The Steubenville

www.diosteub.org REGISTER Vol. 76, No. 23 Serving 13 counties in southeast ohio JULY 9, 2021 News Briefs Bishop celebrates Mass for religious freedom Bishop installs Hahn an acolyte

Diocese of Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton installs Joseph Hahn, a diocesan seminarian, pictured kneeling in front of the bishop, as an acolyte at Blessed Sacrament Church, Wintersville, July 4. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “the acolyte is instituted for service at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. It is his place principally to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if necessary, to distribute the Eucharist to the faithful as an extraordinary minister.” Pictured assisting the bishop are Father Nicholas S. Ward, left, and Peter Stetson, Diocese of Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton celebrates Mass during Religious Freedom Week, a diocesan seminarian. (Photo by Orsatti) June 29, at Holy Family Church, Steubenville. Pictured with the bishop are, from left, Father Drake A. Fire destroys Alberta church McCalister, parochial vicar to Msgr. Gerald E. Calovini, pastor of Holy Family Parish, and Msgr. Calovini. (Photo by Orsatti) By Dino Orsatti through free exercise of our faith. With religious freedom, Editor we prayerfully live out our lives in communion with Jesus STEUBENVILLE — Diocese of Steubenville Bishop Christ himself, inside and outside of the church building,” Jeffrey M. Monforton celebrated Mass at Holy Family said Bishop Monforton in his homily. Church, Steubenville, June 29, on the final day of Religious The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Religious Freedom Week. Freedom Week, June 22-29, is an opportunity for Catholics “To be clean of heart is to make a total commitment across the country to take a “stand for the freedom on which to God’s plan and to share with those in need. We do so To Page 2 Pope Francis continues to recover after surgery Flames engulf St. Jean Baptiste Church By Cindy Wooden Angelus. It is possible that Pope Francis’ midday Angelus in Morinville, Alberta, June 30, in this Catholic News Service appointment July 11 could take place at the Gemelli hospital, still image taken from video obtained VATICAN CITY — The second morning after undergoing as it did on several occasions when St. John Paul II was from social media. The early morning colon surgery, Pope Francis was continuing to recover hospitalized there. The hospital maintains a suite of rooms fire destroyed the century-old Catholic well and, after a restful night, he had breakfast, read the for the popes’ use when necessary. church near Edmonton and is being newspapers and got out of bed to walk, the Vatican press Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a staff surgeon at the Gemelli who treated as suspicious by Royal Canadian office said July 6. His post-operative recovery is proceeding specializes in surgery of the digestive tract and colon, led the Mounted Police. (CNS photo/Diane Burrel, normally, the press office said, and his “routine surgery, assisted by a team of surgeons. social media via Reuters) follow-up exams are good.” Stenosis is a narrowing of a passage in the VANCOUVER, British Columbia (CNS) The day before, the Vatican had explained that human body. The Vatican’s description of the — More churches across Canada have been Pope Francis’ surgery “for diverticular stenosis pope’s condition indicated a partial blockage destroyed or damaged by fires that police are performed the evening of July 4 involved a left of the lower intestine. It provided no informa- describing as suspicious or suspected arson. hemicolectomy and lasted about 3 hours.” tion about the cause or suspected cause of the In regards to the recent fire in Alberta, St. Paul The pope is expected to stay in the hospital for blockage nor of the symptoms the pope had Bishop Paul Terrio said, “It is with a sad heart that a week after the surgery, barring complications. been experiencing. we learn the historic parish church of Morinville A left hemicolectomy is the removal of As soon as the Vatican announced the pope’s burned to the ground early this morning.” He the descending part of the colon and can be hospitalization, get-well messages began being called for “prayers and support for our brothers recommended to treat diverticulitis, when (CNS photo/Paul Haring) posted on social media. and sisters of the Morinville parish as they grieve bulging pouches in the lining of the intestine Pope Francis Pope Francis has been generally healthy since the loss of their very beautiful and historic parish or colon become inflamed or infected. becoming pope in March 2013 except for recurrent bouts church.” The 84-year-old pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli of sciatica. Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith called hospital in the early afternoon July 4 after leading the midday In 1957, the pope suffered from a pulmonary condition at the news “heart-rending” and called for prayers recitation of the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter’s the age of 21 that required him to undergo surgery to remove for parishioners of St. Jean Baptiste. He also said Square. As has been his custom, Pope Francis already had the upper right lobe of one of his lungs. During his time as the archdiocese is working with parish priests and suspended his weekly general audience and other meetings the provincial superior of the Jesuits in Argentina (1973-79), police on arson prevention protocols. for the month of July, except for the Sunday recitation of the he underwent emergency gallbladder surgery. 2 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 Bishop celebrates From Page 1 from around the nation to discuss the vari- a doctorate in American church history, this country was founded: The freedom to ous challenges to religious liberty. observed that freedom of religion is “the live out our faith publicly,” said Arlington Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New first line of defense of/and protection of all Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, who is a York, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Com- human rights.” member of the USCCB Committee for mittee for Religious Liberty, set the tone for Further, religious liberty has been “the Religious Liberty. the Notre Dame conference in his keynote driving force of almost every enlightening, Bishop Monforton said, “Our recent address, observing that religious freedom unshackling, noble cause in American his- celebration of the memorial of Sts. John is a human right, “essential to the dignity tory,” he said, including movements such Fisher and Thomas More, both martyrs for of the human person and the flourishing of as abolition of slavery and the campaigns the faith, is a tangible reminder that a truly all that is noble in us.” for voting rights and civil rights. free society is defined by how it embraces, He noted that defending religious free- Third, “religious freedom is enshrined or not, religious freedom. These two Eng- dom used to be “a nonconfrontational not to protect the government from reli- lish saints stood for the truth even when no-brainer,” as American as “mom, apple gion, but religion from the government,” that very truth was not politically correct, pie, the flag and Knute Rockne.” Now, Cardinal Dolan explained. to the point that their lives were asked of he continued, defense of religious liberty The various religious groups who first them.” has become “caricatured” as an “oppres- settled in this country did not want special The bishop said recent studies show sive, partisan, unenlightened, right-wing treatment from the government, but rather that persecution for one’s faith is pres- crusade,” even considered by some to be just wanted to be left alone to practice ently on the rise globally. He went on to discrimination. their faith, worship in their tradition and say “there is much yet to be accomplished This false narrative must be corrected, follow their moral principles in the public when it comes to religious tolerance and Cardinal Dolan stressed, and he proceeded square. Thus, freedom for religion became a person’s right to live their faith, not just to do so by discussing the concept of reli- a keystone in the country’s founding docu- within the walls of their place of worship, gious freedom enshrined in the founding ments. Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. but throughout their everyday life.” documents of the United States. He made Fourth, throughout most of our his- Monforton proclaims the Gospel “As we live out the theme of this year’s four major points in his keynote, titled tory, American culture welcomed religious during the celebration of Religious celebration, ‘Solidarity in Freedom,’ may “Correcting the Narrative.” voices in the public square, Cardinal Dolan Freedom Mass, June 29, at Holy we call to mind the words of Pope Fran- First, he said that we advocate for reli- said. Then the culture moved to neutrality Family Church, Steubenville. (Photo cis: ‘Solidarity means much more than gious freedom not primarily because we before arriving at the present moment, in by Orsatti) engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It are believers, but because we are “Ameri- which believers face “downright antago- means thinking and acting in terms of com- cans, patriots, rational human beings.” nism,” he said, and the message that we courage to speak the truth with kindness munity,’” Bishop Monforton said, quoting Religious freedom is a fact of the American must leave our conscience behind when and clarity, even in the face of adversity. from “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis’ 2020 experiment that has been cherished and we enter the public square. We pray for our continued liberties for encyclical. defended by people of all faiths. Bishop Monforton said that Religious religious freedom and the freedom of The University of Notre Dame observed Second, religious liberty is not a con- Freedom Week concluded on the feast conscience laws. History instructs that Religious Freedom Week in the U.S. with a servative issue, but historically considered of two apostles martyred in Rome, Sts. freedom of conscience laws provide lit- Religious Liberty Summit June 28-29 that part of a movement that is “progressive Peter and Paul with the free speech mus test evidence of a truly free society invited ecumenical leaders and scholars and reforming.” Cardinal Dolan, who has theme: “Pray that Christians will have the devoid of coercion.” Vatican indicts Cardinal Becciu, former officials involved in London deal By Junno Arocho Esteves stating that cardinals and bishops accused to whether funds from the Peter’s Pence Also included in the indictment were: Catholic News Service of a crime could be tried in a Vatican court, collection were used to finance the deal. Msgr. Mauro Carlino, the former secretary VATICAN CITY — In an unprecedented which, as it turned out, paved the way for Peter’s Pence is a papal fund used for of then-Archbishop Becciu when he served move, Vatican prosecutors have indicted the indictment against Cardinal Becciu. charity, but also to support the running of as “sostituto,” the No. 3 position in the Vati- 10 individuals and entities, including The new law requires the pope’s ap- the Roman Curia and Vatican embassies can Secretariat of State, who is accused of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, former prefect proval before a cardinal can be indicted, around the world. extortion and abuse of office; and Fabrizio of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, approval Pope Francis gave for charging Cardinal Becciu consistently denied Pe- Tirabassi, a former official at the Secretariat on charges ranging from embezzlement to Cardinal Becciu. ter’s Pence funds were used to purchase the of State accused of corruption, extortion, money laundering and abuse of office. The charges stem from a Vatican inves- London property; the money, he said, came embezzlement, fraud and abuse of office. The indictment included charges against tigation into how the Secretariat of State from a fund within the Secretariat of State. Enrico Crasso, a long-time investment “ecclesiastical and lay personnel of the used $200 million to finance a property However, when asked by a journalist if manager who worked with the Vatican, Secretariat of State and senior figures of the development project in London’s posh the money in the Secretariat of State fund faces the most charges, including embez- former Financial Information Authority, as Chelsea district and incurred millions of came from Peter’s Pence, Cardinal Becciu zlement, extortion, corruption, extortion, well as external figures active in the world dollars in debt. said, “Yes.” money laundering, abuse of office, forgery of international finance,” the Vatican said The investigation, which spanned across Among the former Vatican officials and falsifying documents. July 3. several countries, including the United included in the indictment are Rene Brulhart Two companies owned by Crasso – Pres- Their trial at the Vatican was set to begin Arab Emirates, Great Britain, the British and Tommaso di Ruzza, respectively tige Family Office and Sogenel Capital In- July 27. island of Jersey, Luxembourg, Slovenia former president and former director of the vestment – were included in the indictment. Cardinal Becciu declared his “absolute and Switzerland, “brought to light a vast Vatican’s financial watchdog agency, now Several other players involved in the ma- innocence,” saying he was “the victim of network of relationships with financial known as the Supervisory and Financial jority stake purchase of the London prop- a plot hatched against me.” market operators that have generated Information Authority. erty were also indicted, including Gianluigi Cardinal Becciu said the accusations substantial losses for the Vatican finances, Brulhart was accused of abuse of office, Torzi, an Italian broker who served as the exposed him to “an unparalleled media also drawing from resources destined for while di Ruzza was accused of embezzle- middleman in the development deal, and pillory to which I did not defend myself, the personal charitable works of the Holy ment, abuse of office and violation of the London-based Italian financier Raffaele suffering in silence.” However, in Novem- Father,” the indictment stated. secret of the office. Mincione. ber, he filed a lawsuit against the Italian Cardinal Becciu was forced to offer his magazine L’Espresso, claiming their re- resignation to the pope in September, after porting resulted in him losing his chance he was accused of embezzling an estimated at becoming pope. 100,000 euros ($116,361) of Vatican funds “Only by considering this great injustice and redirecting them to Spes, a Caritas as a test of faith can I find the strength to organization run by his brother, Tonino fight this battle for truth,” the cardinal Becciu. said. “Finally, the moment of clarification Speaking with journalists the day after is coming, and the court will be able to his resignation, Cardinal Becciu said the find the absolute falsity of the accusations pope made no mention of the London prop- against me and the dark plots that have erty deal during their meeting and insisted evidently sustained and fed them.” there was nothing wrong with the purchase, In April, the pope updated the laws gov- despite the Vatican’s ongoing investigation. erning the Vatican’s civil judicial system, Nevertheless, questions remained as THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 3

Bishop celebrates Mass at FUS youth conference Bishop Monforton’s Schedule

July 14 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Steubenville, 8:30 a.m. 15 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Steubenville, 7 a.m. 16 Mass, Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, Marietta, 7:45 a.m. 18 Mass, Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, Marietta, 10 a.m. 20 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Steubenville, 7 a.m. Catholic Conference of Ohio virtual Board of Directors meeting, 1 p.m. 21 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Steubenville, 8:30 a.m. Radio segment, WDEO 990 AM, 10:15 a.m. 22 “Misa con Hermanas,” Mass with Daughters of Holy Mary of the Heart of Jesus, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Oratory, Lovers Lane, Steubenville, 9 a.m. 24 Mass, Holy Rosary Church, Steubenville, 4 p.m., livestreamed and recorded (Triumph of the Cross Parish and diocesan Facebook pages) Replica of Mary’s house is shown

Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton celebrated Mass at the Franciscan University of Steubenville Youth Conference June 27. Pictured with the bishop are Joshua Costello and Gabriella Burke, students at Franciscan University and staff members of the Steubenville Summer Conferences.(Photo provided) Wheeling University updates COVID-19 plan;

(Photo provided) recommends vaccination for the community Our Lady of Ephesus House of Prayer WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling University’s updated BURLINGTON, Vt. (CNA) — Our Lady of Ephesus COVID-19 plan urges all community members to be House of Prayer is an exact replica of the Blessed Virgin vaccinated, but will not require students, faculty and staff Mary’s house in Ephesus, where she lived in prayer with be inoculated prior to the start of the 2021-22 academic St. John in the last years of her life. year. “I want everyone to know that Our Lord gave us an in- Ginny R. Favede, president of the university, said the credibly gift here in Vermont and hopefully they can come revised campus guidelines reflect new recommendations and pray and thank him for it,” said Mary Fraser Tarinelli, from local, state and federal agencies. the owner of the replica, located in Jamaica, Vermont, 120 “We looked at all of the recent guidance and adjusted miles south of Burlington. our campus COVID plan accordingly. We are currently The replica, which sits on a 190 acre Catholic prayer surveying our students and employees to determine the ground, is the only one that exists in the United States. It percentage of those who have been vaccinated. While we The front entrance of Wheeling University, is one of four or five in the world, according to Tarinelli. are not requiring vaccinations, we do urge members of the Wheeling, West Virginia, is pictured above. (Photo Our Lady of Ephesus House of Prayer includes guest provided) community to be inoculated. Continued progress towards rooms, chapels, a kitchen, a cemetery, a rosary walk and our vaccination goal of 70 percent of our campus popula- athletes. However, student-athletes who show proof they a prayer monument to Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. tion, will provide us greater confidence in easing our indoor have been vaccinated, will be exempt unless they exhibit social distancing and masking restrictions,” Favede said. COVID symptoms, she added. The university will establish on-campus vaccination “Our testing, tracing, isolation and care program helped clinics at the start of the academic year for students who us contain outbreaks and remain open throughout the wish to receive a vaccine. Favede noted that students will academic year. We believe it is important to keep these be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test or proof protocols in place for now,” Favede added. of vaccination when they return to campus in August. Additionally, space restrictions and gathering limits have Under the new plan, masks are still required indoors been rolled back to pre-pandemic levels in classrooms, across campus, unless employees are in their office alone meeting areas, the dining halls, coffee shop and student or students are in their rooms. Wearing masks outdoors is lounges. Favede said the in-classroom cleaning supplies, left to the discretion of each individual. Social distancing hand sanitizer and sanitizing stations will continue to be measures have been lifted, with classrooms and dining provided. areas reverting to pre-pandemic designs. The university “We know that adjustments to our plan may be needed will hold face-to-face instruction, using hybrid and remote moving forward,” Favede said. “For now, we believe our learning when necessary. plan has the necessary precautions in place to keep our Favede said the university will continue testing as needed students, faculty and staff safe.” and keep its isolation/tracing/care program in place through Liberty Bank the Fall. Per NCAA guidance, the university will test “Serving the Community Since 1896”

For Healing After Abortion 314 Park Ave., Ironton (740) 532-2856 • (740) 886-9491 Project Rachel Confidential Referral Line www.libbk.com visit ForYourMarriage.org (740) 275-7038 FDIC 4 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 USCCB webpage answers questions about vote on Communion document WASHINGTON (CNS) — A page on the from receiving Communion. website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic “No, this was not up for vote or debate. Bishops answers a series of questions The bishops made no decision about regarding the bishops’ vote to approve barring anyone from receiving Holy drafting a document on the Eucharist Communion,” the response says. during their spring general assembly June It stresses that all Catholics are called to 16-18. “continual conversion,” while the bishops Presented in a question-and-answer have “repeatedly emphasized the obliga- format, the page reviews four questions tion of all Catholics to support human including why the document is being de- life and dignity and other fundamental veloped and whether the bishops voted to principles of Catholic moral and social ban elected officials from receiving Holy teaching.” Communion. The third question focuses on whether The webpage – www.usccb.org/ the bishops plan to issue a national meaning-eucharist-life-church – is policy on withholding Communion from dated June 21, three days after the politicians. bishops announced the vote to allow “There will be no national policy on the Committee on Doctrine to draft the withholding Communion from politi- document and present it for discussion cians,” the online document says in re- when the bishops reconvene in-person in sponse. “The intent is to present a clear November. understanding of the church’s teachings The U.S. bishops approved advancing to bring heightened awareness among the A priest raises the chalice and Communion host in this illustration. (CNS a plan to draft a document to examine the photo/Bob Roller) faithful of how the Eucharist can transform “meaning of the Eucharist in the life of our lives and bring us closer to our creator the church” following a lengthy debate Los Angeles, she wrote. in accordance with the truth, goodness and and the life he wants for us.” during their assembly, held virtually due In two paragraphs leading to the beauty of the Eucharist we celebrate,” it The final question asks if the Vatican to the pandemic. The action passed with questions, the webpage states that the says. told the bishops not to move forward 168 votes in favor and 55 votes against it. vote approves the drafting of a teaching The first question addresses why on drafting a teaching document on the There were six abstentions. document on the Eucharist, explaining: the bishops acted on this during their Eucharist. Chieko Noguchi, USCCB director of “The question of whether or not to deny meeting. The webpage says this was not the case public affairs, told CNS in an email June any individual or groups Holy Communion In response, the webpage explains the but that the Vatican has encouraged the 24 that the question-and-answer online was not the ballot.” bishops have had a “major concern” that bishops to “engage in dialogue and broad document was developed by her office Noting the Eucharist is the source and Catholics have had a declining belief and consultation” and that the discussion dur- in collaboration with Bishop Kevin C. summit of Christian life, it says that “the understanding of the Eucharist. The con- ing the recent spring general assembly was Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, importance of an ever deeper understand- cern is so deep, it said, the bishops made part of that process. Indiana, doctrine committee chairman, and ing of the beauty and mystery in our lives” the Eucharist the major theme of their “It is important to note that collaboration Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, is not a new topic for the bishops to ad- 2021-24 strategic plan. and consultation among the bishops will be Virginia, chairman of the Committee on dress. The webpage also says the Communion key in the drafting of the document,” the Communications. “The document being drafted is not document “will serve as a foundation webpage says. “We were hearing from people who meant to be disciplinary in nature, nor is for the conference’s Eucharistic Revival A consensus emerged among the bish- seemed to misunderstand the vote, so it it targeted at any one individual or class Project, a national effort focused on ops’ during the debate on drafting the docu- was created and then shared with all bish- of persons. It will include a section on the reviving Eucharistic faith.” ment to convene regional discussions, the ops with the approval of the conference church’s teaching on the responsibility of The second question asks whether outcomes of which would be forwarded to president,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of every Catholic, including bishops, to live the recent vote actually bans politicians the doctrine committee. Bishop Monforton’s reaction to the USCCB document on the Eucharist • This document should underscore the weight, the treasure that the Eucharist is in the church. In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is the source and summit. ... Back in 2019, there was a Pew (Research Center) report that surveyed Catholics; nearly 70% of Catholics in the United States viewed the Eucharist as a symbol, rather than the real body of Christ.

• It shows that there’s a need for a catechetical moment. We’re looking at just a little more of 30% of Catholics attend Sunday Mass – I’m sure there’s a relationship there.

• This document should be a spiritual enabler for all of us to delve into our own conscience. That’s not to say to be Republican, Democrat, Green Party, that doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is that we look within ourselves to realize that it’s not so much, “Do we have a right to the Eucharist?” but instead, “Is it right for us to receive the Eucharist?”

• We’re all fallen individuals, we’re all sinners – I go to confession like everybody else. The question is, are we united with the body of Christ and the church? To receive the Eucharist is a sign of unity. Do we conduct ourselves consistent with who we receive at Mass?

• There are grave sins out there, and they constitute a lack of charity, a break of friendship with God. Obviously one of the words that came up more than once was abortion, also euthanasia, but there are serious, grave sins as well, (such as) racism and human trafficking.

• The third part (of the document) took up most of the discussion, as well as most of the Catholic media out there. I think there were two bishops’ conferences that happened a week ago – one that I attended, and one that a lot of the Catholic press reported on.

• On the lighter side of things, the second graders at the Catholic schools in Steubenville know more about the Eucharist than 70% of Catholics. That shows potential, that shows the future. If the children’s parents don’t go to church, sometimes you need to evangelize the parents through the children.

• I’m grateful that, with this document, that we voted on it, and we’re moving forward. There’s going to be a lot of dialogue, and that’s been encouraged by Cardinal (Luis) Ladaria, in Rome, in a letter to the bishops. That’s extremely important; that’s how the council’s operated. ... It centers on that dialogue, not coercion. People have seen that firsthand.

• This document is, I think, a long time coming, and I hope it does provide, at the very least, a reversal for people who no longer go to church. Whether it’s that the church is no longer seen as important to them, or the scandals we’ve had to contend with, but I certainly hope and pray that it has that effect. THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 5 Pope congratulates retired pontiff on anniversary of priestly ordination By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis congratulated retired Pope Benedict XVI on the 70th anniversary of his priestly ordination. After praying the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the pope led the faithful in applauding his predeces- sor on what he said was “an anniversary that touches all of our hearts.” “Our affection, our gratitude and our closeness go to you, Benedict, dear father and brother,” he said. Born in 1927 in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, Joseph Ratzinger was ordained to the priesthood June 29, 1951, for the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. Before his election as pope in 2005, succeeding St. John Paul II, he served for 24 years as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. After retiring from the papacy in 2013, the retired pontiff chose to live in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the Vati- can, along with Archbishop Georg Ganswein, his personal secretary, and a group of consecrated women. Pope Francis said that although the monastery was meant to house contemplative communities of nuns, the monastery has made Pope Benedict “the contemplative of the Vatican who spends his life praying for the church and The brothers Georg, left, and Joseph Ratzinger, for the Diocese of Rome, of which he is emeritus bishop.” right, are pictured with their mutual friend Rupert Before leading pilgrims in a prolonged applause, the Berger after their priestly ordination June 29, pope thanked Pope Benedict for his years of service to the Father Joseph Ratzinger, chaplain in the parish 1951, in Freising, Germany. After retiring from the church and his witness of faith. of St. Martin in the Moosach district of Munich, papacy in 2013, the retired pontiff chose to live “Thank you, Benedict, dear father and brother,” the pope celebrates Mass in a mountainous area near in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the Vatican, said. “Thank you for your credible witness. Thank you for your Ruhpolding in July 1951 after having been spending his life praying for the church and for continuous gaze toward the horizon of God. Thank you.” ordained a priest June 29, 1951. (CNS photo/KNA) the Diocese of Rome. (CNS photo/KNA) Exhibit commemorating Pope Benedict’s 70 years as a priest opens in Rome ROME (CNA) — Pope Benedict XVI’s personal secretary, Archbishop Georg Ganswein, inaugurated an exhibition in Rome to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Joseph Ratzinger’s ordination to the priesthood and his first Mass, which took place in Bavaria June 29, 1951. The initiative was promoted by the Vatican’s Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Foundation, the Pontifical Com- mittee for Historical Sciences and the Museum of the Popes. This exhibition contains objects that belong to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, leaving his residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery for the first time, and photographs that cover the life of Joseph Ratzinger. The initiative is open to the public at the Arte Poli Gal- lery at 88 Borgo Vittorio street in Rome. Archbishop Ganswein said the display features “parts of his life, parts of his heart,” speaking of Ratzinger; it also features “different objects from various periods of his life, from his First Communion, to the chasuble he still uses now when he celebrates Mass in the Mater Ecclesiae Chapel.” “It spans his life which is shown with these few objects that he has given for this exhibition” and also is a way to give thanks “ that the Lord has given him so many years, 70 years of priesthood is an extraordinary thing,” the Ger- man archbishop said. Archbishop Ganswein said that when Benedict learned of this initiative “he was surprised and delighted.” “He was very happy because being a priest for him is the most important thing in his life. He lived to be a priest. For Archbishop Georg Ganswein looks at photos of Pope Benedict at his exposition in Rome. (Photo by him, it is the most important thing. The content of his entire Alexey Gotvsky) life, and I believe that for him it was also remembering all the things that he has received from the Lord.” he said. Pope Benedict XVI’s personal secretary said that due to Schuetz Funeral Home Refrigeration • Heating • the former pope’s “age and lack of strength, nothing was Mingo Junction, Ohio Air Conditioning (740) 317-7282 done in public” on his ordination anniversary of June 29. Colegate Drive, Marietta Pope Benedict XVI celebrated the June 29 Mass in Jeffrey Schuetz LIC Full service casket and vault – $4,999 373-5869 private in the Mater Ecclesiae chapel. Cremation and urn, $1,195 C awley & Peoples Centre Wheeling Market House Funeral Homes 232-8510 Marietta (373-1111) Lowell (896-3000) 2226 Market St., Barlow (678-2277) Wheeling 6 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021

St. John Paul II Christ: Game Changer

By Diocese of Steubenville became a new ball game! Jesus spoke of other, greater, self, but, literally, a new Bishop Emeritus Gilbert I. Sheldon goods than material success and prosperity. He spoke of life that was lived along the soul and of a new life in addition to our natural life. with and in addition Having discussed marriage as the vocation of the vast He spoke of life after death and the means that he would to one’s natural life. majority of the faithful, St. John Paul calls our attention put at our disposal to achieve it, among them its recep- This did not mean now to the single Catholic. One will find very little in the tion in baptism and feeding that life with his own body merely a new lifestyle Old Testament about single life, for the simple reason that and blood. He spoke of a Holy Spirit who would preside as with a “Born-Again it did not exist as such among the chosen people. The He- over these spiritual gifts and would assist us with our co- Christian” but, literally, brews were a pastoral people, living off the land and what operation. In short, he gave us a whole new set of values a new life in addition the land produced in terms of agriculture and livestock. that transcended the mere material benefits that the Old to the life we know. All life for them centered on the family farm. The oldest Testament promised. In his conversation son inherited the land or the flock. The other sons worked As man became more sophisticated in his knowledge with a man named for him or someone else’s other older brother. Daughters and outlook, especially about the world around him, he Nicodemus, the Gospel were provided for by being married off, usually in a mar- began to cast off his polytheism (belief in a plurality of quotes Jesus as saying, Bishop Sheldon riage arranged by the parents. An unmarried daughter was gods). After all, such notions of god and gods originated “Unless man be born looked upon as a curse, a disgrace, a tragedy or all of the largely from ignorance of natural forces which man gradu- again, he cannot enter above. That would change, however, with the coming of ally began to understand. But, there always remained the the kingdom of heaven (and eternal life).” Nicodemus Christianity. City folk, i.e., families of tradesmen or what question, when contemplating nature: Why all this? Where asked, “How can a man be born again?” Jesus answered we would call professionals, followed the same pattern of did it come from? Such questions always came back to the that this second birth is of the Holy Spirit and is, itself, a inheritance and planned marriage. idea of a Creator-God. Man was certain that there were spiritual reality, not perceivable by the senses (see, John, Mankind’s relationship with God is seen in the Old not a raft of gods, but could never shake off the need for Chapter 3). It is rightly called “supernatural.” (An entire Testament, primarily in terms of material realities and at least one – even to many this day! theological study is possible on grace, this new life and its benefits. The people saw their part in the keeping the When we contemplate what the nature of this God must nature.) To go into it here would take us too far afield from terms of the Mosaic covenant, i.e., the terms given Moses be like, all-powerful, all-loving, etc., the story of his be- our topic. It suffices to point out that this supernatural life on Mount Sinai for their behavior. Among them, the most coming man as told in the Gospels makes a lot of sense. is lived concurrently with natural life. We have no need for fundamental was their recognition and worship of Yahweh So do a lot of things that Catholics do and don’t do – like additional faculties such as intellect, will, consciousness, as the one, true God and the remaining single! But, coming etc. The ones we have do nicely for both the natural and rejection of all so called gods back to God becoming man, the supernatural life. When in the “state of grace,” as it’s of their pagan neighbors. “By offering us a new, additional life, God has what was his purpose? The called, one is acting at both levels. Yahweh (“he who is”), was raised the stakes, so to speak, from those of Gospels make it clear: it was The purpose of this new life is to “enter the kingdom the name or identification that the Old Testament. Are you still in the game?” all about life! Life – existence of heaven.” That means to live with God forever! It cer- God gave Moses of himself. – is the fundamental good, tainly gives a new dimension to what we see as human The people looked in return for the basic value in our lives. values and goals. Marriage, sex, making the big bucks such tangible benefits as assistance in war, of successful All other goods, all other values, depend on it. In a close and all the rest are now seen in a completely new and production of livestock and agricultural products and of reading of the Bible, we find hints at this when death is relative light. their own progeny. In other words, they expected their spoken about as the ultimate, the greatest evil: the loss By now, you may be wondering what happened to the religious piety to pay off in terms of material prosperity. of existence. The heart of the message that the God-Man subject of the single life that was promised. Stay tuned. There are few references in the Old Testament to what came to deliver is that, in regard to life, there’s a lot more It’s coming. But, this topic of the life of grace had to come we call “grace,” the workings of God in the spiritual or where this came from – and it’s available to us if we want first for the rest to make sense. At the center of the discus- supernatural order. For that, we must look to the New it and are willing to work for it! sion are the values of this new life, values not for now, Testament and the teaching of Jesus. At about age 30, Jesus began a career as an itinerant but for eternity. By offering us a new, additional life, God The incarnation of the second person of the Trinity, in religious teacher (i.e., a rabbi). He spoke of being “born has raised the stakes, so to speak, from those of the Old the form of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, changed all that. It again,” not in the sense of a self-awakening to reform one’s Testament. Are you still in the game?

Praying Through Distraction By Father Jonas A. Shell daily Mass. It is the Lord’s day and is a great day of do our best to be united to Christ who also had so many rejoicing, but I still preferred the quiet to the loud. The opportunities for distraction as he carried his heavy burden In my first year of undergraduate studies at Franciscan loud music (often with someone singing out of key), noise through the streets up to the hill of Golgotha. Christ was University, I returned to being a practicing Catholic. I of children, shuffling about, talking of adults and whatever To Page 8 was once addicted to certain substances, but I quickly other little noises made it more difficult to focus during changed from having that addiction to being addicted to the the Sunday Mass. Everything seemed to distract from The Steubenville Register Eucharist. After going to confession for the first time in 6 God and prayer. I would wager that there are many people Biweekly publication of the Diocese of Steubenville or so years, I began to go to daily Mass before my morning who have encountered these and other similar distractions P.O. Box 969, 422 Washington St. classes. Daily Mass, early in the morning at the local when trying to pray at Mass. It is true that we have lost Steubenville, OH 43952-5969 email: [email protected] parish church in Toronto, was quiet and prayerful. There a good bit of the quiet reverence that is due in church, was time afterward to but even if everyone were more conscious of being quiet Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, publisher sit in the silence and and prayerful, there would still be many occasions for pray. This experience distraction. Dino Orsatti, editor was almost the opposite Toward the end of my undergraduate studies, I had [email protected] of my experience of another experience that began to help me deal with distrac- Matthew A. DiCenzo, Sunday Mass where it tions in prayer. A group had organized an outdoor Stations staff writer, social media coordinator seemed I had to endure of the Cross that began at St. Peter’s and ended at the Holy [email protected] Florence E. James, circulation/advertising Name Cathedral. That meant that we’d be praying at vari- a lot of ruckus just so [email protected] I could finally receive ous locations on the sidewalks as we passed through the Holy Communion. At downtown streets of Steubenville in the middle of the day. Telephone (740) 282-3631; FAX (740) 282-3327 the same time, I knew Talk about distractions during prayer. Thankfully, the one Subscription rate $15 per year in state of Ohio; that Sunday Mass was organizing the event addressed this reality. Whether it was $17 per year outside the state of Ohio; supposed to be and was his intention or not, it seemed to me that this was the main $24 per year to all foreign countries more important than point of having these stations in such a public manner. In Father Shell Periodicals postage paid at Steubenville, OH 43952 SSN 0744-77IX the quiet and prayerful the midst of all that could take our attention, we were to THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 7

‘Did You Know?’ Prayer: Conversation with God

By Diocese of Steubenville dependent on God’s divine plan for each one of us. It’s quite Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton difficult to participate in a team sport if we do not attend the practices. Prayer of course is more than a practice, but “He (Jesus) was praying in a certain place, and when certainly is crucial for us to recognize how God is inviting he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, us to meet our potential as beings made in his image and teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples’” (Lk likeness, to know the game plan. 11:1). While it may be difficult for some to believe, in prayer, God speaks first; that is, he invites us and moves our hearts In 2019, a pew survey was conducted and provided the and minds to request a conversation with him. Prayer is results that nearly 70% of Catholics in the United States did conversation with God. So many of us are familiar with not believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eu- many of the rote prayers we learned as children, such as the charist; they believe the Eucharist was nothing more than Lord’s Prayer (the Our Father) (see, Luke, Chapter 11, and a symbol. This grave mistaken identity is disappointing, Matthew, Chapter 6, Verses 9-13), words that come directly but in my estimation also begs the question: How many of from Jesus Christ himself, he, of course, being the word those surveyed that were mistaken about the identity of the of God. We also are familiar with the Hail Mary, words Eucharist actually pray? Moreover, if they do pray, what that come directly from the archangel Gabriel. This theme is the integrity of their prayer and do they even know to continues in Mary’s visit with her kinswoman Elizabeth at whom they pray? the Visitation (see, Luke, Chapter 1). The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer by With Christian confidence, we recognize that God is quoting St. John Damascene, one of the Church Fathers: always there for our sharing. Furthermore, prayer can “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or be unpredictable and unsuspected. A perfect example for the requesting of good things from God” (Catechism of many of us who answered yes to Jesus Christ in his invita- Bishop Monforton the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2559). You see, prayer is tion to consecrated life, prayer was crucial for our ability God’s gift, as St. Therese of Lisieux indicates that for her, to hear or to listen. A Christian vocation is not confirmed “prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look toward because “it feels right.” The devil is all too polished in just to listen, but to respond. It seems to me the words of heaven; it is a cry of recognition and of love embracing that game. Our conversation with God is crucial for us St. Paul in his First Letter to the Thessalonians should echo both trial and joy.” You see, prayer entails searching and to understand God’s “game plan” for us, especially if the in our own hearts as we seek God’s will for us: “And for the sacred Scripture shows us time and time again how God vocational journey takes an unsuspected turn in our lives. this reason, we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, reveals himself to us even in the midst of worldly distrac- Mary, the Mother of God, is the archetypical person or in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received tions. Prayer is not accidental, but intentional. When we prime example of what one’s prayer life should imitate. not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which pray, we plumb the depths of the divine presence, namely, Mary was always receptive to God’s word and while her is now at work in you who believe” (1 Thes 2:13). God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit by complete understanding of God’s game plan was not May this summertime be one of great blessing for you engaging our entire being – body, mind and soul. necessary, at the time her unwavering faith was. Mary and your loved ones and may our prayer life bear fruit Prayer is more than an obligation. Prayer is necessary is exclusively the hearer of God’s word and as being the these warm (or hot) days. for a devout and holy life. Prayer reminds us that we are mother of Jesus Christ, she also was the location of the not sovereign or autonomous beings, but are completely word’s in dwelling. Like Mary, you and I are called not Stay holy; stay healthy; stay safe.

Breaking Out of the Prison of Self-Invention By Bishop Robert Barron is a commonly held view, a moment’s reflection reveals composition (with which Lewis was familiar) opined that how silly this position is. Since he has bothered to complain Coleridge’s discrimination was baseless, since each per- For the past many years, I have been maintaining an about my point of view, he obviously holds that there is son was simply describing the emotions that he felt in the internet ministry that allows me, through comment boxes, something the matter with articulating an incorrect opinion, presence of the waterfall and not anything intrinsic to the to listen in on the questions, complaints and pontifications that this is something I shouldn’t do. Furthermore, since he waterfall. C.S. Lewis thought this was so much nonsense. of thousands of people in regard to religion. I have is appealing to the public, he must think that this standard Rather, as Coleridge correctly intuited, the reaction of the noticed that these commentaries sort themselves out in of rectitude is not merely a subjective whim of his own, first person was appropriate to the real quality of the cas- fairly predictable ways, centering around issues of God’s but a standard that is generally known. In a word, he is cade, and the reaction of the second person was pathetically existence, the problem of suffering, the uniqueness of holding to the very principle that he denies; namely, that inappropriate to it. The objective rules the subjective and Christianity among the religions of the world and the whole some objective and universal moral value exists. Moreover, not vice versa. range of the church’s sexual teachings. in making bold to call me “dumb,” he also indirectly Lewis’ discussion vividly calls to mind Dietrich von But, another theme that presents itself with remarkable affirms the objectivity of truth, since he could make no such Hildebrand’s distinction between the objectively valuable regularity is the denial of the objectivity of truth and moral determination of my mental acuity unless he believed in and a subjective value response. For von Hildebrand, the value. I have encountered this position frequently over the some clear epistemic criterion. In a word, he is hoisted on point of good mentoring is to help a student recognize value years, but in the past few weeks, a spate of such objections his own petard. Even the most radical and thoroughgoing in the aesthetic, ethical and epistemic orders and then to have surfaced in the wake of a recent video of mine skeptic is necessarily standing on some ground when he call forth from her the response, both affective and intel- on the subject. Here is launches his criticism. He might quarrel with someone’s lectual, commensurate with the value. Once again, value one typical response: understanding of a moral or intellectual value, but the one language doesn’t refer to feelings, but rather to the things “Thirty seconds in, thing he cannot coherently say is that there is no such thing and events that awaken the feelings. And, both Lewis and and he’s (“he” means as moral or intellectual value. von Hildebrand harken in this sense back to Aristotle who me) obviously dumb: C.S. Lewis, arguably the greatest Christian apologist of said that the aim of education is to make the pupil like and objective moral values? the last century, saw this problem and endeavored to ad- dislike what he ought. In short, feelings and affections Those aren’t real.” dress it in his short, but marvelous book, “The Abolition should be trained and not simply valorized. Though this gentleman of Man.” He took as his starting point a famous story told I mention all of this because what C.S. Lewis saw in that focused on moral of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As Lewis recounts it, the poet book of English composition some 80 years ago is now values, many of the was standing with two acquaintances in the presence of a everywhere in our culture; it is in fact the default position commentators on this stunning waterfall. One of his interlocutors announced that of practically everyone under the age of 40. It is commonly score have equal disdain the sight was “sublime,” and the other that it was indeed held that what we call “values” are just projections of our for the objectivity of “pretty.” Coleridge enthusiastically confirmed the first feelings and subjective whims, and consequently, anyone Bishop Barron truth claims. characterization and apparently turned away in disgust who dares to speak of properly objective truth or objective Though, as I said, this at the second. The authors of a popular book of English To Page 8 8 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021

The Beautiful Hungry Caterpillar

By Sister Constance Veit many elements from the was onerous work, forcing is essential. Caring for each other is natural world, along with him to confront the dark everything.” In my vocation as a Little Sister of the adorable animals and realities of war. Carle passed away in his home in Mas- Poor, I am involved in several aspects of intriguing human beings. After completing art sachusetts May 23, 2021. our mission of hospitality to the elderly. One But, while St. Hilaire school, returning to the While visiting my family in New Eng- of my favorite things is organizing creative creates her impressionistic United States and work- land the week after Carle’s death, I had activities for our residents, so I’m always images using tiny bits ing for several years as a a conversation with my young cousin, a looking for new art projects they might enjoy. of hand-printed collage commercial artist in New precocious six-year-old. She told me about Recently, I became intrigued with collage paper, Carle’s works are York City, he was drafted dressing up as a character from her favorite as an artistic medium. After watching a few created using pieces of into the U.S. army during book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” for online tutorials, I reached out to a professional tissue paper he fills with the Korean War. He could a recent school assignment. collage artist to ask her if she had ever taught seemingly random brush have become hardened or “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is Eric frail seniors or people with disabilities. strokes, circular patterns, cynical, but he didn’t. Carle’s most popular title. I was touched when I received a personal dots and splatters of paint. Sister Veit In 1967 Carle was hired I asked her what makes her appreci- reply from Elizabeth St. Hilaire the very His style is whimsical and to illustrate his first chil- ate Carle’s books so much. Her response next day. She gave me some tips about a bit primitive. dren’s book, a job that stunned me. Eric Carle, she said, “makes supplies and suggested that I explore the Watching a video of Eric Carle creat- changed his life. He then devoted the rest simple beauty out of pieces of nothing.” work of collage artist Eric Carle, whose ing art in his studio and engaging with of his life to writing and illustrating chil- I don’t know if Eric Carle was a Chris- style she thought might correspond to our children, I was struck by his serene atten- dren’s books – 70 in all, with more than tian, but his life and work seem to epitomize seniors. tiveness to his craft, to nature and to other 170 million copies sold! Recent interviews Gospel simplicity and Pope Francis’ vision I wasn’t familiar with Eric Carle, at least people. I couldn’t help but think that his reveal a man very much at peace, someone of older people as guides who can help the by name, but when I googled him, I rec- life could have taken a very different turn. who grew wiser, more insightful and more young formulate their own dreams. ognized his colorful style from children’s After an idyllic early childhood, Carle childlike as he aged. As we look forward to celebrating the books I’d seen when visiting my nieces and moved to Germany with his parents be- Eric Carle’s approach to life seems first World Day of Grandparents and the nephew. The more research I did, the more cause his mother missed her homeland. His tailor-made for our present situation. “Sim- Elderly July 25, I feel that I have found a fascinated I became with Carle’s life and father was drafted into the German army plify, slow down, be kind,” he often said. new friend. As I grow older, I pray I will work. at the beginning of World War II, taken And on a wall in the Eric Carle Museum be able to make simple beauty out of pieces Carle’s childlike spirit and peaceful, prisoner and eventually returned home a of Picture Book Art is the following of nothing like Eric Carle did. carefree creative process really struck broken man. inscription: “Children’s books remind us me. Both Carle and St. Hilaire create As a teenager, Carle was conscripted to in uncertain times that there is still much Sister Veit is director of communica- vibrant “paper paintings” featuring dig trenches along the German border. It we do know: Kindness matters. Laughter tions for the Little Sisters of the Poor. Pope Francis to grandparents, all elderly people: ‘You are needed’ By Cindy Wooden us. He is close to us with new possibilities, the day, “devote adequate time to actually build, in fraternity and social friendship, the Catholic News Service new ideas, new consolations, but always or virtually visiting their elderly brothers world of tomorrow: the world in which we, VATICAN CITY — Writing to his peers, close to us. You know that the Lord is eter- and sisters in need or in difficulty” or join together with our children and grandchil- Catholics who have reached a venerable nal; he never, ever goes into retirement,” the in prayers for the elderly July 25 can re- dren, will live once the storm has subsided.” age like he has, Pope Francis told older pope wrote in his message for the Catholic ceive a plenary indulgence as long as they Turning to the importance of prayer, Catholics that God is close to them and Church’s first celebration of the World Day fulfill the usual requirements of also going Pope Francis cited “my predecessor, Pope still has plans for their lives. for Grandparents and the Elderly. to confession, receiving the Eucharist and Benedict, himself a saintly elderly person “I was called to become the bishop of The message was released at the Vatican praying for the intentions of the pope. who continues to pray and work for the Rome when I had reached, so to speak, June 22 in anticipation of the celebration The indulgence also is available to “the church” at the age of 94. “The prayer of retirement age, and thought I would not be July 25, the Sunday closest to the Feast of elderly sick and all those who, unable to the elderly can protect the world, helping doing anything new,” said the pope, who is Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents. leave their homes for a serious reason, will it perhaps more effectively than the frenetic 84 now and was elected when he was 76. The Vatican also announced that people unite themselves spiritually to the sacred activity of many others,” the pope quoted “The Lord is always – always – close to who attend a Mass or other celebration for functions of the world day, offering to the his predecessor as saying. “He spoke those merciful God their prayers, pains or suffer- words in 2012, toward the end of his pon- ings of their lives,” the Vatican said. tificate. There is something beautiful here.” Praying Pope Francis’ message, which was distrib- Pope Francis told the elderly: “Your From Page 6 things we have to do, it begins to show us uted in writing and on video, acknowledged prayer is a very precious resource: a deep physically weakened from the lack of sleep to what we are attached. Hence, we can how much many older people around the breath that the church and the world ur- and the beatings he received. He carried begin to speak to Jesus about our need for world suffered and continue to suffer physi- gently need. Especially in these difficult a large wooden cross atop his beaten and detachment from those very things. The cally, emotionally and spiritually because of times for our human family, as we continue bloodied body. People cursed and mocked distraction becomes the subject for conver- the COVID-19 pandemic. to sail in the same boat across the stormy him, plucked at his beard and threw debris sation with Our Lord. We can petition for a But, he also insisted that the Christian sea of the pandemic, your intercession as they watched the spectacle. He was on greater trust in God’s providential care, or call to share the Gospel is as pertinent now for the world and for the church has great the way to his ignominious death, yet he if it concerns a relationship, we can pray for for all of them as it ever was. Pope Francis value: it inspires in everyone the serene was focused on his love for the Father and the person about whom we are distracted. insisted, “You are needed in order to help trust that we will soon come to shore.” his love for neighbor. It was not a quiet Similarly with those physical sights and time of prayer on top of the mountain, it sounds that can distract us at Mass, we can was a noisy parade that led to a mountain of offer those up to the Lord. Breaking Out death during which Jesus was treated like As soon as we offer a distraction to Jesus, From Page 7 So don’t let people seduce you with the some sort of human pinata for the wicked it becomes a prayer. This might not be the moral value is engaging in an oppressive rhetoric of self-invention and being free children of Adam. most contemplative style of prayer, but it is play of power. The upshot of all this is to make up one’s own values. In the final What I realized then and have had the important nonetheless because it teaches us that we have locked ourselves into mil- analysis, there is no project duller and more opportunity to practice ever since is that to stay fixed on Jesus in the midst of normal lions of little prisons from which we have suffocating than that. every distraction Jesus faced was an op- life. Whether life seems smooth or rough, our little choice but to hurl invective at one portunity for prayer. His desire to do the hearts should always be turned toward Jesus. another. Perhaps the principle advantage Bishop Barron is an auxiliary bishop Father’s will and his desire for our salva- of acknowledging objective value is that of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. tion was his prayer in the midst of so much Father Shell is a Diocese of Steubenville it provides the opportunity for all of us to He is the founder of Word on Fire distraction. Likewise for us, every distrac- priest and the pastor of Our Lady of fall in love together with something good, Catholic Ministries, headquartered in tion that we face can be turned to prayer. Mercy Parish, Carrollton, and St. Mary true and beautiful. It permits us to break Des Plaines, Illinois. A nonprofit global When distractions occur in our mind, or of the Immaculate Conception Parish, free of the prison of our egotism and to media apostolate, additional information we are bombarded with the thoughts of the Morges. enter, together, a journey of exploration. is available at www.wordonfire.org. THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 9 Florida Catholics find comfort in rosary as search continues amid rubble By Jim Davis Catholic News Service MIAMI — Search and rescue efforts resumed July 5, the day after the managed demolition of the remaining part of Champlain Towers South complex in Surfside, Florida. Following the sudden collapse of the multistory build- ing, many Catholics around South Florida have fled to a common refuge: the comforting presence of Mary. So it was that several schools in the Miami Archdiocese reacted to the June 24 fall of the structure by praying the rosary. Reflecting on its glorious, joyful, sorrowful and luminous mysteries, they called on the Mother of God for aid and comfort. “I think everyone understands that in pain, you turn to your mother,” said Wency Ortega, who helped organize a virtual online rosary June 27 for students, teachers, families and alumni of Christopher Columbus High School. “And, in turning to our Mother, we turn to Jesus.” About 2,000 people tapped into Columbus’ virtual ro- sary, coordinated by a group of instructors and alumni of the Marist school in Miami. Taking part through YouTube, Demolition explosives bring down the damaged remaining portion of the Champlain Towers South LinkedIn and Facebook Live, they were knitted together condo building in Surfside, Florida, July 4. The now-demolished section had remained standing after via the StreamYard platform. the rest of the building collapsed June 24. (CNS photo/Marco Bello, Reuters) Individuals submitted their own intentions in chat boxes. They also prayed for members of a half-dozen families in and pain that we run to our Mother for help.” “All of us felt helpless as we saw the videos and read the the school’s “greater family” who remained missing. Our Lady of Lourdes Academy announced a rosary for newspaper. (But) prayer is something we do. This is a way As of July 6, at least 32 people were confirmed dead July 1, the one-week anniversary of the building collapse. of serving the community.” and authorities put the number of those still unaccounted The event, on Instagram Live, was planned especially for Ironically, the speedy birth of the Columbus High School for at 113. Miami-Dade County’s mayor said two of the families who were still awaiting news of their loved ones rosary was a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. fatalities were children, ages 10 and 4. – uncles, aunts, cousins, grandmothers and others. Fifteen months ago, a 1988 alumnus, Dr. Glenn Barquet, Other schools also have held or planned their own rosaries. “Each decade (of the rosary) will be for one of the fami- a cardiologist, took ill with the virus, then died. On June 28, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in Miami drew lies,” Lourdes Academy spokesperson Olga Martinez said His 1988 classmates began nightly prayer meetings on 300 people to a “Prayer for Surfside.” Seated in the campus’ ahead of the rosary. Different representatives from the com- Zoom, at first just among themselves, then including friends. Roca Theater, they also heard words of encouragement from munity were to represent the families during the prayers. The virtual congregation grew to 150. Some even began log- Jesuit Father Guillermo Garcia-Tunon, school president. Faculty and staff have been collecting donations for the ging in from sites as diverse as Austin, Texas, the District of Father Garcia-Tunon first prayed for victims of the build- affected families at Lourdes, Martinez said. She added Columbia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. “After- ing collapse, as well as those who were still missing. Stand- that the school’s president, Sister Carmen Fernandez, an ward, we’d stay on for three or four hours, reconnecting with ing next to a statue of Our Lady of Belen, he also explained Immaculate Heart of Mary sister, has offered support to people we hadn’t spoken to in many years,” Ortega said. why the rosary was the chosen vehicle for such prayers. them as well. The experience of community has been a vital After Barquet died, his wife and children asked the class “As Catholics, we place so much of our hope and fears, part of the group prayer, according to Thomas Kruczek, of 1988 to continue the nightly rosaries, according to Ortega. our sadness and anger in the hands of the Mother of Jesus,” president of Columbus High School, who gave a welcome “They said the rosary helped them, comforted them, gave he said. “She experienced his joy and his sadness. She address the night of June 27. them strength to go through the mourning process.” experienced his fear, anger and sorrow. She experienced “It felt good as a Catholic family to do the rosary,” he told Each night, one of the 1988 alumni leads the prayers, his death. It is only natural that in times of such sorrow the Florida Catholic, newspaper of the Miami Archdiocese. with 15 to 25 regular attendees, Ortega said. Bishops support investigation of former US funded residential schools By Carol Zimmermann North America,” said Noguchi in her statement. way that might be seen to represent traditional or cultural Catholic News Service “By bringing this painful story to light, may it bring some practices, stripped of traditional clothing, hair and personal WASHINGTON — In response to a late June announce- measure of peace to the victims and a heightened awareness belongings and behaviors reflective of their Native culture.” ment, the United States will be conducting an investigation so that this disturbing history is never repeated,”she added These schools in the U.S. came about after the Civiliza- of former federally funded boarding schools to search for The National Native American Boarding School Healing tion Fund Act of 1819, which aimed to introduce “habits graves of Native American children, a spokesperson for Coalition said that it felt “deep gratitude” for the upcom- and arts of civilization” to Indian tribes. the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said June 28 the ing investigation, which will “provide critical resources to The new initiative, which will present a final report next bishops will “look for ways to be of assistance.” address the ongoing historical trauma of Indian boarding April, will not only identify the locations of these former “It is important to understand what might have occurred schools. Our organization has been pursuing truth, justice residential schools in the U.S., but also will identify where here in the United States,” said the statement from Chieko and healing for boarding school survivors, descendants there may have been burials and what tribes the attending Noguchi, who added the bishops will be “following and tribal communities.” students were from. closely” the investigation announced June 22 by Interior The group, based in Minneapolis, has identified 367 In Canada, not only have hundreds of graves been de- Secretary Deb Haaland. “historically assimilative Indian boarding schools that tected at two former residential schools, but an investiga- Haaland, who is a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New operated in the U.S. between approximately 1870 until tion by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Mexico and is Catholic, announced this upcoming review. 1970,” but it has only been able to locate records from 38 the past six years has revealed accounts of brutality, neglect “I know that this process will be long and difficult. I percent of these schools. and sexual abuse within the network of these schools. know that this process will be painful. It won’t undo the “Because the records have never been fully examined, Chief Cadmus Delorme of Canada’s Cowessess First Na- heartbreak and loss we feel. But, only by acknowledging it is still unknown how many Native American children tion has called for a papal apology for what has happened, the past can we work toward a future that we’re all proud attended, died or went missing from Indian boarding saying it would be “one stage of many in the healing journey.” to embrace,” she said. schools,” the statement said. “We believe that the time is The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops an- Many of these government-funded schools were church- now for truth and healing. We have a right to know what nounced that a delegation of “elders/knowledge keepers, run boarding schools. happened to the children who never returned home from residential school survivors and youth from across the The U.S. Interior Department’s initiative was prompted Indian boarding schools.” country” representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis com- by the recent discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the On its website, the coalition points out that over 350 munities, is preparing to travel to the Vatican. Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. government-funded, and often church-run, boarding schools Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, Saskatchewan, said Just two days after the U.S. initiative was announced, 751 operated across the country in the 19th and 20th centuries. Pope Francis would be able to listen to their stories and unmarked graves were discovered at a second site, a former Although the group said it does not have an accurate hear, in person, what they need from him and the church. Catholic residential school in Saskatchewan. count of the number of children who were placed in these In Vancouver, British Columbia, Archbishop J. Michael “We are deeply saddened by the information coming out schools, it said it was likely hundreds of thousands. Miller said the archdiocese will “offer to assist with tech- of two former residential boarding school sites in Canada. It also notes that these children were voluntarily or forcibly nological and professional support” to help the affected We cannot even begin to imagine the deep sorrow these removed from their homes and families and “punished for nations in whatever way they choose to honor, retrieve discoveries are causing in Native communities across speaking their Native language, banned from acting in any and remember their deceased children.” 10 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021

Up and Down the Diocese

Belle Valley/Caldwell/Carlisle/Fulda Sundays. The time for the Saturday Mass — The Noble County Catholic community is seasonal and will be at 4:30 p.m. for has a new Mass schedule. Mass is cel- Rosary prayed at Fatima shrine the months of March through October. ebrated at 4 p.m., Saturdays, at St. Mary of Mass will be at 4 p.m. during the months the Immaculate Conception Church, Fulda, of November through February. The and at 6 p.m., Saturdays, at Corpus Christi time changes will take effect for the first Church, Belle Valley. Mass is celebrated at full weekend of March and November, 8:30 a.m., Sundays, at St. Stephen Church, respectively. Caldwell, and at 10:30 a.m., at St. Michael St. Joseph Parish Holy Name Society is Church, Carlisle. Weekday Masses are cel- sponsoring its 38th annual four-man golf ebrated at 8 a.m., Tuesdays, at St. Michael scramble, Aug. 14, at Fairway River Links Church. Mass is celebrated at St. Stephen Golf Course, 100 Liberty St., Rayland. Church at noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Entry fee for the 7 a.m. shotgun start is and at 8 a.m., Wednesdays and Fridays. $50 per golfer, which includes a golf cart, Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary of the continental breakfast and unlimited food Immaculate Conception Church at 8 a.m., and refreshments during the event. The Thursdays. event will include cash prizes, skins game, Churchtown — St. John the Baptist closest-to-the-pin competition and a 50/50 Parish, Churchtown, will hold a “Rocky raffle. Participants 70 years of age or older Railway” vacation Bible school from can use red tees. Hole sponsorships are 6:30-9 p.m., July 18-22, at St. John Central Father David L. Huffman, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Lawrence available at $25 by telephoning the parish School, 17654 Ohio Route 676. The O’Toole parishes, Ironton, and administrator of St. Mary Mission, office at (740) 859-4018. For additional program is designed for prekindergarten Pine Grove, leads the praying of the rosary, June 13, at Our Lady information or to register, visit Fairway through sixth-grade students. For additional of Fatima Shrine, located on Old U.S. Route 52 near Ironton. The River Links or telephone their clubhouse information, telephone Angie Henniger at Ironton Catholic community prays the rosary monthly at the Fatima at (740) 859-9304. (740) 336-0119. shrine on the 13th of each month from May through October. The Wintersville — Blessed Sacrament and Colerain/St. Clairsville — St. dates coincide with the appearances of Mary to the three children Our Lady of Lourdes parishes will host a Frances Cabrini Parish, Colerain, has in Fatima in 1917. According to the Ironton Catholic community’s half-day vacation Bible school from 9 a.m.- been clustered with St. Mary Parish, St. website – www.irontoncatholicchurches.com – the shrine was noon, July 10, at Sargus Hall. The theme is Clairsville. Weekend Mass at St. Frances blessed by Father L.A. Phillips May 13, 1954, and by Bishop John “St. Joseph’s Workshop.” The program is Cabrini Church is celebrated at 6:30 p.m., King Mussio, Steubenville’s first bishop, Oct. 13, 1962. The rosary for children in preschool through fifth grade. Saturdays. Mass at St. Mary Church is is scheduled to be prayed at 7 p.m., July 13, at Our Lady of Fatima For additional information, telephone the celebrated at 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, and at Shrine. (Screenshot/Ironton and Pine Grove Catholic Community YouTube channel) parish office at (740) 264-0868. 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Sundays. Students at Catholic Central High Martins Ferry — An annual novena to School, Steubenville, will hold their the Infant of Prague is being held at 7 p.m., Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, a Tiltonsville — St. Joseph Parish has a Eucharistic adoration evenings at 7 p.m., Monday evenings, at St. Mary Church. homily, music and prayers to the Infant of new Mass schedule. Mass is celebrated July 22 and Aug. 5, at Blessed Sacrament Each week consists of exposition and Prague. The novena concludes Aug. 30. at 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, and at 10 a.m., Church. Around and About Lowell — A vacation Bible school, of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Lowell. For older, will take place at 6:30 p.m., July 16, 24, at St. Bernard Church, Beverly. Tickets themed “What Did God Say,” will be held additional information, telephone Sherry at Mary’s House at Silver Heels, 2272 E. cost $12 per person. The meal includes from 9 a.m.-noon, July 19-21, for children Wittekind at (740) 371-4235. Ohio Route 266. Cake and beverages will baked steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, ages 3-12, at Lowell Park on Buell Island, Stockport — A ribbon cutting ceremony be served. homemade noodles, green beans, roll hosted by St. John Evangelical Church. The and blessing for Mary’s House, a home A baked steak dinner benefiting Mary’s and dessert. Dine in or carry out will be church is part of the ecumenical program serving pregnant women 18 years old and House will be held from 4:30-7 p.m., July available. Pope asks for local events coinciding with World Meeting of Families 2022 VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis majority of families.” be invited to send delegates involved in with enthusiasm to family ministry with has asked dioceses around the world With questions still present about how family ministry to Rome for “the Festival spouses, families and pastors together.” to make it possible for every family the coronavirus pandemic will impact of Families, the pastoral congress” and the Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the to participate in the World Meeting of global travel and large international concluding Mass. Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, Families by holding local celebrations meetings next year, Pope Francis said there At the same time, the pope said, “each said the World Meeting of Families contin- during the gathering in Rome June 22-26, is “an opportunity provided by providence diocese can be the focal point for a local ues to grow and attract more families from 2022. to create a worldwide event that can meeting for its families and communities. around the world, “bringing enrichment “After being postponed for a year due involve all the families that would like to In this way, everyone will be able to par- with their languages, cultures and experi- to the pandemic, the desire to meet again feel part of the ecclesial community.” ticipate, even those who cannot come to ences.” is great,” the pope said in a video message The theme of the 2022 gathering is: Rome.” The gatherings, he said, “have been an July 2. “Family love: A vocation and a path to Pope Francis asked dioceses to be eloquent sign of the beauty of the family for In the past, he said, the World Meeting holiness.” “dynamic, active and creative in organizing the church and for all humanity. We need of Families “was perceived as being Rome will be the main venue, the this with the families in harmony with what to continue on this path, seeking to involve something remote, at most followed pope said, and bishops’ conferences and will be taking place in Rome. This is a more and more families in this beautiful on television,” but “unknown to the international Catholic organizations will wonderful opportunity to devote ourselves initiative.” Obituaries

Alice Neader Beardmore, 81, Basilica Robert L. Krajnyak, 84, Martins Ferry, Steubenville, May 10. Sophie M. Splenda, 102, Triumph of of St. Mary of the Assumption, Marietta, St. Mary, May 18. Mary K. Zani Maroon, 76, St. Clairsville, the Cross, Steubenville, June 28. June 17. Suzanne M. Kresser, 51, Wintersville, St. Anthony of Padua, Bridgeport, June 30. Dorothy E. Winter, 96, Dellroy, St. Lauretta A. Bertoia, 83, Triumph of the St. Francis of Assisi, Toronto, June 23. Joanne Nastasia McCarthy, 82, Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Cross, Steubenville, June 30. Vida Mae Lewis, 85, St. Frances Steubenville, St. Joseph, Toronto, June 22. Morges, June 19. Primo J. DiCarlo, 66, St. Peter, Cabrini, Colerain, June 29. Aimee G. Smith Robinson, 64, Margaret Durante Zelenitz, 93, St. Steubenville, June 24. Helen A. Marini, 95, St. Peter, Colerain, St. Joseph, Bridgeport, June 11. Clairsville, St. Joseph, Bridgeport, June 18. THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 11 Artist casts his own hands in restoration of Wisconsin parish’s statue By Sam Lucero combination. Cutting off the hands turned Catholic News Service out to be much harder than I anticipated.” INSTITUTE, Wis. — St. Teresa of Avila He used a cordless reciprocating saw and once said, “Christ has no body on earth a circular saw to cut through the metal and now but yours, no hands but yours.” concrete. Nufer then used an electric drill Bruce Nufer, a retired art teacher from with a concrete bit to drill a 3-inch-deep Menasha, Wisconsin, who restores reli- hole into both wrists, which would be used gious statues, took the second part of the to attach the new concrete hands. metaphor literally. Birnschein said the parish plans to clean On June 16, Nufer, a member of St. Mary and repaint the statue. Parish in Menasha, completed a restoration Sts. Peter and Paul Parish was estab- project on a life-size statue of Jesus outside lished in 1883 and a new church building of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Institute, was completed in the summer of 1885. An Wisconsin. The statue’s hands were dam- electrical fire destroyed the original church aged and Nufer had to make concrete cast- Oct. 19, 1930, and the current church was ings of his own hands to replace the ones dedicated on Labor Day 1931. Birnschein he removed. is unsure when the statue of the Sacred “Apparently some vandals knocked off Heart of Jesus was erected. all of the fingers on the statue, leaving it Nufer said he hopes the parish will like looking damaged and awkward,” Nufer Bruce Nufer, a member of St. Mary Parish in Menasha, Wisconsin, stands the restoration work. told The Compass, newspaper of the Green outside Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Institute, Wisconsin, June 16, holding “I find a lot of satisfaction knowing Bay Diocese, prior to making the 90-mile the two concrete hands he created to replace the hands on a life-size statue I’ve done something that parishioners and trip to the church. of Jesus that vandals damaged. (CNS photo/Sam Lucero, The Compass) clergy will be glad to see back in place in “This job is unlike any restoration I’ve close-to-new condition,” Nufer said. “A attempted before,” he said. “Probably my but concrete doesn’t pour that well into a When the parish began plans to restore lot of these pieces have been a presence biggest challenge was casting a new pair of mold with features like this,” Nufer said. “I the statue, Birnschein said, someone told in the lives of the congregation for many hands for the statue. That’s not something probably cast six sets of hands (to create) him about Nufer. decades and outright replacements not only I do every day. Fortunately, my own hands the right consistency so that the new hands Removing what remained of the statue’s cost many times what I charge, but lack were a close match in size, so that was a would have enough details and enough fingerless hands took longer than Nufer the sentimental value. It’s a good feeling good start.” strength.” expected. to know I’ve been able to help restore a bit The most difficult part of creating new The pandemic also complicated the “I was somewhat surprised to find that of religious history.” hands for the statue was pouring the con- project, delaying work for more than a year, the remnants of the old hands were made Hands down, Nufer added, it was the crete. said Al Birnschein, finance chairperson at of a combination of aluminum, brass and most unusual restoration project he has “I bought a foamlike casting material, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. concrete,” he said. “That’s a pretty unusual undertaken. Vatican, medical associations look at ways to promote vaccination By Cindy Wooden systemic victimization by the countries Catholic News Service that are generally the ones that produce VATICAN CITY — The discovery of vaccines.” vaccines is “one of the greatest achieve- “Lots of chickens are coming home to ments of modern medicine,” but the global roost in these countries,” he said. In re- community is facing the dual challenges of sponse, “a one-time effort is not enough. To giving everyone access to them and over- build real confidence we need policies that coming “vaccine hesitancy,” especially include a comprehensive vision of develop- when it is based on false information, said ment and fairer international relations.” the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Asked about the use of the pejorative World Medical Association. term “anti-vaxxer,” Montgomery said The academy and the association of that in promoting vaccinations, there is an national physicians’ groups had been plan- obvious difference between a person who ning a major conference on vaccination in has a firm “ideological” position against general when the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination and a person who is “vaccine struck. While the conference may take hesitant” and could benefit from more place in the future, the Pontifical Acad- information and encouragement. A person receives a dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a mass emy for Life, World Medical Association In response to questions about the vaccination center at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London June 20. and German Medical Association held an (CNS photo/Henry Nicholls, Reuters) COVID-19 vaccine’s connections to abortion, online webinar July 1 to look specifically Archbishop Paglia repeated the response of at the COVID-19 vaccine. “10 countries in the world have delivered president, told reporters at a Vatican news the Congregation for the Doctrine of the At the end of the meeting, the groups 80% of the 3 billion given doses up to now.” conference that even with the focus on ending Faith, which urged Catholics to pressure called on governments, pharmaceutical While people in poorer nations, especially the coronavirus pandemic, “we must prevent pharmaceutical companies to stop using companies, religious groups and others to on behalf of their elderly and immune-com- the COVID-19 pandemic from drawing all cells derived from fetuses aborted decades work together to “ensure equitable global promised members, “cry out for help and attention to itself to a point that it appears, ago to manufacture or test vaccines, but access to vaccines, which is a key prerequi- ask for vaccines,” Montgomery said, in other albeit with valid reasons, as the most urgent.” also said when no other effective vaccines site for a successful global vaccination cam- parts of the world “we see reluctance to get “We must not forget, for example, that are available, “the use of such vaccines paign, and to confront vaccine hesitancy by vaccinated and opposition to vaccination in malaria and tuberculosis claim far more does not constitute formal cooperation with sending a clear message about the safety general – without any scientific evidence.” victims in Africa than COVID-19,” he the abortion from which the cells used in and necessity of vaccines and counteracting “Because we are so successful in pre- said, nor that the lack of basic necessities production of the vaccines derive.” vaccine myths and disinformation.” venting disease, people forget the terror- like sanitation and clean drinking water Pressed by a reporter about making vac- Dr. Frank Ulrich Montgomery, chair izing sights of large numbers of people threaten the health of millions of people cines obligatory, Archbishop Paglia said of the council of the World Medical As- dying in endemic or pandemic situations,” around the world. he never framed the question in terms of sociation, told reporters July 2: “There is he said. “This bring us into a most cynical He also said the webinar highlighted obligation, but of “responsibility,” because probably no other invention in medicine position: whereas a child in a develop- how “vaccine hesitancy” has a variety of people must realize that refusing a vaccine that has saved more lives and prevented ing country is denied a safer life or even motivations and that many of those reasons not only places their health at risk, but also more suffering than vaccination. We have survival because its nation or its family among historically disadvantaged commu- the health of people around them who, for eradicated smallpox, we are close to wip- cannot afford vaccinations, there is also a nities are valid. medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated. ing polio off the surface of the earth, and child in an affluent country that is denied “In fact,” the archbishop said, “vaccines The archbishop described as “exaggerated deadly diseases like measles have lost their the life-saving prevention because of the have a history that is marked by injustice individualism” an attitude that insisted on frightening appearance.” ignorance or reluctance of their parents.” and oppression. It is difficult to ask for trust one’s personal rights while not taking into Yet, he said, with the COVID-19 vaccine Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, academy from people who have had to deal with account that behavior’s impact on others. 12 THE STEUBENVILLE REGISTER JULY 9, 2021 Shrine welcomes treasured items that belonged to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s bonnet is seen during a news conference at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s crucifix is the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s rosary is pictured at the National Shrine of St. displayed March 11 at the National Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Elizabeth Ann Seton. Sisters of Charity of New York donated several of the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. March 11. saint’s items to the shrine for their display and preservation. (CNS photos/courtesy Devine Partners)

By Mary K. Tilghman Among the donated artifacts are: “We’re so very pleased that these returned to the United States and entered Catholic News Service • St. Elizabeth Ann’s black cap, sent to artifacts have found not only a safe but a the Catholic Church in 1805 in New York. EMMITSBURG, Md. — The faded New York in 1822, a year after Mother loving home,” said Sister Donna Dodge, To support her family, she started an black bonnet with its gently ruffled frill Seton’s death, and conserved about six president of the Sisters of Charity of New academy for young ladies in New York once framed the face of the nation’s first years ago, according to Mindy Gordon, York. She was joined by other members of but later relocated to Baltimore, where she American-born saint. archivist for the sisters in New York; the order’s executive council via Zoom. established the first Catholic school. She The black cap, a familiar sight in por- • the crucifix and black glass bead rosary Several artifacts, including the tea chest was the founder of what would become traits of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, rested in which she used in prayer; and commissioning certificate, were do- the Catholic school system in the United a gray archival box back in Emmitsburg • a delicate broach in the shape of a bow nated to the sisters in New York upon the States. March 11 for the first time since 1822. with a chrysanthemum-like flower at its death of the saint’s great-grandson and last In 1809, she moved her school to nearby It is one of several rarely seen artifacts center, which she wore on her wedding living descendant, Ferdinand Jevons, of Emmitsburg, establishing it on land pur- from Mother Seton’s life now on display day; New York. chased by a donor. A year later she founded for all visitors to see at the National Shrine • her portable writing desk; The commissioning certificate recalls what became known as the Daughters of of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. • wedding miniatures of Elizabeth and a moment of special significance to the Charity. She was canonized by St. Paul VI The “Seton Family Treasures” exhibit William Seton; sisters. Capt. William Seton III, the saint’s Sept. 14, 1975. officially opened July 1 at the shrine. The • the tea chest belonging to St. Elizabeth grandson, was wounded at the Battle of An- Preparing for the transfer of the saint’s exhibit is part of a yearlong commemora- Ann’s father, Dr. Richard Bayley; tietam 30 miles from Emmitsburg. Sisters items from New York, Gordon discovered tion to mark the 200th anniversary of the • family photo albums; of Charity nursed him back to health at St. something she’d never seen before on the death of America’s first native-born saint. • the Civil War-era commissioning cer- Joseph’s Military Hospital in New York. backs of 1794 wedding miniatures. “I had She died at age 46 Jan. 4, 1821. tificate and epaulettes of her grandson, Only when he awoke did the sisters realize never touched them,” she said. The items – including St. Elizabeth William Seton Jr.; and he was the grandson of their foundress. She found a braid of Mother Seton’s hair Ann’s rosary, her wedding broach and • the christening dress St. Elizabeth Ann “How powerful a moment that must have on the back of her miniature and a velvet her daughter’s christening gown – arrived sewed for her daughter Catherine. been,” Judge said. cloth embroidered with her husband’s in early March, donated by the Sisters Only a few items were displayed March Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born in New initials on the back of his. One of the of Charity of New York to the Maryland 11, after they arrived at the shrine. The York City Aug. 28, 1774, to a prominent canisters inside the tea chest still contains shrine for their display and preservation. christening dress needs special care to Episcopal family. In 1794, at age 19, tea, enough for a cup or two. “They’re here to help us tell her story and be shown due to its fragility, while other Elizabeth married William Magee Seton, In March, before the artifacts were in- make Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton more artifacts, including the wedding portraits a wealthy businessman with whom she had troduced, Father Ted Trinko blessed them. relatable,” said Rob Judge, the shrine’s and family photo albums, need further five children. William died of tuberculosis A priest of the Institute of the Incarnate executive director. restoration before the exhibition, according in 1803, leaving Elizabeth a young widow. Word, he is the shrine’s chaplain. “In The items, mostly objects of daily life, to Scott Keefer, archivist for the Daughters After discovering Catholicism in Italy, many ways, these relics are going to bless will be used to talk about her diverse life of Charity. where her husband had died, Elizabeth us,” he said. experiences, Judge said. She knew the joys Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the and trials of family life, was faced with national shrine has continued virtual pro- financial struggle, confronted death and grams and tours and is open for visitors found solace in the Catholic Church. with face masks and social distancing, said “She was fully human like all of us,” Tony DiIulio, programs director. Some Judge said in a March interview. “It gives 60,000 people visit the shrine every year, people great hope and great faith.” though numbers were down about 10% last “When visitors see these artifacts, they year. will be taken back in time, while being Commemorations also include a new made mindful of their own experiences film, “Seeker to Saint,” as well as virtual and struggles that often mirror those of and in-person exhibitions and tours. America’s saint,” Judge said in a statement Besides items donated by the Sisters just prior to the exhibit’s July 1 opening. of Charity of New York that are now on The exhibit debuted with a virtual tour display, other pieces were donated by the of it led by historian Catherine O’Donnell, Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and the whose book “Elizabeth Seton America’s Daughters of Charity, each of whom trace Saint” is considered the definitive his- their roots to Mother Seton. torical account of Mother Seton’s life. A Mount St. Mary’s University in special morning Mass, “Pray for America Emmitsburg also contributed to the with Mother Seton,” was said July 4 at the exhibit, which joins an already extensive shrine’s basilica in honor of the saint and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s wedding broach is seen March 11 at the National collection of Seton artifacts at the shrine’s the opening of the exhibit. Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. (CNS photo/courtesy Devine Partners) museum.