HRISTIAN FAITH TAKES HISTORY From the birth of sea life and fish in the seriously. Jesus was born in ocean, 550 million years, Bethlehem, a real place, and at From the first plants and vegetation on America a specific time. A traditional land, 400 million years, Published by Jesuits of the United States Cway to proclaim the birth of Jesus is From the age of the dinosaurs, 230 mil- found in the Roman Martyrology. When lion years, Editor in Chief I was a first-year Jesuit novice in 1957, From the age of the first apes and mon- Drew Christiansen, S.J. this was read during dinner on Christmas keys, 35 million years, Eve and then sung in Latin at Midnight From the age of Homo habilis, 2.6 million EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Mass. That version had been assembled years, Managing Editor and approved in 1584. Calculating from From the time of Homo erectus and the Robert C. Collins, S.J. the Old Testament, it put the birth of use of tools, 1 million years, Jesus 5,199 years from the creation of the From the time of the first female from Editorial Director world. From the birth of Abraham, 2,957 whom all human DNA can be traced, Karen Sue Smith years had passed and from the Exodus, 160,000 years, Online Editor 1,510 years. From the time of Homo sapiens and the Maurice Timothy Reidy A newer version, published by the use of language, 80,000 years, Associate Editors U.S. Catholic bishops in 1994, spoke of From the time of the last ice age, 12,000 Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J. “unknown ages from the time when God years, George M. Anderson, S.J. created the heavens and the earth,” 21 From the time of the first cities, 10,000 Dennis M. Linehan, S.J. centuries from the time of Abraham and years, James Martin, S.J. Sarah and 13 centuries after Moses led From the invention of phonetic writing, James P. McDermott, S.J. the people of Israel out of Egypt. 3,500 years, Matt Malone, S.J. In 2001 the Sacred Congregation for From the time of the flourishing of civi- James T. Keane, S.J. Divine Worship lization in Peter Schineller, S.J. updated the Egypt, entire 3,000 Literary Editor Martyrology to Of Many Things years, Patricia A. Kossmann be more histori- From the Poetry Editor cally accurate. time of James S. Torrens, S.J. The entry for the Nativity began, “From Abraham and the Patriarchs, 1,925 the creation of the world…countless ages years, Assistant Editor have passed.” Abraham remained at From Moses and the coming of the Francis W. Turnbull, S.J. “about 2,100 years,” and since the Israelites out of Egypt, 1,280 years, Design and Production Exodus, 13 centuries. From the anointing of King David, Stephanie Ratcliffe Biblical scholars continue to establish 1,011 years, more accurate dating of historical events From the time of the prophets Amos, BUSINESS DEPARTMENT of the Old Testament, and scientists Hosea and Isaiah, 750 years, Publisher refine the age and stages of the universe. In the 194th Olympiad, Jan Attridge A Martyrology entry for the Nativity In the year 752 since the founding of the based upon contemporary biblical schol- city of Rome, Chief Financial Officer arship and science (and allowing for fur- From the time of the poet Homer, 700 Lisa Pope ther development) might picture the his- years, Marketing tory of the universe into which Jesus From the time of Socrates, Plato and Eryk Krysztofiak Christ entered as follows: Aristotle, 450 years, In the 42nd year of the empire of Advertising The Twenty-fifth Day of December Octavian Augustus, when the Roman Julia Sosa From the creation of the world, when in world was at peace, the beginning God created the uni- Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the 106 West 56th Street verse, 13.7 billion years, eternal Father New York, NY 10019-3803 From the formation of the first galaxies, Desirous to sanctify the world by his Ph: 212-581-4640; Fax: 212-399-3596. 10 billion years, most merciful coming, E-mail: [email protected]; From the formation of our galaxy, sun Having been conceived of the Holy [email protected]. and solar system, five billion years, Spirit, Web site: www.americamagazine.org. From the formation of planet Earth, 4.6 And nine months having elapsed since his Customer Service: 1-800-627-9533. billion years, conception, © 2008 America Press, Inc. From the origin of life on Earth, the first Is born in Bethlehem of Judah, living cells, 3.5 billion years, Having become human of the Virgin Cover art Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, who From the time when the continents of Mary. became Pope Pius XII, is seen during a earth stabilized, 2.5 billion years, THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS visit to Budapest, Hungary, as Vatican From the time of the first ice age, 2.3 bil- CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE FLESH. secretary of state, in this June 11, 1938, lion years, Peter Schineller, S.J. file photo. (CNS photo.) www.americamagazine.org Vol. 199 No. 20, Whole No. 4839 December 15, 2008 Articles 16 Forgive Us Our Debts 9 Jennie D. Latta How should we think about bankruptcy? A Pope in Wartime 12 Gerald P. Fogarty Why did Pius XII act as he did? Congo’s Lament 16 George M. Anderson A country rich in resources remains mired in poverty.

Current Comment 4 20 Editorial The Art of the Possible 5 Signs of the Times 6 Ethics Notebook 8 Abortion Absolutists John F. Kavanaugh Faith in Focus 19 Joy Is on the Way James J. DiGiacomo Bookings 20 Do-You-Good Anthologies James S. Torrens Book Reviews 22 Ecclesial Existence; This Little Light; Books in Brief Poem Urgency James S. Torrens 23 Letters 28 The Word 30 A Dwelling Place for God Barbara E. Reid

This week @ Gerald P. Fogarty, S.J., considers the complicated legacy of Pius XII on our podcast. Plus, a remembrance of Sister Thea Bowman from 1990, and more America Connects Advent video reflections from the editors. All at americamagazine.org. Current Comment

ship of these companies. That is the theory. A Wave of Hate In the recent financial crisis, however, an essential ele- While the incidence of hate crimes overall is down, a ment was missing from this model: information. For com- recent report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation notes panies to be well run, shareholders must know the finan- a rise in crimes against Latinos, reflecting a nationwide cial health of the company in order to make sound deci- anti-immigrant backlash. A particularly vicious hate crime sions. But financial management failed to bother to under- occurred last month in Suffolk County, N.Y., an area stand the investments they were making or, if they did, to where anti-immigrant tensions have increased over the inform others. This is where consideration of the common past two decades. On Nov. 18 a group of seven teenagers good should have entered. calling themselves the Caucasian Crew attacked Marcelo In a prescient essay in the periodical Communio in Lucero and a friend. Lucero, employed at a dry cleaner’s 1985, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote that business ethics to help support his ailing mother in his native Ecuador, rang like a “hollow bell” when the goal of efficiency had been in the United States for 16 years. The crew crowded out morality. Had financial managers been con- members periodically went out “beaner jumping,” their cerned with morality as well, they would have been less term for harrassing Latinos. The teenagers surrounded the likely to make foolish, short-sighted decisions. Cardinal two men near the train station in Patchogue, Long Island. Ratzinger wrote, referring to morality, “The decline of The friend escaped, but when Lucero tried to defend him- such discipline can actually cause the market to collapse.” self with his belt, one attacker stabbed him. The 17-year- Would that the heads of the American Insurance Group, old killer, Jeffrey Conroy, was charged with a hate crime Fannie Mae and Citigroup had been reading Communio and second-degree murder. as well as Forbes. Attacks have been frequent elsewhere in the country too. Last year, a Latino immigrant in Wright City, Mo., was attacked and robbed by three men who broke into his mobile home yelling “immigration enforcement!” Reason’s Greetings At a press conference in the wake of the Lucero mur- “Why believe in a God? Just be good for goodness’ sake.” der, Janet Murguia, president of the National Council of The statement sounds like a take-off on the Christmas La Raza, expressed alarm at the “wave of hate” that has favorite “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” In fact, it is been exacerbated by the inflammatory rhetoric of radio appearing in advertisements on buses in our nation’s capi- and cable show hosts and even of some elected officials. tal. Across the ocean in London, posters on buses say: Anti-immigrant hatred has no place in a nation built on “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy the work of immigrants. your life.” In Colorado, a coalition of groups called the Coalition of Reason uses billboards to stress the communi- ty aspect of atheism: “Don’t Believe in God? You Are Not Alone.” In Australia, on the other hand, proposed ads Was Adam Smith Wrong? reading, “Celebrate Reason—Sleep in on Sunday Has the “invisible hand” failed? A central theory of clas- Mornings,” have been rejected by ad companies. sical economics is that self-interest is the engine of a Secular humanists are aggressively campaigning during healthy economy and the most efficient means of dis- this holy season, when Christians look forward to celebrat- tributing goods throughout a society. According to the ing the birth of Jesus. A British Web site has been surpris- theory, consumers need certain goods. But how does one ingly successful in online fundraising efforts to support the produce the right goods for consumers? Adam Smith secular humanist advertising campaign. theorized that there is a natural incentive for companies Reactions to this campaign of atheistic evangelizers are who wish to earn a profit to produce the goods that are twofold. Most believers seemed very annoyed at the tim- most needed. Successful companies produce these goods ing—the Christmas season. As one person put it, “Why at affordable prices; they flourish and hire new employ- can’t atheists come up with their own holiday season and ees. Workers seek out companies that pay the best wages. day of celebration?” Others look more positively upon the Thus, according to the theory, goods are distributed ads and contend that in the midst of busy city life, the ads “efficiently,” workers are paid “fair market wages,” and may push theists and atheists alike to pause and think companies that meet society’s economic needs are about the deeper questions of life. That would be valuable rewarded. Shareholders are rewarded for their steward- during any season of the year.

4 December 15, 2008 America Editorial The Art of the Possible

EXT MONTH WILL MARK the 36th Institute, among women living below the federal poverty anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the flawed level is more than four times that of women living 300 U.S. Supreme Court decision that over- percent or more above the poverty level, pro-life activists turned most laws restricting abortion in could work with Congress and the president to provide America. The official anniversary will be low-income women with health care, childcare, housing, NJan. 22, two days after another historic milestone, the services for disabled children and other basic supports inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th presi- young women especially need. dent. These two events should provoke serious national Pro-life activists could also insist on a review of federal reflection on how to address the tragedy of abortion in this and state welfare policies to ensure that they do not indi- country, which Pope John Paul II rightly characterized as rectly encourage abortions. This is especially important in an affront to the dignity of the human person, undermin- light of the fact that there may be a correlation between ing the very fabric of society. the existence of state caps on children eligible for econom- While access to abortion is protected by judicial fiat, ic assistance and an increased incidence of abortion. Ad- there are several strategies the new president could employ vocates could also work with the president and Congress that would reduce the number of abortions. He could to increase federal funding for adoption services and com- appoint justices to the U.S. Supreme Court committed to prehensive, morally acceptable sexuality education and cri- the sanctity of human life and to a more reasonable and sis pregnancy centers, as well as support for programs to moral view of the right to privacy than the one expressed in curb domestic violence and sexual abuse. All of these Roe. He could keep in place the restraints on abortion efforts are required by a culture that values life. As John imposed by executive order during the George W. Bush Paul II noted, “It is not enough to remove unjust laws.... administration. He could veto the Freedom of Choice Act, For this reason there need to be set in place social and in the event that it reaches his desk, and he could fight any political initiatives capable of guaranteeing conditions of effort to repeal the Hyde Amendment, the federal law that true freedom of choice in matters of parenthood.” bars the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. Mr. Obama should do all of these things. He is not MR. OBAMA, IN TURN, HAS AN ETHICAL OBLIGATION to work likely, however, to do any of them. That is political reality. with pro-life activists and others to address the problem. Though pro-life activists should not exempt the new presi- Aside from his moral duty to protect the unborn, the new dent from moral suasion, nor abandon efforts to end president also made a campaign promise. During his access to abortion by all legal and moral means, they must acceptance speech last summer at the Democratic realize that Mr. Obama is not at all likely to pursue poli- National Convention in Denver, Mr. Obama pledged to cies that several committed pro-life presidents like Reagan, bring people together across traditional political divisions, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush were either adding that “we may not agree on abortion, but surely we unwilling or unable to adopt themselves. can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnan- Instead of bemoaning this fact, pro-life activists should cies in this country.” The new president should honor this take seriously Mr. Obama’s promise to find ways of reduc- commitment by engaging in a serious, sustained dialogue ing abortions short of outlawing them. This approach may with pro-life advocates, recalling that his mandate for be both prudent and morally justified. As the U.S. change does not necessarily reflect a national consensus on Catholic bishops have noted, “sometimes morally flawed every issue, let alone the most divisive ones. laws already exist. In this situation, the process of framing Over one million abortions were performed last year in legislation to protect life is subject to prudential judgment the United States; over 45 million have been performed and ‘the art of the possible.’” since 1973. These statistics assail the conscience of the The prudent question that pro-life advocates should country. We must act now to reduce seriously the number pose is, What could we ask Mr. Obama and a Democratic of abortions and unwanted pregnancies in the United Congress to do that they might actually do? Given that States by seizing the current moment of national unity the abortion rate, according to the pro-choice Guttmacher engendered by Mr. Obama’s historic victory.

December 15, 2008 America 5 Signs of the Times

bioethics. At that time, the cardinal hinted Vatican Praises Galileo as a Man of Faith that a document was in the works. He the cosmos. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, said it might examine new therapeutic the secretary of state, spoke briefly Nov. options and some ethical problems that 26 at the opening of a Rome conference were not explicitly considered by two pre- titled, “Science 400 Years After Galileo vious church documents: the doctrinal Galilei,” designed to bring scientists, congregation’s instruction Donum Vitae ethicists and other experts together to (The Gift of Life) in 1987 and Pope John discuss the role of ethics in scientific Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The research. The cardinal said recent studies Gospel of Life) in 1995. A Vatican press and the Vatican’s own review of the conference was planned for the day of the Inquisition trial of Galileo “have shed document’s release. light on the shortcomings of churchmen tied to the mentality of their age,” but Ethics Key to Solving also gave people a more accurate under- World Financial Crisis standing of Galileo’s beliefs. “Galileo, a man of science, also cultivated with love A leading Vatican diplomat warned that his faith and his deep religious convic- the current financial crisis could become Statue of Galileo in Padua, Italy tions,” Cardinal Bertone said, repeating a catastrophe unless solutions are found Pope Benedict XVI’s statement that that respect ethics and involve all levels of Sixteen years after Pope John Paul II said “Galileo Galilei was a man of faith who society. “It is necessary to recover some the Catholic Church erred when it con- saw nature as a book written by God.” In basic aspects of finances, such as the pri- demned the 17th-century astronomer 1992, Pope John Paul said the church macy of labor over capital, of human Galileo Galilei, the Vatican secretary of had erred in condemning Galileo for relationships over purely financial trans- state said the astronomer was “a man of asserting that the Earth revolved around actions, and of ethics over the sole criteri- faith” who recognized God as creator of the sun. on of efficiency,” Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s permanent Positive ID of Copernicus’s Remains in Poland observer to the United Nations, told Vatican Radio Nov. 28. “For some time The bishop who super- Auxiliary Bishop Jacek we’ve found ourselves in the middle of a vised a successful Jezierski of Warmia told financial crisis that could become a catas- search for the remains Catholic News Service Dec. trophe if its effects are allowed to impact of Nicolaus 1. “Since Copernicus was a other crises: in economics, food and Copernicus, a priest key figure in this process, we energy,” he said. Archbishop Migliore and the father of mod- wanted to honor him by find- made the remarks on the eve of the ern astronomy, said the ing his bones and reinterring U.N.-sponsored International Confer- discovery can represent him in a fitting way, some- ence on Financing for Development from the resolution of dis- thing previous generations Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 in Doha, Qatar. The putes between science couldn’t do despite 200 years Copernicus memorial archbishop led a Vatican delegation to and religion. “The con- of searching.” Copernicus’s in Warsaw, Poland the conference. flict between interpre- remains, discovered at the tations of holy Scripture and empirical town of Frombork’s 14th-century cathe- observations about the world resulted dral in 2005, were identified positively in Papal Visit to Holy Land from a great misunderstanding which November with forensic and DNA test- Likely in May 2009 we’ve gradually moved away from,” ing in Poland and Sweden. The Vatican has confirmed tentative plans for Pope Benedict XVI to visit the Bioethics Document Faith, was scheduled to be published Dec. Holy Land in 2009. The pope was invit- Coming Soon 12, the sources said. The document was ed to visit by President Shimon Peres of designed to examine ethical issues in bio- Israel in 2007. At that time, the pope The Vatican plans to issue a new docu- logical research and health care that have made it clear he hoped to make the trip, ment on bioethics that addresses human emerged in recent years. When members but Vatican diplomats said the timing cloning, stem cell research and other of the C.D.F. met in a plenary session last would depend in large part on efforts to issues, informed sources said. The Vatican January, Cardinal William J. Levada, the calm the simmering Israeli-Palestinian instruction, prepared by the congregation prefect, said much of their Congregation for the Doctrine of the discussion focused on the field of From CNS and other sources. CNS photos.

6 America December 15, 2008 Signs of the Times conflict. In recent months, Israeli and Maryknoll Elects council and their posts are: José A. Vatican officials began making more con- New General Council Aramburu, 61, of Utuado, Puerto Rico, crete plans for a papal visit. The contacts vicar general; Paul R. Masson, 64, of Oil were first reported Nov. 27 by the Israeli City, Pa., assistant general; and Edward J. newspaper Haaretz and were confirmed McGovern, 53, of New York City, assis- by the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See. tant general. They will be responsible for Israeli sources said the most likely time leading about 450 priests and brothers for the visit would be May, with stops in who serve in 27 countries worldwide. Israel and the Palestinian territories. Hospitaller Brother Mumbai Bishop Urges Beatified in Cuba Unity, Forgiveness José Olallo Valdes, a member of the A church leader in Mumbai, India, urged Edward M. Dougherty, a Maryknoll Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God Catholics and people of all religions to priest from Philadelphia, took office Nov. who worked among Cuba’s poor and sick forgive and unite after the terrorist 25 as superior general of the Maryknoll in the 19th century, was beatified at an attacks in that city. Auxiliary Bishop Fathers and Brothers. Father Dougherty, outdoor Mass attended by thousands of Bosco Penha of Mumbai told the Asian 59, and three other Maryknoll priests joyous people and broadcast nationwide. church news agency UCA News Nov. 27 form a new general council that will lead Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, former that the church condemned “this dastard- the society for the next six years. They prefect of the Vatican Congregation for ly act of terrorism.” All Catholics, he were elected during the society’s recent Saints’ Causes, presided at the beatifica- said, should “go on their knees to pray 12th general chapter. tion of the Cuban brother during a three- and get involved in building bridges” General chapters are convened every hour Mass Nov. 29 in the Plaza of Our among people of all religions and “spread six years to hold elections and to set goals Lady of Charity in Camagüey. It was the peace, harmony and brotherhood in the and policy for the society. In a statement, first beatification ceremony held in Cuba. city.” “The unprecedented ferocity of the Father Dougherty said: “Our council will In his homily, Cardinal Saraiva Martins terror attack” shocked local church lead- focus on the goals set by the recent gen- said the event was a milestone and told ers, Bishop Penha admitted. He said he eral chapter that include an emphasis on the people of the Cuban Catholic had talked to Mumbai’s Cardinal Oswald protecting the integrity of creation, and Church: “You live in a memorable time. Gracias about the Catholic Church tak- on strengthening our partnerships with Confronted by a prevailing materialistic ing more “responsibility” to do “some- other like-minded groups, while looking culture that is imposing and abandons the thing solid in Mumbai.” Bishop Penha is forward to the celebration of the 100th side of the weak and helpless, we learn currently in charge of the archdiocese anniversary of Maryknoll’s founding in from Blessed Olallo the virtue of know- while Cardinal Gracias recuperates from 2011.” ing how to trust in God, of knowing how cancer surgery. The other members of the four-man to love our neighbor in universal form.” Editors of ‘America’ Honored at Philadelphia Parish Anniversary The past and present editors of America were honored at a gala cele- bration in Philadelphia’s Constitution Center on Nov. 8. Old Saint Joseph’s Parish was celebrating the 275th anniversary of its foundation by Joseph Greaton, S.J. The present pas- tor, Daniel Ruff, S.J., spoke of free- dom and religious liberty in Catholic history before presenting the Greaton Award to Drew Christiansen, S.J., America’s current editor in chief, on the occasion of the magazine’s 100th anniversary. Left to right are: Thomas J. Reese, S.J., Drew Christiansen, S.J., Maurice Timothy Reidy, Jan Attridge and Dennis M. Linehan, S.J.

December 15, 2008 America 7 Ethics Notebook

an integrated unitary individual. They are

undifferentiated, uncommitted to function

Abortion Absolutists as parts of an organism. Moreover, twin- ning can take place (as well as recombina- ‘ tion), which suggests to some that it is not The sad reality is that extrem- an integrated individual. Finally, the phe- nomenon of early-stage loss of embryos ists on‘ both sides are alienating citi- (from 40 percent to 60 percent) leads many to believe that an individual has not yet zens from one another. come to be. (All of these points, by the way, are countered by proponents of fertiliza- F THERE IS ANY HOPE for a human being’s life begins at fertilization tion who argue that differentiation of a change in national abortion poli- or conception, do you think that Senator kind starts at day one, that twinning is tics, it will rest on more honest John McCain, Senator Orrin Hatch and genetically programmed and that the loss and open discussion. The sad real- John Danforth are accomplices to homi- of embryos is only an indication that indi- ity is that extremists on both sides cide in their support of embryonic stem viduation has not occurred.) Iare alienating citizens (as well as people of cell research? Do you know why they hold There is a third-stage argument that faith) from one another. The common their position? Can you offer evidence focuses on organ formation. Some hold ground that unites the majority of that might change their minds? Do you that you cannot speak of an organism until Americans who want to limit abortions is wish to criminalize those who sell or buy you have the formation of organs. Thus, eroded by people who insist on an abso- contraceptive pills that are likely abortifa- they point to the 6- to 10-week period lute position. cients? Do you think there might be peo- after fertilization as significant in deter- The extremist poles on abortion are ple of good faith and conscience who mining the start of a human organism with these: 1) nothing short of criminalizing think a human life does not begin until an incipient heartbeat, a central nervous the termination of any pregnancy from implantation? If there are, are you propos- system and neural firings in the brain. fertilization or conception is acceptable; 2) ing that we impose our position on them? There are honorable people who hold nothing short of total reproductive choice The politicizing of extreme positions this, although I fail to see the cogency of until birth is acceptable. These extremes that have never been seriously questioned their position. have determined the debate in the public has prevented any serious discussion of the What I do see is that most people open square; and as long as this continues, we facts. Facts are the enemy of both poles. to the facts recognize that a human life has will never reach consensus to protect And facts are what we should look at, if we begun by the end of the first trimester of a unborn human life. They are also polar are to address the topic of abortion in the pregnancy. It is at this point that some positions that have never been closely public square. common ground may be reached to pro- examined by their proponents. The evidence supporting fertilization tect unborn human life. There is political Absolutists for “choice” should answer as the beginning of a human life is largely will at hand to ensure such protection; but the following questions. Is there no con- genetic. If you ask yourself when you as long as the extreme positions hold sway, straint on “reproductive freedom”? Do began as an individual being, conception is no action will be taken. People know that a you want a woman to be free to choose the strongest candidate. Prior to that human life is being terminated after the only male births? Why or why not? Do moment, there were two germ cells or first trimester. What compounds the you support abortion in the second or gametes, each with 23 chromosomes and tragedy of abortion is our helpless accep- third trimester for the sake of harvesting each a dead end. At fertilization you have a tance of the ugly reality. organs? Would you support a woman’s new being with 46 chromosomes pro- Abortion reform will occur only if the right to sell her aborted fetuses? Are you grammed or informed to develop into the extreme positions are unmasked as intran- in favor of infanticide for newborns result- entire organism that is you, sporting the sigent, unwilling to suffer tough questions ing from a botched abortion? And speak- same genome of that initial zygote in or accept the basic facts of life. Those of us ing of neonates, what do you think are the almost all your cells. If another sperm had who hold that human life begins at con- significant differences between a one-day- united with the ovum, the result would not ception will continue to argue our case. old baby and a 30-week fetus? Are you have been you, with your unique genetic We will celebrate adult stem cell therapies willing to face the moral chaos of absolu- endowments, but a brother or a sister. as strongly as we resist embryonic stem tizing the “right to choose”? There is other evidence, however, to cell research. And we may convince many. Absolutists for “life” should answer suggest that an individual human being But if we are unwilling to make even the questions too. Since you hold, as I do, that does not begin until the process of implan- slightest move to protect some of the tation in the uterus begins. This is largely a unborn because we cannot protect all JOHN F. KAVANAUGH, S.J., is a professor of cellular argument. In the judgment of humans conceived, the shameful history of philosophy at St. Louis University in St. some scientists and scholars, the cells of an abortion in the United States will go Louis, Mo. early-stage embryo seem not to function as unchanged. John F. Kavanaugh

8 America December 15, 2008 December 15, 2008 America Vol. 199 No. 20, Whole No. 4839 ART: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROB WILSON

How should we think about bankruptcy? Forgive Us Our Debts – BY JENNIE D. LATTA –

HE GOSPEL READING for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt 20:1- 16) turns our usual understanding of economic values on its head. It flies in the face of the sturdy work ethic instilled in most of us from childhood. Even the Apostle Paul said, “If any one will not work, let him not eat” (2 Thes 3:10). So how is it that Jesus came to tell a story inT which those who worked only the last hour of the day were paid as much as those who worked all day long? Why is it that those of us born to privilege, or at least with the tal-

JENNIE D. LATTA, a United States bankruptcy judge for the Western District of Tennessee, has a master’s degree in Catholic thought and life from St. Meinrad School of Theology.

December 15, 2008 America 9 ents and means to work our way toward privilege, cannot more difficult to file a bankruptcy case by re-imposing an seem to still that interior puritanical whisper: “I must be one eligibility test for filing (the so-called means test), limiting of the elect, for see how I have been rewarded! I’m glad I’m the protection provided to multiple filers and lengthening not like that one over there. If she had only worked a little the period between discharges. After a huge run up leading harder (as I did), she would be chosen, just like me.” to the Oct. 17, 2005, effective date, the number of personal I have served as one of the bankruptcy judges for the bankruptcy filings plummeted to 597,388 in 2006. (In the Western District of Tennessee for almost 12 years. I sit in bankruptcy world we thought that happened because every- Memphis, often called the “bankruptcy capital of the one who could possibly file had already filed in 2005.) world,” because it has the dubious distinction of having had the highest per capita bankruptcy filing rate of any federal judicial district for more or most Americans, the filing of a than 30 years. The reasons for this F are complex. They include the city’s bankruptcy petition continues to be a demographics, the local legal culture and some peculiarities of Tennessee sign of inadequacy and a cause for law (which permits wage garnish- ment to collect debts and foreclosure shame. It is one of our last dirty little of deeds of trust on homes in less secrets, one we dare not share with our than 30 days). The Chandler Act of 1938, bet- neighbors, friends or co-workers. ter known as Chapter 13 or “Wage Earner” Bankruptcy, is named for Congressman Walter C. Chandler, of Tennessee’s Ninth Some of the more interesting provisions of BAPCPA, Congressional District in Memphis. In a Chapter 13 plan, from a judge’s point of view, are the provisions limiting the bankruptcy debtors repay some or all of their debts over a duration or availability of the automatic stay (one of the three- to five-year period. Memphis consistently has one of most fundamental protections of those in bankruptcy) in the highest percentages of Chapter 13 filings, as opposed to second and subsequent filings. The automatic stay stops all Chapter 7 or “straight” bankruptcy in the country. collection efforts, including telephone calls, upon filing. The United States began a great experiment in 1978, One provision limits the automatic stay to 30 days in a sec- when Congress enacted the most liberal personal bankrupt- ond case; another prevents the stay from coming into effect cy law in the world, called the Bankruptcy Code (to distin- in a third or subsequent case filed within a 12-month peri- guish it from the prior Bankruptcy Act). The Bankruptcy od. The Bankruptcy Code provides, however, that the stay Code did away with any requirement that a person prove may be extended or imposed if the debtor (or trustee) can himself or herself to be insolvent in order to obtain relief prove that the repeat filing was “in good faith.” The code from creditors and permitted refiling without consequence makes this difficult by providing that the subsequent filing and discharge every seven years. Under this system, person- is presumed not to be in good faith unless the debtor can al bankruptcy filings rose at an unprecedented rate, soaring show a substantial change in his or her financial or person- to 1,588,895 in 2004 from 287,564 in 1980. During that al circumstances. same period, consumer debt also rose steadily and dramati- What these provisions meant for me as a judge, at least cally, fueling a large expansion in the U.S. economy. initially, was more hearings early in my consumer cases. I tried to respect the letter of the new law and required The Reform debtors to come to court to provide testimony to prove At the time of my appointment in 1997, there was already their change in circumstances. I heard stories about the rea- talk of bankruptcy reform. There was a general feeling that sons people find themselves filing two and sometimes three something had gotten out of hand—that too many people bankruptcy cases in a single year. Because the majority of were gaming the system and that what was needed was a cases in our district are Chapter 13 cases, often these were return to those old-fashioned values of honesty and hard stories about why their first or second plan did not work work. After many years of discussion and steady lobbying by out: they were laid off, they were injured or sick, they the credit industry, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and became responsible for the care of a sick or aging relative, Consumer Protection Act of 2005 became law. Also known or they had to pay funeral expenses. Often I thought that it as the Bankruptcy Reform Act, it was intended to make it might be a good idea for the members of Congress to hear

10 America December 15, 2008 these stories. I no longer hold these hearings routinely. households with children are much more likely to file for Instead of asking bankruptcy debtors to miss another day of bankruptcy protection than those that have none, and that work (often without pay), I allow their lawyers to appear on unmarried mothers with children are substantially more their behalf with a sworn statement of facts in support of likely to file than women with no children or women with their applications. Unless a creditor objects, which hardly another adult partner in the household. The effect on these ever happens, the extension or imposition of the stay is rou- children and the shame felt by their parents can only be tine. imagined. With each day bringing new headlines about the credit crisis, the real story is about everyday people, who Expected Rate Increase once again find themselves turning to the federal bankrupt- In all my years as a bankruptcy judge, both before and after cy courts for assistance. the passage of BAPCPA, I have never heard anyone say, Judges are by definition not policy makers. The “Judge, I am so happy to be here!” or “Can’t wait to see you Constitution and laws of the United States go to great again!” For most Americans, the filing of a bankruptcy peti- lengths to protect the independence and integrity of feder- tion continues to be a sign of inadequacy and a cause for al judicial officers. Judges are intended to be neutral, apply- shame. It is one of our last dirty little secrets, one we dare ing laws written by someone else. Lawmakers and the gen- not share with our neighbors, friends or co-workers, and eral public justifiably become frustrated when judges are certainly not with our children. Yet it is projected that more seen to be activists, meddling in affairs properly reserved to than one million bankruptcy petitions will be filed in 2008. legislators. But we judges are people, too. We live in your The initial and substantial drop in bankruptcy filings fol- neighborhoods, attend your churches, synagogues and lowing the effective date of BAPCPA is over, and we are mosques, and send our children to school with your chil- quickly climbing back to the filing levels that preceded it. dren. Bankruptcy judges cannot help observing the impact Approximately 30 percent of bankruptcy petitions are of the bankruptcy laws upon the people around us. filed by married couples, so that one million bankruptcy And we wonder, is it possible that in our puritanical zeal, petitions filed could actually represent as many as 1.3 mil- we have forgotten the Lord’s little parable about workers in lion individual persons filing. In addition, Elizabeth a vineyard? Have we convinced ourselves that we somehow Warren, a Harvard Law School professor, has shown that deserve all that we have been given? A 2009 LOS ANGELES RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONGRESS 1 YOUTH DAY + 3 CONGRESS DAYS + 15,000 YOUTH + 25,000 ADULTS

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December 15, 2008 America 11 A Pope in Wartime Why did Pius XII act as he did?

BY GERALD P. FOGARTY

VER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, the question of trusted concordats, such as the one he negotiated with Nazi Pope Pius XII’s conduct during World War II Germany in 1933, to guarantee the legal rights of the has again made the news. At the recent Synod church. The Nazis violated the agreement as early as the fall on the Word of God in Rome, Chief Rabbi of 1933, and consistent violations led Pius XI to issue Mit CohenO of Haifa said that many Jews still believe certain Brennender Sorge. A few episodes surrounding the drafting Catholic leaders did not do enough to prevent the and promulgation of this encyclical illustrate Pacelli’s anti- Holocaust. On Oct. 9, the 50th anniversary of Pius XII’s Nazi sentiment. death, Benedict XVI endorsed the beatification of the late In November 1936 Pacelli returned from a monthlong pontiff. Meanwhile, Abraham Foxman, the U.S. director of tour of the United States that included a visit with President the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, has called for Franklin D. Roosevelt. In Rome, he found, the conflict opening the Vatican archives for the war years to ascertain between the German church and the Nazi government had whether, as Benedict stated in October, Pius actually did worsened. Early in January 1937, Pacelli summoned five work secretly to save many Jews. leaders of the German hierarchy to a meeting in Rome. The In fact, there already exists historical evidence to make six prelates developed a statement listing grievances against certain judgments about Pius XII. Researchers can glean the Nazis and presented it to Pope Pius XI, who then signed much from the archives for Pope Pius XI that were opened it. Because of government restrictions, the nuncio in Berlin, in 2003 and 2006, especially in regard to Eugenio Pacelli, Archbishop Cesare Orsenigo, had the encyclical distributed the future pope, as secretary of state. Twelve volumes of by courier and read from the pulpits of German Catholic wartime documents published between 1967 and 1981, parishes on Palm Sunday 1937. The German police confis- together with other national archives and newspapers, pro- cated as many copies as they could and called it “high trea- vide an additional basis for assessing Pacelli’s behavior dur- son.” In the end, the encyclical had little positive effect, and ing wartime. if anything only exacerbated the crisis. The American Largely because of his 1937 encyclical condemning the ambassador reported that it “had helped the Catholic racial policies of the Nazi state (Mit Brennender Sorge), Pius Church in Germany very little but on the contrary has pro- XI has often been praised for his boldness on the eve of war. voked the Nazi state...to continue its oblique assault upon Pius XII, on the other hand, has been condemned for his Catholic institutions.” relative “silence” in the face of Nazi aggression. Pacelli, crit- The encyclical also occasioned the renewal of show trials ics contend, was so fearful of Communism that he sided against Catholic school teachers for supposed violations of with Hitler. Yet a close study of Pacelli’s activities as secre- morality. The Concordat of 1933 guaranteed the church’s tary of state and later as pontiff yields a different picture. right to educate, but by bringing these charges against Catholic educators, the Nazis sought to prove that the A Diplomat’s Dilemma church itself was in violation of the terms of the agreement. Eugenio Pacelli was appointed Vatican secretary of state in Cardinal George Mundelein of Chicago made the Nazi 1929. He was the first to hold the position after the signing attacks on the German church the topic of his address to his of the Lateran treaties, which established the Vatican City clergy in May 1937. He wondered how “a nation of State in order to guarantee the spiritual sovereignty of the 60,000,000 people, intelligent people...will submit in fear pope. The treaties effectively ended the state of siege that and servitude to an alien, an Austrian paperhanger, and a had existed between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy poor one at that I am told.” The cardinal’s office released since 1870. Pacelli had the task of shaping a new direction the full text to the press, which broadcast it around the for Vatican diplomacy, yet he sometimes looked to past world. Upon learning of the speech, Pacelli asked the apos- solutions to solve the problems he faced. He, for example, tolic delegate to the United States for a copy of the “coura- geous declaration.” The German ambassador to the Holy GERALD P. FOGARTY, S.J., holds the Loyola Chair of History at See demanded that Mundelein be reprimanded for his Fordham University in New York City. attack on the German head of state. Instead, Pacelli, togeth-

12 America December 15, 2008 An image depicting Pope Pius XII is displayed at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem April 15, 2007.

er with the cardinals who comprised the Vatican’s advisory as a wayward son. Innitzer then issued a new statement basi- group on foreign relations, stood by Mundelein’s right to cally retracting his earlier one and upholding the rights of freedom of speech in his diocese and informed the German the church. His penance did not last long: when he returned embassy that the problem arose from the Nazi persecution to Vienna he flew the swastika over his cathedral. By the fol- of the church. The Mundelein episode, however, provided lowing fall, however, Innitzer had broken with the Nazis the German government with another excuse for further and became an object of their attacks. attacks on the church. In the meantime, Pacelli sent a memorandum to Joseph P. Kennedy, then ambassador to the United Kingdom, Pacelli and the Anschluss whom the cardinal had met during his American visit, to say Pacelli’s handling of the case of Cardinal Theodor Innitzer that Innitzer had originally spoken without the Vatican’s of Vienna is a further illustration of his anti-Nazi feelings. knowledge or approval and had now issued a new statement, In March 1938 Innitzer embraced the Nazis’ entry into which was enclosed. Pacelli asked Kennedy to pass the Austria and led the hierarchy in urging Austrian Catholics information on to Roosevelt, as Charles Gallagher, S.J., to vote for the Anschluss. The nuncio to Vienna, wrote in America (9/1/2003). Kennedy also had the docu- Archbishop Gaetano Cicognani, the brother of the apos- ment sent to the State Department, which published it in tolic delegate to the American hierarchy, informed the Foreign Relations of the United States in 1955. American embassy that the Vatican did not support Aside from archival documents, there are other indica- Innitzer’s position. According to the nuncio, Innitzer had tions of Pacelli’s aversion to the Nazi agenda. In May 1937, undermined the German bishops in their opposition to when the Mundelein affair had just begun, U.S. Nazism. In the name of the pope, Pacelli summoned Ambassador William Phillips met Pacelli at a dinner Innitzer to Rome for a meeting. Arriving in the evening of arranged by the Irish ambassador to the Holy See. Phillips April 5, Innitzer had a long meeting with Pacelli that jour- recorded in his diary how enthusiastic the cardinal was nalists described as a “stormy session.” The next day, the about his trip to the United States and his visit with

PHOTO: REUTERS/YONATHAN WEITZMAN Austrian met with the pope, who treated him more gently Roosevelt, but “he talked mostly about his difficulties with

December 15, 2008 America 13 Germany. He mentioned that these were growing worse signed to death or to a slow decline.” Many critics have every day and he foresaw the time before long when the claimed that the pope was so vague that it was not clear that entire German people would become ‘pagans.’” Phillips he meant the Jews. Even strong papal supporters like characterized Pacelli as having “great personal charm and is Vincent McCormick, S.J., an American in Rome and for- a man of force and character with high spiritual qualities, an mer rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, thought ideal man for Pope if he can be elected.” When Pacelli was the allocution “much too heavy...& obscurely expressed.” elected, Phillips opined that his choice of name “is an inti- McCormick suggested that the pope should abandon his mation to the world that he intends to pursue the strong German tutors and “have an Italian or Frenchman prepare policy of Pius XI.” Phillips’s wife, Caroline, wrote that his text.” Harold Tittmann, Myron Taylor’s assistant who Pacelli’s election was “to the joy of everyone except perhaps resided in the Vatican, also reported that the statement con- Hitler & the Duce.” Phillips added a further note that he tained vague generalities, but added that the allusion to the hoped Roosevelt would appoint a representative to the Jews was clear enough that the German diplomats boy- coronation “to show the respect and admiration which all cotted the pope’s midnight Mass. Americans must feel for the new Pope.” In an unprecedent- Pius did have an abstract manner of speaking. In this, he ed action, Roosevelt appointed Kennedy as the first may have been guilty of pope-speak or Vaticanese, the use American representative at a papal coronation. of which was not unique to him. For example, on Oct. 25, Subsequently, on Dec. 24, 1940, he appointed Myron C. 1962, in the midst of the Cuban missile crisis, John XXIII Taylor as his personal representative to the pope, a substi- gave a radio address in which he called on the world’s lead- tute for formal diplomatic relations. ers to negotiate rather than resort to war, but he never men- tioned Cuba or Kennedy or Khruschev. Everyone at the Reasons for Silence time understood the context. Pacelli’s years as pope have been the subject of intense Other documents provide a broader context for under- scrutiny. Was he silent because of insensitivity to the plight standing the actions of Pius XII. On Feb. 18, 1942, William of Jews and other victims of Nazi aggression, such as Polish Donovan, then director of the office of Coordinator of Catholics? A review of the available historical data points to Information, forerunner of the Office of Strategic Services, a different conclusion. informed Roosevelt that he had set up a State Department In June 1941 Germany invaded the Soviet Union, and liaison for the Vatican and that Amleto Cicognani, the apos- Roosevelt immediately announced the extension of Lend tolic delegate, had paid him a long visit and pledged to turn Lease to this new victim of aggression. If Catholics sup- over all information gained through diplomatic channels. ported this policy, did it mean they were cooperating with Unfortunately, there is no further documentation on this Communism, which had been condemned in 1937 in Divini issue, but it would be unlikely that information was trans- Redemptoris? In a radio address from Washington funded by mitted in writing. Another provocative document is Harold the State Department, Bishop Joseph Hurley of St. Tittmann’s report in June 1945 that Josef Mueller, a leader Augustine, a former Vatican official, drew the distinction of German resistance, told him that throughout the war Pius between cooperation with Communism and aid to the XII had followed the advice of the resistance not to attack “Russian” people. This created some public controversy Hitler personally because the German propaganda machine among the American bishops, but the Vatican ultimately would construe it as an attack on the German people. adopted Hurley’s position as its own. With this survey, I have attempted not to argue that Pius On Dec. 17, 1942, eleven allied nations, including the was not silent in regard to the plight of the Jews and other Soviet Union, condemned the Nazi extermination of Jews. victims, such as the Poles, but rather to deny that this silence Critics have noted that Pius XII refused to sign the declara- was due to indifference. When he was secretary of state, Pius tion, but they do not mention the reason for his refusal. The learned that public protests had little effect on Hitler. As we cardinal secretary of state, Luigi Maglione, explained that if have seen, the charge that he ever sided with Hitler out of the Holy See was to maintain its policy of “impartiality,” it fear of Communism is groundless. Many historians, includ- would also have to condemn by name the Soviet Union, ing this writer, have asked that the Vatican open the Pius XII which had also committed atrocities. In his Christmas allo- archives, but I suspect that the archival material will only add cution a week later, however, the pope called for a postwar more shades of gray to a man who was trying to govern the reconstruction of society on a Christian basis. To prevent church during an unprecedented period of inhumanity. A future war, he urged humanity to make a vow to all the vic- tims of the war, including “the hundreds of thousands of persons who, without any fault on their part, sometimes Gerald P. Fogarty, S.J., talks about Pius XII, at ameri- only because of their nationality or race, have been con- camagazine.org/podcast.

14 America December 15, 2008 Congo’s Lament A country rich in resources remains mired in poverty.

BY GEORGE M. ANDERSON

ESPITE ITS IMMENSE NATURAL RESOURCES, the more careful review of the mining contracts, because the Democratic Republic of Congo has yet to bene- mines belong to the Congolese people, who should be ben- fit from them; most of its population lives in efiting from them.” According to the priest, the mining sec- poverty. Ferdinand Muhigirwa, S.J., is familiar tor is a key to the generation of real income for the nation, Dwith Congo’s potential as and the government has well as with the obstacles CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC set up a commission to delaying the country’s SUDAN see how this can best be economic development. done. In June 2007, the

He is the director of CAMEROON government began a for-

Cepas (Centre D’Études River mal review of 60 mining pour l’Action Social), a Congo contracts signed between REPUBLIC UGANDA research and social action OF THE 1996 and 2003, to evalu- GABON CONGO center in Kinshasa, the Goma ate their legality and fair- RWANDA country’s capital. During CONGO Lake Kivu ness and to decide Bukavu a visit to Washington, BURUNDI whether to keep, renego- D.C., he discussed sever- Kinshasa tiate or cancel them. al of the important issues Lake “What’s needed,” Father Tanganyika facing his country. TANZANIA Muhigirwa emphasized, Congo’s natural “are transparency and AFRICA resources include vast accountability in order to forest areas and deposits get rid of the exploitation of gas and oil; but when ZAMBIA and corruption that ANGOLA we met, Father ©2008 CNS presently prevail.” Muhigirwa spoke mainly of minerals. “Congo is especially rich in copper, gold, cobalt Efforts by the Church and coltan,” he said. (Coltan is a combination of two min- When asked about the role of the Catholic Church in erals used widely in the electronics industry for products efforts to help the country benefit from its resources, Father like the microchips in cellphones.) “Congo is poor, because Muhigirwa replied that the bishops have played a strong multinational companies from abroad have exploited our role. In their pastoral letter of July 2007, they wrote: resources without giving us a fair share of what they take out,” he explained. The companies, based in countries like Instead of contributing to the development of our the United States, Canada, Belgium, South Africa and country and benefiting our people, the minerals, oil China, come in and conduct studies of the areas where they and forest have become the causes of our misfor- are interested in mining. “Then they acquire contracts from tune. How is it that our fellow citizens find them- the government for the exploitation of minerals for periods selves, without compensation, dispossessed of their as long as 20 or 30 years,” he said, adding that these con- land by the fact that surfaces have been allocated or tracts have benefited neither the economy nor the sold to one or the other mining company? Is it Congolese people. acceptable that Congolese workers are Father Muhigirwa hopes that the government of treated...without regard for their rights and human President Joseph Kabila, the first democratically elected dignity? president in over 40 years, will conduct what he calls “a The bishops also have established an episcopal commission GEORGE M. ANDERSON, S.J., is an associate editor of America. to monitor the contract review process in order to ensure

16 America December 15, 2008 transparency. And, said Father Muhigirwa, “the bishops are yet been developed. “As a result,” Father Muhigirwa told now asking the Congolese government to set conditions for me, “tons of rice, maize and other crops are left to rot in the renegotiation in such a way as to respect their environmen- fields.” tal obligations, too.” A related problem concerns European countries that export their subsidized surplus food to Congo, where it is Education and Agriculture sold at lower prices than the local farmers charge. “Our Father Muhigirwa said that although every child has the markets are flooded with imported chicken from Belgium right to free primary education, it is not yet free in practice, and fish from Portugal, and so most people cannot afford to because parents must contribute to the cost of the teachers’ buy our own local foods because of this unfair trade situa- salaries, which are too meager to cover their basic needs for tion,” said Father Muhigirwa. In an effort to correct the sit- food, shelter, transportation and health care. “Two years uation, the government has begun negotiations with ago, the government agreed to increase the teachers’ European countries, planting a hope that African products salaries,” Father Muhigirwa said, “but the agreement has can be sold there too. “But change that brings economic not yet been implemented.” The situation is more worri- justice will take a long time to bring about,” he said. some in areas where valuable minerals are found. Youngsters, parents and teachers search for them. They dig A Christian, Democratic Society for the minerals in what is known as artisanal mining, hop- Among the hopeful signs for Congo is the democratic pro- ing to sell what they find to local dealers, who then sell the cess, including the election of President Kabila, 500 mem- minerals to the mining companies. “Young people often bers of parliament and 120 senators. An active women’s simply stop going to school as a result,” said the priest. movement, which has received support from a number of Another resource Congo could develop is agriculture. nongovernmental organizations, has made significant The soil is very fertile, and people can raise their own pro- progress in Congo. “However,” Father Muhigirwa said, duce for food and for sale. They encounter problems, how- “female representation in government is still very low. For ever, with transportation and infrastructure. There are too example, there are only 42 women in Parliament out of 500 few roads on which to move the produce from the country- members.” The new constitution calls for parity in the

PHOTO: REUTERS: FINBARR O’REILLY side to the towns; an adequate transportation system has not political field, but it has not happened yet. Of 33 presiden-

December 15, 2008 America 17 tial candidates, there were six women, the priest said, “and Civil strife kept the country from developing as it might none of them won even 1 percent in the polls.” Cepas, his have during the last decade. And the war that began in 1998, own organization, has started working with women’s non- linked with the illegal exploitation of natural resources, governmental organizations to help women organize them- involved several other African countries. Father Muhigirwa selves more effectively. said that the human cost is “the bloodiest since the Second The bishops have committed themselves to an emphasis World War, with over five million lives lost, according to on civic education in all the parishes. “Our large population the International Rescue Committee, and 1.5 million inter- of young people is another good sign,” Father Muhigirwa nally displaced persons and, between 2006 and 2007 alone, said. “Over half of all Congolese are under 25.” He also an estimated 40,000 cases of rape.” And that was in summer. noted what he called “positive news” about vocations to A coordinated diplomatic effort led to a cease-fire agree- religious life; in Kinshasa alone, there are numerous ment signed by the insurgents and the Congolese army, but women’s congregations, “so the church is growing in that it proved fragile and fell apart. The United Nations sta- sense,” he said. The church does not work in a vacuum. tioned its largest peacekeeping force in Congo, but it has “The relationship with Protestant churches is also good,” not been able to keep the peace. said the priest, adding that they too are involved in civic In August, Laurent Nkunda, a rebel general, took on the education. Catholics and Protestants together account for government and has made much headway since then. By fall almost 70 percent of the population in Congo. his troops had nearly captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo, when Nkunda himself declared a cease-fire. On Hopes Dashed on the Rocks of Violence Nov. 7, U.N. and African leaders met in emergency session Violent insurgents in eastern Congo have gained ground in in Nigeria and called for an end to the conflict. But as U.N. recent weeks, however, bringing slaughter and chaos that Secretary General Ban-ki-Moon said then, there have been have sent thousands more Congolese fleeing from their many meetings and agreements, “It’s a matter of political homes. Conflict may prove to be the people’s worst enemy, will.” Political will is lacking on the part of those who could for it has all but dashed their hopes for a stable democratic bring it to bear. The rebel groups must be disbanded. government, for economic development and for the educa- Meanwhile, the people of Congo must wait for a chance to tion of their children. Now the situation is dire. improve their lives. A

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18 America December 15, 2008 Faith in Focus Joy Is on the Way Third in a series for Advent and Christmas

BY JAMES J. DIGIACOMO

HE FINAL WEEKS of Advent what we know by faith: that God is a lov- are talking about? are about joy, power and ing parent who cares and watches over us. David ruled over a third-rate power in majesty—all appearances to We are going to be reminded of this at the Middle East. The descendant who the contrary notwithstanding. Christmas, when we recall that God sent would inherit David’s throne was raised by TOn the third Sunday our church puts a carpenter and a peasant woman; he aside the priest’s purple vestments with spent a few years as a traveling preacher their penitential flavor; instead priests and was executed as a criminal. When don rose-colored chasubles to remind us John the Baptist announced his coming, of the joy that will soon be ours. It is Tiberius was emperor, Pilate was procu- called Gaudete Sunday, from a Latin rator, Herod was tetrarch and Annas and word meaning “Rejoice!” We are sup- Caiaphas were high priests. These were posed to feel good because Christmas is the dangerous, important men who held less than two weeks away. power. And who were the opposition? But can we rejoice when so many Two obscure preachers from up north. things are going wrong? Our economy is Could the odds have been any worse? in such frightening trouble that countries Yet look what happened. Talk about around the world feel its impact. upsets! The Caesars and procurators and Unemployment is high and threatens to tetrarchs and high priests are gone, and go higher. Millions go without health they left no mark. Down through the insurance. Many families find themselves centuries, great nations have risen and one paycheck away from welfare. The fallen. Who has survived? Whose voice looming clouds of terrorism never go endures? away, even though we are so angry at one The impact of Jesus on hearts and another that we barely have the time or minds has never waned. He continues to energy to notice. Our country’s leaders his only Son, of whom Isaiah foretold, influence every corner of the world. He face daunting tasks of reconciliation and “The Lord has anointed me; he has sent inspires fidelity, conviction, courage, gen- protection. And some of us have personal me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to erosity, forgiveness and mercy. Men and problems that wear us down and will not heal the broken hearted, to proclaim a day women have dedicated their lives to go away either. When we look squarely at of vindication by our God” (Is 61:1). spreading his message and living by his all these troubles, how are we supposed to From then on, whatever life throws at ideals. His divine majesty is expressed in rejoice? us, Jesus has been there, for the highs and impressive and enduring cathedrals. He is Well, “Gaudete” does not simply the lows. Have you experienced the joy of celebrated in art as well; the most beauti- mean “cheer up.” When Paul tells us to success and a feeling of accomplishment? ful Christmas cards you receive reproduce “rejoice always, in all circumstances give Jesus knows the feeling. Do you ever feel great paintings that portray the mother thanks,” he is not just telling us to lighten lonely or depressed or misunderstood? and child of Bethlehem. And the soaring up. This is not about mere cheerfulness, Jesus says, “Hey, I know what it’s like.” notes of Handel’s “Messiah” add to the looking on the bright side of things. Paul Have you known confusion or disappoint- symphony of celebration. This is power. is not speaking about the joy of the light- ment or failure? So has he. The Word was This is majesty. hearted and carefree, but about a deep- made flesh and pitched his tent among us. We cannot make light of the dangers down joy at the core of our being. There From now on, we are never alone. and disasters that afflict us today, but we have been times when, no matter how In the readings for the last days of must not let them defeat us, either; we many things were going wrong, we have Advent, the church speaks not only of must not give in to despair. Beneath all the been basically at peace with ourselves and consolation but also of power and majesty. glitter and warmth of this festive season, a with our lives. We have not lost sight of The Lord assures King David that his profound mystery is at work. Yet it can be kingdom will endure forever. The angel perceived only with the eyes of faith. We JAMES J. DIGIACOMO, S.J., is the author of tells Mary that her son will inherit David’s look in the crib and see a God who loves many books on youth ministry and religious throne and that his kingdom will have no us, not from a distance, but in our very

ART BY JULIE LONNEMAN education. end. What is the power that these people midst, as one of us. A

December 15, 2008 America 19 Bookings Do-You-Good Anthologies Some poetry for the soul BY JAMES S. TORRENS

HE READER OF POETRY is they all have their antennae up in some Lord, we are rivers running to always on the lookout for way toward the divine. The anthologists, Thy sea, good anthologies. Our tastes, Matthew Kessler and Gretchen Our waves and ripples all derived often enough, have been Schwenker (a Redemptorist and an editor from Thee; formedT by such classics as Palgrave’s at Liguori), frankly state this criterion. A nothing we should have, a noth- Golden Treasury or Louis Untermeyer’s Some of their favorite poets—Emily ing be, Modern American Poetry (1921) or Dickinson, Emily Brontë, Rainer Maria Except for Thee. Donald Allen’s The New American Poetry Rilke—have their unique sense of the (1960). Anthologies, to my mind, are divine. Others, like Robert Hayden, A number of books now on the either catch alls (grab bags of “my Naomi Shihab Nye and Denise Levertov, poetry shelves bespeak a new, hybrid favorite things”), with artfulness the sole approach God slantwise, through human category—Anima, or Soul. Poetry principle of choice (consider Garrison phenomena. Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver retreats, which have gained currency, Keillor’s Good Poems, Penguin, 2003); or and Patrick Kavanagh speak more directly make good use of these. One example is they fall into one of the subgatherings or and familiarly. Poems to Live by in Uncertain Times niches that might be titled Eros, God, Simple Graces does not draw from the (Beacon Press, 2001), by Joan Murray. Nature, Society. Modernist era—Eliot to Anne Sexton— Her poem “Survivors—Found,” written A recent anthology from Liguori but directs our interest back to the 19th after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, Publications, Simple Graces: Poems for century, with its attachment to rhyme 2001, drew an outpouring of apprecia- Meditation and Prayer, 2003, lands and meter. Alice Meynell reappears here, tion after she read it on National Public squarely in the category God. These are effectively; so does Herman Melville in Radio. This showed people’s need for not devotional or homiletic poems, but “Shiloh: a Requiem,” from Battle Pieces. words that cut through prolix We hear from Gerard Manley Hopkins, reportage. A sample title from this new JAMES S. TORRENS, S.J., director emeritus of of course, and from Ernest Dowson and bittersweet collection is “Try to Praise the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer in Lionel Johnson, of the 1890s Rhymers the Mutilated Word,” by Adam Los Angeles, Calif., is poetry editor of Club. And finally, there is part of a devo- Zagajewski of Poland. An opening line

America. tional gem by Christina Rossetti: from Theodore Roethke catches the PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/MARIO LOPES

20 America December 15, 2008 whole gist of the anthology: “In a dark time the eye begins to see.” Right behind Murray’s anthology (and Garrison Keillor’s Good Poems for Hard Times, Penguin, 2006) loom two wonder- ful collections in the Anima genre. One is A Book of Luminous Things (Harcourt, 1996), an international anthology by the Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz. It is strong on classic Chinese poems and introduces us to his incisive countrywoman Wislawa Szymborska. Robert Bly edited the other book, The Soul Is Here for Its Own Joy: Sacred Poems From Many Cultures (Ecco, 1995). I have a long list of favorites from this collection, which leans heavily to the Sufi poets Rumi and Hafez and their Indian contemporary Kabir. I return often to Rumi’s surprising poem, “Jesus on the Lean Donkey.” In 2001, Roger Housden started a series of “Ten Poems” books (Harmony Books), in which he walks the reader through each poem, dipping into his own relevant experience. The first of the series was Ten Poems to Change Your Life (no lack of ambition there!), and the fifth and last (2004) is Ten Poems to Last a Lifetime. Billy The peaceful rhythm of a monk’s day Collins, Rilke and Mary Oliver are recur- consists of prayer, study, and manual labor. rent favorites. He concludes the final book with Mary Oliver’s “When Death While contemplation is at the heart of Comes,” which includes her memorable Trappist life, it is by the labor of our self-summary, “All my life/ I was a bride married to amazement.” hands that we support ourselves. At In 2006 Loyola Press issued its paral- New Melleray Abbey, making caskets lel to Housden in Twenty Poems to Nourish is an expression of our sacred mission. Your Soul, by Judith Valente and Charles Reynard. The poems, by writers of our times, are both striking and accessible, and Contact us for a free catalog and you the brief alternating essays help us absorb will receive a complimentary keepsake and understand them. Valente, a profes- sional journalist, and Reynard, a judge in cross blessed by one of our monks. Illinois, do not give us close readings of the poems or artistic commentary so much as ruminations upon them, with light from Caskets and urns are available for their own ups and downs. (We learn in next-day delivery or can be ordered these pages that the bond of poetry drew on a guaranteed pre-need basis. the pair eventually to the altar.) Reynard and Valente have spotted and presented good poems unfamiliar to us, and made us linger with them. Among these is “To the Mistakes” by W. S. Merwin, his grateful address to whatever mistakes he has made. It ends: “I must have needed/ the ones who led me/ in spite of all that/ was said about you/ plac- 888.433.6934 | www.trappistcaskets.com | Peosta, Iowa ing my footsteps/ on the only way.” Read again, carefully. A

December 15, 2008 America 21 Book Reviews ate the historical scope and richness of churches feedback to enhance the agree- interdisciplinary perspectives brought to ment and clarify differences among the bear on his theology of the church. He churches, so that deeper convergences can Unity Amid treats the themes of nature, mission, orga- be developed serving the unity among nization, membership, activities of the Christians. Plurality church and its relationship to the world in The theological arguments in this vol- the context of this carefully crafted ume will be of particular interest to Ecclesial Existence methodology and set of presuppositions, Protestant scholars who consider their Christian Community in History ending with a proposal about the relation- churches as “denominations,” since the Volume 3 ships among the churches. proposal here is to provide a transdenom- By Roger Haight, S.J. Even while claiming to write an eccle- inational ecclesiology. The Orthodox, Continuum. 300p $48 siology that is drawn confessional and some ISBN 9780826429476 from a generalized com- evangelical Protestant parative approach of the and Anglican scholars, This is the third and final volume of a his- theologies of the who bring truth claims torical and systematic overview of com- churches and their bibli- about the nature and parative theologies of the church. A signif- cal and historical mission of the church to icant contribution to the contemporary sources, Haight fre- the ecumenical dia- debates on ecclesiology among the quently uses the word logue, will find useful churches, it follows two comparative his- “should,” which can insights, but may feel torical volumes, providing a theology read more like admoni- themselves excluded by “from below.” tion than theological this methodology. As all the churches expand from a argument. While he For the last 60 years Eurocentric heritage, and diversity and deals with the expected the Orthodox and pluralism offer both gifts and challenges, critiques of this sort of Protestant members of treating ecclesial existence from a per- generalized, transde- the World Council have spective that is both ecumenically sensi- nominational presenta- recognized one another tive and culturally comprehensive is an tion, he also presents as in real—if imper- unavoidable responsibility. All the judgments on a variety fect—partial commu- churches make a distinction between the of theological dimen- nion, a conviction that essential elements of ecclesiology given sions of church life and doctrine that—in Catholics have also affirmed for 45 years. in divine revelation and those important light of the methodology and presupposi- This recognition has made possible com- but historically conditioned, changeable tions he has adopted—will be perceived to mon spiritual exchange of gifts and com- nonessentials. The churches and their exclude the truth claims of particular mon Christian witness in the world. These theologians differ, however, as to where believers and their churches. One example churches are also committed, in hope, to to make the distinction. Roger Haight, of this style of theology is his development the full communion of the churches, S.J., who currently teaches at Union of ministerial validity and recognition that grounded in faith in Christ’s prayer for the Theological Seminary in New York, would seem to exclude and even judge the unity of Christians in service to the world. makes his own judgments on these mat- motivation and the truth claims of some This faith vision and the support of church ters, and each church and theologian will churches; he characterizes the barriers to leadership for creative theological need to judge for themselves whether his his solution as “a failure to achieve a his- research has produced remarkable historic proposals correspond to the “faith of the torical consciousness…and…a competi- breakthroughs in ecclesiology—including church through the ages.” tive spirit that thinks recognition of the some used in this volume: reform within The exposition is based on a carefully other somehow compromises self-identi- the churches and full communion agree- worked out methodology and a modest, ty.” ments among some of the Reformation “transdenominational” perspective that The author uses to good effect the churches. Haight does not share this claims to honor the particular ecclesiolo- World Council of Churches’ Baptism, vision, characterizing it as impractical. gies of the churches and to provide a com- Eucharist, and Ministry (1982) and The As the churches move forward on the prehensive, generalized presentation. Nature and Mission of the Church (2005) Such a theology “from below” comes from and other convergence texts, produced by The Reviewers a developed methodology of the author, the theologians of the churches as a service Jeffrey Gros, F.S.C., is Distinguished grounded in the experiential and historical to visible unity through dialogue. But Professor of Ecumenical and Historical perspective of Friedrich Schleiermacher. Haight follows a different method from Theology at Memphis Theological Seminary, One does not need to affirm the theo- that proposed by the council. He propos- Memphis, Tenn. ry of symbol, the understanding of histor- es instead a normative ecclesiological for- Bill Williams is a freelance writer in West ical consciousness, the interpretation of mulation. The methodology of the World Hartford, Conn., and former editorial writer pluralism or the visible-invisible distinc- council text, on the other hand, is induc- for The Hartford Courant. He is a member of tion put forward by the author to appreci- tive and descriptive, seeking from the the National Book Critics Circle.

22 America December 15, 2008 pilgrimage toward Christian unity, three watched a video about elements are crucial: the theological for- Bowman that stimulated his mulations of dialogues between church- artistic bent and led to an out- Urgency appointed scholars, the response and pouring of modernistic paint- reception of the churches themselves, and ings, some of which grace the independent critique and creative formu- pages of this beautifully pro- Fear not, young woman, lations. duced book. We can welcome this intentional Sister Bowman grew up in the mystery I tell you. probing of the nature and mission of the segregated Mississippi in the Yield and fear not. church, and the methodological debates to 1940s. After the local Catholic which it contributes. As a set of hypothe- diocese opened a mission in ses to be tested by scholars in the church- her town, she asked to be bap- The unfathomable es and in the ecumenical field, it will tized and became a Catholic at undoubtedly engender much-needed dis- age 10. Later, under the influ- will be in swaddling clothes, cussion and, it is hoped, more convincing ence of four white Franciscan solutions to the divisions among Sisters of Perpetual a cloth wrap, Christians. Although some readers might Adoration, who had come find that this volume delivers less than it from Wisconsin to open a promises, the erudition manifest in Catholic school, she decided and the unknown be known Ecclesial Existence and its two predecessors to become a nun, taking the curled into infancy, will be greatly rewarding for many. name Sister Thea, which Jeffrey Gros means “of God.” heaven in flesh. She eventually obtained a doctorate from The Catholic University of America, taught From the impinging dark She Ignited the college and became a popular a love note hurries, speaker, giving more than 100 Crowds presentations a year in all thanks to you. America and Africa. She also James Torrens This Little Light inspired people with her ren- Lessons in Living from Sister Thea ditions of popular slave spiri- Bowman tuals. JAMES TORRENS, S.J., is poetry editor By Michael O’Neill McGrath “When Thea got the of America. Orbis. 96p $20 crowds on their feet, moving, ISBN 9781570757914 swaying, leading them in song, she wasn’t merely entertaining them, she After Bowman was diagnosed with Michael O’Neill McGrath, O.S.F.S., had was transforming them, moving their breast cancer at age 47, she cut back her never heard of the Catholic nun and hearts and filling their tired, restless spirits speaking schedule but not her determina- gospel singer Thea with the love of God,” tion. “I’m going to live ’til I die” became Bowman while she was writes McGrath, who her credo. alive, but once he dis- lives in Philadelphia, The year before she died, Bowman covered her, as we learn where he pursues his delivered a rousing speech from her in this splendid short career as an artist and a wheelchair at the annual meeting of the memoir, she trans- member of the Oblates U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on formed his life. of St. Francis de Sales. the topic “To Be Black and Catholic.” She “I like to tell folks Woven into this “dazzled and captivated” the bishops and that I have a little black graceful account is the ended with a poignant rendition of “We nun inside of me,” cold reality of life in the Shall Overcome,” with the bishops on McGrath writes. “She’s Jim Crow South, which their feet singing with her. my muse, my spiritual infected the Catholic Perhaps the book’s most moving friend and inspiration.” Church, as it did the story, though, involves an incident just McGrath was caring rest of society. Catholic weeks before Bowman died. for his dying father churches had “colored She was bedridden and clinging to life when he read a maga- only” pews, as well as when 40 members of the Jubilee Singers, a zine interview recorded shortly before separate sections in the rear where group she had directed, crammed into the Bowman died in 1990 of breast cancer. He African-Americans could receive living room of her Mississippi home to was immediately captivated by “her charm Communion “far from the altar rail where sing gospel songs. During an emotional and the eloquence of her words.” He later whites received.” goodbye, the choir director mentioned

December 15, 2008 America 23 that the group planned to stop at the local Celebrating Six Decades of Spirituality, Education and the Arts McDonald’s. They were seated for lunch when they noticed a car pull into the park- January 23-25, 2009 ing lot, with a frail Sister Bowman in the Centering Prayer Retreat back seat. The group left the restaurant, January—April 2009 surrounded the car and sang “Deep 60 Programs of Christian, Quaker, Jewish River,” one of her favorite spirituals. spiritualities; Chant as spiritual practice; This Little Light should appeal to all Discernment and more. age groups, starting with students in the Visit www.wisdomhouse.org middle grades. Parents might profitably [email protected] read it aloud to their children, giving fam- WISDOM HOUSE 860-567-3163 ilies a chance to discuss the spiritual and societal issues presented in the life of an WISDOM HOUSE RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, LITCHFIELD, CT extraordinary woman. Many readers probably will be discov- ering Sister Bowman for the first time. One hopes that McGrath or another author will eventually write a fuller biog- raphy of this inspiring icon. Such an account might look deeper into the racism that enveloped society during Sister Bowman’s formative years, and how she was able to respond with compassion, for- giveness and peace instead of succumbing to hatred or violence. Bill Williams

A remembrance of Sister Thea Bowman from 1990, at ameri- camagazine.org/pages.

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24 America December 15, 2008 Books in Brief children into fur trappers from Hudson Take it to the Queen Bay; and a caroling mission becomes a A Tale of Hope Christmas Poems perilous “snow-blind” journey along By Josephine Nobisso which he and his friends face the threat of New Directions. 96p $11.95 Illustrated by Katalin Szegedi “he-hippos” and are heralded by dogs Gingerbread House. 32p $17.95 (cloth) A wonderful stocking stuffer, this col- “baying ‘Excelsior’.” Thomas only hints at lection of Christmas poems, carols and darker facets (aunts “poised and brittle,” The Weight of a Mass ballads (assembled by the publisher) unwanted by anyone; poor children with A Tale of Faith draws from the literature of many “bare red fingers”), leaving them, as a By Josephine Nobisso places and times—spanning, in fact, child would, as part of the mise-en-scène Illustrated by Katalin Szegedi almost 2,000 years. Its contents of 84 instead of making them objects of pity. Gingerbread House. 32p $9.95 (paperback) entries very tidily provide seven reflec- Creating a world insulated from grief and tions for each of the 12 days of cynicism, A Child’s Christmas in Wales is What a pleasant surprise I received when Christmas. At times such as this, when the perfect way to revisit the youthful these books crossed my desk unbidden. people are beset with a host of woes and excitement of Christmas, but with an Though I was acquainted (in name only) worries, poetry and prayer are reliable appreciation that comes only with maturi- with the publisher, I had never heard of anchors for a flagging spirit. And only ty. R.N. Josephine Nobisso. It turns out she is an the “best of the best” will do for that: award-winning educator, and her books Denise Levertov (“The Holy One, are award-winners too. Recognized by the Blessed Be He…”) Alfred Lord In the Footsteps of Abraham National Catholic Educational Associa- Tennyson (“Ring Out, Wild Bells!”), The Holy Land in Hand-Painted tion as well as the Catholic Press John Donne (“Nativity”), Marie Ponsot Photographs Association, author and books display a (“Gigue for Christmas Eve”) and the By Richard Hardiman and Helen Speelman clear grounding in deep faith. Queen (just traditional “Veni, Veni Emmanuel” are Overlook Press. 364p $65 published this month) and Mass (original- just a few. Tennyson’s words, it would ly published in hardcover in 2003) are seem, offer a message to us in the here If you are looking for a deluxe item for fables for children, each with a specific les- and now: “Ring out a slowly dying Christmas gift-giving, look no further. A son or “take-away.” The former tells the cause,/ And ancient forms of party spectacular and captivating book, this vol- story of once-favored villagers who strife;/ Ring in the nobler modes of ume contains 180 hand-colored pho- transgress against their King and wind up life,/ With sweeter manners, purer tographs (from a collection of 1,200) of losing all their resources. Finally, in laws.” P.A.K. the Holy Land, taken by the Matson repentance and regret, they seek the inter- Photo Agency, a part of Jerusalem’s cession of the gentle and kind Queen. American Colony, at the turn of the last And, of course, all is forgiven and restored A Child’s Christmas century before color photography came to to the people, who learned a valuable les- in Wales be. The history and international displays son about trust, greed and more. Mass is a By Dylan Thomas of these photos (originally glass plates), powerful, moving tale about a poor widow New Directions. 64p $9.95 and the painstaking process of adding seeking a crust of bread, a wealthy but color, are as fascinating as the world and stingy baker, a royal wedding and the faith First published by New Directions in people they so strikingly depict. Richard of the baker’s son. The books are hand- 1954, Dylan Thomas’s child’s-eye view of Hardiman teaches at Hebrew University somely designed, the full-color drawings Christmas in Wales has earned its reputa- in Jerusalem; Helen Speelman is an artist sharply detailed. Parents and children tion as a holiday classic. Recounting the and granddaughter of Arie Speelman, who alike have a surprising treat in store. delight he experienced in childhood with commissioned these colored renditions. P.A.K. uncommon lyrical grace, Thomas conveys And there is generous textual commentary the spirit of the season with all the breath- prefacing each of the book’s eight sec- Books in Brief is written by Patricia A. less wonder of youth. He presents a tions. We travel from Jaffa to Jerusalem, Kossmann, literary editor of America, and panoply of Christmas treasures: Bethlehem, the Jordan River and the Regina Nigro, literary assistant. “Mistletoe hung from the gas brackets in Dead Sea, Galilee and much more. Village all the front parlors; there was sherry and life comes palpably alive, evoking Jesus’ walnuts and bottled beer and crackers by own time. Included too are numerous the dessertspoons; and cats in their fur- depictions of the Bedouin and their prac- abouts watched the fires and the high- tices, homes and families at work or play, heaped fire spat, all ready for the chestnuts beggars and shepherds, potters and car- and the mulling pokers.” (There are many penters, synagogues and mosques. The such lengthy sentences broken up only by book is a veritable pilgrimage to first-cen- the occasional comma or semicolon.) An tury Palestine, a close look into history imaginative view of a snowball fight trans- that will be cherished by all people of the The editors reflect on Advent and Christmas forms the author and a friend from two Book. P.A.K. at americamagazine.org/video.

December 15, 2008 America 25 Classifieds CATHOLIC MAGAZINES. Magazines Bayard Inc., should send their C.V. to: Rev. David Diamond, the U.S. division of Bayard Presse International Vice Rector, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, and a leading American Catholic publisher, is 100 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA offering a unique opportunity to maintain and 19096; e-mail: [email protected]. Education increase revenue through circulation, advertising OBLATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY offers an M.A. sales, list rentals and partnerships for its magazine PRESIDENT. Building on 100 years of tradition in degree in spirituality. Regular semester and inter- division. We are seeking a self-starter who is ener- academic excellence, Academy of Our Lady of session courses. Visit www.ost.edu. gized by a dynamic work environment and com- Mercy—Lauralton Hall, Milford, Conn. mitted to our Assumptionists’ mission of support- (www.lauraltonhall.org), is seeking a visionary and Interviews ing Catholic homes, schools and parishes. Our dynamic President. This Catholic secondary ANNE RICE interviewed by the Rev. Joe Cocucci publications currently include: Catholic Digest, school (grades 9-12), enrolling 450 young women, on YouTube. Visit www.youtube.com/Anne Living with Christ, Living Faith, Living Faith for is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Applicants RiceDotCom. Kids, Le Fe Viva, God’s Word Today, Religion must be practicing Catholics and possess the min- Teacher’s Journal, Exploring the Sunday imum of a master’s degree in education or a relat- Parish Missions Readings, Today’s Parish Minister and This ed field, successful secondary school administra- INSPIRING, DYNAMIC PREACHING: parish mis- Sunday’s Scripture. Are you looking to share your tive experience and a demonstrated commitment sions, retreats, days of recollection. www.sab- professional expertise and spiritual life with this to Catholic secondary education for young bathretreats.org. leading mission-oriented global media company? women. The successful applicant will have If so, please forward your cover letter, résumé and demonstrated expertise in institutional advance- Positions salary history to [email protected]. ment, financial management, and strategic and ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR. The Secretariat of operational planning, and must possess excellent Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the U.S. CHURCH HISTORY PROFESSOR, full time. Saint leadership and communication skills, working col- Conference of Catholic Bishops is seeking quali- Charles Borromeo Seminary is a free-standing laboratively with both internal and external con- fied candidates for the position of Associate seminary with college, pre-theology and theology stituencies. Director. The major responsibilities of this posi- programs. We are currently seeking to hire a full- Salary is competitive and commensurate with tion include, but are not limited to: preparing and time church history instructor who has earned at experience. Interested and qualified candidates are conducting dialogues and assisting and advising least a licentiate from a pontifical university. For asked to submit electronically a letter of introduc- the Bishops and their ecumenical and interreli- an application, interested parties should submit tion, résumé, the names, addresses, telephone gious officers; interpreting Catholic interreligious their C.V. to: Rev. David Diamond, Vice Rector, numbers and e-mail addresses of five professional positions and practices for the Bishops, other Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, 100 East references, and a statement addressing the signifi- Catholics and interreligious partners; interpreting Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096; e- cance and importance of Catholic secondary other religious traditions’ (Muslim, Buddhist, mail: [email protected]. schools for young women to: Academy of Our Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Native American and Chinese) Lady of Mercy, President Search, Catholic School positions and practices to Catholics, and provid- DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MIN- Management Inc., Attn: Jennifer C. Kensel, at ing administrative support for the Bishops’ inter- ISTRY. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is [email protected]. Review of religious endeavors. The Associate Director also seeking a highly qualified and visionary leader applications will begin Jan. 1, 2009, and continue assists in supporting and implementing the with excellent communication skills. M.A. in until the position is filled. Position is available July Bishops’ strategic plan for the Conference. youth/young adult ministry, Catholic theology or 1, 2009. Candidates must be practicing Catholics and hold related field; Roman Catholic; minimum eight a graduate degree in Catholic theology, ecumeni- years’ experience in direct ministry with PRINCIPAL. Divine Savior Holy Angels High cal ecclesiology or interreligious relations. youth/young adults; demonstrated ability in man- School (www.dsha.info) in Milwaukee, Wis., a Persons with at least seven years’ experience in the aging staff; inclusive in decision making; strong Catholic, college preparatory secondary school area of ecumenical or interreligious affairs pre- collaborative skills; positive, creative attitude; for young women sponsored by the Sisters of the ferred. The successful applicant should possess a integrity and determination. Full time, 12-month, Divine Savior, is seeking a dynamic and collabora- sound understanding of Catholic teaching, church generous benefits, salary commensurate with tive Principal. Building on 116 years of tradition structures and practices and have proven adminis- experience. Submit letter of interest, résumé, pro- in academic excellence and commitment to sin- trative, organizational, verbal and written com- fessional credentials and references to: Director of gle-gender education, Divine Savior Holy Angels munication skills along with the ability to work in Human Resources, Diocese of Buffalo, 795 Main High School attracts over 650 students from all a collaborative manner. Proficiency in office tech- St., Buffalo, NY 14203; e-mail: sczyzycki@buf- over southeastern Wisconsin. The new Principal nology including Microsoft Word, Power Point, falodiocese.org; Ph: (716) 847-8376. Deadline: will be an energetic and committed instructional e-mail and Internet research are also required. Jan. 5, 2009. leader who exemplifies the Catholic mission of the The U.S.C.C.B. offers a competitive salary and an school, embodies the charism of the Sisters of the excellent benefit package, including relocation MORAL THEOLOGY PROFESSOR. Saint Charles Divine Savior and demonstrates a commitment to assistance and free parking. Clergy/religious can- Borromeo Seminary is a free-standing seminary Catholic secondary education for young women. didates must request written approval from their with college, pre-theology and theology pro- The successful applicant will understand and be diocesan bishop or religious superior before an grams. We are currently seeking to hire a full- committed to whole person education, be pas- application can be considered. Diocesan lay time moral theology professor who has a terminal sionate about deepening D.S.H.A.’s commitment employees must also request approval from their degree in the discipline of moral theology. The to continuous improvement, encourage diversity local bishop. Minorities are encouraged to apply. following qualifications are offered to guide you in and model lifelong learning, and participate fully To apply, please submit a résumé with cover let- your decision to apply for the position: 1) Be a in the life of the school. The new Principal will be ter, salary requirements and appropriate approvals practicing Catholic, who engages in the intellec- a relationship builder who is comfortable working to: Office of Human Resources (E.I.A.), United tual enterprise with firm fidelity to Catholic in a president/principal model of administration States Catholic Conference, 3211 Fourth Street, teaching; 2) Have professional academic training and will demonstrate the ability to think and plan NE, Washington, D.C. 20017; e-mail: in Catholic theology with an earned doctorate in strategically for the future. A successful applicant [email protected]; fax: (202) 541-3412. EOE. moral theology. Applications will be accepted must possess a minimum of a master’s degree in until Feb. 1, 2009. All qualified persons applying education or a related field; hold an appropriate BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR to begin teaching in the 2009-10 school year administrative license or have the ability to obtain

26 America December 15, 2008 it; demonstrate successful experience in Catholic, public or independent school administration; have teaching experience; and be a person of the Catholic faith. Position is available July 1, 2009. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Interested and qualified candidates are asked to submit electronically a letter of introduction, a résumé and a statement concerning the signifi- cance and importance of Catholic secondary edu- CONFRATERNITY OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD cation for young women, as well as the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail address- 5300 FORT HAMILTON PARKWAY BROOKLYN N.Y. 11219 es of five professional references to: Divine Savior Tel 718-436-1120 Fax 1-718-854-6058 Holy Angels High School, Principal Search, Rev. Msgr. Austin P. Bennett, JCD. P.A. Catholic School Management Inc., Attn: Lois K. Executive Director Draina, at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin Jan. 15, 2009, and continue until the position is filled. We call your attention to all readers that the Confraternity of the Precious Blood has available for Religious Art purchase a book that will be of great spiritual help during CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS ART in an iconic tra- the Year of Saint Paul proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI. dition available. Go to http://www.contempo- raryreligiousart.com for a gallery visit of original “My Meditations on Saint Paul” works. by Father James E. Sullivan can be purchased from Retreats the Confraternity of the Precious Blood for $8.25. SAN DAMIANO RETREAT, Danville, Calif., located just 35 miles east of San Francisco announces the To purchase this book please call following retreats: Michael Blastic, O.F.M., pre- senting “The Franciscan Rule and Life,” Jan. 9- 1-800-404-3943 • 1-718-436-1120 11, 2009. The Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault present- www.confraternitypb.org ing “Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening,” Jan. 23-25, 2009. Private retreats with spiritual direction also available. We offer a peaceful, prayerful environment for rest and renewal. Call (925) 837-9141, or visit www.sandamiano.org. America CAMPUS MINISTER - PRIEST Wills TO SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW Please remember America in your will. Our ❑ New subscription ❑ Renewal legal title is: America Press Inc., 106 West 56th Yearly rates are $48 for each subscription. The Catholic Student Cen- Street, New York, NY 10019. Add $22 for postage, handling and GST on Canadian orders. Add $32 for foreign sub- ter, serving Rice University scriptions. Payment in U.S. funds only. and the schools of the Texas ❑ Payment enclosed ❑ Bill me On occasion America gives permission to Medical Center at Houston, other organizations to use our list for pro- motional purposes. If you do not want to Texas, seeks a full time receive these promotions, contact our List Manager at our New York offices. Catholic priest, with permis- sion of superior. W706 FOR AMERICA CLASSIFIED. Classified advertisements are CHANGE OF Preferably with campus min- accepted for publication in either the print version of ADDRESS istry experience. Work in America or on our Web site, www.americam- AND collaboration with the center agazine.org. Ten-word minimum. Rates are per word RENEWAL: per issue. 1-5 times: $1.50; 6-11 times: $1.28; 12-23 director, a Dominican Sister times: $1.23; 24-41 times: $1.17; 42 times or more: Please attach the mailing label from in a broad-based ministry $1.12. For an additional $30, your print ad will be the front cover posted on America’s Web site for one week. The flat when writing guided by the principles of rate for a Web-only classified ad is $150 for 30 days. about service or “Empowered by the Spirit”. Ads may be submitted by e-mail to: ads@americam- change of address. agazine.org; by fax to (928) 222-2107; by postal mail Allow 3 to 4 Send resume to: Human Re- to: Classified Department, America, 106 West 56th weeks for change of address to take St., New York, NY 10019. To post a classified ad sources, Archdiocese of Gal- effect. Thank you. online, go to our home page and click on “Advertising” Name Address City State ZIP E-mail veston-Houston, P.O. Box at the top of the page. We do not accept ad copy over the Mail to: America phone. MasterCard and Visa accepted. For more infor- P.O. Box 693, Mount Morris, IL 61064-7578 907, Houston, TX 77001; or call 1-800-627-9533 mation call: (212) 515-0102. or visit www.americamagazine.org e-mail: [email protected].

December 15, 2008 America 27 Letters

A Return to Collegiality New Wineskins Method to Madness Thank you for your strong endorsement As I read Daniel Cere’s review of Anne In your comments on the television show of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Rice’s fascinating story of her return to “Mad Men” (Current Comment, 11/17), Bishops (Current Comment, 12/8). It Catholicism, Called Out of Darkness (Book you failed to recognize a secular spiritual- should be noted that in recent years the Reviews, 12/1), I grew worried to discov- ity expressed in the show that is rooted in Vatican, operating on a narrower under- er that Rice “concludes her spiritual the lives of laity raising families and mak- standing of episcopal collegiality, has lim- memoir by addressing a set of challeng- ing their living in the workplace. Beyond ited the authority of such conferences. At ing issues that have been at the heart of the “Catholic sensibility” referred to, the same time, after a quite public cam- her fiction and at the center of cultural there is much more that speaks to search- paign against the pro-collegiality policies and religious debates, namely conflicts ing for, and sometimes finding, our living of the so-called Bernardin era, conserva- over gender and sexuality.” God. tive leaders succeeded in drastically I feared the story of another returnee I am sure there is much in “Mad Men” to reducing the U.S.C.C.B. budget and to Rome who immediately begins railing criticize. But for me, one who raised a staff. In the wake of the recent election, for the exclusion of others, forgetting family of seven and worked in the “real conservative leaders have signaled a his/her own long journey and misgivings world” of corporate management for 35 renewed attack on the U.S.C.C.B. docu- on the way back to the church. years, the show rings true. And if we ment Faithful Citizenship and the collegial How refreshing to read instead that believe in a caring and loving God, the approach it represents. Rice finds the heart of Catholicism in scripts speak to how God touches lives in Readers might consider doing some- its aesthetic and sensual elements, so many subtle ways—ways often not rec- thing to support episcopal collegiality, rather than in clinging to the tangles of ognized by the church, but authentic just shared responsibility, the U.S.C.C.B. and church law or an angry theology of the same. the consistent ethic of life by speaking up exclusion. She is a writer of extraordi- Art Maurer Pensfield, N.J. and by joining such groups as Catholics nary sensitivity, one who could do much in Alliance for the Common Good. to help estranged Catholics in a way David O’Brien that a more defensive apologetics never Promises, Promises Professor Emeritus will. While I agreed with most of “Mr. College of the Holy Cross Jacob Powers Obama’s Promise” (Editorial, 11/17), I Worcester, Mass. El Segundo, Calif. was extremely upset that you did not even mention Obama’s other promise: that the first thing he will do as president is to sign the Freedom of Choice Act. without guile This act will bring back partial-birth abortion and could invalidate all the state laws for which pro-life groups (I am a member of several) fought so hard. Leaving this promise out of your editorial was a serious omission. Charles R. Scally Chalfont, Pa.

Send in the Clowns I found Franco Mormando’s review of the recent art exhibit of the works of Georges Rouault (“Of Clowns and Christian Conscience,” 11/24) a forceful one, in which art was closely linked with prayer. Thank you for reintroducing me

America (ISSN 0002-7049) is published weekly (except for 11 com- bined issues: Jan. 7-14, 21-28, March 31-April 7, May 26-June 2, June 9-16, 23-30, July 7-14, 21-28, Aug. 4-11, 18-25, Dec. 22-29) by America Press, Inc., 106 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019. Periodicals postage is paid at New York, N.Y., and additional mail- ing offices. Business Manager: Lisa Pope; Circulation: Judith Palmer, (212) 581-4640. Subscriptions: United States, $48 per year; add U.S. $22 postage and GST (#131870719) for Canada; or add U.S. $32 per year for overseas surface postage. For overseas airmail delivery, please call for rates. Postmaster: Send address changes to: America, 106 West 56th St. New York, NY 10019. “Hey, want to check out my new web site?” Printed in the U.S.A. CARTOON BY RICK PARKER

28 America December 15, 2008 Letters to an artist who has always been on the military chaplaincy. There are an awful public? edge of my consciousness but now will be lot of poor people serving in our armed Not all bishops are called to be fully present. forces. prophets, perhaps; but as teachers, pas- Charles Novo Jeffry Odell Korgen tors and religious leaders, they should Houston, Tex. Montclair, N.J. have a voice that can be heard. Marie Dennis Sing for Your Supper Loud and Clear Washington, D.C. Many thanks to James J. DiGiacomo, I agree with Drew Christiansen, S.J., that S.J., for his beautiful thoughts on Advent the documents of the U.S.C.C.B. are not Q & A in “We Should Have Seen It Coming” widely disseminated or read despite the In Doris Donnelly’s interview of Mary (12/1). I agree that Advent is a time to be important, often prophetic insights they Ann Glendon (“Soft Power and Hope,” watchful for goodness, to embrace those can contain (Of Many Things, 10/20). 11/24), the U.S. ambassador to the Holy who are different, to smile and bring But by facilitating a narrow discussion See sees the three visits of Pope Benedict compassion, understanding and mercy to between themselves and a few experts XVI with President George W. Bush in those who are hurting. Also, it is a great rather than a broad, fully engaged little over one calendar year as “outward time to teach children to be generous by Catholic debate about serious ethical symbols of the close correspondence encouraging them to write notes to sol- issues in the political arena, the U.S. between the president and the Holy diers or distant relatives, to pray around bishops have undercut their own role as Father” and thinks that there has never the Advent wreath, to prepare crafts for teachers and pastors. More seriously, they been “more synergy of interest between decorating and to “sing for their supper” have failed to hold the United States the United States and the Holy See than with all those beautiful Christmas songs! (including all of us who are citizens) to there is now.” Alice Englert account for failing to follow the guidance What does Glendon have in mind? Is Warrenton, Va. they have given. the conformity between the two about a The military budget decried by the preferential option for the poor, a just A House Divided bishops in 1993 was a “mere” $275 bil- minimum wage, medical coverage for all Gregory D. Foster’s argument for selec- lion a year; how can it be that the bishops and respect for civil liberties and human tive conscientious objection for soldiers are not furious over the $800 billion we rights? Or is the synergy of interest about (“One War at a Time,” 11/17) will now pour yearly into those same coffers? an unjust war, secret renditions, spying become required reading for my high Similarly, in 1973 and 1983 the bishops on one’s own citizens, subverting the school theology students. As a teacher agreed to the “strictly conditioned” pos- U.S. Constitution, politicizing every and pastoral minister, I find it impossible session of nuclear weapons by the United department of government and abetting to encourage students to join the mili- States, but 35 years later those conditions the pollution of the environment? tary, because there is no recourse to have not been met. Why have the bish- Since Glendon appears eager to selective conscientious objection. The ops not publicly withdrawn their support minimize the significance of the Bush pope and the U.S. Catholic bishops of nuclear deterrence? administration’s torture policies by argued that the invasion of Iraq would A third example is the current war in comparing them to the presumed not be morally justifiable. What is a Iraq, which the bishops quite clearly said behavior of other countries, we are left Catholic soldier to do? She/he is put in did not meet the criteria for a just war; to wonder about the answers to these the untenable position of having to be but why, once the war began, did they and other questions. faithful to the guidance of the church or not make that assessment crystal clear to David L. Smith, C.S.S.P. to the orders of his superiors. policy makers, Catholics and the general Pittsburgh, Pa. Foster’s article clearly reiterates what the bishops have already said, but does so from the perspective of a man with exten- GRADUATE INTERNSHIP sive military experience. Perhaps the Villanova University offers a two-year graduate Campus Ministry Internship for those bishops should join their voices with new pursuing a graduate degree in the academic field of their choice. One year of post college urgency on this important issue. volunteer and/or general work experience is required. Faith filled applicants are a “must” Tony Marinelli and need to be willing to share their journey of faith in God with others. Interns work Westbury, N.Y. and live in Freshmen residence halls modeling, building, and living Christian community. They offer students opportunities to develop personally and spiritually through liturgy, service projects, retreats and evenings of Preferential Option reflection. Interns receive room and board, Kudos for your special issue on military tuition remission and a stipend. chaplaincy (11/17). Any priest who feels Additional information and the VILLANOVA, PENNSYLVANIA application form is available through our website, the call to minister among people living http://www.villanova.edu/campusministry/internships/. E-mail [email protected] in poverty should consider a few years of or call 610-519-4484 for more information. Deadline is February 15, 2009.

December 15, 2008 America 29 The Word A Dwelling Place for God Fourth Sunday of Advent (B), Dec. 21, 2008 Readings: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38 “Nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:37)

S CHRISTMAS APPROACHES, in the Christmas readings. The Gospel for the readings for the Fourth Christmas day, the Prologue of John’s Sunday of Advent focus our Gospel, reaches its high point with v. 14, attention on the notion of a “and the Word became flesh and made his Adwelling place for God. dwelling among us.” The Greek verb In the first reading, King David finds eskenosen literally means “pitched his tent.” himself free, in that he no longer has to God’s predilection is to dwell with human fight his enemies. Instead, he can devote beings in their ordinary dwellings and in his energy to whatever he likes, so he plans their same human flesh. While there is a to build a beautiful palace for himself and place for magnificent temples and church- a splendid temple for God. At first the es where we can gather as a people to glo- prophet Nathan approves this plan, but rify God, the Holy One would have us then he hears a word from God that turns first recognize that divinity walks around the plan upside down: “Should you build in our midst in human skin. becoming a child of God by receiving this me a house to dwell in?” God explains that Moreover, those who are least impres- lowly child, not only the one in the all the success David has had is God’s sive by human standards are the most manger, but all those who seem insignifi- doing, which now culminates in God’s favored by God when it comes to reveal- cant all around us. establishing a house, that is, a dynasty, for The scene of the annunciation to Mary ART BY TAD DUNNE David. There is a play on the word is a subject of much Christian art. “house,” as it shifts in meaning: from Praying With Scripture Oftentimes Mary is portrayed as serenely David’s palace to God’s temple to the • When have you experienced God praying and surrounded with light and joy. Davidic ruling line. Underlying the text is dwelling with you in difficult circum- But in other annunciation scenes there is a criticism of the monarchy. stances? an undercurrent of distress, incomprehen- In the verses omitted from the • When have you most felt favored by sion and scandal in this story. Henry Lectionary selection (vv. 6-7a), God God? Ossawa Tanner captures this sense in his objects that YHWH has never asked any • Who reveals to you the mysterious painting, “The Annunciation,” in which of the leaders of Israel to build a temple: “I presence of God in human flesh? Mary sits at the edge of her disheveled bed, have not lived in a house since the day I with a look of puzzlement and concern, brought up the people of Israel from while gazing toward a golden beam in the Egypt to this day, but I have been moving ing God’s mystery. David, for example, form of a cross. Megan Marlatt’s fresco about in a tent and a tabernacle.” God has was the youngest, least qualified son, when “The Annunciation” in St. Michael’s been on the move, dwelling with the God took him from pasturing sheep to Chapel at Rutgers University likewise Israelites in the same way they themselves lead his people. Mary was an ordinary depicts the topsy-turvy aspect of the event, have lived—in makeshift tents as they tra- young woman making wedding plans in as the angel appears upside down, uttering versed the desert between Egypt and an insignificant little town in Galilee, the word “Blessed” backwards. Mary’s life, Canaan. And God has been present in a when she was asked to take on a seeming- as she thought it would be, is entirely portable tabernacle that they carried with ly impossible role. upended, which is greatly troubling. them wherever they sojourned. In both the first reading and the What God is asking is incomprehensi- In the Gospel reading for the last Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, ble. Mary questions how it can be. In addi- Sunday of Advent, Gabriel’s message to there is a startling twist: it is not we who tion, in her tiny village, where everyone Mary is that God now takes up residence make dwelling places for God, but God knows everyone else and many people are in human flesh. who builds the house. Likewise, on related to one another, everyone knows The message is brought to fulfillment Christmas day, John’s Gospel speaks not that she and the man who is already her only of how wondrous it is that God takes legal husband have not yet begun to live BARBARA E. REID, O.P., is a professor of New on the form of a human child, but also of together. But all of them can count to Testament Studies at Catholic Theological how our reception of the Word enables us nine. What will they say about her, what Union in Chicago, Ill. to become children of God. We keep on kinds of nasty looks will they cast her way

30 America December 15, 2008 when her precious child is born too soon? While not spelling out how, Gabriel reassures Mary that in the midst of this messy situation, God will bring forth blessing, holiness and salvation for all. Management Skills for Twice God’s messenger assures her that she is grace-filled and is favored in God’s More Effective Ministry. sight, even if others will question this. He also reassures her that she is not alone. The Center for the Study of Church Management Her relative, Elizabeth, will help mentor at the Villanova School of Business is pleased to and support her. Without knowing how announce the Master of Science in Church God will accomplish all this, Mary opens a Management online degree program. space for God to dwell within her, enabling the divine to make a new home within all humankind. This unique degree is designed to meet your needs— Mary makes a physical home for the as a clergy or lay church leader—in an affordable and Holy One in her womb; hers was a unique convenient online format. In less than two years, role. But we too are asked by God to make you will build a network of peers across the nation and a dwelling place within ourselves and graduate with the following managerial competencies: within our world for the Christ. The cir- cumstances are always messy. It is not in Planning: strategy formation and implementation, glorious buildings beautifully adorned but technology/data, and the legal environment in the humblest of persons, in the most Controlling: financial literacy, budgeting, transparency, difficult of circumstances, that God takes and financial statements up residence. The irony is that in trying Organizing: human resources, organizational structure and times we may feel abandoned by God, or behavior, and advisory board utilization question why it is that God is punishing Leading: group dynamics, ecclesiological perspectives, and us, or why we have lost God’s favor. It is alignment between the faith community work and values precisely in such times that God dwells most intimately with us, assuring us that This special program is led by Villanova Professor we are full of grace and favor, asking us to Charles Zech, a widely-recognized national expert on trust that God can and will bring forth church management and finances. All courses are holistic blessing, even if we cannot see how. and integrated, and have been specifically designed for Many of our ancestors in the faith church managers. were called “favored” by God: Noah (Gn 6:8), Moses (Ex 33:12-17), Gideon (Jgs I Ideal for professionals who can’t take leave of their 6:17) and Samuel (1 Sm 2:26). God always positions to relocate and pursue full-time study asks a great deal of “favored” ones. Moses, I Convenient online course delivery; one week of for example, found it so burdensome at residency is the only travel requirement one point that he prayed God would do I Steep tuition discounts are available to students him the “favor” of killing him at once, so who receive financial support from their employer he need no longer face the distress of lead- ing a difficult people (Nm 11:15). Mary is Our next class will begin in May 2009. To view a full listing right to be troubled when Gabriel calls her of courses and apply, go to www.mscm.villanova.edu “favored” one. or contact us at [email protected] or 610-519-4371. But God’s “favor” is also accompanied by God’s power and protecting Spirit. Join us for an educational experience that will transform Jesus, too, has “the favor of God” upon the way you lead and serve the Church in an increasingly him (Lk 2:40, 52), a favor that extends to complex world. all who receive him, as John’s Gospel says in the Christmas reading: “grace upon grace,” or “favor upon favor” (Jn 1:16). Likewise, in the Gospel for Christmas Midnight Mass, the shepherds sing of the peace now manifest for all those favored by God (Lk 2:14)—that is, all who make room in their “inns” for this unlikely Coming One. Barbara E. Reid

December 15, 2008 America 31