THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD

OCTOBER 2020 archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript

THE POWER OF PRAYING THE

· October Is Rosary Month · Rosary Walk, St. Mary , Simsbury · Opportunities To Pray The Rosary · Learn About The Rosary

FATHER MCGIVNEY: AN INSPIRATION TO ALL

SERVING THE COUNTIES OF HARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT1 6 OCTOBER 2020 CONTENTS

FEATURED ARTICLES

6 The Power of Praying the Rosary Develop a habit of praying the rosary and draw closer to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Mother.

12 Walking With Mary Indoor rosary walk at St. Mary Parish dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

16 Praying the Rosary Around the Archdiocese Parishioners around the Archdiocese of Hartford are devoted to praying the rosary in October, the month of the Holy Rosary, and throughout the year.

22 Father McGivney

PHOTO BY AARON AARON BY PHOTO An inspiration to all priests.

26 Providing Basic Everyday Needs Charities program provides services to families.

ARCHBISHOP’S DESK

4 ‘Faithful Citizenship’ “As the November elections draw near, I encourage PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO 12 MAKERS ROSARY PAUL ST. OF COURTESY PHOTO 16 everyone to consult the Bishops’ teaching document Faithful Citizenship on the archdiocesan or USCCB websites. It calls attention to key themes that should

inform people’s voting decisions.” THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD

OCTOBER 2020 archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript

THE POWER OF PRAYING THE ROSARY · October Is Rosary Month · Rosary Walk At St. Mary’s, Simsbury · Opportunities To Pray The Rosary · Learn About The Rosary Priest

DEPARTMENTS FATHER MCGIVNEY: AN INSPIRATION TO ALL PRIESTS

3 EDITOR’S DESK

SERVING THE COUNTIES OF HARTFORD, NEW HAVEN AND LITCHFIELD, CONNECTICUT 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF FAMILY PRAYER FAMILY OF MUSEUM OF COURTESY PHOTO 18 JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO 22 10 BIBLE GUIDANCE 18 GOING PLACES ON THE COVER: VISIT US AT: 21 VOCATIONS OFFICE Ann Weitzler, a parishioner ArchdioceseofHartford.org/CatholicTranscript 27 CORNER of Holy Rosary facebook.com/ArchdioceseofHartford/ 28 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE/ Parish in Ansonia, @ArchdioceseHart APPOINTMENTS cherishes her @ArchdioceseofHartford 29 MARK YOUR CALENDAR devotion to the rosary. youtube.com/archdioceseofhartfordct 31 OBITUARIES COVER PHOTO AND COVER INSET PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH 2 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript EDITOR’S DESK

Hold On to the Faith The Catholic Transcript is the official I am sure you have heard people say, magazine of the Archdiocese of Hartford, which includes Hartford, New Haven and “The hits keep coming” in 2020, and ask Litchfield counties. The magazine, published the question, “When will it end?” in Connecticut since 1829, is distributed free There have been literally hundreds of of charge through the generosity of donors thousands of negative stories this entire to the ’s Annual Appeal. year related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Telephone: 860.286.2828 KAREN AVITABILE a recession, one of the highest unemploy- Website: www.archdioceseofhartford.org/ ment rates ever, civil unrest around the catholictranscript is the editor of the Email: [email protected] Catholic Transcript. nation, political divisions, the wild fires Distribution: More than 174,000 out West and, even closer to home, the Mailing changes: Email address changes devastating effects of Tropical Storm Isaias and the tornadoes to [email protected]. and microbursts that touched down in August. OCTOBER 2020 Of course, let us not forget the challenge to protect ourselves and others from the coronavirus, the separation from family and Archbishop Leonard P. Blair PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER friends, the loss of special occasions and events, the closing of some our favorite businesses, dire financial struggles, fear of Father Matthew Gworek EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS housing evictions, the deaths resulting from the pandemic and AND PUBLIC RELATIONS also the inability to receive the Eucharist when churches were

Karen A. Avitabile closed earlier this year. Although churches are now open with EDITOR capacity restrictions, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair has extended the dispensation from the Sunday obligation through Nov. 28. Shelley Wolf STAFF WRITER Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt tells us in Bible Guid-

Aaron Joseph ance (page 10) that, “We can persevere through the tribulations PHOTOGRAPHER of these times and see them as an opportunity to partake in Christ’s

Jenny Pomicter redemptive mission.” We have all endured many disappointments GRAPHIC DESIGNER but as people of faith, we must not surrender but continue to find new ways of worshiping and remaining close to God. Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt Archbishop Leonard P. Blair One of those ways is by praying the rosary. Each year, the Father Casey month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. Joe Pisani On several occasions this year, Francis has Jack Sheedy CONTRIBUTORS encouraged Catholics worldwide to unite through praying the rosary and has asked Mary to intercede CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT (USPS 0094- 540, ISSN 1081-4353) is published monthly, for an end to “this terrible pandemic.” except for February and August, by the In this edition of the Catholic Transcript, we provide Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford, you with a guide to pray the rosary (page 9). We also 134 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105. bring you the history of the rosary, the personal journeys of six Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and at additional mailing offices. people whose lives have been touched by the rosary, the story of a rosary walk at St. Mary Parish in Simsbury, numerous ways POSTMASTER: Send address changes to to honor Our Lady around the Archdiocese of Hartford and Catholic Transcript, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002-2999. a summary of the life of Father Patrick Peyton, a sainthood candidate who preached, “The Family That Prays Together Connecting people with Stays Together.” A rosary path outside the Museum of Family Jesus and his Church www.FAITHcatholic.com Prayer in North Easton, ., is dedicated to Father Peyton and is open to all who desire a quiet space for their prayers. Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER During October, hold on to the faith, pray the rosary and remember Father Peyton’s words about the rosary: “It embodies Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR the good news that Jesus loves you because you are his

CANDYGRL/GETTY IMAGES CANDYGRL/GETTY or sister.”

3 ARCHBISHOP’S DESK ‘Faithful Citizenship’ ver the last half century, there has been a great upheaval in the life of our society. Consensus about fundamental moral issues has broken down, for example, with regard to the protection of unborn life and the very definition O ARCHBISHOP of marriage and family. In the , this tidal wave of cultural and social LEONARD P. change has given rise to a situation in which some people claim to be Roman Catholic BLAIR is the and yet dissent from fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church. Sometimes they do 13th bishop of the Archdiocese in a public manner that is scandalous, sometimes out of ignorance of what their own of Hartford. Church believes and teaches, and other times not.

As moral teachers and leaders, the U.S. Bishops have urged • Achieving comprehensive immigration reform that offers a a political engagement by the Catholic people “shaped by the path to citizenship, treats immigrant workers fairly, prevents the moral convictions of well-formed consciences and focused on separation of families, maintains the integrity of our borders, the dignity of every human being, the pursuit of the common respects the rule of law and addresses the factors that compel good and the protection of the weak and the vulnerable.” people to leave their own countries. As the November elections draw near, I encourage everyone to • Helping families and children overcome poverty: ensuring consult the U.S. Bishops’ teaching document Faithful Citizenship access to and choice in education, as well as decent work at on the archdiocesan or USCCB websites. It calls attention to fair, living wages and adequate assistance for the vulnerable key themes that should inform people’s voting decisions. Not in our nation, while also helping to overcome widespread surprisingly, first and fundamental to everything else is the hunger and poverty around the world, especially in the areas right to life and the dignity of every human person; then the of development assistance, debt relief and international trade. call that everyone has to family, community and participation; • Providing health care while respecting human life, human dignity the morality of both rights and responsibilities; an option for and religious freedom in our health care system. the poor and vulnerable; the dignity and rights of workers; • Continuing to oppose policies that reflect prejudice, hostility human, global solidarity; and caring for God’s creation. toward immigrants, religious bigotry and continuing to com- In Faithful Citizenship, we bishops point out that “our focus is bat any unjust discrimination. (In light of recent events in our not on party affiliation, ideology, economics or even competence country, we need to take positive steps to overcome the legacy and capacity to perform duties, as important as such issues are.” of injustice, including vigorous action to remove barriers to Rather, we focus on what protects or threatens human life and education, protect voting rights, support good policing in our dignity, and we hope that in casting their votes Catholics will communities and ensure equal employment opportunities.) be guided by the following considerations: • Encouraging families, community groups, economic structures and government to work together to overcome poverty, pursue • Keeping our nation from turning to violence to address fun- the common good and care for creation, with full respect for damental problems — a million abortions each year to deal individuals and groups and their right to address social needs with unwanted pregnancies, euthanasia and assisted suicide to in accord with their basic moral and religious convictions. deal with the burdens of illness and disability, the destruction of • Establishing and complying with moral limits on the use of human embryos in the name of research, the use of the death military force — examining for what purposes it may be used, penalty to combat crime and imprudently resorting to war to under what authority and at what human cost — with a special address international disputes. view to seeking a responsible and effective response for ending • Protecting the fundamental understanding of marriage as the the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in lifelong and faithful union of one man and one woman and the Middle East and other parts of the world. as the central institution of society; promoting the complemen- • Joining with others around the world to pursue peace, protect tarity of the sexes and rejecting false “gender” ideologies; human rights and religious liberty and advance economic and providing better support for family life morally, socially justice and care for creation. and economically, so that our nation helps parents raise their children with respect for life, sound moral values and an ethic As we prepare to vote, please join me in working and praying of stewardship and responsibility. for peace and unity in our nation and in the world.

4 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript ‘Ciudadanía Fiel’ urante este último medio siglo ha habido una gran conmoción en la vida de nuestra sociedad. El consenso sobre cuestiones morales fundamentales se ha roto, por ejemplo, con respecto a la protección de la vida de los que están por nacer y la definición misma de matrimonio y familia. D EL ARZOBISPO En la Iglesia Católica, esta marea de cambios culturales y sociales ha dado lugar a una situación en la LEONARD P. que algunas personas, aunque afirman ser católicos romanos, sin embargo, disienten de las enseñanzas BLAIR es el 13er fundamentales de la Iglesia Católica. A veces lo hacen de una manera pública que resulta escandalosa, obispo de la Arquidiócesis a veces por ignorancia de lo que su propia iglesia cree y enseña, pero otras veces no tanto. de Hartford.

Como maestros y líderes en el campo moral, los obispos estadoun- •Lograr una reforma migratoria integral que ofrezca un camino hacia idenses han instado al pueblo católico a un compromiso político la ciudadanía, trate a los trabajadores inmigrantes de manera justa, “moldeado por las convicciones morales de unas conciencias bien evite la separación de familias, mantenga la integridad de nuestras formadas y centrado en la dignidad de cada ser humano, en la búsque- fronteras, respete la norma de la ley y afronte las causas que obligan da del bien común y en la protección de los débiles y vulnerables”. a las personas a abandonar sus propios países; A medida que se acercan las elecciones de noviembre, los animo a •Ayudar a las familias y los niños a superar la pobreza: garantizar todos a consultar el documento de los obispos titulado Ciudadanos el acceso y opciones en la educación, así como a un trabajo decente, Fieles (Faithful Citizenship) en la página web de la arquidiócesis o de con salarios dignos y justos y una asistencia adecuada a las personas la USCCB. Este escrito llama la atención a temas importantes que vulnerables en nuestra nación, que ayude al mismo tiempo a superar el deberían informar a las personas en decisiones al votar. No es de hambre y la pobreza generalizadas en todo el mundo, especialmente extrañar que, en primer y fundamental lugar sobre todo lo demás, esté en las áreas de asistencia para el desarrollo, el alivio de la deuda y el derecho a la vida y la dignidad de toda persona humana; luego el el comercio internacional; llamado que todos tienen a la familia, la comunidad y la participación; •Brindar atención médica que respete la vida humana, la dignidad la moralidad tanto de los derechos como de las responsabilidades; humana y la libertad religiosa en nuestros sistemas de salud; la opción por los pobres y vulnerables; la dignidad y los derechos •Continuar oponiéndose a las tácticas que reflejan prejuicios, hosti- de los trabajadores; la solidaridad humana y global; y el cuidado de lidad hacia los inmigrantes, intolerancia religiosa y a la vez continuar la creación de Dios. combatiendo cualquier discriminación injusta. (A la luz de los acon- En Faithful Citizenship, los obispos señalamos que “nuestro en- tecimientos recientes en nuestro país, debemos tomar medidas posi- foque no está en la afiliación a un partido político, a una ideología, tivas para prevalecer sobre el legado de la injusticia, incluyendo una a la economía o incluso a la competencia y capacidad para ejecutar acción enérgica para eliminar las barreras en la educación, proteger deberes, por importantes que estos temas puedan ser”. Más bien, el derecho al voto, apoyar una buena actuación policial en nuestras nos enfocamos en lo que protege o amenaza la vida y la dignidad comunidades y garantizar la igualdad de oportunidades de empleo). humanas, y esperamos que, al ejercer su derecho al voto, los católicos •Alentar a las familias, los grupos comunitarios, las estructuras económi- se guíen por las siguientes consideraciones: cas y el gobierno a trabajar juntos para superar la pobreza, fomentar •Evitar que nuestra nación recurra a la violencia al enfrentar problemas el bien común y cuidar de la creación, con pleno respeto hacia las per- fundamentales como: un millón de abortos cada año para disponer de sonas y grupos y sus derechos a enfrentar las necesidades sociales de embarazos no deseados, la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido para hacer acuerdo con sus principios morales básicos y sus convicciones religiosas. frente a la carga de la enfermedad y la discapacidad, la destrucción de •Establecer y cumplir con los límites morales en el uso de la fuerza embriones humanos en nombre de la investigación, el uso de la pena militar, examinando los fines en que se puede emplear, bajo qué de muerte para combatir el crimen, y el recurso imprudente a la guerra autoridad y a qué costo humano, con miras especialmente a buscar para abordar disputas internacionales; una respuesta responsable y eficaz para poner fin a la persecución •Proteger la noción fundamental del matrimonio como la unión fiel y de los cristianos y otras minorías religiosas en el Medio Oriente y de por vida de un hombre y una mujer, y como la institución central de otras partes del mundo. la sociedad; promover la complementariedad de los sexos y rechazar •Unirse a otros en todo el mundo para buscar la paz, proteger las falsas ideologías de “género”; y brindar un mejor apoyo moral, los derechos humanos y la libertad religiosa, y promover la justicia social y económico a la vida familiar, para que nuestra nación ayude a económica y el cuidado de la creación. los padres a criar a sus hijos con respeto a la vida, los sólidos valores Mientras nos preparamos para votar, unámonos para trabajar morales y una ética de administración y responsabilidad; y orar por la paz y la unidad en nuestra nación y en el mundo.

5 EDITOR’S NOTE: Each year, October is traditionally dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Mary, with the liturgical feast of celebrated on Oct. 7. Here, we provide the history of the rosary and the personal journeys of six peo- ple whose lives have been touched by the rosary. The rosary is more than an indispensable part of their The Power daily prayer. They all agree that the rosary has helped them grow closer of Praying to Christ through the Blessed Mother. the Rosary Pray the rosary and draw closer to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Mother.

Story by JOE PISANI

very day, millions of faithful Catholics pray a devotion that St. John Paul II called a “simple yet profound prayer that still remains a prayer of great significance at the dawn of the third millennium.” It is a prayer E that has the blessing of the Mother of God herself — the rosary. NYUL/GETTY IMAGES

6 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript Throughout history, people young and 1917, she referred to herself as Our Lady strength. I can’t complain when I look at old have clutched their rosary beads in of the rosary and told three shepherd what Jesus and the Blessed Mother have faith and hope, praying to Our Lady in children to pray for peace and gave them done for me.” Her most fervent prayer times of personal trial, hardship, temp- the Fatima Prayer: “O, my Jesus, forgive was answered seven years ago when Peter tation and persecution. us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, became a Catholic. The rosary, from the Latin rosarium“ ,” lead all souls to heaven, especially those which means “rose garden,” involves vocal most in need of thy mercy.” CHANGING THE WORLD, and centered on 20 Mys- St. John Paul II believed praying the ONE ROSARY AT A TIME teries from the lives of Jesus and Mary. rosary could prevent the disintegration Four nights a week, Cristina Otero The holy rosary is also known as the of the family, while urged joins other Yale students at Thomas Dominican Rosary in homage to St. Catholics to pray the rosary daily to help More Chapel, kneeling in front of the Dominic, who, according to pious tra- the Church during a period of turmoil, tabernacle beneath an image of Our Lady dition, had a vision of Our Lady in 1214, and in May, he led a worldwide rosary of Guadalupe to pray the rosary. who is believed to have given him the to ask Our Lady’s protection from the The group is called “Rodzinka,” which is rosary and said, “If you want to reach coronavirus pandemic. Polish for “little family,” and it was inspired hardened souls and win them over to by St. John Paul II. The students pray for God, preach my rosary.” ANSWERED PRAYERS the conversion of the world and the con- Although the modern rosary dates As a child in Ethiopia, Anna Weitzler version of young people on campus. from the 16th century, it has antecedents prayed the rosary every day at St. Mi- Otero, a senior studying neuroscience, from as early as the third century, when chael School. Today, as a parishioner of has been praying the rosary since she was Christian used knotted ropes to Holy Rosary Parish in Ansonia, she still a child and says, “The rosary teaches us count prayers or Bible verses. Later, the cherishes the devotion. how to live like Mary and lets us hold the faithful who could not recite “Growing up, I was very close life of Christ and Mary in our hearts. It the would instead to the Blessed Mother be- has made my prayer life more profound.” pray 150 Our Fathers on cause I could relate to her,” Temptations that previously frustrated a string of beads called she says. “I talked to her her have become manageable because Paternosters. if I had problems.” of the rosary. In 1569, Pope Pius Her father left Naples “One of the amazing things that has V established the ro- to go to Africa in 1935, come out of meeting as a group is seeing sary as we know it with where Weitzler and the faith and devotion of my friends,” Ote- Joyful, Sorrowful and her eight siblings were ro says. “It is so encouraging to have this Glorious Mysteries. He raised. They later moved group of young people who love Our Lady also instituted the feast to Connecticut and she and Our Lord and aren’t afraid to say it.” of Our Lady of the Ro- married her husband sary in gratitude to the Virgin for the Peter, a non-Catholic, on July 4, 1964. THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS Christian victory over the Muslims in Foremost among her intentions was that TOGETHER the on Oct. 7, 1571. he become a Catholic. When Gisele Guillette was growing up In 2002, St. John Paul II signed an ap- She attributes two miracles in her on a farm in Vermont, her parents would ostolic letter that gave us the Luminous mother’s life to the rosary and the in- gather the children — all 14 — together Mysteries. tercession of St. Pio. Because of that, for the family rosary after supper. The rosary has been championed by she was inspired to begin the Padre Pio “We were brought up praying the ro- many saints, including Blessed Alan de Prayer Group at Holy Rosary 22 sary, and my mother wouldn’t la Roche and St. , who years ago. think of a day without it,” said, “When the holy rosary is said well, “A peace comes over she recalls. A member of it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is me when I’m praying St. Michael Church in more meritorious than any other prayer.” the rosary,” she says. “I Beacon Falls, she often St. Pio of Pietrelcina called the rosary can’t explain it. I always joins a group that prays “the weapon for these times.” pray for everybody the rosary before the In approved Marian apparitions, Our else. I don’t pray for weekday Mass. Lady has repeatedly urged the faithful to myself. The rosary gives There have been times pray the rosary. At Fatima, Portugal, in me hope and faith and of crisis when, Guillette

7 says, “All I had was the Mary said to do it,” he rosary, and it carried says. “We have a (Battle Joyful Mysteries me through. The Bless- of) Lepanto going on Prayed on Mondays, Saturdays ed Mother is always in America today, and and, during the season of there for us.” we need to pray the Advent, on Sundays: Once when her daugh- rosary for our country · The Annunciation ter called in the middle and our Church. We · The Visitation of the night because her have to win this war, · The Nativity girlfriend was very sick, Guillette and the rosary is the way to do it.” · The Presentation in the Temple got out of bed and prayed the rosary Cook, who was raised in Pennsylva- · The Finding in the Temple because of her faith in its power. nia, has always had a devotion to Our “St. Pio is famous for calling the ro- Lady and recalls going to the Miraculous sary his weapon, and right now, I feel Medal every Monday night when it is the best weapon we have,” she says. he was a teenager. It is a practice he con- “It has given me strength and faith that tinues to this day at his parish. Sorrowful Mysteries everything is going to be OK.” “I pray for everybody. I pray for my Prayed on Tuesdays, Fridays, family, my children and four grandchil- and, during the season of Lent, SOMETHING MISSING IN HIS LIFE dren,” Cook says. “I pray for my country on Sundays: Everything seemed fine in Przemek because it needs lots of prayers, and I · The Agony in the Garden Palka’s life, but he had a nagging feeling pray for my Church because there is so · The Scourging at the Pillar something was missing. One evening much dissent.” · The Crowning with Thorns just before Christmas eight years ago, · The Carrying of the Cross the law student was walking through ‘LISTEN TO OUR MOTHER’ · The Crucifixion and Death Warsaw while snow was falling. For more than 20 years, Mary Ann “I went into a Dominican church, and Swiatek has been praying the rosary af- a priest heard my confession for the first ter daily Mass at Holy Infant Church in time in years,” he recalls. In later discus- Orange. “It has been an indispensable sions with the priest, Palka gained a new part of my life,” she says. Glorious Mysteries appreciation of his Catholic faith As a young mother, she wanted and developed a devotion to the best for her family but Prayed on Wednesdays and, outside the seasons of Advent the rosary. didn’t know what to do and Lent, on Sundays: “It took me a while to until a fellow parish- · The Resurrection appreciate the rosary. ioner gave her rosary · The Ascension Even though I under- beads from Med- · The Descent of the Holy Spirit stood Mother Mary jugorje, a village in · The Assumption gave the rosary to us, it Bosnia-Herzegovina, · The Coronation of Mary struck me as repetitive,” where the Blessed Vir- says Palka, who recently gin has been reportedly completed a fellowship appearing since 1981. at Yale Law School. She began praying the “I try to pray it every day,” Palka says. “I rosary and eventually got to Medjugorje. Luminous Mysteries try to choose one intention, but it is more The rosary, she says, allays her fears than just asking for something — it is a about the world, about the future of her Prayed on Thursdays: way of spending time with Mother Mary.” children and grandchildren and about · The of Christ in “different problems, large and small, that the Jordan ANOTHER BATTLE OF LEPANTO seem to have no solution.” · The Wedding Feast at Cana Francis Cook, 95, has been praying The Blessed Mother has repeatedly · Jesus’ Proclamation of the the rosary for 20 years with a group that called us to conversion and repentance, Coming of the Kingdom meets after daily Mass at Mary, Gate of she adds. “We should listen to Our Moth- of God Heaven Parish in Windsor Locks. er. We should all be praying the rosary, · The Transfiguration “It’s very important because at Fatima, one at a time.” · The Institution of the Eucharist

8 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript TEXT FROM USCCB.ORG Announce the Glory Be 7 6 10 Hail Mary’s Third Mystery and 5 pray the Our Father Announce the Fourth Mystery and 5 pray the Our Father 7 Glory Be

10 Hail Mary’s 6 HOW TO 6 10 Hail Mary’s PRAY THE Announce the Second Mystery Glory Be and pray the Our Father 7 ROSARY 5

Announce the 7 Fifth Mystery and pray the 5 Glory Be Our Father Fatima Prayer (Optional) 6 6

10 Hail Mary’s 10 Hail Mary’s

Glory Be 7 8 Hail, Holy Queen

Announce the First Mystery 5 and pray the Our Father Glory Be 4

Three Hail Mary’s 3 (Faith, Hope, Charity) The repetition in the rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the 2 Our Father words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ’s spirit dwells. The rosary can be said privately or with a group. TEXT FROM USCCB.ORG 1 The Apostles’

Hail Mary bead

Our Father bead Begin and end with

HARLINA LESMANA/GETTY HARLINA IMAGES the Sign of the Cross

9 BIBLE GUIDANCE TORTOON/GETTY IMAGES

PERSEVERE THROUGH THIS YEAR’S TRIBULATIONS

do not doubt that most of us have heard from why have you forsaken me?” Looking at Jesus at that moment of family members and friends, and I bet more than immense suffering for our should remind us that he has borne all our infirmities and afflictions while on the cross. once, about how much they are looking forward (cf. Is 52:13-53:12). As Jesus’ disciples and as sons and daughters to 2020 ending. Have you thought the same too? of the same Father, our present suffering, pain, anxiety and I uncertainty find salvific meaning in the sufferings of our Lord So many people are living oppressed by the Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 12:9; Col 1:24; cf. CCC 1521) As Pope St. John Paul anxiety this year has brought in all our hearts. II affirmed: “God gives the definitive answer and solution to Moreover, most of us are still suffering the the problem of suffering through the cross of His Son Jesus effects of the pandemic: the loss of relatives Christ.” (Salvici doloris, 13, cf. 19-24). and friends due to the illness, dire financial We can finish the year and continue to the next one in hope. AUXILIARY struggles, unemployment, fear of loss With God’s truthful promise and help, we can persevere through BISHOP JUAN and eviction and many other ramifications. the tribulations of these times and see them as an opportunity MIGUEL Other are still going through the aftermath to partake in Christ’s redemptive mission. Only with the eyes of BETANCOURT of earthquakes, tropical storms and wild- faith can we comprehend that, in Christ Jesus, there is a meaning is the ninth fires. The lives of many are now marked by and a grace-filled purpose of every pain we experience, every auxiliary uncertainty, wondering what the next day is tear we shed. It should remind us of the truth St. Paul shared bishop for the going to bring. Recent social upheaval due to with the Christians of Rome: “We know that in all things God Archdiocese of long-overlooked injustice and mistreatment works for the good of those who love him.” (Rom 8:28) Hartford. to fellow brothers and sisters has exacerbated the disappointment and helplessness we have been already feeling in recent months. Yes, many of us wish that we could leave all this sorrow and misery behind and begin anew, so we could instantly move on and forget all the evil that has happened around the world, to many people we know and even to ourselves. That is quite a wish. Unfortunately, that is not the case, is it? The consequences of what has occurred during this year 2020 are going to be

with us for a while longer. A question comes to our confused, Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt participated in a frustrated and doubtful minds: Why does God allow all this memorial service in August at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford to happen? If he is the God of all good and blessings, why are for World Humanitarian Day: A tribute to aid workers on the we feeling left alone amid all this desolation? front lines. Bishop Betancourt was asked to lead those present in A Scripture text that comes to my mind is Jesus’ cry to the prayer and give his blessing, one in English and one in Spanish. PHOTOS BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTOS Father on Good Friday, quoting Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God,

10 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript PERSEVERA A TRAVÉS DE LAS TRIBULACIONES DE ESTE AÑO

permite que suceda todo esto? Si él es el Dios de todo bien y EL OBISPO AUXILIAR bendición, ¿por qué nos sentimos abandonados en medio de JUAN MIGUEL BETANCOURT toda esta desolación? es el noveno obispo auxiliar de Un texto bíblico que me viene a la mente es el clamor de la Arquidiócesis de Hartford. Jesús al Padre el Viernes Santo, citando el Salmo 22:1: “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has desamparado?” Mirando a o dudo que la mayoría de nosotros Jesús en ese momento de inmenso sufrimiento por nuestra salvación debería recordarnos que él cargó con todas nuestras hemos escuchado a familiares y amigos, debilidades y aflicciones mientras estaba en la cruz(cf. Isaías 52: y me imagino que más de una vez, 13-53: 12). Como discípulos de Jesús y como hijos e hijas de un cuánto esperan con ansias que este mismo Padre, nuestro sufrimiento, dolor, ansiedad e incerti- dumbre encuentran un significado salvífico en los sufrimientos Naño 2020 termine. ¿Has pensado lo mismo también? (2 Corintios 12:9; Colosenses 1:24; cf. CIC 1521) de nuestro Señor Jesucristo . Como afirmó el Papa San Juan Pablo II: “Dios da la respuesta Muchas personas viven oprimidas por la ansiedad que este y solución definitiva al problema del sufrimiento a través de la año ha traído a todos nuestros corazones. Además, la mayoría cruz de Su Hijo Jesucristo” (Salvici doloris, 13, cf. 19-24). de nosotros todavía sufrimos los efectos de la pandemia: la Sí podemos terminar el año y continuar con el próximo con pérdida de familiares y amigos debido a esta enfermedad, esperanza. Con la promesa verdadera y la ayuda de Dios, po- serios problemas económicos, desempleo, temor a perder demos perseverar a través de las tribulaciones de estos tiempos el trabajo y ser desalojados, y muchas otras ramificaciones. y verlas como una oportunidad para participar en la misión Algunos otros siguen atravesando las secuelas de terremotos, redentora de Cristo. Solo con los ojos de la fe, podemos com- tormentas tropicales e incendios forestales. La vida de muchos prender que en Cristo Jesús hay un significado y un propósito ahora está marcada por la incertidumbre y se preguntan qué lleno de gracia en cada dolor que experimentamos, en cada traerá el día de mañana. El reciente revuelo social debido a la lágrima que derramamos. Esto debe recordarnos la verdad que injusticia y maltrato hacia nuestros hermanos y hermanas, que San Pablo compartió con los cristianos de Roma: “Sabemos que durante mucho tiempo se han pasado por alto, ha exacerbado en todo Dios obra para el bien de los que le aman” (Romanos 8, 28). la decepción y el desánimo que ya hemos estado sintiendo durante estos meses. Sí, muchos de nosotros desearíamos poder dejar atrás

todo este dolor y miseria. Como si con un año nuevo, El Obispo Auxiliar instantáneamente podríamos seguir adelante y olvidar todo Juan Miguel Betancourt el mal que ha sucedido en todo el mundo, y a muchas personas celebró la Misa el 21er que conocemos e incluso a nosotros mismos. Ese es un tremendo Domingo del Tiempo deseo. Desafortunadamente, ese no es el caso, ¿verdad? Las Ordinario con el recién ordenado Diácono Joseph consecuencias de lo ocurrido durante este año 2020 nos van MacNeill en ORTV. a acompañar un tiempo más. Una pregunta llega a nuestras PHOTO BY KAREN A. AVITABILE mentes confundidas, frustradas y dudosas: ¿Por qué Dios

¿POR QUÉ DIOS PERMITE QUE SUCEDA TODO ESTO? SI ÉL ES EL DIOS DE TODO BIEN Y BENDICIÓN, ¿POR QUÉ NOS SENTIMOS ABANDONADOS EN MEDIO DE TODA ESTA DESOLACIÓN? — El Obispo Auxiliar Juan Miguel Betancourt TORTOON/GETTY IMAGES

11 Walking with Mary Indoor rosary walk at St. Mary Parish dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

Story by SHELLEY WOLF | Photos by AARON JOSEPH

he church is open, but people sit down here because they feel close to Mary. I’ve also seen them when the doors are open praying the rosary along Tthe corridor,” says Teresa St. Denis, a parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Simsbury.

The alcove, known as the Mary Alcove and Baptistery, con- The brick St. Mary Church building, dedicated in 1936, is now part of an tains a small statue of Mary, two pews and a new baptistery, updated campus that includes St. Mary’s School, the Magowen Center Campus Connector and the St. Mary courtyard, where parishioners and forming a tranquil spot for private prayer. students can pray to the Blessed Mother. The church itself has two banks of Nearby, a contemporary floor pattern in purple and gold let- stained-glass windows that depict the Joyful and the Glorious Mysteries and ters and geometric shapes announces the Glorious Mysteries of a rose window of the . the rosary. As one of four segments running along a corridor, the floor pattern forms an indoor rosary walk that guides Catholics Before committee members approved the architect’s plans, through the Scripture-based prayer, one Mystery at a time. Bligh, who happens to be an architect himself, noticed there was Together, the alcove and rosary walk make up the spiritual a lot of empty floor space in four long segments. He thought and artistic highlights of the new Magowen Center Campus the parish might make use of it with some sort of pattern. “The Connector, designed to connect St. Mary Church and St. Mary’s committee and Father really wanted a Catholic design and School in Simsbury. In addition to praying to Mary in the alcove, something related to Our Lady,” Bligh recalls. parishioners and students can now walk from the school to “The church — its name, its history — is very much dedicat- the church, praying all four sets of the rosary, St. Denis says, ed to Mary,” explains Frank Matera, pastor of the deepening their connection to Mary and Jesus — and carrying parish since 2012. The parish was originally established in 1902 on the sacred devotion for generations to come. as Church of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, he says, then was renamed St. FOCUS ON OUR LADY Mary Parish in 1936, when a new church Jeannot Bligh, a parishioner who sat on the facilities working building was dedicated. group for the connector building, conceived the rosary floor “I think people also have a strong devo- pattern concept, while St. Denis, who served as project manager tion to Mary and the rosary in this parish,” on the construction committee, oversaw many of the details. Monsignor Frank Ma- the priest adds. It has one rosary group The Campus Connector was dedicated in June 2019 with a tera, pastor, St. Mary that met weekly to the pandemic, Mass and blessing by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair. Parish, Simsbury. plus a Mothers’ Rosary Group.

12 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript So when Bligh suggested the idea for the rosary pattern in Mystery,” Bligh explains. “Green is new life and happiness, blue the floor, Monsignor Matera and committee members thought is the color of the heavens, red signifies the blood of Christ and it was inspired. “We jumped on it,” Monsignor Matera says. suffering and purple the resurrection.” Gold accents provide Margaret Williamson, principal of St. Mary’s School, which consistency throughout, he adds. serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade, also The concept was executed in the flooring by Chris Dalene, thought it was terrific. “I remember sitting at the committee a St. Mary parishioner and owner of Dalene Flooring. The meeting where the gentleman said, ‘I have an idea.’ And it just took Mysteries are also listed on nearby wall plaques. off from there,” she says. “You just remember those moments.” Williamson says she is planning a special student devotion to Mary in May 2021. In the meantime, “Everybody finds it COLORS OF THE ROSARY beautiful,” she says of the rosary floor pattern. “All the Mysteries Today, the four sets of Mysteries of the rosary begin in the are there and it’s a reminder that this is what our faith has in corridor at the north entrance of the school, leading to the it. The Glorious Mysteries are absolutely stunning.” church. Each decade of the rosary walk is depicted in luxury “The children do make use of it,” St. Denis adds. “They’ve been vinyl tile with precision, waterjet-cut numbers and letters that asked to be quiet and reverent as they walk along the corridor.” signify each of the events in Christ’s life. “My wife Carolyn is a graphic designer and I was initially MARY INDOORS AND OUT thinking of imagery, but she directed me to be more simple The overall campus has many other areas that put the focus and direct,” Bligh says. “I was looking at the Vatican flooring on Mary and the rosary. The church itself honors Mary, Jesus patterns with the geometric circles and squares as a timeless and the rosary, Monsignor Matera says, with images from the design. They have the bold colors and the Roman numerals. Mysteries of the rosary in its colorful stained-glass windows. And yet we still wanted to have a modern design to appeal to “The Joyful Mysteries are in glass on the left,” he says, pointing younger people.” So Bligh used the Vatican flooring to spark to the bank of five windows, “and the Glorious Mysteries are on his imagination and sketched a pattern. the right.” An image of the Immaculate Conception also graces The floor pattern progresses from the Joyful Mysteries in the stained glass rose window over the church’s front entrance. green to the Luminous Mysteries in blue, then to the Sorrowful Additionally, parishioners and students have another place Mysteries in red. The Glorious Mysteries in purple are in the to pray the rosary — in the St. Mary courtyard to the left of the reception area and end at the St. Mary Alcove and Baptistery. entrance to the Magowan Center. As part of the construction “These colors traditionally represent the emotions of the project, an existing cast statue of Mary, holding a golden rosary,

The Mysteries of the rosary are represented in four sections of the floor in the Magowen Center Campus Connector, which connects St. Mary Parish and St. Mary’s School in Simsbury. Each set of Mysteries of the rosary appears in a different color and is crafted in luxury vinyl tile with precision, waterjet-cut numbers and letters that signify each of the events in Christ’s life.

13 The individual Mys- teries of the rosary are listed on four sep- arate wall plaques in the Magowen Center Campus Connector at St. Mary Parish in Simsbury. was positioned on a new brick base and surrounded by a new handicapped-accessible restrooms; and parish offices needed circular brick path and by pink, red and white rose bushes. to be moved closer to the church. The statue is illuminated in the evening. So the parish consolidated these improvements into the new “When you drive by on Hopmeadow Street, you can see the Campus Connection and named it for Kathleen Magowan, lights and it’s just beautiful,” St. Denis says. “The lights shine one of its benefactors. One added benefit of the connector on Mary and go straight up. It’s tremendous. On a clear night is that it physically joins the parish and school into a single it’s almost like a laser.” All are welcome to sit on the granite spiritual community. “Sometimes, it’s difficult to coordinate bench to reflect and pray the rosary. two communities,” says Monsignor Matera, “but this did it.” The facilities and construction teams also found a way to CAMPUS CONNECTION make some of its newer parishioners feel more at home. They The Campus Connection project came out of a facilities incorporated stained-glass windows from St. Bernard Church, assessment that began in 2013. Through the assessment, it which was decommissioned in 2017 and merged into St. Mary was determined that the school wanted new classrooms for Parish. St. Bernard’s three windows, which date to 1895, are art and music, reading and tutoring; the church needed a now positioned indoors along the rosary walk near the Glo- reception area after Masses, meeting space, an elevator and rious Mysteries. ADVERTISEMENT “Growing in Faith, Giving in Love” is being lived in all corners of the Archdiocese IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE! Now more than ever, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is providing support for our neighbors in need. Your donation to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal will help ease the burdens of many families and individuals afflicted by the pandemic.

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PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH

A rosary garden was recently constructed at St. Lawrence Rosary O’Toole Church Rosary in Hartford, part Garden of Maria Reina de Around the la Paz Parish. The garden, which is made up of roses, dogwoods and lilies, will remain open year-round and is Story by SHELLEY WOLF open to the public. Archdiocese Parishioners around the Archdiocese of Hartford are devoted to praying the rosary in October, the month of the Holy Rosary, and throughout the year. They have also found numerous creative ways to honor Our Lady and to enter deeper into the Scriptural four sets of Mysteries of Rosary the rosary. Here is just a brief sampling.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. PIO PARISH

In March, some friends at St.Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in East Haven felt they needed to pray the Rosary. So they began a scriptural rosary group that meets

daily at 8 p.m. via Zoom, with about 14 regular participants. Once ALEX/GETTY IMAGES allowed back indoors at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, the group added a weekly in-person rosary gathering on Thursdays at 7 p.m. and a Saturday rosary with the Divine Mercy at 11 a.m. in the newly constructed Garden of St. Clare outside the church. “Scriptural rosary was always important to me,” says Sally Mucka, one of the organizers, who employs various Scriptural rosary guidebooks.

16 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript Children's Rosary Group

For eight years, children of St. Paul Parish in Kensington have been leading the rosary as part of the Children’s Rosary Group on the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at Sa- cred Heart Church, a worship site of the parish in East Berlin. They are joined by adults and families in the pews who pray along with them, reciting the second half of the prayers. “The prayer group is based on Our Lady’s request that the three little children of Fatima pray the rosary for the world and for peace,” says Cheryl Batter, who coordinates the group, which is an offshoot of the Children’s Rosary Move- SUBMITTED PHOTO ment that was founded in 2011 in West Hartford.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. PAUL’S CHILDREN’S ROSARY GROUP Combined Church In response to the violence and rioting that has Rosary, Reflection occurred across the nation, five Catholic parish- es in Southington have joined to pray the rosary This year, in place of the annual Dioc- for peace in the country. Parishioners from St. esan Rosary Rally, the Basilica of the and Adoration Aloysius, St. Thomas, St. Dominic, Immaculate Immaculate Conception in Waterbury Conception and Mary Our Queen unite in will host “An Hour of Prayer Dedicated praying the “Rosary for Peace and Racial Heal- to Mary” on Oct. 11, 2 p.m. The event ing” outdoors at 8:30 or 9 a.m. at a different will also be livestreamed on the par- church in town on consecutive Saturdays every ish’s website at waterburybasilica.org. weekend of the month. “We’ll have music, the rosary, a “You can’t bring about positive change with reflection and then adoration,” says violence,” says Christina Bernhardt of St. Dom- Father James Sullivan, pastor of the inic Parish, one of the organizers. “You have to Basilica, who will give the meditation use something good to create something good.” talk. Monsignor John Bevins is slated to do the Benediction. The event is open to the public but, at press time, attendance is limited to 100 people. To register, visit waterburybasilica.org Message of Fatima or call 203.574.0017. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH On the first Saturday of each month, a group of parishioners at St. Anthony Parish in Prospect meet at noon at the statue of Mary in the church Phyllis Fecteau, age 90, who founded St. courtyard to recite the rosary, following an Paul Rosary Makers in Kensington in 1989, hourlong program provided by America Needs Prolific Rosary Makers has led a team of men and women at St. Paul Fatima, an organization that promotes the Parish who have produced more than one mil- message of Fatima in our country. In addition lion rosaries to date for whomever needs them. to the first Saturday, the group will also gather About 20 participants typically meet Septem- on Oct. 10 at noon, the closest date possible to ber through June on the first Monday of the the miracle of the sun, which occurred in Fatima month; but during the pandemic, they are doing on Oct. 13 in 1917. Call 203.758.3009 in their holy work from home. Phyllis’ son, Tom advance for a printed program. Fecteau, helps ferry components to the rosary team and picks up their finished products. “The rosaries are available for our local use, for first Communions and for the sick,” Phyllis says. “Many times, we get calls for rosaries Archdiocese of Hartford from nursing homes because they gather to say Traveling Rosary Congress, the rosary.” However, most rosaries are deliv- ered to Radio Rosary, a nonprofit in Cheshire, OCT. 3 TO 9. which ships them upon request to bishops in the Visit RosaryCongressUSA.org PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. PAUL ROSARY MAKERS and around the world. for locations.

17 GOING PLACES

Story by KAREN A. AVITIBILE Photos courtesy of MUSEUM OF FAMILY PRAYER

EDITOR’S NOTE: The rosary is a devotion of the “The Family That Prays Catholic faith and one of the hall- marks of being a Catholic. The Together Stays Together” Museum of Family Prayer in North Easton, Mass., honors Venerable Father Patrick Peyton and the ro- Learn about the priest who inspired the world with sary. It also showcases experiences of prayer using digital media for his spiritual mission at the Museum of Family Prayer. families and guests to experience together. There are areas for per- enerable Father Patrick Peyton was raised in a family sonal reflection and to grow in faith. While the museum is currently that prayed the rosary every evening. It was from this closed due to COVID-19, the rosary daily devotion instilled in him that he would later create can be prayed daily at 11:30 a.m., followed by a daily Mass by visiting the catchphrases, “The family that prays together stays familyrosary.org or Facebook. together” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.” com/familyrosary. Meanwhile, all are welcome to reflect and pray V along the rosary path outside the Known as the “rosary priest,” Father today by the Museum of Family Prayer museum, at 518 Washington St. For Peyton (Jan. 9, 1909 to June 3, 1992) trav- in North Easton, Mass., which showcas- more information about the muse- eled worldwide to share his mission of the es Father Peyton’s vision, his work, his um, call 1.800.299.7729 or visit importance of families praying together devotion to Our Blessed Mother and, of museumoffamilyprayer.org. and then discovering what good things course, the power of prayer. may come from it. His belief that prayer The museum was opened a year ago strengthens family bonds is carried on by Holy Cross Family Ministries, which

18 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript “THE ROSARY, BY ITS VERY ESSENCE, TELLS A PERSON WHO USES IT WISELY AND WELL WHO IS CHRIST, WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME, WHAT HE HAS A RIGHT TO EXPECT FROM ME.” – Venerable Father Patrick Peyton

“When he was declared ‘venerable’, we to the Lord and the Blessed Mother. It started to prepare by having a museum was here that he decided to become a of family prayer which was the focus of missionary priest. his entire life. ... We wanted this to be After hearing preaching by Holy Cross a tribute to Father Peyton and a way to priests from Notre Dame, Patrick and his welcome family.” brother, Tom, entered Holy Cross Mi- nor Seminary at the University of Notre THE ROSARY PRIEST Dame in South Bend, Ind., in 1929. After Father Willy Raymond blesses a couple at their A priest of the Congregation of the completing temporary vows and bache- vow renewal on Valentine’s Day. Holy Cross, Father Peyton, who spent his lor’s degrees in 1937, the Peyton broth- priesthood serving the spiritual needs of ers began theological training at Holy supports the spiritual well-being of fam- families worldwide, was a Catho- Cross College on the campus of ilies around the world. In the museum lic media pioneer who is now The Catholic University of are unique, interactive experiences of a sainthood candidate. America in Washington, prayer using digital media available for Born in Ireland, Patrick D.C., where Patrick met the entire family of any religion. was the sixth of nine chil- seminarians preparing “Our work is to educate, inform and dren who grew up work- for missions. celebrate the mission of Father Patrick ing on a farm and praying Father Peyton’s love of Peyton as well as educate and enlighten the rosary nightly. At age the rosary was solidified those who journey here to learn more 18, he wanted to sell real in the late 1930s when he about the power of prayer,” says Father estate with his brother and came down with tuberculosis Wilfred “Willy” Raymond, president of the pair came to the United States and was told he only had three Holy Cross Family Ministries. “In order and settled in Scranton, Pa., where three or four months to live. to engage in this technology-filled world, sisters, three uncles and other relatives “The doctors told him to try prayer the Museum of Family Prayer is filled were already living. Unable to find em- and he asked family and friends to pray with impactful images, digital and audio ployment, he took a job as a sexton in the the rosary,” Father Willy says. “He did media and projected prayers to show that local cathedral and enjoyed the peace- that and gradually felt he was getting in every corner of the world people are fulness so much that he began talking stronger and stronger.” praying — Catholics, other Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and others. … The museum is open to everyone, of every faith.” Father Willy, who entered Holy Cross in 1964 and knew Father Peyton person- ally, says it was a pleasure to get to know him. “He was gentle and sincere and, at the same time, very charismatic,” he says.

FATHER PEYTON Join the Father Peyton Prayer Guild by visiting fatherpeyton.org to support his cause for sainthood through prayer. Many exhibits in the Museum of Family Prayer bring families together. Membership in the Guild is free.

19 After his recovery, Patrick and his was declared ‘venerable’ by Pope Francis brother were ordained to the priest- in 2017. hood on June 15, 1941, at Sacred Heart “We would love to see him canonized Church at the . as the saint for family prayer,” Father “That day I gave my heart and soul in Willy says. love to Mary,” Father Peyton reportedly After more than 70 years, Father Pey- said then. ton’s ministry is still strong and vibrant. His first assignment was serving as For more information about his life, visit chaplain to a group of Holy Cross broth- fatherpeyton.org. ers who were teaching at the time in Al- bany, N.Y. It was here that his dream of A PLACE OF PEACE LEARN MORE establishing the Family Rosary ministry The Museum of Family Prayer shares in the homes of millions of people began the power of family prayer through state- • Family Rosary, Family Theater Pro- to take shape. of-the-art interactive, educational, re- ductions, the Father Peyton Family In 1942, Father Peyton began Family flective and immersive opportunities Institute and Catholic Mom offer Rosary, a radio program that aired in found in exhibits, graphics, a room for families a variety of prayer activi- Albany, and went on to lead millions in family prayer and Our Lady of the Holy ties, resources and media to support prayer at more than 540 Family Rosary Rosary Chapel. the spirituality of the family. To learn Rallies, which drew some 28 million Enter through the main doors of the more, visit museumoffamilyprayer. people. In 1947, Father Peyton founded museum into the rotunda where there are org or the museum’s YouTube page. Family Theater Productions in Holly- live screens and images of people praying • Hear what family prayer means to wood, which produced 900 radio and the rosary. The museum features a display different people in videos that can be television programs. of rosaries from several countries. At the found at museumoffamilyprayer.org. “He was a world-traveling figure,” Fa- end of your tour of the museum, there • Pray the Joyful, Glorious and Sor- ther Willy says of Father Peyton. “He is an opportunity to record a message of rowful Mysteries with Father Peyton had these traveling rosary rallies around “what prayer means to you.” on the museum’s YouTube page. the world.” The museum also explores the roots of •Coming to theaters nationwide on Upon his death in 1992, Father Peyton prayer, the rosary, Father’s Peyton’s early Oct. 9, Family Theater Productions was buried in Holy Cross Community life and seminary years, and his time in will release a new documentary film, Cemetery at in North Hollywood. See artifacts from his life, Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton, Easton. Rosaries left by visitors drape his ministry and priesthood on display. which tells the inspiring true story stone. “In the near future, we are planning The COVID-19 pandemic has been of Father Peyton’s quest to create to build a small chapel and exhume his an important “spiritual time” and has family unity through prayer that led body and have it here,” Father Willy says. forced people to “look at life in a differ- him to Hollywood and then around At the request of the Congregation ent way,” Father Willy says. “In today’s the world. Sign up for documentary of the Holy Cross, with approval of the world, prayer is needed now more than updates at familytheater.org. Vatican, the cause of was ever. We continue Father Peyton’s legacy opened on June 1, 2001. Father Peyton promoting the power of prayer.”

ROSARY PATH All are welcome to reflect and pray along the rosary path outside the Museum of Family Prayer. The rosary path is open to all who seek a quiet space for their prayers. All faiths are welcome to explore this prayerful experience. A statue of Father Peyton stands outdoors. Benches allow for personal prayer space.

20 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript VOCATIONS OFFICE

FATHER MICHAEL CASEY is the director of vocations for Priestly Identity: Putting on Christ the Archdiocese of Hartford. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO

riests come from a diversity of cultures and backgrounds. They human personality in such a way that it have different skills and training. Some have doctorates, past becomes a bridge and not an obstacle for others in their meeting with Jesus Christ careers or even, in certain circumstances, families. Yet, on the day the Redeemer of humanity.” (Pastores Dabo of their ordination, they “put on Christ” in a new way. (c.f. Gal 3:27) Vobis, 43) We can meet Our Lord through P the human refinement and qualities of At that moment, they live and act in the grace he possesses on account of our priests. persona Christi (in the person of Christ), holy orders. That priests are not robots What is important though, is that we allowing Christ to act and shine in their who mechanically recite wrote facts pass over the bridge to Christ Jesus and daily words and actions. Every priest’s from bygone generations is an important not allow the human qualities to be their identity is fundamentally rooted in the characteristic of the Catholic priesthood. own end. Bridges are meant to be passed person of Jesus Christ. The patron saint Our priests have character. Through their over (and can sometimes be a good spot of parish priests, St. Jean Vianney, would past learning, their current hobbies or for a photo op) but don’t serve as a place say, “The priesthood is the love of the their future aspirations, our priests where we would want to live. Similarly, heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, each have distinctive personalities and we should value and cherish the good think of our Lord Jesus Christ.” skills. They are the earthen vessels in human achievements and qualities of our All priests have this identity in which God has placed the treasure of priests without losing sight of the fact common. This allows for the tremendous the priesthood. (c.f. 2 Cor 4:7) they should always lead us to a deeper fraternity that is experienced in the It is exciting to know that our pastor encounter with Christ. priesthood, because in our deepest is a great cook, a distinguished writer In the Archdiocese of Hartford, we identity, we are all Christ for the world. or a brilliant scientist. The humanity of are blessed to have so many talented and We are not priest-psychologists, priest- the priest serves as a bridge to Christ. accomplished men who have answered biologists or priest-sociologists; rather, St. John Paul II instructed that, “In or- God’s call to the priesthood. Even more we are priest-priests, priests through and der that his ministry may be humanly as of a blessing though, is the way each of through. (c.f. St. Josemaría Escriva, A Priest Forever) credible and acceptable as possible, it is these men uses the gifts God has given The humanity of the priest mediates important that the priest should mold his him to lead people to Jesus.

ARE YOU DISCERNING A CALL TO THE PRIESTHOOD, RELIGIOUS LIFE MEET THE SEMINARIANS — Get to know the OR THE DIACONATE? If you think God seminarians of the Archdiocese of Hartford who discuss may be calling you, do not be afraid. their faith lives, what inspired them to answer God’s call, Visit archdioceseofhartford.org/ which saints they look to when in need and much more by vocations or contact the Office of visiting youtube.com/archdioceseofhartfordct. Vocations, 860.761.7456, to learn more.

21 Monsignor John J. Bevins, former pastor of the Basil- ica of the Immaculate Con- ception, Waterbury.

FATHER EDITOR’S NOTE: The Catholic Transcript continues the story of Father MCGIVNEY: Michael J. McGivney’s journey around the Archdiocese of Hartford by interviewing priests who have followed in his footsteps at the parishes he served. To become a saint, a person must have been a , appointed An Inspiration venerable, then beatified and canonized (saint). Father McGivney, soon to be Blessed McGivney, will be the first parish priest in America to be beatified, which will occur on Oct. 31 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. toStory by KAREN All A. AVITABILE Priests Photos by AARON JOSEPH

22 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript onsignor John J. Bevins has been praying a long time that a miracle would be attributed to the intercession of Father Michael J. McGivney and Mmove him one step closer to sainthood. “I’ve been praying I would live long enough to see

it,” he says. “I was elated. We are praying harder from St. Mary’s Church in now for the second miracle of canonization.” The New Haven pray at Father Michael J. McGivney’s tomb. first miracle was approved by the Vatican last May.

Monsignor Bevins, who served as pastor of the Basilica of attributed to the intercession of Father

the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury from 1991 to 2014, McGivney last May, Dominican friars Father John Paul says he holds “great pride” that a man considered for sainthood from St. Mary’s Parish gathered to pray Walker, pastor of St. walked the streets of Waterbury. around Father McGivney’s bronze coffin Mary’s Church. “I have great pride in the city,” he says. “Here, one of our with a polished granite sarcophagus at the own was raised.” rear of the church. On March 29, 1982, 100 years after Father Waterbury was once a city of parishes where hundreds of McGivney founded the Knights, the re-entombment of Father thousands of Roman Catholics attended church, were educated McGivney was performed in St. Mary’s Church. in the teachings of the church and where many vocations were The Vatican made its announcement about the miracle at- said to have originated from. tributed to Father McGivney at 6 a.m. on May 27, and by 6:45 One of those vocations a.m., Father John Paul Walker, pastor, received a call from was for Father McGivney, Rome for an interview. who was born in Water- “It was elation, many of us had been hoping for this moment bury, attended local schools and praying for it,” Father Walker says. “There is a sense of and developed his faith in confidence now, to have that personal sense given a definitive Immaculate Conception approval by the Church.” Church (now the Basilica During Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, parishioners have been of the Immaculate Concep- reciting the Prayer for the Canonization of Father McGivney tion) where he was baptized, for several years. “People are thrilled,” Father Walker says. made his sacraments and “People are super excited.” said his first Mass as an or- Father Walker says he prays to Father McGivney for the parish dained priest. and that he himself may be a good shepherd to the people he Baptismal record of Father McGivney. In the Basilica office, Mon- serves. “This is a reinforcement of this sense we’ve had that signor Bevins proudly shows a statue of Father McGivney that we are living in the presence of a saint,” he adds. “He poured used to be located in St. Mary School and a copy of Father himself out for the people he was serving.” McGivney’s baptismal record that hangs on a wall. “Father Mc- Givney was baptized here,” he adds, “which shows that anyone A FOUNDATION FOR THE CHURCH can be a saint too. ... This is great for the people of Waterbury.” After St. Mary’s Parish, Father McGivney was appointed the second resident pastor of St. Thomas Church, now part ON TO ST. MARY’S PARISH of St. Parish in Thomaston. His assignment After Father McGivney was ordained on Dec. 22, 1877, and a included a mission church, Immaculate Conception Church in few days after he said his first Mass at Immaculate Conception Terryville, that opened for Mass on Nov. 5, 1882. Church, his first assignment as a parish priest was assistant “The legacy he leaves behind is something you keep build- pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven. Established in 1832, ing on,” says Father Joseph Crowley, pastor of St. Maximilian St. Mary’s Parish is the oldest Catholic church in New Haven Kolbe Parish. “The shoes are very big to fill. Personal holiness and the second oldest in Connecticut. is something you have to work at every day.” From 1877 to 1884, Father McGivney spent seven years in Father McGivney’s presence is not forgotten in St. Thomas service at St. Mary’s. After Pope Francis approved a miracle nor Immaculate Conception churches, which are adorned

23 “A GREAT PARISH PRIEST” “Standing in the same Church he was in is rather exciting,” Father Gerald Dziedzic, former pastor of Immaculate Concep- tion Church in Terryville, says of Father McGivney. Father McGivney served as pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, which also included the Immaculate Conception mission in Terryville. Originally from Terryville, Father Dziedzic says he often wondered how Father McGivney used to travel Father Joseph Crowley, pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston and Immac- in a horse and buggy the 3.5 miles up a hill from St. Thomas ulate Conception Church in Terryville (now both part of St. Maximilian Kolbe to Immaculate Conception. Parish) overlooks looks over ledgers signed by Father McGivney. “The fact he had gone up the Terryville mountain, I can relate,” he adds. with paintings of him. In the possession of both churches are Currently serving as pastor of St. Catholic several registers of baptismal and marriage records signed by Church in New Milford, Father Dziedzic remembers praying to Father McGivney that bring him closer to the parishioners. Father McGivney often during his time at Immaculate Concep- “I preach about him,” Father Crowley says of Father McGivney, tion Church about 13 years ago. “A number adding that the parish is in a unique situation with one of its of times I’ve asked for his intercession for former pastors being beatified. “What a great foundation for people who have been sick,” he says. the Church and the Archdiocese of Hartford.” Father Dziedzic, a member of the Father McGivney fell ill with tuberculosis and was later Knights of Columbus, which was found- stricken with pneumonia. He was eventually confined to a bed ed by Father McGivney, calls him a “great in the Thomaston rectory where he died on Aug. 14, 1890, two parish priest” and says he is not surprised days past his 38th birthday. he is on his way to sainthood. Father Gerald Dziedzic.

A Profound Connection to Father McGivney Father James Sullivan has spent a lifetime praying to a priest on his way to becoming a saint.

Story by KAREN A. AVITABILE | Photos by AARON JOSEPH

Father James Sullivan’s affection for “I feel incredibly privileged to be a Father McGivney goes back to his col- priest, the pastor that is home to Father lege days. In many ways though, he has McGivney,” he says. “… What happened spent a lifetime admiring Father Michael here (in Waterbury) inspired him to do J. McGivney, which was intensified when what he did in New Haven and beyond.” he was appointed pastor of the Basilica of In many ways, by the examples he the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury. demonstrates, Father Sullivan has been “There is an added closeness in recent walking side-by-side with Father Mc- years, now that I’m in his parish,” Father Givney for many years and praying for Sullivan says of the Basilica. “There is no his sainthood. church that has a greater love of Father Father James Sullivan stands at the McGivney McGivney than here. His faith was formed · Father Sullivan grew up in Waterbury family grave site in the Old St. Joseph Cemetery in Waterbury. Father McGivney was buried here here in Waterbury. He was baptized here, and knew of Father McGivney. His for 92 years until 1982 when he was moved to St. it’s where he received his sacraments. He family home was only a short distance Mary’s Church in New Haven. worked in the spoon factory. He said his from the McGivney family home on first Mass here.” the banks of the Naugatuck River, a · At age 18, as a freshman at Provi- To be pastor of the Basilica at the time century apart. “I’m living in a similar dence College, Father Sullivan be- of Father McGivney’s , Father area with a man who could become came a member of the Knights of Sullivan says, is “a joy and a privilege.” a saint,” he says. Columbus.

24 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript Immaculate Conception Church, Terryville, was a mission church of St. St. Thomas Church (now part of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish) in Thomaston. Thomas Church in Thomaston where Father McGivney served as pastor.

· He remembers participating as an Waterbury Hospital and then went into altar server at the Mass of Father cardiac arrest. His heart stopped beating McGivney’s re-entombment from for 26 minutes and doctors were ready to the Basilica to St. Mary’s Church on give up but gave him five more minutes. March 29, 1982. Doctors got a response in that timeframe · For 12 years, Father Sullivan was a but the situation still looked grim. parishioner of St. Thomas Church in Father Sullivan’s sister, Sister Veronica Thomaston, where Father McGivney Mary Sullivan, began praying to Father died in the rectory. McGivney and later — with her broth- · While walking the streets of Water- ers, including Father Sullivan — went to bury, Father Sullivan often passes Father McGivney’s tomb in St. Mary’s the monumental bronze statue of Fa- Church in New Haven to pray to Father ther McGivney, at the intersection McGivney to intercede for a miracle. A of Grand and Meadow streets, and former cardiac nurse, Sister Veronica felt prays to him. Father McGivney’s presence and asked · For the past 23 years, Father Sullivan her what needed to be done. She told has planted flowers and waters them Father McGivney how her brother could regularly in St. Thomas Cemetery in be saved. A mural of Father McGivney, painted by Paul Armesto, adorns the ceiling of the Father McGivney Thomaston around a circle where bur- Before arriving back at the hospital, the room inside the church complex of the Basilica of ied are seven priests who served at family received a call that Dennis would the Immaculate Conception. St. Thomas Church, including Father be OK and there would not be any brain Eugene Gaffney, the first pastor of St. damage. Dennis went on to live life to the War II chaplain; the motto of the Knights Thomas Church in Thomaston, whom fullest for another 12 years. of Columbus, which is charity, fraterni- Father McGivney took over for as In 2019, Father Sullivan was honored ty, patriotism and unity; St. Michael the pastor and had been friends with. by the Knights of Columbus with its 44th ; and the . Father · On Father Sullivan’s dresser is a rel- annual Father Michael J. McGivney Conway, the last Catholic chaplain to die ic, a piece of clothing belonging to Award for advancing the ideals embod- in combat in World War II, faced several Father McGivney that he kisses each ied by their founder. Father Sullivan has days at sea under horrific conditions a night before going to sleep. He had organized Masses atop Holy Land USA month before the end of the war. it in his pocket on the day of his or- in Waterbury dedicated to Father Mc- Also in the Father McGivney parlor is dination. Givney. a new painting by artist Terry Today, the Basilica has a room Waldron. The painting, given A life-changing moment that convinced inside the church complex dedi- to Father Sullivan, shows Father Father Sullivan and his family that Fa- cated to Father McGivney with a McGivney on the wooden stairs ther McGivney was praying on their mural of Father McGivney paint- leading to St. Thomas Cemetery behalf occurred in 2006 when one of ed on the ceiling by artist Paul in Thomaston. Once a week, Fa- his brothers, Dennis, suffered a massive Armesto. The mural also includes Painting by Terry ther Sullivan walks those stairs to heart attack at age 41, drove himself to Father Thomas Conway, a World Waldron. think about Father McGivney.

25 Providing Basic Everyday Needs program provides services to families.

Story by JACK SHEEDY aria Zayas, director of South Side Family Center, says the Basic Human Needs program of Catholic Charities reflects the organization’s mission of respecting everyone’s dignity. “We are all children of God,” she says.

S E G A M M I The program allows families and in- Many of the Basic Human Needs ser- Y T T E G / S dividuals in need to receive help with vices are available to members of Catho- N O TI UC OD housing, food, diaper and clothing needs, lic Charities’ family centers in Hartford, PR SDI household payment assistance, access Meriden, New Haven and Waterbury. to entitlement programs if eligible, and But the Emergency Assistance Fund, part more if needed. of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, is TO LEARN MORE about Catholic “We have a lot of families that come in available at the parish level throughout Charities, call 1.888.405.1183 or requesting assistance with rent, utilities, the state, Zayas says. visit ccaoh.org. car repairs,” Zayas says. “We’ve had some “Those funds are made available to pa- requests for assistance on dental bills, rishioners, and the actual referral forms medical bills, those types of things.” are completed at the church,” she adds. family with a pack of diapers,” Zayas says. Franchesca Roldan, a Hartford mother It is not necessary to contact a family “That’s something that families are in of three, has been benefiting center, which may be miles extra need of during these weeks [of from the Basic Human Needs away. “If they don’t qualify self-isolation]. We’ve been dropping off program and food and house- for any of our family center sometimes weekly, whether it’s a pack of hold needs assistance for sev- programs, they are encour- diapers, a pack of wipes, just an activity eral months. “If I need help aged to speak to their priests bag to keep the kids busy.” with food or paying bills or and whoever is working out Roldan agrees with Zayas that the just anything, they’ll be there,” of their church’s parish office,” program has provided basic supplies to she says. Zayas says. families in need. “Food and household During self-isolation due to Basic Human Needs ser- items, like if I need toilet paper, deter- COVID-19, Catholic Charities vices that are managed by fam- gent, clothes washing products,” she says. counselors often call Roldan, ily centers include a home-vis- “What you need, they will help you.” and others, to see how she and her chil- iting program funded by the Office of The assistance provided through dren are doing. If the services were not Early Childhood. That program has been Catholic Charities has been invaluable available through the program, Roldan especially busy during the pandemic. to Roldan. “They are so supportive, so says, “To be honest, I’d be lost. I’d be so “If the family needs diapers, we have a kind,” she says. “They’re all lovely, all of depressed.” diaper bag service which provides each them. I think of them as family.”

DONATIONS NEEDED FOR PROGRAMS — Officials from Catholic Donations to the Charities say that funds for rental assistance and utilities assistance are Archbishop’s Annual extremely limited, adding that the organization receives requests for Appeal represent about assistance every day and there is quite a backlog. Catholic Charities 10% of revenue that is currently soliciting donations to fill this need. Catholic Charities receives.

26 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript SAINTS CORNER St. Helps to Rebuild God’s House

FEAST DAY: OCT. 4

orn into a life of privilege in the 12th century, Francis spent his youth pursuing leisure. But then, one day, something changed. Some say it was because of a serious illness. Others say it was the experience of being imprisoned for Ba year as part of a military expedition. During this period of rebirth, Francis was praying in front of a at the abandoned San Damiano chapel near Assisi, Italy. There, he had a vision in which God said, “Francis, repair my house, which is falling into ruin.” He listened, looked around at the crumbling chapel, and then sold some of his possessions in order to help rebuild it. The wider Church in the 12th century was wealthy and often corrupt. So when Francis sold everything he owned and embraced a life of humble poverty and preaching, it was counter-cultural to the extreme. People listened, and the number of his followers began to grow. The simple rule of the brotherhood of followers was: “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” Soon, the message spread, and Francis’ followers numbered in the thousands. Eventually, St. Francis traveled to Rome and was given approval for the Franciscan order, which exists in multiple forms today. Before his death at the age of 44, St. Francis founded three religious orders and spent his life in poverty, preaching and caring for the sick and poor. He was canonized in 1228, only two years after his death. PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO

A Beloved Saint in the Archdiocese This statue of St. Francis was refinished last year through the gener- osity of the Ladies Guild at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, New Britain. Story by SHELLEY WOLF St. Francis has two parishes named New Britain. “Our Lord calls us to give Oct. 4,” Father Casey says. “This week after him in the Archdiocese of Hartford: everything to follow him. St. Francis includes the , St. , St. St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New understood that he was called to live Thérèse and the guardian angels. This Britain and St. Francis of Assisi Parish this literally, and followed Our Lord in turns the end of September and beginning in Naugatuck. Three additional churches total poverty and cheerfulness.” of October into an annual time of renewal in New Haven, South Windsor and Though many Catholics celebrate and celebration at St. Francis.” Torrington are also named for this much the saint’s feast day with a blessing For the past two years, the parish beloved saint. of the animals, the New Britain parish also held dinners on the saint’s feast “St. Francis is as popular as he is has devised a unique way to honor its day, welcoming both parishioners and among Catholics because he embodied patron saint. “Our parish began last year students from nearby Central Connecticut the radicality of the Gospel in the time to celebrate the week leading up to the State University. This year, however, it’s he lived,” says Father Michael Casey, feast, from the feast of the Archangels on working on a safe way to celebrate in pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Sept. 29 until the feast of St. Francis on light of the pandemic.

27 FIVE FELICIAN SISTERS CELEBRATING JUBILEES SALESIAN FATHER JOHN LANGAN Five Felician sisters, four of whom entered religious life at Our Lady of ORDAINED PRIEST

P Father John Gerard Langan, SDB was L the Angels Convent in Enfield, are celebrating jubilees in 2020. H D O N T O E ordained to the priesthood on June 27 at M Sister Christine Marie Stankiewicz is celebrating 50 years, during B L Y E FA H A which she taught at St. Bernard School in Enfield and served many years St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester, N.Y. T H E R M I C in the Enfield convent kitchen, as well as 11 years as a dietary aide and Father Langan, 36, is the son of Gerald and supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital, Bangor, Maine. She currently assists Fidelis Langan. The family belongs to St. Joseph with activities in Enfield. Parish in Winsted, where John was both baptized Sister Maryann Agnes Mueller, who entered in Lodi, is celebrat- (1983) and confirmed (1998). ing 25 years. A high school and college teacher and administrator in He attended Northwestern Connecticut Community Lodi, she has most recently served as the province’s Justice, Peace and College (1999-2002) and Eastern Connecticut State Integrity of Creation coordinator since 2010, living in Enfield since 2015. University (2002-2007). Celebrating 60 years of religious life are Sister Frances Marion Bon- He joined the Youth and Young Adult Group at St. czar, Sister Janice Marie Gaudette and Sister Joan Marie Swierzb. Joseph’s Parish and found a lot of strength through Sister Frances Marion taught and served as administrator in schools that community striving to deepen their relationship in five dioceses, including Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Hartford. She served with God. six years each as vocation and formation director in Enfield and 10 years He was introduced to the Salesians by a member as provincial councilor while simultaneously serving six years as principal of his youth group and then read a biography of St. of St. Bernard School in Enfield. She now serves as Enfield’s receptionist. John Bosco. Father Langan entered Salesian can- Sister Janice Marie, a teacher for 18 years and principal for 30 in didacy by teaching sophomore religion at Salesian several New England dioceses, currently serves as local minister, treasurer High School in New Rochelle, N.Y., and living with and religious education teacher in Providence, R.I. the Salesians who staffed the school from 2009 to Sister Joan Marie taught and served as principal in six New En- 2010. The following year, he was a prenovice in the gland dioceses, including St. Mary’s School in Middletown, and has Orange, N.J., formation community. He was admitted resided in Enfield since 1989, serving as provincial councilor 12 years to the at Rosemead, Calif., in August 2011, and local minister eight years. Since 2009, she has managed the St. and made his first profession of vows on Aug. 21, Francis Residence and simultaneously since 2016, directed the Felician 2012, in New Rochelle. He made his perpetual vows

Associates. SUBMITTED PHOTOS on Sept. 7, 2018. After postnovitiate religious formation in Orange Due to Covid-19, this year’s Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus was livestreamed, with and academic studies at Seton Hall University in only a small number of delegates participating in person. Pictured in the center, front row (left to South Orange, Brother Langan did two years (2014 to right) are: Archbishop William E. Lori, archbishop of Baltimore and Supreme Chaplain of the Knights 2016) of practical training at Archbishop Shaw High of Columbus; Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus; and Archbishop Leonard School in Marrero, La., teaching theology and math. P. Blair of the Archdiocese of Hartford. They are pictured outside St. Mary’s Church, New Haven. In September 2016, he began theological studies at the Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem, which is affiliated with the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. He earned a bachelor’s in theology and a diploma in biblical geography and history. Father Langan’s most recent apostolic work in Jerusalem was ministering as a with the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Community in Rehovot, Israel. He is currently serving as coordinator of youth ministry at Archbishop Shaw High School in the current school year.

APPOINTMENTS Golden Jr. Center, assignment completed on Rev . Mathieu , temporary administra- July 31, 2020. tor, St. Junipero Serra Parish, South Windsor, The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D., appointed administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, has made the following appointments: Rev . Zacharias Pushpanathan, parochial Bloomfield, effective Sept. 1, 2020.  Rev. Robert M. Kwiatkowski, appoint- vicar, St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, East Haven, appointed temporary administrator of St. Mary Rev. Carlos A. Piedrahita, appointed pa- ed temporary administrator of St. Thomas the rochial vicar, St. James Parish, Manchester, Apostle Parish, West Harford, effective July 31, Magdalen Parish, Oakville, effective Aug. 15, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2020. effective Sept. 1, 2020. 2020, in addition to duties as pastor, St. Peter Rev. John L. Williams, to senior status, ef- Claver Parish, West Hartford. Rev. Monsignor Douglas P. Clancy, pastor, fective Sept. 1, 2020. Rev. Karl Davis, OMI, associate chaplain, Sacred Heart Parish, Bloomfield, to senior status Saint Chapel and Thomas E. effective, Sept. 1, 2020. — REV. RYAN M. LERNER, CHANCELLOR, AUG. 28, 2020

28 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | OCTOBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript EDITOR’S NOTE: At press time, the events listed here were sched- attention to education and human rights issues in sub-Saharan Afri- uled. For questions, call the phone numbers or check the websites ca. Her talk will build upon the office’s webinar series on racism, to provided for each event. help prepare for the journey of building a more inclusive community. Advance registration is required by visiting catholicsocialjustice.org. HUMAN TRAFFICKING WEBINAR The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry in part- 40 DAYS FOR LIFE VIGIL nership with The Underground CT, will host a webinar The first New Haven 40 Days for Life fall campaign, a peaceful prayer on how the pandemic is affecting human trafficking vigil, is being held in front of the Planned Parenthood facility at 345 in Connecticut on Oct. 15, 7 p.m. The speaker Whitney Ave., New Haven, now through Nov. 1. Volunteers to

S E will be Tammy Sneed from the Office of Human form prayer teams (minimum two people per hour) are needed to G

A

M I

Y Trafficking Services, Department of Children and participate in the prayer vigil between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. To sign T T E G / 33 Families. Advance registration is required by visiting up or for more information, e-mail co-leaders Tim and Lanae Virkler at N SO SIMP catholicsocialjustice.org. [email protected] or 40daysforlife.com/Newhaven.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ANNUAL GATHERING, AWARDS ANNUAL RAFFLE The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese St. John School in Old Saybrook will be hold- of Hartford will have its annual Gathering & Awards on Oct. 20, ing its annual raffle featuring a 2020 C8 beginning with a 6:45 p.m. virtual cocktail hour followed by a Corvette, $10,000 travel gift certificate, a program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. The keynote speaker a high-tech stationary bike and other priz- will be Kimberly Mazyck, senior manager of Engagement es on Dec. 19, 7 p.m., at St. John School, and Educational Outreach at Catholic Charities USA. Before 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook. Only joining CCUSA, she served as the relationship manager at 2,000 tickets will be sold; winner need S E G . She also managed CRS’ Africa Rising: A not be present. Purchase tickets online by M I TY ET Hope and Healing campaign. She has more than 20 years of G visiting stjohnstmark.weshareonline.org or 0/ N0 JEO experience in community outreach and advocacy with particular KEVIN call 860.575.7553 for tickets or information.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA CLAIMS REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE

The Archdiocese of Hartford is Do you have a claim? Anyone who was sexually abused during their time in Scouting, committed to providing support and on or before February 18, 2020, must file a claim to have rights in the bankruptcy action. outreach to all victims of sexual abuse This includes sexual abuse in connection with Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, or any entity or activity committed by personnel of the Archdi- associated with Scouting. For purposes of the bankruptcy, Sexual Abuse Claims include, but ocese. In our victim assistance program, are not limited to: sexual misconduct, exploitation, or touching, sexual comments about a we provide outreach and support to person or other behaviors that led to abuse, even if the behavior was not sexual or against such victims of abuse who contact us. the law, and regardless of whether you thought the behavior was sexual abuse or not. These The filing of bankruptcy by the Boy acts could be between a: (1) child and an adult, or (2) child and another child. Scouts of America (BSA) has once again provided a painful reminder of the crime What do you need to do? You should file a claim using the Sexual Abuse Survivor Proof of sexual abuse of minors. Since the Boy of Claim by November 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). If you do not file a timely Scouts have had connections to certain Sexual Abuse Claim, you may lose rights against BSA, BSA Local Councils or organizations parishes over the years, the BSA has that sponsored your troop or pack, including any right to compensation. asked us to assist them in notifying po- tential claimants about the bankruptcy. Your information will be kept private. You can download and file a claim at www. In an effort to support sexual abuse OfficialBSAClaims.com or call 1-866-907-2721 for help on how to file a claim by mail. survivors, we are providing the following Scouting participants who were at least 18 years of age at the time the sexual abuse began information for the benefit of anyone may also have claims related to sexual abuse and should consult the appropriate claim form at who might have a claim against the BSA. www.OfficialBSAClaims.com.

Should you require it, more detail on the case can be found in In re Boy Scouts of America and Delaware BSA, LLC, No. 20-10343 (Bankr. D. Del.) or visit www.OfficialBSAClaims.com or call 1-866-907-2721.

29 ADVERTISEMENT

THE HARTFORD BISHOPS’ FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2020 INNOVATION GRANT AWARDS

Thirty-two Catholic schools and parishes have been awarded 2020 Innovation Grants by The Hartford Bish- ops’ Foundation to promote new, creative programming in classrooms, parish faith formation and youth ministry programs. Thanks to supporters of The Hartford Bishops’ Foundation and the Forward with Faith Campaign, the programs funded by this year’s grants will have an enduring impact on student learning and catechist formation, increasing church attendance, stimulating educational excellence with advanced tools and introducing the larger world into the classrooms. Below are some of the testimonials that the Foundation recently received from grant recipients: St. School Makerspace, Windsor.

SUBMITTED PHOTO “Thanks to [HBF’s] funding, our Catechetical leaders are go- ing to be able to obtain the equipment and tools needed to “WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO EQUIP OUR bring hope and love to the world during this school year. As MAKERSPACE WITH TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT we prepare to start a new challenge through the pandemic of COVID-19, your generosity through this grant is bringing light TO HELP OUR STUDENTS INNOVATE AND to our project. We hope to provide our families, children and BECOME CRITICAL THINKERS.” teens with workshops, retreats, community service projects and — Karla Neville social activities to form them as authentic leaders to serve our community and continue spreading the Good News.” — Rev. Alexander Avendano, pastor, María Reina de la Paz Parish, Hartford “I am honored to have been chosen [by HBF] and very excited to implement my plans for our Current Books, Current Tools ini- “We are very excited to equip our makerspace with tools and tiative. I am grateful for the opportunity to enrich my classroom equipment to help our students innovate and become critical with current Newbery books. After reading these award-winning thinkers. Your award will help us bring our vision to fruition.” novels, my students will use current technology applications to — Karla Neville, principal, St. Gabriel School, Windsor enhance and strengthen their reading comprehension skills. This grant will have long-lasting results for many years.” “Thank you and The Hartford Bishops’ Foundation for fund- — Anne Kiernan, homeroom teacher; St. Mary School, Milford ing our teen initiative. We believe that now, more than ever, the Church needs to be investing in our young people and Thank you to our supporters of The Hartford Bishops’ Foun- providing them the tools to actively live their faith. Our hope dation and the Forward with Faith Campaign who have is that our program will provide an opportunity for teens not made these grants possible! only to gain valuable life skills, but also to realize that these skills are critical to live a fruitful Catholic life. We are excited that, with your support, we will offer this innovative program TO LEARN MORE about The Hartford Bishops’ to our young people during an incredibly challenging time.” Foundation and the Forward with Faith Campaign, visit — Jennifer O’Neill, director of Confirmation, Youth Ministry, hartfordbishopsfoundation.org. and Adult Formation, St. Church, Marlborough ADVERTISEMENT OBITUARIES

Rev. Ralph Michael Colicchio died on, July 8, 2020. He was born in Waterbury on July 28, 1940, a son of the late Michael and Lucy Ciminera Colicchio. He was a graduate of Kaynor Technical Regional High School, began his seminary education at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield and then went on to complete his philosophy studies and theological training at Christ the King Seminary in St. , N.Y. At the conclusion of his seminary formation, he was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. John F. Hackett at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford on May 4, 1967. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Francis Church in Waterbury. Father Colicchio’s early assign- ments were as an assistant at St. Thomas Church in Goshen, St. Anthony Church in Bristol, St. Rose Church in New Haven, St. Lucy Church in Waterbury, St. Augustine Church in North Branford and Christ the King Church in Bloomfield. He then spent several years as a co-pas- tor and administrator of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Oakville before beginning a stretch of chaplaincy work in 1990 at Hartford Hospital and 1994 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He spent the next several years serving the parish communities of St. Casimir Church in New Haven, St. Elizabeth Church in Branford, St. Clare Church in East Haven and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Hamden. He was sent to work in New Haven to lead the people of St. Anthony Church and Sacred Heart Church before concluding his final years as a pastor at St. Michael Church, where he remained until his retirement in 2015.

Gary McKeone Rev. William L. Traxl died in his sleep on July 12, 2020. He was born in Hartford on May 14, 1933, to Mr. and Mrs. William J. Traxl. Welcoming Gary McKeone He was educated at St. Mary’s School, East Hartford; Chester School, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair is pleased Wethersfield; Kingswood Oxford School, West Hartford; St. Thomas to announce the appointment of Gary Seminary, Bloomfield; St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, Mass., and St. McKeone as Director of The Hartford Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood Bishops’ Foundation. for the Archdiocese of Hartford by Archbishop Henry J. O’Brien at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church on May 26, 1960. His first solemn Mass was celebrated on June 5 at Corpus Christi Church, Wethersfield. Mr. McKeone is State Deputy, Connecticut After serving in several parishes in the archdiocese, Father Traxl was appointed pastor Knights of Columbus and is the Supreme at St. Parish, Oakville. He was also the academic vice president at Holy Knights representative, responsible for the Apostles College and Seminary and was the chairperson of the history department and operation of the councils in the state of teacher at South Catholic High School in Hartford for several years. In 1997, he came to St. Connecticut. Mr. McKeone is a true family Dunstan Parish and served as pastor until he retired in 2007. During his time in Glastonbury, man and a man of the church. He and he also served as administrator at St. John Fisher Church, Marlborough. his family are members of Saint Edmund Campion Parish in East Hartford and he is Monsignor Gene Gianelli died in Milford on July 29, 2020. He very active in his local parish. was born in New Haven on March 18, 1944, to the late Salvatore and Irene (Kaman) Gianelli. He studied for the priesthood at St. Bernard Seminary, Rochester, N.Y., where he received a master’s LEADING THE WAY degree in sacramental theology. He was ordained by the late Most General Chair, James C. Smith Rev. John F. Whealon on May 23, 1970, at St. Joseph Cathedral, JCSmithAdvisors Hartford. He served as parochial vicar at Corpus Christi, Wethersfield; as secretary to Archbishop Whealon; as co-pastor/pastor of Most Holy , Wallingford; REGIONAL CHAIRS: and as pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption in Woodbridge, from 1992 to January 2019. Beth Costello During years of priesthood, he served on various archdiocesan commissions and committees. Executive Vice President & CFO The Hartford Deacon Robert F. Wallin, 72, died at home on Aug. 11, 2020. Born on Dec. 3, 1947, in Waterbury, he was the son of the late Robert James M. Loree C. and Marguerite (McKenna) Wallin. He was a 1965 graduate of President & Chief Executive Officer Wilby High School. After high school, he entered the U.S. Army and Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. completed a 12-month tour in Vietnam. He received a bachelor of science degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac College and Kerry Robinson a master’s degree in counseling from Southern Connecticut State Global Ambassador University. He worked as an occupational therapist for more than 30 years. He was ordained National Leadership Roundtable a deacon in 1983 and went on to serve several parishes over the years, including Sts. Peter & Paul Church, St. Joseph’s Church in New Haven, St. Leo the , St. in Middlebury, Our Lady of Church and, most recently, St. Peter’s Church in 467 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 Higganum. He was a longtime member of VFW Post #7330 in Oakville and the American https://www.hartfordbishopsfoundation.org Legion and was a past member of the Mattatuck Drum Corps, where he played the bass drum.

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GOING PLACES Wooden Stairs to Railroad Immaculate Conception St. Thomas Cemetery Museum of Church H

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E 55 Altair Ave., Thomaston S Now part of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish New England O J

N 170 Main St., Terryville O Father McGivney would use a horse and 242 East Main St., R A A Y PH B When Father McGivney was pastor of St. buggy to travel to St. Thomas Cemetery and OT TO O BY Thomaston H O in AARON JOSEPH P Thomas Parish in Thomaston, he also cared Follow then climb concrete stairs to enter, since the Altair This Victorian train station for the Immaculate Conception Mission in Avenue entrance did not exist then. Father McGivney would have buried was built in 1881 by the Naugatuck Terryville, 3.5 miles from St. Thomas. It was a H many people in the cemetery. One of those people was Father Eugene P Railroad to serve the Thomaston community. E S O taxing horse-and-buggy commute to celebrate J Gaffney, the first pastor of St. Thomas Church, whom Father McGivney N O Presumably, Father McGivney would have R A the A

Mass on Sundays, but he did it every week. A BY Footsteps took over for. The two priests were friends. In the past, Father James TO taken the train to other parts of Connecticut. O panel on the altar, far left, features Father McGivney. PH Sullivan, rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, The station is also adjacent to the original There is also another painting of Father McGivney in the and Knights cleared the stairs. To access them, go to the southern end of location of St. Thomas Church, where Father of Father the cemetery and look for the Dennis Murphy stone with the Knights of church, similar to the one that hangs in St. Thomas Church. McGivney served. The church, torn down in Columbus logo on it. Then, continue heading south toward the woods. To 1967 because it was too small to serve the drive to the stairs, take Pleasant Street before Railroad Avenue Annex. community, was rebuilt in its current location. Old St. Joseph Cemetery McGivney Today, Father Sullivan, who maintains the stairs, climbs them once a week A marker showing the exact spot of the church Hamilton Avenue and Silver Street, to think about Father McGivney. is located somewhere in the wooded area. Waterbury H P KAREN A. AVITABILE E Story by S O J Father McGivney was buried here for 92 N O R A years, until 1982 when he was moved to St. A TERRYVILLE Y B TO St. Thomas Church THOMASTON Mary’s Church. Headstones for his parents, PH O 1 East Main St., Thomaston Patrick and Mary, two brothers (died in 1928 and 1939) who were priests and succeeded Father McGivney as Father McGivney served Knights Supreme Chaplains, three sisters and an infant brother still as pastor of St. Thomas WATERBURY remain. The Knights of Columbus placed a dedication footstone Church, now part of

H here for Father McGivney. The cemetery was established in 1859. P St. Maximilian Kolbe E Railroad Hill Road S O J

H Parish in Thomaston. 135 feet from Washington Street, N P O E R S A A O J A Father McGivney Y Waterbury B NORWICH O N OT O PH R P A Way sign stands in HO A This area was the homestead of the McGivney TO Y BY AA SEPH B RON JO TO PH O front of the Church. family. It is listed on the 1922 city zoning maps. Holy Land can be Sacred Heart Church

H 57 West Town St., Norwich P Father Michael J. seen in the background and a power station is located to the left. E S O Basilica of the J

N The old homestead is now surrounded by industry in the area. Father McGivney is memorialized at Sacred Heart O McGivney Memorial R A A Y Immaculate Conception B Church, where his face is featured on a blue-green TO HO Boulevard Formerly Church of the Immacuate Conception P Street sign on Grand Street, diamond background at the center of one of the 74 West Main St., Waterbury Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center doors, with the Knights of Columbus emblem

H Waterbury P

E This was Father McGivney’s native parish. He was S 2080 Whitney Ave., Hamden located at the center of the adjacent door. O J It was renamed Father Michael J. baptized, confirmed and received elementary N O H Donated by the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, a heroic- R A P A E McGivney Boulevard in 2004. S Y training in the parish. He also said his first Mass B O O J size statue of Father McGivney stands in the front of the center. OT PH N St. Mary’s Church O here after his ordination in Baltimore, Md., where R A It was sculpted by Stanley Bleifeld. A Y 5 Hillhouse Ave., B he completed his priestly studies in St. Mary’s TO PH O New Haven Seminary. Inside the rectory is an official statue NEW HAVEN Father McGivney served of Father McGivney presented to Monsignor as parochial vicar at John J. Bevins, pastor from 1991 to 2014, Knights Of Columbus International St. Mary’s Church on the 50th anniversary of his ordination Headquarters from 1877 to 1884. In to the priesthood on May 15, 2008. 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven

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P 1882, he established E S

O Outside the order’s headquarters, a tableau of three bronze J H Knights of Columbus Museum the Knights of Columbus N P E

O S R statues captures the vision and mission of the founder. S U A O 1 State St., New Haven J B in the basement church A Y B N M Statue of Father McGivney O U OMGIMAGES/GETTY IMAGES O T Father McGivney, referred to as the protector of Christian L PH O R H A Father McGivney Gallery inside the Knights of O hall. One hundred years EP A C S Y F JO B O family life, is shown welcoming a widow and her children. The TO N Downtown Waterbury, at the O P TS RO PH Columbus Museum traces the priest’s early life H H later, on March 29, 1982, AA O G BY TO NI PHOTO 23-story headquarters and four exterior towers symbolize the C O F K intersection of Grand and Meadow streets in Waterbury, his call to the priesthood, his parish U RTESY O the centennial founding of This monumental bronze statue stands high upon Knights’ principles: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. work at St Mary’s Church and his death while the Knights of Columbus, the re- ESY OF KNIGHTS O URT F C CO OL O UM a granite pedestal and depicts Father McGivney pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston. The OT BU entombment of Father McGivney was performed PH S holding a copy of the Gospels in his left arm as he adjacent reliquary room contains his vesture, in St. Mary’s Church. His remains were placed in lifts his right hand toward heaven. The four polished St. John Fisher Seminary the cassock he was buried in and other a sealed, double bronze coffin within a polished sides of the pedestal exemplify a principle of the STAMFORD 894 Newfield Ave., Stamford artifacts. It was recently announced the granite sarcophagus at the rear of the Church. People

Knights of Columbus: charity, unity, fraternity and A stained-glass window depicting Father McGivney O museum will be the site of the new Blessed from around the world visit St. Mary’s to see Father T

O H How Can I Stop P patriotism. It was erected in 1957. was dedicated in 2009 at St. John Fisher Seminary. Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center. McGivney’s tomb and to pay tribute to the priest. D E T IT M B S U 16 CATHOLIC TRANSCRIPT | SEPTEMBER 2020 | archdioceseofhartford.org/catholictranscript 17 PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA SHANE BY PHOTOGRAPHY My Daughter From Beef Bulgogi—A Gem Follow in the Footsteps of Father McGivney Bullying Someone Meet the Seminarians from Korean Cuisine Online? PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH AARON BY PHOTO

New Vicar a PIXELFIT/GETTY IMAGES COMMONS WIKIMEDIA FOLKERTSMA SHANE BY PHOTOGRAPHY Champion for Rewarding Good Work Without The Eucharist In Salvation History Tuscan Bean Soup Recipe Catholic Schools Increased Pay