Basilica of Our Lady of Monthly Perpetual Help Messenger OCTOBER 2020

BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

526-59TH STREET BROOKLYN, N.Y. 11220

PHONE: 718-492-9200 www.olphbkny.org

VOL. 128 October 2020 NO. 8

MASSES: Saturday – (Lower Church), 8:45 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 5:00 p.m., (English) & 7:00 p.m. (Spanish) Sunday (Lower Church) 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., & 11:45 a.m. (Chinese) 2:00 p.m. (Vietnamese) Sunday – (Upper Church - Spanish) 8:00 a.m.10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Weekdays – 8:45 a.m., 12:10 P.M., 7:00 p.m. Tues, Wed, Thurs (Spanish) Holy Days – (Eve of) 6:15 p.m. (English); 7:30 p.m. (Spanish) 8:45 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Spanish)

SACRAMENTS: BAPTISMS: Baptisms are administered in Spanish on the 3rd Saturday of the month and in English on the 4th Saturday of the Month. To register for the required classes and interview, come to the Rectory office.

RECONCILIATION: Wednesday – 9:30 a.m., 12:45 P.M. & 6:45 p.m. Saturday – 12:45 p.m. & 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

MARRIAGES: Please make reservations at least 8 MONTHS in advance and before engaging your reception hall. Only parishioners who live within the parish boundaries may be married at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: In any danger of death or serious illness, please call the rectory promptly. Phone 718-492-9200.

DEVOTIONS: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena: Wednesday – after 8:45 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Masses. Spanish Novena & Mass 6:45 p.m. (Lower Church)

First Friday: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 12:10 P.M. Mass until 7:00 P.M. Healing Mass •– 7:30 p.m. on First Friday

First Saturday: The Fatima Rosary is recited 12:45 p.m.

RECTORY HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The office will close on Legal Holidays at 2:00 p.m. Urgent sick calls any hour.

2 BASILICA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA PERPETUO SOCORRO 526-59TH STREET BROOKLYN, N.Y. 11220 CASA PARROQUIAL: 718-492-9200 www.olphbkny.org

VOL. 128 Octubre 2020 NRO. 8

MISAS: Sábado – (Iglesia de Abajo) 8:45 a.m. & 12:10 p.m., 5:00 p.m. (en Ingles), & 7:00 p.m. (en Español) Domingo – (Iglesia de Abajo) 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:45 (Chínese), 2:00 p.m. (Vietnamita) Domingo – (Iglesia de Arriba en Español) 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Durante la Semana - 8:45 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 6:45 p.m. Martes, Miercoles & Jueves (en Español) Días de Guardar – (Vísperas) 6:15, 7:30 p.m. (en Español) Día de La Fiesta – 8:45 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Español)

SACRAMENTOS: BAUTISMO: Los Bautizos serán en Español el 3er Sábado de cada mes, y en Ingles el 4to Sábado de cada mes. Para las clases y entrevista requisitas favor de registrarse en la Oficina de la Rectoría.

RECONCILIACION (CONFESIONES): Miércoles – 9:30 a.m., 12:45 & 6:45 p.m. Sábado – 12:45 p.m. & 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.

MATRIMONIO: Favor de hacer reservaciones en la Iglesia, por los menos OCHO MESES de antemano, antes de alquilar el salón de recepción.

SACRAMENTO DE LOS ENFERMOS: En caso de emergencia, llamen 492-9200 a cualquier hora.

DEVOCIONES: Novena a la Virgen del Perpetuo Socorro: Miércoles – Después de la misa de las 8:45 a.m., 12:10 p.m. Misa y Devoción en Español a las 6:45 p.m. (Iglesia de Abajo)

Primer Viernes: Exposición del Santísimo después de la misa de las 12:10 hasta las 7:00 p.m. Misa de Curación - 7:30 p.m. (Iglesia de Abajo).

Primer Sábado: El Rosario en honor a la Virgen de Fátima se reza a las 12:45 p.m.

HORAS DE OFICINA: Lunes a Sabado 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Domingo: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. La oficina va a estar cerrada los días feriados a las 2:00 p.m.

3 From the Pastor’s Desk

October 2020 Dear Parishioners and Friends of OLPH, Greetings and blessings as we enjoy this autumn season of cooler weather and fall foliage! I pray and trust that you and your families are well. May the Lord Jesus and Mary, our Mother of Perpetual Help, protect us and heal all who have contracted Covid-19. We pray for President Trump and all associated with him in the government who have contracted the virus. October 7th is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the whole month is dedicated to praying the Rosary. There are so many intentions to pray for as we meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary: an end to the Covid-19 and healing for those afflicted by it; peace among nations; an end to violence in our cities and homes; respect for the creation that is our common home; discernment as national elections approach; schools, students, families and teachers; solidarity with victims of natural disasters – wildfires and hurricanes; and so much more. The gospel for the feast of the Rosary is Luke’s Our Father. I read a reflection on the Our Father petition “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” that we repeat in the rosary. “The Our Father is the prayer that enables us to survive the conflicts that come with growth and change. The peace Jesus promises is not an artificial calm or pretend civility; it is the fruit of the hard work of finding common ground, the mutual respect even enemies must hold for each other within the process of debate and compromise. Only forgiveness can hold the church and society together during the most difficult conversations needed to resolve differences.” All Souls’ Day 2020 falls on a Monday. This year has been extraordinarily tragic for many families. Following our tradition at OLPH we will have special celebrations on All Souls’ Day with the reading of the names of those who have died this year. Please call in or send in the names of loved ones who have died this year, and their date of death. Only those who died this year, please. You may write the names of those who died in other years on an envelope with an 4 offering, and we will place the envelopes by the tabernacle during the month of November. May all our beloved deceased rest in God’s peace! Every Sunday one of our Masses is “For the People of the Parish.” Please know that you are in our prayers always, and remembered at Mass. These months have been difficult, we’re living a new “normal”. We don’t know when or if we will return to what we took for granted as normal. May you and your families, your friends and colleagues, your neighbors and acquaintances place your trust and hope in God’s loving Providence to walk with us one day at a time. The October 2nd feast of the Guardian Angels reminds us of God’s presence and guidance each day. May our Mother of Perpetual Help bless us and protect us always! Amen! Your brother in Christ, the Most Holy Redeemer, Fr. James Gilmour, C.Ss.R. Pastor

5 Desde el Escritorio del Párroco

Octubre del 2020 Amados Parroquianos y Amigos de N. S. del Perpetuo Socorro, ¡Les envío mis saludos y bendiciones mientras gozamos de esta estación otoñal de tiempo fresco y follaje colorido! Confío que ustedes y sus familiares estén bien. Que Jesús y María, nuestra Madre del Perpetuo Socorro, nos proteja y sane a los infectados por Covid-19. Oramos por la sanación del Presidente Trump y los asociados con él que se han enfermado. El 7 de octubre es la fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, y el mes entero se dedica al rezo del santo rosario. Hay tantas intenciones a poner delante de Dios por manos de María al meditar los misterios del Rosario: por el fin de Covid-19 y por sus víctimas; por la paz entre naciones; por el fin de violencia en nuestras ciudades y hogares; por el respeto por la creación que es nuestra casa común; por el discernimiento al acercar el día de las elecciones nacionales; por las escuelas, los estudiantes, sus familias y maestros; por la solidaridad con víctimas de desastres naturales como los incendios y huracanes; y tanto más. María, Reina del Santo Rosario, ¡ruega por nosotros! El evangelio de la fiesta del Rosario es el del Padre Nuestro en Lucas. Leí una reflexión sobre la petición “perdona nuestras ofensas como nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden,” que repetimos en el Rosario. “El Padre Nuestro es la oración que nos capacita para sobrevivir los conflictos que surgen con el crecimiento y los cambios. La paz que Jesús promete no es una calma artificial ni una civilidad pretendida; es el fruto de trabajar duro para encontrar puntos comunes, el respeto mutuo que aun los enemigos deben demostrar uno por otro en el proceso del debate para lograr un acuerdo mutuo. Sólo el perdón puede mantener la iglesia y la sociedad unida en las conversaciones difíciles pero necesarias para resolver diferencias.” El Día de los Difuntos cae el lunes, 2 de noviembre. El año 2020 ha sido extraordinariamente trágico para muchas familias. La parroquia tiene una tradición bella y confortante de celebrar el Día de los Difuntos con más solemnidad y con la lectura de los nombres de los

6 fallecidos del año. Favor de enviar los nombres de sus seres queridos que fallecieron este año y la fecha de su fallecimiento, sea aquí en EE.UU. o en su país de origen. Sólo los de este año, por favor. Pueden escribir nombres de los fallecidos de años pasados en un sobre con una ofrenda y los pondremos donde el Santísimo durante el mes de noviembre. ¡Que descansen en la paz del Señor! Cada domingo rezamos una de las Misas “Por el Pueblo de nuestra Parroquia.” Quiero que tengan seguro que ustedes están siempre en nuestra oración y recordados en la Misa. Estos meses han sido difíciles. Vivimos un nuevo “normal.” No sabemos cuando o si vamos a volver a lo que consideramos lo normal. Que ustedes y sus familiares, sus amigos y colegas, sus vecinos y conocidos pongan su confianza y esperanza en nuestro Dios Providente quien camina con nosotros cada día. La fiesta de los Santos Ángeles Custodios del 2 de octubre nos recuerda de la presencia de Dios guiándonos cada día. Que María, Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, nos bendiga y proteja siempre. ¡Amén! Su hermano en Cristo, nuestro Santísimo Redentor, P. Santiago Gilmour, C.Ss.R. Párroco

7 An Unusual Supreme Court Justice I had the 4:00 p.m. Evening Mass this past Saturday. I was debating within my mind as to whether I should make mention of the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I felt if I did some parishioners would appreciate that, and others might be upset if I did so since she was a very strong advocate for the protection of a woman’s right to have an abortion. As a citizen of the United States, as well as Catholic, I have a strong belief in the rights of the unborn. Yet, I know the Judge’s life encompassed far more than just her jurisprudence over the right to life and that she was deeply admired for her determination to protect the civil rights of all citizens, in particular women. As a brilliant woman who overcame many barriers in her career, by all accounts Justice Ginsberg was a kind and charming woman, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and served her nation to the best of her ability as the longest serving woman on the Supreme Court. Many people have been truly inspired by her life; she fought her pancreatic cancer with great dignity and courage. It is very clear that as a nation we are deeply divided. Within an hour after her death, with a quick word about what a great woman she was, and prayers for her family, the debate became strongly political on when and who should replace the Justice. Certainly, such realities are very important to our nation, but perhaps, some few days of reflecting on her life might have been more appropriate. However, in today’s climate, almost everything is seen through the lens of politics. Many pundits are saying this may be the most divided time in our nation since the Civil War. Can we strongly disagree with another person or group, listen carefully to what they have to say, and still respect them? The words attributed to Voltaire are often quoted: I May disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. Free speech is a key right of being an American, but in many ways, it seems to be dismissed by many. If you do not agree with me, you are not only wrong, but you are a person who needs to be condemned. I am not advocating that in any way we compromise or weaken our values or beliefs. They should be defended vigorously. Still, in our passion to stand up for what we believe and deeply value, it does not call us to speak or act in a disrespectful way toward others. No doubt, intolerable words and actions should be condemned, but care needs

8 not to casually condemn those people whose ideas are different from ours. We can reject a person’s ideas without rejecting the person. Shouting and yelling rather than debate and civility seem to be very present in our present culture. In the movie When Harry met Sally, the question is asked can women and men be friends? I might ask can a conservative and a liberal be friends. Can a Biden supporter be friends with a Trump person? I know some families have sadly become seriously wounded by such divisions and important relationships ended. One of the great lessons that I take from the amazing life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is that of her friendship with the Justice Antonin Scalia. They almost never agreed on how cases before the Supreme Court should be decided. He was a devout Catholic man and she a Jewish woman. Yet, they had a deep and lasting friendship. Much has been written about this friendship as a great model for us. Here is a small sample: Reflecting on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday at 87, the son of the late Antonin Scalia hailed the Supreme Court justices' unlikely but special friendship. "They held very strong, very different views. They wrote opinions that is agreed with each other's opinions -- and they didn't pull any punches in those opinions -- but they never let those strong, deeply held beliefs get in the way of their friendship," Chris Scalia said Saturday. They didn't compromise those beliefs for each other, but they didn't let it disrupt their relationship," Scalia said of his conservative father and the liberal Ginsburg. Scalia shared a story about the humor the justices shared, noting it was one of the reasons they got along so well: "They cracked each other up." "Justice Ginsburg ... said that when ... they used to be together on a court case before the Supreme Court, and they sat next to each other, my dad used to whisper jokes to her. She would have to pinch herself so that she didn't audibly laugh and kind of disrupt the courtroom," he said. “Wow,” Federal Judge Jeffrey Sutton remarked upon seeing the bouquet in his boss’s chambers. Scalia happily told Sutton he needed to take them down to “Ruth” for her birthday, Christopher Scalia, the jurist’s son, recalled in a poignant twitter post after Ginsburg’s death. Scalia died in 2016 at age 79; Ginsburg died Friday at 87 due to metastasized pancreatic cancer. “I doubt I have given a total of 24

9 roses to my wife in almost 30 years of marriage,” Sutton told Scalia, according to the son’s tweet. “You ought to try it sometime,” Scalia replied. Sutton pushed back, “So what have all these roses done for you? Name one five-four case of any significance where you got Justice Ginsburg’s vote.” Scalia answered, “Some things are more important than votes. Scalia and Ginsburg’s friendship stretched back to their time on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, before each was appointed to the highest bench in the country.er “I had missed Ruth very much since leaving the court of appeals. She was the best of colleagues, as she is the best of friends. I wish her a hundred years.” May we all seek to follow the command of our Lord Jesus Christ to love one another, may we continue to learn that there are some things more important than votes. Father Pat Woods, C.Ss.R.

10 Blessed Francis X. Seelos, C.Ss.R. Feast Day – October 5

Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos was born on January 11, 1819, in Füssen, Bavaria, Germany. Having studied for the priesthood in Germany, he asked to be admitted to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) with a view to future work in the United States. In 1844 he was ordained a priest in Baltimore. His availability and innate kindness in understanding and responding to the needs of the faithful quickly made him well known as an expert confessor and spiritual director, so much so that people came to him even from neighboring towns. Faithful to the Redemptorist charism, Father Seelos practiced a simple lifestyle and manner of expressing himself. The themes of his preaching, rich in biblical content, were always heard and understood by everyone, regardless of education, culture, or background. A constant endeavor in his pastoral activity was instructing children in the faith, which he held as fundamental for the growth of the Christian community in the parish. He was stationed in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Annapolis, Cumberland (Maryland), Detroit, and New Orleans. He preached missions and retreats throughout most of what was then the United States. He was transferred to New Orleans in 1866. In God’s plan, however, his ministry there was destined to be brief. By September 1867, exhausted from visiting and caring for the victims of yellow fever, he contracted the dreaded disease. After several weeks of patiently enduring his illness, Father Seelos passed on to eternal life on October 4, 1867, at the age of forty-eight years and nine months. Many miracles are attributed to his intercession both during his life and after his death. He was beatified on April 9, 2000. The following is a description of a mission given in New York City in a locale and church familiar to all modern day Catholic New Yorkers. It is taken from the biography Cheerful Ascetic written by Michael J. Curley, C.Ss.R. and it gives us an insight as to what Blessed Seelos was like: 11 Perhaps Seelos’ greatest moment as superior of the mission band came in May, 1865, when he led six missionaries in giving a mission at Saint Peter’s, the mother church of New York, located on Barclay Street, in lower Manhattan (this was the church visited by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, where the beautiful image of the crucifixion over the main altar influenced her to become a Catholic). It was a crucial mission, because since 1858... the Redemptorists had not given the exercises in the metropolis. Two months previously, a band of young Redemptorists had given a mission in the Cathedral of Baltimore with such resounding success that any doubts about their effectiveness in giving English missions (most spoke German) was forever shattered. Seelos was not at Baltimore, as he had been busy giving renewals at Saint Patrick’s in Chicago and Saint Patrick’s in Joliet, but he was ready for the big mission in New York. The New York mission was a thorough-going success. Both Archbishop McCloskey and the pastor said so. In fact, the number of penitents was so great that three other Redemptorists were called in and the priests of the parish and the archbishop himself helped hear the confessions. McCloskey said he had never worked so hard in his life. America’s future first Cardinal was glowing with praise at the closing ceremony, making no secret of his joy to the overflowing crowd in the church and on the steps and sidewalks. As he knelt with eight other Redemptorists before the Altar of Our Lady and heard the archbishop’s kind words, it was a happy moment for Seelos. The Catholic paper reported an astounding number of confessions and communions. John McCloskey said that in all his twenty years as prelate he had never confirmed such a vast number of people of all ages. Father Seelos’ contribution to the success of all the missions in which he took part was notable. No other Father could make such a favorable impression on the missions, said one of his companions. The warm-hearted Irish people called him “the saintly-looking Father.” He had all the qualities needed for work on the missions. He was an effective speaker; people came for miles to go to confession to him; and at all times he was able to associate pleasantly with others. When he mounted the pulpit, tall, slight, and ascetic-looking, his listeners were immediately attracted by his friendly glance, his gentle manner of acting, and his kindly tones. His voice was loud and clear,

12 and he spoke in a vigorous and lively manner, often making expressive gestures. Although he was much more at home preaching in his native German than in English, even in English, as Bishop O’Connor said, he could preach with vigor. It was said that it was his zeal and sincere manner that led people to compunction. Once he was on the missions, his sermons were more often in English than in German. Perhaps Francis Seelos’ heroic virtue gives its greatest witness not only in his pastoral zeal and union in the Lord, but also in the pleasant disposition and cheerful attitude with which he undertook all of his pastoral duties. Such an approach to ministry may have a special appeal today with the high burnout rate among clergy and the increasing demands of pastoral ministry in the face of fewer pastoral agents. Moreover, such a pleasant outlook on the life that God gives us may be especially appealing to anyone who feels the stress of today’s fast paced lifestyle, whether as homemaker, parent, student, corporate executive, or combinations thereof. On April 9, 2020, Blessed Seelos was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II twenty years ago. The next step is to be canonized and all should pray that will occur in the near future. However, prayers for a miracle are needed. Further information on Blessed Seelos can be obtained from: The National Shrine of Blessed Francis Seelos New Orleans, LA 70130-5099 (504) 525-2495 www.seelos.org

“No one was ever lost because his sin was too great, but because his trust was too small.”

Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos

13 Our Lady of Pompeii Queen of the Holy Rosary

The original city of Pompeii, Italy, named for a general of Julius Caesar, was destroyed in 79 AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, destroying the Roman city, concealing it for centuries beneath volcanic ash. Much later, another city of the same name developed about a mile from these ruins and is the current site of a shrine to Our Lady under the title of Our Lady of Pompeii. The shrine contains an image of Our Lady of Pompeii which represents Our Lady of the Rosary as Queen of Heaven. She and Her Son, Jesus, are handing out Rosaries to Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena.

Present devotion to Our Lady of Pompeii owes much to Blessed Bartolo Longo, one of Her most zealous apostles. Bartolo Longo was born in 1841, the son of a doctor and a devout Catholic mother. His mother ensured from an early age that Bartolo developed a great love for Our Lady through praying the Rosary. During his student days, however, his friends drew him away from the Catholic Church and he was known to make speeches deriding the hierarchy and the established Catholic system. However, a saintly priest with a deep devotion to the Rosary brought Bartolo back to the faith. With renewed zeal Bartolo vowed to work for the poor and needy and endeavored to spread devotion to Mary through the Rosary.

On visiting Pompeii in 1872 he aimed to evangelize the people using the Rosary. What he needed, though, was a suitable image of the Blessed Mother to aid his mission. Fortunately a Dominican sister supplied him with a painting of Our Lady of the Rosary, and after restoration this painting was exposed for public veneration. In 1883 a sanctuary was built for the image and consecrated in 1891.

Many miracles are attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Pompeii under this title.

14 The Rosary as a Contemplative Prayer The rosary is a school of contemplation and silence. At first glance, it could seem a prayer that accumulates words, therefore difficult to reconcile with the silence that is rightly recommended for meditation and contemplation. In fact, this cadent repetition of the Hail Mary does not disturb inner silence but indeed both demands and nourishes it. Thus, in reciting the Hail Mary, we must be careful that our voices do not “cover” the voice of God who always speaks through the silence like the “still small voice” of a gentle breeze (1 Kings 19:12). Then how important it is to foster this silence full of God, both in one’s personal recitation and in its recitation with the community! Even when the rosary is prayed, as today, by great assemblies, and as you do in this shrine every day, it must be perceived as a contemplative prayer. And this cannot happen without an atmosphere of inner silence.

15 St. Gerard Majella, C.Ss.R. Feast Day – October 16th

When anyone asks why St. Gerard Majella and not some other saint of God is invoked by and for mothers-to-be, we can only shrug our shoulders and say that it seems to be part of some secret design of God. Some ascribe Gerard’s intercession on behalf of mothers and children to an accusation leveled against his chastity. Because of this, they surmise that God has given Gerard a special custody over mothers with child. Some again see a token in the fact that he was so delicate at his own birth that he had to be baptized that very day – April 6, 1726. Others, that when a youngster, the Christ-child was his frequent playmate, even giving him gifts to take home; or, because all through his life he showed especial affection for children.

But there may be a deeper reason yet why, two centuries after his passing, St. Gerard is invoked in so many quarters. It has been observed that in the long history of the Church, when a particular vice becomes widespread, God brings into the spotlight some saint to contradict it by the spectacular practice of the opposite virtue. Today it could well be that God trains His spotlight on St. Gerard Majella to contradict an age that has lost trust in God’s providence. For one of today’s most vicious and concerted attacks is that which seeks to set at naught the eternal law of marriage and family.

The whole life of St. Gerard Majella is a crying challenge to this brash campaign of Contraception, its scornful pity of large families, its stylish leaflets so slick with well-bred reasons for avoiding the burden of another child. Trust in God’s Providence was St. Gerard’s dominant virtue. His favorite expression, God will provide, hurls a ringing contradiction to all the smug arguments for birth control.

From the day of his birth and hasty Baptism, till his death at the age

16 of twenty-nine, St. Gerard was a paragon of weak health! That was why he was three times denied admission to a religious order. And yet, for all his spare frame and pallid face, it was found that he could do “the work of four.” To those today who might adduce poor health as a reason for closing their hearts against another child, St. Gerard is a loud reminder that “God will provide.”

Two hundred years ago, St. Gerard once remarked: “If anyone, unable to bear the sufferings which God has sent him, calls on me for help…or if I hear of such a one, I will pray that God may give him the grace of conformity with His holy Will.” That was no idle boast. Nor has St. Gerard reserved his help only for mothers. Thousands, from every walk of life, have laid their problems before this humble lay-brother and through his intercession have received relief and grace. Your problem may not be his next miracle, but he will not fail you. He is the patron of mothers, brothers and all others.

17 St. Teresa of Avila Doctor of the Church Feast Day – October 15

Less than twenty years before Teresa was born in 1515, Columbus opened up the Western Hemisphere to European colonization. Two years after she was born, Luther started the Protestant Reformation. Out of all of this change came Teresa pointing the way from outer turmoil to inner peace. Teresa lived in an age of exploration as well as political, social and religious upheaval. It was the 16th century, a time of turmoil and reform. She was born before the Protestant Reformation and died almost 20 years after the closing of the Council of Trent. The gift of God to Teresa in and through which she became holy and left her mark on the Church and the world is threefold: She was a woman; she was a contemplative; she was an active reformer. As a woman, Teresa stood on her own two feet, even in the man's world of her time. She was "her own woman," entering the Carmelites despite strong opposition from her father. She is a person wrapped not so much in silence as in mystery. Beautiful, talented, outgoing, adaptable, affectionate, courageous, enthusiastic, she was totally human. Like Jesus, she was a mystery of paradoxes: wise, yet practical; intelligent, yet much in tune with her experience; a mystic, yet an energetic reformer. A holy woman, a womanly woman. Teresa was a woman "for God," a woman of prayer, discipline and compassion. Her heart belonged to God. Her ongoing conversion was an arduous lifelong struggle, involving ongoing purification and suffering. She was misunderstood, misjudged, opposed in her efforts at reform. Yet she struggled on, courageous and faithful; she struggled with her own mediocrity, her illness, her opposition. And in the midst of all this she clung to God in life and in prayer. Her writings on prayer and contemplation are drawn from her experience: powerful, practical and graceful. A woman of prayer; a

18 woman for God. St. Teresa was born of a noble family in Avila, Spain on March 28, 1515. She died in 1582, the year the Julian Calendar was replaced in the Church with the Gregorian Calendar that is still in use. She actually died in or around October 5th that year which became October 15th, deleting ten days or so to bring the Gregorian Calendar into full correction from the old calendar. So even in her death she was on the cutting edge of changing the calendar for the entire world into our own age in modern times. St. Teresa has been and continues to be one of the most popular and loved saints in the history of Christianity. The Discalced Carmelites today remain one of the great contemplative orders of the Catholic Church. Many aspiring men and women are drawn to a way of life and prayer that, if not pioneered, then was certainly reaffirmed, by the life of this great Spanish mystic. In 1622 Teresa was canonized a saint by the Catholic Church. Over three hundred years later, in 1970, she and St. Catherine of Siena were declared “Doctors of the Church” by Pope Paul VI. These saints were the first women on whom this great honor was conferred. She was a great favorite of St. Alphonsus Liguori who lived 100 years after her death in 1582. St. Alphonsus was born in 1696 and throughout his life recommended her to his spiritual children at every opportunity. He was fond of quoting from her writings. Here are a few quotes which may be of great help to those who wish to cultivate a spiritual life with a deep love of Christ.

 Without God nothing is accomplished.  True humility doesn’t come to the soul with agitation or disturbance, nor does it darken it or bring it dryness. Rather, true humility consoles and acts in a completely opposite way: quietly, gently, and with light.  The more that love and humility grow, the greater the fragrance these flowers of virtues give off, both for oneself and for others.  While we live in this mortal life, earthly joys are uncertain, even when they seem to be given by You, if they are not accompanied by love of neighbor. 19  And when you have to suffer something for our Lord or for your neighbor, do not be afraid of your sins. You could perform one of these works with so much charity that all your sins would be pardoned.  I want to live and die in striving and hoping for eternal life more than for the possession of all creatures and all their goods; for these will come to an end.  All the harm comes from not truly understanding that He is near, but in imagining Him as far away.  Let us try hard, let us trust hard, for you know that His Majesty says that if we are sorry for having offended Him our faults and evils will not be remembered. Oh, compassion so measureless!  I began to practice prayer without knowing what it was; and the custom became so habitual that I did not abandon it, just as I did not fail to make the sign of the cross before sleeping. Those who follow this path of no discursive reflection will find that a book can be a help for recollecting oneself quickly. It helped me also to look at fields, or water, or flowers. In these things I found a remembrance of the Creator. Teresa knew well the continued presence and value of suffering (physical illness, opposition to reform, difficulties in prayer), but she grew to be able to embrace suffering, even desire it: "Lord, either to suffer or to die." Toward the end of her life she exclaimed: "Oh, my Lord! How true it is that whoever works for you is paid in troubles! And what a precious price to those who love you if we understand its value."

20 The NYPD officers serving your community invite you to a discussion of the public safety challenges in our neighborhood.

With neighborhood policing, the Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs), and the Steady Sector Officers who work with them, have been given more time and opportunity to collaborate with residents in identifying and solving local quality of life conditions and crime concerns. The same officers are assigned to our community each day, so these officers learn the neighborhood, its challenges and potential, and the people who call it home.

This is a new way of doing business for the NYPD, and we need your help to make it work. We want to hear from a broad range of voices about what it will take to make all the residents of our neighborhood feel safe and secure. Please join us for what we hope will be a lively and productive discussion.

21 SCHOOL NEWS Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy of Brooklyn’s students along with the O.L.P.H. Religious Education students received First Holy Communion on September 26th. The children waited since last spring for this blessed occasion. How wonderful it was that they were finally able to receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and can now come to the table of the Lord with their family at Sunday mass. Our students have been attending class in person every day. They have been wearing masks, taking time to wash their hands and practice social distancing as they line up in the morning and for dismissal. Students desks are also placed with distancing in mind as we strive to keep students and staff safe. While some changes have been made in our classrooms our students continue to strive for their personal best. We continue to pray for our first responders, families that have been affected by the pandemic and our community that continued to provide support and services. Our students have been preparing a tribute to Hispanic Heritage. This year our assembly will be recorded and presented as a video since we are not meeting in large groups. All of our classes have practiced songs or dances in honor of the many Hispanic countries that add to America’s rich history. Unfortunately many events that have been traditions have had to be postponed. Our annual Halloween party which is enjoyed by many of our neighbors will not take place this year. We hope all the trick or treaters keep safety in mind if they venture out for a bit of fun.

from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy of Brooklyn

22 August 15 Jasmine Elizabeth Chevez, Stalin Linares-Acosta

August 22 Omar Santiago Encalada-Guaman, Anthony Isac Lopez-Quintuna, Maia Serna-Clavijo, Angeline Maria Vargas, Logan James Sanchez, Dylan Esteban Velez, Javier Damien Velez, Jefree Velez, Jr.

August 29 Rosalinda Camila Mendoza, Noah Jesus Abreu, Isabelle Hernandez, Jasmin Sofia Dominguez-Dominguez, Wayjen Celese Orellana-Lopez, Mikaela Allison Alvayero, Cataleya Love Vasquez

September 3 Jacqueline Isabelle Novielli

September 5 Brizett Meredith Chumil-Mejia, Dylan Steven Guinea, Sebastian Josue Otavalo-Genovez, Jenesis Villalba, Ethan Cristian Guerrero, Jayden Xavier Jaume

September 12 Jose Enrique Mungia-Lopez, Jr., Stephanie Jatziry Mungia-Lopez, Dylan Ivan Valdivia-Pineda, Madelyn Valerdi

September 19 Keisy del Carmen Bonifacio-Paulino, Matthew Ryan Mejia, Olivia Mejia, Cesar Josue Romero, Sherlyn Abigail Ubera-Flores

Bernice Agatha Jegroo August 6 Anna Curreri August 10 Brandon Garcia August 8 Vicente Guerrero September 12 Rosa Elena Borja August 12 Michael Gerard Scully Cornelius Joseph Conry August 13 September 17 Felix Palma Arlene Bray September 22 Ann Jones September 23

23 9/20 Vietnamese completed & proofed 9/20 Spanish completed & proofed (as of 8/5)

ANNOUNCED MASSES October 2020

PLEASE NOTE: The English Masses can be viewed on Facebook “OLPH Brooklyn” Sundays at 10 AM, and daily at 8:45 AM. The Spanish Masses on Facebook “Charles McDonald” are: Sundays at 8 AM, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 PM.. THESE MASSES CAN NOW BE VIEWED ON OUR WEBSITE: www.OLPHBKNY.ORG Thursday, October 1 12:30 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel 8:45 +Louise M. Contursi Marroquin Purgatorian Society 3:00 (V) +Giuse Vo An Khoung 12:10 +Benjamin Brosnan +Maria Madalena (anniversary) +Graco be 7:00 (SP) Eufemia Rodas Special Intention Truong Family Friday, October 2 8:45 Purgatorian Society Monday, October 5 Lucas Zocche 8:45 Margaret Woods (birthday) 12:10 +Maria Nguyen Purgatorian Society 7:00 Healing Mass 12:10 +Christopher Serrano (anniversary) Saturday, October 3 8:45 +Giusseppe Bertoncelli Tuesday, October 6 Purgatorian Society 8:45 Living & Deceased members 12:10 +Catherine Stemberger of the White & Reilly 5:00 Living & deceased members families of the Swagman Club Purgatorian Society 12:10 +May & Jack Gallagher Sunday, October 4 (anniversary) 8:00 For the People of the Parish 7:00 (SP) +Dora Esperanza Merchar 8:00 Por Las Almas Benditas de Purgatorio Wednesday, October 7 10:00 +Christopher Serrano 8:45 In Honor of Our Lady of the 10:00 +Aracelis Abreu Leung Rosary Purgatorian Society +Maria Perez +Marciana Alarcon y Zaida 12:10 +Thomas, +Julia, +AnnMarie, Pedraza +Kevin and +Rev. John +Jose Leal Salas Costello, C.Ss.R. +Herculano Arce Garagate 7:00 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel Marroquin

9/20 Vietnamese completed & proofed 9/20 Spanish completed & proofed (as of 8/5)

Thursday, October 8 Wednesday, October 14 8:45 +John Collins (anniversary) 8:45 For the deceased members of Purgatorian Society the Bagnall Family 12:10 +Michael & Mary Lynch and Purgatorian Society family 12:10 +Maria Nguyen 7:00 (SP) +Julia Vicuna 7:00 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel Marroquin Friday, October 9

8:45 Lucas Zocche Thursday, October 15 Purgatorian Society 8:45 Wanda Ruffo 12:10 In Honor of the Infant Jesus of Purgatorian Society Prague 12:10 +Peggy Maguire Saturday, October 10 7:00 (SP) +Mariano Torres 8:45 +Natale and Anna Mirabile Purgatorian Society Friday, October 16 12:10 Raymond McLaughlin 8:45 +Patrick J. O’Connell 5:00 +Felix Adun Asemota Purgatorian Society 12:10 +Emma Soto Sunday, October 11 8:00 For the People of the Parish Saturday, October 17 8:00 (SP) Por Las Almas Benditas 8:45 Special Intention of Sandrine del Purgatorio Sossine 10:00 +Felix Adun Asemota Purgatorian Society 10:00 (SP) +Rosa Elena Borja 12:10 +Henry Lavelle +Manuel Andrade 5:00 +Agnes McLaughlin 12:30 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel (anniversary) Marroquin 7:00 (SP) +Victor Gonzalez Toro 3:00 (V) +Giuse Vo An Khoung Thanks to God & Mary Sunday, October 18 +Giuse 8:00 +James Collins (Birthday) +Cac linh hon 8:00 (SP) Por Las Almas Benditas Monday, October 12 del Purgatorio 8:45 +Edward & +Philip 10:00 +Police Officers Christopher McGarrity Hoban and Michael Buczek Purgatorian Society 10:00 (SP) +Engracia Lopez-Nieto 12:10 +Cesar R. Ledesma 12:30 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel Marroquin Tuesday, October 13 3:00 (V) +Giuse Vo An Khoung 8:45 +Grevasky Nazaire (birthday) +Caclinh hon Purgatorian Society +Maria Madalena 12:10 +Fr. Abatta & Dr. Bill Weir +Graco be 7:00 (SP) Pro-Vida 25 9/20 Vietnamese completed & proofed 9/20 Spanish completed & proofed (as of 8/5)

Monday, October 19 Sunday, October 25 8:45 For the People of the Parish 8:00 For the People of the Parish Purgatorian Society 8:00 Por Las Almas Benditas del 12:10 +Jose H. Ledesma Purgatorio 10:00 Catherine Hiliadas & Tuesday, October 20 Margaret Miliotis 8:45 Purgatorian Society 10:00 (SP) +Lydia Frias 12:10 Special Intention of Regina +Andrea Luna Coyot Mary Papalia +Jose Dolores Rodriguez 7:00 (SP) 12:30 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel Marroquin Wednesday, October 21 3:00 (V) +Giuse 8:45 For the deceased members of +Graco be the Bagnall Family +Phao Lo phan Trach Mina Purgatorian Society +Gioan B. phan Trach Lanh 12:10 +Gerardo Schiraldi 7:00 (SP) Monday, October 26 8:45 Purgatorian Society Thursday, October 22 12:10 +Hilarion and Melitona 8:45 Purgatorian Society Medalla 12:10 Special Intentions of John Paul Papalia Tuesday, October 27 7:00 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel 8:45 Purgatorian Society Marroquin 12:10 7:00 (SP) Por el cumpleaños de Friday, October 23 Carlos Villanueva Gutierrez 8:45 +David & Nora Moore Purgatorian Society Wednesday, October 28 12:10 +James Collins (birthday) 8:45 Francisco Matos Purgatorian Society Saturday, October 24 12:10 +Mary, Daniel, Josie Brody 7:00 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel 8:45 Purgatorian Society Marroquin 12:10 +Louis Nunez & Fransisca Nieves Thursday, October 29 5:00 +Irene Dunn 8:45 +Idanes Lourdes Rodriguez 7:00 (SP) +Agustina Coria Purgatorian Society +Edwin +Luis Ramos 12:10 +Arthur Z. Corpuz +Fernando Trejo 7:00 (SP) +Lydia y Cederino Frias +Gabino Martinez Friday, October 30 +Rafael Pacheco Fuentes 8:45 Purgatorian Society

Lucas Zocche 26 9/20 Vietnamese completed & proofed 9/20 Spanish completed & proofed (as of 8/5)

12:10 Tuesday, November 3 7:00 Misa De Sanación 8:45 +Felino Umbay Purgatorian Society Saturday, October 31 12:10 +Michael & Mary Lynch & 8:45 Purgatorian Society Family 12:10 +Felix Adun Asemota 7:00 (SP) +Engracia Lopez-Nietu 5:00 Living & Deceased members (por el cumpleaños) of the Sweeney, Burke, Wednesday, November 4 Watters & Moakler Families 8:45 Purgatorian Society 7:00 (SP) Por el cumpleaños de 12:10 +Thomas, +Julia, Janet Zuniga +AnnMarie,+Kevin and

Sunday, November 1 +Rev. John Costello, C.Ss.R. 7:00 (SP) + Noel Emmanuel 8:00 For the People of the Parish 8:00 (SP) Por las almas benditas del Marroquin Purgatorio 10:00 +Sidney Stacey (anniversary) Thursday, November 5 8:45 +Theresa Greaney & The 10:00 (SP) +Aracelis Abreu Leung +Maria Perez Greaney Family +Pedro Dones Purgatorian Society +Marciana Alarcon y +2 aida 12:10 +Consuelo L. Flores) Pedraza 12:30 (SP) +Noel Emmanuel Friday, November 6 Marroquin 8:45 Neil Heaney (anniversary) 3:00 (V) +Phero Purgatorian Society +Matro Lucas Zocche +Maria Nhan Thi Nguyen 7:00 Healing Mass +Ana Nguyen Thi Houng Saturday, November 7 Monday, November 2 8:45 Purgatorian Society 8:45 Purgatorian Society 12:10 +Michael J. O’Hara 12:10 +Michael Caforio (anniversary) 7:00 All Souls Mass 5:00 +Rosaleen Logan (anniversary)

27 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Staff and Personnel

Redemptorist Community Sisters in Residence at O.L.P.H. Convent Rev. Karl Esker, C.Ss.R., Rector Rev. James Gilmour, C.Ss.R., Pastor Sr. Lucille Ann Aliperti, CSJ Rev. Norman Bennett, C.Ss.R. * Sr. Mary Doyle, CSJ Rev. James Cascione, C.Ss.R.* Sr. Judith Shea, CSJ Shea, CSJ Rev. Michael Cunningham, C.Ss.R.* Sr. Theresa Wong, IHM Rev. Clement Krug, C.Ss.R.* Rev. Joseph Lu * Parish Pastoral Council-2017-2018 Rev. John Murray, C.Ss.R. * Rev. Karl Esker, C.Ss.R. Rev. Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R. * Rev. James Gilmour, C.Ss.R. Rev. Francis Skelly, C.Ss.R.* Rev. Joseph Hung Duc Tran, C.Ss.R.* Rev. Michael Cunningham, CSsR Rev. Joseph Lu ⃰ Pastoral Associate Sr. Lucille Aliperti, C.S.J. Luis Arias

Chinese Apostolate Alice Butler Tony Coppola Rev. Norman Bennett Julia Fernández Rev. Joseph Lu Joseph Giordano

Vietnamese Apostolate Fidel Hernández Edwin Li Rev. Joseph Hung Duc Tran Maritza Mejía

Priscilla Moronta Parish Deacons Fabian Otavalo Rev. Mr. Jesús Soto Stephanie Rivera Rev. Mr. Hector Blanco Irma Soto Rev. Mr. Danny Rodriguez John Trandinh

Director of Religious Education

Mrs. Maritza Mejía

Parish Music Director

Joseph Giordano

28 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Parish Organizations

EDUCATIONAL: Juan Neumann Center Redemptorist Immigration R.C.I.A. – R.I.C.A. Services Rectory Office 545 60th Street – 718-439-8160 526 59th Street – 718-492-9200 Mon.-Thurs. 9 AM-12 PM, 1-3 PM Office of Religious Education Wed. 9 AM-12 PM, 1-3 PM, 6-8 PM 5901 6th Avenue – 718-439-1281 Sat. 9 AM-12 PM

LITURGICAL: Advocate for the Disabled Rev. Norman Bennett, C.Ss.R. Music Ministry Rev. John Murray, C.Ss.R. Joseph Giordano – 718-492-9200 Judy Hernandez – 917-202-0366 Legion of Mary / Legión de Marcos Marte – 347-749-3556 María Curia – St. Alphonsus Hall – Eucharistic Ministers and 3rd Sunday, 2:30-4:00 PM Lectors – English Praesidium N.S. del Perpetuo Sr. Lucille Aliperti, CSJ Socorro – 718-439-5100 Rectory – Saturday, 4:00 PM -

Eucharistic Ministers – Hispanic Our Lady of Perpetual Help Luis Arias – 718-439-4594 Catholic Academy of Brooklyn Lectors – Hispanic 5902 6th Avenue – 718-439-8067 Fidel Hernández – 646-596-0784 Principal: Margaret Tyndall

Ushers – Hospitality Ministry Hijas de María Jorge Barraza – First Sunday, Hispanic – 718-419-9041 Mass and Meeting: 10:15 AM Louis Nevilles – Ana Concepción and Ana León English – 718-439-6003 Santo Nombre Altar Servers 2nd Sunday, Rev. Joseph Tran Mass and Meeting: 10:15 AM Sofia Medina Rev. Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R.

PASTORAL: Cofradía del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús St. Vincent de Paul 3rd Sunday, Sr. Lucille Aliperti, CSJ Mass and Meeting: 10:15 AM Ana Concepción 29

Cursillistas Catholic War Veterans Every Wednesday, 3rd Thursdays 7:30 PM Upper Chapel Eugenia Tlaxcantitla Al-Anon Tuesdays, 1:00 PM Prayer Group – Hispanic 5901 6th Avenue St. Gerard Hall, Fridays, 7:30 PM Sundays, 7:00 PM Roberto Rodríguez – 347-461-6621 5901 6th Avenue

Jornada – Youth Cub Scouts of America Sundays, 1-3 PM, St. Gerard Hall Parish Center Andres Reinoso Rev. Charles McDonald, C.Ss.R. 347-760- 5613 Stephanie Rivera

Circle of Friends SPORTS: 558 59th Street – Notre Dame Hall Tuesdays, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM O.L.P.H. Soccer League Sr. Lucille Aliperti, CSJ Kevin Henneman – 718-614-4460 Martin Brennan – 718-836-4178 Knights of Columbus Brooklyn Council #60 Swimming Teams – Boys & 5901 6th Avenue, Room 4 Girls CYO 2nd & 4th Mondays, 7:30 PM OLPH / St. Andrew Ben LaSpina – 347-782-8036 Girls: Charles Boulbol 917-331-5600 Ladies Auxiliary of the Basilica Boys: Ray Wendt – 718-833- 8047 Eileen McConeghy –

Notre Dame Hall First Sunday each month Mass and meeting: 9:00 AM

30 31

Weekday Masses - Monday to Saturday: English: 8:45 AM* and 12:10 PM Lower Church

Chinese: 8:45 AM Upper Church

Spanish: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at

7:00 PM Lower Church **

Sunday Masses: English: Saturday: 5:00 PM Lower Church Sunday: 8:00 AM Lower Church 10:00 AM Lower Church *

Chinese: Sunday: 11:45 AM Lower Church

Vietnamese: Sunday: 2:00 PM Lower Church

Spanish: Saturday: 7:00 PM Lower Church Sunday: 8:00 AM Upper Church ** 10:00 AM Upper Church 12:30 PM Upper Church

* Mass will be streamed live on Facebook "OLPH Brooklyn” and on the website: www.olphbkny.org ** Spanish Mass will be streamed live on Facebook "Charles McDonald" and on the website: www.olphbkny.org

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