cristo en la Cruz y que "desde nues- una religión 'hazlo tú mismo'. Si Dios Él reflexionó sobre la lectura del La idolatría, continuó, brota de la tras debilidades podemos abrirnos a no aparece, nos hacemos un Dios libro de Éxodo donde los israelitas incapacidad de confiar en Dios. En la salvación de Dios". a medida", dijo el papa durante su le piden a Aarón fabricar un becerro ausencia de esta confianza, a los cris- "Nuestra recuperación proviene de audiencia semanal general del 8 de de oro para adorarlo mientras Moisés tianos les falta la fuerza para resistir y aquel que se hizo pobre, que aceptó agosto. estaba en la montaña recibiendo los no sucumbir a la duda en momentos el fracaso, quien ha llevado nuestra Entre los presentes en la audiencia mandamientos. de incertidumbre y precariedad. precariedad hasta el final para llenarla estaba Sting, el músico ganador del El papa Francisco explicó que la Él añadió que sin Dios "uno fácil- de amor y fortaleza", dijo el papa. "Él premio Grammy que compuso la ausencia de Moisés causó insegu- mente cae en la idolatría y se conten- viene a revelarnos la paternidad de música para "Giudizio Universale: ridades y ansiedades en el pueblo, ta con garantías mínimas". Dios. En Cristo nuestra fragilidad ya Michelangelo and the Secrets of the llevando a la creación de un ídolo "Liberar el pueblo de Egipto a no es una maldición, sino un lugar de Sistine Chapel", espectáculo desarrol- símbolo de "todos los deseos que dan Dios no costó tanto trabajo; lo hizo encuentro con el Padre y la fuente de lado en colaboración con los Museos la ilusión de libertad y en su lugar con signos de poder, de amor", dijo una nueva fuerza desde arriba".
Fear, uncertainty lead to a 'do-it-yourself' religion, pope says By Junno Arocho Esteves (CNS) "The calf had a double meaning in Vatican City the ancient East. On one hand, it repre- ike the ancient Israelites, Christians sented fruitfulness and abundance; on Ltoday also can fall into the temp- the other hand, energy and strength. But tation of creating their own idols when above all, it was made of gold because difficulties and uncertainties arise, Pope it is a symbol of wealth. Success, power Francis said. and money. These are the temptations "To escape precariousness human of all time," the pope said. nature looks for a 'do-it-yourself' reli- Idolatry, he continued, stems from the gion. If God does not show himself, we inability to trust in God. In the absence create a tailor-made god," the pope said of this trust, Christians lack the strength August 8 during his weekly general to resist succumbing to doubt in times audience. of uncertainty and precariousness. Among those present for the audience Without God, he added, it "is easy to was Grammy Award-winning musician fall into idolatry and be content with Sting, who composed the music for meager reassurances." "Giudizio Universale: Michelangelo "Freeing the people from Egypt and the Secrets of the Sistine Chapel," wasn't so difficult for God. He did it a show developed in collaboration with signs of power and love," the pope with the Vatican Museums and fea- said. "But God's greatest work was to turing high-definition recreations of remove Egypt from the heart of the the Sistine Chapel frescoes painted by people; that is, to remove idolatry from Michelangelo. the heart of the people. God continues Continuing his series of audience to work to remove it from our hearts." talks about the Ten Commandments, Pope Francis said that God chose to Pope Francis said he wanted to return save humanity through the weakness of to the theme of last week's talk on Christ's suffering on the cross and "that idolatry because "it is very important to by our own weaknesses, we can open know this." ourselves to God's salvation." He reflected on the reading from the "Our healing comes from the one book of Exodus in which the Israelites who made himself poor, who accepted ask Aaron to build a golden calf to wor- failure, who took away our precarious- ship while Moses was on the mountain ness to fill us with love and strength," receiving the commandments. the pope said. "He comes to reveal Moses' absence, Pope Francis to us God's fatherhood. In Christ, our explained, triggered insecurities and frailty is no longer a curse but a place anxieties in the people, leading to the of encounter with the father and source creation of the idol that embodied "the of strength from above." desires that give the illusion of freedom but instead enslave." Thursday, August 16, 2018 Comentario en Español Southern Cross, Page 7 Response to an invitation few weeks before leaving my of them were the original invitees. God’s Kingdom, not because we are and John the Baptist because the A assignment at St. Joseph Parish The same occurred at the marriage good or have merited an invitation people rejected God’s invitation to in Augusta, I organized a marriage workshop: Many were invited, but but because God chooses to invite the banquet. So many saw and heard preparation workshop in Spanish unexpected guests came, and they us. His invitation is a gift. The Jesus preach and teach, yet they still for several couples. I opened the benefited tremendously from it. Just guests are free to accept or reject the yelled “crucify him, crucify him!” So hall at 6:30 p.m., turned on the in the same way, many are invited invitation. many have believed wholeheartedly air conditioning, and made sure to enter God’s So many throughout the centuries but, at the everything was ready. The tables and Kingdom, but So many throughout history rise of the slightest hurt or struggle, chairs were set, the food was ready, not all choose to have ignored have rejected God and his promise of my talks were finished, and the come. have believed God’s invitation salvation. couple I invited to lead the workshop The chances to follow him It is easy to ignore God’s had arrived. Suddenly it was 7 p.m., that a king will wholeheartedly more closely invitation to act with charity, to the time to start, but none of the invite the general throughout the and have busied stop an argument or gossip, to offer eight couples had arrived. A few population to themselves with a sacrifice, to express kindness or minutes past 7:30, as I was about to the wedding centuries but, at the other things that mercy, or to show patience. Like the close the building, a young couple I of his son are rise of the slightest do not fulfill. guests of the parable, it is easy to did not recognize entered the room. nonexistent. Israel responded make excuses, reject the invitation, They were from a neighboring What are the hurt or struggle, to God’s and act differently. The rejection of parish. The next morning two more chances of any have rejected God invitation to leave the king by his guests continues to couples joined the workshop; both high-profile slavery in Egypt happen today, but the king never came from out of town. politician today and his promise of but soon rose up ceases to invite more guests to the I felt like the king of the Parable inviting his against Moses banquet. The food is ready, and the of the Great Banquet. When none whole electorate salvation. in the desert. table is set. It is our choice whether of the invited guests arrived to the to a family Prophets like or not we accept the invitation. wedding banquet after presenting all function? Kings Isaiah were sent sorts of excuses, the king ordered and politicians invite to their parties by God throughout the centuries to Father Pablo Migone is chancellor of his servants to invite whomever people who have somehow merited preach a message of repentance and the Diocese of Savannah and resides in they found in the streets. All sorts of to be invited. In contrast, we are all mercy, but they were often rejected. the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, unexpected guests arrived, and none invited to take part in the banquet of Some were killed like Jeremiah Savannah. Respuesta a la invitación nas semanas antes de completar por cerrar con llave el salón unos las calles de la ciudad. Llegaron desierto. Profetas como Isaías fueron Umi asignación en la Parroquia minutos después de las 7:30, de todo tipo de invitados inesperados, enviados por Dios a lo largo de los San José en Augusta organicé un repente llegó una pareja joven que y ninguno era uno de los invitados siglos para predicar un mensaje de taller de preparación matrimonial no reconocí. Venia de una parroquia originales. La historia se repitió en arrepentimiento y misericordia, pero en español para varias parejas. A las vecina. La mañana siguiente el taller de preparación matrimonial: fueron rechazados una y otra vez. 6:30pm abrí el salón, encendí el aire llegaron dos parejas adicionales, muchos fueron invitados, pero Algunos profetas murieron como acondicionado y confirmé que todo ambas viajaron de otra ciudad para llegaron participantes inesperados y Jeremías y San Juan Bautista cuando esté listo. Las mesas y sillas estaban participar. se beneficiaron tremendamente. De la el pueblo rechazó la invitación al en su lugar, la comida preparada, Me sentí como el rey de la parábola misma manera muchos son invitados banquete de Reino de Dios que mis charlas listas, y la pareja que del gran banquete. Cuando ninguno a formar parte del Reino de Dios, ellos proclamaban. Tantos vieron y conduciría el taller ya había llegado. de los invitados llegó al banquete de pero no todos optan por responder a escucharon a Jesús predicar y enseñar, De repente era ya las 7:00, la hora boda luego de presentar todo tipo de la invitación. sin embargo, muchos de estos de iniciar, pero ninguna de las ocho excusas, el rey ordenó a sus siervos La probabilidad de que un rey mismos gritaron “¡Crucifíquenlo, parejas había llegado. Cuando estaba que inviten a quien encontrasen por invite a la población general de su Crucifíquenlo!” Muchos han creído reino a la boda de su hijo como en Dios con sinceridad a lo largo de ocurrió en la parábola del evangelio los siglos, pero en cuanto ha surgido es inexistente. ¿Invitaría hoy un un problema o reto, han rechazado a político de alto perfil a su electorado Dios y su promesa de salvación. ASSET MANAGEMENT AND entero a un evento familiar? Reyes Es fácil ignorar la invitación de y políticos invitan a sus fiestas solo Dios para actuar con caridad, para CONSULTING SERVICES a quienes ellos consideran haber terminar un argumento o chisme, para High Net Worth Individuals • Endowments & Foundations meritado recibir una invitación. Por ofrecer un sacrificio, para demostrar lo contrario, todos hemos recibido buena voluntad y misericordia, o Estate Planning Services una invitación al banquete del Reino para demostrar paciencia. Como ...managing Diocesan investments since 2004! de Dios – no porque seamos buenas los invitados de la parábola, es fácil personas o hayamos merecido una poner excusas, actuar de forma invitación, pero más bien porque Dios diferente, y al hacerlo rechazar la PATRICK J. DOUGLAS ha elegido llamarnos. Su invitación es invitación de Dios. El rechazo del rey Managing Director, Investments gratuita, y como invitados, tenemos por sus invitados continúa ocurriendo la libertad de aceptar o rechazar la hoy, pero a pesar de esta realidad el Parishioner // St. Mary’s On-The-Hill invitación. rey no deja de invitar a más personas Raymond James // Augusta, Georgia Muchos a lo largo de la historia al banquete. El banquete está listo han ignorado la invitación de Dios a y la mesa preparada. Depende 706.821.2640 // 888.409.2640 seguirle más de cerca, respondiendo de nosotros aceptar o rechazar la con múltiples excusas como en invitación. la parábola. Israel respondió a la invitación de Dios para salir de Padre Pablo Migone, es Canciller Egipto cuando Dios los liberó de de la Diocesis de Savannah y reside Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC la esclavitud, pero pronto Israel se en la Catedral de San Juan Bautista, rebeló en contra de Moisés en el Savannah. Southern Cross, Page 8 Feature Thursday, August 16, 2018 Religious sightseeing Rome, Italy photos From: William and Anne Thank you all for the many Dawahare: St. Anne, Columbus postcards you have shared with our readers. We have only printed a small sam- pling of those received -- we hope everyone has enjoyed them as much as we did. Those not published on these pages may be seen in our online photo gallery.
Please continue to send us photographs of the events and happenings from your parishes, schools and groups to:
Kilmacduagh Monastery, Kilmacduagh, Ireland
From: Nancy Garner: St. Joseph, Augusta; Sherre and Mary Grace Watwood: St. Mary on hill, Augusta
CathedralLouis, Basilica of St. St. Louis, MO
From: Cody Stoltenburg: St. John the Evangelist, Valdosta Thursday, August 16, 2018 Feature Southern Cross, Page 9 Columnist Rachel Balducci pens her second book By Michael J. Johnson Boston and her second book ‘make Tuck in a Super Hero,’ Balducci She says her new title, ‘make my achel Balducci is a wife, a my life simple – bringing peace to writes from a “place where moth- life simple,’ “covers for me, this Rmother of six children; five heart and home,’ will be published erhood didn’t look like what I journey of how might we come boys and one girl, co-host of The by Our Sunday Visitor in the near thought it would look like. I just to complete joy and freedom in Gist, a TV talk show for Catholic future. never imagined having five boys our life. Thinking for myself as a women produced by Catholic TV in As in her first book ‘How to in a row.” While ‘How to Tuck in wife, a mom and the other things a Super Hero’ was a collection of that God has asked me to do — be funny stories derived from life with a television cohost, a newspaper five boys, Balducci said, “I start- columnist and author I know God ed wanting to find a way to find has given me many opportunities joy in the midst of motherhood. that ask a lot of me. It’s a lot to do. Life was much more chaotic than I But God really wants us to have anticipated.” freedom and joy and peace in every Simplifying life in the midst of single area of our life, and they all chaos was the catalyst for her new fit together." title. If you are feeling more chaos “I just absolutely love to write,” than peace, more panic than joy, said Balducci.” She collected mate- make my life simple: bringing rial over many years and finally beace to heart and home gives you gathered it together as she wrote. down-to-earth, practical pointers to The book was written over a long achieve peace and order: time. It was, she said, “a topic that • In your home: Establish a I had had on my heart for a while peaceful environment for you and and it was kind of one of those your family things I had been mulling over and • In yourself: Design an ordered just couldn’t get any traction on it.” way of living to benefit your body, ‘Make my life simple’ is orga- mind, and spirit with Rachel’s nized as a guide broken down into friend-to-friend advice three sections: the practical sense, • In your spiritual life: Create the personal sense and, the spiritual order in your spiritual relationships sense. Each section has nine parts with Jesus, yourself, and the others covering how to find “peace and in your life order” practically in the home. And then peace and order personally Listen to Rachel speak about her in mind and body - taking care of faith, her home and her writing — ourselves. go to bit.ly/RachelHeartAndHome The final section looks at the spiritual aspect of our lives. “How 'make my life simple - bring peace do we get peace, order and spir- to heart and home' itually to come together,” asks - ISBN: 978-1-68192-239-3 Balducci. “The key is to kind of - US $16.95 always be aware of what brings you - SELF-HELP / Motivational & peace,” she said. We must become Inspirational aware of what is robbing us of our - Published by Our Sunday Visitor peace and how we can manage those things."
Pope Francis travels to Dublin, Ireland for
The theme “TheWorld Gospel of Meetingthe Family: Joy of for Familiesthe World”. Held every three years, this major 32 people from the Diocese of international event brings together Savannah will join 500,000 pilgrims families from across the world to cel- from 116 countries for this interna- ebrate, pray and reflect upon the cen- tional event. tral importance of marriage and the Please pray for the pilgrims and the family as the cornerstone of our lives, success of this gathering of society and of the Church. Official family prayer for world meeting of families With pope francis
God, our Father, Help us to live your forgiveness Increase our faith, We are brothers and sisters in Jesus and peace. Strengthen our hope, your Son, Protect all families with your Keep us safe in your love, loving care, One family, in the Spirit of your Make us always grateful for the gift love. Bless us with the joy of love. Especially those for whom we now of life that we share. Make us patient and kind, gentle pray: This we ask, through and generous, welcoming to those in [pause and remember family mem- need. bers and others by name]. Christ our Lord, Amen. Southern Cross, Page 10 Feature Thursday, August 16, 2018
Campus Minister Deacon Robert Herrmann blessed our PK4-2nd graders’ backpacks. Each of these students’ backpacks have been tagged with a spe- cial prayer to remind them that God is with them wherever they go.
A preschool student at St. Peter the Apostle School in Savannah slides into the new year.
A student at St. Joseph School in Macon reads his first book of the new Siblings pose for a photograph on the first day of school at Saint Francis school year. Xavier School in Brunswick. Thursday, August 16, 2018 Columns Southern Cross, Page 11 The adventure of change hen our oldest son Ethan left to admit it. I was sad and scared and So we got Elliott through gradua- with them. Augie and Henry and Wfor college (three weeks after so unsure what family life would feel tion and into college and got Charlie Isabel were about to start their own high school graduation), it was almost like without our oldest, our Ethan, started in his senior year. There I fun adventures, and I got so excited more than I could bear. It wasn’t there with us every step of the day. was, still sad and emotional and only about it all. enough that my boy was no longer The reality of your oldest child focusing on all the ways things in my In that moment of grace, when I with all his brothers at the same K-12 graduating high school is that by the life were changing. I was sad about knew it was time to stop being sad, school they’d all been at together. He time that senior year ends, your child my people leaving, even as I watched I realized that we were far from the was now leaving our nest, our neigh- has already established a good bit of them grow and flourish. end of family life. There are so many borhood, our little part of the world. independence. He will have his own One day, in one of those bolt out- more milestones to come. He was only a few hours away, but life, his own social dance card. But of-the-blue moments, it hit me: Life You don’t have to pretend change it was epic. Never before had all of there are still so many things you do goes on. And not just in a survival, isn’t hard. It is. It can be difficult my children not all been together, in as a family — Sunday Mass being those-were-the-good-old-days men- and scary. But it’s also important to our home, under my watch. Up until a big one — and the thought of us tality. I realized there was so much remember that with change comes that point, we had all traveled togeth- doing these things without all of us joy and excitement ahead of us. I new excitement and opportunity, too. er, in our van, going about our life of was difficult for me to imagine. recognized that the season of all of us As we move through life, let’s not doing our things, much of it together. And then Ethan graduated and left together at home was wonderful, and hold on to anything so tight that we Together. home. And then a year later, Elliott the season of my children growing can’t give it to God with open hands When Ethan left, it felt like a death. began his senior year. That year, I and becoming who God made them to and receive the next blessing, the Of course it was the beginning of was hoping I would have been used be was the incredible next step. next opportunity, the next wonderful grand things for our son, of starting to the concept of people leaving the I remember exhaling and smiling adventure. the journey toward adulthood and his nest. But that year felt just as diffi- and crying some happy tears. I was future, of figuring out who he would cult, mostly because every aspect of letting my sadness go. I had grieved Rachel Swenson Balducci is a freelance become and where he wanted to go in Elliott’s senior year was colored by amply, and it was time to rejoice. writer and member of Most Holy Trinity life. But it was also the end of some- the reality that I would be doing it all I went through Charlie’s senior year Church, Augusta. She can be reached at thing as well. the very next year with Charlie — so excited about the next step. I was [email protected]. I spent over two years feeling sad another “last home basketball game” excited for him, and I also started get- about this. Maybe it sounds ridicu- and “last Spring Dance” — and it felt ting excited for my younger children lous, but I’m no longer embarrassed like too much. and all the fun we would be having
Devoted to one another agan and I have celebrated our immune systems, in alignment. the conclusion of his homily to bap- from three to nine. We’ve traded two Mwedding anniversaries at a vari- With days until our 11th wed- tize our baby girl. careers for one job and two vocations. ety of locations. ding anniversary, a text conversa- My occasional glances toward the We’ve watched our compact cars Our first anniversary was spent in tion ensued between Father Jacob, training room caught glimpses of transform into a passenger van. We’ve Atlanta. Our second, in Savannah. Ruthie’s prospective Godmother and AnnaMarie lying flat on the floor watched our possessions diminish We’ve enjoyed fancy dinners at a Magan with the suggestion of, “Why working on a coloring book, Eli tenfold. We’ve traded leaning on variety of locales, taken carriage rides not this Saturday?” changing seats every minute or two, our own understanding to trusting in down Bay Street and shopped in bou- “What do you think?” Magan posed and Isaac (who could probably climb God’s will for our family. In doing so, tique stores. toward my direction of the sofa. a phone pole without those spikey we’ve also watched the joy and peace As the years have progressed, the “Why not?” I replied. “That would shoes) cresting above the edge of of God’s grace grow over our family anniversary destinations have shifted be cool.” a chair trying to twist the volume more greatly than we could have ever a little closer to home. Gone are the So, with the baptismal font moved knob or turn off the lights before his imagined that last Saturday in July, all day and weekend trips hours away toward the front of the church, and Nannie could return him to his origi- the way back in 2007, when we said, from home, replaced by quiet din- most of our children secured in the nal seat. “I do.” ners at local bistros, or even a Red training room in the back with their All I could do is smile and try not The world constantly barrages us Lobster. (Those cheddar biscuits are Nannie, Magan, Ruthie, Noah and I to cry. with messages of self-satisfaction, dee-lish.) listened intently for our cue to meet In 11 years of marriage, Magan inward focus and attending to our So when the Fourth of July had Father Jacob in front of the altar at and I have watched our family grow individual needs. Marriage is just the come and gone, discussions of when opposite. In fact, the Bible says so: and where we would celebrate our “Be devoted to one another in love. anniversary that comes at the end of Honor one another above yourselves” every July began. (Romans 12:10). “To be with you and have fun,” I So it would only be fitting that we said repeatedly, drawing a hard stare would spend our anniversary reaf- from my one true love each and every firming our vows in the form of wit- time. nessing Ruthie starting her own faith “I know that,” Magan replied walk with anointing oils, holy water each time with pursed lips. “I mean, and the promise of a new beginning specifics.” in Christ Jesus. “We’ll figure it out,” I’d say, Plus, I should probably cut back on reassuringly. the carbs if I want to be in good shape Another important day had become for Ruthie’s 39th baptismal anniversa- ambiguous as well. ry party on July 28, 2057. Originally, we had planned Ruthie’s baptism for the Saturday after the Jason Halcombe has five sons and two Fourth, but sickness in our family daughters. He and his wife, Magan, and my sister’s had placed an indef- are members of Immaculate Conception inite delay on the Holy Rite until we Church, Dublin. could get everyone’s schedules, and Southern Cross, Page 12 Kids Chronicles Thursday, August 16, 2018 Jesus tells the parable of the talents CHILDREN’S STORY READ MORE ABOUT IT: By Jennifer Ficcaglia (CNS) Matthew 25 ne day, Jesus told the apostles a Oparable to show the importance Q&A of watching for the coming of the Son 1. What did the man give each of of Man. his servants? He told the story of a man who was 2. Why was the man angry at the going on a journey. Before he left, he third servant? put his three servants in charge of his possessions. The man gave each servant money BIBLE ACCENT: according to his ability. The first The Bible has quite a bit to say received five talents, the second about money and managing finances. received two talents and the third For example, Scripture says that received one talent. we must think correctly about money, After the man left, the first servant striking a balance between laziness immediately traded his talents and that leads to financial ruin (Prv made five more. 6:6-11) and obsession with gaining The second servant quickly put his wealth, which leads to evil (1 Tm talents to work and made another two. 6:9-10). But the third servant buried his Scripture also points out that it is one talent in a hole he had dug in the wise to save money. In Prv 21:20, ground. servants had prepared for his return. The man was not pleased. we read that “precious treasure and After a long time, the man came “Well done, my good and faithful “You wicked, lazy servant!” the oil are in the house of the wise, but home. He asked his servants what servant,” he told each one. “Since you man cried, saying that the servant the fool consumes them.” In 1 Cor they had done with the money he had were faithful in small matters, I will could have at the very least put the 16:1-4, we learn that Paul urged entrusted to them. give you great responsibilities. Come, money in the bank so it would earn believers to slowly save their money “Master, you gave me five talents. share your master’s joy.” interest. so they could donate to the church in See, I have made five more,” the first Then the servant who buried his tal- “Take the talent from him and give Jerusalem. servant said. ent came forward. it to the one with 10,” the man com- If we don’t think ahead and save, Likewise, the second servant “Master ... out of fear I went off manded. “For to everyone who has, we risk going into debt and may have showed that he had doubled his and buried your talent in the ground. more will be given and he will grow to borrow money, making us “the talents. Here it is back,” the third servant rich; but from the one who has not, slave of the lender” (Prv 22:7). The man was happy that these said. even what he has will be taken away.” Part of managing our wealth also But the man was not yet done pun- includes sharing it with others. In ishing the third servant for his unwise Acts 20:35, Paul says to “keep in decision. mind the words of the Lord Jesus “And throw this useless servant into who himself said, ‘It is more blessed the darkness outside,” he said, “where to give than to receive.’” there will be wailing and grinding of And in Mt 6:19-21, Jesus also teeth.” reminds us that earthly possessions are not as important as storing up treasures in heaven.
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www.saintsandshamrocks.com 309 Bull Street Savannah, GA 912 233-8858 Thursday, August 16, 2018 Faith Alive Southern Cross, Page 13 What are Catholics’ opinions about faith and science? By Kurt Jensen (CNS) re Catholics more accepting of FOOD FOR THOUGHT Ascience than adherents of other Catholic scientists and students of religious groups? science, did you know there is an Yes, an in-depth 2017 survey (1,927 international organization of Catholic respondents, including 1,010 Catholics) scientists? indicated. Founded in 2016, the Society of However — and it’s a big “however” Catholic Scientists is an international — it’s not an overwhelming difference. lay organization created to “foster fel- Catholics can be just as inconsistent as lowship among Catholic scientists and other adherents when it comes to seeing to witness to the harmony of faith and conflicts between faith and science. reason,” as stated on its website. The questions among Catholics are The society is a response to St. John usually about the same as those attributed Paul II’s call that “’members of the to others: whether Adam and Eve were Church who are active scientists’ be real historical figures, whether the Big of service to those who are attempting Bang theory accurately describes the to ‘integrate the worlds of science and creation of the universe and whether the religion in their own intellectual and theory of evolution is to be believed. spiritual lives.’” One key finding, Mark Gray, co-au- In only two years membership has grown to 750 and its members span thor of the report from the Center for Aubrie Harrington, a seventh-grader at Mater Dei-Nativity School, dissects a six continents. Applied Research in the Apostolate at cow's eye May 6, 2016, while participating in a day devoted to science, tech- At the society’s most recent con- Georgetown University, noted: “Not nology, engineering and math at Catholic-run Briar Cliff University in Sioux ference, “The Human Mind and many teachers in Catholic schools take City, Iowa. "Not many teachers in Catholic schools take (the Book of) Genesis Physicalism,” held June 9 at The (the Book of) Genesis literally,” although literally," although 56 percent of respondents said they believed that Adam Catholic University of America, more 56 percent of the respondents said they and Eve were real, historical people, said Mark Gray, co-author of a 2017 than 100 professionals and students believed that Adam and Eve were real, report from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown gathered to hear experts speak about historical people. University. (CNS photograph byJerry L. Mennenga) The survey also showed “that many in physics, ecology, free will and the each category of believers are grappling “We find that a lot of people who variety of Lenten practices. human mind. with the issue of compatibility.” leave the faith do so because they think And that, to Gray, is not surprising. Many of the conference participants In other words, “Half or slightly fewer it’s incompatible with science,” Gray “People who think about the afterlife and organizers told Catholic News of those professing a Christian faith observed. “There’s a belief that they can’t and that heaven and hell make sense … Service they see no conflict between believe that current scientific theory coexist. They don’t have a good under- reconcile the faith with what they know science and their faith. and evidence is compatible with the standing of science or their Catholic faith. about the world at large,” he said. “Part of why the sciences are so belief that God created the universe and There are gaps.” In general, the survey found “that interesting is precisely because of Earth, compared to about a quarter of The survey asked respondents spe- Catholics compared to other religious the knowledge that we are created non-Christians and just over 1 in 10 with cifically about their faith practices: how people are more receptive to science,” by God in his image. So when we’re no affiliation.” often they attended Mass, prayed or Gray said. talking about studying psychology or The Catechism of the Catholic Church went to confession, the firmness of their It’s not a matter of piety, but rather, neuroscience they are the mechanism states that “there can never be any real belief in God and their beliefs in biblical Gray thinks, that regular worshipers stay by which we understand the world, discrepancy between faith and reason. inerrancy. involved in the world and become more almost like we’re interacting with Since the same God who reveals mys- “Displaying great variability,” the open-minded to a range of ideas. God’s creation. It demonstrates the teries and infuses faith has bestowed the survey concluded, “those mostly likely Pope Francis studied chemistry and awe of creation,” said Vanessa Chan, light of reason on the human mind, God to agree that (faith and science) are com- worked as a chemist for a time, but a doctoral student studying cognitive cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever patible are those who most often practice Gray said the survey didn’t seem to find neuroscience at the University of contradict truth.” their faith: those who attend Mass week- any “Francis effect” in scientific beliefs Toronto. But that, of course, assumes a strong ly or more,” who go to confession “at among Catholics, nor did it delve into Read the story: https://cruxnow. faith. least yearly” and who participated in a environmental policies. com/church-in-the-usa/2018/06/11/ As for belief in climate change, the sur- catholic-scientists-find-camarade- vey showed that “two-thirds of Catholics rie-when-discussing-faith-research/ agree that temperatures on Earth are The Society of Catholic Scientists’ rising in response to higher concentra- website is: www.catholicscientists.org tions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases,” and about the same proportion believe that this is “largely a result of human activity.” IN A NUTSHELL But here again, acceptance of sci- Science and religion are not ence sometimes can split along lines of seen by the Church as opposing the frequency of faith practices. Those forces, but distinct and valuable attending Mass at least weekly are “least approaches to understanding the likely to agree that they have a moral universe and our place in it. responsibility to combat climate change,” An in-depth 2017 survey from but “the more likely respondents are to the Center for Applied Research observe Lenten practices, the more like- in the Apostolate at Georgetown ly they are to feel they have a personal University found that Catholics responsibility.” are generally more accepting of science than other religious Jensen is a freelance writer. U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, groups. Read CARA’s report here: is pictured at the observatory in Rome. Science and religion are not seen The Bible is a love letter from https://cara.georgetown.edu/ by the Church as opposing forces, but distinct and valuable approaches to God to humanity, not the final Fall2017FaithScience.pdf understanding the universe and our place in it. thoughts of scientific progress. (CNS photograph by Annette Schreyer) Southern Cross, Page 14 Commentary Thursday, August 16, 2018 Human dignity is imbued by God ’ve worked in catechetical minis- Clearly, those who are pro-life the death penalty. nails growing, tissues forming — all Itry since 2000, and I don’t recall should have no difficulty accepting From a practical standpoint, the toiling away in solemn foolery. His a more significant change in the the change. The dignity of the human death penalty costs taxpayers more nails would still be growing when Catechism of the Catholic Church person has been the foundation of all than life imprisonment. Legal appeals he stood on the drop, when he was than the one Pope Francis recently pro-life activity. Christ has taught us drag on for years. The methods of falling through the air with a tenth made. The Catholic Church’s position that the human dignity of the person execution have become problematic; of a second to live. His eyes saw the on the death penalty has moved from does not disappear when he or she what once seemed “humane” (lethal yellow gravel and the grey walls, and permitting it in “cases of extreme commits a crime, even the most hei- injection) has, in multiple cases, prov- his brain still remembered, foresaw, gravity” to deeming it “inadmissible” nous. We believe that human dignity en otherwise. And ultimately, there’s reasoned — reasoned even about and a violation of human dignity. is inherent, that is, “existing in some- no evidence that the death penalty is a puddles. He and we were a party of This change could not come soon thing as a permanent, essential, or deterrent. men walking together, seeing, hear- enough. Doing research for this col- characteristic attribute.” We believe In his essay “A Hanging,” George ing, feeling, understanding the same umn, I was surprised to read a 2018 that human dignity is imbued by God. Orwell writes of an execution he wit- world; and in two minutes, with a Pew Research study that revealed As pro-life people, we acknowledge nessed in Burma when he served with sudden snap, one of us would be gone an uptick in Americans’ favorable that dignity exists from conception the Indian Imperial police. I first read — one mind less, one world less.” view of the death forward. the essay, published in 1931, decades Even this secular perspective speaks penalty from pre- We believe that A person’s ago, and Orwell’s words resonate to the great mystery of human dignity. vious results in a behavior does today. As he watches the condemned Let us take to heart the change that 2016 Pew study. human dignity is not change the walk to the gallows, Orwell writes: our pope has adopted, and may we In the most fact that he or “It is curious, but till that moment work as a Church to protect the digni- recent survey, imbued by God. As she is created in I had never realized what it means ty of all human life by demanding our 54 percent of pro-life people, God’s image. to destroy a healthy, conscious man. legislators and courts end this brutal Americans favor Still, as one When I saw the prisoner step aside to practice. the death penalty we acknowledge who’s worked in avoid the puddle, I saw the mystery, as punishment for that dignity exists catechetical min- the unspeakable wrongness, of cut- Mary Hood Hart is a freelance writer and murder; whereas istry for almost ting a life short when it is in full tide. educator living in Pittsboro, NC. in 2016, 49 per- from conception two decades, I This man was not dying, he was alive She can be reached at cent of Americans have found that just as we were alive. All the organs [email protected] favored the death forward. teaching – the of his body were working — bowels penalty. Among inherent dignity digesting food, skin renewing itself, Catholics in the A person’s behavior of all people 2018 study, 59 does not change – difficult for percent of whites many to accept. were reported to the fact that he or Many good favor the death Catholics are penalty, while she is created in tempted to per- the death penalty God’s image. sonally carve out OBERAMMERGAU was favored by exceptions. Or, 47 percent of they construct Hispanics and 36 a hierarchy of PASSION PLAY percent among blacks. The Catholics’ dignity. Innocents should be afforded numbers also increased from 2016: more dignity than those who do bad 2 percent more whites, 11 percent things. But that’s not the teaching. 2020 more Hispanics, and 7 percent more And that is not God’s way. blacks favored the death penalty. This The death penalty is wrong for a most recent 2018 Pew study revealed myriad of reasons, both moral and the first increase in favorability after practical. It is cruel and inhumane to a downward trend of many decades sentence someone to death row. The (source: “Public Support for Death death penalty is used unequally, with Penalty Ticks Up” Baxter Oliphant, more death sentences given to the June 11, 2018). poor and persons of color. And, DNA berammergau ay ilgrimage y roximo I will leave it up to social scientists testing has revealed that innocent O 12 D P B P to attempt to explain why the death people have been unjustly executed or Travel penalty became a more favored option confined to death row for years. Our • The famous, extravagant Passion Play performed among all Americans. Perhaps even Catholic doctrine of human dignity only every 10 years in the beautiful Bavarian an unwarranted undercurrent of fear clearly sits atop all of these moral creates a sense that we need to adopt reasons that Americans should oppose village of Oberammergau. more punitive measures against those • Includes additional visits to Cologne, Trier, Deidesheim, whom we deem a threat to society? This, despite the concrete reality that FOR SALE: • Strasbourg, Constance, Fussen and Munich! Six burial sites in the homicide rates are the lowest mea- • May 15-26, 2020 sured since the late 1960s (Bureau of Savannah Catholic Justice Statistics, 2018 Trend Report). Cemetery • Cost: $5,999 (incudes airfare from any airport in the As a religious educator, I’m curi- U.S.!) ous to know how the pope’s decision Dogwood Section, Lot 3 • For questions and a free, detailed itinerary with registra- to change the catechism will affect tion information, send e-mail to: deaconjaydallas@gmail. attitudes among those in the pews. $7000 Will those 53 percent of Catholics com who reported a favorable view of the ** Limited to only 25 people, so EARLY REGISTRATION death penalty prayerfully re-evaluate Please call: is very important!!** their positions? How can we, who are charged with teaching from the cate- Anne, 912-661-0249. chism, help them reconsider? Thursday, August 16, 2018 Commentary Southern Cross, Page 15 “Killing people to show that killing people is wrong—is wrong” Originally Appeared in : 9710-5/11/17 (some things bear repeating)
arly in 2005, I was the editor of I have recalled all this because the Ethis newspaper and a priest in State of Georgia is preparing to put residence at the Cathedral of Saint convicted murderer J.W. Ledford to John the Baptist in Savannah. A year death on May 16. He will be the first earlier I was asked by Benedictine person executed in Georgia in 2017. Military School and Saint Vincent’s Last year the state set a record num- Academy to direct a play, which led ber of nine executions. to the creation of a joint theater pro- I have written many editorials gram that continues to this day. in this newspaper in opposition The Diocese of Savannah received to capital punishment, in keep- an invitation from Sister Helen ing with the teachings expounded Prejean to participate in a Dead Man in the Catechism of the Catholic Walking Theater Project and the invi- Church. Now I would like to pres- tation ended up on my desk. I imme- ent for your consideration Sister diately agreed to stage Tim Robbins’ Helen’s view (which is consonant revised script in Savannah as part with the Catechism), spoken in the of the BC/SVA theater program Tim Robbins’ script by Matthew in the fall of 2005. I had seen the Poncelet’s defense attorney: “The award-winning movie starring Susan death penalty. It’s nothing new. Been Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv. of the Diocese of Savannah, Sarandon as Sister Helen and had around for centuries. Used to nail Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and Bishop heard Sister Helen speak at a Catholic people’s hands and feet to wood, Felipe J. Estévez of the Diocese of St. Augustine, at the microphones, Press Association convention in New then lash their sides and bleed them. addressed a crowd of approximately 40 including members of the national Orleans about her efforts to galvanize Throughout the centuries we buried and local media on the plaza in front of the Richmond County Courthouse opposition to capital punishment in people alive, lopped their heads off in Augusta, Georgia January 31, 2017. The bishops spoke in opposition to the United States. with an axe, a guillotine, burned them the death penalty in support of the victim's previously stated wish that in My student actors outdid them- in public squares, gruesome specta- the event of his murder that the death penalty would not be imposed on the selves in acquiring Cajun accents, cles all.” perpetrator - see Page 1 February 2, 2017 Southern Cross. Photograph by inhabiting their roles and respecting He continues: “In this century in Jessica Marsala. the text of the play, with whose prem- the search for more humane ways ise I did not require them to agree. to execute, we have hung people giving the lethal injection was played Man Walking helped me to accept We had various discussions on the from the gallows, shot them in firing with brilliant coldness by Emily this sentence, and even to be thankful topic, which I think bore fruit, as the squads, suffocated them in the gas Pickels. that this wanton murderer of a prom- students came to respect and under- chamber and cooked them alive in the Seven years later, over Labor Day ising young woman and her friend stand Sister Helen’s position, “killing electric chair. We’ve got something weekend in 2012, Emily Pickels, 21, was not sentenced to death. people to show that killing people is even more humane now. Lethal injec- and a friend were shot and killed in wrong—is wrong,” even if they did tion. We strap the guy up, anaesthe- Savannah. Four years later, Walter “Killing people to show that killing not agree with her 100 percent. tize him with shot number one, then Terry Moon, 35, was convicted on people is wrong—is wrong.” Thanks to give him shot both malice and felony murder and wonderful number two that was sentenced to two life imprison- Father Douglas K. Clark is pastor of coverage by "I have written implodes the ment terms plus 45 years. Recalling St. Matthew Church in Statesboro. Jan Skutch in lungs, then shot the defense attorney’s speech in Dead the Savannah many editorials number three Morning News, in this newspaper that stops the we had splendid heart. We put turnouts for all in opposition to him to death like Cardinal Cupich: Death penalty can't performances. capital punishment, an old horse. 'rebalance the scales of justice' Sister Helen met His face just with the cast a in keeping with goes to sleep CHICAGO (CNS) Practices and Religion on Our few months later the teachings while inside hicago Cardinal Blase J. Standard of Decency" and when she was his organs are CCupich, speaking during hosted by the American Bar in Savannah to expounded in the going through an Aug. 2 panel discussion, Association's Section of Civil speak at Blessed Armageddon. described how Catholic teaching Rights and Social Justice. Other Sacrament Catechism of the His muscles on the death penalty has devel- panelists were Robert Dunham, Church and the Catholic Church." would seize up oped and stressed that putting executive director of the Death two leads, Kelly and twitch and people to death -- even crimi- Penalty Information Center; Williams (“Sister contort and pull, nals who are certainly guilty of Meredith Martin Rountree, Helen”) and but shot number terrible acts -- makes it seem senior lecturer at Northwestern Ryan Gregory one relaxes all that the God-given right to life University's Pritzker School of (“Matthew Poncelet”), performed those muscles. So, we don’t have to is conditional. He made the Law; and Karen Gottlieb, co-di- selected scenes at the Diocesan see any horror show. We don’t have comments the same day Pope rector of the Florida Center for Education Institute early in 2006, to taste the blood of ruthlessness on Francis revised the Catechism of Capital Representation at Florida with Sister Helen in attendance. our lips. While this human being’s the Catholic Church to say the International University. The As I reported last year, Sister Kelly organs writhe and twist and choke we death penalty is "inadmissible other speakers discussed the Williams has entered the novitiate just sit there and nod our heads and because it is an attack on the development of capital punish- of the Sisters of Mercy. Dr. Ryan say, ‘Justice has been done’.” inviolability and dignity of the ment, circumstances where the Gregory is now a veterinarian in In our production, we staged the person." The Chicago event was death penalty can be applied Savannah, having lived in Statesboro execution of Matthew Poncelet by titled "Has the Death Penalty constitutionally, if at all, and the last year, regularly attending Mass lethal injection, using a gurney, and Become an Anachronism? A many ways it has been applied at Saint Matthew’s with his wife and IV stand and EKG machine lent to us Discussion of Changing Laws, unfairly and arbitrarily. infant son. by Saint Joseph’s Hospital. The nurse Southern Cross, Page 16 Feature Thursday, August 16, 2018 The story behind the grotto at the Catholic Pastoral Center he grotto located behind the TCatholic Pastoral Center in Savannah is paved with as many memories as it is with stones. Possibly unfamiliar now to those who work at the Center, it may still be recalled by some “children,” older adults, who resided at the Victory Drive facility when the Center was St. Mary’s Home, a residential home for girls of the Savannah-Atlanta Diocese, operated by the Sisters of Mercy. Built in 1937 when Bishop Gerald P. O’Hara decided, despite the Great Depression, that the times mandated a roomier and more substantial resi- dence than the one previously occu- pied by orphans of the diocese, the new facility, designed by Savannah architect Cletus W. Bergen, was ded- icated in 1938. The grotto construct- ed behind it, was the gift of Anna McCrohan and was dedicated to the memory of McCrohan’s sister, Sister Mary Loyola Golden, RSM, who had devoted more than 60 years of her life to instruction of children and to caring for the sick in Atlanta and Savannah. Sister Loyola was a member of the Golden family who were well known in Savannah and Augusta and throughout Georgia; Sister Loyola’s career resume included teaching at Savannah’s St. Vincent’s Academy as well as at St. Mary’s Academy in Augusta. Earlier, Mother Loyola had also served for 13 years as Superintendent of Sisters at St. Joseph’s Infirmary in Atlanta. The rock used for the memorial grotto in Savannah was donated by two other prominent Savannahians, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Remler. An article by columnist Jan Skutch that appeared in Savannah Now on March 28, 2015 described this grotto as “a rock garden in the rear of the lot (on Victory Drive) featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary and a gazebo that would remain, as well as the pet cemetery nearby.” A contemporary Girls praying at the grotto modeled after the grotto in Lourdes, France on the grounds of St. Mary's Home, Savannah. reference to the grotto in the Bulletin The grotto remains intact as a part of the landscape at what is now the Catholic Pastoral Center of the Diocese of of the Catholic Laymen’s Association Savannah. Photograph courtesy of the Diocesan Archives. described it in more detail, noting that it was “an exact counterpart of a procession to the grotto by residents to get safely out of Europe. (Werfel’s inspiration to those who happen to the grotto in France with statues of of the home. Fittingly, the “Lourdes book was destined to become a best glimpse it today behind the Catholic the Immaculate Conception and Saint Grotto,” which Savannah’s grotto seller and, afterwards, a movie by the Pastoral Center on Victory Drive, this Bernadette and that it was set “in the was modeled after, was destined same title starring actress Jennifer stone grotto is a solid reminder of midst of a grove of trees in the north- to reflect the times. World War II, Jones.) the devotion of those who construct- ern part of the spacious grounds of already underway in Europe, would Soon, there would be other ed it years ago in memory of Sister the home.” Milton Little of Savannah soon threaten to spread to the United “Lourdes Grottos” throughout the Mary Loyola Golden, RSM, who had was in charge of its construction. States. Author Franz Werfel, who U.S. as people turned to the Virgin served the diocese for 60 years. On December 8, 1941, Gerald P. was Jewish and was in France when Mary for help during desperate times. . O’Hara, Bishop of the Diocese of war began there, would several years Many of these grottos still remain. Columnist Rita H. Delorme is a volunteer Savannah-Atlanta, dedicated the grot- later write the book, “The Song of Possibly, so do the sweet voices of in the Diocesan Archives. to and its white marble altar. Bishop Bernadette,” as a tribute to the Virgin girls who often processed to them O’Hara was assisted by Father Daniel Mary and Saint Bernadette whose as did the girls at St. Mary’s Home J. Bourke and other local priests after intercession, he felt, had enabled him in Savannah. Significant and still an